TL: Hua
Living on a busy street means no sleeping in.
The next day, before dawn, Pei Xiting got up from the bed amid various noisy sound wave attacks. He floated to the dressing table like a wandering soul and sat down. He was absent-minded for a while with his eyelids drooping. Suddenly, he grabbed a handful of hair and took out the scissors from the basket.
“What are you doing!”
As soon as he opened his eyes, Qing Lingling saw Pei Xiting sitting in front of the dressing mirror intending to cut his hair. He was so scared that he almost fainted again.
This shout almost frightened Pei Xiting into cutting his left hand, “…”
Qing Lingling lifted the quilt and got out of bed, stomping on his wooden clogs and snatching the scissors away. He said, “Although the punishment of shaving one’s head has been abolished for eight hundred years, you can’t just cut your hair casually. It will shorten your life!”
“Superstitious.” Pei Xiting yawned.
“Your hair is also a gift from your parents, didn’t you say that before?” Qing Lingling put the scissors back into the basket. Infecting by Pei Xiting yawning, he also followed suit, “Hmm… Actually, I also think that the saying that hair represents life span is a lie, but don’t cut such a long section, otherwise you will be “beaten up” by your elders when you go home. Let’s see if you still want to cut your hair next time.”
Pei Xiting stared at the mirror with a wooden face. Although he originally had shoulder-length hair, the current length is too much. Without a hair dryer, it would be troublesome to wash and comb.
“Alright, Third Young Master Pei.” Qing Lingling supported Pei Xiting’s shoulders, patted him gently, and said in a charming voice, “This humble one will serve you!”
He ran the comb through Pei Xiting’s hair, feeling proud, “Before I became the top earner, I used to do rough work serving people as a servant and learned some simple hairstyles… Although right now I’m also doing another kind of ‘rough’ work.”
Pei Xiting kept up with the speed of the old driver[mfn]Old driver is an Internet term, usually used to describe a person who is experienced and skilled in a certain field or industry. The specific meaning and usage of this word vary depending on the context.[/mfn] and asked, “How does Prince Ning treat you?”
Qing Lingling said, “Very good, occasionally come to me to do it, willing to spend money, no perverted or sadistic fetishes, and his appearance doesn’t make me feel nauseous. The best thing is that, with him around, others won’t dare to pull my pants off. People would usually come to me just to listen to me sing songs… By the way, I made a new red cross-collar skirt. The style and fabric are good, but it is too long; I haven’t asked someone to take it back for modification. You can try it and see if you like it.”
Pei Xiting likes red very much, but “Pei Xiting” never wears flashy colors, so he said half-heartedly, “I’m not used to wearing red.”
Qing Lingling curled his lips and said, “People born white look good in any color! Who are you mourning for with your wardrobe of plain clothes? Even when you keep your tail between your legs, you’re still being coveted. What are you afraid of?”
“That makes sense, then I’ll try it.” Pei Xiting, like a big-tailed wolf, added, “But I’m going to climb the wall later, so I can’t wear it out.”
“See if it fits. If it does, I’ll pack it up for you. I’m too lazy to wait for someone to alter it.” Qing Lingling said, leaving the things at hand behind, turned around, and went to look through the wardrobe, “I’ll find you another one; you just have to make do with it for now.”
Pei Xiting glanced at the small wooden comb stuck on his head, poked it, and casually tied a high ponytail.
In the afternoon, Pei Xiting returned to Pei Mansion with a small bag on his back. Even the dog was taking a nap at this time, so it was the best time to sneak in.
Before entering the mansion, Pei Xiting found a corner to observe secretly and indeed found two sneaky “passers-” by”—it was probably Shangguan Jie, who was afraid of his white moonlight and didn’t dare to kidnap people directly, so he could only secretly monitor and wait for an opportunity to put his target in a sack.
Pei Xiting avoided the two people and found the back door. The wall was about 3.2 meters high. He stepped away from it, then sprinted and jumped up to grab the top of the wall. A ‘crack’ sound came from the arm.
This physical fitness…
Pei Xiting took a breath, stepped on the wall with his left foot, and pushed up with all his strength. Finally, he stuck his head out, and the scene inside the wall came into view:
The area was not large, with a few locust trees planted. The doorman was sitting on a stool under a locust tree with a book in his hands, staring at him with wide eyes.
“Hush.” Pei Xiting pouted and gestured, trying to climb over the eaves of the wall and jump down.
The doorman came back to his senses and rubbed his eyes fiercely to confirm that it was the Third Young Master. He stood up and looked around. After confirming that there was no one, he hurriedly took two steps forward and whispered, “Third Young Master, why are you climbing over the wall too?”
Pei Xiting patted off the wet mud on his hands, wiped them with a handkerchief, and looked up to see the doorman’s thief-like posture, knowing that he had made the right bet.
