Chapter 73 – Leisurely Roaming

Ji Sinong said, “Esteemed brothers, both of you are dragons and phoenixes among men, you should aspire to lofty ambitions. The path of merchants, though leisurely, ultimately underutilizes your talents.”

Xu Chun replied with a smile, “Though the heavens are vast and myriad things abound, I only know the wings of my cicada.”

Ji Sinong never expected such a young man to have read Laozi and Zhuangzi, and to casually quote them during their conversation. He was taken aback once again. Now, looking at this youth, his demeanor was elegant and beautiful, his eyes sparkled with charm, and he was quick-witted. Clearly, he was both graceful and intelligent, far from the naive and kind young master who relied on his father and elder brothers that Ji Sinong had initially thought him to be. He no longer dared to underestimate him.

He could only continue smiling as he said, “In that case, we’ll impose on your caravan for a few more days, let’s go to Java first. I also have some friends there, and some money stored away. At that time, I will certainly repay you generously for the food, water, and medicine provided these past few days.”

Xu Chun didn’t refuse the compensation; great kindness resembled great enmity, and it was better to accept a substantial reward so that they would be even, completing the other party’s obligations and avoiding any suspicions that the Sheng family might be coercing them for greater benefits.

Smiling, he raised his teacup and gestured for his guest to drink tea. Ji Sinong was increasingly puzzled. Seeing how skilled he was in etiquette and how his conduct reflected the style of a noble family, if nothing had happened, ordinary guests would have taken their leave at this point.

However, Ji Sinong’s purpose had yet to be achieved. Originally, he had only seen potential in the Sheng family’s second and third sons for their bravery and intelligence, wanting to recruit them. Now, however, he felt an inclination to forge a connection, unwilling to depart. He lifted his teacup and took a sip, finding the tea delightfully fragrant. Then, he looked back at the painting, seeking a topic to discuss. “I see that the ink on this painting hasn’t dried yet. The colors are splendid, and the brushwork is pure. The verses inscribed, ‘Best when nine clouds shine bright, thinking of you morning and night,’ are also quite fitting and intimate. I wonder which master created this?”

Xu Chun smiled shyly. “It was painted by me, General Ji flatters me.” His eyes shone brighter, clearly pleased with the praise.

Ji Sinong observed his expression and thought that he was still a child after all, with emotions that showed plainly on his face. He was delighted by a simple compliment. This made him appreciate the boy’s unadorned nature even more. Growing up in a noble household, he had encountered too many people skilled in concealing their true intentions. Now, he felt a stronger desire to establish a friendship. He continued, “It turns out that Fourth Young Master is skilled in painting, truly a man of refined tastes. I happen to have ancient paintings like ‘Long Summer Temple by the River’ and ‘Li Bai Observing the Waterfall’ in my possession. I’ve always felt that they were like pearls cast in obscurity. If Fourth Young Master likes them, they would finally find a worthy owner.”

Xu Chun responded cheerfully, “So General Ji is also interested in art? I wouldn’t dare take credit for others’ beauty, but I’d be happy to have the chance to appreciate them.” However, he didn’t display any eagerness. Ji Sinong was secretly amazed, wondering how the Sheng family had raised such a dignified young master. His eloquence and knowledge were both top-notch, and his character was delightful. His attire was simple but of fine quality. A silver bell-shaped perfume ball and a plain handkerchief hung from his waist, echoing the silver hairpin and headcloth, as well as the white silk shoes on his feet, suggesting that someone in the family had passed away.

They chatted about books and paintings for a while. Ji Sinong carefully examined the furniture and utensils in the flower hall. The cabin was small, and this room served as both a living space and a reception area. There weren’t many items displayed, but those that were present—flower vases, calligraphy, and ancient swords—were obviously cherished and enjoyed daily, rather than mere decorations. There was no incense burner in the room, but there was a faint, delicate aroma. The servants entered and exited, each performing their duties—serving tea and delivering water—while a tall guard carrying a sword stood silently behind them. Indeed, they acted as befitting noblemen.

However, he couldn’t stay any longer. When Xu Chun offered tea for the third time, Ji Sinong got up to take his leave. Even after returning to his own cabin, he could still smell a trace of the scent. It was then that he realized the fragrance was subtle yet persistent. After sitting for just a short while, it had already permeated his entire body. Unable to resist, he laughed and joked to the family general serving him, “I was indeed like a frog in a well, only seeing my own tiny patch of sky. I was so preoccupied with my own troubles that I didn’t realize how mundane and materialistic I had become. It seems there are always people and places beyond what we know.” After conversing with the young master, he felt self-conscious about his crude appearance and commonness.

