032. An Outing

"Hehehe..." Li Xi continued his act.

Whether it was a titled lady or an old granny selling tea eggs on the street, the style of nagging was always the same: repeating phrases, rhetorical questions, exclamations, and parallel sentences, all mixed together with endless enthusiasm.

Li Xi forced a smile so intensely his facial muscles nearly cramped, so he began massaging his face for health. Qi, noticing this, couldn't help but chuckle, but she quickly covered her mouth, remaining obedient. Yang Ge, mid-nag, was oblivious to it all.

"...'Yang's aerial kill'—our Yang clan has truly made a name for itself this time..."

Li Xi gave up on his facial massage; his face felt better, but his ears were still suffering. Good news never leaves the house, but bad reputation spreads for miles—"Yang's aerial kill" would surely go down in history, and he, as its founder and master, would be eternally remembered.

But in truth, it sounded impressive, yet it was nothing special. All he did was stick out his tongue and make a silly face—where was the aerial kill? What nonsense. He'd love to soar and slaughter his own lotus flowers, but he simply couldn't fly. Who was the scoundrel who gave him such a ridiculous nickname?

After venting, Yang Ge's nagging drew to a close. Li Xi cleared his throat and forced a smile, saying:

"Grandmother, I admit I've picked up some bad habits from the border troops these past two years and grown a bit calculating, but regarding the Mu family's young lady, I don't think I've done anything wrong. Our noble house, however fallen, is still out of reach for a merchant family. Now I've agreed to take her as a concubine, treating her with the respect due a wife, which is giving her family plenty of face. Whatever mistakes were made in the past are now wiped clean. Your throat isn't well, Grandmother, so please speak less."

The hall suddenly fell silent. Qi began quietly wiping her tears, finally unable to hold back, kneeling before Yang Ge and saying emotionally, "Old Madam, listen—Eldest Brother has grown up, like a real man. There's hope for our Yang family to rise again."

Yang Ge's eyes had been blind for years, so there were no tears left to shed; otherwise, she would have been weeping as well. The child had weathered storms outside, seen the world, and grown from a fragile seedling into a towering tree, strong enough to support the family and shelter the elderly. Wasn't this something to rejoice in? Indeed it was, so after a brief moment of dazedness—

Yang Ge became delighted, struggling to maintain her composure, snapping, "All talk and no action, everything you do is a mess!" Then, impatiently, she waved Li Xi off, saying, "Go, eat! Are you waiting for the ministers to deliver your appointment papers?"

Having impatiently sent her grandson away, she added, "Remember, don't drink too much. Come home early!"

Qi, smiling, helped Li Xi up and saw him to the door, whispering along the way, "Go handle your affairs. I'll take good care of the young mistress. As for the Mu family, we've already sent someone to speak to them. You can rest assured—the Mu girl will enter the household before the young mistress."

Li Xi asked, surprised, "What does that mean? Shouldn't Yingying be the first to enter?"

Qi spat, "Oh, you foolish Eldest Brother! What kind of family do we have? We can't marry a girl without roots; we must first find her a maternal family. Only after three rounds of betrothal and nine formal ceremonies, bringing her in grand style, will it truly count."

Li Xi exclaimed, "If that's delayed, how will I leave the capital for my post?"

Qi, hearing this, snorted, jabbed Li Xi's forehead hard with her finger, and laughed, "If you can't leave, then don't! The emperor has granted the marriage—you can't ask for leave?"

"Oh..." Li Xi left, still confused. Qi stood at the entrance watching him go, her expression suddenly changing. She quickly turned back and closed all the windows, as Yang Ge's health was poor and the cold would only worsen it.

Since he needed to collect his appointment papers at the Ministry of Personnel, Li Xu and Liu Motong had breakfast first. Afterwards, Liu Motong lingered over his tea while Li Xu visited Cui Yingying in the east wing. The three-room old house was tidy, though the furniture was worn; all the supplies had been newly purchased—gilded pots with ceramic bowls, red gauze canopies with green silk blankets. The decor was a bit mismatched, likely thrown together to welcome Yingying on short notice.

Yingying had just finished her hair, styled in a high bun typical of unmarried girls from wealthy families, and was busy applying powder and painting her lips. Two middle-aged women attended her, chatting as they helped with her makeup, giggling now and then. Only Yingying's silhouette could be seen through the silk screen—a mere shadow of a young girl.

Li Xu coughed, and the laughter stopped abruptly. The women stood, bowed to Li Xu, and sensibly withdrew, leaving Yingying standing with her head slightly lowered. Her makeup was heavy, her lips painted bright red.

"Why did they give you such makeup?"

"I didn't know what to do, so I let them decide," Yingying replied.

Li Xu had only asked casually; he had no idea what makeup suited which identity or occasion.

"Well, it's nicely done, but your eyes are a bit red—you didn't sleep well last night?"

"Yes," Yingying nodded softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Thinking of her spending a lonely night in a strange place, Li Xu felt a pang of sympathy. To comfort her, he repeated what Qi had said that morning.

