Chapter 31: Crossing the Line

The performer declared, “Without real skills, how could I dare to make a fool of myself here?” As he spoke, he opened the basket slung on his back, and a shadow darted out—a snake, mottled and vibrant. At the sight of the serpent, the crowd erupted in startled cries, instinctively recoiling in fear; it was, after all, venomous. The children were quickly shielded by the adults, and someone shouted, “How could you let a snake loose?”

The performer replied, “Please, do not be afraid. Though this snake is poisonous, I have removed its fangs, so it poses no threat. Moreover, it is well-trained and obedient, and will not harm anyone.” With that, he began to direct the snake, making it perform tricks one after another.

The spectators’ fear gradually subsided, and the novelty of the act soon drew applause and cheers. Meanwhile, another man hurriedly set down his torch, grabbed a basket, and began to solicit, “Ladies and gentlemen, if you have money, show your support; if not, at least lend us your presence!” At this, some people swept their sleeves and left, but many tossed copper coins into the basket.

“How dull,” Liu Ping commented, curling his lip in disdain.

Bai Zhi, who had found the act fascinating and whose eyes sparkled with intent to throw some coins, quickly nodded upon hearing Liu Ping’s words. “Ah, yes, it is quite dull indeed.”

Just then, the dishes began to arrive at their table. Sweet and sour carp, stir-fried trio, braised beef in sauce—all hearty dishes, their colors and aromas promising deliciousness.

Bai Zhi’s eyes shone, and she exclaimed with a smile, “These look so tasty!” She reached out eagerly with her hands, only for Liu Ping to swiftly tap them away and hand her a pair of chopsticks. “Use these.”

Bai Zhi, a little aggrieved, covered her hands and looked pitifully at Liu Ping. “But Bai Zhi doesn’t know how to use these sticks.”

“They’re called chopsticks. Chopsticks.”

“Chopsticks, then chopsticks. Don’t be so fierce…”

“How am I fierce?” Liu Ping couldn’t help but laugh. “Even if you put on that pitiful act, you still have to use chopsticks.”

“But I really don’t know how. Why don’t you feed me, little master?”

“You’re grown up and still expect me to feed you? You’re becoming more and more childlike.” Liu Ping sighed.

“Hmph.” Bai Zhi pouted, angrily lowering her head to attempt using the chopsticks to pick up some food, only to drop it halfway to the floor. She instinctively moved to retrieve it.

“Leave it be if it’s fallen to the ground.” Liu Ping frowned gently and pulled Bai Zhi onto his lap. “Since you’ve taken human form, you should act a little more human.”

“I understand,” Bai Zhi murmured, head bowed.

“Alright, I’ll feed you.” Seeing her forlorn expression, Liu Ping relented, helpless before this little creature.

True to form, Bai Zhi’s mood brightened immediately. “I knew little master was the best!”

Liu Ping lightly tapped her nose. “Of course I am.”

He picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork rib and held it to Bai Zhi’s lips. “Open your mouth.”

“Ahh.” Bai Zhi opened wide and took a big bite, snapping the chopstick with a crunch.

Liu Ping was speechless, staring at the shortened chopstick.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

“Hehe, how could Bai Zhi do it on purpose? It was an accident, I was just too happy.” She spat out the broken chopstick and the bone, exclaiming, “So delicious! When little master feeds me, it tastes even better.”

“Praise won’t help; just don’t eat the chopsticks along with the food.” Liu Ping scolded lightly.

But Bai Zhi paid no mind, banging the table. “Next bite, next bite!”

“Honestly…” Liu Ping watched her persistent coaxing, not annoyed at all, but rather warmed by her presence. After all, upon arriving in this world, she was the first he saw, and so, subconsciously, he felt a deep sense of kinship.

It was a peculiar feeling; neither his sister, nor Zhu Yingtai, nor Meng Shang had ever inspired such emotion.

He fetched another pair of chopsticks and offered her a piece of braised beef.

Bai Zhi eagerly ate it, behaving herself this time and not biting the chopstick.

Soon, Bai Zhi had eaten most of the dishes, and Liu Ping could only smile wryly—he hadn’t even had a single bite.

“Little master, Bai Zhi is full now, you don’t need to feed me anymore. You haven’t eaten anything yet.” The little one finally remembered Liu Ping, speaking apologetically.

Seeing her lingering appetite, Liu Ping said, “You still want more, don’t you? How could you be full already? Since we’re out, eat as much as you like.”

“But…”

“No buts… Wait, I’ll order some things you can eat with your hands, then you can manage on your own.” Liu Ping mused.

“Eat with my hands?”

“Of course.” He ordered a plate of meat-stuffed flatbread and two plates of donkey meat sandwiches—both easy to grab and eat.

“Wow, what are these?” Bai Zhi’s eyes lit up at the aroma of the donkey meat sandwiches.

“You little glutton,” Liu Ping teased, smiling at her drooling expression. “This is donkey meat sandwich, and this is meat-stuffed flatbread.”

“Donkey meat sandwich, meat-stuffed flatbread?” She repeated, immediately grabbing them and eating quickly, soon finishing and smacking her lips in satisfaction. “So tasty!”

