984 Finish The Tea Before You Ask Why (1/2)

To the south of Chang'an, the willows along the road were still weeping. Traces of the former war were being washed away by time. Only the limping soldiers at tea houses reminded people of the grief from time to time.

Sangsang came to this city of memories, but still looked calm. It seemed as if they had never left. She held her hands behind her back and strolled through the familiar streets.

Entering from the south gate, they turned west to the casino first. She did not collect her wins but silently watched the gamblers as they became extremely happy or desperate.

Then Sangsang went to the House of Red Sleeves. Ning Que followed her very closely and did not pay a visit to Mistress Jian. They found Xiaocao by a quiet corner in the backyard.

Xiaocao looked at Sangsang, feeling confused. She vaguely remember this lofty figure she once saw in the Divine Hall of Light behind the layers of gauze. Before she could think of something to say, she found a cup of tea placed in front of her.

Sangsang ordered, ”Finish the tea.”

Xiaocao felt even more confused and wondered why she wanted her to finish the tea.

Ning Que said, ”Drink it. She won't hurt you.”

Xiaocao took the cup and finished it, but could not even taste it. Then she found her body becoming lighter. It felt warm and cozy, and she fell asleep.

Ning Que stared at Xiaocao who was probably enjoying a sweet dream, and asked unbelievably, ”Is that immortality?”

Sangsang did not answer. She left the House of Red Sleeves and headed for the Grand Secretary Mansion.

It was either because she did not want to meet them or that she did want want to see her tears again that Sangsang put Zeng Jing and his wife to sleep and asked Ning Que to pour the tea she made into her mouth.

Ning Que held the teacup and asked, ”Now that your mother is immortal, how about your father? When he dies, your mother wouldn't be happy to live alone. That won't be good.”

Sangsang thought for a moment and asked, ”Then shall I take back the tea?”

Ning Que said, ”Can't you be a bit more generous? Why not make some tea for your father too?”

Sangsang replied, ”First of all, I am Haotian. They are not my parents but rather the previous dwelling of my human body. Secondly, not everyone is eligible for my tea.”

Ning Que stared at her in silence.

She made another tea.

Ning Que smiled to her and poured the tea into the mouth of Zeng Jing, the Grand Secretary.

Getting out of the Grand Secretary Mansion he asked seriously, ”Is that tea really going to make people immortal?”

Sangsang answered, ”I said I would grant them immortality.”

Ning Que asked, ”Then who else are you giving it to?”

Sangsang said, ”Since Jun Mo was reluctant, I won't force him to take it.”

Ning Que sighed helplessly and asked for himself, ”How about me?”

Sangsang said, ”You were never fond of tea.”

Ning Que seemed irritated and said, ”Who would mind drinking some tea in exchange for immortality?”

Sangsang said, ”I've told you it is not meant for everyone.”

Ning Que became seriously angry and said, ”You are my wife. Who else would be eligible for your tea if not me?”

Sangsang did not answer and walked eastward.

Ning Que hurried to follow her and kept asking, ”It's just a cup of tea. How can you be so stingy?”

Sangsang still did not answer.

Ning Que begged, ”Please, spare a cup for me.”

Sangsang kept silent.

Ning Que was enraged and shouted, ”If you don't make it for me, then I won't cook for you!”

He begged, threatened, kept talking by himself and became embarrassed along the way, until they arrived at Lin 47th Street.

They pushed open the door of the Old Brush Pen Shop and stepped into the courtyard. The house was dust-free. The old cat on the windowsill was scared away upon their entrance. Sangsang went into the kitchen and then back to the front house. She sat down by the table and knocked on it.

Ning Que understand what that meant. He went to the market and bought some supplies, made two vegetable dishes and two meat dishes, then two bowls of appetizing rice.

It was always Sangsang who cooked the meals, except for once when she ran away from home. Now she was Haotian. How could she do such things again? Ever since they were in the Divine Hall of Light, Ning Que had already gotten used to his new position in the house.

After they finished the meal, Ning Que washed the dishes, and Sangsang walked out of the Old Brush Pen Shop to visit their neighbor.

For certain reasons the businesses on Lin 47th Street had been very poor. Many shops had closed throughout the years. However, after the Old Brush Pen Shop was closed, the shops recently reopened one after another.

The next-door neighbor was still the antique shop that sold fake antiques.