Chasing Jade (Zhu Yu)

Snowflakes drifted down beneath the eaves, dusting the steps with a thin layer of white.

Xie Zheng leaned against a pillar with his arms crossed, his eyes half-lowered in thought. The warm glow from the lantern above cast shadows of his long, delicate lashes beneath his eyelids.

He had seen many beauties before, even witnessed barefoot Western dancers performing at Wei Yan's banquets.

The details of those dancers' feet had long faded from memory, leaving only the impression of golden anklets adorned with bells that jingled with every movement—like a silent invitation.

When he caught sight of Fan Changyu’s bare feet, for some reason, those golden bells flashed through his mind again.

Then came the absurdity of the thought.

Followed by a wave of self-disgust at having disrespected her.

Xie Zheng rubbed his temples irritably. Since childhood, he had lived under others' roofs, adhering to his late father’s legacy by diligently studying military strategy and honing his martial skills. Wei Yan’s strict discipline over him and Wei Xuan had extended to forbidding any indulgence in romantic affairs—even their attendants were exclusively male servants, with not a single maidservant in sight.

Once he joined the battlefield, his focus had been solely on combat, leaving no room for such distractions.

Wei Xuan, whether out of defiance or sheer rebelliousness, frequently visited brothels and kept mistresses, earning himself repeated punishments from Wei Yan.

Back then, Wei Xuan had mocked him for being nothing but an obedient dog, sneering, Do you even know the taste of a woman’s tenderness? Xie Zheng had shared Wei Yan’s disdain, convinced that such a man would never achieve greatness.

Though reluctant to admit it, Wei Yan’s influence had once run deep in him. The man believed that those in power must master control over their desires—that lust was the basest of them all.

After returning from the military, Xie Zheng occasionally attended unavoidable banquets where delicate, boneless dancers earned raucous applause. He felt only contempt.

Like Wei Yan, he scorned the decadence of the capital’s elite, convinced that such indulgence would only weaken a man’s spine.

If he were to marry, it would be to a woman worthy of the Xie family’s name—not someone fragile like his mother.

The battlefield was merciless; one day, he might meet the same fate as his father. He needed no one to die for love—only a wife strong enough to uphold the Xie family’s legacy after his passing.

This was the standard by which all noble sons in the capital chose their brides.

But these past few days… what had come over him?

Images of Fan Changyu surfaced unbidden—slaughtering pigs, cutting down enemies, gritting her teeth in endurance…

She was remarkable, even more resilient than many noblewomen. Yet the simplicity of her upbringing left her ill-equipped to navigate the vipers’ den… She could never be the matriarch the Xie family required.

The realization of what he was thinking stunned him.

When the matron patrolling the courtyard with a lantern spotted him under the eaves, she asked, “Young man, why aren’t you resting in your room?”

Xie Zheng collected himself. “I was just about to find you. Could I share a room with the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion’s staff tonight?”

The matron frowned. “You’re Lady Fan’s husband. Why not stay with her?”

He fabricated an excuse. “She’s sharing the room with her younger sister. It wouldn’t be proper.”The stewardess thought to herself how young Changning was, but considering that even a little girl needed her privacy, she nodded and said, "It was thoughtless of me. The workers here share rooms in pairs, and there are no extra rooms. However, one of the workers snores so loudly that his roommate can't sleep. If you don't mind, you can stay in his room for the night."

Xie Zheng said he didn't mind, so the stewardess led him to the worker's room.

Even before entering, the thunderous snoring could be heard from outside. Xie Zheng fell silent for a moment.

The stewardess pushed open the door, and the creaking of the hinges didn't wake the worker in the slightest. She guided Xie Zheng inside, lit the oil lamp, and pointed to an empty single bed nearby. "You can sleep here tonight."

Xie Zheng thanked her, and the stewardess left with the lamp.

He took off his outer robe, lay down with his arm as a pillow, and found himself unable to sleep. The worker's snoring from the opposite bed was like thunder, making it impossible for him to even close his eyes.

