Of Weddings and Wakes | Chapter 13 | Winter Solstice and Red Plum | Novela.app

December fifteenth, the Winter Solstice. Mu Gesheng carried a food box, and as was his habit, bypassed the main gate of the Chai residence. He leaped across the eaves and onto the balcony of the warming pavilion, rapping on the window. "Sanjiutian, you in there?" The window slid open. Chai Shuxin looked at him with a frown. "What are you doing here?" Amidst the swirling white snow, Mu Gesheng held a red umbrella, a beaming smile on his face as he lifted the food box. "It’s the Winter Solstice. Lao Er took Lao Wu to Guanshanyue to play, and the academy isn't serving food today. I’m here to scrounge some dumplings." "Get down." "Don't be like that. I’m not eating for free; I brought a dish. It’s a new creation Lao Er just whipped up. I went through a lot of trouble to snatch this little bit from Lao Wu’s mouth. For the sake of me thinking of you, let me grab a meal, yeah?" "Get down and use the front door." Chai Shuxin turned back into the room. "And before you come in, sweep the snow off your shoulders." Though Chai Shuxin lived in the warming pavilion, the interior lacked much warmth. The four walls were plain and austere. Before a white paper screen sat a small desk, upon which rested a basin of clear water and a vase of half-trimmed plum blossoms. "I’m telling you, Sanjiutian, this room of yours is bleaker than a monk’s cell at Baishui Temple." Mu Gesheng looked around. "Judging by the layout, there should be floor heating installed. Why aren't you running it?" "The plum blossoms are at their peak right now." Chai Shuxin held a pair of floral shears. "If the temperature is too high, the petals fall faster." "So these are your family’s 'Eight-Fold Cold Reds'?" Mu Gesheng’s eyes lit up. "I’ve heard Master mention them. The Chai clan loves their plums; the Chai residence’s blossoms can brave the frost and snow in the dead of winter. No wonder a faint fragrance was drifting through your gardens today—it’s the blooming season." Red plums, unlike wintersweet, were not naturally cold-resistant. The Chai family’s Eight-Fold Cold Reds were a top-tier variety carefully cultivated over generations to bloom amidst the snow. The Chai clan had always favored the plum, using its noble character as a metaphor for themselves. It was said that the plum trees in the Chai residence were fertilized with precious materials, giving them medicinal properties. Once processed, they became rare medicines with unique efficacy. "It’s rare to see you like something." Mu Gesheng chuckled. "No wonder the academy received a few potted plum landscapes a few days ago. Were they from you?" "Those were a few of the best-growing specimens this year." Chai Shuxin sat at the desk and made a *snip*, pruning a branch. "Eight-Fold Cold Reds are treasures, worth a fortune. Those pots were a gift for the Master. Do not take them to sell for money." "You’re too late. Lao Er snatched them all up to make plum blossom cakes." Mu Gesheng sat opposite him and opened the food box. "Here, your 'money'." Chai Shuxin’s shears slipped, and the originally elegant plum branch was instantly turned into a mangled mess. "Don't glare at me! I didn't do anything this time!" Mu Gesheng clarified quickly. "Lao Wu has been grinding his teeth lately. He almost ate those plum blossoms raw. Now the whole academy is covered in drool marks; even Lao San’s ledgers have his spit on them." Chai Shuxin finally spat out a sentence: "Cattle chewing on peonies." "What can we do? You can't exactly pick a fight with a kid." "A Vermilion Bird hatchling takes fifty years to take human form. In terms of seniority, perhaps even the Master is his junior." "It’s rare to see you being so literal." Mu Gesheng found it amusing. "What, should I have given him a beating?" "I wouldn't do such a thing, but you are certainly capable of it." "...Fine, I did give him a beating, and then Lao Er stopped feeding me. He’s like Lao Wu’s biological mother now, and I’m just some stray picked up from the street." Mu Gesheng looked helpless. "Lao Wu has been a picky eater lately, turning his nose up at everything. I have to eat his leftovers every day." Chai Shuxin seemed skeptical. "You would eat someone else's scraps?" "I can't just let it go to waste. It’s Lao Er’s cooking, after all; it won't taste bad." Mu