The Company

Chapter 48: Twin Bracelets

Everyone has regrets in their life, and there are past moments he wished he could return to.

Lu Zigang sat behind the counter of Dumb Shop, examining the freshly carved pair of hollowed-out intertwined vine patterned bracelets in his hands under the glow of the Changxin Palace Lantern.

These jade bracelets were made from premium Hetian jade seed material. Upon closer inspection, they actually consisted of two layers. The surface of the jade bracelets featured extremely delicate carvings of intertwining vines, with even the veins on the leaves clearly visible, along with some dewdrops. The second layer was the smooth, rounded bracelet body. The two layers were cleverly connected by the intertwining branches, but when worn on the wrist, only a circle of lifelike intertwined vines would be visible wrapping around the arm—truly a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. On the inner side of the bracelets was engraved the renowned Zigang hallmark.

After gently placing the pair of bracelets on the brocade cloth, Lu Zigang rubbed his slightly aching right wrist.

He had nearly exhausted all his savings, using large quantities of jade material to hone his jade carving skills. Finally, after ruining several pieces of jade, he managed to carve a pair of bracelets that satisfied him.

Lu Zigang stared at the bracelets as if pondering a difficult decision. He leaned back in his chair, hiding his face in the shadows beyond the reach of the Changxin Palace Lantern's light, remaining completely still.

Within Dumb Shop, only the gilded soaring dragon Bo Shan incense burner quietly released wisps of fragrant smoke, the tendrils curling silently upward through the air.

After sitting silently in the darkness for a long time, Lu Zigang finally picked up his phone and dialed a number. The other party took a long time to answer. Because Dumb Shop was so quiet, when the call connected, the noisy sounds from the other end echoed through the shop along with the voice.

"Lu Zigang! What's up? Isn't there still two hours until the scheduled time?" The Doctor moved the phone slightly away from his ear before speaking unnaturally: "Last time the compass malfunctioned, and we were stranded in the Ming Dynasty for several days before returning. To be safe, we should temporarily stop using it. I need to recalculate the geographical directions on the compass."

"Alright, let me know when it's usable! I'm covering the emergency shift right now and can't get away anyway." The Doctor's response was straightforward. Time travel was such a high-end, sophisticated matter that it had to be absolutely foolproof. Otherwise, if they couldn't return, the Doctor had no desire to leave behind mobile phones, computers, and air conditioning. Besides, after the initial panic months ago when the Boss suddenly went missing, he had gradually become more philosophical about it. He had time—he could afford to wait. He was even considering taking his annual leave this year to travel to famous mountains and great rivers across the country, thinking he might actually find some clues.

Lu Zigang hung up the phone with an expressionless face, deeply exhaled, remained still for a few seconds, then began to make preparations.

He put on a set of wide-sleeved Ming Dynasty-style blue cloth robes, carefully fitted a wig in front of the mirror, then gently placed the pair of bracelets from the brocade cloth into a brocade box which he tucked into his chest pocket. After completing all preparations, he picked up the Luoshu Nine Stars Compass and began carefully adjusting the pointers.

He had long memorized the calculated angles, having gone over them countless times in his mind—there was no way he could set them wrong. Yet he still held his breath, his palms sweating.

Yes, he had indeed entertained thoughts he shouldn't have.The Luoshu Nine Star Compass has fifty-two layers, with the densest layer containing three hundred and eighty-four grids. To the uninitiated, it would surely cause dizziness upon sight. When Lu Zigang first obtained it, he found it extremely challenging as well.

However, after several journeys through time, he recorded the angles of adjustment and the corresponding dynasties he traveled to, gradually mastering its patterns. Thus, as early as a few months ago, he could have taken the Doctor back in time to find out where the Boss had gone.

Yet he had no intention of doing so. If the Boss returned, he would no longer be able to freely use the Luoshu Nine Star Compass.

Everyone has regrets in their lifetime, and he too had a past he wished to revisit. He had always been so loud and boisterous.

Initially, he hadn't entertained such thoughts, merely telling himself that more attempts would ensure greater safety, allowing himself to travel with the Doctor across various dynasties. He knew that even if he returned to the past, he could do nothing but observe, unable to alter history. But after the Doctor saved that young man from the Republican era without any adverse consequences, though he still voiced opposition, his inner convictions began to shift.

So, last month, when they arrived at General Qi's military camp, Lu Zigang harbored the same mindset and did not forcefully prevent the Doctor from saving lives.

Now, a month after returning to the present, no mishaps had occurred. Perhaps those they saved were insignificant figures in history, unable to influence its broader course. Could he, then, cling to a sliver of hope?

Lu Zigang's hand left the pointer, and the compass emitted a white light. Filled with both hope and trepidation, he slowly closed his eyes.

