Chapter 111-115

Chapter 111: Shame

Xia Mingyue let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “It’s fine now——luckily, Brother Qiyan was here.” She steadied herself before explaining, “This man had previously sought to join Xia Ji’s stall, but I refused. His conduct was questionable, and I didn’t trust him. I never thought he would harbor such resentment and act out like this.”

She turned to Lu Qiyan, gratitude clear in her eyes. “Today, it was all thanks to you.”

Had he not been present, the situation would have been far more difficult to handle.

She offered him another deep bow, sincerity laced in every word of her thanks. Lu Qiyan, however, merely gave a slight nod, as though it was only natural for him to step in. After a pause, he spoke, his tone as calm as ever. “The army will be occupied in the coming months——recruitment, training, and reorganization. If things remain manageable, I’ll try to return more often.”

The world was unkind to those without backing. People assessed situations before making choices, always looking for the weakest target to press down on. A single misstep, and vultures would circle.

It had been less than half a year since his' and Xia Mingyue’s “marriage.” In that time, he had only been back twice, yet on both occasions, trouble had found her.

Her daily business was far from easy.

“Alright,” Xia Mingyue murmured, tilting her head slightly.

Lu Qiyan... seemed to be quite protective of her, didn’t he?

With the commotion settled and the streets returning to their usual bustle, Xia Mingyue felt her enthusiasm for the market wane. She no longer had the heart to browse. Together with Lu Qiyan, she made her way home.

As they reached Xinghua Lane, Lu Qiyan suddenly halted. “I have an errand to run tonight. Don’t wait for me for dinner——just eat first.”

Xia Mingyue gave a small nod. Along the way, Lu Qiyan had learned that she had hired additional help and that Jiang Zhuguo was now living with them long-term.

“Alright,” she agreed, watching as he walked off.

Yet something felt... off.

As he disappeared into the distance, she hesitated before poking her head out from the alleyway. Sure enough, Lu Qiyan didn’t continue in the direction he had initially set off in. Instead, he doubled back, heading east.

The east...?

But they had just come from there.

Xia Mingyue pressed her lips together but said nothing. Turning on her heel, she made her way home.

By the time she arrived, the sky had begun to darken. The house was lively with the sounds of meal preparation. Jiang Zhuguo and the others had finished their work for the day and were setting up dinner.

Without Lu Qiyan at home, the meal was kept simple. Shredded potato and carrot pancakes, a fresh salad of cucumber, bean curd, and peanuts, and a warm millet porridge sweetened with newly harvested pumpkin. The long pumpkin, freshly picked, had a delicate sweetness that, when stewed, blended perfectly with the soft grains of millet.

After eating their fill, they cleaned up before retiring to their rooms for the night.

Yet sleep did not come easily for Xia Mingyue.

Her thoughts kept circling back to Lu Qiyan. Where had he gone? Why had he doubled back?

With a sigh, she lit a candle and pulled out her sewing basket. If she couldn’t sleep, she might as well be productive.

Jiang Zhuguo was an excellent seamstress, and even Sister Lu far surpassed her skills. Nowadays, with their improved financial situation, most of Xia Mingyue’s clothes were tailored in ready-made clothing shops, and any necessary mending was usually handled by Jiang Zhuguo or Sister Lu.

But for her inner garments..., she preferred to make those herself.

Between her growing business and daily responsibilities, she rarely had time for sewing, but tonight, it provided a welcome distraction. The dim light of the candle flickered against the walls, casting long shadows. To ease the strain on her eyes, she lit a few more candles, their warm glow softening the darkness.

Just as she finished stitching the last seam on the undergarment, a sound came from the doorway.

Xia Mingyue quickly packed away her sewing. By the time she looked up, Lu Qiyan had already entered.

The scent of alcohol clung to him.

Yet, despite the smell, his eyes were clear.

Seeing her still awake, he paused, taking half a step back as if uncertain whether to enter fully. “You’re still up?”

Xia Mingyue set the basket aside. “I was just about to sleep.” Then, gesturing toward the pot, she added, “There’s tea if you’re thirsty.”

Alcohol often left one parched.

Lu Qiyan gave a slight nod.

“There’s hot water on the stove,” she continued. “And I left clean clothes for you on the kang. You should change out of those——I’ll wash them tomorrow.”

“Alright,” he replied simply.

“I’ll be heading to bed, then.”

With that, Xia Mingyue lay down, turning her back toward him. She could hear the sounds of him moving about, the clinking of the teacup, the soft rustling of fabric as he changed.

Outside, the night deepened.

Elsewhere in the city, Wu Xiong staggered through the streets, propped up by his subordinates as he made his way toward Sifang Casino.

