Chapter 35: Deceiving the Golden Thigh

The Wen family carriage came to a halt before a shoe shop.

Amidst the clamor inside the shop, several eunuch-like cries of “Rising Step by Step” could be heard.

Wen Qi reported: “Second Young Master, it’s Cheng Yuanwai and his parrot.”

Wen Zhixu snorted. That arrogant and domineering parrot had always been displeasing to him.

The shopkeeper’s wife managed to calm Cheng Yuanwai: “Yuanwai, please don’t be upset. Our shop will make alterations for free, padding the shoe upper to make it higher, crafting it into—”

The shopkeeper, fearing Cheng Yuanwai might not understand, quickly chimed in: “Making it in the style of a Donkey Hoof, with thinner insoles, so you won’t slip out when wearing them…”

The parrot mimicked: “Donkey Hoof~ Donkey Hoof~”

Cheng Yuanwai’s face turned green with rage: “You’re going too far!”

Seeing the situation, Wen Qi mustered his courage and added: “Second Young Master, look, this shoe shop is too malicious. They’re clearly mocking Cheng Yuanwai for being short!”

“Is that so?” Wen Zhixu’s tone was indifferent.

Was there any need to wonder? Padding the shoe uppers and making them in the Donkey Hoof style—who else but that person from the Lin residence could come up with such an idea?

As he pondered, the carriage had already arrived at Yu Lin Yuan.

Upon learning Wen Qi’s purpose, the shopkeeper said: “Just now, the Eldest Young Lady of the Lin residence brought the Second Young Master’s bird here. The missing bird notice from your residence has been taken down.”

Wen Qi was about to return to the carriage to report when he saw a figure flash by. The Second Young Master, who had been unable to hide his weariness inside the carriage, now stepped down briskly, walking with purpose straight in one direction.

This street was lined with Bird and Hawk Shops. A young lady held a birdcage in her hands, softly comforting: “Don’t be afraid, that nasty hawk is tied up. Qingwu, quickly, feed it some snacks to calm it down.”

A maid was seen feeding the bird a piece of Chong Gan. Meanwhile, the mistress who had given the order had already stretched her arm out fully, straining to hold the birdcage as far away as possible, her face so distant from the cage that a galaxy could fit between them.

Despite being so frightened, she still clung tightly to the birdcage. A faint laugh escaped Wen Zhixu’s nostrils.

Lin Xihe had quite eclectic tastes, and young ladies always shopped as they pleased. Wandering from bird shops to a Drink Shop, she was quickly captivated by the fresh, sweet aroma.

Wen Zhixu stood not far away, listening to her gesturing and discussing with the shopkeeper, words like “Bamboo Tube,” “Bamboo Cut into Thin Tubes,” “Hollow Center” tumbling from her lips… What outrageous thing was this woman, who had driven Cheng Yuanwai to fury, about to concoct now?

The long street was bustling, with banners fluttering in the wind. Lin Xihe held a Bamboo Tube Drink, taking small sips through the thin bamboo tube while glancing around, murmuring softly: “The ancient version of Hey Tea—not bad at all.”

Until she meandered to the entrance of a tavern, where she suddenly stopped: “If I were the owner, I’d hang a blue sign here saying ‘I Miss You So Much in Shengjing’—guaranteed to make it a check-in hotspot!”

Her thoughts were bizarre and erratic, yet Wen Zhixu’s gaze remained fixed on her. Watching her gesticulate at the storefront, he found those wild, fanciful ideas oddly intriguing.

“Customer, would you like to come in for a drink?” the tavern attendant warmly invited.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe’s “Hey Tea” instantly lost its appeal. Her eyes lit up: “Do you have cocktails here?”

The attendant looked bewildered: “Chicken Feather Wine? This… our humble shop has never heard of it.”

If the maid hadn’t decisively pulled her away, Wen Zhixu suspected she would have marched into the tavern to down a bowl.

Such behavior was hardly surprising—it was exactly the kind of thing Lin Xihe would do.

The paper paintings, lanterns, and fortune-telling stalls along the long street failed to capture her attention. Lin Xihe wandered aimlessly until she reached the Used Clothes stall, drawn by the commotion.

