Ran Feize didn’t reply.
Upon raising an eyebrow and looking at Su Xiaopei, he went and continued drinking his tea as if to make little of her suggestion. Su Xiaopei also kept her calm, neither pestering nor explaining further, and also drank her tea.
At that moment, someone outside the home shouted, “Boss Tang has returned!” And yet another person shouted, “Unit Elder* Wu has come!”
[TL/N: 甲长- Jiazhang refers to an elder/leader in charge of a unit of households. This was done to help facilitate orderly compilation of local household registrations during the Song Dynasty. Ran Feize will kind of explain how this works further down this chapter.]
It turned out that a group of particularly nosy spectators had not entirely dispersed but were too embarrassed to enter the abode either, and simply waited at the door to observe the situation. Someone had run ahead to notify the Tang family’s father at his shop earlier when Tang Lian had returned.
The door of the entrance opened amid the noise and Su Xiaopei looked up to see a man in his forties and a young teen step in. Following right behind was an elderly with a salt-and-pepper* mustache.
[TL/N: Mostly white hair with specks of grey.]
Tang Lian’s mother, Tang Li hurried out when she heard the bustling outside; her eyes were rimmed with redness, having clearly been through a bout of crying. When she came out and saw the man, she cried out, ‘husband’*, as tears cascaded down once more.
[TL/N: 官人- Typically described one with a government position but in this case, according to Wiki, is how wives refer to their husbands even in some parts of China today. This term is also used when addressing fathers.]
Tang Lian’s father was named Tang Zhong and his face looked awful at the moment.
When his daughter had been abducted by mountain bandits two months ago, he had initially been anxious and brokenhearted. He reported to the officials and hurried to gather his neighbors in search of his daughter, but as time passed, not even a single trace of her was found; then, all sorts of nasty rumours and foul speculations soon became rampant. Tang Zhong was a man who cared about face* and couldn’t stand for it. Seeing as there was not a trace of his daughter even after a long time, he felt that the chances were grim, and though he grieved in his heart, he simply considered her dead.
[TL/N: 面子- ‘Face’ representing public image, reputation and honour, all wrapped in one. This is a very important thing in Asian culture.]
Those rumours had only lessened recently and he felt a little relieved in his heart. Though he mourned whenever he thought of his daughter’s misfortune, he also hoped that the matter would pass quickly until no one mentioned it again. Unexpectedly, not long after he had eaten lunch and had gone to the shop with his son, a neighbor rushed over with news that his daughter had come back alive.
Tang Zhong’s heart was shaken; he couldn’t say he didn’t rejoice but the inevitability of the Tang family suffering from people’s accusing fingers and gossip because of his daughter’s lost innocence immediately came to mind. He didn’t say much, quickly closed shop and hurried home with his son, Tang Song,
Tang Li and Tang Zhong spoke to each other about their daughter’s return in one corner. The moment those people had entered, Ran Feize had immediately stood up and Su Xiaopei did so as well in following his example. But her legs and feet were simply in too much pain. It had been fine when she was standing the whole time but now that she had sat down, to stand again made her legs feel like they had been run over by a car. It hurt enough that she hissed in pain and nearly fell over.
Ran Feize held onto her arm and straightened her.
Tang Zhong listened to Tang Li’s explanation and came over to offer his thanks to Ran Feize. He greeted him with a cupped fist shouting, ‘Warrior Ran’, and said his thanks before he introduced himself. Ran Feize also cupped his fist, greeted him with a ‘Boss Tang’, while politely replying that it took little effort so there was no need for gratitude.
It was the same dull, textbook-like dialogue and as Su Xiaopei listened to it, she wondered if people from ancient times always spent half their energy on these so-called customs of politeness and propriety.
Right when her attention wandered, Tang Zhong turned towards her with a cupped fist and asked, “And this is?”
Su Xiaopei, in a moment of nervousness, copied Ran Feize’s example and cupped her fist as well and greeted, “Boss Tang”. Everyone in the room all swept their gaze towards her in unison once again. Though Ran Feize purposefully didn’t look at her, when she swiftly glanced at him, she saw that the corners of his mouth had inched upwards.
