WAYCAC Chapter 90

TL: Hua

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Chapter 90: Birthday – “The birthday boy is what matters.”

Most of the guests were busy people, so Pei Xiting set the time for the evening. He told everyone his plans and went to Yufeng Terrace to check on things first.

Yufeng Terrace only served nobility, so Pei Xiting was a bit of a special case there. The manager and his staff were waiting outside the mountain gates, wondering who exactly this Pei-wenshu was, when the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance.

A low-profile carriage drove up and stopped in front of them. The manager, wearing a big smile, took a step forward. An attendant jumped down from the carriage, bent down to pull out the footstool, and then stood up to open the door, saying, “Young Master, we’ve arrived.”

The attendant opened an umbrella to shield the stooping Pei Xiting. The manager only saw a gold-threaded cloak gracefully spin halfway around the carriage before floating to the ground.

The brim of the umbrella lifted slightly, revealing Pei Xiting’s face, which was as beautiful as a flower, and his demeanor was absolutely peerless. The manager was momentarily stunned. He quickly bowed and said, “I am Wang Yong, the manager of the mountain. I wish you a happy birthday, Young Master Pei, with all the blessings of fortune and joy.”

The entire retinue of servants and maids joined in with their congratulations.

Pei Xiting thanked them. An attendant next to him said, “Today is a great day. Everyone on the mountain just needs to serve diligently to ensure my young master and his guests have a good time, and there will be a generous reward.”

Wang Yong quickly agreed. Suddenly, he heard a sound and looked to the side to see a tiger jumping out of the carriage! Little King jumped down, walked in a circle around the manager, who was trying his best to stay calm, and then obediently walked to Pei Xiting’s side.

“Don’t be afraid. My family’s Little King never harms anyone without reason.” Pei Xiting said this, handed it to Zong Lu, who got off the carriage, and led the young boy to his side.

Wang Yong glanced at the young boy, who was surprisingly mature for his age, and motioned for Pei Xiting and the others to enter the mountain gate.

As they walked, snow fluttered down, adorning the trees and flowers. Pei Xiting felt refreshed. Once inside, he took off his cloak and took the menu the manager handed to him. After confirming that everything was fine, he handed it back and casually asked, “When did my family set this date with Manager Wang?”

Wang Yong handed the menu to the kitchen manager, telling him to get busy. He replied, “To answer the young master, it was two days after the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“That early?” Pei Xiting was surprised.

“The timing is definitely correct.” Wang Yong said with a smile, “It seems that your family has prepared a surprise for you, young master.”

“No, it was a surprise from an unrelated older brother of mine. At that time, we were in a conflict and wanted to sever our ties and never speak again. I never thought he would turn around and prepare this place for my birthday,” Pei Xiting said with a laugh. “Manager Wang, what do you think this older brother of mine was thinking?”

“The bond between brothers runs deep. It’s not something that can be severed by one or two arguments. Words can be harsh or insincere, but true feelings can only be seen when you open your heart,” Wang Yong said. “Did you see the red camellias when you came in?”

Pei Xiting nodded. “They look like fire from a distance. So vibrant and beautiful.”

“Young Master, what you don’t know is that red camellias were not originally planted there. Your brother specifically requested them when he came to place the order. He said that you preferred bright and fiery flowers, and since it was your birthday, he wanted it to be rich and beautiful for a festive atmosphere,” Wang Yong said, observing Pei Xiting’s expression. Seeing him stunned, he smiled again. “In fact, we should thank you, young master.”

Pei Xiting came back to his senses, took a sip of tea, and said, “What do you mean?”

“You have a keen eye, young master, so you must have noticed that the camellia seeds outside are all rare varieties, and each plant has been cultivated to perfection. It’s not something you can achieve in a short time,” Wang Yong clasped his hands. “To bring you this moment of happiness, your brother had so many beautiful camellia plants moved here. Our Yufeng Terrace is just riding on your coattails, getting a beautiful and rare view for free, isn’t it?”