Ming Dynasty, Jiajing 21st Year, Capital City

Xia Zelan pressed lightly on the slightly bulging purse at her waist, a faint smile gracing her elegant face. She had originally promised Eunuch Li to prepare a full table of Suzhou cuisine, but the jade carver the Chief of the Jade Workshop intended to invite had left early because of her, sparing her the need to cook.

To receive generous payment without having to toil all afternoon—who wouldn't consider it a stroke of luck?

Thinking of that somewhat foolish jade carver, Xia Zelan's smile deepened. Being able to commission a highly skilled jade carver to work on her jade material for free—her gains today were truly substantial!

Still, the absence of the jade's weight around her neck felt somewhat unfamiliar. Carrying a small bundle containing her carving tools, Xia Zelan emerged from the Chief's courtyard of the Jade Workshop. Though no one guided her this time, she navigated her way out of the labyrinthine workshop from memory. Passing by the neighboring Imperial Lantern Workshop, she observed craftsmen preparing materials for various lanterns: turtle-shaped mountain lanterns, festive lanterns, and rolling lanterns. Every year, from the 24th of December to the 17th of the first lunar month, the capital celebrated the Lantern Festival. All palace and capital lanterns were the responsibility of the Imperial Lantern Workshop. Though it was still two months until late December, these artisans were already hard at work.

Just the sight of the red lantern paper and silk brought joy from the depths of one's heart. Xia Zelan allowed herself to pause and watch for a while before turning away, content.Since she had nothing to do in the evening, Xia Zelan thought as she walked, she might as well return to the Imperial Kitchen to resume her duties. Each palace within the imperial court had its own small kitchen, and the staff of the Imperial Kitchen took turns assisting there. Tonight, she was supposed to be on duty at Consort Duan’s kitchen. To take on Eunuch Li’s task, she had specifically swapped shifts with Yumei. If she returned now, she might not even need to trouble Yumei.

Calculating that the extra silver in her purse could buy a few more winter outfits before the cold set in, Xia Zelan quickened her pace toward the gate of the Directorate for Imperial Supplies. She still wore the Imperial Kitchen waist token, so the guards at the Directorate didn’t give her any trouble. The moment she stepped over the threshold, she spotted a figure standing across the street, gazing intently at her. It was impossible to ignore.

It was the jade carver who had just left—and he was clearly waiting for her.

Xia Zelan immediately walked over, tilting her head curiously as she asked, "Master Lu, why are you here? Are you going back to see the Director?" She found his expression odd and noticed that his clothes weren’t the same as before—though similar in color, they were entirely different upon closer inspection. Had he already gone back to change?

"No need to call me Master Lu, just call me Brother Lu. Um... I..." The young jade carver seemed flustered, a faint blush spreading across his handsome face.

Xia Zelan was taken aback. When they had been alone together in the kitchen earlier, he hadn’t seemed this easily embarrassed! But then she realized her own line of thinking was problematic—what did she mean by "alone together"? An unmarried man and woman alone... Thankfully, no one had seen them, or her reputation would have been at stake. Remembering that she had been the one to approach him just now, her cheeks also flushed. Even for someone as carefree as Xia Zelan, she recognized the impropriety of the situation in such a public place.

It wasn’t her fault, really—the Imperial Kitchen was mostly staffed by women or older men, and the younger males she interacted with were mostly eunuchs. She had never internalized the concept of maintaining proper boundaries between men and women.

Standing there blushing at the gate of the Directorate for Imperial Supplies was hardly appropriate. Xia Zelan lowered her head, intending to quickly bow and leave, but the jade carver spoke first.

"Meeting an old friend in a distant land is one of life’s greatest joys. Would you allow me to treat you to a meal in return? For... that plate of egg-fried rice from ten years ago?"

Xia Zelan stared at him, the handsome jade carver growing more familiar by the second. Remembering his earlier mention of the Dumb Shop, she gasped softly. "You’re the big brother from next door!"

The young jade carver nodded slowly, his clear eyes holding a complexity she couldn’t decipher.

"Heavens, I can’t believe it’s really such a coincidence!" Confirming their shared past, Xia Zelan marveled at the whims of fate. She also understood now why he had been so excited upon seeing the jade piece around her neck and had eagerly asked to examine it—they were old acquaintances!

With their identities revealed, the earlier awkwardness vanished. After a moment’s thought, Xia Zelan decided this was a rare opportunity. Since she had already swapped shifts with Yumei, she might as well take it easy for once—after all, she’d cover for Yumei another time.But when she nodded in agreement, the young jade carver's expression suddenly froze.

Seeing him anxiously patting his clothes, Xia Zelan immediately understood—he must have changed clothes in a hurry and forgotten his money pouch.