The girl looked up in surprise, her dark eyes shining with intense light.

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"If Old Madam is so considerate, it would be best to send a letter and have me registered with the Cui Prince's family. Our families have been close for generations; my father and the prince often shared poetry and wine, their friendship deep. When my father was convicted, most nobles kept silent for self-preservation, but the prince spoke out on our behalf. And by rank, I am his younger relative."

Yingying spoke animatedly, but as she finished, her glow faded, gathering clouds of worry and returning to her timid, pitiable look.

"But I heard that last winter he fell seriously ill and has been bedridden. I don't know how he is now, and in the forbidden palace I had no news—whether he's even alive..."

Li Xu wanted to say he'd only just returned to the capital and didn't know either, but to avoid disappointing her, he said, "Though I've been in the northwest, I often read the official bulletins; there hasn't been any mention of the prince."

"That's good—no news is good news," Yingying replied, keeping her head down, suppressing her excitement.

Li Xu smiled, reassuring her. "After seeing Old Madam, go back and rest. Your eyes are red—it's not good for your look. And at home, you don't need to wear such heavy makeup... It takes too much effort."

Looking at her vivid red lips, Li Xu shivered involuntarily. Perhaps it was beautiful, but it overwhelmed him.

After paying respects to Old Madam, Liu Motong went to the door, where Liu Wan had prepared horses and sent Wang Cai to fetch Li Xu. Li Xu bid Yingying farewell and strode out, asking Wang Cai as he walked, "Is Prince Cui dead yet?"

"There are three Princes Cui in Chang'an—may I ask which one you mean, young master?"

So many? Li Xu wondered, "The eldest one."

"Not dead—he's bedridden."

Li Xu glanced at Wang Cai, satisfied. "From today, you'll follow me."

"Yes, young master," Wang Cai replied, head lowered.

"Call me Eldest Brother, just like the others."

"Yes, Eldest Brother," Wang Cai answered, still head bowed.

"...Very good."

Riding alongside Liu Motong toward the imperial city, Li Xu inquired about Prince Cui's condition. Liu Motong countered, "Why are you asking about him?"

Li Xu explained the matter of registering Yingying with Prince Cui's family. Liu Motong thought for a moment and said, "Prince Cui is a good man, old friends with Yingying's family. When your future father-in-law got into trouble, Prince Cui spoke out for him. But he fell ill last winter, and now he's often unconscious—he can't handle any affairs. The Grand Princess is both eccentric and formidable. Registering with their family—I'm not optimistic."

Hearing this, Li Xu realized "registering" wasn't as simple as he'd imagined—like adopting a godparent for the sake of ceremony and face.

In fact, after the registration, a quasi-adoptive legal relationship was formed between the registrant and the host family, far more formal and intimate than privately acknowledged kinship. The registration required the presence and certification of local officials for validity, who would then record and periodically report the relationship to the county authorities for inspection. If either party later committed treason or serious crimes, the other would be implicated.

Perhaps their property wouldn't necessarily be confiscated, but restrictions on freedom, migration, participation in imperial exams, and holding certain offices would apply.

Yingying was the daughter of a convict, and the crime was treason. Even if Prince Cui were healthy, whether he'd accept her registration was uncertain, let alone in his current state. The Grand Princess's temper was unpredictable, and demanding her to accept a convict's daughter as kin was unlikely. Liu Motong was right—this matter was precarious.

It wasn't easy after all. Li Xu frowned slightly. From his perspective, registering was a redundant gesture—the emperor had commanded the marriage, granting special exemption; her status as a commoner was secure, so what more needed to be done? If they wanted a grand spectacle, they could parade the bride across Chang'an's main streets repeatedly.

But that was just Li Xu's wishful thinking. In this era, tradition mattered. If he weren't so unqualified, he could challenge it, but given the circumstances, it was better to keep a low profile.

Seeing Li Xu's troubled face, Liu Motong laughed, "Oh, what's the big deal? If you worry, just ask Third Brother—he's also a Cui, and your Yingying can join their family. If you're embarrassed, I'll speak for you."

"...Third Brother's family, would they agree?" Li Xu was surprised.

"Uncle Guo never interferes; his wife dotes on Third Brother, and dislikes his loneliness. She'd love to form more alliances for support. As long as Third Brother agrees, it's settled. I'll ask him—it's almost certain. Rest assured, you'll be the son-in-law of the Deputy Minister of Rites."

Liu Motong spoke gently, and Li Xu's expression changed three times in an instant, finally breaking into a smile.

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There were quite a few people collecting appointment papers at the Ministry of Personnel that day, mostly heroes from the northwest anti-bandit campaign, many of whom Li Xu knew. They exchanged greetings, and some had already packed their luggage, ready to depart for their posts immediately after receiving their papers. Most planned to stay in Chang'an for a few days to enjoy themselves, spending all their spare money except what was needed for expenses and filial duties.

Seize pleasure when you can—such moments come but few times in a lifetime.