Pei Xiting didn’t say anything, only lowered his eyes and smiled. With just that one smile, Wang Yong understood. What “unrelated older brother?” It was clearly the person in his heart!

After Wang Yong and his staff left, Zong Lu turned his head to look at Pei Xiting, who was quietly sipping his tea. He thought Pei Xiting must be thinking of Fifth Uncle and didn’t disturb him. Unfortunately, Little King didn’t understand and buried its head in Pei Xiting’s waist, whining for affection.

Pei Xiting came back to his senses, put down his teacup, and got up to go outside with Little King. An attendant quickly wrapped a cloak around Pei Xiting, afraid that he would catch a cold.

Little King was at an awkward size now. Pei Xiting could no longer carry it, but it was also difficult for it to carry Pei Xiting. So, by the time Zong Lu came to his senses, Pei Xiting was already chasing Little King and running around wildly.

The snowy ground was slippery, and Pei Xiting didn’t run for long before he fell. Little King agilely swung its leg out to catch him. The person and the tiger tumbled into a heap, rolling around on the spot.

Zong Lu quickly ran over with the servants to check on him. “Pei-wenshu, did you get hurt anywhere?”

“No,” Pei Xiting said with a laugh. “My reflexes are sharp.”

Zong Lu didn’t dare to reminisce about the beautiful scene of Pei-wenshu tumbling over just now. He reached out to brush the snow off Pei Xiting and said, “There’s so much snow on the ground that it’s easy to fall while walking. It’s so dangerous for you to run like that, Pei-wenshu.”

Alright, mini Zong Suiyang was, of course, so worried. Pei Xiting reached out and touched Zong Lu with his cold hand, saying, “If I fall, I fall. It’s not like I’ll fall to my death.”

The moment the words left his lips, Little King knocked over Zong Lu, making him land on its back. Little King tentatively took a few steps, then picked up speed and started running wildly.

Pei Xiting burst out laughing. He quickly had a servant bring over his art box, set up an umbrella, easel, and stool among the camellias, and began to paint. His cheeks were red from playing, and his hair was a little messy. He was breathtakingly beautiful sitting among the camellias.

Zong Suiyang stood not far away, quietly appreciating the beautiful scene before him.

His attendant turned his head to look, but Zong Suiyang subtly shook his head. The attendant did not go up to greet him but only quietly stood by Pei Xiting’s side and discreetly withdrew when Zong Suiyang came over.

Pei Xiting had finished painting the scenery and the person and tiger playing. He was about to paint himself, but a warm hand rested on the back of his. He turned his head, and his nose met Zong Suiyang’s.

Neither of them said anything. The sound of the wind and snow was muffled. Only the small space under the umbrella was quiet yet full of emotion. After a moment of eye contact, Pei Xiting pouted and kissed Zong Suiyang on the lips, saying, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t come until nighttime?”

“I rescheduled,” Zong Suiyang said softly, holding Pei Xiting’s shoulders. “Today is your birthday. You are what matters most.”

“We already agreed, didn’t we? I’ll spend the day with my friends, and you’ll be mine at night,” Pei Xiting said, nuzzling Zong Suiyang’s head. “It’s fine. I’ll help you with your work tomorrow and the day after.”

Zong Suiyang said, “Good,” and held Pei Xiting’s wrist, continuing to paint. Pei Xiting completely relaxed and followed his lead. Gradually, a young figure in a red brocade robe and a white fox-fur cape came to life on the paper, with fluttering hair and a smiling face, surrounded by the white snow and red flowers.

The painting was so vivid and natural, full of spirit, that Zong Suiyang was stunned.

Pei Xiting was also stunned for a moment, then said excitedly, “Master Pei has brought the dead back to life!”

He bumped into Zong Suiyang and kissed him twice, saying, “I told you I’d cure you, but you didn’t believe me.”

The little fox was going to bring up past grievances. Zong Suiyang came back to his senses and said, “When did I not believe you?”

