VGAFH 70

70. Picked up a bundle

 Lian Fang Zhou and Ah Jian looked over. It was a jade green color with dark vine pattern, satin packaging. From the outside, it was neatly and tightly wrapped. It must have been packed with a lot of things.

With one look, you can tell it wasn’t something an ordinary person could own.

“Don’t know how who could so careless to leave this behind.” Lian Fang Zhou commented. She stepped forward, picked up the baggage and gave it a few squeezes. It was a soft and thick feel as if it was mink fur item inside.
   
Then she opened it up to have a look inside. There were two pieces of glossy, smooth sable fur, a royal blue, thick clothe and some bank notes. She counted it. A total of five thousand liang of banknote! There was also silver blue, exquisitely embroidered purse. Inside was a few pieces of silver nuggets and seven gold leaves and two thumb size pearl.

 This a huge amount of money!
  
The three of them froze in surprise.
   
“That person is really careless! Even if their family is very wealthy, this lot isn't a tiny amount of sum!” Lian Fang Zhou pondered for a moment before she continued. “I say the owner will most likely come back to looking for it. How about we wait for them.”

At the start, Lian Ze face shown a bit of conflict. He was afraid that Lian Fang Zhou would take the opportunity to keep those stuff so hearing her say this, he let go a sigh of relief and nodded. “Alright! We’ll wait!”

 From what he observed so far, Ah Jian knew how despair Lian Fang Zhou’s need for money was. So in front of such large temptation, her eyes have never changed and her words also didn't waver. Ah Jian hold great respect for her on the inside, as he spoke out, "Then let's wait! Otherwise, even if we don't take it, someone else will take it away!"

  After a quarter of an hour, the three of them can hear a rapid cluster of clip-clop. With a blur, a young footboy wearing black and brown clothing and a cap hurriedly hopped off the horse and bolted into the pergola.

With just a scan,  the footboy saw right there was Lian Fang Zhou openly sat there holding the bundle.  Immediately he was overcome with surprise and delight. He quickly strode forward, "Thank Heaven it wasn't lost! Miss, this bundle is my master. Quickly return it to me!"

As he said that, he reached out to grab that bundle.

 Lian Ze and Ah Jian were relieved. Now that the bundle owner finally came back, they no longer have to wait.

 "Hold it!" Lian Fang Zhou sidestepped to avoid him.

 That footboy halted, then promptly assured, "Miss, don't worry. We give you a sufficient amount of thank you gift!"

 "That's not what I mean! If we seek a return from you, wouldn't it be better to simply take this bundle?" Lian Fang Zhou tested. "How do I know if this bundle is really yours? Tell me what is inside. Answer right, naturally I'll return it to you! And also to save future trouble, we must check if there's anything missing from the bundle as well!"
   
What if he insists that something is missing and claim that they secretly took it? Who could they ask justice for?
  
Immediately the footboy panicked and with impatience, he burst out, " I still need to be on my way! I have no time to deal with this! If this bundle wasn't my master, how would I know to come to look for a bundle here? Rest assured, we are clean and decent people. We wouldn't accuse you of taking things!"

 Regaining his wits, Lian Ze said, "My sister is right! Some things still need to be made clear!"

 "It's just a matter of few words. Just say, and it'll be done, right?" Ah Jian chipped in.

 The footboy inspected Ah Jian. He mentally determined that he wouldn't be able to snatch it. So he bitterly smiled, " But, the bundle is my master. I don't know what is exactly stored inside!"

 "It's simple. Just ask your master!" Lian Fang Zhou answered.

The footboy had no way of swaying, so he could only nod. "Alright! The three of you, please follow me! My master is just up ahead waiting!"

Lian Fang Zhou and the others agreed and followed him.

 After walking for a small period, a slim and graceful young man in a dark green cloak and hair tied up high stood with his back to them came into view.  And a roan horse without a speck of mark on its whole body was tied to a tree trunk at the side.

Hearing movement, he unhurriedly turned around. Seeing his footboy leading three people over, he couldn't help paused for a bit. 

Lian Fang Zhou lifted her head to have a look. The man had grown sideburns and thin lips like moon crescent. Under his dark green cloak was a silver blue with dark lining brocade robe and a jade belt tied at his waist. It highlighted his slender build.  His face was like white jade and Very handsome. His whole body exuded a noble bearing, which made people dare not to look straight at him.

 "Young Master" The footboy quickly stepped forward and quietly explained to that young master.

After the explanation, the young master was surprised and turned to size up the three people that came over.
  
The dignified manner brought out from his whole temperament, and handsome appearance also followed. Lian Ze couldn't help feeling a sense of inferiority as he slightly dropped his head, not daring to look straight at him. While Ah Jian just casually stood there, not feeling it all. Lian Fang Zhou confidently meet with his gaze, stepped up a bit. She declared with a polite slight smile. "Sir, as long as you say what's inside this bundle correctly, we'll return it to you!"
  
This young master was feeling puzzled on the inside from the different reaction he witnessed. From the clothes on them, he can tell they were ordinary common people. People like that wouldn't have their response when they meet a wealthy noble person. 

When he looked over, the half-grown youth's reaction is normal; the grown male was so steadfast like a mountain. It had steady natural air to it and not expose a single bit of weakness. Instead, it made him subconsciously feel -- awe. When that word float to his mind, he couldn't help secretly laugh. How could that be! 
  
And also that little miss. From the look of it, she just came to age. She was actually confident and dared to meet his gaze. Not a bit arrogant or humble and spoke clearly and comprehensively.
  
Cui Shao Xi unconsciously smiled and deliberately asked, "What if I don't remember what is inside this bundle? Miss won't return it to me?"

 When this person smiled, it was like the east wind brush by with fresh flower flying. It so gorgeous that one dare not watch. Those narrow eyes that also carried a tint of mirthfulness are what can be called seductive eyes like silk. (TLN: what kind of comparison is this???)
  
Lian Ze felt embarrassed even to look.

 Lian Fang Zhou could tell he was joking around and her impatience flared up. She said, "Sir isn't saying? Then it must not be yours, sir! We'll hand it over to Yamen then. If sir have anything to say, then go say it at Yamen!"
  
Saying that she signaled to Ah Jian and Lian Ze and turned to leave.
   
"Hey!" Cui Shao Xi hurried to block them. With a smile, he spoke, "I was just joking! You're a girl; to always talk about Yamen, you aren't afraid of seeing official!"

 Lian Fang Zhou felt like she really shouldn't have acted so meddlesomely. At that time, she should have pretended not to see the bundle and just left.

 "Alright! Alright! I'll speak! Let me think--" Cui Shao Xi saw that she just silently stare at him with some impatience in her expression, he lost his interest. Rubbing his nose, he listed it out. "Um, there's two pieces of sable fur, a piece of silk and satin clothing and also five thousand liang in notes. Inside the purse are few gold leaves, two pearls, and few silver nuggets! Miss, "
He lightly let out a breath. He helplessly waved his hands, "I actually don't remember the specific amount inside the purse!"
  
Previous

4 comments:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)