You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 90 — Your Good Friend Yan Wenxin is Now Online

Edited by DancingDolphinYo

A few days later, Guan Shanjin was busy with something. Rumours about the Lord Protector and his son spread wildly in the capital, with everyone hitting them when they were down. With how glorious Guan Shanjin was previously in the capital, there were a large number of people taking advantage of this moment to tread on him. There were even storytellers in wine shops openly talking about how Guan Shanjin had an indecent relationship with his own teacher, Lu Zezhi. These wine shops were always packed, and it further smeared the reputation of the Lord Protector’s estate.

As per normal, Wu Xingzi had no idea about these matters. He had never been the sort who liked to listen to such idle gossip and chatter. Furthermore, Guan Shanjin had already notified him earlier that there might be some adverse gossip about the Lord Protector’s estate spreading through the capital soon, and he had asked him to not pay any attention to it, so as to prevent him from feeling bad over it. Hence, Wu Xingzi kept both his ears shut, completely paying no heed to such chatter. He obediently enclosed himself in Rancui’s place, whiling away his days as he waited for either Guan Shanjin or Ping Yifan to come looking for him when there was free time.

Today, Wu Xingzi and the two girls were turning the soil in the yard. Thinking that he would still be spending quite some time in the capital, and that he was not the type to rest idly, Wu Xingzi got Rancui’s permission to draw out a small plot of land to grow some chives, cucumbers, cabbages and other vegetables to spend his time.

Yesterday, the three of them went out to buy some sprouts and seeds. After busying themselves the entire morning, the yard in front of the residence now looked rather interesting. Neat rows were laid out in the vegetable garden, the seeds and sprouts planted. Having been watered, the tender shoots looked rather adorable under the sun of the waning summer.

“Aiyah, we should have planted the cabbages a few days later. I heard that autumn’s cabbages are tastier.” Mint wiped away the sweat on her face. Not realising that there was soil on her hand, her face was immediately smeared with dirt. Osmanthus looked at her sister, and she could not help but cover her mouth and laugh.

“Ai, there are plenty of opportunities next time.” While shopping, Wu Xingzi even found pepper seeds. He recalled that in Bastion City, Guan Shanjin tended to prefer spicier food, and so he could not help but buy some of the seeds home. Once the seeds had grown, he would then use the pepper and fry some dishes for Guan Shanjin. Thinking about this, he could not help but feel delighted.

“Master, shall we heat up some water for you to clean yourself up? After working the entire morning, you’re all covered in sweat. It must feel very uncomfortable,” Osmanthus asked Wu Xingzi, who had been even harder at work this morning than her sister and her. As for herself, she had just washed her face, along with her hands and feet, with the water collected from the well.

“Ah, there’s no need. The weather is still warm, I can just clean myself up with the water from the well.”

“Alright then, please wait for a bit.” Mint did not care that her face was still dirty. Picking up the bucket, she planned to go collect more water from the well for Wu Xingzi. However, just as she left the yard, Hei’er had entered.

“Hei’er? Why are you here?” It had been a number of days since Wu Xingzi had last seen Hei’er, and so he welcomed him warmly. “Is Rancui looking for me?”

“No.” Hearing Rancui’s name, Hei’er felt a hint of distress. However, due to his dark skin and his expressionless face, Wu Xingzi did not notice at all. “Lord Yan, Yan Wenxin, has sent an invitation, inviting you to meet him at Tianxiang Restaurant at fifteen minutes past one.”

“Y-Yan Wenxin?” Wu Xingzi did not expect to hear this name. His shoulders hunched forward as he shuddered, and he opened his mouth, wanting to refuse the invitation. However, when the words were at the tip of his tongue, he forced them back down. Hanging his head, he asked hesitantly, “W-why is he inviting me out of the blue? What did Haiwang say?”

“The General doesn’t know.” Hei’er’s brows creased slightly. These days, Ping Yifan had been working very closely with the Yan family, and Hei’er did not understand what his master was planning. A few days ago, Man Yue had told him to deal with everything at his own discretion, then disappeared, and none of them seemed to plan on dealing with any of the rumours on the street.

He tried to seek information from Rancui, but with how witty that little fox was, Hei’er was quickly muddled by his words and he naturally failed to find anything.