In the following days, the two Sheng brothers never asked about Ji Sinong’s plans. From their treatment of their younger brother, it was clear that they knew about his visit to Fourth Young Master, but they maintained an attitude that Fourth Young Master could make decisions on their behalf. Food, water, and medicine seemed to have been instructed to be plentiful, and they even specially sent nourishing dishes suitable for convalescence, such as steamed chicken with Rehmannia root and sweet potato and fish soup. This was rare on a ship, and even Ji Sinong’s generals praised the Sheng family’s caravan.

Those who could afford to live aboard the ship were wealthy individuals, carrying goods worth millions of coins. Ji Sinong recalled Sheng Youlin’s statement that they would ensure the safety of their journey, thinking that if these merchants knew about it, they would surely be grateful. He also heard that Fourth Young Master loved listening to stories while at sea and often invited traders to entertain him. He also invited old sailors and crew members to speak, and everyone spoke highly of the young master, saying he was writing a book.

On sunny days, he could see the two Sheng brothers playing with their younger brother on the deck, fishing, barbecuing, playing football, and fighting with fish. The three brothers shared similar features but distinct personalities—one was steady, another was valiant, and the youngest was insightful. This made Ji Sinong sigh, wondering how the Sheng family had raised such outstanding children. This was without even considering the eldest son who stayed at home, who must also be exceptional.

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The large ship sailed swiftly, and they soon arrived at Java Island. Upon arrival, Sheng Changyun took charge of the cargo transfer and arranged manpower, while Sheng Changtian enthusiastically took Xu Chun ashore for a tour, claiming that he would treat him to the best South Asian cuisine.

The island was warm and humid, with bright sunlight illuminating the fine sand of the beach and the intensely blue sea, which broke against the snow-white sand in waves.

Bright red exotic flowers bloomed like clouds, and patches of vibrant grass flowers dotted the grasslands, swaying gracefully. Numerous vines bore abundant fruits, and large-leaved plants and shrubs produced golden-yellow flowers, adding to the scene. Curious, Xu Chun looked around, but Changtian quickly placed a hat over his head to protect him from the sun: “Don’t get sunburned.”

They were accompanied by a group of strong guards, all of whom were brave warriors. As a result, idle people and beggars didn’t dare approach. Only some little girls selling flowers and old women selling fruits came forward to sell their wares. Xu Chun saw the fragrant grass flowers and various fruits, including coconuts, betel nuts, pineapples, watermelons, and many other unfamiliar fruits. They were cut into large pieces and skewered on bamboo sticks, their colors vivid under the sunlight and their sweetness fragrant. The guards kept them away.

Changtian warned him, “Wait until we’re at the restaurant to eat. Don’t eat raw food in unfamiliar places. Since you’re in a new place, you’re likely to suffer from water and soil incompatibility. Outside, these miscellaneous goods are often washed carelessly in streams with raw water, making them unclean. Eating them could cause diarrhea, and some northern guests have fallen ill with dysentery and fever here. Be careful.”

Upon entering a restaurant, Xia Chao and two experienced sailors, along with a local guide, went straight to the kitchen to supervise the cooking.

Sheng Changtian led Xu Chun to a private room upstairs, explaining, “This restaurant specializes in Siamese cuisine, run by Siamese people. In the South Seas, the climate is damp, rainy, and hot, which can lead to the spread of epidemic diseases, causing drowsiness and lethargy. Siamese cuisine uses many spices, which help to alleviate greasiness and dispel wind, effectively removing dampness, toxins, and miasma.” Xu Chun could indeed smell a pungent spicy aroma, which rushed straight to his nose and forehead, along with several completely different exotic fragrances.

The owner was a woman in her forties, with slightly tanned skin, deep and graceful facial features, dressed in bright orange-golden brocade. She greeted Sheng Changtian with a smile, bowing her hands together in greeting, displaying no shyness as she greeted him warmly: “Third Master Sheng hasn’t come for half a year. What treasures did you bring this time?”

Sheng Changtian laughed, “It’s still the same few items, but the porcelain this time is excellent. You can go to our trading house to pick some up. I’ve brought my fourth brother along this time to broaden his horizons.” He then introduced Xu Chun to her: “This is Lady Xiangti.”