Xia Zelan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He wanted to treat her like this? She rolled her eyes, patted the purse at her waist, and said generously, "This meal's on me!" The Jade Grinding Workshop was located in the Imperial Household Department complex, about one li southwest of Xihua Gate. Five hundred years later, this area would become Xidan, where Lu Zigang often wandered during his internship at the National Museum. The Imperial Household Department covered a vast area, spanning from Zhenwumiao outside Beijing's Second Ring Road near Fuxingmen to the Qianmen area. To the east were the outer and main warehouses, to the west the flower house storage, to the south the ice cellar storage, with the Wood Lacquer Workshop, Jade Grinding Workshop, Lantern Workshop, and Buddha Statue Workshop flanking the sides.

Lu Zigang remembered that the Guandi Temple on East Qianmen Road, which he had visited over five hundred years later, was originally the site of the Imperial Household Department's southern warehouse. He couldn't help feeling that the changes wrought by time were truly bewildering.

What met his eyes now were the exquisite and dazzling ancient architecture of the Jiajing era in the Ming Dynasty, and the people passing by were all long deceased. Logically, having traveled through time multiple times, he shouldn't feel any discomfort, but never before had he strolled so leisurely along ancient streets while simultaneously matching them with his mental image of future Beijing. This feeling was truly indescribable.

At this moment, Lu Zigang even began to wish the Doctor had come with him—at least then he'd have someone to banter with.

Thinking this, he unconsciously let his gaze fall upon the young woman deliberately keeping half a step behind him.

Yes, a young woman—though eighteen or nineteen was old enough to be a mother in ancient times, to Lu Zigang she was just a girl fresh out of high school. In truth, Lu Zigang had no particular feelings toward her. Though he knew his previous incarnation had loved her desperately enough to sacrifice his life, to him it was merely something that happened in a past life, like watching someone else's story.

Yet he deeply sighed over this story. From beginning to end, his previous self never learned the young woman's name, and she never knew someone had regarded her as the only light in his life. This directly led to him repeatedly reliving scenes from that past life in his dreams over the past year, recalling even minute details with perfect clarity. He'd even mastered the jade carving techniques of his previous incarnation months ago. It was... as if he'd been forced to endure another person's life.

Having just resigned and taken over the Dumb Shop, he'd specifically consulted a master. The Doctor's recovery of past life memories hadn't been like this—so why was his experience so different?The master stroked his smooth bald head and explained that because the doctor was a reincarnation with an incomplete soul, not only could he not live past the age of 12 in each lifetime, but even with the protection of the Longevity Lock, he could only live to 24. Each reincarnation was plagued by misfortune—either his family would be destroyed, or his life would be cut short. In modern terms, he was the reincarnation of a cursed lone star. In such cases, he would not be entangled by the resentment of past lives; even if he glimpsed scenes from previous incarnations, they would be as fleeting as passing clouds. However, someone like Lu Zigang, who remembered his past life, was bound by extremely strong resentment from that lifetime, making it difficult to break free. Lu Zigang deeply agreed, as he had seen many examples: the painter who still came to the Dumb Shop every day to add a single brushstroke, the otaku farmer who ran a flower shop on the street corner, the college student couple who occasionally visited the Dumb Shop to sit for a while... He didn’t know how many others like him remembered their past lives, but he knew that if given the chance to travel back, that painter would undoubtedly abdicate to a suitable successor without clinging to that lonely, cold Dragon throne.

But his own situation was different from others. The young girl behind him was actually one of Fusu’s reincarnations. Due to her incomplete soul, she would never retain memories of past lives. In other words, his past self could only exist in this one lifetime; if it remained unfulfilled, he would be left with lifelong regret. He couldn’t reunite with his lover in this life like the otaku at the flower shop.

Thus, when he obtained the Luoshu Nine Stars Compass, an uncontrollable thought began to grow in his heart.

His past life was merely that of a jade craftsman, and the person he secretly admired was just a humble kitchen maid. Their survival or death could not alter the course of history’s wheel. Why couldn’t he do something about it?

In his past life, he and the girl had met by chance at the jade workshop. Recognizing the jade material hanging on her chest as belonging to his childhood sweetheart, he asked for it to carve. Perhaps by coincidence, the moment the jade material left her body, the girl was implicated in the Renyin Palace Coup that very night and executed.

What if he returned the Longevity Lock around his neck to this girl? Would it protect her and allow her to live peacefully for a few more years?

But if two identical objects existed in the same timeline, even briefly, it might not cause disruption. What if prolonged coexistence led to chaos? Lu Zigang dared not act recklessly. He only wanted to prevent the girl from being involved in the Renyin Palace Coup that shocked the court and the public. If he could also help her unite with his past self, wouldn’t that alleviate some of the resentment haunting his mind?

