Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 134 Fighting on a snowy night

The snow had suddenly become denser again, with goose-feather-like snowflakes cascading down. In less than half an hour, the city of Tianshui was enveloped in a vast expanse of white in the winter night.

The snow's reflection on the night made it brighter than usual. Even the red lanterns hanging under the eaves were enveloped in a hazy glow.

Inside the private room, however, there was a different kind of warm and cozy atmosphere. The fire in the charcoal stove was blazing, and the orange-red flames licked at the copper gong.

Yang Can used serving chopsticks to pick up a slice of mutton roll as thin as a cicada's wing, dipped it into the boiling soup, and after only two simmers, the meat turned from pink to white.

He put the cooked meat into Pan Xiaowan's bowl and poured her a cup of hot yellow wine.

The amber-colored liquor swirled in the white porcelain cup, and the red glow of the charcoal fire made both of their cheeks flush slightly.

Perhaps feeling hot from the warmth of the room, Pan Xiaowan gently tugged at the brocade collar with her slender, white fingertips, revealing a small patch of snow-white skin that looked so tender it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

Her skin, half-hidden and half-revealed, was like a spring scene hidden behind clouds and mist, making one's heart itch. Even Yang Can's gaze would linger on that patch of white from time to time, and his Adam's apple would involuntarily bob.

Yang Can was born with a handsome appearance, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards into his temples, a high and straight nose, and thin lips that, when pressed tightly together, carried a sharp and heroic air.

Slightly tipsy, his cheeks flushed, a touch of languid sensuality blended into his masculine charm. Pan Xiaowan saw this, and the light in her eyes softened even more.

This handsome young man was the little happiness she kept hidden in her heart. How could she bear to drag him into that filthy vortex of power?
Absolutely not! You absolutely cannot!
I will... protect this brat.

……

The snow was still falling heavily when a black-awning oxcart slowly came to a stop in front of the Kunlun Huizhan Inn. The wheels rolled over the half-foot-deep snow, leaving two deep ruts.

The copper bells hanging on the cart shafts jingled incessantly in the cold wind. Kunlun Huizhan had already closed its doors, leaving only a narrow gap on the west side for the staff to enter and exit.

The man driving the car wrapped his shiny dog-skin coat tighter around himself, shook the snow off his shoulders, and jumped out to fetch a wooden footstool from the back of the car.

The servant in the passenger seat quickly turned around, knelt down, and lifted the heavy cotton curtain. Chen Yinjie bent over and stepped out of the carriage.

As soon as he left the sweltering carriage heated by the stove, the wind and snow rushed into his collar, causing him to shiver. He quickly tightened his fox fur coat, which was worth a hundred gold pieces.

The servant helped Chen Yinjie to his feet, then turned to retrieve the gift box from the back of the carriage, while Chen Yinjie walked to the shop entrance on his own.

Previously, in order to pursue the Persian woman Rena, he had come to Kunlun Huizhan almost every day, and was already very familiar with the place.

There was no need to wait for the servant to knock on the door; he raised his voice and shouted, "Manager Pi, Manager Pi! Are you closing up shop already?"

A moment later, the slightly hunched shopkeeper peeked out from behind the door. Upon recognizing Chen Yinjie, he immediately plastered his wrinkled face on his face, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Oh, it's Young Master Chen!"
"Why have you come on such a snowy day? Come in, come in! We just lit some charcoal inside, it's warm and cozy!"

As he spoke, he quickly called inside, "Take down another door panel." The worker rushed over and widened the gap so that two people could walk side by side.

Shopkeeper Pi solicitously led Chen Yinjie inside.

"Young Master Chen, are you here to see Miss Rena? Miss Rena went to the Western Regions and probably won't be back until spring, hehe." Shopkeeper Pi said cautiously as he led the way.

"Nonsense, how could I not know she went to the Western Regions?"

Chen Yinjie rolled his eyes, his tone full of impatience: "The real big boss of your Kunlun Huizhan is Yang Can, right? I'm here today specifically to pay him a visit."

Shopkeeper Pi suddenly stopped in his tracks, his smile froze for a moment. "A visit to Master Yang?"

He was immediately troubled. Judging from Chen Yinjie's tone, he didn't seem to be familiar with his employer.

