Chapter 37 – Night Market
What’s with her dismal luck?
Didn’t they say that Pei Yan would be staying in his luxurious estate in Phoenix Mountain or on Meijia Bridge? What was he doing in this commoners North Night Market?
Yu Tang’s almond eyes grew round with incredulity.
Pei Yan was similarly taken aback and stared back at her with widened eyes.
The two of them stood there amidst the bustling crowd, looking at each other, not saying a word, let alone making any greetings.
It was Zhou Zijin instead who spotted Yu Wen. “Eh, isn’t this Scholar Yu? Why are you here?”
After speaking, he glanced at Yutang.
Yu Tang was wearing a blue rough cloth robe with flower prints, and her head was also wrapped with a head covering. At first glance, she seemed like a common village girl who came to the city to see the sights, but her exposed hands were pale white and tender, as beautiful as the freshly bloomed magnolia flowers amidst the branches.
Yu Wen also didn’t expect to meet Pei Yan and Zhou ZiJin here, but he was still happy to have met a few familiar faces. He replied, “First-ranked Imperial Scholar Zhou and Master Pei! What a coincidence! I thought that since I was in Hangzhou, I should come to the North Night Market to have a look and brought my nephew and daughter along as well. Why did you come to this North Night Market? Just the two of you?”
Pei Yan nodded rather condescendently, while Zhou ZiJin was much more enthusiastic as he smiled and replied, “We’re staying at Meijia Bridge, which is quite close to this night market. Besides, I haven’t been here in years, so I dragged Xia Guang over to join me.” After speaking, he looked at Yutang again.
He had formed a distinct impression of this young lady from their previous encounter.
It wasn’t that he had never seen a beautiful lady before, but it was the first time he had seen one like Yutang, who obtained the affections of both the Li brothers and even made one of them clamor to be her family’s son-in-law.
Moreover, this Yutang appeared different from the one he saw the last time.
Previously, although Yu Tang was dressed ordinarily, she could still draw people’s attention and stun people with her beauty. This time, however, she was dressed in shabby village clothing, but it still couldn’t hide her beauty. Evidently, this young lady’s beauty was in her countenance and bearing, so no matter how she dresses, it would not damage her outstanding looks.
Zhou ZiJin couldn’t help but ask Yu Wen, “Is this young lady really the daughter of your family?”
Yu Wen didn’t know why he asked such a question and couldn’t help but retort, “You mean I would have a fake daughter?”
Zhou Zidian laughed mischievously and continued, “It’s a pity. You may not be aware, but recently I’m painting the twelve beauties……”
Beauty is in the person’s countenance; not merely superficial looks.
If only this young lady wasn’t the precious beloved daughter of the Yu family.
He could then take out a large sum of silver and ask her to be his model for a portrait painting.
PeiYan who was standing at the side knew that Zhou Zi Jin was obsessed with painting. Because of that, he even resigned from his ministerial position in sixth cabinet of the imperial court. Once he saw a pretty young lady, his eyes would stick to her like glue and wouldn’t even shift his gaze once.
PeiYan frowned unhappily and didn’t wait for Zhou ZiJin to finish his sentence, before interrupting, saying to Yu Wen in a deep voice. “Has Master Yu just arrived or were you intending to leave?”
Yu Wen also guessed what Zhou Zijin had left unspoken. It was one thing for him to bring his daughter outside, but it was a different matter for him to allow her to be a model for a painting. He shot a grateful glance at Pei Yan and said, “We just got here! Have Master Pei and First ranked Imperial Scholar Zhou just arrived or are you heading back? Shall we walk around together?”
Pei Yan, however, refused, “That’s unnecessary. This night market is filled with smoky fumes everywhere, moreover, I’m only accompanying him to have a look around……”
Zhou Zijin hurriedly cut in, “Xia Guang, since we are already out, you shouldn’t spoil the mood. It’s auspicious to meet old friends in foreign places, so why don’t we take a stroll together?”
Yu Wen could tell that Pei Yan was unwilling, but before he could refuse, Zhou ZiJin held his shoulder and nudged him to walk forward as he continued, “Let’s go! When I came here some years back, I ate the flatbread of Second Tang Fool’s house once and couldn’t forget the taste even till today. This time, I came to this North night market for that as well.”
