Secret Recipe | Chapter 65 | Cherishing Old Ties | Novela.app

Tonight, the doors and windows of the small study in Listening Wind Hall had been tightly shut since the Hour of the Rooster. At some point, a large, emerald-green katydid had landed in the courtyard. It hopped and darted among the plantain leaves, leading the flock of ducks in a frantic chase. Feathers flew and the commotion was considerable, yet those inside the room remained unmoved. It was not until the Hour of the Rat, deep into the night, that the narrow study door finally creaked open. Five figures emerged in succession, their expressions grim. Qin Sanyou, walking at the very back, checked the candles before pulling the door shut. He called out to the small figure ahead of him. "Come here. I have something to say to you." There had been plenty of opportunities to speak inside, yet Qin Sanyou had waited until now. Clearly, he did not want others to overhear. Qin Jiuye turned around. The stubborn old man already had his hands tucked behind his back, walking toward the center of the courtyard. Tang Shenyan and the others had no intention of following. Yawning one after another, they headed for their own rooms. Only Li Qiao remained standing a short distance away, looking back at her. Qin Jiuye waved her hand, signaling the youth not to follow, then walked over to Qin Sanyou. "What is it? Are you still cross with me?" Qin Sanyou turned around expressionlessly and looked her in the eye. "When was I ever cross with you? At my age, do you think I’m like a three-year-old child, throwing tantrums whenever I please?" Qin Jiuye nodded. "If you say you aren't, then you aren't." "You...!" Qin Sanyou managed only one word before he froze. The old man and the young woman stood in a stalemate, staring at each other for a long time. Finally, Qin Sanyou softened first. He pursed his lips and said awkwardly, "You’ve had a mind of your own since you were small. I know I can't control you in this matter, and you don't like hearing me nag. Just... take care of yourself." Had she not been raised by Qin Sanyou, Qin Jiuye could hardly imagine anyone else in the world who could make words of concern sound so unpleasant. She paused, replying in as gentle a tone as possible. "It truly isn't right for you and Jinbao to stay here. Since you can't help, there's nothing wrong with getting out early. Consider it a way to put my mind at ease." It had taken a great deal of effort for the old man to decide to lower his head, but hearing her words, his temper flared again. "What does it matter whether I get out or not?! The one I'm worried about is—" He cut himself off abruptly, finally hanging his head in exhaustion. "Tomorrow morning, I’ll take Jinbao back to Guoran Residence. Organize whatever instructions you have and give them to him. Don't waste your energy worrying about both ends." She didn't want to worry, but that useless Jinbao was hardly a person who inspired peace of mind. If she didn't worry, Guoran Residence would likely have closed its doors for good long ago. Qin Jiuye couldn't help but let out a couple of bitter chuckles. Seeing Qin Sanyou’s hunched back, she finally couldn't resist calling out. "Grandfather." Qin Sanyou’s figure stiffened. He turned around, a momentary daze appearing on his deeply wrinkled face. Over the past few years, they were always bickering. She had grown used to calling him "Old Qin" one moment after another; it seemed she rarely called him "Grandfather" anymore. In the next moment, Qin Jiuye spoke again. "Stop working the shipping boats. Once I’ve saved enough silver, you and Jinbao will move into the city. I’ve already picked out a courtyard..." The stubborn old man’s eyelids snapped up. "Wait until you’ve saved enough silver? When will that be? How much is enough? Is it silver you’ll have the life to earn but no life to spend?" Qin Sanyou fired off the string of questions and immediately realized his words were hurtful. But once spoken, they couldn't be taken back, so he could only stand there stiffly. Sure enough, the emotions Qin Jiuye had just managed to suppress surged up again. "It was Fan Tong who pushed us to the brink, and the Su family who acted without honor or justice. Does it all turn out to be my fault in the end? The only reason you were dragged into this, Grandfather, was because of your messy entanglements with the Su family. Great houses are always full of trouble. If you had stayed quietly in Suiqing, how could you have made things so difficult and worrying for me now?" Her retort was no more pleasant than Qin Sanyou’s words, but upon closer reflection, it wasn't entirely without merit. After all, if she were the only one in trouble, she would probably worry more about silver than herself, and