After enduring it for a quarter of an hour, Xie Zheng got up, walked to the worker's bedside, and struck the back of his neck with a swift chop. The worker was knocked unconscious, and the snoring stopped instantly.

He lay back down but still couldn't sleep.

He had never thought about a future with Fan Changyu before, but tonight, the idea of marriage inexplicably unsettled him.

He knew Fan Changyu wasn't suited to be the matriarch of the Xie family. Yet the thought of returning to the capital and marrying a well-bred noblewoman who could manage the Xie household with grace and propriety filled him with an instinctive aversion.

It was as if he had found a wild grass thriving in the wilderness—he liked it, but if he dug it up and placed it among rare and exotic flowers, others would only mock its plainness.

Wild grass is only free and resilient in its own wilderness. Once placed in an exquisite porcelain pot and meticulously tended, it ceases to be wild grass.

He raised a hand to his forehead, resting the back of it against his brow, his lips pressed tightly together in the darkness.

Before dawn the next day, Fan Changyu was already up. Changning was still asleep, so she dressed quietly, left the room, and asked the stewardess to keep an eye on Changning before heading to the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion.

The layout of the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion in the county town was similar to the one in Lin'an Town, though more grandly built.

The errand boys hadn't arrived in the main hall yet, but the kitchen staff were all present.

The pig heads to be braised had already been prepared, so Fan Changyu didn't even need to light the fire herself—she only had to prepare the braising spices.

Yu Qianqian personally discussed with the chefs the order of dishes for the banquet—which to serve first, which to follow, and what the grand finale would be.

Though an outsider to such matters, Fan Changyu could tell how meticulous the planning was. Some dishes lost their flavor if left too long, while serving too many elaborate dishes in a row would overwhelm the kitchen and delay service—a disgrace for the host.

For ordinary households, late dishes might not matter, but for the elite guests who had booked the banquet, delays would shame the host, who would then hold the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion accountable. Word would spread, tarnishing the pavilion's reputation.

After finalizing the details with the chefs, Yu Qianqian noticed Fan Changyu sitting behind the stove and, without any airs, squeezed in beside her to warm herself by the fire. "It's only the second day of the new year, and I've already dragged you here to help. You must be exhausted."Fan Changyu said, "Shopkeeper Yu, you have so much to handle. It must be exhausting."

Yu Qianqian smiled. "Making money is never easy. If we pull off this deal, Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion's reputation in the county will be firmly established."

When Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion first opened in the county town, it was sabotaged by Wang's Braised Meat, and business had been lukewarm ever since. The local elites even joked about the inauspicious incident on opening day.

To elevate the pavilion's status, Yu Qianqian had gifted many novel and expensive presents to noblewomen, finally securing today's exclusive banquet.

As if remembering something, she asked Fan Changyu, "By the way, does your braised meat have a logo?"

Fan Changyu looked puzzled. "What's that?"

Yu Qianqian slapped her own forehead. "My fault—I've been too busy to mention it earlier. It's like Wang's Braised Meat—they have their own custom signboard."

Fan Changyu shook her head.

Yu Qianqian explained, "Your braised meat here competes directly with Wang's from Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Even if you don't have a logo, you should at least have some well-written characters to make it presentable."

Fan Changyu was confused. "Braised meat is just sliced and served on a plate. Does it really matter if there's a logo?"

Yu Qianqian said, "You must have noticed when you came in—some shops downstairs are rented out. Fang's tea and Li's liquor are sold there. I've reserved a spot for your braised meat too. Later, make more and display it there. Whatever you sell is yours. We need to build your reputation. Otherwise, if our pavilion serves braised meat without any branding, wouldn't we look inferior to Drunken Immortal Pavilion?"

She stood up. "I'll have someone find a scholar with good handwriting to make a temporary banner for you."

Thinking of Xie Zheng, Fan Changyu quickly said, "My husband can write. I'll ask him later."

Yu Qianqian hesitated. "How good is his handwriting?"

Fan Changyu replied, "His writing is beautiful!"