Ah damn it, she must have erred in etiquette again. This was how they did it in movies or was it bending at the knees with both hands pressed to one side of the body? Su Xiaopei’s mind was going blank. She couldn’t spit out a ‘this humble one’ at any rate and even bending at the knees was impossible right now so she simply did without it. If it was wrong then so be it; the movies even said something about those of Jianghu forgo trifle formalities!
Ran Feize seemed to have amused himself enough and finally stepped in to help her. “Miss here was also a chance encounter in the mountain woods and has trouble with her memories, so please excuse her.”
Everyone seemed to have a look of revelation on their faces and even if they held some displeasure in their hearts, it was not good to express it. And so they all reciprocated with civility and polite remarks once more. Su Xiaopei had long since learned to behave: speak not, if speaking was unnecessary and act not, if action was unnecessary- to be cautious in both words and actions.
Tang Zhong bid his wife to prepare food and care for their benefactor although he himself brought his son and the elderly further into the abode. Su Xiaopei directed her glance towards them and surmised that they must be looking to discuss things with Tang Lian. Su Xiaopei became suddenly worried. Most abducted hostages who have been rescued will experience an emerging, sensitive stress-response, and other unhealthy psychological conditions as well. She didn’t know how Tang Lian would fare.
She asked Ran Feize in a whisper, “Warrior, when they were conversing just now, were you able to hear who that elderly was?”
Ran Feize looked at her and replied, “He is the Unit Elder.”
“What is a unit elder?”
“Ten households to a unit, each unit is appointed a unit elder. Miss has forgotten this as well?”
Ten households to a unit, a unit elder? Su Xiaopei pondered over it for a while and surmised whether this was equivalent to a neighborhood’s community manager to an extent. At that moment, Tang Lian’s voice could be heard from the inner rooms as she cried, “Father!”. It was difficult to discern the words that came next from an indistinct, male voice.
Tang Li had heeded Tang Zhong’s bidding and had gone to the kitchens to make Ran Feize and Su Xiaopei something to eat. Su Xiaopei became concerned as she was not by Tang Lian’s side during this time.
After a moment of waiting, the sound of crying in the inner rooms ceased as Tang Li brought out two bowls of noodles. Ran Feize politely gave his thanks as he received it and Su Xiaopei mimicked his behavior, also doing the same. Tang Li hastened to procure another bowl and headed into the inner rooms; Tang Lian, like them, hadn’t eaten anything either.
Su Xiaopei was starving and helped herself to mouthfuls of noodles as she paid an attentive ear to the happenings within the inner rooms. Ran Feize, it seemed, even ate noodles with a refined looked of politeness, neither hurried nor slow, well-mannered and with decorum.
His behavior really didn’t match his tall figure and exceedingly large baggage. Su Xiaopei quickly finished the noodles while thinking so, not leaving even a mouthful of the soup.
A short while later, Tang Li came out once more and quietly spoke, “Many thanks to the benefactor. The family is occupied with matters, making it inconvenient to keep the benefactor here. Our care was insufficient, may the benefactor not find fault.”
Su Xiaopei sighed in her heart. She was thankful she had shamelessly spoken up or else they wouldn’t have had even this meal.
Ran Feize reciprocated with polite words as usual, thanking the Tang family for their hospitality and then took leave. Fearing she would be left behind, Su Xiaopei quickly grabbed a corner of his enormous baggage and followed him out.
The two stepped onto the streets, one behind the other. Ran Feize said not a word and neither did Su Xiaopei. And though her legs were killing her from agony that was akin to a knife piercing her with every step, compared to this pain, she feared Ran Feize abandoning her more.
Ran Feize suddenly came to a halt and the inattentive Su Xiaopei nearly crashed into him. He turned around, pulled out a coin purse from within his bosom, and upturned it to pour out some coins for Su Xiaopei to see.
Su Xiaopei glanced at the dozen or so copper coins and didn’t count the exact number.
