A dark and windy night
In early February, with spring approaching, the weather gradually warmed, and it was a perfect time for the revival of all things. Just two days before, Yu Jinnian had been planning to lead everyone from the Noodle House out to enjoy the spring. But when the first signs of spring appeared, Aunt Xu, who had been slowly stabilizing, suddenly started coughing up blood.
The Noodle House fell into chaos in an instant.
Yu Jinnian saw that the blood on the floor was mixed with chestnut bits, and Aunt Xu still held half of an uneaten chestnut in her hand. The chestnuts were hard, and the sugar-roasted chestnuts, which had been fried for a long time, were even harder to digest. For Aunt Xu, who now could only manage some soft porridge, these chestnuts were undoubtedly fatal.
Recently, Yu Jinnian had been paying extra attention to Aunt Xu’s diet and daily needs. Every spoonful of soup was personally checked by him, and nothing had ever gone wrong. Yet, he had no idea where Aunt Xu had gotten those sugar-roasted chestnuts. Although he knew Aunt Xu’s illness was one that merely prolonged her days, and his medical skills could at most make her more comfortable, what was bound to happen would still happen eventually. Yet, people can’t help but deceive themselves with hope, wishing for a miracle.
However, the gods did not favor Aunt Xu.
Yu Jinnian thought he had long been prepared for this moment, thinking he could face it calmly. But when he fumbled to find the hemostatic pills stored in the drawer, he realized his whole body was trembling, and he nearly dropped the small medicine bottle onto the floor.
When Qing Huan and Ji Hong rushed in, they only heard the sound of porcelain breaking. The young man in the room was kneeling on the floor, carefully picking out hemostatic pills from a pile of broken porcelain shards one by one. Yu Jinnian suddenly felt a familiar force on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Ji Hong, his lips quivering as he said, “Ah Hong…”
Ji Hong bent down, picked up a few pills, and grabbed the boy’s hand, squeezing it lightly as he whispered, “Calm down.”
Yu Jinnian sniffled, nodded, stood up, and fed two hemostatic pills to Aunt Xu. Then, he helped her weak body lean against a pillow. He went to the outer room to fetch a cloth and a basin of water to clean the floor.
When they first arrived at the Noodle House, although Aunt Xu had a sickly appearance, she still retained some elegance. The handmade noodles she cooked could spread their fragrance for miles, and the neighbors had nothing but praise for her. Some even secretly inquired about marrying her as a second wife. But in just over half a year, she now lay in Yu Jinnian’s arms, as light as a sheet of thin paper, her face drained of color, as if she could be blown away at any moment.
Outside, Sui Sui, having heard the commotion, wanted to come in but was quickly carried off to the front hall by Qing Huan. Even Qing Huan and the others couldn’t help but feel flustered by the situation, so how could a young child like Sui Sui bear it?
“Aunt Xu, Aunt Xu,” Yu Jinnian swallowed the lump in his throat and said softly, “Can you still manage a bit of water?”
Aunt Xu clutched her painfully throbbing chest and shook her head slowly. After a long while, she opened her eyes and saw a familiar figure standing by the bedside. Her expression was dazed for a moment as she reached out to grab that person’s hand and called, “Wu Lang, Wu Lang…” As her vision slowly focused, she realized it wasn’t her long-departed husband. A wave of disappointment swept through her heart. “Ah, it’s Young Master Ji.”
Ji Hong held her hand, “Aunt Xu, it’s me.”
Aunt Xu forced a smile, “It’s my uselessness that’s made you all worry.”
Yu Jinnian dipped a small handkerchief in water and carefully wiped Aunt Xu’s mouth clean. He controlled his expression with great effort, pretending to be relaxed as he said, “Aunt Xu, how could you say such things? If it weren’t for you taking us in, where would we be today? If anyone has caused worry, it’s us troubling you. But please, no more chestnuts next time.”