After her repeated assurances and with many tasks still at hand, Yu Qianqian said, "Then go find your husband now. If it doesn't work out, I'll send for a scholar."

The braised meat was already simmering, so all that was left was to watch the fire. Without delay, Fan Changyu agreed and went to the alley behind Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion to find Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng had been unable to sleep last night, lost in thought, and only dozed off at dawn.

But he was soon awakened by the commotion of the housekeeper calling the other workers.

The housekeeper muttered as she roused them, "This lad never seemed lazy before. How come he's still asleep at this hour?"

The worker she woke blinked in confusion. Seeing it was already light, he hurriedly dressed but yelped in pain as he moved, rubbing his neck. "I must have slept wrong—my neck hurts."

The housekeeper scolded, "That's what happens when you laze around in bed!"

Feeling guilty for oversleeping, the worker grimaced, finished dressing, and rushed to wash his face before heading to work in the pavilion.

By then, the courtyard was bustling with the sounds of Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion's staff moving about. Xie Zheng had no intention of going back to sleep.After a sleepless night, the stubble on his chin had darkened. Just as he finished washing up, Fan Changyu came looking for him. Noticing the dark circles under his eyes, she asked curiously, "Did you stay up all night?"

At that moment, the housekeeper happened to pass by the courtyard. Hearing Fan Changyu's words and seeing Xie Zheng's exhausted appearance from lack of sleep, she said, "I mentioned last night that the child in the hall snores quite loudly. Young man, you must have been kept awake by it, right?"

Unsure how to respond to Fan Changyu, Xie Zheng hesitated before nodding at the housekeeper's words.

Fan Changyu immediately looked at him with sympathy.

After the housekeeper left, she said, "Get some proper rest tonight when we go home. Right now, there's something I need your help with."

Perhaps due to his lack of sleep, Xie Zheng found himself distracted by the movement of her red lips as she spoke, failing to catch her words. Instead, he recalled the brief dream he'd had during the little sleep he managed to get.

In the dream, they had parted ways as agreed, and she had married someone else, still wearing the same wedding dress from their own wedding day. Though the face of her new husband was unclear, the radiant, unrestrained smile on her face was painfully bright, as if she had married someone who truly pleased her.

He couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart, but it was certainly unpleasant.

Now, looking at Fan Changyu again, the corners of his lips unconsciously turned downward.

Seeing that Xie Zheng hadn't responded at all and was instead staring at her with a gloomy expression, Fan Changyu waved her hand in front of his eyes. "Did you hear what I said?"

Xie Zheng snapped out of his thoughts and quickly composed himself. "Go on."

Fan Changyu eyed him suspiciously. "What were you thinking about just now?"

Xie Zheng replied, "Nothing. I just woke up and am still a bit groggy."

Having experienced grogginess from poor sleep herself, Fan Changyu didn't suspect he was lying and got to the point. "Can you help me write a few characters?"

Xie Zheng asked, "What do you need written?"

Fan Changyu explained, "Shopkeeper Yu said today's business is in competition with Drunken Immortal Pavilion, and we can't afford to fall behind. Our braised meat needs its own signboard, like Wang's Braised Meat. Shopkeeper Yu has reserved a spot for us in the main hall downstairs. There's no time to have a plaque made, so we'll have to make do with a cloth banner for now."

Xie Zheng nodded. "Do you have the ink, brush, and cloth ready?"

Fan Changyu said, "Shopkeeper Yu prepared them."

Xie Zheng replied, "Let's go then."

The Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion's staff accommodations were located in the alley behind the restaurant, making it convenient for travel. Usually, groceries were delivered and swill was collected from this alley, as the back door of the restaurant opened here.

As Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng stepped out, they unfortunately ran into the swill collectors.

The collectors had been off for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so the restaurant had accumulated swill that needed to be cleared early in the morning.

Fortunately, it was the dead of winter, so the swill hadn't developed much of a smell after two days.

However, the alley was narrow, and when the swill cart passed by, one had to stand as close to the side as possible to avoid getting splashed with waste from the barrels.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng moved aside. Just as the cart was about to pass, one of its wheels hit a stone, causing the entire cart to jolt. The lid of the swill barrel on the side bounced open, and some of the contents spilled out.

