Fish Meat – Chapter 54

The Ninth Year of Shenchu

Attending a Banquet in Nanya (Part 1)

Lingbi didn’t expect that she would actually respond to the challenge. Before she had time to stop it, Zhu Maosan had already drawn his axe and chopped down. The diners and waiters in the restaurant all ran away in fright, while Zhen Wenjun raised her knife to meet it. Just as the knife and axe were about to collide, she swiftly turned the knife horizontally. The sunlight streaming in from the window flashed on the blade, dazzling Zhu Maosan’s eyes. With this flash, Zhu Maosan’s axe slashed crookedly, and he nearly lost his balance and slipped.

Lingbi almost burst out laughing. This butcher had once accidentally gained military merit through sheer luck, but after that, he didn’t make any progress. He lived a life of indulgence, with a belly so round it looked like he was six months pregnant. Although he had a body full of strength, he was completely no match for the little monkey.

Zhu Maosan barely managed to steady himself and was about to chop again when he suddenly heard a burst of laughter around him. His waist loosened, and his legs felt cold—his waistband had been pulled away by Zhen Wenjun without him knowing, and his pants fell, revealing his white buttocks. Lingbi couldn’t dodge in time and saw it head-on, almost blinding her eyes. As she quickly turned away, she cursed Zhen Wenjun for being so ridiculous and absurd.

Zhu Maosan hurriedly grabbed his pants, not even able to free a hand to hold his battle axe. His dark face actually flushed with a reddish hue: “Little sister, stop fooling around! Quickly return my waistband!”

Zhen Wenjun was also very reluctant to handle that rough man’s waistband. To be honest, Zhu Maosan was absolutely no match for her. However, considering that she had only been learning martial arts for a few months, if she knocked down Zhu Maosan in front of Lingbi, it might reignite Lingbi’s suspicions. This wit born of urgency was something even she couldn’t bear to look at. Holding the waistband disdainfully by a corner with two fingers, she asked Zhu Maosan, “Are you going to chop this last axe or not?”

Zhu Maosan, being straightforward in nature, found this scene quite amusing, and burst out laughing: “Little sister, you have too many tricks, Old Zhu concedes defeat! Fine! Let’s wipe the slate clean regarding what happened before, and today, the two of us will swear brotherhood right here!”

After inexplicably fighting, they ended up becoming sworn brothers, leaving the common people of Tajiang utterly bewildered.

After swearing brotherhood with Zhu Maosan, Zhen Wenjun returned to the inn, where Wang Jin had been waiting for a long time.

Wang Jin said that he had already delivered the grain to Nanya, and his eldest brother in Nanya was very grateful to Zhen Wenjun and wanted to invite her to Nanya for a gathering, to witness the elegance and demeanor of a heroine. At that time, the eldest brother would hold a grand banquet and asked Zhen Wenjun to kindly honor them with her presence.

Zhen Wenjun was somewhat troubled. Initially, when she first collected grain from Wang Jin, she thought the matter was settled, so she sent a messenger from the Wei family to deliver a letter to Wei Tingxu, seeking to know where to send the grain next. Now, half a month has passed, the messenger has not returned, and the deadline Wei Tingxu gave her has already passed. It was certain that she would be punished. She should continue staying in Tajiang, waiting for the messenger’s return, but if she could establish a connection with the direct line of the Wang family in Nanya, it would be greatly beneficial to her, and she did not want to miss this opportunity.

After thinking it over, she still decided to make a trip to Nanya, leaving one of the Wei family attendants here to wait for news. After all, it was certain that the one-month deadline couldn’t be met, so she might as well take care of her own matters first.

Upon hearing that Zhen Wenjun was going to Nanya, Zhu Maosan and Bu Jie both planned to go with her, but Zhen Wenjun rejected them all. Zhu Maosan was too reckless—let alone that he couldn’t be taken along to avoid arousing Wei Tingxu’s suspicion, even if Wei Tingxu agreed, she wouldn’t want to bring him. His flat head and round belly from head to toe wrote the word “reckless.” He was more likely to cause trouble than to accomplish anything and might ruin her plans. As for Bu Jie, he couldn’t go either. She had just spent a fortune buying land, had just found tenants, and with spring right around the corner, it was just the time for plowing. She couldn’t leave without someone to oversee and manage things. Besides grain, Zhen Wenjun had also set aside one-tenth of the land to plant something even more potent.

“Wensheng, what did you smear on the thorns in the trap back then that could make someone lose consciousness instantly, unable even to make a sound?” Zhen Wenjun was very interested in this.

“Wensheng” was Bu Jie’s courtesy name. Bu Jie replied, “Replying to the lady, it was a powerful anesthetic derived from the legendary physician Hua Tuo’s ‘Mafeisan’ as a base, combined with extracts of four rare ingredients. It takes effect upon contact with blood, and I call it ‘Superior Mafeisan.’”