Pei Xiting glared at him. Zong Suiyang quickly said, “It’s your birthday today. Don’t be mad at me.”

“Who’s mad at you?” Pei Xiting snorted. He re-dipped the brush in ink, changed its position, and painted a man looking at himself. Then he handed the brush to Zong Suiyang. “Your calligraphy is much better than mine. You write the inscription.”

Zong Suiyang said, “I’d be happy to. What should I name it?”

“Just the two words, ‘First Snow.’ Nothing else is needed, but one thing is most important,” Pei Xiting said. “The signatures should be both of ours.”

Zong Suiyang began to write, teasing, “Won’t that be unfair to you?”

“No, no,” Pei Xiting said. “This painting is very special. I want to frame it.”

Zong Suiyang moved his wrist and said, “Let’s find a time, and we’ll frame the painting together.”

Pei Xiting agreed with a smile. When Zong Suiyang put down the brush, he carefully examined the painting and, finding no fault with it, instructed a servant to carefully move it inside so it wouldn’t get wet from the snow. He then got up, took Zong Suiyang’s hand, and walked toward the hall. “I just found out some news,” he said.

Zong Suiyang asked, “What news?”

“Someone booked this place for me during the Mid-Autumn Festival,” Pei Xiting said, the fingers of his hand entwined with Zong Suiyang’s gently curling. He lifted their clasped hands as if showing irrefutable evidence and said with a smile, “What do you think this person was thinking?”

Zong Suiyang said, “I can’t remember.”

“Don’t lie to the birthday boy, or you’re not allowed in,” Pei Xiting said, blocking Zong Suiyang’s path with his chest puffed out. “Come clean.”

Zong Suiyang didn’t dare to displease the birthday boy in the slightest, so he had to say, “I really can’t give you a clear answer. It was just at the time, I felt that we would have no further ties, so I would protect you in big matters and take care of you in small ones, and that would be the end of it.”

“Do you know what this is called?” Pei Xiting poked Zong Suiyang’s chest. “Self-deception.”

It was true. Zong Suiyang acknowledged his mistake, took hold of Pei Xiting’s accusing finger, bent down, and hoisted him onto his shoulder. “I was foolish. It won’t happen again.”

Wang Yong heard the commotion and immediately came out to serve, only to run into Zong Suiyang carrying a person inside. Their eyes met, and it was as if lightning had struck. Before Wang Yong’s mind could process what was happening, he dropped to his knees with a thud.

“This servant greets Your Highness! Long live Your Highness!”

Zong Suiyang set Pei Xiting down, tidied his cloak and hair, and didn’t even glance at the man on the ground. He simply said, “No need to announce it. You may rise.”

Wang Yong quickly assented, not daring to look at the two intimate individuals. His heart, however, was in utter shock. Pei-wenshu and the Crown Prince were in this kind of relationship?!

Pei Xiting, on the other hand, was curious. “Have you been here before?”

“I came here when Lianhai came of age,” Zong Suiyang said.

Wang Yong heard the informal exchange between them and buried his head even lower. Pei Xiting, who had been painting, asked for hot water so Zong Suiyang could wash his hands and warm up.

At that moment, a bell on the eaves chimed. Wang Yong immediately said, “Your guests have arrived.”

“Brother Pei!” Qing Lingling was the first to run into the hall. He didn’t even look at Zong Suiyang, who was standing in the back. He excitedly showed Pei Xiting the sachet he had made. “Do you like it?”

Pei Xiting examined the animal on the sachet. “A swallow is a symbol of wealth. The meaning is good. I like it very much.”

“Where do you see a swallow?” Qing Lingling said. “This is a magpie that I embroidered!”

“…Oh! It’s a magpie!” Pei Xiting suddenly realized, and he praised it repeatedly. “The feathers are so vibrant; it looks so cute and lifelike. I’m so blind!”

Qing Lingling snorted.

Pei Xiting quickly tied on the sachet to show his sincerity.