Yu Wen liked Zhou ZiJin’s straightfoward and friendly personality. Furthermore, he thought about it further and it was indeed good for everyone to go together, especially since Zhou ZiJin and Pei Yan were both people of status, so they would definitely not say anything negative about him taking his daughter to the night market, so he simply walked beside Zhou ZiJin and chatted with him. “I thought you would like the Glutinous Rice Balls with Osmanthus and Sweet Fermented Glutinous Rice instead. Aren’t you from South? We southerners all like to eat that.”
“I’m from the south! But I was born and raised in the capital.” Zhou Zijin laughed, “So I like to eat noodles!”
Just a few words, and the two of them were already almost lost in the crowd.
Yu Yuan hurriedly beckoned Yu Tang over, “You walk ahead of me so I wouldn’t lose sight of you.”
Yu Tang looked at Pei Yan’s stoic face, as she smoothened her hair awkwardly before following what Yu Yuan said and tagging along behind Yu Wen.
There was a monkey performance up ahead.
Yu Wen and Zhou ZiJin squeezed in among the crowds to look and waved towards Yu Tang asking them to come over.
Pei Yan’s mood worsened.
Yu Tang and Yu Yuan however, became a little interested.
Yu Yuan pulled Yu Tang’s sleeve and both of them squeezed inside the crowd.
Yu Tang couldn’t help but glance back at Pei Yan.
He wore a beautiful blue fine cloth jacket, without any accessories as usual. His face was fair and clear, strikingly handsome features, but he still had a cold expression, walking with his hands behind his back. As he walked in front of the night market stalls, he seem to be able to instill a measure of quiet calmness amidst the hustle and bustle of the lively night market.
This person is really different!
Yu Tang concluded and left all thoughts of third master Pei behind, and happily went to watch the monkey performance with Yu Yuan.
However, only after a few moments, Yu Tang’s heart began to feel a bit uncomfortable.
The little monkey had inky black eyes, looking at the crowds as if it could speak. Its thin body was covered with a light layer of yellow hair, agile and obedient to its handler, but also knows how to give people a bow to ask for something to eat; its antics were very cute. However, the more obedient and docile it was, the more she couldn’t bear to look at it.
These monkeys grew up in the mountains and forests, but they were somehow caught by people and had to do these actions to please people in order to obtain food and water to survive.
Her chest became stuffy, and she pulled Yu Yuan’s sleeve, and said in Yu Yuan’s ear. “Let’s not look at it anymore? We only ate some dry provisions in the afternoon. I’m hungry, let’s go eat something.”
The little monkey was performing a big flag dance and Yu Yuan was still engrossed in it. He said absentmindedly, “Wait for a while, I’ll go eat with you after watching this.”
Yu Tong thought of the little monkey’s limbs that were originally supposed to be on the ground, but now it was forced to stand up …… she couldn’t bear to watch further, said with a glum expression, “Then you watch here, I’ll wait for you outside.”
Yu Yuan heard her tone of voice and immediately turned away from watching, saying. “Then I won’t continue to watch either. I’ll accompany you at the side while we wait for uncle.”
Yu Wen also haven’t had his dinner.
Yu Tang nodded and squeezed out of the crowd with Yu Yuan.
Yu Yuan went to look for Yu Wen.
Yu Tang saw Pei Yan standing under the tree beside her.
He did not watch the monkey performance either, but stood coldly underneath this tree beside them.
Probably sensing Yu Tang’s gaze, he turned his head and looked at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang politely smiled at him.
He, however, turned back with an expressionless face.
Yu Tang was irritated.
What was wrong with this person?
Couldn’t he discern between good and bad?
She expressed her goodwill to him first, and he still had this attitude!
Yu Tang was hot with anger, and it took her a while to calm down.
After a short while, Yu Wen, Yu Yuan and Zhou ZiJin walked over to them.
Zhou Zijin said apologetically, “I didn’t know that you all haven’t had your evening meal yet. It’s on me, so what do you all want to eat?” The last sentence was directed to Yu Tang.
How could Yu Tang be so thick-skinned and request for a treat from Zhou ZiJin? So she only answered politely, “You don’t have to mind me, I can eat anything.”