But if he said he wasn't familiar with the person, how could he have so easily revealed the owner's true identity?

Yang Can was currently in a private room in the back courtyard, drinking with his wife, Pan Xiaowan.

The moment those two got close, it felt like spring had arrived. Even the most clueless guy knew he shouldn't disturb them at that moment.

The shopkeeper's mind raced, and he forced a dry laugh, "Young Master Chen is right, our boss is indeed Master Yang. However... unfortunately, our boss is..."

Before he could think of an excuse, a clear female voice suddenly came from behind him: "Our master is having a drink with a lady in the back courtyard. Does Young Master Chen have something urgent to discuss with our master?"

Chen Yinjie and Manager Pi turned their heads and saw a woman from Hu walking over with a smile.

She was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with deep-set eyes, a high nose, and healthy honey-colored skin, which made her rouge-painted lips even more beautiful. She was Aisha, who had mistakenly said "warm bed" instead of "warm room" before.

Aisha blinked her big eyes, her face full of innocent charm: "I just went to add charcoal to the fire for Master, and I saw him eating 'Jiaodouzhu' with that lady. Young Master Chen, why are you here at this hour? Is something important?"

When Chen Yinjie heard that Yang Can was indeed there, he breathed a sigh of relief. If it weren't for Master Suo urging him, he wouldn't have bothered to make the trip in this freezing weather.

Since he's here, he has to see him no matter what; he doesn't want to go through all that trouble again tomorrow.

"That's right, I've come to pay my respects to Master Yang."

Chen Yinjie raised his chin and said to Manager Pi, "Manager Pi, please inform him that I, Chen Yinjie, have arrived. Your master will see me."

"Okay, okay, Young Master Chen, please wait a moment, I'll go and inform them right away." Manager Pi hurriedly replied, but when he turned around, he glared fiercely at Aisha.

Aisha remained innocent, blinking at him in confusion, as if she didn't understand why the shopkeeper was glaring at her.

The shopkeeper gave a helpless bitter smile and turned to walk towards the back of the house. Little did he know, this woman from Hu was really doing it on purpose.

Once the shopkeeper was out of sight, Aisha chuckled to herself, a smug glint in her eyes like that of a little fox.

She had assumed that those vying for Master Yang's favor were merely a few of the young ladies at the inn. She was confident she could rival them in looks and figure.

But everything changed after Pan Xiaowan arrived. That lady was not only extremely beautiful, but also possessed a mature and charming allure.

Even Master Yang specially invited her to drink; his ambiguous intentions were obvious to anyone. Just as Aisha was feeling dejected, Chen Yinjie arrived.

Isn't this perfect?

Let's use him to ruin Mr. Yang and that lady's good time together first! Hehe!
……

Shopkeeper Pi hurried towards the back courtyard through the snow, his winter boots making a soft "crunch" sound on the snow-covered ground in the courtyard.

Upon reaching the private room, he didn't dare to lift the curtain and rush in. Instead, he lowered his voice and briefly explained Chen Yinjie's visit to the attendant standing in the corridor.

Finally, the shopkeeper added, "Miss, please speak carefully, so as not to spoil our master's enjoyment."

Qiaoshe nodded, but didn't dare to barge in directly.

She straightened her clothes, cleared her throat, and called out to the room, "Madam, Steward Yang, I have something to report, I'll be right in."

After she finished speaking, she did not rush to open the door, but waited quietly for ten breaths.

Judging that even if the two inside had been intimate, they should have tidied up by now, she gently lifted the cotton curtain, lowered her eyes, and quietly walked in.

She quickly glanced around out of the corner of her eye and saw Yang Can and Pan Xiaowan sitting on opposite sides of the square table, each with only half a sip of wine in front of them.

The bronze cauldron on the table was still emitting a gentle steam. The two people looked calm and composed, without the slightest sign of panic. Only then did Qiaoshe breathe a sigh of relief and slowly raise her head.

With a graceful curtsy, the silver-tongued man said, “Sir, a guest has come to the front hall despite the snow. He claims to be Chen Yinjie from the Chen family of Tianshui and says he has a prior agreement with you.”

"Chen Yinjie?" Yang Can paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

When he came down the mountain, Suo Chanzhi specifically told him that the contact person arranged by the Suo family was this name.

