Chapter Forty-Six: An Old Acquaintance

In the early morning, as sunlight spilled across the eastern edge of the marketplace, the small cart was already set at its usual spot on the street corner. Nie Yunzhu and Walnut tidied up their things, then lifted their baskets, preparing to make deliveries. She wore plain clothes, a simple headscarf, blending in with the village women, but her graceful bearing betrayed a former elegance. Even in casual conversation, her refined beauty was impossible to overlook.

Yesterday had marked her first delivery of preserved eggs to Spring Breeze Restaurant—a promising start. She would return today, following Ning Yi’s plan: several varieties of sauces packed in charming porcelain bottles, prepared alongside porcelain plates. Upon arrival, she would slice a preserved egg into quarters, set each piece on its own plate, drizzle a different sauce on each, creating a display of varied flavors. The eggs, sliced open, looked appealing enough, and paired with red, black, and white sauces, the visual impact was striking. Even though the restaurant hadn’t placed them in the most prominent spot, yesterday they’d sold over a dozen.

Such progress left Nie Yunzhu a little caught off guard. If another restaurant signed on, the daily target of thirty eggs would be within reach.

Under the same morning light, as she carried her basket through the streets toward Spring Breeze Restaurant, Li Pin emerged from an alley, pausing briefly. He then headed toward Four Seas Restaurant, where a friend awaited him. “Brother Xie, you’re early… Where’s Zishan?”

“Zishan didn’t come with me today. He met an old friend last night; they’ll be along shortly.”

“That’s good.”

Everything proceeded as usual. Li Pin’s influence remained strong. Over the past three or four days, he’d gathered friends who dined at various local restaurants, asking them to request preserved eggs during the busiest hours. It was no trouble at all—since Ning Yi had said a handful of people would suffice, Li Pin hadn’t involved too many. These friends were discreet, and the casual performance was effortless. Yesterday he’d heard that Spring Breeze Restaurant had begun displaying the preserved eggs; a preliminary success.

Li Pin was curious about Ning Yi’s talents, though he didn’t much concern himself with the eggs. Meeting with his friend Xie Jiang, they chatted and went upstairs. After a while, the other friend arrived—Shen Miao, courtesy name Zishan, a renowned scholar in Jiangning. He brought another companion: handsome and dignified, in his twenties yet remarkably poised. Entering, he greeted Li Pin and Xie Jiang with a bow.

“Dexin, Xishen, it’s been a long time.”

“Yanzhen!”

Li Pin rose in delight; this was an old acquaintance. In Jiangning, he’d once rivaled Li Pin and Cao Guan in reputation. Gu Hong, Gu Yanzhen, had gone to the capital three years ago, reportedly excelling in the imperial examinations, then seeking official posts in Bianliang. Now unexpectedly, he had returned.

Joy filled the room.

“When did you arrive? You didn’t contact us right away—this debt is noted.”

“A banquet at Golden Wind Tower tonight, to welcome you back.”

“A drink as punishment!”

“What news from your three years in the capital? You must tell us everything.”

The four sat, laughing, as Gu Yanzhen recounted trivialities from the capital.

“In the capital these days, the most talked-about matter is the growing hostility between Liao and Jin. Since His Majesty appointed Premier Li, military affairs have been reformed, discipline enforced, and morale is high. If my guess is right, in a few months—perhaps a year—the court will seize the opportunity to ally with Jin. The nation’s despair since the battle at Tanzhuan will be lifted, and the recovery of Youyun is within sight!”

Since last autumn, when, under Wanyan Aguda’s leadership, Jin clashed with Liao and sought to reclaim Youyun, the topic had dominated the conversations of scholars in the Wu dynasty. Sixty years since Tanzhuan, six years since Heishui, a century of humiliation—and now, with the Emperor appointing Li Gang as premier, military reform was underway, and the situation seemed poised on a knife’s edge. The future felt as thin as a sheet of paper: once pierced, armies would march through Yanmen, reclaim Youyun, and restore the grandeur of the Tang dynasty. The four spoke with fervor, and Gu Yanzhen shared his own achievements.

“…This time in the capital, I caught the eye of Master Qinshou, received a seventh-rank official appointment—County Magistrate of Yueping, Raozhou. I’ll take up the post in July, so I returned to Jiangning to see you all…”

Master Qinshou was Tang Ke, a well-known figure among scholars. They asked questions, expressed envy and congratulations, made jokes, then turned to lighter topics. Gu Yanzhen had been a favorite among the ladies in Jiangning, and after three years in the capital, surely had stories to share. He laughed, recounting a few anecdotes.

“In truth, reputation and talent in Jiangning and the capital are much the same. The women there are proud, and scholars from all over gather. To win their favor is no easy feat. In three years, I only met Li Shishi, the most famous girl, once…”

Time passed in conversation, and soon it was the busiest hour at the restaurant. Li Pin wondered if he should order the preserved eggs, when Gu Yanzhen suddenly stopped, tapped the table, and called to the waiter, “Bring four preserved eggs.”