–It was mentioned in the original book that Pei Jintang was an old hand at climbing over the wall, and the first time he ran into Shangguan Jie was outside this wall. Pei Jintang often climbed over the wall to sneak out to play at night, and Shun’er, the doorman in the backyard, was also bribed by him.
Pei Xiting bet that Shun’er would not complain; otherwise, Wang-shi would keep a close eye on the back door, not only blocking Pei Jintang’s way, but Shun’er would also suffer. He took out half a tael of silver and handed it over, saying, “You didn’t see me today.”
Shun’er was a second-class servant, with a monthly salary of one tael. Every time the second young master climbed over the wall and came back, he would give him two hundred coins. He felt guilty for accepting the half tael, so he said, “You don’t have to give me so much. Just one hundred coins is enough.”
Although the two young masters received two taels of silver every month, the second young master was the legitimate son and was more favored. Naturally, he received a reward from the master and his wife every month. The third young master was not so lucky. He was not very well-off, so he gave him a half-price discount.
Pei Xiting looked at Shun’er and said, “Keep the account. I’ll come again next time.”
Shun’er: “?”
Is the third young master possessed by evil spirits? He was obviously the most disciplined before… But this is not something that a servant like him can ask about.
“Then I’ll take it first.” Shun’er stuffed the money into his sleeves and smiled apologetically, “Be careful when you go back and forth. If you are discovered… Although it’s a small matter of collecting money to do things, it doesn’t hurt to be careful. Don’t you think so?”
Pei Xiting nodded and turned away.
Shun’er saw that the third young master was holding his head high and walking at a brisk pace, very different from before—the third young master used to be like a green bamboo, but he seemed to be tied up by chains with a mottled rust on his body.
*
Pei Xiting went to Suyingzhai. This small courtyard was named by Pei’s father for Bu Suying, but now his feelings have faded. Bu Suying is no longer the fairy with countless admirers in the eyes of this seventh-rank official. She is just an ordinary concubine.
It is really easy for a person to become cold-hearted.
After entering the courtyard, a soft female voice came, “Third Young Master.”
The woman in front of the bedroom door curtain was dressed in a light cloud gauze skirt, with a narcissus hairpin pinned to the side of her head, and a pair of sorrowful yet beautiful eyes staring straight at him.
The courtyard was sparse with a few servants, so he walked over and called out to “Yiniang[mfn]姨娘 aunt (married) or father’s concubine. The son of a concubine can only call the main wife his mother. [/mfn]” as per the rules.
“En.” Bu Suying smiled, “I made some locust flower cake this morning; come in and have a bite.”
Pei Xiting went forward to open the curtain and followed her in. They sat at a small table in the outer room, on which five small and exquisite locust flower cakes were placed on a white porcelain plate.
Nanny Chang brought water. Pei Xiting picked up one after washing his hands and took a bite. The locust flower was sweet, the milky fragrance was mellow, and the taste was delicious and not greasy, which showed the craftsmanship.
Bu Suying poured him tea. Pei Xiting thanked her and ate a cake with two cups of tea. He cleared his throat calmly and said, “I’ll eat the rest later when I come back.”
Bu Suying asked Nanny Chang to bring a snack box, put the plate in it, and told him, “Don’t eat after today, so as not to get a stomachache.”
Pei Xiting agreed and walked to the washbasin rack to wash his hands again.
Bu Suying’s gaze followed him and fell on his neck. She asked hesitantly, “It’s not cold; why are you wearing a scarf?”
“This is gauze; it has its own cooling effect and is also sun-proof.” Pei Xiting lied with a natural face, and Bu Suying was convinced, because the “Pei Xiting” in her eyes wouldn’t lie.
After drying his hands, Pei Xiting took out a small jar from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Bu Suying, saying, “This is the lotus jar that people have been talking about.”
As of the time he traveled through the book, Pei Xiting’s wish was to save money to buy a box of beautiful rouge for his mother, so he asked Qing Lingling before he came back, and the other party said that the most popular one nowadays is the lotus jar.
Before going to bed last night, Pei Xiting called “Pei Xiting” three times, but there was no soul to respond to him, and nothing happened. Where did “Pei Xiting” go, and whether he became the 21st-century him, he didn’t know, and there was no way to verify it.
He had no intention of avenging “Pei Xiting,” but he came here to become “Pei Xiting,” which was also a fate—although it was a bad fate. He does not possess the excellent qualities of enthusiasm and kindness, but he could not ignore “Pei Xiting’s” biological mother, so the least he could do was take care of her.
“…This cost ten taels of silver, right?” Although Bu Suying has not left the house in recent years, she would chat with Li-yiniang[mfn]Pei’s father’s concubine[/mfn] on weekdays. She heard her mention the lotus jar, saying that it’s very popular among the ladies in Yejing, and the price is so high that people like them couldn’t afford it.
