Four Delicate Offenders – CH 018

Chapter 18. Qiankun Walnut.

She did not complain or blame others but simply lamented how difficult a woman’s life was without a reliable man.

For example, when picking flowers, the peonies picked first were always used to decorate the hall, while the poppies picked later could be placed in a celadon vase and placed by the bedside. Peonies were beautiful and dignified; not everyone could carry them off. Some men preferred the delicate charm of the unseen petals because it evoked a sense of tenderness and made them feel like refined gentlemen.

Yunpan always habitually wore a slight smile, and the more she did so, the more heartbreaking it was to see her suffer.

Lady Ming pulled her into her arms, comforting her. “That’s for the best. It’s all settled now, and you will not have to worry about family matters anymore. Your father is such a foolish man; he will inevitably stumble someday. Leaving the Marquis’s Mansion will save you a lot of trouble, which is good for you.”

Though she said this, the disappointment and sorrow of being truly abandoned by her father were something no amount of comforting could alleviate.

Yunpan remained silent, sobbing in her aunt’s arms. Xiang Xu looked at her, her thin shoulders trembling slightly, and felt a surge of sympathy.

“I will go and bring Marquis Jiang back,” he said, turning to leave.

Lady Ming quickly stopped him. “Why chase him back? Did you not see how ashamed he is? He might not listen to you.”

Xiang Xu, still youthful and impetuous, clenched his fist and said, “Since he’s left Si Si in our household, let’s have a written agreement stating that Si Si’s future has nothing to do with him. Do not think that just because he can protect himself now, he can shut Si Si out. When things get tough, he might try to take advantage of her.”

Lady Ming scoffed, “If that’s really the case, he will have to smear his face with soot before he dares to show his face to anyone.”

Having experienced so much over the years, Yunpan no longer dwelt on great joys and sorrows. Having cried, her heart was empty. She straightened up, wiping away her tears, and said, “Elder Brother, there’s no need to chase after him. Since Father does not want me to go back, he will probably pretend I am not his daughter from now on. I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing; it’s just sad that Mother’s efforts of over ten years have ultimately benefited someone else.”

This was unavoidable. The power in the Marquis’s Mansion had long since fallen into Liu-niang’s hands. With the head of the family favoring her, she was practically a mistress.

However, advancing further was difficult. Lady Ming said, “That woman manages the household business, and we can let her have her children. There’s only one thing: Jiang Heng should not even think about making her his official wife. With that slave certificate, she will be a lowly concubine until the day she dies. To put it bluntly, even flowers do not bloom for a hundred days. Judging by Jiang Heng’s shrewdness, there are plenty of courtesans out there. But can none compare to Liu-niang? I do not believe it.”

Of course, she said all this simply to vent her anger. Lady Ming wiped Yunpan’s face with her handkerchief and turned to Xiang Xu, saying, “I need to go to the study to discuss this with your father. Your sister has been tired all day; could you take her home for me?”

Xiang Xu, however, first saw Lady Ming out of the hall, then turned to see Qin-Dan helping Yunpan out.

The trace of sorrow on her face quickly vanished, and she returned to her usual composed self, saying softly with a hint of apology, “I’ve troubled you, Elder Brother, because of my matter.”

Xiang Xu shook his head, wanting to comfort her, but could not find the words. After a long pause, he managed to stammer out two sentences: “Do not be sad. Having left that den of wolves, good days await you ahead.”

Such simple and sincere encouragement seemed to warm one’s heart.

Yunpan’s smile possessed a serene beauty. She was a girl who could withstand scrutiny, not panicked or helpless despite losing her foundation. Entering her small courtyard, there was a row of rose trellises on the east side, with a round bamboo table and small armchairs beneath them. She gestured with her hand, saying, “Elder Brother, please sit over there.”

This was her pride as a young lady from a respectable family; she would not sit in the same room as a man, and if she did, it would be in broad daylight, where everyone could see her, thus avoiding unnecessary trouble and gossip.

Xiang Xu sat down as instructed, watching her lean forward to sit opposite him. He cautiously observed her face; her eyelashes were lowered, and her expression was indifferent.

Perhaps sensing his anxiety, she raised her eyes and smiled again. “Big Brother, do not worry; I am fine.”

