Chapter 57: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 57: 

 

Mian Tang said, “We’re drawing too much attention with all these sheep. The officials are likely to come looking for us today. If we don’t change our appearance, we could get into serious trouble.”

She had learned from talking with the sheep traders the day before that there were many black market traders in the area. In the eyes of the officials, these traders were as desirable as fat lambs.

Since Empress Dowager Wu began her regency, taxes and fees had been arbitrarily increased. Corruption was rampant in the northwest, and legitimate businesses were barely making a profit.

The local sheep traders regularly bribe officials during festivals, so they’re rarely bothered during their transactions. However, once outsiders make a profit, they are inevitably extorted. Fines and taxes, along with threats of imprisonment, could turn a profitable venture into a costly ordeal.

Mian Tang didn’t want to be exploited for others’ gains. So, she decided to leave before dawn and change their disguises to avoid trouble.

Between money and facial hair, the choice was clear.

Liu Kun and the two bodyguards no longer hesitated and each shaved off their beards. Their faces were now completely bare, and they looked at each other, feeling that even their parents wouldn’t recognize them.

Mian Tang smiled and said, “With this, we’re completely safe.”

Indeed, as dawn broke, soldiers had set up checkpoints along the road to inspect merchants. From a distance, the party could see that the soldiers blocking the road were familiar faces from the livestock market by the river. However, back then, they were in plain clothes, carefully inspecting the money from the sheep traders.

Now, they were in official uniforms, making their way through a crucial entry point. The chances of encountering trouble were extremely low.

When the soldiers saw Mian Tang, dressed in a cotton skirt and sitting in a cart pulled by a small donkey, they stopped to question her.

When the officers heard that the young lady was on her way to the capital to join her in-laws, they scrutinized Mian Tang carefully.

They didn’t recognize her as the same person from the livestock market the previous day. After all, such a beautiful young lady in a cotton skirt didn’t resemble the scruffy, scowling sheep trader clad in sheepskin.

Damn it, that trader was quite slippery. Because he had stalled for so long, they had become impatient and gone for drinks. They had planned to drink, sleep, and then come back to detain him.

However, when they made a surprise raid in the middle of the night and went to search the inn, that trader had vanished without a trace. They had hoped to detain him and the few large-bearded men, thinking it would be a profitable catch. Now, they had rushed here on horseback, focused on finding that grim-faced trader.

This was the main route for entering the capital, and the gate would not open until late in the morning, so they weren't worried about him escaping early.

Though Mian Tang had a long scarf covering her mouth and nose, her exposed eyes and brows revealed she was an exceptionally beautiful woman.

The soldiers, often bored and inclined to take advantage of their positions, were eager to search beautiful young women traveling through. Seeing such a striking young lady in the carriage, they grew restless and insisted on making her disembark for a thorough search.

Mian Tang furrowed her brow slightly, about to discreetly break open the cow bladder she had brought along to create a strong, unpleasant smell to fend off unwanted attention. However, a commotion suddenly erupted at the end of the line of carriages waiting for inspection. It seemed that there was a scuffle with people fighting and stealing.

The soldiers, hearing the commotion, rushed towards the disturbance, leaving Mian Tang and her carriage unattended. They waved her off with a quick gesture, allowing her to leave without further delay.

Meanwhile, the individuals causing the disturbance showed their credentials, declaring themselves as special agents from the Northwest Army. The token they presented intimidated the soldiers, who quickly backed off and refrained from interfering.

Fan Hu, having put away the token, glanced at his dejected subordinates. He said nothing, feeling the strain of the journey. If it weren’t for his utmost vigilance, they might have lost track of the elusive Miss Liu. He silently prayed for safety to finish the task, hoping that after this mission, he could retire and return to a peaceful life.

With that, Mian Tang and her party safely crossed the border and finally arrived in the territory of Xizhou after a long journey.

Before they could even return to the Lu family estate, Liu Kun saw that people from the escort agency were galloping down the official road on horseback. Among them was none other than the second master, Lu Mu.

Liu Kun hurriedly called out to the second master.

At first, Lu Mu didn’t recognize Liu Kun. But after hearing the voice, he pulled his horse to a halt and turned around. It took him a moment to realize that the bald, egg-faced old fellow was actually Liu Kun!