Bu Suying looked at Pei Xiting in surprise. “Where did you get so much money?”
Pei Xiting said, “I earned it by helping people put on makeup.”
In fact, there are also rewards from the Mei Mansion and Qing Lingling’s 30% reward. He didn’t intend to accept Qing Lingling’s share, but that kid could spit fire at any time, so he simply accepted it for the time being and doubled it for the other party later.
Bu Suying reached out to take it. Her slender fingers curled up and gently grasped the delicate and beautiful porcelain jar, her palms warmed up. She was pleased and surprised. “When did you learn how to apply makeup?”
“It’s all about using brushes and colors, just like painting.” Pei Xiting said, “Of course, I only know simple makeup.”
Bu Suying was amused by this; her eyebrows and eyes relaxed, and she said softly, “Thank you… son.”
Although she hasn’t dressed up for a long time, who is she showing it to?
“You’re welcome.” Pei Xiting was not good at chatting with parents and elders, and on top of that, he was not familiar with Bu Suying. He was afraid it would become awkward if he stayed for too long, so he turned around and picked up the food box and prepared to leave, “I’ll come to see you another day.”
Bu Suying nodded, sent Pei Xiting out of the door curtain, and followed the slender back as he walked out of the yard, turned a corner, and disappeared.
Nanny Chang came over from a distance and said, “What are you looking at?”
“He seems a little cold today,” Bu Suying frowned. “Did he get bullied outside?”
Nanny Chang comforted her, “I think it’s more like the Third Young Master’s shell has become harder and firmer, not as soft as before.”
She reached out and held Bu Suying’s hand, indicating the rouge inside, and said, “The Third Young Master is still warm to you.”
“How can a person’s temper change suddenly unless he encounters a variable? His temper is the easiest to bully, but I can’t protect him.” Bu Suying closed her eyes painfully, turned around, and hid in the house.
Nanny Chang sighed. She came to serve in this yard since Bu-yiniang entered the family, watching the flower-like girl gradually wither, leaving only an empty shell. She felt pity for the mother and son, but she couldn’t help at all. She only hoped that the Third Young Master could make a difference and fight for his own future.
The servants of Wangchun Courtyard were busy with their own work, but they were busy in a rough way. The third young master was soft-hearted and never punished the servants. Therefore, although the third young master did not return home for an unknown night, none of them went to Madam to complain. If their young master was punished, the servants would also have to suffer the consequences. What if the third young master got angry and complained to Madam about their laziness?
Pei Xiting entered the courtyard and immediately saw the servant in charge of sweeping, shaking his head and humming a tune. He swept a fallen leaf three times but still couldn’t sweep it away. He was a complete slacker.
He didn’t say anything, just walked past the servant, ignoring the servant’s belated “third young master” call, and only asked someone to prepare hot water for bathing.
Pei Xiting put the food box on the table and didn’t plan to eat it. He didn’t like cakes and never forced himself to eat food he didn’t like.
After a while, he remembered that Bu Suying said that she had made it early in the morning.
This pair of mother and son live in two yards but obviously always think of each other. Pei Xiting and his parents were rarely together, and when they talked, they were not as natural and harmonious as he was with the pancake uncle at his junior high school gate or the driver who picked him up every day. There was always a kind of coldness, more like a clear hierarchy of superiors and subordinates.
The two families treated marriage as a business, and the children born were not the fruit of love but the reserve team to inherit the family business. Pei Xiting didn’t expect any family affection in junior high school. Love that is fought for is hard to fight for and easy to lose. In fact, it doesn’t mean much. At least he had no shortage of money to spend, which is better than having no money and no love.
He opened the box and reluctantly stuffed another one down. He really didn’t want to eat the rest, so Pei Xiting got up and went to the side room to take a shower.
Pei Xiting relaxed with a long, comfortable breath as the hot water enveloped him, but the moment he closed his eyes, a pair of eyes appeared in front of him.
Pei Xiting had never seen eyes like that. They were wonderful but shrouded in mist and were bottomless. A glance at them would bring immeasurable pressure and power, but they were not sharp and even without a trace of evil. It wasn’t just the arrogance of a person who relied on his noble status, but more of the determination and wisdom that was immersed in that person’s bones.
The current crown prince of Daye, with the surname Zong and the courtesy name Fuchuan.
As for his given name, it is not known for the time being.
The prince was only mentioned twice in the original book; the first time was at Mei Jiang’s birthday banquet the night before.
[The prince walked through the corridor, stopped to admire the pink and white roses outside the window, ordered people to prepare pens and ink, painted a picture, and then stood still for a while, saying in a light voice, “It has a form but no spirit… dispose of it.”]
The second time was at a palace banquet. The prince only took three bites of each dish. The author wrote his inner monologue in just two strokes: [Eight delicacies are not as good as riverside grass carp.]