Xiang Xu breathed a sigh of relief. He had never interacted with young women before and could not fathom their thoughts, but her quick wit made him firmly believe every word she said. As long as she said she was alright, he could feel at ease for the time being.

Ming-Ke brought over a tea tray. Yunpan stood up, gently placing a Jianzhan teacup in front of him, and said softly, “This is a fragrant drink I made myself. Big Brother, please try it.”

Xiang Xu looked down. The rustic teacup held clear, emerald-green tea, with a few osmanthus petals gently swaying in the breeze. She used a wooden spoon to scoop two ripe lotus seeds into his cup; the lotus seeds, like the moon sinking to the bottom of the water, were a stunning sight in the morning light.

Yunpan picked up a cup for herself, pointing to the small stove beside her. “I made it by roasting fruit and tea leaves together, then boiling them in water and adding honey. I love sweets; I wonder if Big Brother would like it?”

Xiang Xu quickly said he liked it and took a sip. Indeed, the tea had a fruity aroma, unlike the common perilla or cardamom teas on the market, which initially had a slightly astringent, grassy taste.

Quietly drinking with her, time seemed to slow down. Yunpan remained silent, her eyes devoid of sorrow, only quiet, a stillness that tugged at the heartstrings.

Xiang Xu placed the Jianzhan cup back on the saucer with a soft, crisp sound, paused briefly, and said, “Life is full of ups and downs. Do not let unworthy people make you feel your life is unsatisfactory. That day, Father questioned Marquis Jiang in front of his colleagues. Even if Liu-niang is favored, she cannot move an inch without the Founding Marquis’s Mansion.”

Everyone was indignant on her behalf, but aside from the disappointment at the time, she herself had not suffered any real harm.

Because she had expected it, this outcome was not surprising. Liu-niang was patient and resourceful, but she had not calculated that Yunpan would arrive safely at the Duke of Shu’s mansion. Although she had won on the surface, she would face many troubles in the future.

Yunpan remained silent, having already made her calculations. Liu-niang had borne three children; she could no longer be treated as easily as a childless concubine. For now, the slave certificate only prevented her father from officially recognizing her as his wife, but the future was uncertain; perhaps it could be given away as a favor.

As for herself, having money was the best arrangement, so she did not feel inferior or miserable like other girls who had experienced misfortune. She temporarily set the matter aside, seemingly not wanting to mention it again. She added some more fragrant tea to Xiang Xu’s cup and said softly, “After Mother passed away, I thought I’d probably only be able to wait to be married in my chambers. Unexpectedly, I encountered a scheme that allowed me to leave Youzhou and come to the capital to see my long-estranged aunt and uncle and cousin Mei and to meet my elder brother, whom I’d only heard of but never met. Since Heaven has arranged things this way, it must have its own merits. Now I am not homeless, nor am I without relatives to rely on. I’ve simply moved to a different place to make incense and ink, brew tea, and arrange flowers—I lack nothing. Elder Brother, I have another wish. Can you guess what it is?”

Her eyes curved into a smile, reflecting the landscape in the tea tray. Xiang Xu felt his heart pounding, but dared not speak, only shaking his head.

“I am thinking of opening a teahouse in the market, selling all sorts of fragrant drinks,” she said, gesturing as she spoke. “The white wall by the window will be covered with simple menu boards, each listing a tea. When customers come, they can look at the board and order. A half-rolled bamboo curtain will separate them from the next table, so even female customers will not be inconvenienced. Is that not a good idea?”

Xiang Xu listened to her unhurried description, picturing a bamboo curtain, low tables, and round chairs in his mind. He smiled and said it was excellent. “Women from the capital often frequent the market; even if you only cater to female customers, it will surely be very prosperous.”

Ming-Ke, who was serving nearby, interjected with a smile, “Young Lady, you could also sell Qiankun walnuts.”

Xiang Xu was puzzled. “What are Qiankun walnuts?”

Ming-Ke became very interested in this, saying, “It’s our young lady’s ingenious idea… Young Master, wait a moment,” as she ran into the house.

Yunpan, a little embarrassed, smiled and said, “It’s a little trinket I made to pass the time when I have nothing else to do.”

Ming-Ke quickly brought over two walnuts and placed them in front of Xiang Xu.

