Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 22

22: Yongnian Loses Control While Drunk

Seeing that she was occupied, the shopkeeper stopped his introduction. Upon hearing that the second young master had gotten into a dispute, he even proactively asked if she needed help. However, Yun Jingchu politely declined. In the past, the shopkeeper had never been this enthusiastic—clearly, he was the type to adjust his attitude based on the person’s status.

When Yun Jingchu arrived at the music instrument shop, she saw Wei Shier loudly arguing with the shopkeeper at the counter:

“…What kind of lousy flute is this, charging so much? Since it doesn’t suit my young master’s taste, it should be remade. There’s no reason to pay extra for it!”

The shopkeeper, dressed like a wealthy landlord, immediately retorted, “This gentleman didn’t specify any requirements when placing the order. We did the work twice—why shouldn’t we charge twice?”

Wei Shier angrily shot back, “You didn’t ask either! My young master doesn’t know how many types of flutes there are, but shouldn’t you, as a music instrument seller, know? You didn’t even remind us…”

The two went back and forth, neither yielding an inch. Outside the shop, a crowd had gathered, whispering and watching the spectacle. Some agreed with Wei Shier, while others sided with the shopkeeper.

Tian Qingyi sat quietly on a cushioned seat facing the crowd, silently observing the argument between Wei Shier and the shopkeeper, showing no intention of intervening. On the table in front of her lay a bamboo flute and a teacup.

Earlier that day, she had happily gone to the music shop to pick up the custom-made flute she had ordered. But when she got it, she realized it wasn’t the type she wanted—it had eleven holes, which she had no idea how to play.

As a child, she often spent her summer and winter vacations at her grandmother’s house. Her grandmother’s neighbor was a music teacher who frequently played the guitar and flute, and Tian Qingyi loved the sound. She begged her grandmother to let her learn the guitar, but her grandmother bought her a flute instead and even treated the neighbor to a meal, asking her to teach Tian Qingyi.

With no other choice, she learned the flute from the neighbor. Over three years of intermittent lessons during vacations, she went from a complete beginner to a decent player—until the teacher moved away after getting married.

Though three years wasn’t long, the teacher’s instruction was excellent, turning her from a novice into a skilled flutist. As a child, her hands were too small to play G or F key flutes, so she only started playing C, D, and E key flutes as she grew older. She even won awards in middle school competitions, but after entering high school, her academic workload left little time for playing.

In college, she became like a wild horse set free, more interested in having fun than practicing. And after starting work, overtime and drafting blueprints consumed her time, leaving even fewer opportunities to play. By the time she arrived in the Northern Song Dynasty, the flute had become her only connection and comfort to the modern world.

When ordering the flute, she had assumed all flutes were the same, differing only in key. She only specified the key and forgot that ancient and modern instruments had subtle differences—especially since the Northern Song Dynasty was a thousand years removed from her time.

When she saw that the custom flute wasn’t what she wanted, her expression darkened. But the shopkeeper acted as if he hadn’t noticed and outright demanded they pay the remaining balance. Unable to stand it, Wei Shier immediately started arguing with him, leading to the current standoff.

With the help of her servants and maids, Yun Jingchu pushed through the crowd and entered. Tian Qingyi was completely surprised to see her here. Once Yun Jingchu sat down across from her, Tian Qingyi politely greeted her:

“What a coincidence. Yongnian, are you here to buy an instrument too?”

Yun Jingchu shook her head and briefly explained the situation. Only then did Tian Qingyi realize she had come to buy jewelry. Feeling a little embarrassed, she said, “It’s just a minor issue. Wei Shier will handle it. I’ve heard the jewelry across the street is quite nice—would you like me to accompany you to take a look?”

“I was just browsing today. Buying jewelry can wait. If Wei Shier could handle it, things wouldn’t have escalated like this. Draw the flute you want, and I’ll talk to the shopkeeper.”

After saying this, Yun Jingchu instructed her maid to fetch paper and a brush from the shop assistant, then headed to the counter. When Wei Shier saw her, he immediately stopped arguing, bowed, and stepped aside.

His sudden silence forced the shopkeeper, who had been ready to argue fiercely, to also quiet down. Seeing Yun Jingchu’s luxurious attire, striking appearance, and noble demeanor, the shopkeeper immediately softened his tone and bowed respectfully.