Gesheng sighed. "Lao Er and Lao Wu have been at odds lately. No matter what he makes, the kid won't eat it. A huge table is set every day, and I’m responsible for cleaning up the aftermath. I’ve even put on some weight... Let’s not talk about that. Try the plum blossom cakes I brought. Lao Er just steamed them this afternoon; they’re still warm." Inside the food box was a steamer of white pastries carved into the shape of plum blossoms. The skin was extremely thin, allowing the crimson filling to peek through—vivid and enticing. Chai Shuxin looked at them and set down the shears. "Wait a moment." "Aren't you eating?" "I must brew tea first." A small red clay stove, snow water boiling for clear tea. "Finally, it’s a bit warmer." Mu Gesheng lifted the teapot and poured the boiling water. "This room of yours finally feels like it has some human presence. It doesn't look like a cultivation hall anymore." Chai Shuxin sat opposite him, grinding medicine. A white stone mortar sat on the table. He had plucked the trimmed plum blossoms and was now crushing them together with other medicinal ingredients. Mu Gesheng watched him work. "What are you doing?" "It will be the third quarter of the Wei hour soon. According to the Medicine Sect’s routine, this is the time to soak the hands and focus the mind." A basin of clear water sat on the table. Chai Shuxin poured the crushed herbs into the water, and the color slowly deepened. Mu Gesheng had heard of this. The Chai clan of the Medicine Sect treated their hands like precious treasures. Not only did they wear gloves every day, but they also had to soak their hands daily. Today, he was finally seeing it for himself. "You’re using cold water? In the middle of winter, wouldn't that damage your hands more?" "The Medicine Sect’s formulas use different herbs and water temperatures for the four seasons." Chai Shuxin finished grinding the medicine and glanced at Mu Gesheng, appearing somewhat hesitant. "If you’ve finished eating, go outside for a bit." "Outside? Where to?" "My sister is making an 'A-Grade Pot' today. You can go take a look." "Now that’s strange. Sanjiutian is actually encouraging me to go run wild in his garden?" Mu Gesheng raised an eyebrow. "I’m sitting right here. I’m not going anywhere." "You just ate too many plum blossom cakes. You need to walk it off to help digestion..." "Didn't you eat them too? If we’re going, we go together." In a battle of wits and words, Chai Shuxin was clearly no match for Mu Gesheng. After they went around in circles, Chai Shuxin had to give up. He reached out and pushed open the window. "Suit yourself." Before Mu Gesheng could speak, he was hit full in the face by the incoming snow. "Sanjiutian, I’ve realized you can be quite malicious sometimes." Mu Gesheng closed the window clumsily. "Like a child, tripping people up out of nowhere... *Pfft*." A thunderous burst of laughter erupted in the warming pavilion. "I was wrong, I was wrong! Don't be mad, hahahahahahaha—" Mu Gesheng apologized while laughing, having learned his lesson as he ran to the opposite side of the room. He leaned against the wall, shaking with laughter. "Sanjiutian, is this also a custom of your Medicine Sect? Does everyone have to paint their nails?" Just now, when Chai Shuxin had removed his gloves, Mu Gesheng had nearly spat out his tea. The previous times they had fought, it had been late at night, and he couldn't see the color clearly. Now, he saw it plainly: the other man’s hands were well-defined, but his ten fingernails were stained a deep, vermilion red. No wonder Chai Shuxin wanted to send him away! "Actually, it’s nothing." Mu Gesheng caught his breath and smiled. "Lao Er is also quite an expert in perfumes and powders. You two should have a lot in common." Chai Shuxin kept a cold face and said nothing, watching Mu Gesheng laugh until he nearly passed out. He looked very much like he was ready to draw a blade and cut the man down as soon as he finished soaking his hands. A cold fury flickered in the youth's eyes. His hands were submerged in the porcelain basin, his knuckles flushed red like open flames licking his fingertips. The plum blossoms drifted in the water, reflecting against his snow-white robes, forcing out a hint of vivid, seductive color. "Young Master Mu might not be aware, but Shuxin is using an ancient Medicine Sect formula, not