Xie Zheng frowned and swiftly pulled Fan Changyu toward him.Fan Changyu was yanked forward, her head colliding with his unyielding chest. The slop from the swill bucket splashed onto the spot where she had just been standing.

The old man pulling the swill cart turned around, apologizing repeatedly, "So sorry, so sorry! Just hit a stone back there. Didn't splash on you, did it?"

Xie Zheng glanced at Fan Changyu's skirt hem and said, "No harm done. You can move along, uncle."

Only then did the old man urge his horse onward again.

Noticing Fan Changyu had remained silent while he still gripped her wrist, Xie Zheng's heart skipped a beat. He instantly released her hand, hiding it behind his back as if his palm were about to catch fire. "You—"

But after that single word, he fell silent.

Fan Changyu hung her head low. Two drops of nosebleed landed on the thin-iced bluestone pavement, her expression utterly defeated.

She'd hit his chest too hard—hard enough to make her nose bleed.

After two beats of silence, Xie Zheng said, "My apologies."

Fan Changyu mumbled a nasal "It's fine," but the pain from her bruised nose bridge brought involuntary tears to her eyes, making her look rather pitiful.

She pulled out her handkerchief and wiped haphazardly, but the moment she finished, fresh blood trickled out again. Tilting her head back to stem the flow, she was immediately stopped by a large hand pressing the back of her skull downward.

Xie Zheng said, "Don't tilt your head back during a nosebleed."

Left with no choice, Fan Changyu pressed the handkerchief to her nostrils and lamented, "Blood first thing in the morning—guess today's my unlucky day."

Xie Zheng apologized again, to which Fan Changyu replied with some exasperation, "I was joking! How could I be unlucky? I'm blessed with fortune, raking in riches by the day!"

The bleeding seemed to have stopped, but her nose still felt terribly uncomfortable. Removing the handkerchief, she sniffled and said, "Guess it's true that fortune and misfortune come hand in hand. Dodged the disaster of being drenched in swill only to get a nosebleed from crashing into you. A nosebleed's still better than a swill bath—so really, I came out ahead!"

To reassure Xie Zheng, she even wiggled her nostrils emphatically. "See? The bleeding's already stopped—"

Her last word caught in her throat.

Xie Zheng took her handkerchief and gently dabbed beside her nose. "There's still some blood here. Since it just stopped, don't breathe too forcefully."

Even through the cloth, she could distinctly feel the pressure of his fingertips.

This man must have been extraordinarily favored by the heavens at birth—his sharp brows and starry eyes, his refined yet thoroughly masculine features. A light breeze swept past him, stirring his sleeves and the loose strands at his temples, while a withered brown leaf trembled on a branch overhead before drifting down.

Fan Changyu suddenly felt like a lobster brandishing its claws triumphantly, only to freeze stupidly, unsure how to wave them anymore.

Xie Zheng withdrew his hand. Seeing her dazed expression, he asked, "Still hurts?"

She shook her head and joked halfheartedly, "If you stayed this good-tempered all the time, you wouldn't have to worry about girls not liking you."

Xie Zheng's gaze chilled momentarily. His dark eyes narrowed at her as he pinched her handkerchief between thumb and forefinger, replying with a humorless smile, "Then I'll take that as your blessing."

Fan Changyu was baffled. She'd complimented him—why had his tone suddenly turned prickly?

They entered Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion through the back door. While Xie Zheng wrote on the triangular cloth banner Yu Qianqian had prepared, Fan Changyu, remembering he hadn't eaten breakfast, fetched steamed buns and porridge from the kitchen—the same fare the servers ate—and brought them to him.When Fan Changyu came out, Xie Zheng's table where he was writing the banners was already surrounded by many staff members, even the accountant from the building was praising his exceptional calligraphy.

Once the ink on the banners dried, the staff helped hang them up.