He was thoroughly drunk.

“I had a damn good time drinking today!” He bellowed, slapping one of his men on the back.

The younger man, quick to agree, nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, Boss! That Captain Lu——he looks all refined and gentlemanly, but who knew he had such guts? Not only is he skilled in martial arts, but he can drink like a fish!”

Wu Xiong smacked his chest with pride. “I, Wu Xiong, have decided——I’m going to be Captain Lu’s sworn brother!” He burped, then hiccuped. “But damn it all... it’s embarrassing. Absolutely shameful!”

His men exchanged glances, waiting for their leader to elaborate.

Wu Xiong gritted his teeth. “I already told everyone that Madam Xia is under my protection! Anyone who dares cause trouble for her is going against me, Wu Xiong!”

To that end, he had even invited the county’s patrolling constables for drinks, making sure they understood——Xia Mingyue’s food stall was to be kept peaceful. No one was to stir up trouble.

And yet....

Someone had blatantly ignored that warning. And right in front of Captain Lu!

What did that mean?

It meant Wu Xiong’s word was being doubted. That he lacked deterrence. That his name alone was not enough to keep the rats at bay.

The thought made his blood boil.

His subordinate, sensing his anger, quickly interjected, “Boss, don’t worry! I know where that bastard lives. Tomorrow, I’ll take some men over and find a proper excuse to rough him up a bit.”

The man was already notorious for causing trouble——giving him a beating wouldn’t be hard to justify.

And if one beating wasn’t enough?

They’d do it again.

Wu Xiong’s expression brightened. He clapped his subordinate on the shoulder. “Good! But..., I still need to vent my anger properly.”

Yet his mother had always taught him not to bully the innocent. If he wanted to vent, he had to find the right kind of scum to take it out on.

A thought struck him.

Why hadn’t he thought of it earlier?

A slow grin spread across his face.

Yes. He knew exactly who to deal with next.

The next morning, Xia Mingyue woke to an empty bed beside her.

After freshening up, she stepped into the courtyard——Lu Qiyan was nowhere to be seen.

“Sister Xia, are you looking for Brother Lu?” Jiang Zhuguo asked as she stoked the stove. “He noticed the water tank was running low, so he took the buckets and went to fetch more.”

Xia Mingyue hummed in acknowledgment, then turned to the drying rack.

There, half-dry, hung the clothes Lu Qiyan had worn the night before.

“You washedthese?” She asked.

Jiang Zhuguo shook her head. “No, I thought you did.”

Xia Mingyue arched a brow.

So, Lu Qiyan had done it himself.

She smiled slightly. It seemed military discipline truly ingrained self-sufficiency.

Remembering that he hadn’t eaten much the previous day, she decided to prepare an especially hearty breakfast.

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Chapter 112: Braised Pork Knuckle

Xia Mingyue used the ready-made dough and meat filling to prepare a steaming pot of pan-fried dumplings, their golden bottoms crisp and inviting. To accompany them, she boiled a pot of soft, glutinous rice and pumpkin porridge, filling the room with a warm, sweet aroma. Alongside these, she plated a refreshing cold cucumber and lotus root salad and a dish of stir-fried Chinese cabbage, seasoned with just the right balance of vinegar and chili to whet the appetite.

The meal was simple but well-balanced. The rice and pumpkin porridge was silky smooth, each spoonful carrying a delicate sweetness. The crisp cucumber and lotus root provided a refreshing contrast, their crunch accentuated by a light sesame dressing. The stir-fried cabbage, with its slightly spicy and tangy flavor, was both invigorating and comforting. But the highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the pan-fried dumplings——thin-skinned, generously stuffed with juicy meat, and bursting with flavor at every bite.

Xia Mingyue couldn’t resist sneaking a few extra dumplings onto her plate. They were simply too delicious, each bite making her crave another.

Lu Qiyan, on the other hand, was too hungry to savor the flavors properly. Having drunk heavily the night before with an ulterior motive, he had barely eaten anything. Now, his hunger gnawed at him, and he could do nothing but shovel food into his mouth one bite at a time.

The result?

The first pot of dumplings wasn’t enough.

Xia Mingyue, seeing the empty plate, could only sigh in amusement and quickly set about making another batch.

This time, she made extra, but even then, Lu Qiyan finished nearly all of them. The only ones left were given to Wu Jin, who happily gobbled them up for his breakfast.

After breakfast, Jiang Zhuguo took the responsibility of refilling the black-gold earthenware jar. But as she worked, a frown crept onto her face. Her hands hesitated before she finally put down the jar and went to find Xia Mingyue.

"Sister Xia," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "Wu Jin seems... off today."

Xia Mingyue paused mid-action, looking up. "What do you mean?"