“Huh, selling old clothes?” Lin Xihe clicked her tongue in amazement. “Reusing secondhand garments—the Ning Dynasty folks really understand environmental protection!”

The vendor not only sold pre-owned clothing but also repurposed old fabrics into new designs.

When a woman brought in a child’s tiny garment, the vendor took one look at the small size and said, “Madam, pieces this small are hard to sell. There’s barely enough fabric here for alterations.”

Unexpectedly, Lin Xihe immediately proposed an idea: “Boss, you could remake children’s clothes into pet wear! Like winter coats for cats and dogs.”

Her words drew strange looks from the crowd.

In these times, who would make clothing for animals?

Only Wen Zhixu took her suggestion seriously. He instructed his servant, “Have the matrons at the residence make an outfit for Mo Hu.”

Wen Qi: “…”

“Wen Er!” Xie Qi emerged from some obscure corner.

Wen Zhixu shot him a sharp glare.

Xie Qi shrunk back from the intensity, then peered closer—oh, there was a familiar face!

“Lady Lin!”

Lin Xihe turned, her dark grape-like eyes rolling swiftly before locking onto Wen Zhixu. She instinctively tightened her grip on the birdcage, wariness flashing in her eyes. “Didn’t you say you’d return in five days?”

It was only the third day.

Lin Xihe’s gaze shifted slightly, finally noticing Xie Qi who had been almost completely obscured by Wen Zhixu. “…Young Master Xie?”

Xie Qi suddenly understood and deliberately played along, nudging Wen Zhixu with his elbow. “Yes, why are you back after just three days?”

His eyes darted between them, then his eyebrows shot up as if he’d uncovered some secret. “Wait—how did Miss Lin know you’d return in five days?”

Lin Xihe answered honestly, “His pigeon told me.”

“Flying Pigeon Delivering Letters?” Xie Qi couldn’t believe his ears. “You used Zhiyue’s pigeon to send letters to Miss Lin?”

Wen Zhixu: “…”

Just then Lin Xihe’s voice drifted over again: “Whose pigeon?”

That pigeon was Wen Zhixu’s elder brother’s most treasured possession, having achieved remarkable military feats—truly an Elite Among Pigeons. Xie Qi was bursting with gossip he hadn’t yet shared when he noticed Wen Zhixu’s darkening expression, clearly growing uncomfortable.

Lin Xihe seemed ready to ask more about the pigeon, while Xie Qi wanted to hear further details.

Just as the two were about to become “partners in crime,” Wen Zhixu said coldly, “Lin Xihe.”

“Huh?” Lin Xihe followed his pointing finger to a gathering crowd.

There, people of all ages had formed a solid wall of spectators. Among them, a conspicuously dressed chubby boy stood out, pushing through the crowd as he struggled toward the center.

Normally this wouldn’t merit attention.

Except he was accompanied by a flustered servant who kept tugging at the young master’s arm, trying to extract him from the crowd.

Lin Xihe recognized the servant—he was her cheap brother’s study attendant.

Wen Zhixu: “Your brother.”

Lin Xihe: “…”

The fool had indeed been distracted by Lin Pinyan. Wen Zhixu felt a flicker of guilt for deceiving such an honest person, but promptly cast it to the winds.

The honest person then thrust the birdcage into Wen Zhixu’s arms.

Wen Zhixu looked down at his beloved pet, miraculously returned to him, and felt a twinge of surprise: Could it really be this easy… to get it back?

At the center of the crowd, a fierce cockfight was underway.

Two roosters battled relentlessly as onlookers divided into opposing camps.

A small portion of the crowd placed bets, while the majority were merely there for the spectacle.

Lin Pinyan was among that small group. Clenching his fists, he wished he could fight in the rooster’s stead: “King Kong! Charge!”

The rooster named King Kong glared fiercely, its feathers bristling with every step it took.

Lin Xihe then turned her attention to the other rooster, Wind Breaker.

That rooster stood as still as a wooden carving, making no rash movements, but its gaze was profound, exuding an aura of steady composure.