Fan Changyu glanced at them. Though the words were just the ordinary "Fan's Braised Meat," his brushwork made them strikingly beautiful—bold yet elegant. The four triangular banners looked even more impressive than gilded plaques when hung.

In high spirits, Fan Changyu handed Xie Zheng a bowl of porridge and some steamed buns: "Eat something to fill your stomach first."

Yu Qianqian passed through the hall and saw the words written on the red silk banners she had the servants hastily prepare. She couldn't help but click her tongue in admiration, praising Fan Changyu for finding such a talented husband.

She also gave Fan Changyu an idea: "Sister Changyu, later you should order some custom paper bags and print these words your husband wrote on them. When people come to buy your braised meat, use these bags. Your reputation will surely surpass Wang's in no time."

Most vendors in the market used oiled paper to wrap cooked food, and Fan Changyu's shop was no exception. The oiled paper had a smooth side for wrapping food and a rough side facing outward.

Fan Changyu had also noticed that the hotpot base sold at Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion came in printed paper boxes adorned with floral and bird designs, tied with fine hemp rope in beautiful knots she had never seen before.

Yu Qianqian had specifically asked her to prepare an extra pot of braised meat to sell in the shop.

Inspired, Fan Changyu slipped out while Xie Zheng was eating his porridge and returned with a stack of oiled paper and a roll of fine hemp rope. She sliced half a pound of pork head meat and tried wrapping it in the oiled paper, securing it with a knot. It looked decent, though the paper lacked the "Fan's" branding.

Just as Xie Zheng finished his plain porridge and pickles, he noticed Fan Changyu staring at him intently: "Yan Zheng, could you write a few more characters for me?"

Xie Zheng: "..."

Before Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion opened for lunch, he had inscribed over a hundred sheets of oiled paper.

When Yu Qianqian passed by again and saw Fan Changyu's quick fix, she laughed: "Truly, when husband and wife work together, their strength can break metal." Noticing Fan Changyu's crooked knots, she even taught her how to tie them properly: "Loop the rope this way before tying, and it'll look much better."

Fan Changyu thanked her, and Yu Qianqian gave her a hearty pat on the shoulder: "No need for thanks. Today, we're standing together. If your braised meat loses to Wang's, it would shame me too."

By noon, Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion was bustling with activity as guests arrived. Over a dozen staff members handled the reception—waiters for male guests and uniformly dressed maids for female guests. Both groups carried themselves with grace, smiling warmly without being obsequious, setting the place apart from other taverns.

For female guests sensitive to the cold, the tavern even provided specially prepared warming pans—truly thoughtful service.

Fan Changyu couldn't help but remark to Xie Zheng: "Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion is the most impressive tavern I've ever seen."

Xie Zheng replied: "It's passable."

The finest taverns in the capital surpassed this by far, but for a small town, running such an establishment was still quite an achievement for the proprietress.

Fan Changyu shot him a sidelong glance: "Why is it so hard for you to utter a single word of praise?"Xie Zheng said, "Once you've seen better, you won't praise everything you come across."

Fan Changyu: "..."

Was she just being roasted? Was that it?

She decided not to respond. However, their idle moment didn't last long before someone approached and asked, "How much for your braised meat?"

It was only today, while selling braised meat at the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion, that Changyu learned Yu Qianqian had set the public price at a hundred coins per pound—twice the usual market rate for braised meat.

With some trepidation, she quoted the price, only for the servant to immediately order three pounds without even haggling.

Changyu paused in surprise before swiftly slicing the meat and wrapping it up for the customer.

Yet she still felt somewhat bewildered—was doing business under the reputation of Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion really this easy?

After the servant left, she whispered to Xie Zheng, "This is the first time I've sold braised meat at such a high price. My conscience feels a bit uneasy."

Xie Zheng said, "Take a look at the wine seller next to you."

The wine stall belonged to a renowned old distillery in the county, and their business was much better than theirs.

Fan Changyu watched for a while but couldn't figure out what was special about it. She asked Xie Zheng, "What about the wine seller?"

Xie Zheng glanced up at her. "Haven’t you noticed that a small jar of their wine sells for nearly one tael of silver?"