He had only arrived at Kunlun Huizhan in the evening and hadn't even left the door when Chen Yinjie already received the news. The Chen family of Tianshui was indeed a local tyrant, with very keen eyes and ears.

The drunkenness in Yang Can's eyes dissipated almost completely in an instant. He put down his wine glass, turned to Pan Xiaowan, and said, "Please enjoy your meal, sister-in-law. I'm going to the front hall to see him. I'll be back soon."

Pan Xiaowan nodded, watching Yang Can's figure disappear behind the curtain, picked up her wine cup, tilted her head back, and drank the rest of the yellow wine in the cup.

The wine went down her throat, bringing a burning warmth, but it couldn't suppress the surging sorrow in her heart.

She is no longer the clueless and helpless young girl from the Wu family who was first sent to the Yu family. But the clearer she sees her situation, the more she understands that she has no choice in the matter.

This overwhelming sense of helplessness and struggle could only be somewhat quenched by drinking.

……

When Yang Can followed Manager Pi back to the front hall, he saw Chen Yinjie sitting in a round-backed chair covered with a thick sheepskin rug, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands and gently breathing on it.

The fire in the charcoal stove was blazing, casting a red glow on his face. When he saw Yang Can enter, he immediately put down his teacup and stood up, the chair leg scraping against the floor with a creak.

Chen Yinjie put on a warm smile and cupped his hands, saying, "Master Yang, I've long admired your name! Meeting you today, I can confirm your extraordinary demeanor, even surpassing the rumors!"

Yang Can returned the greeting with a cupped hand, speaking in a calm tone: "Brother Chen, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Only after Chen Yinjie sat down did he take his seat in the chair next to him.

Seeing that the two were about to discuss serious matters, Manager Pi quickly led his employees away quietly.

Seeing that no one was around, Chen Yinjie immediately moved closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Master Yang, as per Master Suo's instructions, I have arranged all the people you requested."

The midwives and nurses' identities as residents of Tianshui were all meticulously documented. Whether through household registration checks or inquiries from others, the truth could be found without a single flaw.

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Chen." Yang Can nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes.

Having received affirmation, Chen Yinjie became even more attentive and added, "To make it easier for Master Yang to identify them, you only need to pay attention to two points when you are selecting people."

First, observe who performs the "bowing" greeting towards you; second, look at their clothing, as there is a mark on it.

"Oh?" Yang Can raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly. "Please explain in more detail, Brother Chen." Chen Yinjie chuckled and explained, "Nowadays, ordinary women usually give a slight curtsy, which is called 'su bai' (肃拜), and it's very casual."

But this "blessing" is different; it's a custom that has only recently become popular among wealthy and powerful families, and is rarely used by ordinary people.

It is much more solemn than 'prayer'; one must clasp one's hands together, raise them to chest level, lightly touch the hem of one's robe, and then slowly lower them to the waist while simultaneously bending the knees and bowing.

Upon hearing this, Yang Can immediately understood.

The women he usually saw greeted him with their hands folded at their waists and their knees slightly bent, a simple and neat gesture.

This gesture of raising the hand above the chest and then lowering it is somewhat similar to the traditional Chinese cupped-hand salute for men, making it easy to recognize.

"besides……"

Chen Yinjie added, "The person I arranged had a small winter plum blossom embroidered on the lapel of their clothes. It wasn't big, only about the size of a fingernail."

When they perform the blessing and prayer, their fingers can just touch the plum blossom, which you can see at a glance.

While it's possible that other midwives might have coincidentally embroidered similar patterns, it's unlikely that both the "Fu Bai Li" (福拜礼) and the "Winter Plum Blossom Mark" (腊梅印) would match perfectly.

Yang Can listened carefully and secretly memorized the gesture of the "bow" and the two secret codes of "embroidered plum blossoms on the lapel". He nodded and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Brother Chen. I have memorized them."

Chen Yinjie's smile widened, and he called out to the shop entrance, "Bring in the gifts I brought!"

The servant brought in a mahogany tray, and Chen Yinjie stood up and pointed to the items on the tray.

"Master Yang, it's our first meeting. As the host, I have prepared a small gift. Please accept it with a smile."

