You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 72 — Every Age Brings In a New Pengornis

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

Wu Xingzi quickly dressed himself, before hurrying over to open the doors, allowing the girls in.

In Mint’s hands was a basin, while in Osmanthus’ hands was a box of food. With smiling eyes, they greeted Wu Xingzi, then deftly arranged what they were carrying on the table.

“Hmm?” After putting the basin down, Mint’s little nose twitched in the air. She seemed to have smelled something, and on her little face was puzzlement. Seeing that, Wu Xingzi’s heart pounded anxiously, the tips of his ears turning red.

Due to the dream, Wu Xingzi had woken up a little late. Together with dealing with his stained trousers and semen, he had no time to open the windows to get rid of any smell. In the bedroom, a vague scent of heather lingered.

“Meimei, what’s wrong?” Osmanthus had opened the box of food. The aroma of plain porridge and the other dishes quickly filled the air, and that distinctive smell soon faded away.

Mint’s nose twitched again, and she finally shook her head. “It’s nothing, I probably only imagined it.”

That must be it. The season for heather had long been over, and there was also no heather planted in the yard. How could there be its scent?

Next to them, Wu Xingzi’s wits had nearly been frightened out of his body. Rubbing his chest with a hand, he forcibly calmed himself. He thought, the next time he had a wet dream again, the first thing he would do when he woke up would be to open the windows.

The two girls did not notice that Wu Xingzi was acting a little odd. Brightly, they said, “Master, today’s the gathering of the Peng Society.”

Upon mentioning the gathering, the girls’ eyes lit up, and they were unable to conceal their curiosity.

It had been around a month since they had arrived in the capital. Summer had descended upon them, and the girls, who had lived their entire lives in the south, had no issues acclimatising themselves to the northern summer. Their spirits were in fact even better, and they would drag Wu Xingzi all over the capital every day. Unknowingly, they had already explored many of the scenic spots in the capital.

Wu Xingzi had also taken the opportunity to make more friends through the pigeon express, and the collection of pengornis drawings in his rattan cases had increased as well. It had to be said that the capital was truly a remarkable place that produced many talents, and more importantly, there were more people here, making things easy for the pigeon express. The Peng Society was not very hidden in the capital, and the size of its office was twice that of the one in Goose City.

The ranking of pengornises which had been immovable previously, now experienced a number of changes in just a short month. Even Guan Shanjin’s position as the Prince Lanling of pengornises was in crisis. Last night, before he slept, Wu Xingzi was holding onto Guan Shanjin’s pengornis drawing, comparing it side by side to another drawing he had received a couple of days ago. In the end, their rankings had been decided according to their owner’s face.

If Guan Shanjin’s pengornis was the Prince of Lanling, awe-inspiring, magnanimous and gorgeous, the new drawing would be Murong Chong1.

Its girth and length naturally did not lose to Guan Shanjin’s, and its overall appearance was a little more refined. Wu Xingzi was unsure if it was Rancui’s instructions, but this pengornis drawing was even coloured. The skin was light in colour, like a budding flower, while the head of the cock was slightly darker, full and heavy, like an extremely ripe plum. The hole on the tip gaped a little, allowing Wu Xingzi to peek within. Devastatingly beautiful, it seemed as though a careless bite could leave it bleeding.

The vein running down the shaft was unlike the robustness of Guan Shanjin’s. It was like a needle wrapped in cotton, peril lurking around the corner. It was less savage, but there was a danger behind it. Looking at the image, Wu Xingzi’s mouth was dry, and he gulped down half the contents of the teapot to soothe his thirst.

It seemed like the reason for his wet dream had something to do with these two pengornis drawings! He still remembered that before he had fallen asleep, he was wondering if Guan Shanjin would too end up tearing this drawing of the Murong Chong of pengornises?

As such thoughts drifted through his head, Wu Xingzi buried his face in his porridge, ignoring the dishes by the side.

When his stomach was half-filled, he informed the girls, “You young girls shouldn’t attend the gathering, I’ll ask Hei’er to accompany me.”

“We can’t go?” Mint’s lips curved downwards, the cheeriness in her face disappearing.