“It was a kind gesture from Sui Sui. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to eat a few, but I didn’t realize my body would be so uncooperative.” Aunt Xu fumbled as if searching for something. Yu Jinnian quickly extended his hand, placing it in her palm. She gripped it tightly, sighing with relief, “It’s fine, Aunt Xu is blessed. I was first fortunate enough to marry Wu Lang and have Sui Sui, and then I took in Xiao Nian. The Noodle House is bustling today, all thanks to you two…”
Yu Jinnian tugged at the corners of his mouth and smiled, “I was worried Aunt Xu might find us annoying! With us causing so much trouble, once you’re better, we’ll have plenty of noise again!”
Aunt Xu took a deep breath and shook her head, “I know my own body well. I’ve been content with my life. The Noodle House has you, so I’m not worried about the future. If I have any regrets, there are only two things that weigh on my mind. So, I have to ask you for the first thing.”
Yu Jinnian hurriedly said, “Aunt Xu, please don’t talk like that—”
“Xiao Nian, listen to me.” Aunt Xu cut him off, her voice becoming urgent, and she gripped his hand tightly. Yu Jinnian, afraid she might get too emotional, fell silent and listened as she continued, “The first thing is about Sui Sui. Not being able to see her married is my deepest regret… Over the years, I’ve saved a bit of dowry for her. It’s not much, but it’ll ensure she won’t be embarrassed at her husband’s home. Xiao Nian, please help her find a good match. It doesn’t have to be a wealthy family, as long as the person treats her well and cherishes her. Sui Sui is a filial girl; she’ll see you as an elder to honor in the future.”
Yu Jinnian nodded repeatedly, “Sui Sui is like my own sister. Rest assured, Aunt Xu, I will ensure she has a grand wedding.”
“And…” Aunt Xu sighed deeply, “For the past year, you’ve been running the Noodle House. It’s become more successful than I ever could’ve managed. Xiao Nian, I know your ambitions don’t lie here, and I also know that this place can’t hold you back. Don’t feel obligated by me, and don’t worry about Sui Sui either. Go out and pursue what you truly want.”
“Aunt Xu!” Yu Jinnian was shocked. This shop was her life’s work. If something were to happen to her, who would manage the Noodle House but him?
“I’ve said enough for today. That’s all, no need to be scared.” Aunt Xu smiled, not giving Yu Jinnian a chance to argue. Her eyes softened as she patted his hand, “Xiao Nian, there’s a bitterness in my mouth. I’d like to drink some honey water…”
“I’ll prepare it right away.” The words Yu Jinnian wanted to say stuck in his throat. Seeing Aunt Xu’s exhausted and pale face, he could only swallow them back. He nodded firmly, tears in his eyes, and quietly went out to prepare the honey water. Just as he was pulling the door open, he heard Aunt Xu inside speak softly, “Young Master Ji, could you help me fetch something from the box under the window?”
Ji Hong had already walked into the outer room. He glanced at the boy by the door, then turned back inside.
After Yu Jinnian closed the door behind him, Aunt Xu sat up with difficulty. Ji Hong opened the box by the window and, following her instructions, took out a jewelry case. He turned to stop her from getting out of bed and adjusted the pillow behind her back so she could sit more comfortably.
“Thank you, Young Master Ji,” Aunt Xu nodded slightly. “I hadn’t finished speaking earlier.”
Ji Hong asked, “Is it the second thing?”
Aunt Xu nodded, her face suddenly becoming solemn. She inclined her body slightly and said, “Although my eyes aren’t sharp, I know Young Master Ji is no ordinary man… I’m aware my time is short, so I won’t beat around the bush. Aunt Xu hopes to ask Young Master Ji to look after Xiao Nian in the future.”
As she spoke, she bowed deeply. Ji Hong quickly helped her up, seeing her furrowed brows and worried expression. “Young Master Ji, I know Xiao Nian’s nature. I can entrust Sui Sui to him, and with that, I can die without worry. But as for Xiao Nian himself… how can anyone truly be at ease with him?”
Ji Hong was slightly startled, thinking of the boy. He nodded and agreed softly, “Indeed, it’s hard not to worry about him.”