Ran Feize remained silent still, although there was an attempt at a smile on his face. Su Xiaopei frowned and asked in all seriousness, “This is Warrior’s entire asset?”
Asset? Ran Feize knitted his brows and replied, “This is indeed all the wealth in my possession.” He waited and watched, watched to see what else the strange Miss would say.
Su Xiaopei stared at the copper coins, suddenly asking, “How is money calculated here?”
“What?” He really couldn’t understand those words.
“Hm.” How should this be explained? Su Xiaopei turned her head and saw some stuffed buns and mantou* being sold and rushed to say, “That is, how many stuffed buns can be purchased with these coppers?”
[TL/N: See footnote.]
Ran Feize turned in the direction of her gaze and said with a smile, “I haven’t purchased any in this town, but it shouldn’t be much different from elsewhere. Three copper coins for one mantou, five copper coins for one stuffed bun.”
Su Xiaopei carefully counted the copper coins in Ran Feize’s palm. According to this convenient calculation, three coppers can be exchanged for one mantou. There were fifteen coins here, meaning five mantou. If she ate less and had only one per meal while he endured the bit of grievance and ate two, then this wouldn’t even make for more than two meals.
Ran Feize chuckled. He had never seen anyone calculate money in this fashion. She should now know that he really was unable to take care of her.
“Miss.” He called out to her, intending to tell her of a Budhhist convent not far from Shi’tou Town. If she really didn’t know where she could possibly go, then he could send her to the convent for shelter. But before he couldn’t finish speaking, Su Xiaopei lifted her head and asked “How does Warrior plan to earn money?”
Ran Feize was dumbfounded. Was she asking him what kind of skills he has to make a living? Those words meant to ask how one intended to earn a living?
This Miss was not young. Her hair, clothing, and way of speech were all bizarre, and though claiming trouble with memory, she was ignorant of even worldly wisdom and basic means of livelihood. Though he could clearly tell she had the mannerisms of one highly cultured and steeped in propriety, the words she said were blunt and discourteous. He knew she intended to cling tenaciously onto him but she used neither smiles nor flattery, rather maintaining an earnest expression as she acted shamelessly with all seriousness and solemnity. He had truly never seen such a person before.
Ran Feize laughed, “What I have is strength as well as some handicraft so finding shelter and food is not a problem. On the contrary, have Miss any plans?”
She would definitely say she had nowhere to go, no money, and no relatives because she remembers nothing. She would plead for him to give her shelter and he would ultimately tell her for the last time that he couldn’t afford to take care of her and can only send her to the convent near the town.
At the end, what Su Xiaopei said was, “I also intend to put in some effort. When Warrior goes out to earn money, I can look after Warrior’s possessions.”
Ran Feize was stupefied once again. Looking after belongings- that was considered putting in some effort? She was truly a bit too thick-skinned. Ran Feize shook his head. “Miss.” He decided to make his words clear and had just lifted his head when he seemingly saw something behind Su Xiaopei. He abruptly turned and left.
Su Xiaopei was bewildered and automatically turned to look behind her, finding nothing out of the ordinary. But when she looked back again within that instance of time, not even a shadow of Ran Feize could be found.
Su Xiaopei’s face collapsed. No way, right? Could it be that her judgement was wrong, that this capable and kindhearted warrior could really have casted away a frail woman with amnesia?
It turned out it was just that easy and simple for him to discard her.
Su Xiaopei stood fixed to the spot, her heart turning ice-cold as disappointment and fear surged into it. On these unfamiliar and quaint streets, among people dressed in weird, ancient clothing, and with an accent that couldn’t be fully understood, Su Xiaopei tasted helplessness and terror for the first time.
“You, yes, it’s you. You were speaking to a warrior just now, right? Who is he?”
Su Xiaopei blinked her eyes and turned around to find a woman dressed in intensely red attire. With flat eyebrows, thin lips, and a stern facial expression, she was holding a dark jade-coloured, sheathed sword in an aggressive manner as she unexpectedly directed a question at her.
Su Xiaopei shook her head. The woman furrowed her brows, “Was he carrying an enormous baggage, with upright and handsome facial features by the surname Ran?”