“It’s not seemly for you to be there. The attendees are all males, and there’s no reason for little girls to go.” Wu Xingzi shook his head resignedly.

“We’d like to look at beauties too.” Osmanthus pouted as well, looking at her sister and nodding firmly. “Master, don’t worry, my sister and I will definitely be good, we definitely won’t create any trouble for you.”

A few days ago, Manager Rancui had said that the gathering of the Peng Society only happened once every two years, and the Peng Society would hand out invitations. The guests were all either noble and illustrious men, or great, reputable beauties. Their family backgrounds were all spotless, and their talents astounding. Ten years ago, they had even once invited the 9th Marquis, who had been labelled as the Great Xia’s number one most beautiful man. The gathering then was held at Linfeng Mansion, by the Guting River. Apparently, half the people from the capital had gathered outside, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the marquis’ charm!

“I know that you’re good girls, but…” Wu Xingzi faltered. He knew that the girls were curious, but the gathering of the Peng Society was, after all, different from ordinary gatherings. More importantly, it was an occasion to allow men with intentions of looking for partners to know each other. Wu Xingzi could not help but feel that it would be very awkward to have two young girls there.

Seeing that he had no plan on giving in, the shoulders of both Mint and Osmanthus drooped. Pitifully, they hung their heads, “Master, we understand, we won’t be wilful anymore.”

While releasing a breath of relief, at the same time, Wu Xingzi was a little apologetic. From his pouch, he took out a few copper coins and handed them to Mint. “Didn’t you want to try the sugar sculptures? Rancui says that news about the Peng Society gathering has spread through the entire city. This time, the gathering is held at Lianxiang Residences, and there’s a fair outside. Why don’t you go buy some sugar sculptures for a treat, and we’ll come back together when the gathering is over?”

Hearing about the sugar sculptures, the gloom over the girls’ heads vanished, and their little faces were suffused with delight.

“Then Master, you have to enrich your experience this time.” Mint tucked the copper coins into her little purse, as she advised Wu Xingzi like a mature adult. “Manager Rancui says that the young masters he has invited this time are not only outstanding in appearance, with spotless backgrounds, they…”

“They?” Wu Xingzi saw how amused the girl looked, laughing like the cat who got the cream. Unable to stop himself, he ruffled her hair.

Mint and Osmanthus exchanged a smile, lowering their voices and speaking at the same time, “Their pengornises have been carefully selected.”

Pengornises… Wu Xingzi froze, a blush suffusing his face. With a trembling voice, he asked, “W-w-what… What are you saying? Y-you’re little g-girls, d-don’t… Ai!”

“This was what the manager personally said.” Seeing that Wu Xingzi’s face was covered with a dark red flush, Osmanthus hurriedly wet a handkerchief to wipe his face.

Wu Xingzi did not know what to say to the girls. He could only take the handkerchief and wipe his face vigorously, only stopping to take a breath when he had nearly rubbed away a layer of skin.

Knowing that they had gone overboard in teasing Wu Xingzi, Mint and Osmanthus stuck out their tongues, becoming obedient and no longer mentioning the Peng Society gathering anymore. Turning away, they helped Wu Xingzi pick his clothes. However, before they could open his trunk, Wu Xingzi called out to them, stopping them from doing so. With evasive eyes, he chased the girls out of the bedroom, then collapsed weakly onto a chair, his back covered with sweat.

Finally, he managed to calm himself down. Wu Xingzi made a clean sweep of the food on the table, having four bowls of porridge and emptying the plates of all the food. Mixing the dishes into the porridge, he finished them all. Despite his huge appetite, this time round, he had eaten until his belly plumped up, and as he rubbed his stomach, he walked around the table to aid his digestion.

The pengornises had been specially selected.

Mint’s clear voice rang continuously in his head. Wu Xingzi felt both shy and embarrassed, and he was also worried that the two girls had been led astray by Rancui. He then recalled that the gathering would be happening in four hours, and so, he wondered, would the Murong Chong of pengornises appear? Also, that Young Master Bai who played the qin too. During this month in the capital, even when walking on the streets, Wu Xingzi could hear people discussing Young Master Bai’s skills, and it made him yearn to hear him play.