Only then was Qing Lingling satisfied and smiled. He then caught sight of the man standing by the washbasin stand, and his eyes widened. He grabbed Pei Xiting’s arm and whispered, “Who is that, who is that, who is that!”

Before Pei Xiting could speak, Qing Lingling was grabbed by the back of his collar and pulled in front of Zong Suiyang.

Zong Rui said respectfully, “Your Highness.”

Your Highness? Oh, His Highness! Qing Lingling’s hair stood on end, his knees went weak, and he fell to his knees with a thud, kowtowing. “This servant was unaware of Your Highness’s presence and was rude. Please forgive me.”

“It’s a private dinner today. There’s no need for formalities,” Zong Suiyang said to Zong Rui. “Fusheng, help him up.”

Zong Rui assented, pulled Qing Lingling up, and whispered, “You’re usually so bold. Now you’ve turned to mush.”

Qing Lingling secretly glanced at the Crown Prince, who had walked over to Pei Xiting, and didn’t dare to say a word. He silently applauded Pei Xiting: My Brother Pei is so impressive! Not only did he make Lord You of the Longhe Division fall for him, but on his birthday, he even managed to invite the Crown Prince!

Pei Xiting was completely oblivious to Qing Lingling’s thoughts. He stepped forward and said to Zong Rui, “There are no formalities today. Everyone just gets together to eat, drink, and have a good time. I hope Your Excellency will excuse any shortcomings.”

Zong Suiyang walked to Pei Xiting’s side.

“I’m here to wish you a happy birthday and to get some free food and drinks. Nothing else matters,” Zong Rui said. He beckoned to his attendant, who handed a gift to Pei Xiting. “I heard from Lingling that Pei-wenshu also enjoys good incense. I’m gifting this set of cinnabar lacquer incense boxes to you, Pei-wenshu, for a happy birthday. I hope you won’t mind.”

Pei Xiting looked at the set of incense boxes on the tray. “This cinnabar lacquer craftsmanship is truly exceptional. Your Excellency’s generous gift, I will gratefully accept it.”

As the two of them were talking, Qu Zhao and You Zong arrived and bowed to Zong Suiyang one after the other.

Qing Lingling hid behind Zong Rui, secretly observing. He saw You Zong and Qu Zhao walk up to Pei Xiting together, offering gifts and congratulations. Pei Xiting responded with a smile, and the scene was harmonious, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

What was this strange feeling? It wasn’t until Zong Rui noticed and looked back at him that Qing Lingling suddenly understood.

That’s it! When Pei Xiting and You Zong looked at each other, there was no passion in their eyes!

Although Qing Lingling didn’t know You Zong well, he knew Pei Xiting. There was no way he would willingly submit to anyone. So what was really going on?

Qing Lingling was standing there, deep in thought, when he heard a roar from outside the door. It was the tiger playing in the snow. He came back to his senses and was about to go out when he saw the Crown Prince, who had been lingering around Pei Xiting, naturally reach out and pinch Pei Xiting’s waist. Pei Xiting playfully stomped his foot from the tickle, and the two of them laughed and hugged each other.

“!”

“!!”

“!!!”

Qing Lingling understood everything. Brother Pei was even more impressive than he had ever imagined!

At the same time, Pei Jintang and Zhao Yi, who had just arrived at the door, also happened to see this scene.

“Han… Hanzhang, did you see that?” Zhao Yi asked, trembling.

“I… I saw it,” Pei Jintang said. “That doesn’t look like Lord You.”

“It’s definitely not Lord You,” Zhao Yi said stiffly. “That’s the… Crown Prince.”

“What?!”

Pei Jintang’s exclamation startled Pei Xiting, who quickly ran out of Zong Suiyang’s arms and looked at the two of them, who were standing there like statues. “Why are you yelling? Come in.”

Zong Suiyang gave the two people outside the door a faint glance, then turned and sat down in the main seat, chatting with the others.