"Usually, when I go to feed him, he bounces around excitedly, practically jumping on me. But today..., he just lay there in front of his nest, not moving much. And when I got closer, he started baring his teeth at me."

Jiang Zhuguo hesitated before adding, "Doesn’t that usually mean he’s angry? Did I do something to upset him?"

Xia Mingyue had never seen Wu Jin behave like that before. Setting down the water scoop in her hand, she followed Jiang Zhuguo to the courtyard.

There, Wu Jin was still happily chewing on the last remnants of a fried dumpling. At the sight of Xia Mingyue, his tail began wagging energetically. He quickly swallowed his food, barked twice in greeting, then... bared his teeth.

Xia Mingyue blinked.

Wu Jin’s glossy black fur contrasted sharply against his bright white teeth, creating a striking image. The way he pulled back his lips in what looked like a toothy grin was both eye-catching and——frankly——unusual.

"Is he... smiling?"

It was undeniably strange. Dogs usually bared their teeth when they were angry, defensive, or preparing to bite. But Wu Jin? He looked nothing but delighted.

"Wu Jin?" Xia Mingyue called, half-squatting and raising her hand toward him.

This was their usual routine. Whenever she did this, Wu Jin would eagerly trot over, rubbing his big head against her palm.

Sure enough, Wu Jin barked again——his tail wagging furiously——and bounded toward her. He rubbed against her hand with the same affectionate enthusiasm as always, even making soft, pleased grunts.

Then, he sat down obediently.

And bared his teeth again.

Xia Mingyue stared at the unusual dog, unable to form a word to describe what she was seeing.

She felt like everything was fine, yet at the same time, something was undeniably odd.

"Could he be feeling unwell?" She murmured, narrowing her eyes. "Maybe he's trying to tell us something, but since he can’t talk, we don’t understand him."

Jiang Zhuguo nodded. "Should we find a vet?"

It was a reasonable suggestion, but veterinarians weren’t easy to come by. Unlike large towns where livestock were common, the county town had few families that kept animals beyond a chicken or two. Dogs were rare, let alone specialists who could treat them.

Still, after some inquiries, Xia Mingyue managed to track down an elderly veterinarian from a village outside the city. The man had gray hair, a beard to match, and squinted constantly, his poor eyesight making him lean in close to examine Wu Jin properly.

After a thorough inspection——checking Wu Jin’s eyes, mouth, and overall condition——he straightened up with a nod.

"This dog is in excellent health," he declared. "Full of energy, strong as an ox."

Xia Mingyue frowned. "Then why is he acting this way?"

The veterinarian scratched his chin. "Hmm... Perhaps...." He trailed off, lost in thought. Then, after a long pause, he finally shrugged and said, "Maybe he just likes doing it."

Xia Mingyue fell even more confused.

"Some animals are just a little different," the old man continued. "Same as people. You’ll always find a few odd ones who have their own unique habits." He stroked his beard and chuckled. "It’s not too different from those folks who suddenly start laughing for no reason or like to talk to themselves."

Xia Mingyue fell into silence, her strange gaze fell on Wu Jin.

...Alright...?

...As long as Wu Jin was happy....

...And healthy.

If he wanted to keep grinning, then so be it.

Shaking her head in amusement, she reached out and ruffled his thick fur. "You really are something else, huh?" She said, smiling.

Wu Jin, seemingly encouraged by her reaction, bared his teeth even wider. His snowy-white fangs gleamed under the bright morning sun, making him look... strangely proud.

Zhao Youcai stomped into his house just past noon, his face dark with frustration. The moment he stepped inside, he let out a string of curses.

"Those useless bastards! We agreed not to be late——not to be late! They all nodded and swore with their mouths, but the moment my back was turned, they acted like they didn’t hear a thing! Excuses, excuses——that’s all they ever have!"

His temper flared hotter as he yanked off his outer robe and tossed it aside.

"And to think people go on and on about how capable their families are! What nonsense! Do they not have wives? Are their hands broken? Can't they move a little faster?"

What angered him most wasn’t just their sluggishness——it was his empty stomach. He had been so preoccupied with the work at hand that he hadn’t eaten properly all morning. Now, hunger gnawed at him, making his irritation even worse.

It was infuriating. He was the captain of the brigade——shouldn’t his subordinates at least make sure he was fed first? What kind of loyalty was that?

His stomach rumbled angrily, as if to agree.

Sister Lu, who had been busy in the kitchen, finally had enough of his grumbling. She rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Listen to yourself. Complaining like some high-and-mighty official," she said, unimpressed. "If you were really as capable as you claim, you wouldn’t be standing here whining like a starving stray dog."

