Chapter 39: Bonds of Friendship

Cai Cong was particularly attentive; two eminent scholars had jointly vouched for Miss Cai’s reputation. While they did not speak for the entire scholarly community, one had served as imperial tutor for two generations, the other stood as the representative of the Yan family—both were towering figures in the world of letters, and few would dare oppose their words. Such favors must be repaid, Cai Cong knew well. The elders dined on literary tofu, Four Joy meatballs, and steamed perch; the men relished Dongpo pork knuckle, roast chicken, and hotpot meats; the children delighted in fried chicken wings. Cai Cong personally guided the preparation of multiple portions for each, and though the flavors were only passable, in these times they were enough to move one to tears with happiness.

Both families resided in Chongren Ward, sparing Cai Cong much trouble—no need for endless journeys back and forth. Ten guards, ten men carrying large food boxes, made for a grand procession. The Yan family’s carriage arrived first, not out of greater prestige, but simply because they lived closer. Meng Bao went ahead to knock; the door creaked open, and an elderly doorman bowed and asked, “Which esteemed guest comes visiting? Do you carry a calling card?”

In truth, Cai Cong’s visit was rather abrupt. In bygone days, formal visits between great families required a calling card delivered three days prior: first, to inform the host of the intended visit; second, to allow them time to prepare, lest both sides be embarrassed by inadequate hospitality.

“Grandfather, please forgive me—I have not sent a calling card. The master of your house and Elder Li composed verses in honor of my mother’s name just days ago. I am deeply grateful, so today I bring some novel dishes for your household to taste.” As Cai Cong spoke, five men brought forth the food boxes.

“Young sir, please wait here. I will go announce your arrival.”

“Thank you, elder,” Cai Cong replied politely. The old man assured him it was his duty, then closed the door. Cai Cong waited patiently outside, unhurried. Before long, the central gate swung open and a bearded scholar with fine whiskers emerged, accompanied by servants.

Cai Cong was rather surprised; gates were divided into central, side, and subsidiary doors. Normally, one entered via the side gate, servants through the smallest door, while only distinguished guests were welcomed through the central gate. “I am honored, truly undeserving of your opening the central gate,” Cai Cong said courteously as he stepped forward.

“Hahaha! For the sake of the thirty thousand souls of Weishui, any house in Chang’an would roll out the ceremonial welcome for you, young sir. Please, come inside!” Yan Silu laughed heartily, nodding with satisfaction as he regarded the delicate, jade-like Cai Cong.

“This time I’ve come to deliver new dishes for your household, but the food cools quickly. I must also visit Master Li’s residence. I won’t trouble you further today, but I will surely return soon to pay proper respects!” Cai Cong apologized. It was awkward to refuse entry when the grand gate had been opened for him. Fortunately, Yan Silu took no offense, smiling warmly, “In that case, I won’t insist. Come by often whenever you wish.”

“With pleasure. The dishes are sorted for elders, adults, and children; each box is labeled accordingly, so I won’t waste your time.” Cai Cong bowed and took his leave. Yan Silu called servants to receive the boxes and watched as Cai Cong departed.

Returning to the inner courtyard, Yan Silu surveyed the five large food boxes, laughing. Others brought gifts of gold, jewels, or, if refined, antiques and books; this was the first time anyone had sent dishes to the Yan family.

“Isn’t the young man from the Cai family visiting? Why do I not see him?” An old man, hair white and marked by age spots but eyes bright, slowly approached.

“Father, what brings you here in person?” Yan Silu hurried forward to support the elder and replied respectfully, “Father, the young Cai came to thank me and Master Li for composing verses to honor his mother. He brought various dishes, thoughtfully considering the tastes of all in the household.”

“That is a generous gift. Did you treat him with proper courtesy?” Yan Zhi-tui nodded approvingly—not for the value of the dishes, but for the sincerity behind them.

“Rest assured, Father, all proper etiquette was observed. Only—about these dishes…” Yan Silu hesitated. To eat them, one could not guarantee their safety; not to eat would risk damaging the Yan family’s reputation.

“The Yan family is not so delicate. We’re accustomed to plain fare; food offered in friendship should not be wasted. Call everyone in the house to dine together and taste the young man’s thoughtfulness.” Yan Zhi-tui instructed his eldest son sternly.