After all, they were just insignificant figures in history, weren’t they?

So he carved that pair of jade bracelets, hoping to find an opportunity to give them to the girl.

In ancient times, jade bracelets held the same significance as rings do today. As early as the Han Dynasty, the "Poem of Eternal Love" stated: "How to pledge our deep devotion? With a pair of bracelets encircling the wrists." The term "deep devotion" here originates from the Book of Songs: "In life and death, through thick and thin, I made my vow to you. I take your hand, to grow old together with you." "Bracelets" in ancient times referred to tokens of love exchanged between lovers.His past self would have recognized the carver just by seeing the craftsmanship and signature. Though he might not understand why there was a second version of himself in this world, his past self had been tending the Dumb Shop all along, having witnessed all sorts of strange and peculiar things, so he would naturally guess the truth. Lu Zigang patted the brocade box tucked in his robe, feeling quite pleased. He had already prevented the young lady from returning to her palace duties, and now he only needed to find the right moment to give her this pair of jade bracelets to consider the task accomplished.

As his thoughts drifted, Lu Zigang realized they had been meandering through the alleys for quite some time. The capital had always adhered to the saying: "The east is wealthy, the west noble, the south poor, and the north lowly." The eastern part of the imperial city was typically inhabited by merchants, whose wealth could obscure the sky. Officials, for the sake of convenience in attending court, generally clustered in the western districts. "The south poor" referred to the area from Tianqiao outside Qianmen all the way to Yongdingmen, where people of all trades and the common poor gathered. Meanwhile, the northern stretch from the Bell and Drum Towers to Deshengmen was home to the families of palace maids and eunuchs—those often looked down upon, hence the term "the north lowly." Lu Zigang knew they were now in the western part of the city, where grand residences of high-ranking officials dominated the view. Everywhere stood deep courtyards and sprawling mansions, and even the occasional taverns appeared exceedingly upscale, likely beyond their means to even tip a waiter.

Xia Zelan briefly introduced herself, so Lu Zigang at least knew her surname, though it was improper to inquire too deeply about her given name. In ancient times, the exchange of names only occurred during the "three letters and six etiquettes" betrothal process. As an unrelated man who had met her by chance, her willingness to treat him to a meal was already stretching propriety.

Fortunately, the strict regulations imposed on women during the Ming dynasty primarily applied to young ladies and madams of wealthy households. Women from common families often had to show their faces in public to make ends meet. Thus, Lu Zigang and Xia Zelan walking side by side attracted little attention. Once her initial shyness faded, Xia Zelan began pointing out the capital's landmarks along the way, knowing that this young jade carver had only recently arrived in the city.

Having a guide was more than Lu Zigang could ask for, but as he listened, he began to sense something amiss.

"Oh, the braised pork knuckle at Tianfu Zhai is too greasy and salty—it definitely wouldn’t suit our southern palates."

"The sugar-fired cakes here aren’t bad, but they’re better eaten in the morning. Having them in the evening feels too casual."

"The roast duck at Hongfeng Lou is delicious, but you have to reserve it a day in advance. There’s no way we can get it today."

"The mutton hot pot at Taide Fu is passable, but it has a strong gamy smell. I’m afraid you might not be able to stomach it."

As they walked, Lu Zigang listened to Xia Zelan’s running commentary on the restaurants they passed, and eventually, it dawned on him: this was clearly a case of professional rivalry... While chattering, Xia Zelan was also lost in her own thoughts. Sneaking glances at the young jade carver’s handsome profile, she suddenly recalled a piece of gossip she had overheard from Eunuch Li. It was said that this newly arrived jade carver from Suzhou, though already in his twenties, had no family accompanying him.

No family—did that mean he was unmarried?Xia Zelan instinctively reached to touch the jade piece that usually rested against her neck beneath her clothes, but her fingers found only empty space. She then remembered she had already entrusted the raw jade to the man before her for carving. Her hand dropped to brush against the embroidered pouch at her waist instead. Gritting her teeth briefly, she summoned a warm smile and said, "Brother Lu, to show my sincerity, I insist on inviting you to my home for a meal!"

Lu Zigang was so flustered by the unexpected invitation that he barely registered their journey, only snapping back to awareness when he found himself standing before a bustling small restaurant. He glanced around in confusion.

Well... if his memory served him right, this very location would house a KFC over five hundred years later...

Xia Zelan had moved to the capital with her parents a decade ago. At that time, her family enjoyed moderate prosperity, and her parents had opened this small restaurant near Qianmen specializing in Suzhou and Huaiyang cuisine. Their authentic cooking and reasonable prices had earned them a solid local reputation. Unfortunately, their good fortune didn't last. Her father passed away early due to overwork, and her mother soon followed, succumbing to profound grief, leaving Xia Zelan completely alone.