Zhao Youcai chuckled, trying to soften his wife's mood. "My lady, you misunderstand me. I never once claimed to be some great and promising man."

Sister Lu shot him another look——one filled with pure disbelief.

"Virtue!" She muttered under her breath, shaking her head.

Still, she wasn’t completely heartless. Seeing that he was truly hungry, she hurriedly prepared a meal for him, placing a steaming bowl of rice and some side dishes on the table.

"Eat," she urged. "And when you're done, go lie down for a bit. You’re always running around outside——sooner or later, you’re going to wear yourself out."

Zhao Youcai wasn’t about to argue with that. He eagerly sat down and started eating, the warmth of the food quickly melting away the last traces of his frustration.

That evening, Zhao Youcai had plans to drink with Lu Qiyan. It was a small celebration——not only to mark their safe return but also to toast Lu Qiyan’s promotion.

Wanting to make the occasion special, Xia Mingyue started preparing the snacks and dishes early in the afternoon.

Though the weather had begun to cool slightly, the lingering summer heat still made its presence known. For that reason, cold dishes were a necessity on the wine table.

She prepared a refreshing mixed platter——bean curd sheets, crisp cucumbers, diced lotus root, and tender black fungus, all tossed together with a light yet flavorful dressing.

A few days ago, Aunt Han had gifted them some preserved eggs. Remembering this, Xia Mingyue carefully peeled them, slicing each egg into eight neat petals. She arranged the pieces elegantly on a plate, then drizzled them with a fragrant sauce——a mixture of hot oil, minced garlic, chopped red peppers, soy sauce, and other seasonings.

To balance the meal, she added a hot dish——fresh and tender scrambled eggs with green onions, their golden hue standing out against the rest of the spread.

As for the main meat dish, Xia Mingyue prepared only one——but it was more than enough.

Braised pork elbow.

A dish as rich in flavor as it was in history.

Braised pork elbow in soy sauce was a common delicacy, but every region had its own way of making it, and every chef had their own unique touch.

This time, Xia Mingyue decided to replicate the famous Tianfuhao braised pork elbow——a recipe she had learned in modern times.

Legend had it that during the Qing Dynasty, a butcher shop named Tianfuhao became renowned for its pork dishes. One day, while stewing pork elbows, the cooks accidentally left them on the heat for too long. Instead of ruining the dish, this mistake led to an extraordinary discovery——the pork became even more tender, its flavors richer than ever before.

The dish quickly gained the favor of high-ranking officials and aristocrats. Before long, Tianfuhao became a prestigious establishment, even supplying meat to the Imperial Court.

But replicating this legendary dish wasn’t simple.

To achieve its signature flavor, two key factors had to be mastered——the heat and the seasoning.

Xia Mingyue worked meticulously.

First, she took the pork elbow and cleaned it thoroughly, ensuring not a single stray hair remained on the skin. Then, she gave it a good scrub, removing any lingering impurities.

Next came the cooking process.

She placed the pork elbow in a large pot and filled it with water, adding salt, star anise, ginger, cinnamon, and peppercorns. A splash of rice wine enhanced the fragrance, while a carefully prepared sugar color——a caramelized syrup——gave the meat its signature deep red hue.

__________________________

Chapter 113: Debt Collection

After carefully removing the pork elbow from the pot, Xia Mingyue washed it clean, making sure to rid it of any remaining impurities. She skimmed off the foam floating atop the rich broth, ensuring clarity and depth in the flavor. Then, she gently placed the pork elbow back into the simmering pot, letting it stew over low heat for another two hours. The aroma of slow-cooked meat and fragrant spices gradually filled the kitchen, seeping through the wooden beams and curling into the cool evening air.

When it was finally time to eat, Xia Mingyue carefully lifted the pork elbow from the pot, its meat so tender that it threatened to fall apart under its own weight. She deftly removed the bones, leaving only the succulent flesh, then sliced it into thick, glistening pieces. With practiced precision, she ladled the thick, glossy sauce from the pot——an essence of stewed gelatin, spices, and rendered fat——coating the meat until it shimmered under the lantern light.

The result was a dish that was nothing short of a masterpiece. The meat, braised for hours, was impossibly soft——so delicate that one had to be careful picking it up with chopsticks, lest it crumble at the slightest touch. The lean portions were rich yet not chewy, while the fatty layers melted effortlessly in the mouth, leaving behind a deep, lingering fragrance of soy, cinnamon, and star anise.

The sauce was the crowning touch. A deep, amber hue, thick with the essence of slow-cooked pork and aromatic spices, it clung to the meat like liquid gold. More than just a visual delight, it was a symphony of flavors——savory, slightly sweet, and utterly intoxicating.

