Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 779 Rainy Night
As Gao Shiming and his two companions headed toward Yang Shunchen's residence, the sky gradually darkened, and the raindrops, tinged with the twilight, fell into the glow of the lanterns under the eaves, like scattered pieces of silver.

Yang Shunchen was somewhat surprised by the arrival of Gao Shiming and the others, but he still received the three of them carefully and invited them to dinner.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Yang Shunchen smiled and urged everyone to drink, while Gao Shiming restrained himself, sipping slowly. Fang Zhenghua and Pang Tianshou remained quiet, only occasionally raising their glasses in response. After several rounds of drinks, everyone's faces flushed, and their eyes showed a hint of intoxication, though the rain outside the window continued to drizzle.

By the time the bowls and chopsticks were cleared away, it was completely dark. Only the lanterns under the eaves and the distant lights of the post station clerks illuminated the night.

Yang Shunchen personally carried a bamboo lantern and saw the three who insisted on leaving out the door. The four of them arrived at the courtyard gate surrounded by servants. As soon as they opened the gate, two courier soldiers came to greet them with oil-paper umbrellas and lanterns.

"Three gentlemen." The two courier bowed and said in low voices, "We are here on the orders of Chief Tao to escort you back."

"Perhaps you shouldn't go back," Yang Shunchen finally advised. "It's still raining outside."

"Brother Ruxie, thank you for your kindness. But we do have other plans for tomorrow, so we can't drink anymore." Gao Shiming leaned against the wooden pillar of the corridor, swayed, and waved to Yang Shunchen beside him with a smile.

"Alright." Seeing Gao Shiming's resolute attitude, Yang Shunchen didn't press the matter further. He handed the lantern to his godson who was accompanying him, and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the three of them: "Take care on your journey, the roads are slippery in the rain, don't catch a cold."

"Farewell." Gao Shiming returned the greeting and took his leave. Then he opened his umbrella and, along with Fang Zhenghua and Pang Tianshou, followed the two post station workers toward the exit of the post station.

The glow of the lanterns spread out in the drizzling rain, illuminating the path beneath our feet. Rainwater collected on the umbrellas trickled down the ribs, making a "drip-drip-drip" sound as it hit the stone pavement.

Before we even reached the main entrance of the post station, we saw an even brighter halo of light rapidly approaching from ahead.

Tao Jinlai, dressed in a blue post station official's uniform and carrying a lantern in each hand, hurried forward. The lantern's light illuminated his blue uniform and his eager expression: "Eunuch Gao, Eunuch Fang, Eunuch Pang, I've already had the carriages prepared. They're waiting at the gate. Would you like to come over?"

"Thank you for your trouble, Innkeeper Tao." Gao Shiming smiled with narrowed eyes and followed Tao Jinlai through the gate of the inn.

Sure enough, a large carriage was parked in the open space outside the gate. The carriage was dark brown, and the eaves on both sides were wide enough to block most of the rain. A lantern with the character "驿" (post station) hung on each side of the eaves, its warm yellow light reflecting off the carriage curtains and illuminating the chestnut horses pulling the carriage. The horses were draped in rainproof felt and constantly exhaled hot, moist breath. White steam mixed with rain mist slowly dissipated in the lantern light.

The driver, wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat, sat on the carriage shaft. When he saw Tao Jinlai and his men approaching, he immediately jumped off the carriage, lifted the curtain, and bowed, gesturing for them to enter.

Tao Jinlai followed to the carriage door, bowed deeply, and said apologetically, "Gentlemen, it's all because the post station is too small to accommodate you distinguished guests. We can only ask that you stay at an inn outside. We are truly sorry and hope you will forgive us."

Gao Shiming was holding onto the carriage shaft, preparing to get in, when he heard this. He turned around and smiled gently, saying, "Director Tao, don't worry about it. Whether it's an inn or a post station, as long as we can rest, that's fine. Besides, you've made thorough arrangements, and we understand." As he spoke, he gestured with his chin toward Fang Zhenghua and Pang Tianshou, "Please get in the carriage, you two."

Fang Zhenghua entered the carriage first, followed closely by Pang Tianshou. Before Gao Shiming boarded the train last, he gave Tao Jinlai a smile.

Once the three were seated, the driver lowered the curtain, then quickly returned to the front of the carriage and cracked his whip. The horse let out a soft neigh and slowly began to move.

Outside the carriage window, the two couriers, still carrying lanterns, followed on either side of the carriage. The light from the lanterns swayed gently with their footsteps, illuminating the path the carriage traveled.

Tao Jinlai stood under the eaves of the post station, watching the carriage slowly drive into the night. Only when the sound of the wheels rolling on the road faded into the distance and the carriage disappeared around the corner of the street did he let out a soft breath and turn to walk into the post station.

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The inn and post station that Tao Jinlai had arranged for Gao Shiming and his party to stay were only three streets apart, not too far. So although the carriage moved very slowly and swayed, it took less than half an hour to reach their destination.