she certainly wouldn't be running herself ragged with such anxiety. However, Qin Sanyou only took a deep breath. When he spoke again, his voice wasn't as aggressive as before, but it sounded even colder and harder. "I’ve endured all these years. I don't know much about grand principles, but I’ve seen through the concept of 'right and wrong.' Wherever there are people, there is trouble. But when it truly comes time to debate who is right, what right do people like us have to speak? Jinbao has his own path to walk, and I’m just a bag of old bones; I’m not worth you risking your life. If that Fan Tong really wants to bring me to justice, what if I, Old Qin, just see it through to the end with him? Since you brought this up today, let us agree on three things: if something really happens in the future... just look after yourself. You don't need to look after me. I cannot afford such a great debt of kindness from you." After pouring out this speech, Qin Sanyou’s energy instantly deflated, and his head hung low. Qin Jiuye stared at him blankly. Her heart felt as though it were blocked by a massive stone, yet she couldn't bring herself to argue further. After a long time, as the ducks in the courtyard swam from one side to the other, she finally whispered, "Even if you aren't my biological grandfather, I have never once considered you a burden. Not before, not now, and not ever." ****** ****** ****** When the snoring of Tang Shenyan and Du Laogou echoed through the walls, Jinbao was packing his luggage with his back to the door. He actually didn't have much to pack, but he insisted on walking back and forth, putting on a very busy act, refusing to turn around. The youth standing at the door watched for a while before finally speaking. "Does Brother Situ need a hand?" Jinbao’s movements paused. He felt that in the art of "putting on an act," he had finally met his match. Aside from his portable medicine chest, his personal belongings amounted to no more than four or five items when spread out. Where would he need a hand? Was the other person not simply mocking him? Perhaps seeing that he hadn't replied for a long time, Li Qiao took a few steps closer and continued in a persuasive tone. "You saw the danger last night. Listening Wind Hall has been exposed. If you can leave early, her mind will be at ease." Jinbao finally couldn't take it anymore. He slammed his small, patched bundle onto the bed and turned around with his hands on his hips. "You’ve finally gotten what you wanted, haven't you? You must be thrilled to have schemed your way into pushing me out. Let me tell you, don't act like a spoiled winner. Sooner or later, she’ll see your true colors, and then... hmph!" Jinbao wanted to say more nasty things, but remembering previous events, he lost his nerve and swallowed them back. He only huffed through his nose to express his intense dissatisfaction. The youth glanced at him, seemingly unable to feel his anger at all, and even let out a small smile. "Brother Situ cares so deeply for Shopkeeper Qin. Such sentiment is truly rare; I am quite moved." "Of course! We’ve depended on each other for over a decade, sharing joys and sorrows. Grandfather and I only wanted to stay because we care about her safety. Unlike you—you act all obedient in front of people, but when trouble actually hits, you’ll likely be the first one who can't be counted on." The youth blinked, accepting the criticism submissively. "Brother Situ is right. If we encounter another crisis like last night, I will certainly call for your help immediately. I hope you’ll be able to spare a hand then." No matter how dull Jinbao was, he could hear the mockery regarding the embarrassing incident where he had hidden in the latrine to escape the danger. His face instantly flushed red with rage. "You—do you have nothing better to do? Do you have to keep hovering in front of me!" Li Qiao paused, as if only just remembering the purpose of his visit after being reminded. He reached to his waist, untied something, and handed it over. "Haven't you always wanted this? I suddenly remembered today, so I brought it to give to you." Jinbao’s eyes widened instantly as he looked at the jade-like ornament in the other's hand. Jinbao had a roll of fat around his waist; no matter how he tied his belt, it never looked quite right. But Li Qiao was different; even a simple cord made him look broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, with a straight back. Jinbao had never thought deeply about the real reason behind this. He simply felt the issue lay with that piece of jade the other always wore on his leather belt. The jade didn't look flashy, but its design was very special upon closer inspection, possessing a perfectly restrained elegance