Lin Xihe leaned closer: “How much did you bet?”

“Sis…?” Lin Pinyan was startled, stammering, “What are you doing here?”

He had skipped class to attend the cockfight and had bet all his money on King Kong.

Another reason was that Lin Xihe had already drained all his pocket money—he didn’t even have enough silver left to run away from home!

He wanted to earn some cash!

In ancient times, these pampered young masters, aside from relying on their families, had only one way to “earn” a bit of money independently: gambling.

Lin Xihe: “Do you want to win?”

“Yes!” The chubby boy clenched his fists.

“Alright.”

The problem, however, was that Lin Pinyan had bet his entire fortune this time and had no way of backing out mid-game. To put it bluntly, his pockets were emptier than his face—he was broke.

Lin Xihe had no choice but to call for help.

She glanced back hastily and spotted Wen Zhixu standing out from the crowd at the back, while Xie Qi had already disappeared. Tilting her head, she saw that Xie Qi had already placed his bet on King Kong.

Everyone present believed King Kong would win.

It was only a matter of time before King Kong emerged victorious.

Lin Xihe retreated from the crowd and finally made her way to Wen Zhixu’s side. She extended her arm toward him.

Wen Zhixu lowered his gaze to see five fingers stretched out before him. Lin Xihe’s voice rang in his ears, tinged with a hint of roguishness: “Lend me some silver?”

“I’m not a money shop.”

He was still holding the birdcage, and Bu Bu hopped up and down on its perch, frantically mimicking: “Money shop~ Money~ Money~ Die~ Die~”

Lin Xihe raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk flashing across her face as she wiggled her five fingers restlessly.

“…Wen Qi, bring the money.”

Wen Qi felt indignant on behalf of his master.

Wen Zhixu slapped his purse into Lin Xihe’s hand: “Take it.” Have it all, just stop scratching around with those claws.

Unexpectedly, the girl directly applied the same “confiscation process” she used on Lin Pinyan to him. She looked up, scrutinizing him: “Sleeve pockets, waist pouch, shoe soles…”

Wen Zhixu sighed helplessly: “There’s really nothing left.”

“Really?” Her eyes darted around, mischief bubbling in her mind.

“Wen never lies.”

Only then did Lin Xihe open the heavy purse. Good heavens—it was filled with gleaming silver ingots! She grinned from ear to ear. Wen Zhixu was indeed a Golden Thigh, and she had to cling to him tightly, never letting go.

Seeing that Wen Zhixu had actually given Lin Xihe silver to place a bet, Xie Qi grew even more excited and immediately ordered his servant: “Take out all the money you have!” He even confiscated the loose silver hidden in the servant’s sleeves.

Amid the thunderous cheers of the crowd, King Kong stood proudly, its bright red comb dazzling under the sunlight.

As if by prior agreement, everyone bet on the undefeated champion.

But then, a young girl walked over to stand opposite King Kong. She took out silver ingots—one, two…

Placing all her bets on Wind Breaker.

The crowd: “?”

Xie Qi’s eyebrows shot up: “Oh no, oh no, oh no! Lady Lin placed the wrong bet!”

Once a bet was made, it couldn’t be retracted.

Defying convention, Lin Xihe firmly backed Wind Breaker.

Lin Pinyan’s mouth drooped at the corners as she sobbed and mumbled, “I lost… Waa…”

“Why didn’t you teach her?” Xie Qi glanced at Wen Zhixu, who stood with his arms crossed, looking thoroughly amused as if watching counterfeit silver coins weighted with lead being scattered.

“Does she need my teaching?” Wen Zhixu shot a glance at the back of Lin Xihe’s head, her earlobes flushed thin and red under the sunlight. “She might not lose.”

“…”

Within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, the outcome was decided.

Murmurs of discontent and confusion filled the air.

More prevalent was the lingering regret of those who had lost their silver taels.

Only one household rejoiced.

Lin Xihe had won a full house! Her pockets bulged with gleaming silver ingots, strings of copper coins jingled from her hands as she walked, clinking like a mobile money shop.