“No, wait, come here!” Pei Jintang grabbed Pei Xiting’s arm, pulling him a few steps away. The three of them stood with their backs to the door.

“Xiting, you and His Highness?” Zhao Yi asked carefully.

“Yes,” Pei Xiting said. “Don’t we look so good together?”

“You do,” Zhao Yi said.

Pei Xiting smiled happily and casually closed Pei Jintang’s open mouth. “We’re in love! Today is a private dinner, so there’s no need to be polite. You two go on in. I’ll go see if my yiniang… if my mother and Qinghe have arrived.”

“I’ll go with you!” Pei Jintang abandoned Zhao Yi and quickly followed Pei Xiting, his mind a mess. “When did this happen?”

“Not long ago,” Pei Xiting said. “Around the time I came back from Enzhou.”

Pei Jintang said, “Oh heaven!”

Pei Xiting said, “Oh earth.”

“I didn’t notice at all! That night, I… I thought you and Lord You were a thing!” Pei Jintang said.

“Calm down,” Pei Xiting comforted him. “Lord You and I are completely innocent. My Highness and I, on the other hand, are quite passionate.”

Pei Jintang said “oh heaven” eighteen more times. They walked for a while and saw Bu Suying and Pei Qinghe walking toward them. Next to them was a noble lady in casual clothes.

Pei Jintang said in surprise, “That’s… Her Majesty the Empress!”

The two of them immediately bowed.

“Oh, there’s no need for formalities,” Empress Qu said, helping them up. She smiled at Pei Xiting. “Are you happy to see me?”

Pei Xiting said, “Your presence honors me. How could I not be happy to see you?”

“I ran into your mother and Qinghe when I was leaving the palace, so we came together. It was a lively walk,” Empress Qu said.

The group walked inside. Once in the hall, Empress Qu quickly stopped the bowing guests and smiled as she sat down on a side seat. Pei Xiting asked her to sit in the main seat, but she smiled and refused, saying, “Let’s not worry about the rules. The birthday boy sits in the main seat!”

Pei Xiting looked at Zong Suiyang, who said nothing but patted the seat next to him.

“Then I’ll be rude just this once,” Pei Xiting said generously, sitting in the main seat. Seeing that a few guests hadn’t arrived yet, he asked Wang Yong to bring out some hot drinks and snacks to warm everyone’s stomachs.

Bu Suying glanced at the man who was naturally talking with Pei Xiting about the menu. She leaned over and quietly asked Pei Qinghe who he was.

“That’s the Crown Prince,” Pei Qinghe whispered. She was also shocked to see such an important figure there. Her third brother must have a lot of influence.

Bu Suying was startled upon hearing this and then had a sudden realization. “I’ve long heard that the current Crown Prince is unmatched in his handsomeness and has a divine presence. Seeing him today, it’s truly extraordinary.”

Empress Qu overheard them and smiled. “He and Xiting are a good match, aren’t they?”

Pei Qinghe: “?!”

Bu Suying: “?!”

Seeing them both staring at her in shock, Empress Qu was stunned, then realized what was happening. “You didn’t know?”

And here she thought she had “coincidentally” run into Bu Suying and walked with her all the way here, “casually” asking her on the way about her impressions of the Crown Prince. She wanted to hear what her future in-law thought of her son, but it turned out the compliments were simply for the current Crown Prince, not the person her son was in love with!

“Please don’t mind me, Your Majesty.” Bu Suying forced herself to stay calm and whispered, “Are you saying that our Xiting and the Crown Prince are…”

“A couple!” Empress Qu said. “Otherwise, why would Fuchuan be here today? With the new year approaching, he’s as busy as can be. Not even his cousins can get him to attend their birthdays!”

Bu Suying suppressed the shock and worry in her heart and said with a smile, “His Highness is very kind to him.”

“Oh, the two of them are in love, so you don’t need to worry about these formalities,” Empress Qu said, not noticing the worry in Bu Suying’s eyes. She enthusiastically took her hand and said, “Look, the two children are a pleasing sight to behold. They truly are a match made in heaven!”