Most of the shops and households along the way were closed. On the entire street, only the door of Jingfu Inn remained open. Two large red lanterns hung at the entrance of Jingfu Inn, their warm yellow light shining through the paper lanterns and spreading a pale red hue on the bluestone slabs in front of the door.

"Whoa." The coachman gently tugged on the reins, giving the command to stop. The horse exhaled a puff of hot air and pulled the carriage to the brightly lit inn entrance before slowly coming to a stop.

The horse curiously gazed at the brightly lit inn lobby, and immediately saw Gao Fengqiu carrying an oil-paper umbrella, hurrying towards them. Behind him followed He Xiaokui, Pang Tianshou's godson Pang Guoying, and others. Each of them carried a clean handkerchief, clearly having been waiting there for some time.

The carriage curtain was lifted by two couriers accompanying the carriage. One of them held up a lantern to light the way, while the other raised an umbrella to shield his head from the rain. They announced softly, "Gentlemen, we have arrived at the inn."

Inside the carriage, Fang Zhenghua slumped in the corner, his head nodding slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips, as if he were fast asleep. Pang Tianshou leaned against the other side, also drowsy, his eyes half-open. Hearing the voice of the courier, he slowly yawned, tears welling in his eyes.

Gao Shiming, however, was still sober. Although he had his eyes closed, he was only resting. As soon as he heard the courier's voice, he immediately opened his eyes, his gaze clear as if he had not been drinking.

“Shou’an, wake up,” Gao Shiming patted Pang Tianshou’s arm. “We’ve arrived.”

Pang Tianshou mumbled a sleepy "hmm" and yawned, his breath reeking of alcohol. He rubbed his eyes, turned his head, and saw Fang Zhenghua fast asleep beside him. He couldn't help but smile—this kid usually acted all mature, always pointing out what was wrong and why. But now, asleep, he showed a touch of the innocent charm of a young man. Pang Tianshou carefully picked Fang Zhenghua up in his arms, his movements so gentle it was as if he were afraid of waking him.

Gao Shiming got off the carriage, supported by the shaft. Gao Fengqiu immediately stepped forward and handed him a clean handkerchief, while He Xiaokui opened an umbrella beside him, steadily shielding Gao Shiming's head.

"Over there." Gao Shiming took the handkerchief, stopped the umbrella, and pointed to Pang Tianshou, who was holding Fang Zhenghua, behind him.

Pang Tianshou, carrying Fang Zhenghua, followed behind Gao Shiming, ducking out of the carriage curtain. He Xiaokui quickly stepped forward and used the umbrella to shield their heads. Two postmen wanted to help hold the umbrella, but seeing that Gao Fengqiu, He Xiaokui, and the others had already done most of what they could, they tactfully stepped aside and silently shone the light for them.

Seeing that all the passengers had disembarked, the driver picked up the whip from the carriage shaft, preparing to drive back to the inn. But as soon as he raised his hand, someone stopped him. "Wait."

"What are you doing?" the coachman asked, turning around in confusion.

The older postman held up his lantern and pointed to the candle wick inside. The coachman leaned closer and saw that the candle inside had burned down to the bottom, with only a small wick still faintly glowing red.

The driver paused for a moment, then understood: "Out of fire?" "Yes," the old courier took the lantern and pointed to the one in his companion's hand, "Both lanterns are almost burned out. I'll go inside and get a few new ones, otherwise the road back will be difficult. You can take the one on the cart down too."

"Alright," the coachman replied, deftly taking down the lanterns with the character "驿" (post station) hanging on both sides of the carriage and handing them over. Then, he took the folded umbrellas from the post station workers.

Two couriers carrying four lanterns quickly caught up with Gao Shiming and his group and entered the inn.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Gao Fengqiu turned around and saw two couriers following him into the inn. He then asked, "Is there anything else you two need?"

The old courier quickly raised the lantern in his hand, pointed to the nearly burnt-out candle wick inside, and said with a smile, "Sir, the candles in our lanterns are almost gone. We were thinking of asking the inn for a few new ones so we don't get lost on our way back tonight."

Gao Fengqiu followed his hand and glanced at the candle wick. Sure enough, there was only a tiny ember left. He then gestured with his chin toward the counter and said, "Go ahead. The shopkeeper is behind the counter. Just talk to him."

The two couriers quickly thanked them and carried the lanterns to the counter. The shopkeeper, an old man in his fifties, was huddled nervously behind the counter, wearing a smile that seemed to be meant for no one. Seeing the couriers approaching with the lanterns, he immediately understood their intention: "Want some candles?"

“That’s right.” The old courier placed the lantern on the counter. “These few are almost out. I’d like to trouble you, sir, to give me a few new candles.”

"Sure thing!" the shopkeeper readily agreed, then turned and called out to the backyard, "Old Bai, bring four new candles!"

The innkeeper's shout wasn't particularly loud, but in the quiet inn where only the sounds of footsteps and rain could be heard, it seemed quite abrupt.

Startled, Fang Zhenghua groggily opened his eyes and found himself being held in Pang Tianshou's arms. He was taken aback at first, then blushed instantly, even the tips of his ears felt hot.

"Put me down!" Fang Zheng struggled with his hands and feet, his voice soft and sleepy, yet serious and strained.