When Li Xu collected his papers, he specifically asked a junior officer about how to apply for marriage leave. The officer waved his hand, "No need—today is only the twenty-first of October. If you arrive in Shaozhou before New Year's, you're within regulation. Over two months—riding a donkey would get you there. No need."

The officer looked nineteen, his face as fair as jade, soft as dough, but his eyes always slanted sharply, making them difficult to meet. Li Xu found him intriguing and asked, "You seem straightforward—may I ask your name?"

The officer raised his hand, "No need for formality. I'm Wei Mo."

Li Xu drew a sharp breath—this was truly the heart of the empire. Even applying for leave, you meet nobles. Wei Mo was a descendant of the famed minister Wei Zheng from the early Tang. Studying his face—yes, a bit paler than ideal; if only he were darker.

Following the tradition of burning incense for real Buddha, Li Xu shamelessly sat down to chat with Wei Mo, ignoring the queue behind. After a round of flattery, Wei Mo was greatly pleased. As a descendant of famous ministers and proud of his talents, Wei Mo was notorious for his arrogance, making few friends in the Ministry of Personnel—or anywhere, really. Now suddenly a noble's son came to flatter him, and his youthful vanity could not resist.

In his delight, he handed his official duties to a colleague and led Li Xu to the tea lounge. Each of the six ministries had their own tea rooms for staff to rest, with free tea and attendants. Wei Mo ordered tea, and they chatted for an hour, finding much in common. When Li Xu finally bid farewell, Wei Mo broke his usual custom and escorted him out, bidding him goodbye as a friend.

Li Xu left the Secretariat, heading south along Anshangmen Street, where Liu Motong, Shi Xiong, Cui Yudong, and Li Third Brother were waiting outside Anshangmen. Earlier, when parting at the Secretariat, Liu Motong had told Li Xu to head to Anshangmen after collecting his papers, where they would meet Shi Xiong, Cui Yudong, and Li Third Brother, then go together to the Hu family's restaurant next to Xuanzhen Temple in Chongren Ward for drinks.

Because the conversation with Wei Mo had been so engaging, Li Xu was delayed. He apologized upon arrival and explained the reason for his tardiness. Though Wei Mo was a descendant of famous ministers, he was only just starting his career, and few knew him. Liu Motong, Cui Yudong, and Li Third Brother didn't mind, while Shi Xiong merely pursed his lips but said nothing.

Chongren Ward was just one street from the imperial city, so the four went on foot rather than riding. Entering the ward, Shi Xiong gave some money to Wang Cai and the other attendants, letting them find their own meal, then led the way to the Hu family's restaurant.

Chongren Ward, in Chang'an's north, was close to the three major palaces and just a street from the imperial city, filled with noble families and upscale inns. The Hu family's restaurant by Xuanzhen Temple was run by a western Hu man who, upon arriving in the Tang, adopted the surname Hu and took a Tang name. The restaurant was authentically Central Plains in style, with mostly Chang'an dishes, occasionally accented with Western specialties.

With so many Hu people's restaurants in Chang'an, relying on exotic flair couldn't last—only good food mattered.

The five took a private room upstairs on the south side. The staff changed the tables and stools to tall Hu-style furniture, much like later Eight Immortals tables. Li Xu found it familiar, and those who'd spent two years in the northwest—Liu Motong, Shi Xiong, and others—were fond of it too.

They ordered, closed the door, and enjoyed peace and quiet. Outside the south window, a camphor branch stretched across, framed by the temple's halls and towers—a scene of elegant ink-wash charm.

Still, the five felt bored, so Li Xu began teasing Li Third Brother, whose forehead was bandaged and face mottled with bruises.

"Third Brother, what was last night's battle like?"

"Don't be ridiculous—the northwest bandits have been pacified, the world is peaceful, what battle? Oh, this... cat, a cat scratched me."

As he spoke, his face turned red, clearly embarrassed by his poor excuse.

"Wow, your second wife isn't a mouse spirit—how much resentment did you accumulate for so many cats to attack at once? Your face is still bruised; did the cats not only scratch you but punch you too?"

Li Third Brother blushed deeper, smiling awkwardly. Last night, after leaving Fengyi Ward, he went straight to the inn to fetch Green Pearl, drumming anxiously as he returned home to Yongchang Ward, pondering which door to enter. Unexpectedly, Madam Liu was already waiting at the street in full dress—wearing gold-trimmed cavalry armor, blue headband, and wielding a fifty-pound Green Dragon Crescent Blade, standing imposingly.

His six children—three sons and three daughters, the eldest nine and youngest three—were also dressed up, waving sticks and spears. Upon seeing him, they didn't hesitate, swinging their clubs at their father.

Li Third Brother had expected trouble, but not such a dismal outcome. He'd hoped family disputes could be settled quietly, never imagining his usually tolerant wife would leave him no dignity!

Despite his battlefield experience, Li Third Brother was terrified and battered. Fortunately, sons hitting their father could be managed with a couple of slaps; daughters were tucked under his arms, one after another. Madam Liu, though swinging her club ferociously, was more bluster than harm—mainly venting her anger without causing real injury.

———

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