when tucked against the waist. If he had a jade ornament like that, perhaps his waist would look different too. However, that jade was quite unique. He had previously sent someone to search the markets in secret but could never find one like it. Now that the other was offering to give it to him, he found himself unable to resist. Li Qiao caught the expression on his face and spoke softly again. "This object is called a *zhi*. It was originally meant for nobles to wear with their swords. I am no noble, nor do I use a sword; keeping it is useless. If you like it, take it." No wonder the design was so beautiful; it turned out to be something only nobles could use. Jinbao swallowed hard. After some awkward hesitation, he finally reached out quickly and took the aged jade scabbard slide into his hand. *That’s right,* he thought. *His sword is so broken, it really doesn't deserve such a fine thing.* "In that case, then... then thank you." Jinbao’s face lit up with joy. He quickly stuffed the item into his small bundle, but when he looked up, he found the other hadn't left, still standing in place. "What? Regretting it already?" Li Qiao’s face was hidden in the shadows, but his voice rang out clearly. "Shopkeeper Qin and her grandfather aren't biologically related, are they?" Jinbao froze, his expression turning somewhat sour. "You gave me something just to ask this?" Li Qiao didn't speak. He simply sat down on the edge of the broken bed frame with a sense of silent audacity. Jinbao finally snapped out of it, realizing he had been played again. But perhaps the tone the other used when asking stimulated him, reminding him of something, for his voice became instinctively indignant. "So what if they aren't related? There are biological families who heartlessly abandon each other or turn into enemies. Can people not be family if they aren't related by blood?!" Li Qiao nodded, easily deflecting his anger. "Brother Situ is right. I imagine Shopkeeper Qin thinks so as well?" No matter how much of a blockhead Jinbao was, he could hear the leisurely satisfaction in the other's words, as if he had gotten exactly what he wanted. For a moment, Jinbao was speechless. Qin Jiuye taking this unrelated brat as a younger brother was merely a temporary measure. How could it be compared to the bond she shared with him and the old man over many years? Surely he didn't think he could claim the title of "family" as well? However, he truly didn't know how to argue back, feeling that no matter what he said, he would lose. He couldn't figure out what this youth—who looked about the same age as him—was trying to do, or if he just truly enjoyed bullying him. After standing there fuming for a while, he completely deflated. Pulling his small bundle toward him, he returned to his usual listless way of speaking. "You’ve been at Guoran Residence for a while; you should know what kind of person she is. Old Qin picked her up back then and gave her to my mother to raise. During the hardest times, he risked his life day and night working the illegal shipping boats. She doesn't say it, but she’ll remember that kindness for a lifetime. That’s just who she is—she looks cold and heartless, but she’s actually the most sentimental person when it comes to old ties." *Qin Sanyou is certainly important. It’s not unacceptable to be second to him,* Li Qiao thought. He nodded, then changed the subject. "Then what is the story between her and that Qiu Ling?" Jinbao had just begun to relax, and he never expected this question. He jumped in surprise, instinctively thinking he had let something slip earlier. After carefully recalling, he decided it wasn't his fault and assumed the other had heard something from someone else, which lessened his sense of guilt. "Why don't you just go ask my Shopkeeper? Why bother me here?" Li Qiao looked at him coolly. "If you answer, I promise I won't see that Second Miss Fang from Bobo Street again. If you don't answer, I’ll go ask Tang Shenyan right now." Tang Shenyan was a leaky teapot. Once he got excited, he’d spill as much information as he could, even if it wasn't worth a cent. Jinbao wouldn't get any benefit then and would only end up in trouble; it was better to do himself a favor now. Jinbao gritted his teeth. "You keep your word?" Li Qiao nodded. "Of course." Jinbao took a deep breath and put on a profound look. "That Young Master of the Qiu family was the first patient Qin Jiuye ever treated." Li Qiao blinked. "That’s it?" Jinbao nodded. "That’s it." "So what if he was the first patient?" The young swordsman frowned. He could barely remember the name or face of the first person he had ever killed. Situ Jinbao chuckled, a look of smugness he couldn't hide appearing on his face. As long as he could make