Changyu nodded like a chick pecking at rice. "I saw, but wine has always been expensive."

Xie Zheng scoffed lightly. "Expensive in what way? Wine is just fermented from grains and fermentation starter. The cost might not even be as high as your meat."

Changyu thought about the price of pork versus grains and realized he had a point.

Xie Zheng continued, "Whether something is cheap or expensive depends on whether people are willing to buy it. If many are willing to pay a high price, it becomes expensive. Conversely, if everyone only offers a low price, then it’s worthless."

Changyu nodded, though only half-understanding.

After selling a few more orders, she gradually began to grasp the idea.

Those dining at Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion were all from well-off families who didn’t lack money. Most of these wealthy households held the belief that "expensive means good," so the concept of "affordable yet high-quality" didn’t apply to them.

When something edible was suddenly priced lower than what they were used to, their first reaction wouldn’t be thinking they’d gotten a good deal—it would be fearing there was something wrong with it.

Thinking this way, she also understood why everything in Yu Qianqian’s Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion was priced higher than in ordinary restaurants.

Part of the reason was the exceptional quality of the dishes, but another part stemmed from the psychology of competition. Yu Qianqian had positioned Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion as a place only for the elite. Spending a fortune to dine here didn’t just buy delicious food—it also bought a sense of superiority, the feeling of being part of an exclusive class.

Before mealtime, Changyu’s business was slow, with only a few passersby from the street stopping by to buy some braised meat for their New Year’s feast.

But after the first round of banquet guests finished their meals—having likely tasted the braised meat during the feast—her stall suddenly became swarmed. A long line of maids and servants formed to buy her meat. Overwhelmed with slicing and packaging alone, Changyu handed the packaging duties to Xie Zheng.

His striking looks, combined with the long queue outside the stall, drew the attention of many passersby, attracting even more young women and wives to line up for the braised meat.

Late-arriving guests, seeing the commotion in the main hall, couldn’t help but ask, "Why are so many people buying braised meat?"

The attending waiter would smile and reply, "The earlier banquet guests tried Fan’s Braised Meat during the feast and found it delicious. They wanted to buy some to take home for their families to try."

Hearing this, the guest would immediately instruct their own servant, "With so many people buying, Fan’s Braised Meat must live up to its reputation. Get some for the old madam at home."

Meanwhile, guests fond of calligraphy and paintings would spot the large characters for "Fan’s Braised Meat" upon entering and sigh, "Such fine brushwork wasted on a shop banner!"Upon closer inspection, she noticed that the oil-paper packages carried by the servants queuing to buy braised meat were also labeled with the words "Fan Family Braised Meat," written in bold, vigorous strokes. This only deepened her regret. Instead of buying the braised meat, she instructed her attendant to purchase just the oil-paper wrapper used for the meat.

Fan Changyu was momentarily stunned by the request, but as long as they were paying, she didn’t mind.

She was beginning to understand that the pursuits of the wealthy were quite different from those of ordinary folk. Accepting the silver, she generously handed over several sheets of oil-paper to the attendant.

The Song family, having produced a provincial scholar, now held considerable prestige in Qingping County. Mother Song was particularly eager to mingle with the wives of officials and wealthy families, as if trying to reclaim the glory she had missed out on over the past decade. Naturally, she had also attended today’s banquet.

Seeing the long line of servants buying braised meat, and noticing many of the wealthy ladies at the table sending their own servants to do the same, she had initially thought to join in the excitement. But when she caught sight of the shop’s banner bearing the words "Fan Family Braised Meat," her expression darkened.

Upon closer inspection, recognizing Fan Changyu bustling about in the shop, her face fell completely. "Why is she here...?"

A woman seated nearby, familiar with her, asked, "Madam Song, do you know that young woman?"

Mother Song heaved a long sigh, adopting a tone of pity. "That poor child is cursed with an ill fate. Not long ago, she brought death upon her parents, and later her uncle as well. She must have been driven out of her town by the locals and forced to make a living here in the county."