Yan Silu immediately arranged for everyone in the household to gather and had servants warm the food boxes.

“Great-grandfather, why did you call me?” A little girl rushed into the dining room like the wind, hugging Yan Zhi-tui’s leg and looking up at him.

“Zi Ya, let go—such a grown girl, yet so unruly,” Yan Silu scolded. The girl reluctantly released him and stood aside.

The rest of the Yan family came forward to greet Yan Zhi-tui, who smiled kindly, took Yan Zi Ya’s hand, and led her to a seat. The others followed and sat down.

The servants brought out the food boxes, still unheated. The cooks had never seen such dishes, and had no idea how to prepare them. The aroma nearly brought the chef to tears; he declared only a culinary deity could craft such flavors.

The boxes had been warmed with hot water, so the dishes remained pleasantly warm. As soon as they were opened, the fragrance filled the room, changing everyone’s indifference into eager anticipation.

“Great-grandfather, it smells so good! I want to eat this one, that one—they all smell wonderful! What should I do?” The little girl sniffed hard, pointing at one dish after another, utterly torn.

“Didn’t you hear Zi Ya say she wants to eat? Hurry and serve her,” Yan Zhi-tui chuckled. As the only fourth-generation member of the household, he doted on his great-granddaughter above all.

After delivering food to the Li Gang family, Cai Cong returned directly to Junyue Pavilion; any later, and he would have to stay in the neighborhood overnight. The Li Gang family’s home was modest, with only a few elderly servants. Li Gang was quite pleased with Cai Cong’s gifts; their friendship was measured and reserved, but his penchant for teaching could not be contained. He lectured Cai Cong for a long while, reluctant to let him leave.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Cai Cong glanced back nervously at Li Gang’s house. The old man was formidable—endless citations and warnings, fearful that Cai Cong might stray from the proper path, lecturing him for a full half-hour. Meng Bao’s head was held high; having accompanied Cai Cong, he too was fortunate enough to be instructed and felt himself spiritually uplifted.

“I am a man who has been personally admonished by an imperial tutor—unlike you lot, who can only stuff your faces,” he thought at dinner, watching his companions devour their food, while Meng Bao ate slowly and looked down on them.

“Enough with the airs, hurry up and eat. Finish quickly and get some rest. Tomorrow, take people to buy supplies; we have to feed hundreds. Those who cooked today will stay on tomorrow—they’ll have to serve as teachers,” Cai Cong said, annoyed by Meng Bao’s pretensions.

“Don’t worry, sir, everything’s been arranged. All necessary items will arrive tomorrow morning. And since you might lack attendants, I’ve called two maidservants from my home to look after your daily needs,” Meng Bao replied cheerfully. Cai Cong rolled his eyes even harder; he had never been waited upon since coming to the Tang Dynasty.

Still, since the attendants had been summoned, so be it. If he was to become a noble, he’d have to get used to such treatment—better to start acclimating now.

The next day dawned bright and clear. Cai Cong sent word to his mother that he might not return for several days. Food piled up in the courtyard, and huge pots of rice began to cook.

Zhang Wen and his group set out early, traveling more than ten miles on foot. The women managed well enough; most men, worn and slow, lagged behind. Entering Chang’an, they felt out of place, believing everyone pointed and whispered about them. Their faces, veiled in cloth, betrayed their distress, and they quickened their pace unconsciously.

Two hundred people parading through the city naturally drew the attention of the city guards. After being questioned several times, they finally arrived at Junyue Pavilion under the watchful eyes of the authorities.

“Please inform the young master that Zhang Wen and company have arrived as agreed,” Zhang Wen said, stepping forward, tense.

“Come in, come in! The young master has been waiting for you. He ordered breakfast early this morning, knowing you’d be hungry after such a long walk,” the gatekeeper welcomed them without delay. The once spacious pavilion was suddenly crowded and lively.

Hearing the guests had arrived, Cai Cong came out to greet them. Zhang Wen and his companions were deeply grateful; in these times, what noble worried about commoners’ hunger or prepared meals for them in advance? They all attempted to kneel and pay their respects.

“Get up, get up—all of you! Why are your backs and legs so weak? You’re just in time; the rice is ready, and the dishes are about to be made. Ladies, aunties, hurry to the kitchen and learn to cook!” Cai Cong dispensed with empty ceremony; it was far more important they learn a skill as soon as possible.