She should have followed her parents' dying wish to return their coffins to their hometown in Suzhou and remain there. However, with most relatives grown distant and unwilling to endure their meddling arrangements for an arranged marriage, she had reinterred her parents in Suzhou before returning alone to the capital. Unable to manage the restaurant by herself, she leased out the premises. Her exceptional culinary skills later secured her a position as a cook in the Imperial Kitchen. With both parents gone and no one to pressure her about marriage, she found unexpected freedom in her solitary life, relishing her independence.

Of course, there were often well-meaning aunties from the neighborhood who would try to set her up, but Xia Zelan always politely declined. After all, she was alone in the capital with no family or friends—what kind of good matches could those busybodies possibly introduce her to? She’d long since resolved that it was better to remain single than settle for less, and even a lifetime without marriage wouldn’t be so bad.

Yet now, that resolution was wavering ever so slightly.

With a composed expression, Xia Zelan led Lu Zigang into her small rented restaurant. As it was nearly dinnertime, the flow of customers had increased, and their arrival went largely unnoticed.

Lu Zigang followed her familiarly through the main hall, past the kitchen, and into a narrow courtyard. The space was already filled with rows of drying preserved vegetables—strung-up wild mushrooms, radish strips, and stacks of Chinese cabbage. Under the eaves, clusters of golden corn hung down, radiating a warmth that felt almost tangible.

Noticing Lu Zigang’s gaze lingering on the corn, Xia Zelan quickly explained, “That’s corn. It was introduced from overseas and is said to keep well. Many who make their living at sea enjoy eating it. It’s easy to grow and yields abundantly. It’s become quite popular in the capital recently, and I’ve been experimenting with new corn-based dishes in my spare time.”

Lu Zigang was momentarily taken aback, then recalled that corn, originally from Central America and a staple food of the Indigenous peoples, had been introduced to China during the Jiajing era following Columbus’s discovery of the Americas. However, it wasn’t widely cultivated until the Qing dynasty. Because corn’s growing season alternated with that of winter wheat, it could be rotated with wheat in northern regions near the Yellow River, allowing for two harvests a year. This made it a primary food source for the lower classes and was one of the key reasons for China’s rapid population growth after the 18th century. Thus, corn came to be regarded as a sixth grain, alongside the traditional five, underscoring its significance.

Reflecting on this, Lu Zigang remarked, “Corn is quite delicious simply boiled or roasted. It can also be used in stews, ground into cornmeal, stir-fried as kernels, or mixed with oil and flour to make corn pancakes.”

“Ah?” Xia Zelan had invited Lu Zigang back partly to show off this exotic ingredient, only to find him seemingly more knowledgeable about it than she was. Feeling a bit deflated but quickly rallying, she asked for details on making corn pancakes, then selected two ears of corn and hurried into the small kitchen in the courtyard. Lu Zigang didn’t go inside but stayed outside, helping with tasks like fetching water and sorting vegetables as she directed. Though Xia Zelan’s kitchen was much smaller than that of the Jade Carving Workshop’s director, it was fully equipped, with numerous jars and pots—clearly her personal treasures.

Lu Zigang had never realized cooking involved so many intricate steps. In his time, kitchens were fully or semi-automated, so witnessing these ancient culinary techniques felt utterly fascinating. Even the amount of firewood added while cooking rice required careful attention. The graceful figure bustling about in the kitchen seemed to be crafting art, each movement imbued with a captivating charm that was truly unforgettable.The two set up a round table directly in the courtyard. By the time dusk began to settle, the table was already laden with a rather sumptuous feast.

Four steamed river crabs, crimson-red and plump; spicy, aromatic five-spare ribs with a charred fragrance; golden, crispy corn fritters; dark soy-glazed eel slices; and a clay pot of clear-braised lion’s head meatballs with crab roe. The dishes were a feast for the eyes and nose, making one’s mouth water and appetite stir. After helping set the tableware, Lu Zigang sat rigidly at the table, enduring the torment. It suddenly struck him that due to pre-time-travel anxiety, he hadn’t eaten anything all day.

Xia Zelan washed her hands, went inside to change out of her smoke-scented clothes, and reemerged wearing a cyan-green ruqun dress with a Xiang-colored wide-sleeved beizi over it. The garment was adorned only with a pink peach blossom trim along the collar, which extended all the way down to the hem, accentuating her striking, elegant beauty. Her makeup-free complexion was as radiant as peach blossoms, leaving Lu Zigang momentarily stunned.

For a brief moment, Lu Zigang felt a pang of jealousy toward his past self.

Beautiful, gentle, sharp-witted, and an excellent cook… Who wouldn’t want a girlfriend like this? Truly presentable in the living room and capable in the kitchen—the ideal partner for both home and heart.