To complete the meal, Xia Mingyue boiled a pot of handmade noodles, ladling a generous scoop of the fragrant braised pork sauce over them. She topped each bowl with two tender slices of pork elbow, allowing the flavors to seep into the soft strands of noodles. The dish was simple yet luxurious, every bite an explosion of taste and texture.

At the dining table, the mood was jubilant. Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai raised their cups in a celebratory toast, the crisp clink of porcelain echoing through the courtyard.

"To a safe return!" Zhao Youcai grinned.

"And to a bright future!" Lu Qiyan added, drinking heartily.

The braised pork elbow disappeared at an alarming rate, each slice vanishing as fast as chopsticks could grab them. Fortunately, Xia Mingyue had anticipated this outcome and had purchased three large pork elbows from Butcher Hong earlier in the day.

“Enough to satisfy even the hungriest of wolves,” she mused with amusement as she brought out the next batch.

Even Wu Jin, who had been watching the feast with eager eyes, was not forgotten. He happily gnawed on three large bones, his tail wagging furiously as he crunched through the rich marrow. The night was filled with laughter, clinking cups, and the comforting warmth of a well-shared meal.

But while the rest enjoyed the feast, one person sat stiffly, his smile forced and unnatural——Jiang Yihe.

Though his lips were curved into what appeared to be a grin, his heart was anything but light. Beneath the table, his fingers clenched into a tight fist, and inwardly, he was cursing the people around him.

Across from him, Wu Xiong was watching, unimpressed. With a deliberate thud, he placed his wine cup down on the table, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I invited Mister Jiang here to drink," Wu Xiong said, his tone deceptively casual. "But you've been sitting here all this time without touching a drop. What exactly does that mean?"

A younger thug at his side sneered, eager to chime in. "Could it be that you look down on our big brother?"

"How could I dare?" Jiang Yihe quickly raised his hands in a pacifying gesture. "It’s just that I don’t hold my liquor well. I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself if I drink too much."

Wu Xiong’s gaze sharpened. "You can’t drink?" He snorted. "Funny. I saw you at a restaurant at noon, downing cup after cup of wine without a single bite of food to go with it. You held your liquor just fine then."

Jiang Yihe stiffened.

So, Wu Xiong had been watching him since noon?

But why? Wasn't the gambling debt a fabricated excuse to cover up Jiang Zhuguo's situation? Xia Mingyue had orchestrated it as a ruse——so why was Wu Xiong pursuing it as if it were real?

Something wasn’t right.

But before Jiang Yihe could think too deeply about it, Wu Xiong leaned back in his chair, smirking.

"No need to pretend, Mister Jiang. We’re all reasonable men here." He lazily refilled Jiang Yihe’s cup. "Since you’re already drinking, let’s talk business."

Jiang Yihe’s fingers tightened around the cup.

"Jiang Zhuguo owes one hundred taels of silver," Wu Xiong began. "The Boss has asked for it multiple times. I even went to her house to collect it, but she still couldn’t pay up."

Jiang Yihe forced a smile. "Shouldn’t you be discussing this with her, then? As the saying goes, ‘every debt has its debtor’——"

"But don’t scholars also say that ‘a son’s failure to learn is the father’s fault’?" Wu Xiong cut him off smoothly. "Since Jiang Zhuguo is your family, doesn’t that make you responsible for her debt?"

Jiang Yihe's forced smile froze.

Wu Xiong’s tone remained light, but his eyes glinted with something far less pleasant. "After all, we’re all part of the same community. If you refuse to pay, that would be... inappropriate, wouldn’t it?"

Jiang Yihe took a slow breath. "As you can see, I’m just a simple scholar. I have no wealth to my name. You won’t get a single tael from me."

Wu Xiong clicked his tongue, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Yihe’s attire.

Though his robe wasn’t extravagant, it was clearly new. His shoes, too, had barely a speck of dirt on them. And at noon, he had casually spent three hundred coins on a meal.

"Mister Jiang must think we’re fools," Wu Xiong mused. He suddenly pushed back his chair, standing up. "But it doesn’t matter. We have plenty of free time. If you don’t pay, I’ll just have to make sure you don’t... slip away."

At his signal, two of his lackeys moved in, flanking Jiang Yihe.

Jiang Yihe’s face darkened. "What are you doing?"

Wu Xiong grinned. "Oh, nothing. Just making sure you don’t run off in the middle of the night out of guilt."

Jiang Yihe's heart pounded. If these men followed him around the city, rumors would spread like wildfire. His reputation as a scholar would be ruined. People would assume he was a gambler——a man drowning in debt.

This was no longer about money. This was a calculated humiliation!