Her whirlwind speed left Liu Ping astonished. “Eat slower, don’t choke.”

“Got it.”

They feasted, spending ten taels of silver in the process, leaving Liu Ping feeling that money was indeed hard to keep—he wasn’t Wang Hong, with a fortune to squander.

Bai Zhi walked along, a candied hawthorn in one hand and a sugar figurine in the other, nibbling as she went. Liu Ping’s purse grew thinner, but the sight of Bai Zhi’s radiant smile made it worthwhile. He sighed, thinking how expensive it would be to keep her for real.

“Ah, I must find a way to earn money…” Liu Ping thought. “But rather than fret about that, it’d be more satisfying to pass the Imperial Scholar exam next year.”

After a day’s outing, he sent Bai Zhi home and returned to Tianqi Academy.

Expecting another class, he went, only to encounter an irate teacher.

Pointing at Liu Ping, the teacher berated him. “Where have you been today? Skipping class to go gallivanting? Did you come to Tianqi Academy to study or to play?”

Regardless of Liu Ping’s status as a prefect’s student—or even the prefect’s son—such connections held little sway at Tianqi Academy, so he could only bow his head and endure the scolding.

Liu Ping felt helpless and somewhat frustrated. What was going on? Had the teacher eaten gunpowder, to be so irate?

Though Tianqi Academy had rules against skipping class, as long as leave was requested, it was usually overlooked. After all, learning was the student’s own concern; if they didn’t wish to study, no amount of supervision would help, so the atmosphere was generally relaxed. This reaction was unexpected.

“He’s no talent himself, yet dares scold others?” Seeing his friend berated, Wang Hong couldn’t help but mutter a low insult. With his connections, he understood the situation and felt no respect for the teacher who vented his anger on Liu Ping.

But the teacher had sharp ears, and turned, shouting, “What did you say?!”

Wang Hong froze, his complexion pale and stiff. “I… I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t say anything?! I heard you! You said I’m no talent, yet dare scold others, didn’t you?!” Teacher Ning’s brows bristled as he questioned each word.

At this, the previously quiet students erupted in shock. Wang Hong had dared to utter such words!

As the situation worsened, Zhu Yingtai grew anxious and quickly stood up. “Teacher Ning, please calm yourself.”

“This is none of your business!” he snapped, then turned back to Wang Hong. “Did you say it?”

Wang Hong gritted his teeth and steeled himself. “Yes, I did! That’s what I believe, and if it’s true, why shouldn’t it be said?”

The students were stunned—Wang Hong was serious! Eyes widened in disbelief. Liu Ping could only smile bitterly, realizing this attempt to help had only made things worse.

“Is that so? You think I’m inferior to him?” Teacher Ning pointed at Liu Ping.

“Yes!”

“Very well, very well, very well!” Teacher Ning, furious, repeated himself. “Then let’s compete: poetry, prose, classics—”

Before he could finish, Liu Ping quickly interjected, “I lack the talent to challenge Teacher. Zhongbo, even if you want me to lose face, you shouldn’t use such methods.”

He wasn’t a child; this competition, win or lose, would only bring trouble.

Hearing Liu Ping’s words, Wang Hong finally came to his senses, bowing in apology. “Teacher, I was reckless… I only meant to teach Liu Ping a lesson for his arrogance, not to imply…”

“Hmph!” Teacher Ning growled. “Trying to dodge with excuses? Disrespect for elders—you two are suspended for three days!”

“Yes!” Accepting the punishment, Liu Ping and Wang Hong could only acquiesce.

In truth, they weren’t confined, so the pair slipped out to enjoy the mountains and rivers.

When Liu Ping suggested it, Wang Hong hesitated but agreed—he’d been studying hard lately, feeling stifled, and welcomed the chance to relax.

After leaving Tianqi Academy, Liu Ping hurriedly asked, “So, what’s the matter with Teacher Ning?”

Wang Hong snorted, “He’s caught up in trouble, full of anger, and you happened to cross his path—that’s all.”

Liu Ping pressed, “What kind of trouble?”

Wang Hong grinned slyly. “Rumor has it, his father’s been digging through ashes…”

“Digging through ashes?” Liu Ping was puzzled. “What does that mean?”

Wang Hong explained, “You don’t know? Fine, I’ll tell you…”

“Long ago there was a temple, its incense flourishing. Silver foil was burned in the furnace, and over days, ashes accumulated. People sifted through the ashes to retrieve the silver, making a profit. Neighbors learned of it, scraped the ashes, stole the silver, and made a habit of it.”

“Thieves…? That can’t be the meaning, can it?” Liu Ping was confused, unsure of the implication.

Wang Hong burst out laughing. “You really don’t get it? Hahaha, always so clever, but now so dense!”

――――――

Last night I didn’t write (the reasons are complicated), so I have no draft at all. From now on, I’ll write and post as I go (normally an update in the afternoon, one at night)…orz (I’d planned to post at fixed times yesterday) (shrug) (sigh). By the way, in my mind, the cover image is exactly how Meng Shang looks. Forgot to mention that a few days ago. You all can imagine accordingly. Lastly, please bookmark and recommend—the increase in bookmarks has been so slow lately, ah ah ah ah ah ah!