Chapter 159 – You’re Looking for Trouble, Right? (3)
“That said, Jiang Pengji didn’t actually leave home with empty pockets; she at least brought ten taels of silver.”
“For an ordinary family, carrying ten taels of silver is quite a luxury, and one must be careful of pickpockets while walking around.”
“Jiang Pengji thought that was more than enough, but for someone like Meng Liang, who was used to being extravagant, ten taels were hardly worth tossing around.”
“Dongqing was different from the other four nations; there was no curfew at night, but they still closed the city gates at a certain hour.”
“The night market was bustling with people, street vendors calling out as they sold their wares, mostly intricate woven goods or trinkets. Silk flower ornaments filled the stalls; although they were made from simple, inexpensive materials, their craftsmanship was exquisite, showcasing clear effort. The surrounding scene was one of prosperity.”
“Even though it was already night, a few young ladies with veils could still be seen in the night market. Their faces were hidden, but just the sight of their slender, graceful figures was enough to make some people stop in their tracks.”
“Jiang Pengji glanced over and teasingly remarked, ‘Cousin, your actions are far more masculine than Xi’s. Look at you, staring at one lovely girl after another; your eyes are practically glued to them! No matter how beautiful they are, they can’t hold a candle to your beauty!'”
“Meng Liang was enjoying himself until he was interrupted, and it was easy to imagine his displeasure.”
“Although he normally took pride in his looks, many people said he resembled a woman, which was a veiled jab at his lack of manly spirit. Now that Jiang Pengji emphasized this point… heh, if they weren’t in Meng County, he’d have slapped her right across the face.”
“Can’t she speak properly?”
“But Meng Liang still had some sense and didn’t act on that thought. Instead, he clenched his fists tightly, forcing a smile as he said, ‘Lan Ting, while we’re out here, you should call me older cousin; otherwise, if someone hears, what would that look like? Besides, everyone has a fondness for beauty. Seeing a pretty girl, shouldn’t you let me enjoy it as well?'”
“Jiang Pengji responded with an ‘Oh,’ but inwardly she scoffed coldly.”
“Call him older cousin? Tsk tsk, just how much does he want to hasten his own demise.”
“She turned away with a hint of disdain but sweetly called out ‘older cousin,’ making Meng Liang feel satisfied.”
“Jiang Pengji stopped in front of a stall and asked the vendor, ‘How much for these silk flowers?'”
“She picked up a pair of round silk flowers, made from rabbit fur and dyed vibrant colors, looking quite attractive.”
“The stall was also adorned with many different colored round silk flowers; although the materials weren’t precious, they were novel in design.”
“‘Lan Ting, you still dare to tease me? What kind of man enjoys these things?’ Meng Liang seized the opportunity to retort.”
“Jiang Pengji carelessly replied, ‘I think they look nice. I’ll buy a few pairs to take back for the maids in the courtyard. Girls love pretty things—rouge, powder, silk flower decorations, clothing accessories… no matter how much silver you have, it’s never enough. Nong Qin, why don’t you try this? The color is just right.'”
“Nong Qin, blushing, took the round silk flowers, still warm from Jiang Pengji’s hands, and said, ‘Thank you, Young Master.'”
“‘I forgot; in your current state, you’re not suited to wear these yet, try them back home.'”
“Nong Qin, pretending to try them on, found herself frozen in place, her cheeks flushing bright red.”
“It seemed she forgot that she was still dressed as a young servant. What was she even trying on silk flowers for?”
“Meng Liang clicked his tongue and said, ‘Lan Ting, you’re giving a girl these cheap things?'”
“‘She’s just a close maid, why should she be dressed in gold and silver? That would be ridiculous,’ Jiang Pengji replied, picking a few pairs she thought were well-made, also buying some rouge boxes and fresh-colored lip balms that helped protect lips without being too noticeable. ‘Besides, women at this age are at their most beautiful; who needs those stuffy, ostentatious expensive accessories that would just stifle their vibrancy…'”
“Jiang Pengji picked up plenty of random inexpensive little gifts, almost preparing a set for each maid.”
“Neither too many nor too few for each.”
“However, while she seemed patient buying these cheap trinkets, Meng Liang had no interest in such things.”
“He had originally wanted to discreetly lead Liu Xi into a gambling house, as a kid who stayed in the courtyard would easily be drawn to new experiences. With just a little encouragement, he would surely develop a gambling habit, and in order to keep it a secret, he would have to draw closer to himself, right?”
“This way, he could both make Liu Xi familiar with him while secretly ruining him.”
“Tsk, he wanted to see just how much wealth Liu Zhi had that his ignorant son could squander.”
“But now, looking at the other person curiously shopping around, who knew how long it would take to achieve that goal?”
“‘Cousin… why does it seem like my older cousin wants to go to such places?’ Jiang Pengji frowned in denial. ‘No, I won’t go there; it’s a mix of dragons and snakes. If someone were to offend my older cousin, then what should we do? My older cousin should choose another place; that place… I’ve heard it’s quite dirty…'”
“Jiang Pengji’s innocent words made Meng Liang chuckle inwardly.”
“‘Why is Lan Ting so nervous? I heard servants say that many noble young masters enjoy going there as well. Since everyone enjoys it, it can’t be as terrible as you say. I’m just curious to take a look, can’t you agree?'”
“‘Xi isn’t nervous, just worried that an uncouth person might bump into my older cousin. If something happens, how could Lan Ting explain it to Mother?'”
“Jiang Pengji resolutely refused and adopted an unyielding stance.”
“But was Meng Liang the type to give up easily?”
“Finally, Jiang Pengji could only begrudgingly agree to let him look inside for a moment, but they couldn’t stay long. Nong Qin overheard and felt anxious but couldn’t speak up to stop him, fearing that Meng Liang had ulterior motives.”
“With this anxious sentiment, Nong Qin helplessly watched her Young Master enter a gambling house.”
“As the curtain was lifted, the gambling house buzzed with noise; many men were bare-chested, standing on benches, shouting around a table.”
“‘Big! Big! Big! Big! Big! Open Big!'”
“‘Small! Small! It must be Small!'”
“Noises like this filled the air, and Nong Qin could hardly contain her trembles.”
“‘It’s okay, I’m right here.'”
“At that moment, Jiang Pengji placed a hand on her shoulder and turned back to smile at her.”
“Strangely, Nong Qin felt her fear dissipate and gradually calmed down.”
“This gambling house was of considerable size with over a dozen tables on the first floor, each surrounded by a dozen or so men.”
“The waiter serving in the hall saw them and his eyes lit up.”
“Young, tender-faced, and dressed extravagantly… These traits combined formed a shining label.”
“Delicacies!”
“‘What games would you gentlemen like to play?’ The waiter approached, his face all smiles, revealing yellowed teeth.”
“Jiang Pengji slightly backed away to avoid the waiter and was about to say they wanted to leave when Meng Liang asked, ‘What fun things do you have here?'”
