Chapter 60 — Mother-of-Pearl Buttons
Xie Jing: “…”
This matter sounded all too familiar to him.
He lifted his eyes to look at the people in the courtyard; indeed, each had their own style and bearing.
If he remembered correctly, back then, among the batch of people sent to the Bai family, only one had been retained. At that time, it was him. As for now… who knows who was lucky enough to be kept?
Xie Jing scanned the crowd, his gaze finally resting on the woman holding the pipa. Back then, Lord Bai Jiu had been thoroughly annoyed by Cao Yunzhao and had only allowed him to keep one important person here, refusing to take in the rest.
Back then, it had been Xie Jing who was kept.
He wondered who would have the fortune this time.
As he thought this, he couldn’t help but keep his eyes on the woman holding the pipa. There was no other reason: the girl was stunningly beautiful. To call her features “painted like a picture” would not be an exaggeration. Especially her eyes—they seemed shrouded in a mist, glistening, shyly standing there, evoking an instinct to speak gently and reassure her.
A beauty seemingly made of water; even speaking a loud word might frighten her.
Cao Yunzhao had been scolded at home and was now frazzled, unable to spare the time. He had only sent a steward from his small mansion to handle things. The steward, trying to ingratiate himself with the Bai family’s East Courtyard, also had to manage the ladies in the courtyard. There were too many tasks, and he was quickly sweating profusely.
Sun Fu, the steward of the East Courtyard, arrived late and was also quite troubled by the crowd. But since Cao Yunzhao had a personal connection with Lord Bai Jiu, Sun Fu could not offend him. He had no choice but to call people over to escort the ladies to the small flower hall, letting them wait there for the moment. At least, the courtyard was no longer chaotic.
Xie Jing took the initiative to help, delivering tea twice to the small flower hall and then bringing some pastries.
Xie Jing was not one to talk much, but his ears were sharp.
After a few trips, he had a rough understanding of the people present. In the previous life, there had not been so many in Cao Yunzhao’s small mansion. Or rather, Cao Yunzhao had witnessed Xie Jing’s rise to fame; whenever he performed in the provincial capital, Cao Yunzhao would attend, ensuring that none of his performances were missed. Especially at the beginning, when there were few fans, Cao Yunzhao even hired people to cheer in the theater. Even if Xie Jing just stepped onto the stage without a word, the audience would cheer loudly—all planted by Cao Yunzhao.
So now, since Xie Jing had not joined the theater troupe, and no newcomers had distinguished themselves in the provincial capital, Cao Yunzhao was supporting others instead.
In a corner of the small flower hall, the woman holding the pipa sat on a round stool. Her figure was delicate, dressed in a plain white silk qipao. She seemed nervous in the unfamiliar environment, clutching the pipa tightly, her fingertips slightly pale.
Someone placed tea and snacks on a small table nearby. The pipa woman nodded in thanks and quietly asked if she could have a cup of hot tea.
Xie Jing saw this and brought the teapot over to refill her cup. Leaning closer, he saw that she truly was a beauty with skin like ice and snow. Especially her hands—slender and pale—so exquisite that they could be appreciated even for scholarly work in a study. A true delight to behold.
Xie Jing looked at her hands perhaps a little too attentively. When she noticed and looked up, he quickly averted his gaze, teapot in hand.
Lord Bai Jiu was busy with affairs and did not return to the residence until evening.
The Bai family’s old mansion was vast; traveling from the East Courtyard required a carriage. After returning, Lord Bai Jiu was invited by the matriarch to discuss some matters, and word was sent over that dinner would be reserved, so he would not be eating at home.
The small kitchen still had light snacks, as well as the usual bowl of bone soup and a bowl of sweet rice dumplings.
Xie Jing, still growing, was receiving meals from the small kitchen. The head chef, who had worked with him in Heihe for two years, knew he was Lord Bai Jiu’s favored one. Since Lord Bai Jiu was not eating, the chef sent the dishes directly to Xie Jing.
The head chef waited nearby, eyes on Xie Jing. “Little Xie, how’s this Eight-Treasure Tofu Box?”
Xie Jing chewed slowly and nodded. “Very tasty.”
The head chef exhaled in relief, belly slightly protruding, smiling warmly. “Good. Your master’s appetite gets worse in the summer. We have to think of new dishes for him. If he doesn’t like them after all this effort… that would be a disaster.”
Xie Jing took another piece, offering slight feedback. “The sauce is a bit too strong. Try something else next time.”
The chef noted it. “Alright, I’ll experiment again.”
Xie Jing continued eating. As the chef prepared to leave with a tray, he asked, “Are they still waiting in the small flower hall?”
The chef said, “Waiting? With your master not here, who dares leave anyone behind?”
Xie Jing took a bite of rice, muttering, “Have they eaten?”
“Sent some over. One or two ate; the rest barely touched it. But one had courage and asked for a bowl of sweet soup.”
“Who?”
“Don’t know. A woman holding a very large pipa.”
Xie Jing murmured, “Ah.”
The chef looked slightly displeased. “At this hour, who makes sweet soup? Master doesn’t like sweets. A bitter summer… hardly a bit of meat or sugar is tolerated. I just boiled extra water into the sweet dumplings you ate and shared it with her.”