the person in front of him suffer or frown, he was more than willing to talk about these old stories. "It’s not much. It’s just that the Young Master of the Qiu family was truly handsome back then. My Shopkeeper was an apprentice in the mountains, helping out and dealing with medicine jars every day. When had she ever seen such a striking young master? Besides, he was the first patient she handled herself. Of course she would remember him for a long time." Li Qiao paused for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "He’s a young master from a great house. Even if he wasn't favored back then, he wouldn't have ended up in the deep mountains for medical treatment. I see him now, and he seems physically fit, not like someone with a chronic illness." Jinbao grew more enthusiastic as he spoke, his voice rising. "That’s why they say fate is a wonderful thing. It can bring two people from completely different worlds together. Back then, that Young Master Qiu had run away from home and lost his horse on the road, ending up stranded alone in the mountains. Our Shopkeeper hadn't even finished her apprenticeship yet; she saved him while she was coming down the mountain after gathering herbs. What kind of bond is that? If that Young Master Qiu remembers this, he’ll surely cherish the old kindness and rekindle that romance..." The corners of Li Qiao’s mouth curled, but his smile held no warmth. *So she’s had this habit of picking people up since she was a child.* He wondered if there were enough old acquaintances who had received her favors to fill an entire gang. Were there dozens of people like him who had worked at Guoran Residence? And was he really no different from them... At this thought, the youth’s left hand tightened instinctively, his lips pressing into a thin line. A faint sound came from the courtyard—the familiar, shuffling footsteps of a woman coming from the direction of the courtyard center. Li Qiao stood up without a word. "Brother Situ, hurry and pack your things. It wouldn't be good to leave anything behind." Jinbao’s flow of words was interrupted, and he was clearly dissatisfied. Seeing the other speak this way, he quickly tucked the newly acquired jade slide deeper into his bundle, not forgetting to remind him, "Our Guoran Residence is small, but we can't let the rules slide. In terms of closeness, I’m like a biological brother to Shopkeeper Qin, so it’s fine for me to say a few words. But in principle, if you take someone's money to do their work, you absolutely cannot discuss the employer in private. Especially you..." The youth turned his head coldly. Where was the submissive obedience he had shown while asking questions just moments ago? "I only asked in passing. It was Brother Situ who generously offered the information. I merely accepted the gift." Jinbao dazed for a moment, then finally realized he had been trapped again. He couldn't help but start shouting. "You—you set me up!" The youth had already vanished into the moonlight. Feeling the jade slide in his bundle—which was barely half a finger-joint in size and of uncertain value—Jinbao felt he had been cheated. He rushed to the window and shouted relentlessly, "In the end, you won't be staying at Guoran Residence for many more days anyway! Don't get too ahead of yourself; we’ll see who has the last laugh..." He was halfway through his shouting when a worn-out shoe sole came flying at him, hitting him square in the face, right where he had been stepped on the day before. Qin Jiuye’s exasperated voice followed immediately. "What are you howling about in the middle of the night? Go to sleep!" Clutching his forehead, Jinbao shrank back with tears in his eyes, curling up on the bed while hugging his small bundle. *New clothes aren't as good as old ones, and new people aren't as good as old friends.* He was clearly the one who had been there first, so why was he being suppressed by an outsider at every turn? *Hmph, it’s not that there’s no retribution; the time just hasn't come yet!* Either way, the days that brat could stay at Guoran Residence were numbered. Situ Jinbao swore by his own belly: one day, he would make this stinking boy, who was so good at deceiving people, leave in disgrace amidst everyone's anger, never to set foot in Guoran Residence again! *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 璏 | Zhi / Scabbard slide | A specific type of jade ornament used to attach a sword scabbard to a belt. 阿翁 | A-weng / Grandfather | A respectful or familial term for an old man or grandfather. 酉时 | Hour of the Rooster | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. 子时 | Hour of the Rat | 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM. 钵钵街 | Bobo Street | A street name mentioned in the text.