Fuming, Lu Mu yelled, “Liu Kun, have you lost your mind? Where did you take Miss Liu? My elder brother nearly died from worry after he discovered she was missing, almost banging his head against Father’s feet!”

Unlike the straightforward elder Lu, Lu Mu was more cunning and quick-tongued. In his anger, he let Liu Kun have it with both barrels.

Mian Tang poked her head out of the carriage and called, “Second Uncle, the wind is strong today. If you keep talking, you’ll end up with sand in your mouth!”

Seeing Mian Tang’s cheerful face, Lu Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He dismounted swiftly and ran to the carriage. Pulling Mian Tang out and inspecting her carefully to confirm she was indeed his niece, he finally spoke in a choked voice, “You little rascal, how could you be so inconsiderate? Why didn’t you send any word home for such a long time?”

Seeing her usually affectionate second uncle, Mian Tang’s eyes also filled with tears, but she only said, “It’s a long story. I’ll explain everything when we get home.”

The two groups then merged and proceeded towards Xizhou. After a full day’s journey, they finally arrived at the city gates of Xizhou. Mian Tang felt a deep sense of relief.

Due to his injuries, Lu Xian had been slow to travel. It wasn’t until they neared Xizhou that he realized the person hiding in the carriage wasn’t Mian Tang.

This news distressed the eldest uncle, but since they were at the doorstep, he had to send word home. He could only inform his father, avoiding any mention of Mian Tang’s disappearance.

The old man was known for his aversion to drastic emotions, so Lu Xian dared not reveal that he had found and then lost Mian Tang.

Instead, he quietly informed his younger brother, Lu Mu.

Lu Mu, knowing Mian Tang was quite resourceful and with Liu Kun accompanying her, believed there shouldn’t be any major issues. However, as days passed with no further news, Lu Mu began to feel uncertain.

Lu Xian felt that this was not a solution and decided to personally return along the path to find Mian Tang. However, he was stopped by his sister-in-law, Madam Quan, who informed him that her second daughter, Lu Qingying, was about to be betrothed. The suitor's family background was excellent, and the suitor's mother was coming to visit in person. If he left at this time and was unable to personally host them, it would be seen as disrespectful.

When Lu Mu heard this, he also hesitated. Seeing his brother’s anger, Lu Xian insisted that he would go himself and asked his second brother to properly entertain the future son-in-law at home.

Lu Mu thought his elder brother's tone was inappropriate and sarcastic, leading to a heated argument. He pointed out that it wasn't his fault if someone went missing, and even if their father found out, it wouldn't be his responsibility.

As the argument between the two brothers escalated, they became increasingly agitated. Their quarrel was so intense that it caught the attention of Lu Wu, who had come over leaning on a cane, though they hadn't noticed him arriving.

Now that Mian Tang's situation was exposed, both brothers had to kneel before Old Master Lu and confess the truth. After a thorough explanation, they all received a few whacks from the old man’s cane.

However, Old Master Lu was aware that the eldest son was severely injured and his health could not handle much strain. After understanding the whole situation, he instructed the second son, Lu Mu, to lead a search party to find Mian Tang.

The Old Master Lu made his point very clearly in front of the Second daughter-in-law, directing his words specifically at the second son: “Stop placing the blame for everything dirty and foul on the eldest brother. If it weren’t for you getting involved with the bandit group, Yangshan, Mian Tang and the eldest brother wouldn’t have ended up in that thief’s den. Now you’re taking advantage of your father-in-law Old Third Master Quan’s favor and looking respectable, but you’re ignoring the trouble you caused back then? Let me tell you, if Mian Tang isn’t found, your second daughter can tell her future in-laws that her father died outside! If it’s really during the wedding, the son-in-law doesn’t even have to offer an extra cup of tea!”

Even though the old master was ill, he remained the backbone of the Lu family. Lu Mu and his wife were scolded harshly, and they could no longer use their daughter’s matchmaking as an excuse.

Thus, Lu Mu set out from the city to search for Mian Tang.

Unexpectedly, luck was on his side!

Within a day, he happened to encounter Mian Tang on the way.

When they returned to the Lu residence, it was just in time for dinner.