Unable to decipher his feelings as anticipation or uneasiness, although Wu Xingzi had yet to digest his breakfast, he could not help but pick up the snacks on the table and start eating.

Born thin and never putting on weight despite eating so much, even when Wu Xingzi’s stomach was bulging from food, he still looked very slender. Pulling on a loose and elegant Confucian robe, he even looked like a delicate, slightly frail scholar.

Knitting his brows slightly, Hei’er stared at Wu Xingzi’s belly for a moment, then handed him a red pill. “Master, this is a pill that aids in digestion, would you like one? Later, at the Peng Society gathering, although the manager has invited the top chef in the capital, please don’t upset your stomach.”

Hei’er words were very direct. Wu Xingzi scratched his cheek, quietly thanking Hei’er, then swallowing the pill. The pill had a refreshing taste to it, melting in his mouth, and his stomach immediately felt less discomforted.

Hei’er was very considerate and meticulous. Seeing that Wu Xingzi was still a little uncomfortable from eating too much, he did not prepare either a horse or a carriage, instead they walked to Lianxiang Residences together.

The journey was not far, and they would be able to arrive in half an hour. The summer sun was scorching, but it was completely unlike the humid, thick heat of the south. After perspiring, they instead felt a lot more revitalised, and Wu Xingzi was now in the mood to think about this spectacular event of the Peng Society.

A crowd had already started gathering about a hundred steps away from Lianxiang Residences. Wu Xingzi stared blankly at the fair in front of him, unable to resist rubbing at his eyes with his fists.

Lianxiang Residences was a famous site in the capital. The inside was designed like the grounds of a classical garden commonly found in Jiangnan, with bridges and streams, as well as paths winding through it. Every inch was delicately beautiful, decorated with ornaments here and there. It seemed as though serenity was curling up in all corners of the garden, but there was also a bamboo-like strength to it. The main sight in Lianxiang Residences was a man-made lake. Other than a winding path connecting a few pavilions in the lake, people mostly travelled on bamboo rafts.

A large swath of lotus flowers and water chestnuts had been cultivated in the lake. In the summer sun, the surface was covered in a lush layer of lotus and water chestnut leaves. Flowers and branches extended gracefully above the water, and at the very top were blossoms and blossoms of lotus flowers, white with a tinge of pink.

Wu Xingzi and Hei’er squeezed through the crowds, finally arriving at the door of Lianxiang Residences. The Peng Society gathering had already started.

Standing on guard at the door was an employee of Peng Society, and they had seen each other before. The moment he saw Wu Xingzi, he welcomed him warmly. “Mr. Wu, the manager has been looking out for you! Please follow me inside.”

“Thank you, thank you.” Wu Xingzi hurriedly cupped his hands. Just as he was about to follow the employee, he somehow managed to bump into a man who was waiting for the employee to confirm his identity. “Ahh… Good sir, please excuse me, excuse me.”

“It’s only a small matter, don’t worry about it.” The man’s voice was soft and gentle, like the warm breeze of spring, as well as like mellow wine. Wu Xingzi’s ears reddened inexplicably, and he could not help but cover his ears as he turned to look at the man.

It was a man dressed in navy Confucian robes. His figure was tall and muscular, but it was not intimidating, instead carrying a sort of elegant refinement. His appearance was not outstanding, but it was very gentle and friendly, pleasant to everyone’s eyes. He too had his head turned, and he was studying Wu Xingzi. His black eyes were like warm water, perfectly restrained.

This face… Wu Xingzi pressed upon his chest lightly.

“Mu-Murong Chong?” The name burst from his lips. Wu Xingzi clamped his hands over his mouth, so embarrassed that he wished for a hole to bury himself in.

This was actually the owner of the Murong Chong of pengornises! Ai, he actually did not manage to control his mouth!

The man looked confused, giving a gentle and polite response. “Good sir, did you mistake me for someone? My last name is Ping, and I’m called Ping Yifan2.”

He’s not ordinary at all… Wu Xingzi was unable to stop the image of Ping Yifan’s pengornis from appearing in his brain.

Oh no!

Guan Shanjin’s top position is in danger!