Zong Lu, though young, was a sharp boy. He immediately understood what Bu Suying was thinking. While pouring tangerine water for Empress Qu, he whispered, “Auntie Bu, please don’t worry. My fifth uncle and Pei-wenshu are in love, and it’s mutual. There was no coercion or manipulation.”

Bu Suying was taken aback by this and smiled. “The little prince is intelligent and quick-witted, a blessing to Daliang.”

“It’s all thanks to my fifth uncle’s diligent guidance,” Zong Lu said. He poured a cup of tangerine water for Bu Suying as well and then returned to his seat.

Moments later, Mei Xiu arrived with the Qu sisters. Qu Zhao waved his sisters over to sit beside him, while Mei Xiu went to sit next to Zong Rui. Lu Mang and Su Chongyan were the last to arrive and quickly apologized for their lateness. Pei Xiting invited them to be seated and gave the order for the banquet to begin.

Serving girls filed in, and a savory aroma filled the air. Pei Xiting, ever the glutton, felt his stomach rumble. Luckily, no one heard it except for Little King in his arms, who looked up at him.

Pei Xiting laughed and scratched its head. As he looked at the lively crowd, he couldn’t help but think of Yuan Fang. Zong Suiyang’s prediction had been correct: a few days ago, he’d received a letter from Yuan Fang. It was simple and to the point, with just four characters: “I’m fine, don’t worry.” It was indeed Yuan Fang’s handwriting, and Pei Xiting finally felt relieved.

“What’s wrong?” Zong Suiyang asked, leaning in close.

Pei Xiting told him the truth. “I was just thinking about Yuan Fang.”

Zong Suiyang ignored and suppressed the instant surge of jealousy. He said, “He prepared a gift for you. It’s in the back hall.”

“Oh?” Pei Xiting’s eyes lit up. “I’ll go look at it later!”

Zong Suiyang nodded and took a sip of his wine.

Once all the dishes were served, Pei Xiting poured some wine for himself and stood up. “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate my birthday. I won’t say much more, but I’ll drink three cups as a toast.”

Zong Suiyang also stood up and gestured for everyone else, who was rising, to sit back down. He then poured himself a cup and said, “I’ll join Xiting in welcoming all of you to the feast.”

Mei Xiu exclaimed in shock, “What does that mean?!”

“It means you’re an idiot,” Zong Rui said.

The Qu sisters simultaneously leaned toward Qu Zhao and asked in unison, “What does that mean?”

Qu Zhao rapped Qu Zhen on the head and said, “It means you really need to stop staring at Pei Xiting so intensely and lecherously.”

Qu Zhen pouted. “I’m heartbroken.”

“Can you stop flattering yourself?” Qu Zhao said with pity. “My lovely sister—Ow!”

Qu Zhen gave him a double-fisted rap on the head.

Pei Xiting and Zong Suiyang finished their three cups and sat down. Pei Xiting poured some wine for Zong Suiyang and asked, “Has it been a long time since you’ve eaten with this many people, not including palace banquets?”

Zong Suiyang nodded, looking at Pei Xiting amidst the brilliant lanterns. “I used to find it too noisy.”

“And what about today?” Pei Xiting asked.

“Still noisy, especially Mei Xiu; he’s like a monkey,” Zong Suiyang said. “But the others don’t matter.”

Pei Xiting caught the implied meaning and smiled, but he decided to press his luck. “Then what does matter?”

Zong Suiyang raised his cup, toasting Pei Xiting. “The birthday boy.”

“Who’s the birthday boy?” Pei Xiting, holding his cup, deliberately pulled it away from Zong Suiyang and pressed him for an answer.

Zong Suiyang looked at him and said, “Pei Xiting.”

Finally satisfied, Pei Xiting moved his cup back to clink with Zong Suiyang’s and smiled. “Good boy.”

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