Yang Can looked up and saw four items on the tray: a translucent agate brush washer, a purple bamboo brush with a glossy black handle, an inkstone with cloud patterns carved on the edge, and a pure white jade paperweight.

These four items are all exquisite, both valuable and elegant, and are rare finds.

These few items could even be used as hard currency, which shows that Chen Yinjie really put a lot of effort into befriending him.

Yang Can naturally declined, saying, "Brother Chen, you're being too polite. We're both working for the Second Master, it's just our duty, why go to such lengths?"

"Hey, Mr. Yang, that's not right!" Chen Yinjie waved his hand with a smile.

He knew that Yang Can was closer to the Suo family than he was, and if he curried favor with Yang Can now, he would have more face in front of Master Suo in the future.

More importantly, he had long been obsessed with Rena, the Persian woman, but Rena avoided him like the plague.

Since Rena is now under Yang Can's command, if you want to pursue Rena in the future, you might have to rely on Yang Can to help you. If you don't build a good relationship now, when will you?
He insisted on delivering it, and Yang Can couldn't refuse, so he had to agree. He turned to a woman of Chinese descent and said, "You, come here and put the things away."

Aisha, who had been lingering nearby, heard Yang Can call her name and her eyes lit up instantly. She quickly walked over.

Being given tasks by the master means that he has already made some impression on me; my efforts haven't been in vain!

I wonder when I'll be summoned by the master to serve him in bed. It's so cold, sir, don't you really need someone to warm the bed? Aisha is very warm, sir, you can use her as a heater!

Having received such a valuable gift, Yang Can naturally couldn't see his guest off immediately. He said to Chen Yinjie, "Brother Chen, it's so late and I'm really sorry to trouble you to come all this way in the snow. It's still snowing outside and freezing cold. Why don't you stay for a few drinks to warm yourself up before you leave?"

Chen Yinjie had the same idea. He could have drinks with Yang Can, which would not only help him get closer to Yang Can, but also give him the opportunity to bring up Rena's matter. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
He immediately replied with a smile, "Mr. Yang, you've hit the nail on the head! We hit it off immediately, and I've been wanting to get to know you better. In that case, I'll gladly accept your offer!"

"Brother Chen, no need to be so polite." Yang Can smiled as he stood up and called out, "Manager, please cut a few more plates of fresh mutton rolls and send them to the private room in the back!"

After saying that, he led Chen Yinjie toward the backyard.

……

Pan Xiaowan sat alone in the private room, her wine glass emptying and filling repeatedly.

The vexation in her heart was like a fog that couldn't be dispelled. No matter how hot the rice wine went down her throat, it only brought her a moment of warmth. Instead, the intoxication rose up her throat, making her dizzy and her eyelids heavy.

She sat on a backless stool, lazily resting one elbow on the square table and her chin in her hand.

The curtain was suddenly pulled open with a "whoosh." She assumed it was Yang Can returning, so she didn't even move, her eyelids still half-closed.

In front of Yang Can, she never needed to put on airs and could indulge in her laziness. But who knew that the first person to enter was a strange man.

As soon as Chen Yinjie entered the room, he was enveloped by the heat. His gaze first fell on the bubbling copper kettle, and then met a pair of starry eyes misty with moisture.

The beautiful woman rested her elbows on the edge of the table, her cheeks flushed with an intoxicating rosy blush, like a peach blossom tinged with rouge.

Even her half-open eyes held a captivating allure as she gazed towards the door, seemingly half-awake.

Chen Yinjie abruptly stopped, his whole body trembling as if he had been electrocuted, and the little thought he had of Rena was instantly suppressed.

This is truly a rare beauty!

Chen Yinjie subconsciously held his breath, but then he realized that at this moment, who could the woman who was in the same room as Yang Can be?

The romantic thoughts vanished instantly. Chen Yinjie suppressed the amazement in his eyes, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Chen Yinjie from Tianshui greets Madam Yang. I apologize for my unauthorized visit and for disturbing your and Master Yang's enjoyment."

Pan Xiaowan wasn't flustered when she saw that a guest had entered, but she was so drunk that she barely had the strength to lift her eyes.

Hearing that he had misunderstood her relationship with Yang Can, she was too lazy to explain and simply gave a soft "hmm".