The two family branches gathered at a large table to dine with the old master. However, the old man was not eating much, and they were too considerate to eat heartily themselves, making the hall somewhat somber.

At this moment, a servant at the door announced, “Master! The second master and Miss Liu have returned!”

When the whole family heard this, they looked at each other in confusion, suspecting they had misheard.

The old master, surprisingly not using his cane, staggered and walked out quickly.

When he saw Mian Tang behind his second son, his chest heaved violently, and he slowly froze in place.

Seeing her long-missed grandfather, Mian Tang's tears immediately streamed down her face. She rushed and fell at her grandfather’s feet, choked with emotion, and called out, “Grandfather…” unable to say anything more.

However, Lu Wu did not reach out to help her but instead suddenly raised his hand, seemingly to slap her.

Lu Xian, standing behind the old master, was alarmed and wanted to quickly step forward to protect Mian Tang, hoping to take the slap himself.

The old master had practiced Iron Sand Palm in his younger years. Though now old and ill, his anger still lent strength to his hand, which would be too much for Mian Tang’s delicate frame to endure.

But just as the large palm was about to come down, the old master’s wrist suddenly twisted, and the slap landed on his own face with a loud smack.

The force of the slap was so strong that it made Mian Tang’s ears feel as if they were burning.

She immediately got up to support her grandfather, who was swaying unsteadily from the self-inflicted blow, and choked, “Granddaughter is being thoughtless. Please, just take out your anger on me, why hit yourself?”

But Lu Wu abruptly shook off her hand, said nothing more, and angrily waved for an old servant to come over. He took his cane and went straight to his study.

Mian Tang understood that her grandfather was angry with her and naturally did not dare to delay. She did not have time to chat with her aunt or her cousins from both sides of the family. Instead, she followed Lu Wu to his study.

Once inside the study, Mian Tang did not speak further and simply knelt in front of her grandfather’s desk.

This study was specially arranged by the old master during his younger years to achieve the ideal of being well-rounded in both literature and martial skills.

On the desk were high-quality writing materials, including brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, all of which had been collected piece by piece during the old master’s travels. The bookshelf behind the desk was filled with large volumes of books that the old master had not opened for decades. Even though they were occasionally dusty, they still looked as new as ever, thanks to the old servant’s diligent cleaning.

The old master picked up a thick book from the shelf and, with a stern face, sat at the desk and looked down at it. Although he flipped through the pages somewhat quickly, as if reading ten lines at once, he appeared deeply engrossed and did not glance at Mian Tang, who was kneeling in front of the desk.

Mian Tang  glanced up secretly and saw that the book her grandfather was flipping through had the title “Kuan Miu Zheng Su” (匡谬正俗) in large characters. It was a deeply profound book on exegesis by Yan Shigu, and given the old master’s scholarly attainment, he might not even understand the preface.

Mian Tang stood by quietly, not daring to remind him. Whether the old master had chosen the book at random or with some deeper meaning, she decided it was best to let him calm down first.

So, Mian Tang said, “Grandfather, your granddaughter has been thoughtless. Over the years, I have not said a word to ease your worry.” As she spoke, recalling her grandfather’s affection and her own hardships while alone outside, she couldn’t help but start to sob.

Seeing her cry, Lu Wu couldn’t help but feel pained. He had only one daughter in his lifetime, whom he cherished deeply, but she had an unfortunate fate and passed away early. Mian Tang resembled her mother closely, and whenever Lu Wu saw Mian Tang, he was reminded of his daughter.

With this thought, Lu Wu sighed deeply, set the thick book aside, and asked the old servant to bring Liu Kun over, saying, “Let me ask you, what has she been doing behind her eldest uncle’s back?”

Liu Kun did not dare to lie in front of the old master. He truthfully revealed the situation about Mian Tang’s involvement in trafficking goods. At the end, he couldn’t help but praise her, saying, “Our girl is indeed clever and resourceful; even ordinary people wouldn’t think of such a way to make money…”

Before Liu Kun could finish, the old master slammed the table with a loud “smack” and reprimanded Mian Tang, “The eldest said you have lost your memory and forgotten everything about Yangshan. I thought you would be more restrained in your actions afterwards. I didn’t expect that even if you don’t remember, you still have such courage, behaving as before. Aren’t you afraid of bringing about a great calamity?”