Zhou Zijin laughed at that and said “Then let’s go eat Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish? I ate some here the other time, and I felt it was pretty good.”
People in Jiangnan mostly loved eating fish.
Yu Tang instantly felt camaraderie with Zhou ZiJin as she smiled and thanked him.
Zhou Zijin waved his hand unconcernedly and said, “This is just a small matter……,” However, he paused after saying this and didn’t continue speaking
PeiYan icily called him “ZiJin” and said, “You can still eat? You already ate 1 kg of broiled blowfish just now.”
“Hey! Why can’t I eat more?” Zhou Ziji immediately retorted, “I’ve been walking around for so long, the 1 kg of broiled blowfish have already been digested, so naturally I have room to try the grilled fish at Third Lady Guan’s house.” He continued, asking curiously, “You mean you don’t want have to have a bite?”
Pei Yan curtly replied “No.” with an offended look.
Yu Tang and other people’s eyes fell on Zhou ZiJin.
Zhou ZiJin could only bravely fight on saying, “I’m at least your guest! Xia Guang should accompany me for the sake of our friendship and basic etiquette.”
Pei Yan threw him a sidelong glance and walked straight ahead, “Didn’t you say you wanted to eat Third Lady’s Guan grilled fish? Why aren’t you walking!”
“Yes, yes!” Zhou ZiJin immediately followed obediently behind.
Yu Wen shook his head and took Yu Yuan and Yu Tang and followed behind as well.
Yu Tang asked Yu Wen quietly, “Father, do we really have to follow them?”
Pei Yan’s attitude was so unpleasant that she felt that she wouldn’t be able to eat at all if she continued to follow them.
Yu Wen replied, “We’re going to eat our dinner anyway, so why don’t we go to Third Lady Guan’s? Their stir-fried noodles is also very good. Last time I told your mother that I wanted Old Aunty Chen to learn how to make it, but she still couldn’t manage to do it well.”
Oh, alright.
Yu Tang decided to tolerate Peiyan for the sake of delicious food.
Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish stall was quite spacious, but it was still fully packed with customers inside and outside.
Zhou ZiJin in the manner of a rich businessman, directly gave some silver taels to the occupants of a table and asked them to vacate it.
A few of them were already prepared to gather around the table and sit, but PeiYan took out a white handkerchief out of nowhere and carefully wiped his seat before seating.
Yu Tang watched and discreetly touched the table.
The table looked old, and underneath the light it seemed to be oily, but upon touching, it was very clean, not even a speck of dust was seen.
She sat down with ease, and Pei Yan then began to wipe the table.
Zhou Ziji couldn’t help but remark helplessly, “Xia Guang, can you not be so fastidious?”
PeiYan pursed his lips and insisted on finishing his wiping of the table.
Zhou Zijin relented and started discussing with Yu Wen and they ordered the store’s signature dishes.
The ones who can make a name for themselves in the night market really do live up to their reputation.
Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish was seasoned well, crispy and fragrant. The stir fried noodles with the red chili oil and sauces, braised pig trotters that was deliciously smooth but not greasy, the white fungus soup was sweet, mouth-meltingly soft and refreshing…… it was so good that Yu Tang’s appetite increased and Zhou ZiJin couldn’t help but sing its praises.
However, PeiYan only sat there, and did not take a single bite.
Zhou ZiJin deliberately whispered to Yu Wen. “Look, he’s such a boring person! If I hadn’t met you all today, even if I were to eat all the delicacies here it would only be tasteless and a rock in my stomach.”
Yu Wen looked at Pei Yan sitting casually in this place, but still had a dignified bearing, like a sturdy pine tree in the snow, as if only noble blood flowed in his veins. He suddenly felt that Zhou Zijin forcing Pei Yan to be in such a situation was a little inappropriate.
“Everyone has their own temperament, likes and dislikes. Even more so for good friends, they shouldn’t make things too difficult for each other.” Yu Wen smiled and raised his wine cup towards Zhou ZiJin, saying, “This cup I toast you.”
Zhou Zijin chuckled and accepted the toast, and didn’t continue the subject.
Pei Yan’s gaze, however, involuntarily fell on Yu Tang, who was sitting across from him.