Just now, Rancui too was present when Yan Wenxin’s invitation was delivered. He had even accepted the invitation immediately, telling the errand boy that there was no need to worry as Wu Xingzi would definitely not refuse it. This made Hei’er extremely bothered, as Guan Shanjin certainly would not wish for Wu Xingzi to interact with Yan Wenxin. Also, Hei’er was well aware of the two men’s history, and so he was even more unwilling for Wu Xingzi and Yan Wenxin to meet alone.

“He doesn’t know…” Wu Xingzi nodded. His eyes fell onto the vegetable plot, seeming a little absent-minded.

“If you’re unwilling, I’ll refuse it on your behalf.”

“Ai… It’s not that I’m unwilling…” Wu Xingzi sighed, giving Hei’er a discomfited smile. “I’m just a little bothered. Did he recognise me, and so he wants to catch up with an old friend? Or is it because of Ping Yifan, and thus he wants to probe for information from me?”

Of course, it could be that he recognised him, and seeing how intimate he was with Ping Yifan at the Bai’s residence, he also wanted to take the opportunity to probe him out.

Wu Xingzi could not describe what he was feeling at the moment. If Yan Wenxin truly recognised him, how was he going to explain what happened in the past to him? Being recognised was even more troubling! Wu Xingzi would much prefer that Yan Wenxin only saw him as Ping Yifan’s friend.

“What are Mr. Wu’s intentions then?”

“It’s not a problem meeting him. After all, it’s been twenty years…” Wu Xingzi was extremely curious about what Yan Wenxin had in mind, and the desire of wanting to know gnawed at him.

“I’ll be protecting you from the shadows the entire time. How about letting the two girls accompany in the open?” Since Wu Xingzi had already made his decision, Hei’er would not try to persuade him to change his mind. As one of Guan Shanjin’s personal bodyguards, he naturally could not follow Wu Xingzi openly. Although he seemed to have betrayed Guan Shanjin when he brought Wu Xingzi out of Bastion City, they still had to remain cautious with their every action.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you.” Wu Xingzi smiled at Hei’er with appreciation. They agreed on a time to leave, then Wu Xingzi headed back to his room to clean up.

The invitation had arrived at thirty minutes past eleven, and such a tight timing showed how insincere it was. Despite this, Wu Xingzi still dressed up properly, wearing his rarely worn Confucian robe whose colour was so light that it was like a bubbling brook in May.

“This is the first time Master has worn this colour,” Osmanthus exclaimed lightly in praise.

Wu Xingzi usually dressed in colours that would not show stains, and the few pieces of light-coloured clothes in his wardrobe were all purchased by Ping Yifan a while ago. The materials used were delicate with exquisite stitching, but Wu Xingzi never thought about wearing them before. Now, dressing up like this, a simple elegance suffused his ordinary-looking face. The image he portrayed was like a pleasant breeze, and he looked very refined and graceful.

“Master looks really good dressed up like this. If the General were to see this, he definitely could not even bear to look away,” Mint happily teased Wu Xingzi, causing him to flush red and feel a little awkward.

“Ai, little girls shouldn’t speak nonsense.” Wu Xingzi tugged at his lapels, and retreated a few steps to look at his reflection in the copper mirror. Thinking for a moment, he took out a perfume sachet and hung it on his waist, then finally nodded in satisfaction.

“However, the person Master is meeting is Yan Wenxin! Hai, what a waste that he’s the one seeing Mr. Wu like this.” The faces of both Mint and Osmanthus screwed up when Yan Wenxin was mentioned. They had heard too many things on the streets, and how they wished that they could just beat him up when they saw him.

Hearing those words, Wu Xingzi smiled faintly but did not respond. Unconsciously, his fingers shifted to the perfume sachet.

He did not tell the two girls, but that year when he had deliberately dressed up to send Yan Wenxin off on his journey, the colour of the robe he was wearing was also very similar to this one. It was just that the robe was made of a much coarser material, its stitches simple, and it was also old.

Back then, Yan Wenxin was dressed in a Confucian robe the colour of ink, and in Wu Xingzi’s mind, the memory of his figure, with a book satchel on his back, was still as prominent as though it was just yesterday. He had walked with him for a very long distance, almost a half-day’s travel away from Goose City, before reluctantly watching Yan Wenxin depart. He stood where he was, looking at the tall and slender figure, slightly hunching from the weight on his back, slowly vanishing down the path to the capital.

