Chapter Thirty-Two: The Birthday Banquet

The sky had turned completely dark, and not a trace of moonlight could be seen overhead. Although He Village seemed bright and pleasant during the day, come nightfall, the world outside was pitch black, punctuated occasionally by the cries of wild beasts. This lent the manor an air of isolation and loneliness, though tonight, that atmosphere was temporarily dispelled by the lively festivities at Old He’s residence.

“Grandfather, may your years be as enduring as the southern mountains, and may every year bring you the joy of today!”

As the honored elder celebrating his birthday, Old He looked around at the guests crowding his home, wave after wave coming forward to offer congratulations. His smile never faded, especially upon seeing the arrival of the Cui siblings, which made him feel particularly esteemed. As for Lady Zhou, though he knew nothing of her background, her stunning beauty added much to the celebration.

After receiving all the guests’ well wishes, Old He raised his cup and laughed, “Everyone has come to celebrate with this old man, and I am truly grateful. Tonight, please eat and drink your fill!”

The guests responded by raising their cups with cheerful acclaim, then took their seats, laughing as they settled in. Unlike the Han and Wei dynasties, the Tang had experienced the upheavals of the Five Barbarian Tribes and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, so sitting with feet hanging down had become the norm, and chairs were common in every household. However, the Eight Immortals table, which originated in the Liao and Jin dynasties, had yet to appear; Tang tables were long and wide, able to seat more than twelve people, conveying an impressive grandeur.

Tang society was open-minded: women could dine at the table, even together with men. Though the Classic of Rites decreed, “At seven, boys and girls do not share seats nor food,” such rules were not widely enforced in the Tang. Thus, the guests ranged from young to old, male and female, creating a festive and lively scene.

“Lady Zhou, I am He Yong, among my peers I am ranked eleventh, so they call me Eleventh Brother. I would like to toast you—may I have the honor?” At this moment, a young man in his early twenties smiled, cup raised before Zhou Hongxian.

Zhou Hongxian was no stranger to drinking. In her previous life, whenever her company held gatherings, her rule was never to provoke but never to shy away either; if someone invited her to drink, she would always oblige, matching their quantity without hesitation. Such was the honest way honest people drank. But tonight, she was troubled—how many had already toasted her? From He Da all the way to He Eleven, with only He Nine missing in between. Were they all taking turns?

She glanced at Cui Yu, seeing the girl quietly chuckling, which annoyed her somewhat. Truthfully, many young men present wished to toast Cui Yu, but knowing her as the magistrate’s daughter, they hesitated. Cui Yu also chose her drinking partners carefully; if she was uninterested, she would calmly reply, “I cannot hold my liquor,” dismissing them, and the rest would retreat. Eventually, all their attention fell on Zhou Hongxian.

Being a straightforward person, Zhou Hongxian initially felt too embarrassed to refuse. But seeing Cui Yu’s approach, she hardened her resolve and decided not to worry about offending anyone. Waving her hand, she said, “No more, my limit’s reached. Forgive me!”

He Yong, eyeing her flushed and charming face, felt both dazzled and dissatisfied. Zhou Hongxian’s previous willingness left a bold impression on him; all his elder brothers had already toasted her, but now, at his turn, she stopped. How could he let it go? He pleaded, “Lady Zhou, I am the youngest among my peers. How about I drink three cups and you just one?”

“Is that so?” Zhou Hongxian hesitated. She felt it unfair to single someone out, so she agreed, “Alright, I’ll have one cup with you. We’ll match cup for cup, but let me be clear—this will be the last one. No matter who comes next, I won’t drink.”

He Yong beamed, “You’re so straightforward, how could I not agree? Rest assured, I guarantee this is the last cup. Whoever comes after, I’ll stand in your stead!”

Zhou Hongxian found him rather likable, but she didn’t know He Yong was thinking, “Ha! I thought being the youngest was a disadvantage, but it’s actually a boon! Now I’m the finale—if anyone tries to toast Lady Zhou again, I’ll block them. She’s sure to see me differently, and with her bold character, she might even seek my company!”

Thus, each with their own thoughts, they drank heartily together. But before they could clink their empty cups, a man burst in from outside.

The guests were startled by this intrusion, and upon closer look saw the man pale-faced, drenched in sweat, and visibly shaken. Many wondered who he was, but some immediately recognized him.

At the table, Old He’s second son, He Ping, stood up and shouted at the newcomer, “Jiu Lang! What are you doing? Today is your grandfather’s birthday—how dare you return so late, and in such a panicked state?”

The man was He Ping’s son, He An—precisely the missing He Nine Zhou Hongxian had noticed earlier. Yet He An’s terror was undiminished; his teeth chattered as he stammered, “Fa—Father, I—I saw—a ghost on the way!”

His words shocked the guests, but no one felt afraid. With over a hundred people present, most believed he was talking nonsense, and some privately snickered.

He Ping observed the guests’ expressions and saw Old He’s face darken. Embarrassed, he shouted, “You fool! Don’t you see what occasion this is? Spouting such ominous words as soon as you walk in. Go back to your room—there’s no place for you here!”