Chapter 37 – Night Market
What’s with her dismal luck?
Didn’t they say that Pei Yan would be staying in his luxurious estate in Phoenix Mountain or on Meijia Bridge? What was he doing in this commoners North Night Market?
Yu Tang’s almond eyes grew round with incredulity.
Pei Yan was similarly taken aback and stared back at her with widened eyes.
The two of them stood there amidst the bustling crowd, looking at each other, not saying a word, let alone making any greetings.
It was Zhou Zijin instead who spotted Yu Wen. “Eh, isn’t this Scholar Yu? Why are you here?”
After speaking, he glanced at Yutang.
Yu Tang was wearing a blue rough cloth robe with flower prints, and her head was also wrapped with a head covering. At first glance, she seemed like a common village girl who came to the city to see the sights, but her exposed hands were pale white and tender, as beautiful as the freshly bloomed magnolia flowers amidst the branches.
Yu Wen also didn’t expect to meet Pei Yan and Zhou ZiJin here, but he was still happy to have met a few familiar faces. He replied, “First-ranked Imperial Scholar Zhou and Master Pei! What a coincidence! I thought that since I was in Hangzhou, I should come to the North Night Market to have a look and brought my nephew and daughter along as well. Why did you come to this North Night Market? Just the two of you?”
Pei Yan nodded rather condescendently, while Zhou ZiJin was much more enthusiastic as he smiled and replied, “We’re staying at Meijia Bridge, which is quite close to this night market. Besides, I haven’t been here in years, so I dragged Xia Guang over to join me.” After speaking, he looked at Yutang again.
He had formed a distinct impression of this young lady from their previous encounter.
It wasn’t that he had never seen a beautiful lady before, but it was the first time he had seen one like Yutang, who obtained the affections of both the Li brothers and even made one of them clamor to be her family’s son-in-law.
Moreover, this Yutang appeared different from the one he saw the last time.
Previously, although Yu Tang was dressed ordinarily, she could still draw people’s attention and stun people with her beauty. This time, however, she was dressed in shabby village clothing, but it still couldn’t hide her beauty. Evidently, this young lady’s beauty was in her countenance and bearing, so no matter how she dresses, it would not damage her outstanding looks.
Zhou ZiJin couldn’t help but ask Yu Wen, “Is this young lady really the daughter of your family?”
Yu Wen didn’t know why he asked such a question and couldn’t help but retort, “You mean I would have a fake daughter?”
Zhou Zidian laughed mischievously and continued, “It’s a pity. You may not be aware, but recently I’m painting the twelve beauties……”
Beauty is in the person’s countenance; not merely superficial looks.
If only this young lady wasn’t the precious beloved daughter of the Yu family.
He could then take out a large sum of silver and ask her to be his model for a portrait painting.
PeiYan who was standing at the side knew that Zhou Zi Jin was obsessed with painting. Because of that, he even resigned from his ministerial position in sixth cabinet of the imperial court. Once he saw a pretty young lady, his eyes would stick to her like glue and wouldn’t even shift his gaze once.
PeiYan frowned unhappily and didn’t wait for Zhou ZiJin to finish his sentence, before interrupting, saying to Yu Wen in a deep voice. “Has Master Yu just arrived or were you intending to leave?”
Yu Wen also guessed what Zhou Zijin had left unspoken. It was one thing for him to bring his daughter outside, but it was a different matter for him to allow her to be a model for a painting. He shot a grateful glance at Pei Yan and said, “We just got here! Have Master Pei and First ranked Imperial Scholar Zhou just arrived or are you heading back? Shall we walk around together?”
Pei Yan, however, refused, “That’s unnecessary. This night market is filled with smoky fumes everywhere, moreover, I’m only accompanying him to have a look around……”
Zhou Zijin hurriedly cut in, “Xia Guang, since we are already out, you shouldn’t spoil the mood. It’s auspicious to meet old friends in foreign places, so why don’t we take a stroll together?”
Yu Wen could tell that Pei Yan was unwilling, but before he could refuse, Zhou ZiJin held his shoulder and nudged him to walk forward as he continued, “Let’s go! When I came here some years back, I ate the flatbread of Second Tang Fool’s house once and couldn’t forget the taste even till today. This time, I came to this North night market for that as well.”
