“Lu Zheng from Tonglin County, greetings, Brother Lin,” Lu Zheng said, giving a casual bow.
“Qingyan, I recall hearing some time ago that the Huangfu family faced some trouble, and the whole family left, only returning recently,” Xiao Yuzhen said, blinking and leaning slightly toward Lin Zhidong, speaking softly. “If there’s any difficulty, perhaps Lin Lang could help.”
Lin Zhidong nodded eagerly, his expression proud. “Indeed, indeed, my Lin family has some reputation in Wanfu County, with businesses spanning a hundred miles around, and we have some influence.”
Liu Qingyan shook her head. “No need, the matter’s resolved, and we’re fine now, thank you.”
“Is that so?” Xiao Yuzhen nodded, somewhat relieved, but quickly added, “Qingyan, we’ve known each other since childhood. If you’re in trouble, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Lu Zheng glanced at Liu Qingyan, who looked slightly exasperated.
Liu Qingyan waved her hand, swiftly changing the subject. “I won’t stand on ceremony with you, but I didn’t expect you’d be engaged.”
Xiao Yuzhen raised her brow, smiling proudly and inching closer to Lin Zhidong. “I met Lin Lang at last autumn’s Tingshan Poetry Gathering, and now the betrothal gifts are exchanged, with the wedding set for winter.”
“Congratulations,” Liu Qingyan said.
“Hehe, thank you, and congratulations to you too,” Xiao Yuzhen replied, beaming, then turned to Lu Zheng with a coy tone. “I see Qingyan has found a fine match as well. What sort of person is this gentleman to win Qingyan’s favour?”
“Just a humble idler,” Lu Zheng said lightly.
Lu Zheng could tell Xiao Yuzhen and Liu Qingyan were childhood neighbours, perhaps with some fondness from years of acquaintance, but mostly at odds.
Clearly, Liu Qingyan had always outshone Xiao Yuzhen.
Now that Liu Qingyan had moved away and Xiao Yuzhen had secured a talented and wealthy fiancé, she was eager to assert herself in front of Liu Qingyan.
A classic case of a nobody turned nouveau riche.
Liu Qingyan didn’t care, and Lu Zheng had no interest in showing off or putting them in their place. He brushed it off, eager to send them on their way so he and Liu Qingyan could continue their stroll hand in hand.
So, Lu Zheng gave a perfunctory reply, nodded to the pair, and pulled Liu Qingyan to leave.
But after two steps, Lin Zhidong and Xiao Yuzhen hurried after them.
“Since Miss Liu is Yuzhen’s friend, she’s naturally my friend too,” Lin Zhidong said with a smile. “We’re free, so why not have lunch together? The chef at Huiyuan Tower only prepares four tables a day, but I have some influence and can ask the chef to make an exception.”
“Qingyan, the food at Huiyuan Tower is excellent, and the top-floor private room overlooks the county, with a lovely view. Shall we go together?” Xiao Yuzhen added.
“No need, we’re just wandering the county, and I’d rather try the snacks I used to love,” Liu Qingyan replied coolly, heading to an old braised food shop by the street.
“Auntie Fu, one braised chicken, please.”
The stout woman minding the shop looked up, her eyes lighting up with surprise. “Oh, it’s Qingyan! I heard your family moved away last year. Are you back?”
“Just visiting family,” Liu Qingyan said, smiling as she handed over a handful of copper coins. “Still fifty wen, right?”
“Yes, yes, yes, Auntie Fu runs an honest business, no price hikes,” the woman said, not counting the coins, slipping them into a drawer, and selecting the plumpest braised chicken, wrapping it in oiled paper for Liu Qingyan.
“Thank you, Auntie Fu.”
“No trouble, no trouble. Oh, this young man is quite handsome! Congratulations!”
Liu Qingyan blushed, and Lu Zheng smiled, bowing in return.
As they turned, Lin Zhidong and Xiao Yuzhen followed again.
“Miss Liu’s loyalty to old ties is admirable,” Lin Zhidong said, bowing in praise. “But a single braised chicken isn’t enough for lunch. Let me treat you both to a meal, and since Miss Liu and Yuzhen haven’t seen each other in over a year, it’s a chance to catch up.”
Lin Zhidong praised Liu Qingyan again. Xiao Yuzhen sensed something amiss, cautiously glancing at him, but seeing he was looking at Lu Zheng, she relaxed and smiled at Liu Qingyan. “Yes, yes, I want to hear where you’ve been.”
Lin Zhidong turned to Lu Zheng. “May I ask what scholarly rank Brother Lu holds?”
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow.
Lin Zhidong smiled. “I’ve passed the county exam and will sit for the autumn provincial exam next year. How about you, Brother Lu? We could exchange literary insights.”
“I hold no rank,” Lu Zheng replied flatly.
Lin Zhidong’s eyes gleamed, and Xiao Yuzhen, surprised, glanced at Lu Zheng, then at Liu Qingyan.
Liu Qingyan came from a learned family, known for their literary talent among the neighbours, yet she’d chosen a scholar who couldn’t even pass the basic exam?
Could it be…
Lin Zhidong let out an “Oh,” his expression smug, and pressed on. “Then what trade does Brother Lu’s family engage in? My Lin family has some standing around here, with thousands of acres of farmland, cloth shops, wineries, and grain stores. Perhaps we could benefit each other?”
If he’s no scholar, maybe he’s wealthy?
“No need, my family runs a small candy shop, self-sufficient,” Lu Zheng said.
“Oh—” Lin Zhidong nodded, understanding dawning, a hint of disdain in his eyes as he looked at Lu Zheng, and a touch more eagerness toward Liu Qingyan.
Just a small workshop owner, yet you won such a beauty? I overestimated you.
Xiao Yuzhen was even more delighted, finally outshining Liu Qingyan.
“Speaking of candy shops, my family doesn’t deal in them, but we’re old acquaintances with the owner of Liu’s Fine Sugar in the city,” Lin Zhidong said with a smile. “How about I introduce you? Liu’s has a secret recipe and shops in the prefectural capital. I could host, get Liu’s to supply you at a low price, and maybe you could expand to Yizhou Prefecture.”
“No, thank you,” Lu Zheng said, shaking his head, walking ahead with Liu Qingyan, growing impatient.
“Miss Liu, Brother Lu…” Lin Zhidong started again.
Lu Zheng turned sharply. “Young Master Lin.”
“Hm?” Lin Zhidong frowned.
“Please, we’d like to stroll alone, so we won’t trouble you further,” Lu Zheng said calmly.
Xiao Yuzhen pursed her lips, assuming Lin Zhidong’s excellence had pressured Lu Zheng.
Having shown off enough, Xiao Yuzhen didn’t want Lin Zhidong lingering with Liu Qingyan, so she tugged his sleeve.
But Lin Zhidong clearly wasn’t ready to leave.
“Why keep us at arm’s length, Brother Lu? Whether in scholarship or trade, one must…”
“Hold!”
Lu Zheng pointed, and Lin Zhidong froze instantly.