She said, “If I don’t say these things now, I’m afraid I won’t have the chance in a few days. I haven’t taken in Xiao Nian for long, but I’ve treated him like half a son from the bottom of my heart. Although he can handle things on his own now, in the end, he’s still just a child. His nature is gentle, and he’s used to thinking the best of others, always so innocent. A child like him, if he were just an ordinary villager, it might be fine, but he’s someone with extraordinary skills. Without someone steady to watch over him, who knows what trouble he might get into in the future.”
“Aunt Xu is right,” Ji Hong said, pouring a cup of warm water.
Aunt Xu’s throat was dry. She accepted the water Ji Hong handed her but didn’t swallow it. She only moistened her lips and then hurriedly continued, “When Nian first came to me, he was covered in wounds. He didn’t laugh, didn’t cry, and I was constantly worried he’d been possessed. Luckily, after some time, he finally learned to smile again. At first, the Noodle House was just Sui Sui and me. Nian looked happy, but he didn’t have anyone he could truly talk to… It wasn’t until you came, Young Master Ji, that he truly became happy, and the Noodle House became lively.”
Ji Hong comforted her, “Jinnian is sensible; he won’t worry you, Aunt Xu.”
“He’s too sensible,” Aunt Xu said, having spoken too much all at once. Earlier, she had coughed up blood, and now her eyelids grew heavy, making it harder to stay awake. She glanced down at the jewelry box, breathing heavily as she said, “In that box is the money saved from running the Noodle House over the years. After setting aside Sui Sui’s dowry, the rest is all there, including the land deeds and house deeds… all left for Nian. I can’t say this in front of him because he’d surely refuse. So, I ask you, Young Master Ji, to keep it for him. If one day he needs it, at least he won’t be caught short, struggling with finances.”
“This—” Ji Hong hesitated, not because of the amount of money in the box, but because the weight of Aunt Xu’s intention—to leave all her family’s possessions to someone not related by blood—was too heavy for him to accept lightly.
Aunt Xu saw Ji Hong’s hesitation. She clutched his hand tightly, staring at him, and with effort, she enunciated each word clearly, “I know you two share a deep bond. Aunt Xu has no one else to ask, so I beg you, Young Master Ji, in consideration of the time we’ve spent together, don’t make things difficult for Nian, and treat him well. Nian has no ill intentions; he’s no match for you. Even if you two can’t become husband and wife, at least leave him with the dignity of being your brother.”
It was only then that Ji Hong fully understood her meaning. Rather than worrying about Jinnian, she was more concerned that he might be bullied by Ji Hong. But how could he ever bear to bully that boy? He gently patted Aunt Xu’s hand and promised, “Don’t worry, Aunt Xu. As long as I am here, I will protect Jinnian and ensure he’s safe and sound.”
Whether Aunt Xu heard this or not was uncertain. Or perhaps, to her, who was too weak to say even a few more words, it no longer mattered. She just wanted to hear that promise.
Ji Hong pulled the blanket up for her, “I will take care of Jinnian, so please rest, Aunt Xu.”
“One can live as many days as they have blessings. I’ve enjoyed plenty of blessings, and it’s time for me to reunite with Wu Lang. He must have been waiting for me on the Bridge of Helplessness for many years by now. I wonder if he’ll still recognize me…”
Ji Hong watched as she mumbled to herself, gradually closing her eyes. Her breathing became softer, and she seemed to drift between half-sleep and unconsciousness. Only then did he quietly stand, placing the box containing her entire estate back where it belonged. As he stepped out of the room and closed the door, he saw Yu Jinnian standing right in front of him.
He was holding a bowl of honey water with red dates, and the noontime sun was shining directly overhead. He lifted his head, his pupils like tea that had been left to settle for a long time, gleaming faintly. In an instant, his eyes dimmed again, focusing on the two floating red dates in the white porcelain bowl. The edge of the porcelain glowed with a ring of golden sunlight, blending into his slightly restrained expression.
Ji Hong guessed that Yu Jinnian had overheard, but he didn’t say much. He simply remarked, “Aunt Xu is asleep.”