At first glance, they seemed unremarkable, perhaps the only unusual thing being the knot at the opening.

Xiang Xu curiously untied the knot and opened the walnut. What he found inside was astonishing—a miniature, condensed world with blue skies, white clouds, mountains, rivers, grass, trees, houses, fences, and even cattle and sheep… He was stunned, amazed by her ingenuity. Such a pure and complete world—no wonder Ming-Ke called it the “Qiankun ^{(Heaven and Earth)} Walnut.”

“How…did you make this?” he asked Yunpan in surprise.

Yunpan smiled and said, “I cleaned the walnut shells, mixed various pigments into the plaster powder, first using a sky-blue base, then blending in the clouds, and finally adding the cattle, sheep, and houses.”

It sounds simple, but only a young woman’s delicate mind could create something so exquisite.

Xiang Xu let out a soft sigh, a strange sense of peace slowly settling in, washing away the restlessness in his heart.

Looking down more closely at the walnut, the other one was in a corner of the room, with a table, chairs, and bonsai trees. On the table sat an incense burner and a half-finished Weiqi board.

He gently closed the walnut, changing his tone to a lighter one, and said, “I think there’s no need to open a teahouse. With just this little walnut, my sister will be perfectly at ease in the circles of noble ladies in the capital.” He waved his hand, blushing, and said, “Give this one to me. When I am troubled, looking at it is more effective than medicine.”

Yunpan was naturally pleased that her little creations had been appreciated. She pushed another one towards him, smiling, and said, “This one is for you too. It’s just for your own enjoyment anyway. I can make more later and give a few to Cousin Mei.”

Just then, Xiang Xu’s servant entered through the door, first bowing to Yunpan. He bowed and reported back to Xiang Xu, “Young Master, the Lord sent someone in to say that Third Young Master He from Luoyang has come to visit our residence. The Lord requests that you go out to greet him.”

“He Xiao?” Xiang Xu slowly stood up. “He’s been in the capital for over half a month. What brings him to our door today…”

Upon hearing the name, Yunpan hesitated slightly. “Is He Xiao my uncle’s nephew?”

Xiang Xu said yes, “A renowned talent in the capital. Officials in the court are all vying to invite him to banquets for intellectual discussions.” He carefully slipped two walnuts into his sleeve, bowed to her, and said, “Thank you, Sister,” before following the servant out of Yipengxue.

Qin-Dan came forward to tidy up the tea set. Seeing Yunpan lost in thought, she whispered, “Cousin Mei is ill; she probably does not know that Third Young Master He has come to visit.”

Yunpan nodded, smoothed her skirt, and stood up, saying, “I will go see my cousin.”

She went to Zilan Garden, but upon entering, she did not mention He Xiao at all. She simply chatted with Meifen about incense making and tea processing.

Meifen had heard about Yunpan’s ordeal. While lamenting Jiang Heng’s incompetence as a father, she could only advise Yunpan, “Forget it, it’s better not to go back to that house. My uncle’s concubine is very cunning. How can young ladies like us possibly be a match for her? Just stay far away and avoid her.”

Meifen was habitually pessimistic, living her life in a daze, adhering to the principle of “better safe than sorry.” Yunpan, unwilling to burden her with her troubles, hastily agreed, opened a book, pointed to an ancient recipe, and said, “Once you are well, let’s try making rouge with safflower.”

Meifen agreed, took the book, and began to read carefully. Just then, a maidservant stood outside the window and announced that Third Young Master He of Luoyang had come to see her, having learned of her illness.

Meifen was startled and looked anxiously at Yunpan. “Is it He Xiao? He’s here?” she asked, shrinking further into the bed. “If I do not see him, I will say I do not want to see him.”

At that moment, Lady Ming’s voice drifted in, faintly saying, “The weather is getting hotter and hotter… Your uncle is worried you are not comfortable staying out…” She gradually moved to the front hall and called out through the bamboo curtain, “Meifen, your cousin has come to see you. Quickly get dressed and come out to greet him.”

Translator’s Note:
Qiankun – refers to the “Qian” and “Kun” in the “I Ching,” meaning the universe and the heavens and the earth. In the “I Ching, Explanation of Hexagrams,” it says, “Qian is heaven, Kun is earth.”