ordinary nail dye. The Chai clan has always cherished their hands, and the protection of the nails is no different. All those in the family who practice medicine do so." A gentle voice drifted over as a graceful silhouette ascended the stairs. "I was wondering why the warming pavilion was so warm today. It turns out Young Master Mu is here." Mu Gesheng immediately stopped laughing and stood up straight. "Sister Chai." Chai Shuxin was in the middle of soaking his hands and could not easily stand. He lowered his head in greeting. "Sister." "You two chat. There aren't many people in the residence today, so don't be formal." Chai Rendong gave a small smile. "I only came to ask: what would you like for dinner?" Mu Gesheng said instantly, "The A-Grade Pot." "Easy enough. We can't do without dumplings and the A-Grade Pot." Chai Rendong smiled. "And Shuxin?" "Whatever Sister makes is fine." Chai Shuxin said, "Standing in the kitchen for too long is bad for your health. Don't overwork yourself, Sister." "How has Sister Chai’s health been lately?" Mu Gesheng asked upon hearing this. "How about I come and help you out?" "I only cook occasionally; it’s no trouble." Chai Rendong waved her hand gently, adding mischievously, "As for your help in the kitchen—I’ve heard of Young Master Mu’s 'Red Date, Onion, and Koi Soup'." Chai Shuxin: "Heh." "You flatter me." Mu Gesheng’s tone was utterly shameless. "Then I shall trouble Sister Chai." The Chai residence covered a vast area. At the center of the gardens, a nine-turn corridor enclosed a quiet zone. Although the Medicine Sect had many clansmen, only the direct line of the Chai family—the current brother and sister—lived within this corridor. The warming pavilions where Chai Shuxin and Chai Rendong lived were not far apart. After nightfall, lamps were lit along the corridor. Outside, the white snow fell silently, and a branch of plum blossoms peeked under the eaves, its sparse shadows slanting across the path. Mu Gesheng and Chai Shuxin walked one after the other. Mu Gesheng acted as if he owned the place, strolling ahead with great swagger. The corridor twisted and turned, yet he navigated it with ease. Chai Shuxin asked, "You know the way?" "I don't." Mu Gesheng plucked a lantern and held it in his hand. "But the aroma of the food is drifting from far away. At the academy, I rely on the scent to figure out where Lao Er is setting the table. If you follow your nose, you can't go wrong." Sure enough, they soon exited the corridor and arrived before Chai Rendong’s warming pavilion. Though the layout was similar to the other pavilion, Chai Rendong’s room was brimming with warmth. A round, waisted table was laden with food, and in the center sat an exquisite brass stove, simmering with the A-Grade Pot Mu Gesheng had been dreaming of. Chai Rendong was setting the table. Seeing the two enter, she first stuffed a mandarin orange into each of their hands. "The dumplings will be out of the pot soon. Have some snacks to tide you over. There are red persimmons in the bamboo basket. The chestnuts are warming in the stove; be careful when you take them out, don't burn yourselves." As she spoke, she worried about the stove fire and hurried back to the kitchen. Chai Shuxin handed his orange to Mu Gesheng. "There are pine nuts in the candy box. Help yourself if you want some, but don't eat too much; dinner is starting soon." With that, he also headed for the kitchen. "I’m going to help Sister. Don't follow me." Mu Gesheng, cradling the orange, the candy box, and a basket of red persimmons, blinked. He felt like he was experiencing the treatment Zhu Yinxiao got during mealtime for the first time. It might be childish, but being a "big kid" was damn great. Mu Gesheng had never known the meaning of shame. He happily leaned back against the soft couch, drinking tea while warming himself by the fire, peeling the orange skin into the shape of a flower. However, before he could take more than two bites, the telephone on the side table rang. It wasn't his place to answer, so he waited for Chai Rendong to come out of the kitchen and pick up the receiver. He was about to stand up to give her privacy, but she stopped him. "It’s the young master of the Song clan." Chai Rendong covered the mouthpiece and said softly, "He’s looking for you." "Lao Er?" They had only been apart for half a