Su Xiaopei continued shaking her head. She didn’t know her and didn’t know what her relationship with the warrior was. Moreover, her demeanor was harsh and impolite. With her legs near crippled and feeling disheartened, she didn’t want to pay her any attention.
“You’re mute?” Yet that woman continued pressing with questions.
“Many thanks for the concern.” Su Xiaopei was not happy and couldn’t help but press back sarcastically. Her feet were hurting a lot, so she moved to the wall and leaned against it.
Concern? Who was concerned for her? The woman’s frown deepened as she scrutinized Su Xiaopei, suspecting whether there was something wrong with her brain. Look at that attire and hairstyle, that way of speech, just what about her looked like an ordinary person?
“I asked you questions, why was there no response?” She had seen a person’s blurry figure from a distance so she hadn’t been sure if it was Ran Feize. But the man disappeared in a blink of an eye, hence she had to ask for confirmation.
“Have Miss any money?” Su Xiaopei made a difficult decision, deciding to act recklessly amidst the hopelessness of the situation. She didn’t know what to do next with no money or destination to head towards. She could only ask for help from anyone she set her eyes on.
The red clad lady was taken aback. Where did those words come from? It couldn’t be that she was refusing to answer until she was paid?
“Should you have any money, lend me some will you? Or perhaps lending me some clothes will do too. Miss, I’ve never been here before and even lost my memory. My feet hurt, and am dispossessed and friendless, with no relatives…..”
Su Xiaopei didn’t even finish speaking when that woman turned to leave. “So she was a crazy beggar.”
Beggar?
Su Xiaopei swallowed back the subsequent pleas for help and watched as the woman’s figure quickly disappeared into the masses.
And a crazy one at that?
Su Xiaopei’s mouth twitched. Her legs were throbbing in agony to the point she couldn’t stand it anymore. She imagined she must have a twisted expression on her face and released a listless sigh, then shuffled to a corner of the street and sat down, no longer able to remain standing.
There were people who would pass by in front of her from time to time, all of whom would throw her a startled look but never bothered to give her any regard nor did anyone come forward to ask after and care about her. Su Xiaopei looked at herself wearing ill-fitting, men’s attire and covered in dried black mud from head to foot while she wore filthy cloth socks. Although she couldn’t see her own face and head, she could imagine what kind of shameful appearance she had.
She wasn’t sure how competent the public security here was, but there shouldn’t be any scoundrels or robbers who would harass a woman on the street, right? Would there be city administrative police who would come to interrogate or drive her away because they saw her improperly clothed? Or perhaps arrest her? Were there any territorial divisions among the beggars here? Would any beggar gangs be willing to take her in?
Su Xiaopei lost herself to all sorts of blind and wild conjectures, her head dipping low in her daze. What should she do? Or perhaps return to Tang Liang’s house to seek help? Although that family didn’t seem very sociable nor did they intend to give consideration to outsiders but at the very least, fate brought them on the same road and they had both been troubled women. Wouldn’t it be better to shamelessly knock on their door for help than to sleep on the streets?
Su Xiaopei tried to recall where the Tang family home was but realized that she hadn’t paid attention to the route because she had been hyper focused on following Ran Feize; she wasn’t sure if she could find her way back. She clenched her teeth- one must chance it no matter what. She’d been sitting here for too long and it certainly wouldn’t solve her problem. Things would be more troublesome the later it gets.
Su Xiaopei was thinking so and was about to get up but the moment she moved, she found herself unable to stand up anymore. She sucked in a breath from the immense pain, then, slowly propped herself on the ground and shifted her body to lean against the wall, intending to use it to crawl her way up. Given the circumstance, as long as she could stand up, she didn’t care what posture she was using or the possibility of humiliation.
As she was gnashing her teeth while squirming about, a large hand reached towards her, grasped her elbow and lifted her up. Su Xiaopei saw in her peripheral a pair of dark blue, coarse-clothed shoes, a pair of light grey trousers hanging above that, and in looking further up, the hem of a light blue, men’s robe that reached the thighs. Something about these seemed familiar. She snapped her gaze up and found herself looking into Ran Feize’s upstanding and gentle face.