As the bustling crowd dispersed, an empty carriage approached from behind. Fearing thieves might snatch her winnings, Lin Xihe clutched her silver and dove headfirst into the carriage.

“???” The newly arrived coachman was startled, confused by the situation—his master hadn’t even boarded yet. “Second Young Master…”

Wen Zhixu waved his hand and sighed, “Let it be, let her have it.”

The carriage moved forward slowly.

The chubby boy, unwilling to walk, tried several times to climb aboard. Wen Zhixu shot him a sidelong glance, and the boy obediently trudged alongside the carriage.

“Elder sister… you’re amazing!”

From inside the carriage came Lin Xihe’s proud voice: “Just average, just average—third best in the world!”

“Can you teach me how to bet on cockfights? Second Brother has taken me a few times—sometimes we win, sometimes we lose.”

She retorted sharply, “Those who teach children to gamble deserve to be struck by lightning! I still want to live a few more years.”

“…” Outside the carriage, Wen Zhixu looked helplessly at the sky. The warm sun shone brightly—fortunately, it was a fine day.

“Elder sister, can you give me some silver? Just a little?”

Lin Xihe refused heartlessly: “Even a little would end up being gambled away by you. Children aren’t allowed to gamble!”

“Waa waa…” The child’s spirit broke, and he sobbed as he walked.

Lin Xihe, thoroughly annoyed, ordered the coachman to stop twice—once to buy a sugar painting, and once for candied hawthorn.

To pacify the child.

Xie Qi remarked, “Wen Er, are you just letting Lady Lin take your carriage like that?”

Wen Zhixu replied, “She hijacked it in the middle of the street. I’m being gracious by not reporting it to the authorities.”

As the carriage passed by the magistrate’s office, Xie Qi, never one to shy away from stirring trouble, pointed dramatically. “Wen Er, Wen Er, you can file a complaint now.”

Wen Zhixu stepped forward and pulled the coachman’s whip from its holder.

“…” Xie Qi promptly fell silent.

After counting her silver, Lin Xihe finally noticed something amiss—her maid was missing, the birdcage was gone, and this carriage…?

Many cushions were missing inside, but a faint, familiar scent lingered.

It was the usual fragrance her rival always carried.

Only then did she realize with a start that she had boarded the wrong carriage.

The carriage swayed its way to the Wen residence.

Lin Xihe stepped out, clutching her silver, but it wasn’t her simple-minded maid who greeted her.

Wen Zhixu stood quietly by the carriage, dressed in misty blue robes, his eyes bright and clear. The breeze carried his crisp scent directly toward Lin Xihe.

“You…” Having usurped his carriage, she was momentarily flustered. “Why didn’t you take mine?”

“I, Wen, am a man—how could I ride in Miss Lin’s carriage?”

Wen Qi, holding the birdcage, was about to enter through the side gate. Seeing Bu Bu return to its owner’s home, Lin Xihe hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. After a moment’s thought, she realized she, as a temporary caretaker, had no right to keep someone else’s pet. Dejectedly, she said, “I bought some dried earthworms. I’ll have them delivered later.”

As she spoke, she pulled out an oddly shaped bag.

The sheer size of the bag made Wen Zhixu pause momentarily, but he quickly recognized it as the one Lin Xihe used to store her floral spar stones.

“I’ll split my winnings with you—half and half.”

Wen Zhixu was rather surprised: “I only gave Miss Lin a hundred taels of silver.”

“The capital came from you. I know the rules of the trade.”

“Then I’ll accept it,” Wen Zhixu pretended to take it, “Thank you, Miss Lin.”

Lin Xihe’s eyes dimmed slightly—that was five hundred taels she had won by going all in! And Wen Zhixu was just going to take two hundred and fifty taels like that?!

Her palm suddenly felt empty—the plump silver ingots were gone! A mix of melancholy, disappointment, and heartache washed over Lin Xihe… her emotions were in turmoil.

A soft chuckle sounded by her ear. Before she could react, her “precious treasures” were returned safely to her palm, still carrying the lingering warmth from his hand.

Lin Xihe: “?