"You're threatening a scholar," Jiang Yihe spat. "This is a disruption of public order! I’ll report you to the County Magistrate——"

Wu Xiong laughed. "Great idea! Let’s go to the Magistrate together. He can help us settle this debt once and for all."

Jiang Yihe’s blood ran cold.

Wu Xiong was serious.

And worse——he wasn’t wrong.

If they went to the County Office, the Magistrate would undoubtedly rule that the debt must be repaid.

Jiang Yihe clenched his teeth, his pulse hammering in his ears. Wu Xiong watched him, amused, as realization dawned.

"Now, Mister Jiang," Wu Xiong murmured, "shall we go?"

Jiang Yihe's face turned deathly pale.

__________________________

Chapter 114: Severance Letter

Wu Xiong showed no sign of fear at the mention of the County Government Office.

This realization made Jiang Yihe’s heart sink. Did this mean the IOU was real? But how could that be? Jiang Zhuguo was a practical, frugal, and filial person. Gambling was completely out of character for her.

Unless....

Did she take such a desperate gamble to avoid being married off as a concubine to the Zhang family? Or was she tricked into it? Given her father's status as a scholar, had the gambling house deliberately misled her, thinking they could manipulate her family more easily?

No matter the truth behind it, the debt was real. And as Jiang Zhuguo’s father, Jiang Yihe had no way of escaping responsibility.

These thugs had every legal and moral justification for hounding him.

Unless....

Jiang Yihe gritted his teeth, his mind racing.

"I won’t go to the County Office with you!" he declared.

Wu Xiong chuckled, leaning back slightly as if he had been expecting this. "Oh? So, Mister Jiang knows that if we go to the Magistrate, he’ll order you to pay up? At least you’re not a fool."

Jiang Yihe straightened, his tone stubborn. "I’m not refusing out of fear. I simply believe there’s no need for the County Office to be involved, and furthermore, you shouldn’t even be coming to me for this debt."

Wu Xiong raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Jiang Yihe squared his shoulders and spoke loudly, as if trying to convince himself as much as them. "Because I have already severed ties with Jiang Zhuguo! We are no longer father and daughter. She is no longer related to me. Her debts have nothing to do with me!"

For a brief moment, there was silence.

Wu Xiong and his men exchanged glances before turning back to Jiang Yihe, their expressions unreadable.

A few seconds later, understanding dawned on them.

This man...

...So cruel.

For the sake of his own reputation, he was willing to abandon his own daughter.

Truly heartless.

As men who had spent years working in gambling dens, collecting debts, and dealing with desperate people, they had seen all kinds of ugly human nature. They had seen brothers turn against each other over money, husbands and wives part ways over gambling losses, even children bringing their own parents before the Magistrate to settle debts.

But they had rarely seen a father so decisively cut ties with his child to escape responsibility.

Even the most enraged parents——after scolding, cursing, and even beating their indebted sons——would usually still find a way to scrape together the money, hoping for their child’s reform.

Jiang Yihe, however, showed no hesitation.

Some of Wu Xiong’s younger men clicked their tongues, looking at Jiang Yihe with thinly veiled contempt.

Wu Xiong, meanwhile, after a moment of surprise and disdain, suddenly felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

He had been in a foul mood, looking for an excuse to trouble Jiang Yihe and perhaps vent some frustration on Jiang Zhuguo’s behalf. But this——this was a gift.

If Jiang Yihe was truly severing ties, then no matter how well Jiang Zhuguo did in the future, no matter how much wealth or success she gained, these heartless parents would have no claim over her.

Good!

He would make sure this severance was ironclad.

Feigning skepticism, Wu Xiong narrowed his eyes. "Mister Jiang, I’m no fool. You claim to have severed ties, but where’s the proof? You expect me to believe your words alone?"

Jiang Yihe stiffened.

"You want to deny your debt with empty claims? Not happening!" Wu Xiong stood up, his tone darkening. "Since you refuse to settle this here, I insist——let’s go to the County Magistrate!"

The word "please" was heavily emphasized.

At his signal, two of his men cracked their knuckles and stepped forward.

They weren’t asking. They were about to drag Jiang Yihe there by force.

The academy was nearby. If his classmates or teachers saw this....

Jiang Yihe felt his stomach twist. The reputation he had painstakingly built over the years would be shattered in an instant.

His face went deathly pale.

"I—I have the severance letter!" He blurted out desperately.

Wu Xiong’s eyes gleamed.

"Hand it over," he demanded, holding out a hand.

"I—I don’t have it on me...." Jiang Yihe saw Wu Xiong’s expression darken and quickly added, "But I can write a new one right now!"