Seeing Lu Wu’s stern reprimand, Liu Kun couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mian Tang and tried to offer comfort, “Master, it’s not fair to say that. She’s doing this for the sake of the whole family…”

Lu Wu waved his hand and said, “Who asked her to support the whole family? She is a Liu, not a Lu! Since she is a guest, why should she support the host family? Even if I, Lu Wu, were to starve, my granddaughter should not have to sacrifice her life to earn money for us! You keep all the money you earn. If you dare to take even a penny out, believe me, I’ll beat you to death with my cane for your unfilial actions!”

Mian Tang, with her head lowered and fiddling with the handkerchief in her hand, said quietly, “Since I am just a guest, why would Grandfather talk about beating me to death? Is your household running a black market? Are you planning to make some human meat buns?”

In the entire Lu family, it was only this Liu girl who dared to speak back so boldly, and she did it with such conviction. This trait of hers had never changed since she was young.

Lu Wu, enraged by his granddaughter’s retort, was so infuriated that he could not speak. He even stood up to hit her but was firmly restrained by the old servant and Liu Kun. Liu Kun, now clean-shaven, had a clear expression of concern on his face. He sighed repeatedly and said, “My Liu girl! Are you trying to kill your grandfather with anger? Quickly apologize!”

Mian Tang obediently knelt down and said to Lu Wu, “Grandfather has always cherished me. I know you wouldn’t want to hit me… Mian Tang acknowledges her mistake and won’t dare to do it again. Please don’t be angry… It’s just that my father once spent a lot of money from the Lu family. As a daughter, I have to repay this debt. In my anxiety, I took a wrong path… I am truly sorry.”

Lu Wu’s round eyes waited for a while, finally not needing someone to hold him down. Looking at Mian Tang kneeling obediently, he sighed deeply, waved for the old servant and Liu Kun to leave, and then said to Mian Tang, “Get up. If you’re unwilling to accept it in your heart, why pretend to be dutiful?”

Mian Tang looked at her grandfather, who seemed to have aged even more suddenly, and did not get up. She held back her tears and said, “Granddaughter truly knows she was wrong. Grandfather, you once taught me that the Lu family’s code of conduct is to act with a clear conscience and avoid scheming and opportunism… In my eagerness to make money quickly, I forgot your teachings…”

Lu Wu approached and helped Mian Tang up himself, then examined her wrist and the faint scars on it. Although Zhao Quan had used the best scar medicine at the time, the tendons had been severed, leaving scars on her skin. Lu Wu said, “Back then, you were young and were close to your unreliable second uncle. You listened to him and, without informing me, made connections with the people from Yangshan. I was preoccupied with your father’s matters and neglected your upbringing. I often blame myself and cannot sleep when I think about it. But now you are grown up, and even if you forgot the lesson, you should understand some principles by now.”

Looking at Mian Tang, who bowed her head in silence, the Old Master sighed deeply and said, “Remember this: those who are forced into becoming bandits, claiming they had no choice—how many of them are truly content by nature? It’s less about being forced and more about the choices they made themselves. Becoming a bandit is about reaping rewards without working for them; seeking amnesty is about trading a pile of corpses for wealth and honor. Such people are not worth associating with. When I was young, I traveled far and wide to make money so that the family could live better. But now, looking back, what was the point of all that money? I failed to raise my two sons properly. Because I earned some ill-gotten money, I wanted your mother to have a more distinguished position, but your father’s false pretense led her to marry the wrong person… Your father made a private engagement for you without telling me, almost trapping you in a hopeless marriage. Now that it’s your generation, all I ask is that you all keep your feet on the ground and live your own lives well. Don’t think about restoring the reputation of the escort agency; those are men’s affairs and not something you need to worry about!”

As he spoke, Lu Wu took Mian Tang’s hand, just like he used to when she was young, and led her to the bookshelf. He opened a hidden compartment and took out several oiled paper packages.

When he unwrapped them, they turned out to be neatly stacked banknotes.