When Pei Xiting saw this, he had a craving because he also loved to eat fish, so he contacted the restaurant to make braised fish and sent it to his residence, planning to go back and eat it later… He didn’t get to eat the fish. This transmigration damned everything!
Pei Xiting slapped the water unhappily.
In short, based on these two scenes, he deduced three pieces of usable information about the prince:
Firstly, on the night of Mei Jiang’s birthday, the Crown Prince will appear at the Mei Mansion, and if he can enter the courtyard and find the window with roses, he might see the prince; second, the Crown Prince has the habit of painting, but his form is not lifelike, and he can only use a wooden pen, which he is secretly dissatisfied with; third, the prince probably likes to eat fish and only reveals his true preferences and tastes outside the palace.
In this way, Pei Xiting’s random plan was formed—getting to know the prince, and it would be best if he could leave a good impression on him, in short: hug his thighs.
In this place he was unfamiliar with, if he wanted to protect his butt, he had no other way but to hug thighs. After all, he couldn’t practice peerless martial arts in a breath or run away, nor could he let the scum gongs group forget the idea of using “Pei Xiting” as a substitute and put a “never see Pei Xiting” talisman on them.
The scum gongs group was powerful, and ordinary thighs couldn’t beat them, so he needs a bigger one. In fact, there were only a handful of candidates.
Hugging thighs, especially the thick thigh, was a technical job. If you hugged them incorrectly, you might be kicked against the wall and couldn’t get off, or you might be turned into organic fertilizer on the spot.
But so what? Turning into a fertilizer is better than the experience and ending of “Pei Xiting”.
Pei Xiting opened his eyes and stirred the water with his fingers.
Although the Crown Prince is still nominally under one person, that is, the emperor, Daye Court is now in his hands, but for some unknown reason, he has not taken the final step yet.
The man has gold and jade[mfn]Symbolism to nobility and luxurious life.[/mfn] and is sitting on the four seasons[mfn]”坐永四海” is a Chinese expression, which means to own the world, describing having great power and wealth.[/mfn]. He is too rich to be easily angered or pleased. He is used to being served by others. Only challenging authority can attract his attention. But challenging authority is equivalent to slapping a tiger’s butt, and one must be wary of the consequences of being slapped with a claw that can make one’s brain explode. Therefore, Pei Xiting took a moderate approach and did not slap the tiger’s butt, only rubbing its stomach to please it.
Pei Xiting did not have the wild wish of deceiving the Crown Prince. There were some rumors about him “killing his brother and poisoning his father, being heartless and ungrateful”.
But he was not afraid that his little trick would be seen through. A person with a small plan is more reassuring than someone with unclear thoughts. The crown prince saw him as a bird flapping its wings or a cat with its belly exposed. This was the best.
Besides, this “business” is very profitable. If you paint a thigh today, you may paint a thigh tomorrow. Pei Xiting’s mind quickly flashed through one thought after another, and his inspiration was simply surging… Wow, he washed his face with water and barely calmed down.
“Pop.”
Pei Xiting, humming a tune, splashed the water, then rose from the tub, dried himself, dressed, and applied medicine.
Just after going out to walk in the corridor for a while, someone came to pass on the message that a distinguished guest came to the door, and Madam asked him to go to the front hall to greet the guest.
At this time in the original book, “Pei Xiting” had a high fever and was constantly in bed recuperating, so there was no scene of meeting distinguished guests. Shangguan Jie… should still be treating his chicken at home, right?
Pei Xiting asked, “Which family?”
The servant was secretly peeping at the tall and graceful Third Young Master and suddenly met the pair of clear eyes. He shuddered for some reason, and his mouth reacted before his brain, answering respectfully, “It’s the chief secretary of King Ning’s Mansion.”
King Ning’s Mansion?
Pei Xiting’s eyelids jumped. Isn’t that the nest of the second member of the scum gongs group—King Ning’s son Zong An?
Translator’s note: Explanation regarding titles and relationship status.
King Ning is probably the relative of the emperor. (王 wang) is the highest title bestowed by emperors to their relatives and subjects since the Qin and Han dynasties.
King Ning is Prince Ning’s father. Prince Ning is Qing Lingling’s sugar daddy.
Zong An is also King Ning’s son, but he is not bestowed with the title prince 世子 [shì zǐ] like Prince Ning because this title is only for heir(?), which mean Prince Ning will inherit King Ning’s Mansion.
Instead, Zong An is called young master 公子 [gōng zǐ], perhaps because he’s a concubine son. However this term [gōng zǐ], although translated to young master, is actually a title bestowed to son of princes. Later, it’s also used to refer to young men from wealthy and aristocratic families.
English words for Chinese’s many titles in ancient times are very limited, but I’ll try my best to avoid confusion (◕︿◕✿)
Thanks for the explanation! It helped bc I thought he was Prince Ning at first lol