Tian Qingyi watched as the two exchanged bows before stepping aside to talk privately. After their discussion, the shopkeeper walked back with Yun Jingchu, smiling, and even apologized to Tian Qingyi, promising to remake the flute according to her requirements.

Though curious about what had changed the shopkeeper’s attitude so drastically, Tian Qingyi didn’t ask. She simply admitted that she also bore some responsibility and assured him an apology wasn’t necessary.

With both sides reconciled, the onlookers dispersed, and order was restored outside the shop. When Tian Qingyi handed over the sketch of the flute design, she made additional requests regarding the key, timeline, and delivery method.

The shopkeeper reviewed the sketch and agreed to deliver within seven days. As for home delivery, that was a trivial matter. Once everything was settled, the shopkeeper personally escorted them out with a smile.

Only after they were some distance from the shop did Tian Qingyi finally ask, “What did you say to the shopkeeper earlier?”

Yun Jingchu kept her gaze forward. “I told him you’re a newly ranked Doctoral Graduate and that your paintings are quite valuable.”

In reality, she had reasoned with the shopkeeper, pointing out that both sides shared responsibility, and privately promised to compensate him half the cost to settle the matter. Even if they had to pay extra, she could accept it—but she wasn’t a fool. Jiufang Xiyan might not have known much about flute types, but didn’t the shopkeeper also bear some responsibility for not clarifying?

“Thank you!” Tian Qingyi believed her without question. Yun Jingchu had not only resolved the dispute but also helped her save face. A verbal thanks didn’t seem like enough, so as mealtime approached, she suggested, “I’m a little hungry. How about we go to Fanlou for a meal?”

Fanlou, located in Jingmingfang outside Donghua Gate, was not only the most famous upscale restaurant in Kaifeng but also the most luxurious. Its reputation attracted countless wealthy merchants, nobles, scholars, and poets. Even the original owner of her body had visited several times.

“It’s too far. Let’s go to Renhe Dian instead—it’s closer.” Yun Jingchu had been to Fanlou before and knew its prices were exorbitant. Considering Jiufang Xiyan’s finances, she opted for Renhe Dian outside Song Gate instead.

“Alright.” Tian Qingyi assumed Yun Jingchu simply preferred Renhe Dian’s food and never imagined she was trying to save her money. Had she known, she would’ve insisted on Fanlou—no matter how expensive, she could afford one meal, especially since she had just received 200,000 qian.

By the time they arrived at Renhe Dian, it was peak dining hours, and the restaurant was bustling. Looking at the sign, Tian Qingyi belatedly recalled the name “Renhe Medicine Shop,” but this was clearly a high-end restaurant. Though not as grand as Fanlou, it still exuded an air of luxury.

Wei Shier, who had gone ahead to arrange things, had already reserved a private room on the second floor. When ordering, Tian Qingyi let Yun Jingchu choose first. Without hesitation, Yun Jingchu ordered braised lamb, tender lamb, lamb head qian, and mulled wine.

Tian Qingyi opted for ginger-spiced soup, stuffed bamboo shoots, sliced raw fish, and lamb gao wine. The alcohol content here was low, so each drinking a pot wasn’t an issue. After ordering, the tableware—bowls, plates, and dishes—was brought out, even more exquisite than what they used at home. Recalling that Fanlou used silverware, she wasn’t too surprised.

Two servants stood guard outside, while only Wei Shier and the round-faced maid attended to them inside. Noticing Yun Jingchu’s absentmindedness, Tian Qingyi tentatively asked, “Yongnian, if something’s troubling you, you can tell me. Maybe I can help.”

Yun Jingchu smiled. She was worried about something, but it wasn’t dire. After a moment’s thought, she said, “I’m just a little concerned—worried I won’t manage the shops and estates well.”

“I’ve heard Sister-in-law is quite experienced in managing shops and estates. After the ancestral rites, you could ask her for advice. She’s very kind—you should try getting along with her.”

The original owner had heard this from Fan Zhuzhu multiple times, so Li Yan must indeed excel in household and financial management.

It went without saying that Yuan Shi had never taught Yun Jingchu how to manage a household, let alone properties. So it was no surprise Yun Jingchu felt anxious about suddenly taking over shops and estates.

“Alright.” Yun Jingchu hadn’t expected Jiufang Xiyan to consider her situation without even asking for details, much less offer a solution. Touched, she tentatively asked, “Do you really like the flute?”

“Yes, I do.”