After a long pause, Yu Jinnian murmured, “Oh,” and turned to walk back. Entering the kitchen, he seemed a bit at a loss. Seeing a half-prepared chicken on the cutting board, he picked up the cleaver and forcefully chopped at it. The kitchen was soon filled with the sound of him chopping furiously, venting his frustration.
A shadow fell over the cutting board, blocking the light. Yu Jinnian glanced up slightly, seeing that the figure had taken a step forward. It was Ji Hong, standing at the door. He glanced at the chopped-up chicken head on the board and sighed softly. Reaching out his hand toward Yu Jinnian, he said, “Come here.”
Yu Jinnian pursed his lips, trying to hold back but eventually couldn’t. He dropped the cleaver and walked silently into the man’s arms, burying his face in Ji Hong’s neck. The sunlight warmed their entwined necks, while the early spring breeze cooled them down. Ji Hong stood there like a silent pillar, letting Yu Jinnian cling to him and pull at him.
After a while, Yu Jinnian finally lifted his face slightly, just enough to breathe. His voice was hoarse as he said, “I don’t want Aunt Xu’s money. I don’t want anything. I just want her to live, to stay with Sui Sui, and with me.”
Ji Hong gently stroked his hair, softening his voice, “I know.”
“Ah Hong, I’ve tried everything, but there’s nothing more I can do.” Yu Jinnian’s face scrunched up, a hint of panic and helplessness in his voice. “I don’t want to be alone…” Faced with illness, there were times when his skills could do nothing, as if, just like that fortune-teller in his previous life had said, he was “destined to be alone.” Whether it was his biological parents, his adoptive father, or Aunt Xu, in the end, they all left him. He was always the one left behind, wandering the world alone.
That’s why he was so terrified that Aunt Xu would pass away, as if her illness would make that curse come true.
“I understand. Aunt Xu understands too. No one blames you. Fate is in the hands of heaven, and for Aunt Xu, this is a kind of relief. She will finally reunite with Wu Lang.” Ji Hong held the boy tightly, gently patting his back. “I promised Aunt Xu I would always stay with you. So even if everyone else leaves, I will still be here. Jinnian, you must remember, you will never be alone.”
Ji Hong released him from the embrace, gently rubbing Yu Jinnian’s reddened eyes, which had been on the verge of tears but never quite shed them. The moisture in his eyes blurred in the reflection of his pupils. He treated Yu Jinnian like fragile jade or delicate silk, handling him with the utmost care. Ji Hong wasn’t skilled at expressing emotion, but every feeling he had in this life was for this boy in front of him. For everything Yu Jinnian cared about, Ji Hong wished he could scour the heavens and earth for an elixir of immortality, just to make him smile again.
But it wasn’t that easy. The illness that even Yu Jinnian couldn’t cure—what could anyone else do but stand helplessly by?
Aunt Xu was truly beyond recovery.
Yu Jinnian stayed in his embrace long enough. Though he realized his outburst had been somewhat improper, he didn’t try to maintain any pretense in front of Ji Hong. He reluctantly pulled away and returned to the cutting board to continue cooking. He had no other choice but to force himself to stay calm and composed, to make sure that no more mistakes were made in the coming days.
With Aunt Xu’s illness, the Noodle House didn’t open for business, giving him more time to focus on preparing a single dish. It wasn’t made for anyone in particular. Since these were the ingredients he had, and he had no other way to distract himself, he busied himself with cooking, so as not to let his thoughts spiral.
He ground the pine nuts, mashed the chicken, and removed the skin from the half-chopped chicken. Wrapping the pine nut paste and mashed chicken in the chicken skin, he fried them in oil. The dish wasn’t difficult to make, but the prep work was tedious, giving Yu Jinnian the time he needed to calm himself. Ji Hong stayed by his side, helping out here and there, and only when he saw Yu Jinnian gradually regaining his composure did he relax a little. He reheated the honey water with red dates for Aunt Xu.