Xia Zelan noticed the young jade carver’s intense gaze. Her steps faltered briefly before she lowered her eyes and placed a small jar of wine on the round table. When she looked up again, her usual smile had returned, though her cheeks were faintly flushed. “This is a small jar of Osmanthus Wine I obtained from the Imperial Tea Office. It pairs perfectly with crabs at this time of year. People in the capital aren’t particularly fond of crabs—these four male crabs were leftovers from a restaurant up ahead. Right now, they’re at their meatiest, so consider yourself lucky.”

Lu Zigang knew this was merely Xia Zelan’s modest way of speaking. River crabs in October were the most expensive of the year, and these four, each larger than an adult man’s fist, were likely pricier than all the other dishes on the table combined. Without further comment, he took the jar, broke the seal at its mouth, and released an intoxicatingly rich aroma that quickly filled the small courtyard.

The wine, poured into white porcelain cups, gleamed with an amber hue. Its taste was fresh and mellow, sweet and pure, carrying the fragrance of osmanthus that lingered delightfully on the palate. Though all brewing fell under the jurisdiction of the Wine Bureau, the Imperial Tea Office managed teas and wines bestowed by the emperor. This small jar of Osmanthus Wine was something Xia Zelan had serendipitously saved. She wasn’t particularly fond of alcohol, which was why it had remained stored until now. Seeing the young jade carver’s unreserved admiration and his swift, enthusiastic use of chopsticks thoroughly pleased Xia Zelan’s chef’s heart. Though this dinner appeared simple, the sesame oil, sweet sauce, fermented black beans, soy sauce, vinegar, and other ingredients were all secretly crafted by her skilled hands—no less refined than those produced by the palace’s Sauce Bureau. The dishes she prepared were not everyday fare. Take the steamed crabs, for example: she had kept them covered with a cloth dampened with yellow wine for several days, allowing them to purge impurities from their systems. Originally planning to enjoy one crab per day, she had ended up cooking them all upon encountering this “troublemaker.” The steamer was lined with lotus leaves and perilla leaves, each crab’s belly stuffed with a few Sichuan peppercorns to remove any fishy odor, and a few white chrysanthemum flowers were added during steaming. This plate of Chrysanthemum Crabs would cost three taels of silver at the Honghong Restaurant.

“So expensive? Then I’ve truly put you to great expense, miss.”Xia Zelan froze for a moment, then wished she could hide under the table. She hadn’t realized she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. Hurriedly, she tried to make amends: "Brother Lu, please don’t mind me. Since I can’t afford to pay you for carving the jade, I thought I’d at least prepare this meal as a small token of my gratitude."

In the early Ming Dynasty, the purchasing power of silver was still relatively strong. By the mid-Ming period, one tael of silver was roughly equivalent to over six hundred modern Chinese yuan. Three taels would be nearly two thousand yuan—truly expensive. However, transportation in ancient times was difficult, and shipping river crabs from the Yangtze region to the capital was no easy feat. Lu Zigang clicked his tongue in amazement, feeling fortunate to have such a treat. He picked up a crab and placed it on Xia Zelan’s plate, smiling as he said, "I already agreed to carve the jade to repay you for that egg fried rice you made me ten years ago. And since I was the one who suggested this meal, I really shouldn’t have let you go to all this trouble."

Xia Zelan pursed her lips, a flicker of hope rising in her heart. Would he invite her to another meal? This back-and-forth exchange… But then she watched as the young jade carver wiped his hands with a nearby cloth and carefully drew a Brocade Box from his robes, placing it before her.

"Miss Xia, this is my thanks for the meal. But… could you wait until after I’ve left to open it?" Lu Zigang spoke with utmost seriousness.

Meeting his intense gaze, Xia Zelan’s heart raced. She could only nod in agreement.

With this exchange, the awkwardness between them melted away like ice. Soon, they broke the usual mealtime silence, chatting freely as they ate and drank. Having been away from Suzhou for years, Xia Zelan was eager to hear news of her hometown. Though Lu Zigang wasn’t originally from this era, his memories of his past life were vivid, and he answered her questions flawlessly. His broad knowledge and refined speech set him apart from ordinary people, more resembling the scholarly type Xia Zelan admired, which made her gaze linger on him even more.

By the time darkness had fully fallen, Xia Zelan lit the oil lamp on the round table. The bustling noise from the restaurants beyond the courtyard walls only emphasized the tranquility within. Suddenly, Lu Zigang remembered a pressing issue.

Earlier, he had secretly checked the speed of the compass needle’s movement and estimated it wouldn’t return to the Celestial Meridian until early morning. So where was he going to sleep tonight?