A formal severance letter, when witnessed by village elders, carried legal weight. While society frowned upon a child breaking ties with parents, a father severing ties with a child was another matter entirely. If submitted to the County Office, the Magistrate would recognize it as legitimate.

Wu Xiong leaned back, gesturing lazily. "Write."

Jiang Yihe wasted no time. He rushed to borrow paper and ink from the innkeeper, then moved to an empty table and began writing furiously.

Despite the urgency, his strokes were careful and deliberate, a lifetime of scholarly training manifesting in his refined handwriting.

Once finished, he handed the document to Wu Xiong.

Wu Xiong scanned the letter, his rough fingers tracing over the ink.

The first half was filled with contempt——accusations of Jiang Zhuguo’s supposed unfilial behavior, claims of unbearable disgrace, and justifications for why he could no longer acknowledge her as his daughter. He wrote as though severing ties was a righteous act, a noble sacrifice for his family’s honor.

Wu Xiong’s jaw clenched.

His fingers twitched, tempted to rip the letter into shreds and throw them in Jiang Yihe’s face.

But then his gaze landed on the end of the letter——the neat signature, the freshly pressed red fingerprint.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his fury.

This was valuable.

This was undeniable proof.

Carefully, he folded the letter and tucked it into his sleeve.

"Well," he said, voice low and dangerous, "I may not have collected money, but at least I have something to show the Boss."

He smirked. "Of course, I’ll also be making a little trip to Jiangjia Village in a few days——just to confirm with the village elders and neighbors that this severance is legitimate. Wouldn’t want any misunderstandings."

Jiang Yihe’s mind whirred.

He had to act fast. If those thugs showed up in the village and caused a stir, the entire Jiangjia Village might suffer.

But if he got ahead of them, spoke to the village elders and explained things first, they might sympathize with him. After all, if Jiang Zhuguo had truly gotten herself into such disgraceful debt, then it was the village’s reputation on the line as well.

In the long run, this might actually work in his favor.

Calming himself, Jiang Yihe forced a confident smile. "You’ll find that everything I said is true. I have nothing to hide."

He clasped his hands in a hasty farewell. "Now then, I have pressing matters at the academy. I’ll take my leave."

He turned to go.

Wu Xiong raised a hand, and two of his men immediately stepped in line behind Jiang Yihe.

Jiang Yihe froze.

"What are you doing?" His voice rose in alarm. "I already gave you the severance letter!"

Wu Xiong smiled lazily.

"Oh? When did I say that once you gave me the letter, we were done?"

Jiang Yihe’s hands balled into fists, his face flushing with fury. "I’ll report you to the Magistrate!"

Wu Xiong let out a short laugh. "Relax, Mister Jiang. We wouldn’t dream of causing trouble."

His grin widened.

"You’re a delicate scholar, walking alone at night. It wouldn’t be safe. We’re just... escorting you back."

__________________________

Chapter 115: Fenjiu

"Besides, this road is open to everyone. Why is it that Mister Jiang can walk through, but we can't? Or is it that only MisterJiang has the right to enter the academy, while the rest of us don’t?"

Jiang Yihe's expression darkened, as he fell into a state of speechlessness.

He had never encountered someone so shameless in his entire life!

The next morning, Wu Xiong made his way to Xinghua Lane just as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon. The streets were still quiet, and the air carried the crisp freshness of a new day.

At the entrance of the house, Jiang Zhuguo was busy cleaning out the swill bucket, carefully pouring the leftovers into a trough for the pigs. When she saw Wu Xiong approaching, she wiped her hands on her apron and greeted him warmly.

"Brother Wu, you're here early."

Wu Xiong nodded, glancing toward the house.

"Are you looking for Sister Xia?" Jiang Zhuguo asked. "If so, you might have to wait a while. Brother Lu was drinking with Brother Zhao next door last night, and Sister Xia and Sister Lu were busy until late. They haven’t gotten up yet."

"I'm not looking for Madam Xia." Wu Xiong shook his head. "I'm here to see you, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Zhuguo blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Me?"

Wu Xiong reached into his robe and pulled out a neatly folded stack of papers, handing them over. "I got this yesterday. I thought it would be better if you had it."

Jiang Zhuguo hesitated for a moment before taking the papers from his hand. Unfolding them carefully, she skimmed the contents. Though she had never formally learned to read——her father, Jiang Yihe had always believed that a woman’s virtue lay in ignorance——she had picked up a few words over the years from listening to him recite his lessons and watching him write.

Her eyes caught familiar characters——her name, and the phrase ‘severance of relationship.’

A letter of severance.

This document legally severed her ties with the Jiang and Tian family.

For a long moment, Jiang Zhuguo simply stared at the words, her grip tightening around the paper. She had always known this day would come, yet seeing it in black ink made it feel startlingly real.