“Wasn’t Mafeisan already lost to history?” Zhen Wenjun asked in surprise.

Bu Jie smiled smugly: “As long as one is determined, it can be found.”

“Alright, you help me make this Superior Mafeisan.” Bu Jie was indeed arrogant, even insisting on naming the medicine in a way that would surpass Hua Tuo.

Bu Jie said, “This medicine is extremely difficult to refine. In one year, at most, only one dose can be made.”

“So little?”

“With just one dose, it can paralyze over a thousand people.”

Zhen Wenjun said expectantly, “Such a miraculous thing, in all the world, only Wensheng can refine it. I must trouble Wensheng to put in the effort.”

Bu Jie sighed with emotion about the kindness Zhen Wenjun had shown to his family, and lamented for a long time about not being able to accompany her. He spoke in a literary and flowery manner for so long that Zhen Wenjun’s ears were almost calloused before she finally stopped.

After making arrangements in Tajiang, Zhen Wenjun, along with Lingbi and two attendant grooms, followed Wang Jin’s carriage towards Nanya.

Tajiang and Nanya are neighboring regions, and it only takes one day to reach.

Nanya is located in the southeast of Da Yu, and like Tajiang, it is hot and humid all year round, with even the winter often seeing bright sunshine. The abundant rain never ceases throughout the year. The groom wore a raincoat made of straw, leisurely flicking his whip and humming a little tune. Zhen Wenjun didn’t ride in the carriage, as she preferred to ride a horse herself. She also got a set of rain gear to wear. The raincoat was a bit large, just enough to block more of the rain.

Amidst the gentle drizzle, Yunzhong Feixue steadily advanced forward. Zhen Wenjun spoke to it, “What do you think if I buy you a head ornament, Xiaoxue? How about a gilded spreading wings adornment, Xiaoxue?”

Yunzhong Feixue, of course, didn’t respond to her, stepping lightly as it clattered down the mountain path.

Nanya County is located at the border of Da Yu and has the largest trading market in the southeastern region of Da Yu, bustling year-round with countless Hu people and Da Yu merchants converging from all directions. The market stalls are orderly from early morning, with large quantities of goods being purchased here daily, then transported by carts and horses to all corners of the land.

For convenience in trade, many Hu people reside in Nanya year-round. The variety of food and vegetables in the marketplace is abundant, and the clothing and dressing styles of the people are heavily influenced by the Hu. Along the way into Nanya, Zhen Wenjun saw many people dressed in light Hu attire in the fields and streets.

She remembered that her mother once said that in the past, the Emperor Taizu expanded the territory, which originally had only twenty counties, to more than double that size. Nanya was one of the Hu states conquered by the Emperor Taizu back then. Due to the population being sparse after the war, Taizu allowed Hu civilians to migrate here and intermarry with the people of Da Yu, adding a touch of exoticism to this county.

Most of the gentry families, including the Wang family, live in Fengxi City in Nanya. Fengxi is the most prosperous town in Nanya, eight li (4 km) wide from east to west and six li (3 km) long from north to south. It is situated south of Shuangru Mountain and north of Yushui, with a population of thirty thousand households. The city has markets for gold, silver, and horses, and water mills for grinding rice are seen everywhere.

After entering the city, Zhen Wenjun, with great interest, looked at the curiosities within. When she passed the horse market, she stretched her neck to look inside and saw traders and buyers haggling. A few bright-coated young horses were waiting to be selected. Zhen Wenjun was quite tempted to go in and take a closer look. However, Wang Jin said they would be arriving soon, so she had to put away her thoughts and plan to return later when she had more time.

The carriage team gradually stopped in front of a small courtyard. Zhen Wenjun got out of the carriage and saw Wang Jin waiting for her with his hands clasped and a smiling face.

“Miss Zhen, how do you find this courtyard?” Wang Jin led Zhen Wenjun inside while introducing, “This courtyard was newly renovated last year, and all the furniture is newly made. I had people come a couple of days earlier to thoroughly clean both inside and out. There are mosquito nets hung in the courtyard, so you can stay here with peace of mind. If there is any inconvenience, please feel free to send someone to tell me, and I will make sure to take care of it for you.”

Zhen Wenjun finished touring the small courtyard in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Since she was only staying for a few days, she didn’t care about the quality, as long as it was clean.

“Just a short stay, I appreciate your trouble, Lord Wang.” Zhen Wenjun exchanged pleasantries with Wang Jin, and Lingbi had people unload the items from the carriage. The servants of the Wei family were quick and soon finished arranging the luggage.

Wang Jin invited Zhen Wenjun and her group to move to the front courtyard to have a bowl of cold tea.

Nanya is hot, so most people in Nanya prefer to drink cold tea in open courtyards. The courtyard had a wooden platform about half a foot high, with a low table and bamboo woven mats placed on it. As soon as Zhen Wenjun and Wang Jin sat down, the attendants brought the cold tea.