Penniless, he couldn’t afford an inn, and his pride wouldn’t let him ask Xia Zelan for money. After enjoying such a exquisite meal, the thought of sleeping on the streets was even less appealing. After some thought, Lu Zigang decided to swallow his pride just once: he would drink until he pretended to be drunk.

Xia Zelan watched, both amused and exasperated, as Lu Zigang downed cup after cup of Osmanthus Wine until he finally slumped over the table, overcome by intoxication. How could she have forgotten to warn him about the wine’s potent aftereffects? She had no choice but to clear the messy table. Then, calling out "Brother Lu," she gently shook his shoulder, but there was no response.

Her eyes fell on the Brocade Box left alone on the table. Biting her lip, Xia Zelan hesitated for a long moment before finally giving in to temptation and reaching for it.The moment she opened the brocade box, Xia Zelan gasped sharply. Even in the dim light, she could discern the exquisitely carved pair of bracelets. Placed side by side, the hollowed-out jade bracelets carried the poetic meaning of "on earth, may we be branches intertwined." Even a fool would understand the subtle affection conveyed through this gift.

Unable to resist, she picked up one of the jade bracelets to admire it closely. When she noticed the "Zigang" inscription inside the bracelet, her cheeks flushed involuntarily, and she murmured softly, "Zigang... Lu Zigang..."

Lu Zigang was awakened by the commotion. Disoriented for a moment, he realized he had initially pretended to be drunk but had genuinely fallen asleep at the round table in the courtyard. As he sat up, the thick blanket draped over his shoulders slipped off, and the autumn night's chill instantly cleared his muddled mind.

The sky was dark, without a trace of starlight, only the flickering oil lamp on the table dancing uneasily in the autumn wind. Hearing the rapid hoofbeats on the street outside the courtyard, Lu Zigang grew uneasy. It must be past midnight—the Renyin Palace Coup should have ended by now, and the palace maids who attempted to assassinate the Jiajing Emperor must have been captured. Could innocent people still be implicated?

Suddenly, Lu Zigang remembered: in his past life, though he hadn't known Xia Zelan's real name, the Boss had told him that her name was on the list posted at the imperial city gate.

Pale-faced, he dredged up the memory of that yellowed paper from the depths of his mind, though it rarely surfaced in his recollections.

Xia Zelan, having stayed up all night caressing the delicate bracelets in the brocade box, knew that letting the young jade carver stay overnight would invite gossip from anyone who noticed.

But so what? He had given her these bracelets as a token of affection, and she reciprocated his feelings. Whether they observed propriety was a matter between them—what concern was it of others?

Still, she couldn't shamelessly help him inside to rest, so she had merely covered him with a thick blanket and sat in the darkness, lost in thought. Hearing movement in the courtyard, she threw on her outer robe and stepped out, lowering her head shyly to explain why she hadn't woken him.

But before she could speak, he rushed to her, gripped her shoulders, and urgently asked, "Miss Xia, is your name Xia Zelan?"

Assuming Lu Zigang had learned her name from the Dumb Shop's boss, Xia Zelan blushed even more deeply, her heart fluttering wildly. She could only nod in confusion. To her surprise, he immediately seized her hand and pulled her toward the courtyard gate. Swallowing a gasp, she sensed something was wrong—the capital's nights were usually deathly quiet, and the constant hoofbeats signaled major trouble. As they exited the rear courtyard, they heard someone shout from the front restaurant: "Embroidered Uniform Guard on duty! Civilians, stay back!"

A chill ran through Xia Zelan's body. Among commoners, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was synonymous with hell. Seeing Lu Zigang's tense expression, she knew they were coming for her. Trembling, she whispered in disbelief, "What's happening?"Lu Zigang cursed under his breath as he struggled to navigate through the darkness. The Renyin Palace Rebellion had been an uprising by palace maids who could no longer endure the Jiajing Emperor’s tyranny. They had attempted to strangle him but failed, and the situation had escalated out of control. Now that the rebellion had been exposed, the Jiajing Emperor was undoubtedly furious and would conduct a thorough investigation of everyone in Consort Duan’s palace. Xia Zelan, who should have been on duty, was absent, and someone else had taken her place. The already paranoid and jumpy emperor would surely order her arrest.

What could he do? The capital was heavily guarded, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard was everywhere. Even if he took Xia Zelan to the Dumb Shop to seek help from the Boss, it was unlikely the latter could protect her. Besides, the Boss had probably grown accustomed to every reincarnation of Fusu meeting an untimely death due to various misfortunes. Having merely given her a piece of jade material in her childhood and then paid her no further attention, he surely wouldn’t bother with her now.

He could almost hear the footsteps closing in behind them. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard broke into the small courtyard, they would know he and Xia Zelan had just fled—the blanket he had draped over himself still retained traces of warmth. Lu Zigang stared blankly at this world from over five hundred years ago, a sense of powerlessness spreading through his chest, making even breathing feel like a burden.