Her throat constricted, and a mist of unshed tears blurred her vision.

Wu Xiong noticed the change in her expression and immediately grew nervous. He shifted on his feet, rubbing his hands together as if unsure of what to do.

"Don't mind what’s written there," he said hastily. "Those are just words. You don’t have to take them to heart."

He sighed and continued, "Honestly, I wasn’t sure whether to give this to you. But then I thought——having this means you’re free. You don’t have to worry about them controlling you anymore, especially over money. You can live your life without their interference. I figured this would give you some peace of mind."

He had expected her to be angry, perhaps even heartbroken.

But he hadn’t expected her to smile....

Jiang Zhuguo lifted her sleeve, dabbing at the tears that had escaped the corners of her eyes. Though her nose and cheeks were flushed red, the corners of her lips curved upwards. Her usually somber expression softened into something almost... serene.

"Brother Wu, thank you." Her voice was steady despite the dampness in her eyes.

Her smile widened slightly, her brows arching like crescent moons.

This was a moment she never thought would come.

She should be happy, shouldn’t she?

Yet....

Even though she had always told herself that home was not just a place, but the warmth and love of the people within it——this letter was a harsh reminder that some families existed in name only.

A true home should be a place of care and protection, not a place where one was discarded like an unwanted burden.

Still, it was done. The past was behind her.

Wu Xiong scratched the back of his head, looking relieved yet still a little awkward. "You're welcome," he mumbled. "Just——if you ever need anything in the future, let me know."

Jiang Zhuguo nodded eagerly, still wiping away stray tears. "I will. Definitely."

Seeing her so resolute, Wu Xiong chuckled. "Alright then, I’ll get going."

She watched as his broad figure disappeared down the alley, the letter still clutched tightly in her hands.

She never expected Jiang Yihe to be so decisive.

But as Wu Xiong had said, this was for the best.

She was truly free now.

Jiang Zhuguo exhaled slowly, closed her eyes for a brief moment, then wiped the last of her tears away.

The east was already glowing with the first blush of morning light.

With a deep breath, she folded the letter carefully and tucked it away. Then, as if shaking off the weight of the past, she rolled up her sleeves and returned to her work.

That day, Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai remained at home, spending their time helping out where they could.

In the morning, they accompanied Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu to the market, setting up a stall to sell cold pot skewers. The fragrant scent of chili oil and spices filled the air, drawing in curious passersby. By the afternoon, they had returned to the house, lending a hand with small repairs——tightening loose wooden beams, patching up gaps in the roof, fixing an old door that had started to creak.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, both families gathered together for a meal.

Zhao Youcai had made a special trip to the county town earlier that day, returning with a small pot of wine——one that barely weighed two kilograms.

Sister Lu frowned when she saw it.

"If you're going to buy wine, at least buy more," she chided. "Why be so stingy? That little bit won’t be enough for the two of you!"

Their household had always been fortunate, thanks to the kindness of Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue. Ever since they started selling cold pot skewers, Xia Mingyue had even raised Sister Lu’s monthly wage by 200 coins, saying that her needlework and assistance were invaluable.

On top of that, they were dining at Xia Mingyue’s house again tonight.

The more Sister Lu thought about it, the more she felt Zhao Youcai was being far too frugal. She reached for the money box, ready to hand him extra silver.

"Go buy some more," she insisted.

Zhao Youcai waved her off with a laugh. "You don’t understand. It’s not about the money——this wine is rare! You can’t even buy it now, no matter how much silver you have."

Sister Lu frowned. "What do you mean?"

Zhao Youcai grinned. "This is the new Fenjiu from the Xinghua Village distillery. It’s fragrant, smooth, and mellow——completely different from ordinary rice wine!"

Sister Lu remained skeptical. "Isn’t all wine the same? Spicy going down, and makes you drunk by the end."

Zhao Youcai shook his head. "Not this one. The wine Boss explained——Fenjiu is made through an intricate process: one grinding, two moistening, three steaming, four fermenting, five distilling, and six aging. The result? A crystal-clear liquor with a deep, lingering fragrance. Here——smell it for yourself."

He uncorked the pot.

A rich, sweet aroma immediately filled the air.

Siste Lu’s nose twitched, and even she had to admit——it smelled different.

"It really is fragrant," she murmured.

Zhao Youcai beamed. "See? This pot alone cost me 800 coins! If I hadn’t gotten it early, they would’ve sold it to someone else for twice the price."

Sister Lu still thought they needed more wine, but Zhao Youcai reassured her, "Two kilograms of Fenjiu is stronger than rice wine. Trust me——it’s enough. Besides, once you taste good wine like this, you won’t want to go back to ordinary stuff."