After frying, the dish was steamed, and after steaming, it was sauced. When the plate of Pine Nut Chicken was finally set on the table, everyone seemed to have lost their appetite. Only Ah Chun, who had temporarily stayed at the Noodle House, was a simple-minded fool. But even he could read the room, realizing that no one was happy, so he too silently finished his meal.
Qing Huan took Sui Sui into the room to visit her mother, but before Aunt Xu woke up, the little girl was led away by Qing Huan under the pretense of going shopping.
Aunt Xu’s condition was worsening. She suddenly woke up coughing blood at dusk, and the night brought pain so intense it felt like her body was being torn apart. She tossed and turned, drenched in cold sweat. Yu Jinnian couldn’t bear to see her suffer, so he dug out a bit of opium paste left by Yixin, diluted it with warm water, and fed it to her. It seemed to ease her pain temporarily, but it didn’t last long. And once she had experienced the relief of opium, the return of the pain became unbearable.
Yu Jinnian stayed by her bedside day and night, never closing his eyes. He even placed a small clay stove by her window, constantly simmering medicinal soup, filling the entire room with the scent of herbs.
Ji Hong wanted to persuade him to rest, but he knew it would be pointless. At this moment, if the boy didn’t exhaust himself caring for Aunt Xu, he would never forgive himself. So, Ji Hong stopped trying to convince him, instead assigning Duan Ming and Shi Xing to keep an eye on him, making sure that Yu Jinnian didn’t collapse before Aunt Xu did.
Yu Jinnian refused to rest in his room, so Ji Hong didn’t sleep either. He gave his bed to the simpleton Ah Chun and alternated between napping at the table and keeping Yu Jinnian company in Aunt Xu’s room. For three or four days, Aunt Xu alternated between intense pain and unconsciousness, never finding peace, and Yu Jinnian’s weight visibly dropped.
The Min brothers had originally planned to return to the capital with them in the next few days, but upon hearing about the situation at the Noodle House, and receiving Ah Chun’s warning letter, they decided to stay a few more days to help Ji Hong.
Another night passed, and at the break of dawn, Aunt Xu vomited up the medicine that had just been administered. Afterward, no matter what was fed to her, she would throw it all up, and a bowl of medicinal soup was wasted entirely. Yu Jinnian stared at the now-empty medicine box, finally realizing that they had run out of herbs.
He held the prescription in his hand, hesitating. Ji Hong approached and took it from him, saying, “I’ll go.”
It was still dark overhead, with the moon hidden behind the clouds. Early spring was chilly, and a cold wind swept through. Yu Jinnian recalled Jing Zhong’s bloody letter and felt uneasy about Ji Hong leaving, but he couldn’t leave Aunt Xu’s side either. After much deliberation, he called Duan Ming to accompany Ji Hong closely and pulled out his red rabbit-fur cloak, wrapping Ji Hong tightly. He instructed him to hurry back and then watched him leave the Noodle House.
Without a carriage, it took Ji Hong quite some time. Yu Jinnian stood at the door watching for a while, cold and exhausted. Finally, he couldn’t hold on any longer. His eyes were drooping, so he went back inside, grabbed some random clothing to throw over himself, and returned to Aunt Xu’s room to wait quietly.
Shi Xing, with a sword at his waist, stood guard outside Yu Jinnian’s door like a god of war. His instincts as a bodyguard hadn’t dulled over the years, despite not serving the Ji family for some time. His eyes were wide open, fierce and vigilant.
A gust of wind blew, and a sliver of crescent moon peeked out from behind the clouds, half visible, half hidden.
Suddenly, there was a rustling sound, and a shadow flickered across the roof.
It was indeed a dark and windy night. Shi Xing immediately snapped to attention, his thumb slowly pushing his sword from its sheath. His left hand rested lightly on the hilt, the sharp blade gleaming with a chilling aura. He tapped the doorframe with the back of his left hand and called, “Young Master, Young Master.”
