A Life of Leisure and Artistry
Li Xi unconsciously found himself comparing her to Shui Qiuwen in secret. Looking closely, the two were almost evenly matched in their charms. By reason, Mu Yaxin was family, so he ought to favor her; yet, swayed by the wicked notion that wildflowers smell sweeter than those at home, Li Xi quietly shifted Mu Yaxin’s ranking down a notch in his heart. Just one place, for now—just one.
He picked up a flatbread, tore off a piece, and tried to feed it to Mu Yaxin. Startled, she waved her hands repeatedly but dared not voice a protest. Under Li Xi’s stern gaze, she finally relented, opening her mouth to accept the bread. She swallowed it whole without chewing, her cheeks flushing red from choking. Li Xi hastily handed her a bowl of millet porridge. The young woman’s hands fluttered in panic, tears brimming in her eyes—whether from fright, choking, or gratitude, it was hard to tell.
Old Madam Yang sipped her porridge unhurriedly, a gentle smile on her lips, as if unaware of the commotion.
Li Xi had no heart to tease her further. He dipped his bread into the sauce and ate, showing no interest at all in the plate of boiled greens. The reason the kitchen boiled vegetables wasn’t solely to accommodate the old lady’s teeth; in fact, at this time, it was fashionable to boil all dishes. No matter the vegetable, once cleaned, it would be tossed into a pot, simmered gently until cooked, then served with a dash of sauce and a pinch of salt.
Li Xi was certainly unaccustomed to this method. He made a mental note to teach the cooks some stir-frying techniques when time allowed—not only to diversify everyone’s palate but also to spare himself some suffering.
Besides the penchant for boiled dishes, it was also the custom of the era to eat only two meals a day. Even wealthy and noble families did not add a third meal simply because they could afford it, much less a once-prominent but now-declining household like the Yangs.
After finishing her porridge, Old Madam Yang eagerly asked Li Xi, “What has Prince E summoned you for this time?” Li Xi set down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and recounted how Master Zhu had been plagued by inner demons and how he himself had “guided” the master back to clarity.
After hearing the tale, Yang Ge-shi sighed repeatedly, “Fortune, fortune—this truly is your fortune. This journey to the northwest seems to mark a turning point for our Yang family.” She added, “Don’t underestimate those performers. Their talents are considerable; sometimes, a single word from their mouths can be more useful than a fifth-rank official.”
Li Xi agreed, “Not just a fifth-rank—perhaps even more than a third-rank official.”
Yang Ge-shi scolded, “You rascal, a few compliments and you lose all decorum. Do you think a third-rank official is easy to come by? Even the Chancellor is only third-rank, the highest of all ministers.”
As they chatted idly, Wangcai entered to announce that the second steward from the Cui residence had arrived with a large group, planning to set up a ceremonial marquee in the courtyard. Old Madam Yang instructed Wangcai to show them in, quickly wiped her mouth, rinsed it, and, with Mu Yaxin’s support, took her seat of honor. She urged Li Xi not to trouble himself with such affairs and to finish his meal in peace.
The Cui family’s steward, a man in his early forties with a slight paunch and a shrewd, capable air, entered and paid his respects to the old lady. He then explained his plans for erecting a decorated marquee, as well as purchasing tables, chairs, drapes, tea sets, and wine vessels. His memory was impressive—he listed what needed to be bought, where, how many, and at what cost, all with perfect clarity.
Yang Ge-shi smiled, “Steward, you’ve worked hard. You all are thorough and careful in everything you do; I am truly at ease. From now on, you may take charge of such matters yourselves—there’s no need to seek my approval for every little thing. Even if you ask, it’s pointless—I won’t remember anyway.”
The steward replied deferentially but then suggested, “Madam, your status is exalted; naturally, you need not trouble yourself with these mundane tasks. His Lordship is a man of official rank, preoccupied with countless social obligations, and cannot manage these things either. If I may be so bold, perhaps you could appoint someone in the household to oversee the finances. We servants can lend our efforts, but such important matters require a family member at the helm.”
Yang Ge-shi understood his meaning—he wanted her to designate someone to handle the money. Weddings involved endless details and considerable expense; while outsiders could manage the work, the funds should come from the Yang household, and it was only proper for a family member to hold the purse strings.
“Yang Fu is getting on in years and is in poorer health than I am—he can’t manage it. Madam Qi has six children to look after, which keeps her plenty busy.” At this, Old Madam Yang suddenly grasped Mu Yaxin’s hand. “Child, why don’t you take this burden upon yourself for your grandmother?”
Mu Yaxin lowered her gaze. “If the old lady commands, I dare not refuse—only I fear I may not do it well.”
Yang Ge-shi turned to the steward. “She’s young and inexperienced; I must trouble you to help her more.”
The steward replied with a smile, “I am honored by your trust, Madam. I will do my utmost to assist Mistress Mu with her duties.”
Yang Ge-shi patted Mu Yaxin’s hand. “Go ahead and do your best. I believe you will do splendidly.” Mu Yaxin thanked her, and was about to go with the steward to oversee the workmen when Li Xi called out, “Wait, don’t go yet—hear me out first!” He jumped up, bread in hand, and walked over to Mu Yaxin, chewing as he went.
With outsiders present, Mu Yaxin was especially respectful toward Li Xi, lowering her eyes as she asked, “What are your instructions, First Young Master?” Li Xi, still munching his bread, said, “Don’t be too thrifty—what matters most is appearance. The Cui family of Qinghe is one of the foremost noble clans in the land; the young lady of the Cui household carries a reputation greater than the heavens. Remember—this must be lavish, grand, and splendid.”
Mu Yaxin answered softly in assent. Li Xi teased, “I didn’t hear you.” He tilted his head, cupping a hand to his ear. The steward, seeing their intimacy, quickly looked away.
Catching the steward’s averted gaze, Mu Yaxin bit her lip, her eyes sparkling mischievously, then declared in a clear, ringing voice, “I understand!” Her voice resonated like a great bell, echoing long after she had left, leaving Li Xi’s ears humming with its force.
After sending them off, Li Xi brushed sesame crumbs from his hands and asked Yang Ge-shi, “Why hasn’t Madam Qi come today? Usually by this time, she’s already here.”
Yang Ge-shi smiled, “She has a family and children—she can’t be spending every day with this old woman. She has her own life to live.”
Li Xi said, “I’m heading to Shaozhou soon—the heavens are high and the road is long. It will be hard to see you for some time. I worry about leaving you here in Chang’an alone. I’d like to leave the Mu family girl to serve you—what do you think?”
Yang Ge-shi replied, “I truly like this child—she’s obedient, filial, and capable. But if I keep her here, will you be willing to part with her?”
“Why not? I still have the girl from the Cui family, don’t I?”
“She? She’s still lost in a fog, so innocent and clueless she can barely care for herself, let alone help with anything. You all go on—I don’t want to keep any of you. I’ve lived a long life and know how to look after myself. You are my grandson—the Yang family’s hope. Only if you live well can I be at peace and live long. Why is this so hard for you to understand?”
Li Xi replied, “If you truly don’t want them, then I’ll take them all with me.”
“Yes, take them all—not one stays. Let me have quiet for a change.”
Just then, Wangcai came in again to report, “There’s a Mister Wei at the gate, asking to see you, First Young Master. He says you had an appointment today.”
Li Xi answered, “I’m coming.” After sending Wangcai off, he told Yang Ge-shi he was going out to meet a guest. She didn’t mind, only reminded him to come back early, not to drink too much, and to let Wangcai accompany him.