Xu Chun bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Lady Xiangti.”

Lady Xiangti watched as Xu Chun removed his hat, revealing his handsome features, and smiled like a blooming flower. “It’s Fourth Young Master Sheng. What an honor your visit is. I’ll wash my hands and personally prepare a few dishes for you.” With that, she went down to wash her hands and start cooking.

Sheng Changtian laughed, “Lady Xiangti makes a lot of money here, buying our porcelain and reselling it. Her culinary skills are exceptional, but she doesn’t usually cook herself. Today, we’re in for a treat.”

Soon, Xia Chao personally washed a large basin of fruits such as papaya, longan, pineapple, and others, and brought them up. Sheng Changtian taught him to identify unfamiliar fruits like rambutan, durian, star fruit, custard apple, Buddha’s hand, and many more, totaling over twenty varieties. They were arranged on an exquisite ice plate made of carnelian, each with its unique fragrance.

Sheng Changtian merely had them cut open and allowed Xu Chun to taste a bit of each, not allowing him to eat too much. He noted which ones Xu Chun liked and bought some to take with them, while the rest were given to the followers to enjoy. Additionally, Xia Chao presented various sauces, which Sheng Changtian pointed to and explained one by one: “Siamese cuisine emphasizes seasoning, and with the abundance of spices in the South Seas, there are numerous varieties. Each has a very distinctive flavor.”

Pointing to sauces like fish sauce, red onion sauce, shrimp paste, oyster sauce, and others commonly found in Minzhou, he also selected several unique Siamese sauces like green curry, red curry, tamarind sauce, galangal, betel leaf sauce, lemongrass sauce, lime sauce, and more. Xu Chun tasted each one with chopsticks, and Xia Chao smiled: “Young Master, these sauces are good. I’ll have them pack more for us to take back. Grandma Liu will definitely like them, and they’re also delicious with grilled meat on the ship.”

Xu Chun nodded. After a while, the dishes started arriving: steamed grouper wrapped in banana leaves, lemongrass shrimp balls, curry prawns, stir-fried crabs with black bean sauce, two soups—spicy and sour shrimp soup and coconut chicken soup—the latter prepared for Xu Chun in case he didn’t like the former. Cold dishes included pickled green papaya with chili peppers, the soup was bird’s nest with shark fin, pineapple rice, and desserts featured a plate of coconut cake and coconut candy. There were also passion fruit juice and other fruit juices.

Xu Chun tried a few dishes and found their flavors rich and intense, with a blend of spices, sweetness, freshness, sourness, spiciness, and saltiness. Some he liked, while others were too strong for his taste.

Most of the dishes were tasty, especially with extremely fresh ingredients. After eating, Xu Chun began to feel drowsy and lazily leaned by the window, watching the turquoise sea and silver waves outside. Tropical vines climbed along the windowsill, and the cool breeze blew gently. In the afternoon, he stared blankly at the passersby, his eyelids gradually growing heavy.

Suddenly, he heard someone calling from the street below: “Fourth Young Master Sheng.”

He opened his eyes and looked down. Sheng Changtian also leaned over to look down. The person below smiled and bowed, saying, “Third Young Master is here as well.”

Sheng Changtian bowed and smiled, “General Xiao Ji, have you eaten? If you don’t mind, why not join us for a casual meal?”

Ji Sinong smiled and went up, saying, “Actually, I’ve already eaten. I just found my friend here and have sent a letter home. My friend is currently organizing an overseas appraisal and auction of precious goods. Knowing that Fourth Young Master has some expertise in this area and considering the care you’ve shown us these past few days, I’m grateful. I have this invitation, and I thought of asking Third Young Master and Fourth Young Master to attend the auction. It would be an opportunity to broaden your horizons. If you see anything you like and I am capable of doing so, I’ll bid on it and gift it to you esteemed brothers. It would be a small way to repay the Sheng family for saving our lives. Please don’t refuse.”

Xu Chun was still a bit sleepy and looked at Ji Sinong blankly. Sheng Changtian, however, was surprised and asked, “Your friend, wouldn’t it be Lord Seagull Island?”

Ji Sinong laughed, “Third Young Master Sheng is well-read and knowledgeable. Indeed, it’s Lord Seagull Island.”

Sheng Changtian said, “That is indeed a famous auction. What’s sold there are antiques and treasures. Our family usually doesn’t pay attention to these things, but if you’re interested, Youlin, we can go and take a look. Bid on whatever catches your eye.”