Chapter 250: Longevity Noodles, a Dangerous Arrival

“Sir still refuses to see me?”
Once again stopped at the study door by Mingdi, Zhang Yue’s face turned as black as charcoal. He had always thought he understood Du Zhen’s temperament—just cold on the outside but warm inside—but it was only now that he realized how impenetrable that “cold exterior” really was. Unless Du Zhen wished it, even his close student would be kept at a distance, making it difficult to take even a single step forward. With no other choice, he asked Mingdi, “Then has the sir left any message for you to convey?”
Under normal circumstances, seeing Zhang Yue in such a state, Mingdi would have gone in to relay the message again, but this time he could only shake his head sadly. “Third Young Master, please don’t put me in this difficult position. Master is completely determined this time. He repeats his old words: he’s in Qingzhou on official business, and no personal matters are allowed outside of that. He says you’ve already done your duty and needn’t worry about anything else. If you have time, it’s better to go to the countryside to calm the people and prevent the remnants of the White Lotus Sect from causing trouble.”
Staring fixedly at the tightly closed doors, Zhang Yue still refused to give up and asked, “Since the sir won’t see me, at least can I meet Sister Wan?”
“Master says if the eldest miss wants to see him, she should wait until we return to Jinan Prefecture.” Seeing Zhang Yue’s grim expression, Mingdi couldn’t bear it and glanced back secretly before pulling Zhang Yue aside. “Third Young Master, I dare to speak the truth—Master has met many people and dealt with numerous matters these days. He often stays up until the third watch of the night and still can’t fall asleep. I’m worried watching this, but Master never shares any important matters with us. This morning, didn’t he go out? But he was mocked at the Shandong Military Command—those military officers seem to hold deep hostility toward him…”
With these words from Mingdi, Zhang Yue remained uneasy throughout the afternoon while handling official duties. Although the petition jointly signed by him, Magistrate Ling Hua, and other officials had already been sent to Beijing—written by him and polished by another fellow graduate official—the outcome of whether it could deceive the high-ranking officials and the emperor was uncertain.
If it were just the victory at Shishipeng Fort, there would be no problem at all, but now things had escalated far too much!

In the evening, Zhang Yue returned to his official residence from the front yamen. As he approached the door, he heard voices of many people inside, both men and women, seemingly a large gathering. Curious, he quickened his pace and, as soon as he stepped over the threshold, he saw two rows of men and women in the courtyard bowing to him in unison.

“Wish the young master prosperity and joy!”

Realizing that all the servants he had brought from Beijing were gathered there and hearing these words, Zhang Yue suddenly understood—he had been so busy these days. Wasn’t today his birthday? Before he could speak, Lingxi led a group of people over noisily, uttering countless auspicious words. The servants also presented the gifts they had prepared in advance—ranging from handkerchiefs and fans to stone paperweights—so much so that he soon had a pile of them.

Seeing his arms laden with gifts, Qiu Hen couldn’t help but laugh, then stepped forward to push Zhang Yue inside. “The longevity noodles have been prepared long ago, and all the guests who came to celebrate have arrived. We’re just waiting for you, the birthday boy. Although it’s not a full birthday celebration, you’re still getting one year older. Don’t forget to give everyone some rewards later! Sister Lingxi has already ordered three tables of food and drinks set up in the banquet hall for everyone to enjoy. We also plan to hold a celebration in our own room!”

Zhang Yue naturally knew who these so-called guests were. Sure enough, when he pushed aside the bamboo curtain and entered, he saw Du Wan and Meng Min sitting side by side on the kang. Both wore jade-colored hanfu with right-front closures and Hangzhou silk skirts in agarwood-colored patterns. Even their hairstyles, hairpins, and earrings were identical, making them look like sisters, which surprised him. It wasn’t until they stood up and wished him a happy birthday in unison that he realized what was happening, and he quickly greeted each of them.

“You still remembered my birthday? I even forgot it myself!”

“I’ve been busy sewing with Sister Min every day these past few days, so it’s impossible to forget.” Du Wan glanced at Meng Min and smiled, saying, “I know you’ve had something on your mind these days, but still, a birthday must be celebrated. Otherwise, how can we keep you down in spirits? Fortunately, my aunt’s condition has improved a bit, so Sister Min can spare some time to share a bowl of longevity noodles with you.”

“I don’t have anything else to give—just two sets of clothes, shoes, and socks.” Seeing Du Wan looking at her with a teasing expression, Meng Min’s face turned slightly red. She then said openly, “It wasn’t done by me alone; Sister Du and Xiao Wu Chunying also helped. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been finished in such a short time. It was thanks to Sister Lingxi and the others who found your old clothes to use as a template. But it’s best if you try it on first. If it doesn’t fit, I can take it back and modify it later.”

Xiao Wu, standing nearby, stuck out her tongue and said, “Don’t mention me. I only caused trouble. Using a sewing needle is even more tiring than holding a pen! The young lady didn’t help much either—she’s not good at such delicate work. But Xiao Chunying is quite skilled!”