Yu Wen liked Zhou ZiJin’s straightfoward and friendly personality. Furthermore, he thought about it further and it was indeed good for everyone to go together, especially since Zhou ZiJin and Pei Yan were both people of status, so they would definitely not say anything negative about him taking his daughter to the night market, so he simply walked beside Zhou ZiJin and chatted with him. “I thought you would like the Glutinous Rice Balls with Osmanthus and Sweet Fermented Glutinous Rice instead. Aren’t you from South? We southerners all like to eat that.”
“I’m from the south! But I was born and raised in the capital.” Zhou Zijin laughed, “So I like to eat noodles!”
Just a few words, and the two of them were already almost lost in the crowd.
Yu Yuan hurriedly beckoned Yu Tang over, “You walk ahead of me so I wouldn’t lose sight of you.”
Yu Tang looked at Pei Yan’s stoic face, as she smoothened her hair awkwardly before following what Yu Yuan said and tagging along behind Yu Wen.
There was a monkey performance up ahead.
Yu Wen and Zhou ZiJin squeezed in among the crowds to look and waved towards Yu Tang asking them to come over.
Pei Yan’s mood worsened.
Yu Tang and Yu Yuan however, became a little interested.
Yu Yuan pulled Yu Tang’s sleeve and both of them squeezed inside the crowd.
Yu Tang couldn’t help but glance back at Pei Yan.
He wore a beautiful blue fine cloth jacket, without any accessories as usual. His face was fair and clear, strikingly handsome features, but he still had a cold expression, walking with his hands behind his back. As he walked in front of the night market stalls, he seem to be able to instill a measure of quiet calmness amidst the hustle and bustle of the lively night market.
This person is really different!
Yu Tang concluded and left all thoughts of third master Pei behind, and happily went to watch the monkey performance with Yu Yuan.
However, only after a few moments, Yu Tang’s heart began to feel a bit uncomfortable.
The little monkey had inky black eyes, looking at the crowds as if it could speak. Its thin body was covered with a light layer of yellow hair, agile and obedient to its handler, but also knows how to give people a bow to ask for something to eat; its antics were very cute. However, the more obedient and docile it was, the more she couldn’t bear to look at it.
These monkeys grew up in the mountains and forests, but they were somehow caught by people and had to do these actions to please people in order to obtain food and water to survive.
Her chest became stuffy, and she pulled Yu Yuan’s sleeve, and said in Yu Yuan’s ear. “Let’s not look at it anymore? We only ate some dry provisions in the afternoon. I’m hungry, let’s go eat something.”
The little monkey was performing a big flag dance and Yu Yuan was still engrossed in it. He said absentmindedly, “Wait for a while, I’ll go eat with you after watching this.”
Yu Tong thought of the little monkey’s limbs that were originally supposed to be on the ground, but now it was forced to stand up …… she couldn’t bear to watch further, said with a glum expression, “Then you watch here, I’ll wait for you outside.”
Yu Yuan heard her tone of voice and immediately turned away from watching, saying. “Then I won’t continue to watch either. I’ll accompany you at the side while we wait for uncle.”
Yu Wen also haven’t had his dinner.
Yu Tang nodded and squeezed out of the crowd with Yu Yuan.
Yu Yuan went to look for Yu Wen.
Yu Tang saw Pei Yan standing under the tree beside her.
He did not watch the monkey performance either, but stood coldly underneath this tree beside them.
Probably sensing Yu Tang’s gaze, he turned his head and looked at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang politely smiled at him.
He, however, turned back with an expressionless face.
Yu Tang was irritated.
What was wrong with this person?
Couldn’t he discern between good and bad?
She expressed her goodwill to him first, and he still had this attitude!
Yu Tang was hot with anger, and it took her a while to calm down.
After a short while, Yu Wen, Yu Yuan and Zhou ZiJin walked over to them.
Zhou Zijin said apologetically, “I didn’t know that you all haven’t had your evening meal yet. It’s on me, so what do you all want to eat?” The last sentence was directed to Yu Tang.
How could Yu Tang be so thick-skinned and request for a treat from Zhou ZiJin? So she only answered politely, “You don’t have to mind me, I can eat anything.”