The cold tea in Nanya is similar to that in Sudu, brewed with herbs to clear heat and expel dampness, and flavored with some hawthorn and honey dates. Ice is hard to come by in Nanya, so they use well water chilled and stored in iron basins, and take it out with wooden spoons as needed.

Zhen Wenjun asked Wang Jin, “Now that I have arrived in Fengxi, when should I visit Lord Wang’s elder brother?”

Wang Jin said, “My elder brother has already instructed me. He was supposed to personally come to greet you, but a distinguished guest arrived unexpectedly at home, making it inconvenient for him to come. Please stay here for a few days. After the guest leaves, my elder brother will certainly come to apologize in person. I ask for your understanding for any inconvenience.”

Zhen Wenjun found it amusing. She had only been traveling from Tajiang for a day, and it was too coincidental that a distinguished guest would arrive just at this time. It seemed that the Nanya Wang family might have some small schemes.

She exchanged a subtle glance with Lingbi and casually picked up her cold tea, drinking it as she said, “Since Lord Wang’s elder brother has many important matters, we really should not disturb him. In that case, please inform your elder brother that we also have our own business and cannot wait. We will stay here overnight and should leave early tomorrow morning.”

Wang Jin quickly said, “Miss, please do not rush. This matter… alas, this matter is not my elder brother’s intention! It is just that the distinguished guest arrived suddenly, and they are of a body worth ten thousand gold that even the Wei family behind you cannot afford to offend them!”

Zhen Wenjun laughed and seemingly casually asked, “Could it be that it is the Emperor who has arrived?”

Wang Jin did not speak or deny anything, his face showing signs of distress and hesitance, unsure of how to begin.

Zhen Wenjun’s smile on her face suddenly diminished—could it really be the Emperor who had arrived? How could that be? Could it be that the Emperor could not wait for the five thousand carts of grain and came all the way from the capital? No, it could not be the Emperor; if it were truly the Emperor, someone of Wang Jin’s status would not know about it, and it would be impossible for such a thing to be leaked out for people to guess accurately.

If there is someone whom even the Wei family would not dare to offend, it must be a member of the imperial family or a high-ranking noble.

Zhen Wenjun glanced at the somewhat worried Wang Jin and immediately understood. If the Wang family indeed handed over the five thousand carts of grain to the Emperor, it would not only solve the Emperor’s urgent need but also provide the Emperor with an opportunity to counter the Grand Princess.

If I were the Grand Princess—Zhen Wenjun thought to herself, if I were the Grand Princess, I would not give him this chance. I would personally come to Fengxi and take the five thousand carts of grain into my own hands. Adding the other five thousand carts collected by Wei Tingxu, a total of ten thousand carts of grain would be a powerful bargaining chip whether for appeasing the people or for waging war. Perhaps this suddenly arrived distinguished guest is precisely the Grand Princess.

Zhen Wenjun used the tea bowl to hide the smile at the corner of her lips.

It turned out that the Wang family had a good plan. On one hand, they wanted to seek merit in front of the Emperor to advance further in their official career. On the other hand, they wanted to win over the Wei family’s influence to secretly align themselves with the Wei family. This way, if one day the Emperor truly fell into trouble, the Wang family could use the Wei family’s power to escape danger. They thought they were being shrewd and clever, but the Grand Princess did not give them this chance and came to Nanya in person. It was obvious that if the Wang family did not hand over the five thousand carts of grain to the Grand Princess, they would be openly opposing her, and the outcome was predictable. If they did hand it over, they would become part of the Grand Princess’s faction. If the Grand Princess succeeded in the future, it would be fine, but if she did not, wouldn’t the Emperor hold them accountable?

Wang Jin was still beating around the bush. Zhen Wenjun asked directly, “Is your elder brother entertaining the Grand Princess? Did the Grand Princess come for the grain?”

Wang Jin quickly responded, “Yes, yes. Originally, the banquet was all set up waiting for the lady to arrive, but unexpectedly, the Grand Princess suddenly arrived and specifically demanded these five thousand carts of grain. But my elder brother has already sent a message about the grain to the Emperor. Calculating the time, the Emperor should have received the message yesterday. Now that the Grand Princess has arrived, isn’t it awkward?”

Zhen Wenjun asked with curiosity, “Awkward? Why awkward? Aren’t the Grand Princess and the Emperor family? Isn’t it the same whether it’s for a sibling or someone else?”

Wang Jin was at a loss for how to respond to her comment. After some hesitation, he was unable to counter Zhen Wenjun’s evasive response and left. Before leaving, he said he would go to see his elder brother and would definitely come to invite the lady as soon as the Grand Princess was sent off.

Zhen Wenjun said there was no rush, and it was most important to serve the Grand Princess well.

After Wang Jin left, Zhen Wenjun suddenly thought of something.

With the Grand Princess here, could Wei Tingxu have also come?

It shouldn’t be, right? Isn’t she supposed to be in Suichuan?

---

---