Businesspeople and officials were especially superstitious about such things. As soon as Mother Song spoke, the faces of every woman at the table turned grim.

"During the New Year festivities, does the manager of Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion let just anyone set up shop here?" One woman, repelled by the idea, immediately rose from her seat.

Another official’s wife sternly summoned one of the serving maids attending to their table. "Bring your manager here at once," she demanded.

The maid didn’t dare delay and promptly fetched Yu Qianqian.

Though Yu Qianqian appeared young, she handled such situations with seasoned finesse. Arriving with a smile, she said, "Madam Qian, what seems to be the matter? If there’s any oversight in our service, I sincerely apologize."

Yu Qianqian knew every prominent figure in Qingping County by name and was well aware of their family businesses.

Madam Qian’s boldness at the table stemmed from her family’s ownership of a money-lending business.

With a cold expression, Madam Qian gestured toward the Fan Family Braised Meat stall below. "We’re here today for a joyous celebration. Allowing that ill-omened creature to do business in your establishment only brings us bad luck!"

The stall was crowded with people queuing for braised meat. Though Yu Qianqian guessed Madam Qian was referring to Fan Changyu, she played dumb. "What ill-omened creature? Speaking of such things during the New Year is hardly auspicious, Madam Qian."

Madam Qian softened slightly at her response. "You don’t know? They say that girl from the Fan family is cursed—she caused the deaths of her parents and then her uncle. You shouldn’t let her work here, lest her misfortune rub off on you!"

Yu Qianqian gasped, covering her mouth in exaggerated shock. "Who told you such a thing?"

Madam Qian immediately pointed to Mother Song. "Madam Song here is originally from Lin’an Town. She knows all about that cursed girl’s history."Yu Qianqian said, "So it was Madam Song who said that. I heard Young Master Song and the Fan Family had been engaged for years. Only after he passed the imperial exam did they consult a diviner, who determined that the eldest Fan daughter had a cursed fate. They hastily called off the engagement—fortunately early enough, or else Scholar Song would have missed becoming the magistrate's ideal son-in-law."

The shrewd women present exchanged subtle glances at Madam Song upon hearing this.

Madam Song glared furiously. "You—!"

Yu Qianqian blinked innocently. "I don't understand fortune-telling, but the diviner in the southern city said the Fan daughter actually has a fortune that benefits her husband. Her husband writes beautifully—I heard at last night's Lantern Festival, Scholar Song was left speechless by his couplet: 'Northern geese fly south, where phoenixes tread abundantly across the land.' Such remarkable talent! If he takes the imperial exams next year, he might earn her an imperial decree of honor."

Someone couldn't suppress a quiet laugh upon hearing the couplet.

Unaware of her son's public humiliation, Madam Song recalled how he had locked himself in his study upon returning home. Now facing the scrutinizing gazes of merchant and official wives, her face burned with shame. Without a word, she hastily left with her maid.

An official's wife led the mocking laughter, and soon the entire table joined in, sneering, "Truly lacking refinement."

"How shameless to slander the girl after breaking off the engagement."

"Did you see her jade bracelet? Clearly fake. I'd rather go bare-handed than wear such trash. This scholar's mother has no sense of dignity!"

As the noblewomen moved on to other topics, Yu Qianqian smiled. "Ladies, please enjoy your meal. The pavilion is busy today—forgive any shortcomings in our service."

The women became amiable again, some even sending maids to buy braised meat downstairs after tasting it.

Fan Changyu, unaware of Yu Qianqian's intervention, had sold out of braised meat. She let Xie Zheng—exhausted from the sleepless night—return to rest while she helped in the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion's kitchen.

By mid-afternoon, the banquet concluded.

Changyu counted the silver fragments and copper coins from the braised meat sales—over fifteen taels total. For the first time, she understood what "exorbitant profits" meant.

Though Yu Qianqian had said she could keep all earnings, Changyu felt the pavilion's location and clientele contributed too much. She sought Yu Qianqian to share the profits.

Yu Qianqian laughed when hearing her request. "How much did you earn today?"