Zhou Zijin laughed at that and said “Then let’s go eat Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish? I ate some here the other time, and I felt it was pretty good.”
People in Jiangnan mostly loved eating fish.
Yu Tang instantly felt camaraderie with Zhou ZiJin as she smiled and thanked him.
Zhou Zijin waved his hand unconcernedly and said, “This is just a small matter……,” However, he paused after saying this and didn’t continue speaking
PeiYan icily called him “ZiJin” and said, “You can still eat? You already ate 1 kg of broiled blowfish just now.”
“Hey! Why can’t I eat more?” Zhou Ziji immediately retorted, “I’ve been walking around for so long, the 1 kg of broiled blowfish have already been digested, so naturally I have room to try the grilled fish at Third Lady Guan’s house.” He continued, asking curiously, “You mean you don’t want have to have a bite?”
Pei Yan curtly replied “No.” with an offended look.
Yu Tang and other people’s eyes fell on Zhou ZiJin.
Zhou ZiJin could only bravely fight on saying, “I’m at least your guest! Xia Guang should accompany me for the sake of our friendship and basic etiquette.”
Pei Yan threw him a sidelong glance and walked straight ahead, “Didn’t you say you wanted to eat Third Lady’s Guan grilled fish? Why aren’t you walking!”
“Yes, yes!” Zhou ZiJin immediately followed obediently behind.
Yu Wen shook his head and took Yu Yuan and Yu Tang and followed behind as well.
Yu Tang asked Yu Wen quietly, “Father, do we really have to follow them?”
Pei Yan’s attitude was so unpleasant that she felt that she wouldn’t be able to eat at all if she continued to follow them.
Yu Wen replied, “We’re going to eat our dinner anyway, so why don’t we go to Third Lady Guan’s? Their stir-fried noodles is also very good. Last time I told your mother that I wanted Old Aunty Chen to learn how to make it, but she still couldn’t manage to do it well.”
Oh, alright.
Yu Tang decided to tolerate Peiyan for the sake of delicious food.
Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish stall was quite spacious, but it was still fully packed with customers inside and outside.
Zhou ZiJin in the manner of a rich businessman, directly gave some silver taels to the occupants of a table and asked them to vacate it.
A few of them were already prepared to gather around the table and sit, but PeiYan took out a white handkerchief out of nowhere and carefully wiped his seat before seating.
Yu Tang watched and discreetly touched the table.
The table looked old, and underneath the light it seemed to be oily, but upon touching, it was very clean, not even a speck of dust was seen.
She sat down with ease, and Pei Yan then began to wipe the table.
Zhou Ziji couldn’t help but remark helplessly, “Xia Guang, can you not be so fastidious?”
PeiYan pursed his lips and insisted on finishing his wiping of the table.
Zhou Zijin relented and started discussing with Yu Wen and they ordered the store’s signature dishes.
The ones who can make a name for themselves in the night market really do live up to their reputation.
Third Lady Guan’s grilled fish was seasoned well, crispy and fragrant. The stir fried noodles with the red chili oil and sauces, braised pig trotters that was deliciously smooth but not greasy, the white fungus soup was sweet, mouth-meltingly soft and refreshing…… it was so good that Yu Tang’s appetite increased and Zhou ZiJin couldn’t help but sing its praises.
However, PeiYan only sat there, and did not take a single bite.
Zhou ZiJin deliberately whispered to Yu Wen. “Look, he’s such a boring person! If I hadn’t met you all today, even if I were to eat all the delicacies here it would only be tasteless and a rock in my stomach.”
Yu Wen looked at Pei Yan sitting casually in this place, but still had a dignified bearing, like a sturdy pine tree in the snow, as if only noble blood flowed in his veins. He suddenly felt that Zhou Zijin forcing Pei Yan to be in such a situation was a little inappropriate.
“Everyone has their own temperament, likes and dislikes. Even more so for good friends, they shouldn’t make things too difficult for each other.” Yu Wen smiled and raised his wine cup towards Zhou ZiJin, saying, “This cup I toast you.”
Zhou Zijin chuckled and accepted the toast, and didn’t continue the subject.
Pei Yan’s gaze, however, involuntarily fell on Yu Tang, who was sitting across from him.