Chen Yinjie didn't think she was being impolite; on the contrary, he felt that her lazy and charming appearance was a perfect match for her beauty.

This woman exudes an indescribable charm; even when she's just sitting still, she's captivating.

But then he thought again that such a beauty was actually Yang Can's possession, and he couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

I truly wish we had met sooner! If I had met her a few years earlier, Yang Can wouldn't even be in the picture!

“Brother Chen, you’ve misunderstood.” Yang Can followed in and explained with a smile, “This is not my wife, but my sister-in-law, Madam Pan. She recently moved to Tianshui and lives in the Li residence across the street.”

The Li residence? Not the Yang residence? Chen Yinjie's mind raced; then it wasn't his sister-in-law.

She's not his sister-in-law, yet she and Yang Can, a man and a woman, are drinking together here alone...

Could it be that the two of them are having an affair?

With that thought in mind, Chen Yinjie became proper again, pulled over a brocade stool, and sat down at the corner of the table next to Yang Can.

Only after they sat down and exchanged a few words did Chen Yinjie understand that the reason Yang Can and Pan Xiaowan were drinking together was because Pan Xiaowan had already told her family that her husband would be coming home late and would be coming over later.

Chen Yinjie's eyes lit up again. So, Yang Can and Madam Pan didn't have a secret affair?

He immediately and discreetly moved the brocade stool closer to Pan Xiaowan.

He moved from the corner of the table to the side, getting closer to Pan Xiaowan, so close that he could even smell the faint scent of alcohol mixed with perfume on her.

"Mrs. Pan, would you like another small drink?"

Chen Yinjie picked up the wine pot and poured wine for Pan Xiaowan with great care: "This wine has just been warmed up, it's just right to drive away the cold."

As Chen Yinjie was pouring the wine, he casually stretched his foot under the table and accidentally bumped into the tip of Pan Xiaowan's boot.

Pan Xiaowan was very drunk and her senses were already dulled. In addition, the thick soles of her boots made her completely unaware of what was happening.

But Chen Yinjie felt as if his heart had been burned, and his whole body felt weak.

"Madam Pan, this yellow wine is good, but it is not as mellow as the grape wine from the Western Regions."

Chen Yinjie spoke again, his eyes fixed on Pan Xiaowan's beautiful profile.

"I will send you a few jars of fine grape wine another day. If you like it, please have a taste."

Pan Xiaowan didn't think much of it, just smiled sweetly and replied languidly, "Okay."

To Chen Yinjie, that "Okay!" was like heavenly music.

Chen Yinjie assumed that Pan Xiaowan's husband was also a businessman, and quickly pressed his advantage, saying, "Madam Pan has just moved to Tianshui? There are many scenic spots in Tianshui. I can invite your husband and wife to visit them another day."

By the way, what kind of business does your husband run? I'm also a businessman; maybe we can make a fortune together!

Pan Xiaowan laughed again upon hearing this, and glanced at Yang Can with her charming eyes: "Okay, we'll all go together then, and you can't make any more excuses to skip it."

Chen Yinjie thought she was talking to him, and his heart was filled with joy. This beautiful woman must be lonely in her boudoir; since her husband doesn't cherish her, I'd rather take care of her!
Chen Yinjie immediately patted his chest and replied, "It is my honor to accompany Madam on this trip. How could I possibly refuse? Absolutely not!"

……

Li Youcai was being supported by a servant, his steps unsteady as he walked towards Kunlun Huizhan. Behind him followed a young servant carrying a jar of fine wine.

Tonight, Li Youcai went to a banquet hosted by prominent Tianshui merchants. Among the Tianshui business leaders who invited him was Chen Yinjie's father.

In the past, Li Youcai, who was addicted to alcohol, would have gotten completely drunk on such an occasion.

But now that he's the Yu family's external affairs steward, his status is different, and he feels he should be more reserved, so... he only drank about 80% of his fill.

After Li Youcai returned to his residence, he heard from his servants that his wife had gone to the Kunlun Inn across the street, and that Steward Yang Can was also there. Steward Li was immediately invigorated.

So, braving a day of wind and snow, he carried a jar of fine wine and headed to Kunlun Huizhan!

(End of this chapter)