Although Du Wan knew her own skills in sewing were very limited, she didn’t expect Xiao Wu to bring it up directly. She glared at her fiercely. Amber, on the other hand, smiled and handed over the clothes. Together with Lingxi, they took off Zhang Yue’s official robe and helped him put on the green silk shirt. They fiddled with it from all sides. Qiu Hen, thinking it wasn’t enough, even added various accessories like fan covers and belts, then bent down to put on a pair of small soapy boots for Zhang Yue. Finally, several girls around his age gathered around the kang, examining Zhang Yue from all angles and laughing heartily.

Wearing the clothes, Zhang Yue felt they fit perfectly and was grateful for their kindness. He thanked Meng Min and Du Wan first, then praised the girls for their care. As for the others, it was fine, but Xiao Wu waved her hand proudly and said, “You should thank Miss Meng. If not for her attention to detail, the young lady might have left the sewing needle stuck inside… Ouch! Who hit me?”

Looking up, she saw Du Wan still holding another spool of thread. She quickly hid behind Lingxi, then playfully stuck out her tongue. Du Wan pretended to throw it at her, but when she saw the door curtain lift and Cui’s family enter with several bowls of steaming noodles on a tung wood tray, she angrily lowered her hand. Meng Min then stepped forward, pulled her sleeve, and said with a smile, “Sister Du can easily deal with Xiao Wu. Just assign her some sewing work every day—she’ll surely behave properly in less than three days!”

“Don’t use such tricks to bully me! Sister Qiu Hen, I’d rather learn to make bread and dumplings from you!”

“Xiao Wu, better save it. If you make dumplings, who would give you that much flour?”

Seeing three bowls of noodles already placed on the kang table, and Xiao Wu and Qiu Hen arguing again, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile. He decided to let these two most playful ones bicker nearby and invited Meng Min and Du Wan to eat first while it was still hot. Before long, the rest of the noodles were brought over as well. Everyone gathered around the kang. Before the noodles were even finished, their chatter was so loud it almost lifted the roof off. After a full hour of noise, as darkness fell, Ling Xi finally took Qiu Hen and Hu Bo to clean up the dishes, and Zhang Yue personally saw them off.

At the back door of the government office, Meng Min glanced at Du Wan and suddenly said, “Sister Du, before I left, Mother said she wanted to eat tender tofu pudding. Hong Xiu and I will go buy it first. It’s getting dark late, and I know you’re worried about Lord Du. Why not stay a while longer? I’ll have someone keep the door open for you.” She nodded at Zhang Yue and smiled cheerfully, saying, “They say good people are blessed by heaven. Heaven will surely protect the virtuous. Brother Yue, don’t worry too much.”

Seeing Meng Min and Hong Xiu walk away, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but stare at their backs for a few more moments before turning his gaze away. Noticing that Du Wan no longer had her earlier relaxed smile, he solemnly recounted how he had been turned away again that day, then said worriedly, “If what Ming Di said is true, the master must have had foresight about the future, yet he still acts recklessly without considering the consequences. I’m really very worried.”

He paused and continued, “The emperor is extremely fond of those who have been by his side for years. Military officers are not only meritorious heroes but also comrades who have shared hardships together; they must never be abandoned. In contrast, civil officials are like fence-sitters who sway back and forth—useful but also more dangerous, so they are far inferior to military officers. Though the master enjoys the emperor’s trust, how can he compare to the Han King, who has risked his life for the emperor time and again?”

Du Wan sighed softly. “Yao Shao Shi also mentioned this in his letter. In fact, he wrote that during the Jingnan Campaign, countless military officials were made dukes and marquises, while among civil officials, only this monk managed to rise to prominence. Throughout the emperor’s reign, civil officials could never surpass military officials, but this situation will surely change in the future, as the country needs stability after establishing order. Although Father may not be as far-sighted as Yao Shao Shi, he surely understands this logic. If he knows it yet still does this…”

Chunying and Xiao Wu had already quietly stepped aside to avoid disturbing the conversation between the two. Yet while they were mindful of this, others lacked the ability to observe such things. Just as Zhang Yue was about to pick up the thread of the conversation, a deep and powerful voice suddenly came from behind him.
“Young master, we just received news that the Jinyiwei have been ordered to bring Lord Du to the capital! It seems you’ll need to go to Beijing as well.”
Zhang Yue turned around abruptly and saw Hu Qi standing in the shadow of the gatehouse, immediately realizing where the news came from. After a moment of shock, he quickly regained his composure and asked in a low voice, “When did this happen?”
“The news arrived late at night, but actual action is likely to wait until tomorrow.” Hu Qi glanced at Du Wan before adding softly, “Young master, there’s no need to worry too much. Since something has been arranged, it’s probably a plan that will turn out safely.”