He An, terrified of He Ping, shuddered and, ignoring everyone’s mocking eyes, stumbled away toward the rear quarters. He Ping apologized, “Forgive me, everyone—my son has made a fool of himself.”

Whether kindly or not, those present laughed it off. Someone at the table remarked, “Second Brother, judging by Jiu Lang’s state, perhaps he really was frightened by something. You’d best send someone to check on him.”

He Ping agreed, feeling uneasy, and said to his wife Liu, “Go see to Jiu Lang.”

Liu nodded and left, and the feast soon returned to its lively mood, with many excitedly discussing the incident.

“Brother-in-law, do you think Jiu Lang really saw a ghost?”

“Nonsense! I’ve studied Master Wang’s ‘Disquisitions,’ and such things are pure fabrication—only fools believe!”

“You can’t say that—better to believe than not!”

“I agree with Brother-in-law; tales of spirits are mere fantasy. Jiu Lang must have been late and feared scolding, so he made up an excuse. He’s far too naive!”

Cui Yu, listening to the nearby conversation, was intrigued and asked Zhou Hongxian, “Sister Zhou, do you believe in ghosts?”

Zhou Hongxian was momentarily at a loss. She wanted to say that in her former life she certainly didn’t, but now, thinking of herself, she replied, “I believe a little, I suppose!”

Cui Yu’s eyes lit up with delight. “Really, sister? Have you ever seen anything like that?”

“No!” Zhou Hongxian didn’t want to dwell on it and simply denied it.

Cui Yu pouted, resting her chin in her hands. “I thought you had! I’ve loved reading ‘Records of Searching for Spirits’ since childhood—the stories are so fascinating, but I’ve never seen anything myself. Such a pity!”

Zhou Hongxian was tempted to respond, but feared Cui Yu would turn out to be the proverbial ‘man who loves dragons but fears them,’ so she simply smiled and said nothing.

After this small interlude, the birthday feast continued merrily for another half hour, gradually drawing to a close. Guests began to depart, and Zhou Hongxian, guided by one of Old He’s granddaughters, helped support a drunken Cui Yu into the rear courtyard. Though Cui Yu had refused many toasts, she had still drunk plenty, most of it with Zhou Hongxian, insisting they clink cups.

“Haha, Sister Zhou, I’ve had such a wonderful time tonight! Without Father and Mother nagging me, it feels so good!” Cui Yu leaned carelessly against Zhou Hongxian, laughing loudly. Behind them, Cui Ye’s eyes shone brightly, silently memorizing every word his sister uttered.

They reached the bedroom door, and Cui Yu suddenly turned, glaring at Cui Ye. “Little Five, don’t tell Mother anything I said tonight, understood?”

Cui Ye blinked his large eyes, answering in a childish voice, “Fourth Sister, I’m always on your side!”

“That’s more like it—Fourth Sister hasn’t spoiled you for nothing!” Cui Yu patted his head. “Now go sleep in your room next door, don’t come in. Boys aren’t allowed in a woman’s room, okay?”

“Oh.” Cui Ye nodded, wished them goodnight, and went to his own room.

Zhou Hongxian watched the closed door and laughed, “Little Five is really obedient!”

Cui Yu snorted, “Obedient? Don’t be fooled by appearances, sister! He’s clever beyond his years, Mother’s secret agent. As long as he’s by my side, she knows everything I do!”

Zhou Hongxian: “…”

While chatting, the two entered the room. Cui Yu, though not completely insensible, was dizzy enough; as soon as Zhou Hongxian helped her to the bed, she lay down and began to act spoiled. “Sister Zhou, Fourth Sister is so thirsty—!”

“I’ll fetch you some tea!” Zhou Hongxian said.

Cui Yu immediately flashed a charming smile, “Sister Zhou, you’re so good to me!”

Zhou Hongxian shook her head, smiling, and returned with tea, helping Cui Yu drink. Cui Yu then began untying her clothes, complaining, “Sister, Fourth Sister feels so hot!”

Zhou Hongxian panicked, “Don’t take them off!”

Cui Yu’s rosy face showed confusion, “Why, sister? What’s wrong with me taking off my clothes?”

“It’s just—Fourth Sister, it’s cold tonight. If you undress, you’ll catch a chill!”

“But I’m all sweaty and sticky—I want a bath!”

“What, you want a bath?”

“Sister, I feel dirty unless I bathe!”

Zhou Hongxian was torn between laughter and exasperation. “Alright, I’ll go get your bathwater.”

Soon, with help from the He family, Zhou Hongxian prepared a full tub for Cui Yu. As she turned to leave, Cui Yu grabbed her, “Sister, stay and bathe with me!”

Zhou Hongxian blushed, not daring to look back, “I can’t. I’m not used to bathing with others.” She gently freed herself and hurried out, closing the door.

Left alone in the room, Cui Yu undressed, revealing her youthful, beautiful body, and immersed herself in the bath. The warm steam made her face glow even more. Suddenly, she leaned back and smiled sweetly, “Sister Zhou is so bold when drinking, but so shy about bathing with me—so tender and adorable! I must find a way to keep her in Husou County, so I can see her every day!”