He came back, he actually came back?!
“Warrior.” Su Xiaopei casted all rhyme and reason to the winds in her desperation and rushed to speak, “Warrior, I’m lost and remember nothing, my legs hurt immensely, I have no money, no family, acquainted with no one and have never been here before. I have no place of shelter, and am helpless and friendless, wretchedly alone and uncared for…..”
Ran Feize was just about to speak when he was cut off by her long string of words. He coughed a few times, wanting to laugh but also felt that he really shouldn’t. It was just that those kinds of pitiful words that incited sympathy should have been spoken with a soft and mournful intonation, right? But the way she sped through them as stiff as a board was extremely funny.
Su Xiaopei’s words were cut short by his coughing. In truth, she couldn’t come up with more to say. Being weak and pitiful was indeed not her strong point, and from looking at Ran Feize’s expression, she also knew she couldn’t continue down this route.
She cleared her throat and continued after some thought, “Should Warrior cast me aside and not care, the only road left for me then is death.”
Ran Feize corrected his expression and nodded, “I had not meant to cast Miss away. Only, I noticed trouble and sought to evade it temporarily.”
Su Xiaopei nodded to express understanding but couldn’t help asking, “Debt of love*?” One must investigate the person’s situation to determine whether the person can be relied on temporarily.
[TL/N: Equivalent to debt of favor except this is in the romantic context, such as lingering one-sided feelings, or a past relationship with loose ends, etc…]
Ran Feize grappled with it for a while before he guessed her meaning, which only made him dry cough once again. Did Miss really understand what her words meant? To say such words as being a ‘single woman*’, she will surely be criticized.
[TL/N: The words she meant as wretchedly alone can also mean ‘single woman’, which implied her being unmarried, hint hint etc…]
“Miss.” He struggled for a long time in how to explain this principle to her while looking at her clear and innocent eyes. Yet, he couldn’t find the proper words to do so. He finally settled with saying, “Miss should refrain from being this way next time.”
Su Xiaopei frowned. ‘Refrain from being this way’ was referring to which ‘way’? Relying on him? Sitting on the street? Acting pitiful? Asking questions? Refrain from being this way about what?
Ran Feize looked at her solemn and serious expression and frowned. Did she understand his meaning?
The two stared at each other, a solemn countenance faced with a serious one.
It was at this moment when two people ran by shouting, “Quickly go and see! The one to catch the thief will be monetarily rewarded with five silver taels!”
Monetary reward?
Su Xiaopei’s spirits were suddenly lifted as her eyes honed in on the two people in the distance. Her mind whirred quickly in thought and turned to ask Ran Feize, “Warrior, you possess no money on you and are unable to take care of me, correct?”
“It is so.” That was why he decided to send her to the Buddhist convent. He was about to say this when Su Xiaopei interrupted, “Once money is obtained, Warrior will be able to take care of me for a period of time, correct?”
Ran Feize, “……..”
To ask this kind of question- it led to no good regardless of whether one answered it or not. Not having money was not the true reason for being unable to take care of a woman, does she not understand? The important point was, it was improper for a man and woman to give or accept anything without any intention to marry. They were both complete strangers and did not know each other or had any connections. Was she not afraid of relying on him?
Ran Feize observed Su Xiaopei’s serious expression and nodded.
Su Xiaopei continued asking questions seriously, “Warrior, are you learned in martial arts?”
“I am.”
“Caught criminals before?”
“I have.”
“How much is five taels of silver? What I’m saying is, how many mantou can be bought with it?”
Ran Feize, “…….”
~~ * ~~
Footnote:
- Stuffed buns- can be either steamed or pan fried, super delicious with a variety of flavors and fillings~~!
Mantou- They’re steamed, plain and without filling but can be made with different types of flour and mixed with other ingredients such as dried shrimp and scallions for a savory one, or brown sugar and whole wheat for a mildly sweet one. They can also be fried afterwards and dipped in condensed milk for the ultimate bliss!