Pang Tianshou chuckled twice, gently placing the man on the ground with his help, and deliberately ruffled his hair: "I didn't want to wake you because you were sleeping so soundly. Look at you, even in your sleep you're smacking your lips, like a little kid begging for candy."

"I didn't!" Fang Zhenghua stamped his foot in frustration, but fearing that his voice would attract attention, he quickly lowered his voice, his ears turning even redder. Seeing his expression, Pang Tianshou couldn't help but tease him again.

"Your voice is quite loud," Pang Tianshou said deliberately, putting on a stern face as he looked at the shopkeeper beside him. "You've woken everyone up."

The shopkeeper could tell that the eunuch was teasing the child, but he didn't dare to take it lightly. He quickly went around the counter, bowed deeply, and clasped his hands repeatedly, his smile practically overflowing: "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to disturb the little master. Please forgive me, little master!"

Fang Zhenghua felt even more uncomfortable being called "Little Ancestor," feeling as if everyone in the room was staring at him, secretly laughing at how he had been held earlier. He frowned, waving his hand in a mixture of embarrassment and anxiety: "Alright, alright, stop nagging. Where's my room? I'm tired, I need to rest."

"Yes, yes! I'll take you there right away!" the shopkeeper hurriedly replied, turning to a waiter, "Come on, quickly, take this little darling to the second-floor room!"

A young man dressed in a gray cloth jacket and shorts ran over quickly, carrying a small lantern in his hand. He bowed and said, "Young master, please come with me."

Fang Zhenghua was annoyed by being called so often, but since the person was only saying nice things, he couldn't get angry. So he could only turn his head and follow the waiter towards the stairwell. Just as he stepped onto the first step, Fang Zhenghua remembered something and turned back slightly to ask, "Is there hot water? I need to wash up."

"Yes! Absolutely!" the innkeeper replied hastily, his voice full of eagerness. "The three large stoves in the hot water room are all warming water, just waiting for you gentlemen. If you'd like to take a bath, I'll have someone prepare a tub for you right away!"

"No need, it's too much trouble." Fang Zhenghua waved his hand and hurried upstairs. "Just water for washing my face, feet, and rinsing my mouth is fine."

"Yes, sir!" the innkeeper immediately called out to the backyard, "Send hot water to the main room of the Earth-class building! Keep it warm! And bring two extra buckets!"

"Okay!" A voice replied, drifting in through the light rain.

As Fang Zhenghua's figure disappeared around the corner of the stairs, the people in the hall finally couldn't help but chuckle softly. Fang Zhenghua's embarrassed and anxious appearance just now was much more endearing than his usual composed demeanor.

Gao Shiming didn't laugh. He slowly walked up to the innkeeper, his gaze sweeping over the empty lobby. Several square tables were polished to a shine, and chairs and stools were arranged neatly, but there was no sign of human presence. He asked, "I think your inn is quite respectable, so why is it all empty right now? Logically speaking, Hexiwu is a canal port, so there should be quite a few merchants at night."

Upon hearing this, the innkeeper knew his chance to curry favor had come. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Reporting to you, sir. Ever since Master Tao sent someone this afternoon to instruct you to book the entire inn, I've promptly asked all the other guests to leave. These past few days, we've been doing no other business, just serving you all. Please make yourselves at home. The staff, the cook, and even I—feel free to do whatever you want with us! Don't be shy!"

Having said all that, Gao Shiming should do something. A faint smile appeared on his face as he nodded: "Thank you for your trouble."

"No trouble at all! No trouble at all!" The shopkeeper quickly waved his hand, his smile becoming even more ingratiating. "It is my great fortune to serve such distinguished guests as you have come from heaven. How could I dare say it is troublesome!"

Gao Shiming said no more, waved his hand, and turned to look at Gao Fengqiu: "Have you spoken to the customs office yet?"

Gao Fengqiu immediately stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Don't worry, Godfather, I have already gone to the Customs Office to find Manager He and told him about our matter. Manager He was also happy to receive us."

"Tomorrow morning?" Gao Shiming asked.

“Yes, tomorrow morning.” Gao Fengqiu nodded. “Manager He said that if you feel it’s too early, you can go in the afternoon. He’s available anytime.”

"Let's go in the morning." Gao Shiming glanced out the window; raindrops were still falling in the glow of the lanterns, and the night was already deep. He rubbed his temples and said to everyone, "You've all been busy all day, so let's all go upstairs and rest."

Pang Tianshou responded with an "okay," and Gao Fengqiu and He Xiaokui nodded in agreement. The group followed the waiter the innkeeper had called, carrying lanterns as they went up to the second floor. Their footsteps on the wooden stairs made a soft "thump-thump" sound, which, along with the sound of rain outside the window, gradually disappeared at the end of the stairs.

Only the innkeeper and two couriers remained in the lobby. After the couriers replaced the candles in the lanterns, seeing that the distinguished guests had all gone upstairs, they quickly thanked the innkeeper, picked up the bright lanterns, and hurried into the rainy night.

(End of this chapter)