Chapter 137: The White Jade Lion Pendant
After most of the day had passed, the caravan entered Sichuan City and headed straight to the Xie family’s Upper City residence.
Compared to the outbound trip, the convoy was half again as large, with the Bai family’s fleet trailing discreetly behind.
Lord Bai Jiu’s carriage was at the rear. From the outside, it looked ordinary, but following it were two squads of guards dressed in stone-blue uniforms, each carrying a single shoulder gun. Most rode warhorses—tall, pure white as snow. Their formation was neat and uniform. Many bystanders stopped to watch and speculate on the identity of the visitors. Such a large entourage was indeed impressive.
The Xie family had fewer formalities, opening the main gate to welcome the distinguished guests.
The Bai convoy stopped outside. Lord Bai Jiu, wearing a light cloak, got out and walked in through the main gate, showing no hint of arrogance or disrespect.
Xie Siquan had spent the day waiting at home after receiving the letter. Seeing that Lord Bai Jiu gave him proper face, he was very pleased and personally went to welcome them, leading them to the flower hall for tea and conversation.
Bai Mingyu and Mr. Huang were already waiting in the flower hall. On a small side table were a few plates of finely made snacks and sugar pastries. Mr. Huang was happily sipping tea. Bai Mingyu, however, was too distracted to eat or drink, constantly glancing toward the door. When he saw them approach, he stood at once, waiting at the doorway, and greeted Lord Bai Jiu with a bow.
Lord Bai Jiu nodded, then turned to Xie Siquan to express thanks: “These past days, we have received the utmost kindness from the Xie family. If the young ones of our household have caused you trouble, I apologize.”
Xie Siquan smiled. “No trouble at all. I’ve grown fond of him these past days. You’ve taught him well.”
The elders went inside together and sat down for conversation.
Bai Mingyu followed behind, clearing his throat and signaling Xie Jing with his eyes.
Xie Jing fell back a few steps and asked in a low voice, “What is it?”
Bai Mingyu whispered, “Adults are all too formal and boring. Don’t go forward. Come over here; let’s talk.”
Xie Jing’s steps did not stop. “I’m an adult too.”
Bai Mingyu tugged on his sleeve repeatedly to stop him. Xie Jing, having just recovered from a serious illness, had not encountered anyone with such strength in a long time. Off balance, he nearly tripped. Bai Mingyu hurried to steady him. “Don’t scare me! I only touched you a bit… Are you really sick?”
Xie Jing adjusted his collar. “I was sick for two days, now I’m completely fine.”
Bai Mingyu studied him for a long moment, expression strange, then quietly asked, “That day… you really weren’t pretending?”
Hu Da, following behind, was infuriated. When Xie Jing staggered, he had wanted to help him. Hearing Bai Mingyu’s words, he was even angrier. Suppressing his fury, he said, “Our young master works hard and risks his life outside. The second young master was also at Yunmeng and saw it all with his own eyes. What do you mean by saying this now?!”
“No, no, I didn’t mean that. I… I just…” Bai Mingyu hurriedly tried to explain but could not make it clear. He looked up and saw Lord Bai Jiu and Xie Siquan stopping and turning toward them. Immediately, he shut his mouth and muttered, “I misspoke.”
Lord Bai Jiu asked, “What happened?”
Hu Da, fuming, pointed at Bai Mingyu. “He said our young master was faking his illness!”
Lord Bai Jiu’s face turned cold. His gaze fell on Bai Mingyu as he spoke in a low voice: “Outside, there are many inconveniences. Today, we will let it go, but when we return, there will be punishment.”
Bai Mingyu: “…Yes.”
Xie Siquan stood aside, hands tucked in his sleeves, saying nothing. He watched coldly as Lord Bai Jiu scolded his child.
Xu Jun wanted to speak but saw so many people around, hesitated, and ultimately said nothing.
The Xie family arranged a dinner to entertain the long-traveled guests. The dishes from the Salt Guild were authentic and refined. Combined with the Sichuanese skill in seasoning, especially the duck and fish dishes, it was superb. Xie Siquan even specially ordered a large, several-pound elegant fish, at its peak tenderness, fresh and delicious.
There was also a mutton-and-fish soup, rare in Sichuan cuisine, but Mr. Huang enjoyed it immensely, drinking two bowls in succession. “This is a Jinzhong dish. Rare to have it outside home, and so flavorful! Almost like home!”
Xie Siquan smiled. “This chef was brought from our Second Master’s hometown. Naturally, he cooks authentic Shaanxi dishes. Since Mr. Huang likes it, eat more.” He served a bowl of the mutton-fish soup in front of Xu Jun naturally. “I should have thought ahead—I forgot you’re from Jinzhong as well.”
Huang Mingyou, listening, struck up a conversation with Xu Jun. Though their hometowns were different cities, they were close enough, feeling like fellow townsmen. They talked happily for a while.
He Dongting joined the table but did not drink, only coughing lightly.
Xie Jing glanced at him several times and could not help asking softly. He Dongting merely claimed a slight cold and did not mention anything else.
Xie Jing said, “Among the northern traders, there is a doctor named Fang Jiwu. He’s skilled in both Western and Chinese medicine. I could invite him later to see you and prescribe medicine—it might help.” Seeing He Dongting cough and noting how much he had aged in just a few months, Xie Jing could not help but warn him again. “Take care in the future.”
He Dongting smiled lightly. “Yes, all right.”
The table was full of conversation and laughter. Xie Jing ate freely, comfortable with this life. In Sichuan, he was well cared for.