The restaurant had none, so Gu Yanzhen directed the waiter elsewhere, clearly familiar with the process. Li Pin was surprised; Gu Yanzhen smiled and whispered, “Yesterday, I dined at Cui Ping Restaurant with Brother Mufang. He made quite a fuss ordering these eggs. I asked, and learned it was a favor for you, Dexin. I remembered. Did I say anything wrong? What’s the connection between you and these eggs?”

Li Pin laughed, “No real connection. A friend asked me—just a game. We can’t use our reputations to promote it.”

“Understood.” Jokes and wagers were common enough. Seeing Li Pin call it a game, Gu Yanzhen let it go and resumed talking about the capital. After eating and drinking, Li Pin and Gu Yanzhen had a private chat. Li Pin teased, “You seemed hesitant when speaking of the women in the capital—perhaps you suffered some disappointment?”

Gu Yanzhen smiled, shook his head helplessly. “Dexin always sees through things. There is something—but it’s not really about the capital… though, in a way, it is. Dexin, have you been to Golden Wind Tower these past years?”

Li Pin shook his head, “Not often. Come to think of it, you used to go frequently. Recently, Yuan Jin’er has grown close to Cao Guan—you know he’s my rival. If I went, I’d be turned away… So what happened?”

“Three years ago, before I left for the capital, I had a confidante at Golden Wind Tower. A few days ago, I returned and sought her out, but… after three years, she’s no longer there…” Gu Yanzhen tapped the table, his expression tinged with regret. “To be honest, I’ve known many women, but she… was the one I truly felt at ease with. Her talents, her demeanor—nothing like those who crave fame. When I said goodbye three years ago, she wished me success and a glorious return. Now, I’ve achieved that, but… had I known, I should have redeemed her then, even if she refused…”

Li Pin considered, “So, three years ago… Yuan Jin’er used to be Pan Shi. I heard she was redeemed and married…”

“How could it be Pan Shi?” Gu Yanzhen sneered. “She’s nothing but a vulgar woman—not worth my affection. I meant Miss Yunzhu. She was always modest; if she hadn’t refused to compete for attention, Pan Shi would never have stood out. It’s just fate—no luck.”

“Yunzhu… I recall hearing that name…”

“If you’d met her, you’d know her worth. Her poetry, singing—nothing less than excellent. Her thoughts and ambitions were wholly different from those who sought to be the leading courtesan. I don’t know her history, but if not for hardship, she’d never have ended up in that life. I always thought I could help her, but knowing her character, I never dared to mention redemption. Now I understand the saying—seize the flower while it blooms, don’t wait till the branch is bare. It’s too late…”

“Did you inquire about her whereabouts?”

Gu Yanzhen shook his head, “I asked, but received no answer… If there’s no answer, she must be married. If she’d simply left Golden Wind Tower, she’d still be known in Jiangning. With our history, she wouldn’t have refused me.”

Love’s greatest sorrow is missed chances. Li Pin thought, “Why not ask again? At least you’d know where she is.”

“What’s the use? I am curious who she chose, but… perhaps it’s best not to see her.” He glanced at Li Pin, smiled, “Perhaps not seeing her is best.”

Li Pin nodded, patting his shoulder, “Never mind. In time, you’ll forget.”

While these men talked at Four Seas Restaurant, the peak hours passed and the crowd thinned. The waiter who’d earlier been sent to buy preserved eggs discussed with others and reported to the manager. Seeing these four distinguished guests, the manager gave instructions, and the waiter crossed the street to the corner, requesting Nie Yunzhu deliver preserved eggs the next day. Earlier, a waiter from Cui Ping Restaurant had made the same request.

Before dawn the next morning, Nie Yunzhu waited on the steps of her small house. When Ning Yi arrived, she happily shared the news that their eggs were now sold at three restaurants. While she spoke, she watched Ning Yi closely, suspecting he might have orchestrated these mysterious sales, since the eggs’ reputation hadn’t spread, yet waiters kept coming to buy them.

If so, she admired him. Though skilled at reading faces, Nie Yunzhu could only see joy in Ning Yi’s expression. She too was pleased by her independence, discussing with him how to handle shortages and emergencies.

Morning, the street corner, the cart, Four Seas Restaurant—Nie Yunzhu brought her basket and explained various combinations to the waiter, deciding to probe for the story behind these sales, suspecting Ning Yi’s involvement.

“…Brother waiter, who were those people buying preserved eggs the past few days? I’d like to know what kind of customers enjoy them.”

“Oh, all educated gentlemen. Some called them jade eggs or fortune eggs. Yesterday, I overheard that one was a high-ranking scholar returned from the capital… Such people know of preserved eggs—Miss Nie, are these eggs a novelty from the capital? No wonder no one else sells them… Oh, look, yesterday the gentleman who ordered them is right there.”

Nie Yunzhu turned and smiled. Two scholars were entering; Shen Miao was the first to spot the preserved eggs, just taken from the basket. He thought Li Pin’s plan was working, nudged Gu Yanzhen with interest. Gu Yanzhen looked over, seeing a village woman in a headscarf preparing the eggs for sale. Amused, he whispered to Shen Miao—but as he spoke, his gaze froze…

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