Since arriving in the Northern Song Dynasty, the sight of musical instruments always reminded her of the flute. She could even recall some sheet music vividly, making her eager to pick it up again. Naturally, she loved it.

Most scholars preferred the qin, so Yun Jingchu had assumed Jiufang Xiyan would too. She was surprised to learn he favored the flute and even openly admitted it.

They talked at length about music. Yun Jingchu preferred the qin and only knew how to play it. Fortunately, the original owner had some background in this area, allowing Tian Qingyi to converse smoothly.

The maid thought the young master and his wife treated each other with respect, setting a model for marital harmony. Wei Shier, however, felt the second young master had changed—before marriage, he frequented entertainment districts, but afterward, he stopped entirely. Nowadays, he either stayed in the study or attended scholarly gatherings, becoming more approachable and talkative.

This was their first meal together at a high-end restaurant and also the most relaxed and enjoyable since their marriage. Tian Qingyi, who had taken a liking to the lamb gao wine, ordered another pot and even poured a cup for Yun Jingchu to try. Finding it delicious, Yun Jingchu joined her in drinking it, leading to yet another order.

“Another pot of lamb gao wine!” Yun Jingchu, her face flushed, called out loudly. The waiter hurried over, but Tian Qingyi waved him off, instructing Wei Shier to settle the bill while the maid helped Yun Jingchu out.

Had she known Yun Jingchu’s alcohol tolerance was this low, she would’ve stopped her—or at least prevented her from getting drunk. But hindsight was useless. As the maid helped Yun Jingchu downstairs, there was a moment when she nearly stumbled, startling Tian Qingyi into instinctively reaching out to catch her.

“I’m not drunk. I can walk by myself. You and Yuanqi don’t need to hold me.” Though her face was warm and her steps unsteady, Yun Jingchu’s mind was clear, and her speech coherent—she didn’t think she was drunk.

Yuanqi was the round-faced, fifteen-year-old maid Yun Jingchu had bought from a slave trader. Yun Jingchu had renamed her. After being punished by Tian Qingyi for failing to protect her mistress last time, Yuanqi had learned her lesson and now performed her duties diligently.

“Alright, but walk slowly.” Though drunkards’ words weren’t to be trusted, Yun Jingchu’s clear speech suggested she wasn’t completely wasted. Tian Qingyi had no choice but to humor her, though she signaled Yuanqi to keep supporting her.

Understanding the young master’s intent, Yuanqi tightened her grip. By the time they reached the entrance, the carriage Wei Shier had sent for was already waiting. Once they arrived at the Jiufang residence, Yun Jingchu was thoroughly drunk—she had managed to board the carriage earlier but now couldn’t even get down with Yuanqi’s help. In the end, Tian Qingyi carried her on her back all the way to Yuzhu Residence.

After arranging for Baoqin and Yuanqi to wash and change Yun Jingchu’s clothes, Tian Qingyi finally bathed herself. By the time she went to bed, it was already the second watch around 11 PM. Half-asleep, she suddenly felt something heavy pressing down on her—something she couldn’t push off no matter how hard she tried. Startled, she woke up fully and, in the dim light from the corridor, was shocked to see Yun Jingchu’s face inches from hers.

Massaging her temples in exasperation, Tian Qingyi tried to shove Yun Jingchu off, but not only did she fail, Yun Jingchu grew even bolder—initially just resting her head and feet on Tian Qingyi, but now half her body was sprawled over her, muttering, “So warm…”

I’m not a heating pad! What warmth?! Her chest and embrace were reserved for a girlfriend—even if this were her little sister, at this age, it wouldn’t be appropriate, let alone since Yun Jingchu wasn’t even her real sister, just someone she’d unofficially adopted as one.

But applying too much force risked hurting Yun Jingchu, especially since her hand had only recently healed. Wanting to be a good, caring older sister, Tian Qingyi could only console herself: Don’t argue with a drunk. Just this once—never again!

When Yun Jingchu woke up, she was horrified to find herself half-draped over Jiufang Xiyan. Her shock surpassed even Tian Qingyi’s. Seeing that he was still asleep, she carefully extricated herself and returned to her side of the bed.

Staring blankly at the bed canopy, Yun Jingchu felt both exasperated and relieved. She never imagined she’d act like this while drunk. Thankfully, Jiufang Xiyan was still asleep—and also a woman. Otherwise, she’d have suffered a huge loss. Blame that delicious lamb gao wine. Next time, I’ll have to drink more carefully.