"Fifteen taels and three hundred coins," Changyu answered truthfully.

Surprised, Yu Qianqian smiled. "I heard some was from tips for your husband's talent. You earned this—keep it."

Changyu insisted, "We used your premises, ingredients, and even packaging methods. If you don't take a share, I'll feel uneasy."Yu Qianqian tapped Fan Changyu on the forehead. "You, being so honest and simple-minded, aren't really cut out for business. The reason your braised meat sold well today is ultimately because it's genuinely top-notch. Otherwise, why was there no business at first, and only after the guests finished their meals did they send servants to buy it? Sure, I came up with the idea, but it was you and your husband who actually put it into practice. How many paper wrappers did he write today? If you're going to feel sorry for anyone, it should be him."

She spoke earnestly, "Your braised meat business taking off benefits me too. There's no need to be so formal with me. Let's keep this favor for the long term—there might come a day when I need your help."

Fan Changyu finally relented but insisted on paying Yu Qianqian for the cost of the meat and ingredients.

Yu Qianqian realized she was stubborn and had no choice but to agree.

After deducting the three taels of silver for costs, the remaining twelve taels were exchanged by Fan Changyu with the accountant for silver coins, which she planned to split evenly with Xie Zheng.

The chefs and staff of the restaurant were just having their meal now. Yu Qianqian said, "Sit and eat first. I'll send someone to fetch your husband and Granny Fang."

Fan Changyu guessed that the "Granny Fang" she mentioned was the matron in charge of the back alley. Remembering that Changning was still with her, she said, "I'll go pick up my sister and call them on the way."

As soon as she stepped out of the back door of the Overflowing Fragrance Pavilion, she saw Xie Zheng hadn't returned to their room but was standing at the alley entrance with his hands behind his back, watching something.

Fan Changyu walked over and followed his gaze to see only a squad of soldiers jogging away in the distance. Judging by their uniforms, they were from the military camp, not the local yamen runners of Qingping County.

She frowned. "Are those soldiers here to collect grain taxes?"

Xie Zheng nodded, his expression icy.

Most merchants in towns bought their grain, so the government couldn't collect grain from them and could only find ways to make them pay more money.

Grain taxes had to be collected from farmers in the countryside. Fan Changyu had already heard about farmers being beaten to death during grain collection in Taizhou, and her heart tightened with worry.

She said, "They say the high official in Jizhou Prefecture is a just and upright man. Let's hope he doesn't follow Taizhou's example and push the people to the brink for grain taxes."

Xie Zheng replied, "We'll see what Jizhou Prefecture does."

As long as Zhao Xun and those behind him weren't fools, they should have already reported Wei Xuan's grain collection in Jizhou to He Jingyuan yesterday.

When he turned back and noticed Fan Changyu's bulging pocket, he frowned slightly. "What's this?"

Fan Changyu pulled out the twelve taels of broken silver and several hundred strung copper coins, handing half to Xie Zheng. "Yours."

One tael of silver might not seem like much, but twelve taels together took up quite a bit of space.

Seeing her pull out the money like a wealthy landlord, Xie Zheng's eyelid twitched slightly. "You keep it."

Fan Changyu insisted, "No, we split it half and half. You wrote hundreds of paper wrappers."

After a pause, he said, "It's easy to lose if I carry it. You hold onto it for me."

Given his previous experience of losing money at the small eatery, Fan Changyu couldn't argue with that. She had no choice but to tuck it all back into her pocket, stuffing it full again.

The two returned to their room to fetch Changning. Before they even entered, they heard two children talking inside.

"My big sister is amazing—she can eat three bowls of rice in one meal!" It was Changning's voice."My mom is even more amazing. She can eat two braised pork knuckles all by herself, plus a bowl of spicy soup!" The boy seemed quite competitive.

"My sister's rice bowl is as big as a soup pot!" His tone suggested he even gestured to show the size.

"Well... then your sister is a bit more impressive." The boy seemed to concede.

Outside the house, Fan Changyu: "..."

A rice bowl as big as a soup pot—that was clearly their father's!