"Brother Lu... you should go on without me..." Xia Zelan whispered breathlessly. She was sharp enough to realize something had happened in the palace and that the Embroidered Uniform Guard was after her, not Lu Zigang, who had only just arrived in the capital. Sensing the person in front of her had stopped walking, she couldn’t help but feel desolate.

So be it. In this lifetime, they were simply not meant to be together.

After a moment’s thought, Xia Zelan handed over the Brocade Box she had been clutching tightly all night. Fortunately, she had held onto it without letting go, which was why she had brought it along. "Brother Lu, these bracelets... I should return them to you..." Her voice was filled with profound reluctance. She adored these exquisitely carved jade bracelets, but even more, she cherished the sentiment they carried.

How to pledge our devotion? With twin bracelets encircling your wrists...

But at this moment, she had to harden her heart, silently lamenting the cruel tricks fate played.

Feeling the Brocade Box being taken from her, Xia Zelan lowered her head, not wanting him to see her on the verge of tears. Yet, the next instant, she found her retreating hands firmly grasped.

Lu Zigang took out the pair of jade bracelets from the box and swiftly slipped them onto her wrists. The delicate, pale skin of her slender wrists, adorned with the openwork jade bracelets carved with intertwined branches, made her work-worn hands appear as precious as rare treasures.

How to pledge our devotion? With twin bracelets encircling your wrists...

Meeting Xia Zelan’s startled gaze, Lu Zigang reached out to wipe away the tear at the corner of her eye and asked softly, "Will you come with me? Leave this place?"

He didn’t want history to repeat itself. He was willing to gamble.

Xia Zelan didn’t fully understand what Lu Zigang meant, but she nodded instinctively. Even as the thunderous hoofbeats of the Embroidered Uniform Guard drew nearer, her heart grew calm. Whatever the outcome, the jade bracelets had soothed the resentment in her heart.

She watched quietly as the young jade carver took out a compass from his robe, pressed her hand against it, and a dazzling white light erupted from the compass.San Qing and Ming Hong were brawling inside the Dumb Shop. Unwilling to be confined in the cramped dark room, Ming Hong had unlocked its cage and flown out from the inner chamber, which infuriated San Qing. Ever since Ming Hong's arrival, San Qing had taken upon itself the solemn duty of keeping watch over the young bird. Seeing it attempt an escape, San Qing naturally gave chase without hesitation.

The two birds tangled into a messy fight once more. Fortunately, both possessed spiritual intelligence and were well aware that the antiques within the Dumb Shop were priceless and not to be trifled with. Thus, they restrained themselves carefully, avoiding damage to any items, though the scene appeared perilously chaotic.

"Bang!" A sudden loud noise startled both birds, causing them to immediately separate. They saw Lu Zigang, who had abruptly appeared in the shop, kneeling on one knee—he had just slammed his fist violently onto the ground.

San Qing landed on Lu Zigang's shoulder, gently rubbing its small head against his cheek in a comforting gesture.

Lu Zigang simply sat down on the cold floor, stroking San Qing's soft Plumage as he tried to soothe the anguish in his heart. Yet, no matter how long he sat, he couldn't calm himself.

The compass had been utterly incapable of bringing Xia Zelan back to the modern era with him.

He couldn't fathom how she had watched him vanish before her eyes. Though startled to see his body turn translucent, she had still gazed at him with joy, happy that he could escape. And he had been powerless—no matter how he tried to grasp her hand, his fingers merely passed through her wrist. He couldn't touch her warm hand, nor even the cold Jade Bracelet she wore.

Lu Zigang remained seated in silence for what felt like an eternity, until daylight broke and the elderly man from the neighboring newsstand switched on the radio. The clear, articulate voice of the news anchor recited the morning bulletin.

"Yesterday, a Ming dynasty ancient tomb was discovered in Yanjiao, Beijing, unearthing several precious artifacts. Among them is a pair of hollowed-out intertwined branch jade bracelets, with clearly visible 'Zigang' markings inside. Experts preliminarily identify them as rare bracelet carvings by the renowned jade artisan Lu Zigang from the Jiajing era..."

Jolted from his daze, Lu Zigang stumbled to his feet and hurriedly rummaged through the counter for his phone. He pulled up the news article online, and when he saw the photo of the jade bracelets, he collapsed into a chair. Aside from the seepage stains from being buried in soil, the design, patterns, and size were identical to the pair of Jade Bracelets he had given away just the day before.

He buried his head in his hands and let out a low, bitter laugh, ignoring San Qing's concerned hopping around him.

Had he not altered history after all?

No, in a way, he had.

Only... this wasn't the change he had wanted...

(End of Chapter)