Yu Jinnian, who hadn’t slept properly for days and nights, was slumped by Aunt Xu’s bedside, so drowsy that he was barely conscious. He heard someone calling him but only muttered something incoherent before closing his eyes again.
Shi Xing was just about to push the door open.
—Suddenly, there was a whistling sound, piercing through the air!
The night was as still as water, with the occasional hum of insects crawling out from the corners of walls. A dusty scholar, with a bamboo pack on his back, hummed a tune as he walked through the deep alleys. He held half a steamed bun in his hand, while a small beggar, sucking on her fingers, trailed behind him. The two of them, one big and one small, wandered down an entire street.
“Morning, watching flowers; evening, gazing at the moon—” The scholar walked a few steps, then stopped, somewhat troubled, and glanced at the little follower behind him. “I already gave you half my bun, so stop following me.”
The beggar, with big eyes, stared at him for a long while.
One would think it was just a dirty little boy, but when she opened her mouth, it was a little girl: “I’ll be your child bride if you give me the other half of the bun, alright? My brother is still hungry. When he grows up, he’ll study like you, write for people, and earn lots of money to pay you back for the bun…”
The scholar chuckled and handed her the rest of the bun. “Sorry, I already have a wife, so I can’t marry you.”
The little beggar was puzzled. “Didn’t you build a grave on the back hill? Brother Li recognized the characters. They mean—oh, I can’t remember. But Brother Li is amazing! His father is a teacher! He said it means your wife passed away. If your wife is gone, you can remarry! I’m very strong, I can work! When I grow up, I’ll give you children too…” She didn’t quite understand what marriage or children really meant, but her face turned red as she spoke, and she looked expectantly at Su Ting.
Seeing Su Ting didn’t agree, she asked, “What were you singing just now?”
Su Ting replied, “It’s a song my wife used to sing. He used to be a performer.”
The little beggar asked again, “Was she beautiful? Brother Li said all performers are very pretty.”
Su Ting smiled and said, “Yes, he was beautiful—prettier than you.”
The little girl sighed with longing. “Then can I become a performer when I grow up?”
For some reason, Su Ting, a grown man, found himself squatting in a corner, chatting with an eight- or nine-year-old girl. He reached out to ruffle her hair, pulling her closer to him, and tied two little braids for her. Only then did he lazily say, “No, you shouldn’t become a performer. Better to learn how to cook and become a chef instead.”
“What’s so great about being a chef? It’s much more glamorous to be a performer!” the little girl said.
Su Ting shook his head and smiled without saying more. After tying her braids, he waved goodbye to her, not intending to leave himself but urging her to go. “Alright, off you go now. I’m going to sleep.”
The little girl didn’t understand. “Why are you sleeping here? Don’t you make money writing? Why don’t you go home?”
Su Ting gave her a gentle push. “Why do you talk so much? If you were a child bride, people would find you annoying.”
The little girl huffed, tiptoed a few steps away, then turned and ran back. But she saw Su Ting pull a blanket from his bamboo pack, wrap himself up, and close his eyes, leaning against the wall. She thought better of disturbing him, remembering how much she hated being interrupted when she was trying to sleep.
But she had just learned a new song from Su Ting and was quite happy about it, so she hummed and skipped out of the alley, her two little braids bouncing.
After turning the corner and skipping a few more steps, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Then, she bolted back into the alley, heading straight to where Su Ting had made his makeshift bed. She shouted, “Hey—there’s a fire over there!”
Su Ting, annoyed, opened his eyes and asked, “Is it far?”
The little girl kicked at a stone on the ground, not particularly concerned about which house was on fire. She just wanted an excuse to talk to Su Ting again. Thinking for a moment, she replied, “Not far. Do you know the One Bowl Noodle House? They say the food there is really good, and there’s a little miracle doctor. I pass by their place often, and it always smells amazing!”
She watched as Su Ting suddenly sprang up from the ground, his eyes widening as he asked, “What did you say?”
The beggar, startled by his sudden change in demeanor, stammered, “I-I said One Bowl Noodle House…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Su Ting’s expression changed drastically, and he ran off like the wind.