Wu Xingzi had originally thought that they would meet again in a couple of years. He had never expected that it would be a farewell to their youths, to twenty cold winters, to the point where they nearly would never see each other again.

He could see that Mint and Osmanthus were holding themselves back from speaking. Scratching his nose, he smiled helplessly. “He’s after all a top official in court. We can’t show any disrespect.”

Wu Xingzi understood that the girls were worried if he was still holding onto this affection of the past.

How could that be? Ignoring the part where they had not met for twenty years, and the issue of one letting down the other, Guan Shanjin and him had just confirmed their mutual affections a while ago. His heart was still immersed in that honeyed, sugary-sweet dream, and even if one were to flip their affections like that, it would still require more time than that.

When Wu Xingzi and the two girls were done preparing themselves, there was not much time left, and so they headed out hurriedly. Wu Xingzi had planned on walking to Tianxiang Restaurant. Although it was quite a distance away from Rancui’s place, there was still enough time if they sped up a little.

However, when he arrived at the gates, Rancui was already standing there waiting for him. A pair of charming eyes swept up and down Wu Xingzi’s body, and Rancui gave him a profound smile.

“Mr. Wu is heading out?” Rancui asked.

“Ai, yes. If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late. We can’t let Lord Yan wait for a commoner like me.” Feeling awkward from how Rancui was eyeing him, Wu Xingzi unconsciously straightened out his clothes.

“It’s fine, dressing up like this looks good on you.” Rancui waved his hand. “Since you’re meeting ‘Lord Yan’, you shouldn’t look too shabby. You’re a bosom friend of the manager of the Peng Society, and you’re Ping Yifan’s lover as well. It’s right that you have some airs, and don’t let people look down on you.”

“That does make sense.” Wu Xingzi nodded, convinced. Just as he was about to make his farewells, Rancui spoke.

“Come up the carriage. It just so happens that I’m going to the Peng Society, and I can drop you off along the way.” Rancui knocked on the door, and someone immediately opened the gates, greeting Rancui respectfully.

The carriage outside the gate was not the usual simple, smaller one Rancui normally used. Instead, it was a lot bigger and more exquisite, gleaming under the sunlight.

Wu Xingzi’s eyes widened, and he was stunned for a moment before waving his hands frantically. “T-t-this… This is t-too…”

Even in Bastion City, when Guan Shanjin was doting on him, he had never been invited on such a luxurious carriage before! This carriage might even be much more expensive than his little house in Qingcheng County!

“It’s just to show off, don’t let others look down on you. Furthermore, towards an old fellow townsman with affections long past, Yan Wenxin will be less on guard.”

Wu Xingzi naturally understood what was being said.

He looked down at the luxurious clothes on himself. That shining, glittering carriage would not be considered too outrageous.

“Then I’ll have to trouble Manager Rancui.”

“Please go on up, Mr. Wu.” Rancui held an arm out in a gesture of invitation. He first let Wu Xingzi, Mint and Osmanthus board the carriage, before he slowly made his way up with the help of the driver.

The roads in the capital were very well maintained, and the carriage was big and steady. They quickly arrived at Tianxiang Restaurant, barely feeling any bumps or jolts along the way. The fragrance of delicious food wafted into the carriage through the curtains, and Wu Xingzi could not help twitching his nose, sniffing at the air.

“Then I’ll come pick you up about four hours later. If Lord Yan departs first, you should just have a meal at Tianxiang Restaurant. The most famous dish here is the steamed rose dumplings and heaven’s duck. It’s sweet and salty, bursting in flavours, and whether eaten alone or with rice, it’s excellent. Since you’re here, don’t miss out on it.” Rancui reclined in the cushioned seat, waving a lazy goodbye to Wu Xingzi and the two girls. His fox-like eyes seemed as though they could not be opened. Feeling a little worried, Wu Xingzi wondered if Rancui did not sleep well the night before.

In the end, he still did not ask. Adviser Wu’s ability to avoid calamity and seek fortune was still pretty good. Hei’er’s face inexplicably flashed through his mind, and he had a vague idea.