When Lord Bai Jiu drank, his eyes flicked a few times over the table, slightly reassured.
Bai Mingyu sat with Xie Jing. Having been cooped up for several days, he wanted to talk. Seeing Xie Jing, he quietly complained, “Your uncle is so fierce!”
Xie Jing kept his head down, eating, and said casually, “Not too bad.”
Bai Mingyu: “Not at all! You have no idea what he made me do these past days! He took me to the salt fields, gave me one pair of pants, a shovel, and told me to cook salt!” He was very aggrieved, but seeing the people ahead, he dared not speak loudly, instead spreading his hands under the table to show Xie Jing. “Look! You’ve been gone three days, and I’ve been working day and night for three days!”
Xie Jing glanced at his hands, swallowed his bite of rabbit, and asked, “Did you eat the black brine salt?”
Bai Mingyu immediately said, “Yes! Your uncle even made me eat a mouthful of salt!”
Xie Jing chuckled.
Bai Mingyu continued to complain quietly: “He served Mr. Huang all sorts of dishes with black brine salt and tricked me into eating the salt—”
Xie Jing said, “I ate it too.”
Bai Mingyu looked at him suspiciously.
Xie Jing explained seriously, “Really. Here, that’s the custom. Unmarried youths entering the salt fields must first eat a mouthful of salt, to remember the hardships of their ancestors. It’s a Xie family tradition.”
He said it so earnestly that Bai Mingyu almost believed him.
He Dongting smiled lightly at the side, watching Xie Jing with adoration, not revealing the truth. At that moment, he realized how much Xie Jing resembled Yuan Yuan—not just in appearance, but even in the serious way of telling a fib.
After dinner, everyone was content.
Xie Siquan arranged for tea outside in the garden so the guests could enjoy the moon while drinking.
He Dongting rose but did not go outside. Instead, he called Xie Jing: “Jing’er, I have something to tell you. Come with me.”
Xie Jing stood and followed.
Bai Mingyu was left alone, feeling as if the Xie family head’s gaze was piercing him under a lamp, uncomfortable. He stood and excused himself first.
Xu Jun leaned in. “I have something to tell you.”
Xie Siquan ignored him, sipping tea. “If it’s serious, say it here. I won’t go with you. I’ve missed my nephew these few days and won’t leave him. You look serious, but in bed, you’re reckless. After a few days without seeing you, I doubt you’ll get out of bed tomorrow.”
Xu Jun gave a few signals. Xie Siquan pretended not to see them.
Xu Jun leaned closer. Xie Siquan warned, “Don’t act recklessly. I’ve set out tea, Lord Bai Jiu will be here soon, and I want him to enjoy a good cup. He has only had our best Sichuan wine, not this fine tea.”
Xu Jun: “Bai Mingyu—”
Xie Siquan waved him off. “Just tugging Jing’er’s sleeve a few times? It’s nothing. Children playing. You’re too cautious.” He sipped his tea leisurely, waiting for the northern entourage to approach. “I’ve realized over these days, let the kids handle it. You can’t stop this process—it’s natural.”
Xu Jun frowned. “If it weren’t for him—”
“What do you mean?”
Xie Siquan stopped speaking as Lord Bai Jiu’s party arrived, sitting on the stone bench beside him. As Lord Bai Jiu lowered his cloak, the hem revealed a white jade lion pendant.
Xie Siquan froze, eyes locked on the little lion for a long while.
Xu Jun recognized it; how could he not?
After sitting a moment, Lord Bai Jiu asked, “Head of the Xie family, if you have other matters, we can enjoy tea ourselves.”
Xie Siquan suddenly looked up, jaw tight. “Coincidentally, I do have some family matters to handle.”
The Xie family head left with impressive presence. Xu Jun did not linger, rising and bowing before quickly following.
Huang Mingyou, tipsy, was surprised: “Why leave just after arriving?”
“I don’t know—perhaps Sichuan custom,” Lord Bai Jiu said lightly, sipping tea. He glanced at the bright moon, cloak pulled close, concealing the jade pendant this time.
Elsewhere, in a room.
He Dongting handed Xie Jing a stone dragon, recounting his past with Xie Yuan—each incident remembered clearly despite the years. He spoke slowly, occasionally coughing. Xie Jing listened attentively, holding tea.
He Dongting stroked his hair: “This isn’t worth much, but since your mother left it, I pass it to you as well.”
Xie Jing nodded, carefully taking it and putting it away.
He Dongting then took a folder with several documents, all final pages requiring a signature, in both Chinese and English. He had already signed his name in one column and handed it to Xie Jing, pointing to the blank spot.
Xie Jing glanced at it, understanding, and refused to sign. “Father is still alive. I don’t want these. Besides, I have my own money…”
He Dongting sighed. “Accept them. I have nothing else to give you.”
Xie Jing still refused.
He Dongting held his hand, writing his name stroke by stroke. “I never held you as a child, never taught you to read or write. Today, let me fulfill that wish. Will you?”
Xie Jing wanted to pull away. He was stronger than He Dongting, but seeing his slight tremble and hearing his words, Xie Jing’s heart softened.
It wasn’t a pair of hands he was trying to escape from—it was this bond of family.
Author’s Note: Mini Scene:
Regarding the impatient head of the family waiting outside—
Xie Siquan: “He Dongting, are you done yet? Fidgeting, just stamp your hand already! Hurry up and bring Jing’er out—I have questions for him!”