Xie Jing almost choked on the dumplings, coughing repeatedly.
After dinner, Lord Bai Jiu returned from the matriarch’s place. Just as he stepped outside, he saw Steward Sun Fu waiting by the carriage.
Sun Fu followed closely behind, reporting the afternoon’s events: the East Courtyard had inexplicably gained a group of people, causing concern.
Lord Bai Jiu asked while walking, “Cao Yunzhao personally sent them?”
Sun Fu: “Not exactly. Cao Yunzhao was busy these past two days, unable to manage personally. He only had a steward from his small mansion deliver them.”
“Anything else said?”
“Asked about Cao Yunzhao or the people? Cao Yunzhao naturally praised them highly, requesting that we shelter them for a few days before taking them back. They were sensible; Little Xie checked twice in the afternoon—no incidents.”
Lord Bai Jiu frowned. “Does he think this place is a dumping ground? Send the carriage, all of them out. If Cao Yunzhao doesn’t understand, don’t you know the rules?”
Sun Fu sweated profusely, responding quickly. “Master, don’t be angry. My old brain failed me. I’ll send the carriage immediately.”
Upon returning to the East Courtyard, Lord Bai Jiu’s expression was still grim. Seeing Xie Jing come out of the small flower hall, his face cooled further.
Xie Jing held a tray and greeted him promptly.
Lord Bai Jiu glanced at him and turned into the house.
Xie Jing followed after a moment.
Lord Bai Jiu, back to him, was still wearing his traveling robe and did not look pleased.
Xie Jing approached, helped him change, and wiped his face with a damp towel. Once slightly refreshed, he asked quietly, “Master, want some more snacks? The small kitchen made white fungus soup today; once cooled, it’s quite refreshing.”
Lord Bai Jiu looked at him briefly. “Good today. Usually, after a half-day horseback ride, I can’t get you back. How do you know to stew soup and deliver it?”
Xie Jing: “No one else—just for you. I only took a spoon to taste, truly.”
Lord Bai Jiu nodded, letting him serve. The flavor was light, just how he liked, and he ate only half a bowl before setting the spoon down.
Xie Jing massaged his shoulders. Just after a few kneads, Lord Bai Jiu covered his hands with his own. He said lightly, “I taught you all that, when did I teach you to serve people?”
Xie Jing: “I want to.” He kneaded a little more, then leaned close to whisper, “Master, I want to serve you myself.”
Lord Bai Jiu loosened his grip slightly, obviously mollified, but still said, “Helping me is one thing. Serving others tea and water is another.”
Xie Jing realized Lord Bai Jiu was displeased with his visits to the small flower hall.
Feeling awkward, he relaxed his grip somewhat.
Lord Bai Jiu paused, then said, “I’m not scolding you. It’s just… you are different. There’s much for you to do. I know youth is curious, but don’t play around or slack off, understood?”
Xie Jing agreed softly, massaging his shoulders, then his hands rested on Lord Bai Jiu’s collar as if embracing him from behind.
Lord Bai Jiu chuckled, patting his hand. “What now?”
Xie Jing fiddled with the buttons on his collar. “Master, what are these buttons made of? They glow at night.”
“Just mother-of-pearl. Should be more in the wardrobe. Take one; consider it a gift.”
Lord Bai Jiu wore a casual long gown, light and soft. The collar buttons were small mother-of-pearl, only a subtle glint showing—modest, restrained, much like himself.
Xie Jing found a similar piece in the wardrobe. Though he had grown taller, it still only reached Lord Bai Jiu’s shoulders. Wearing it made him look like a child in adult clothing; the sleeves were rolled twice, exposing his wrists as he bent to fasten the buttons.
After fumbling, Lord Bai Jiu beckoned him over. “Just helped me before; why can’t you wear it yourself?”
Xie Jing stepped forward, stumbling slightly on the long gown, almost falling into Lord Bai Jiu’s embrace.
Lord Bai Jiu steadied him, laughing, letting him sit on his lap to face him. He fastened the buttons: “Don’t move; I’ll do it.”
Xie Jing sat, shifting slightly. “The collar feels tight.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “Too tight? Undo a button.” He lifted his hand, and Xie Jing mirrored the motion, asking, “Like this?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve learned.”
Xie Jing slowly fastened the buttons. The night air of the northern region had cooled, but Lord Bai Jiu’s gaze lingered on his fingers and the half-fastened gown, a subtle warmth spreading through him.
Outside, the pipa played, weeping and pleading, clear and crisp like jade beads falling on a plate.
Lord Bai Jiu instinctively looked out the window. Before he could react, he heard a “plink”—a mother-of-pearl button had fallen, rolling out of sight.
Xie Jing held his collar, turning his head away, ears flushed. “Master, I’m too clumsy. I can’t do it well.”
Lord Bai Jiu ruffled his hair, then gently touched his forehead to Xie Jing’s, chuckling softly. “After a few days of training, no improvement elsewhere, but your strength has increased. Still, your hands are rough. Luckily, I can handle it.” He patted Xie Jing’s side, having him rise, then instructed Steward Sun Fu: “Go outside and give instructions. I like quiet. No noise in the East Courtyard at night. When the carriage arrives, send a few people out first. Those with instruments or performing skills should be sent further away—they make too much noise.”