Upon entering Tianxiang Restaurant, he was warmly welcomed by a waiter. “Sir, are you here for a meal or for tea?”

“Ah, I have an appointment…” Before Wu Xingzi could say Yan Wenxin’s name, the waiter had a look of comprehension, and he became even more enthusiastic.

“You must be Mr. Wu, right?” Seeing Wu Xingzi nodding, looking a little confused, the waiter smiled warmly. “Please follow me. Lord Yan has instructed us that he has an important guest, and he’s waiting in the Chang’le Room at the back garden. Mr. Wu, here, please.”

“Ah…” Wu Xingzi’s palms were starting to sweat. Secretly, he rubbed them against his thighs. Feeling like a big muscovy duck stumbling into the imperial gardens, he nearly could not even walk straight. Instead, Mint and Osmanthus were calm and steady. Without making any obvious movement, they stepped up and supported Wu Xingzi, and two pairs of round, bright eyes darted all over their surroundings.

Tianxiang Restaurant occupied quite a large portion of land, having both a yard in front and at the back. The yard behind was picturesque, with a little stream and a bridge, full of poetry. Small pavilions were scattered around, exquisite yet not too affected. Compared to the clamour and noise in the front, the yard at the back was more serene, and these pavilions were clearly meant to be used by top officials of the capital.

Chang’le Room was situated in an even more tranquil area. It was surrounded by swaths of bamboo trees, with a light breeze rustling through, as though it could blow away all the dust and weariness on the body.

The waiter knocked on the door. Before he could speak, the door opened, and out came a young good-looking man with a gentle and refined air. He was dressed in white, a red silk sash around his waist, and the cuffs of his sleeves were embroidered with dark stitches, elevating his elegant bearing and ethereal appearance.

Wu Xingzi could not help but take two steps back. The person in front of him was definitely not a servant of the Yan’s estate. Dressed like this, he definitely had to be one of the masters. For Yan Wenxin to let someone like this answer the door, rather than saying that he regarded Wu Xingzi as someone important, it could be said that he was deliberately oppressing him. Wu Xingzi could be considered to have been involved in officialdom for half his life, and he immediately surmised that Yan Wenxin definitely did not recognise him. Today’s invitation surely had to do with Ping Yifan.

“Is this Mr. Wu?” The young man’s smile was very friendly, his gentle voice so musical and pleasant to the ears. However, Wu Xingzi could not relax. His heart leapt to his throat, and his back was cold and clammy.

“I’m Wu Xingzi, and I’m honoured to have received this invitation, and tremendously overwhelmed.” Wu Xingzi bowed for a long time, and the nervous quiver at the end of his sentence could not be concealed.

He also could not understand why he was so nervous.

A light laugh came from within the room, and the young man dressed in white too revealed a friendly look of amusement. “Mr. Wu is too courteous. Lord Yan only wishes to have an exchange on equal standing, and there’s no need to be so restrained.”

Twenty years ago, they did have many equal exchanges, but twenty years later, Wu Xingzi did not have the guts to do so.

With difficulty, Wu Xingzi straightened up. The waiter had long been sent away, and the young man in white turned, holding out a gesture of invitation before going in first. Only then did Wu Xingzi wipe away the sweat on his forehead with faltering motions.

He sighed. The top official of the capital was really not someone a commoner like him should meet. He could not help but wish that Guan Shanjin was by his side.

“Please, Mr. Wu, come on in.” A voice drifted out from inside. It was not the young man in white. Sounding gentle and dignified, it made Wu Xingzi shudder.

It was Yan Wenxin’s voice.

He hesitated for a moment. Finally, taking in a deep breath, he braced himself and entered, with no turning back.

Although it was not the first time seeing him again, after seeing Yan Wenxin’s familiar yet foreign face, Wu Xingzi could not help but catch his breath, his face turning ashen.

Unlike the previous two times they met, the person in front of him did not have the stately air of a top official. Instead, he was dressed in a simple robe made of coarse material, the colour a dark blue without any embroidery. Still, it could not hide any of his elegant bearing.

A smile hung on Yan Wenxin’s face. Politely, he poured Wu Xingzi a cup of tea, his eyes half-hidden.

“Chang’an, it’s been a long time.”

Wu Xingzi stumbled. It was as though he had travelled back to twenty years ago, and he stood there, frozen.