day; what could Song Wentong want? Mu Gesheng took the receiver. "Hello? If you have business, report it; if not, begone." Song Wentong’s call seemed to be from Guanshanyue. The background noise was a mix of pipa melodies and the sound of shuffling tiles. "Lao Si, have you seen Lao Wu?" "Boiled Night Snack? Didn't he go with you to experience the 'tender land' of pleasure?" "I just stepped away to grab some dumplings and the kid vanished!" Song Wentong said irritably. "Today happens to be a day he transforms. I’m afraid the unlucky brat might get kidnapped. He didn't run over to your place?" "The Chai residence and Guanshanyue are half a city apart. If he was going to be kidnapped, it would have happened already." Mu Gesheng was happy to watch the chaos. "I told you that you shouldn't have taken him. How old is he? To him, a pair of mandarin ducks on red silk can't compare to a chicken coop." "I’m talking business with you!" Song Wentong’s voice rose an octave. "Get over here right now and help me find him!" "I refuse." Mu Gesheng answered crisply. He stuffed a whole mandarin orange into his mouth, making his cheeks bulge, and said indistinctly, "Yoo can deny me food, but yoo can't stop me eatin'." "Mu Gesheng! Lao Wu is missing!" "Yoo let me eat." "Lao Wu is the Star Child!" "Didn't yoo say Lao Wu is better than me?" "Are you fucking done?!" "Yoo even cursed at me." "..." A loud crash came from the other end of the line, followed by dead silence. Mu Gesheng figured Song Wentong’s anger had peaked and he was smashing things to vent. He unhurriedly swallowed the orange, his accent finally returning to normal. He said leisurely, "Lao Wu hasn't even learned to walk yet, right? Don't worry, he can't crawl far. Check under the beds. Guanshanyue has so many beds; take your time." Before he could finish, Chai Shuxin walked into the room carrying a soup tureen. "I’m about to eat. Even if the sky falls, wait until I’m done." Mu Gesheng didn't wait for a reply; he hung up the receiver and pulled the plug for good measure. Chai Shuxin set down the tureen. "What happened?" "Nothing. Lao Er wished me a happy Winter Solstice." Chai Shuxin looked at him, his eyes clearly not believing the man’s casual nonsense, yet he said nothing. Chai Rendong returned to the room having changed into a pine-smoke colored qipao. She sat down with a smile and lifted a wine cup. "It’s a holiday today; no need to stick to strict meal times. Don't just stand there, let’s eat." Wine was poured into cups, and the room was filled with warmth. The meal lasted until late into the night. The heavy snow had just stopped. As Chai Shuxin escorted Mu Gesheng out of the corridor, he finally asked, "What did the Moist look for you for?" Mu Gesheng raised an eyebrow. "I thought we were past this. Why bring it up again?" "It is rare for me to accompany my sister for a meal." "I see." Mu Gesheng nodded, no longer hiding it. "Over an hour ago, Lao Er called from Guanshanyue saying Lao Wu was lost." Chai Shuxin’s brow furrowed. "The Star Child is lost?" "Why is everyone making such a fuss?" Mu Gesheng waved it off. "Don't worry. We reported to the Master before coming down the mountain. If it wasn't the right time, the Master wouldn't have let us out. Lao Wu isn't going to be caught and thrown into a pot by anyone." "Regardless, the disappearance of the Star Child is no small matter." Chai Shuxin was clearly uneasy. "I will go with you to find him." "You’re coming with me?" Mu Gesheng laughed out loud. "Are you sure you want to accompany me to Guanshanyue? If the head of the Medicine Sect pays a midnight visit to the red-light district, those elders of yours would probably hit the roof." Chai Shuxin paused, a rare look of conflict on his face. Mu Gesheng got his fill of the man’s expression before saying nonchalantly, "Alright, I’m done teasing you. I brought the Mountain Ghost coins with me. I’ll cast a divination in a bit, and we’ll know exactly where Lao Wu ran off to play." He then paused in his tracks. "But before that, I need to ask a favor of you." "What favor?" Before the words could leave his mouth, the main gate of the Chai residence was kicked open. A person stood outside, radiating a murderous aura. It was Song Wentong. Mu Gesheng quickly scrambled behind Chai Shuxin and pushed him forward. "Help me win this fight!" *** **Glossary**