Mian Tang looked at her grandfather in surprise. He smiled gently and said, “These are dowries I’ve prepared for you and the other girls. A daughter’s dowry is different from a son’s. Without a respectable dowry, how can she hold her head up in her husband’s family? So, even when the family’s finances were tight, I never touched it. This largest one is prepared specifically for you. Forget about the past. I’ve instructed the household that no one is to mention your previous matters. In a few days, I will find a good matchmaker to help you find a suitable husband. I’m not looking for great wealth or high rank, but he must have good character and know how to care for others. If you marry well, I’ll have no regrets in my life…” 

Mian Tang looked at the largest oiled paper package, which contained three times the amount of the others. Her eyes filled with tears.

When her grandfather referred to her as an outsider and a guest, Mian Tang felt a bit disheartened, thinking that his words were too hurtful. But now, seeing her grandfather's thoughtfulness, she realized that his love for her far exceeded that for his granddaughters.

She didn't say anything but buried her face in her grandfather’s lap, finally letting go of all her worries. She let her tears flow freely, releasing the grievances and sorrows she had been holding in.

Lu Wu stroked her head, feeling the warmth of her tears dampening his lap, and a heavy stone seemed to lift from his heart—his little sweetie had finally returned to him.

The Lu family’s residence in Xizhou was purchased by Lu Wu when he was young. Later, when the Shenwei Escort Agency was thriving, Lu Wu bought a grander house and moved away. Now that the grand house has been sold, the Lu family has returned to settle in Xizhou. Although this house is not as large as the later one, it is still quite respectable among the gentry and sufficient for several generations to live together.

However, for a young lady, the rooms felt a bit cramped. Fortunately, the eldest daughter of her second uncle Lu Mu, Lu Qinghe, had married the previous year, leaving an empty room which was just right for Mian Tang to live in.

The two maids, Fang Xie and Bi Cao, who served her, had their knees swollen from being punished and could barely walk while carrying the bathwater.

Fortunately, the young lady returned just in time. Otherwise, based on the furious Lu Wu's intentions, they would have been tied up and sold. Mian Tang, seeing the two frightened maids, comforted them, saying that her grandfather was all bark and no bite, and that he was actually very kind-hearted. She advised them not to be afraid when they saw Lu Wu in the future.

Fang Xie was better off; having learned her lesson, she picked up all the tasks previously taught by Li Mama and went about her duties quietly and diligently.

Bi Cao, naturally talkative, recounted in detail the situation upon their return to the Lu family, especially the argument between the eldest and second sons.

Mian Tang listened without showing any emotion, her eyes closed as she soaked in the bath. Gradually, she began to piece together the situation in her mind.

As her grandfather said, although she had lost a period of memory, her older age had naturally changed her perspective on many things.

If it were now, even if she were being forced into marriage, she would find another way and definitely not follow her uncles to Yangshan like she did in the past.

She used to be closer to her second uncle who had many cunning ideas, but now she thought about it, her second uncle was far more scheming compared to her eldest uncle.

The next day, when her second aunt, Madam Quan, brought her daughter Lu Qingying to visit her room, Mian Tang had a clearer understanding of the situation.

Each of her uncles had two sons and two daughters.

On the side of her second aunt, Madam Quan, there was the eldest son Lu Zhifu and the married eldest daughter Lu Qinghe. The remaining children were sixteen-year-old Lu Qingying, who was yet to be married, and the youngest son, nine-year-old Gui Ge’er.

Madam Quan’s father had once been a minor official in Xizhou and was a close friend of Lu Wu. Later, due to the support and money from the Lu family, he managed to secure a county official position in another province.

Madam Quan was now a respectable official’s daughter and spoke with a tone of someone who had been born into a prominent family when addressing her husband, Lu Mu. Under Madam Quan’s influence, her second daughter, Lu Qingying, also began to see herself as exceptional. She often expressed a sense of having misplaced her station, feeling more burdened by her circumstances compared to other young ladies of noble families.

Regarding her cousin, Liu Mian Tang, the family kept the details of her recent years hidden and did not discuss them openly. However, Lu Qingying had managed to gather some information from her mother.

Although Lu Qingying was unaware of Liu Mian Tang's activities in Yangshan, she knew that Liu Mian Tang's reputation had been tarnished, making it difficult for her to marry into a good family in the future.

As a result, Lu Qingying’s gaze towards her cousin was tinged with a hint of disdain.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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