Chapter 116-120

Chapter 116: Crispy Pork Belly

"Yes!" Zhao Dahu chimed in eagerly, "It's just like how we've gotten used to Aunt Mingyue's cooking. Now, when we eat Mother's food, it just doesn’t taste the same anymore."

"Yeah, Dad," Zhao Erhu added, nodding in agreement.

Zhao Youcai froze.

Who said “we”? Who said us?

He had never uttered such a thing in his life!

"You little brat!" Zhao Youcai barked, noticing the darkening expression on his wife’s face. Without hesitation, he reached out and smacked Zhao Dahu lightly on the head. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Zhao Dahu yelped and quickly covered his head, grimacing. "I know I was wrong! From now on, even if something is true, I’ll just keep it in my heart and never say it out loud."

Zhao Youcai’s face twitched, his eyes filled with alarm bells.

This kid! He just wanted to dunk his son’s head into a basin of water and wash that mouth clean!

Zhao Erhu sighed and pressed his fingers against his forehead, feeling an oncoming headache. "Mom, don’t be mad," he said quickly.

"Yes, Mom, don’t be angry. We’ll still eat your cooking," Zhao Dahu added, trying to mend the situation.

Even if it’s not as tasty as Aunt Mingyue’s..., we’ll still eat it, because you’re our mother.

Sister Lu stared at the three of them, speechlessly.

Why did this suddenly feel even more exhausting?

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Xia Mingyue was already hard at work.

The first dish on her list was Mouthwatering Chicken——a cold, spicy Sichuan delicacy. She retrieved the plump chicken He Shunzi had brought earlier, cleaned it thoroughly, and set a pot of water to boil. As the water reached a rolling boil, she added a splash of rice wine before carefully placing the whole chicken inside. Once it was cooked through, she swiftly transferred it to cold water, locking in the tenderness and juiciness.

Using a sharp cleaver, she sliced the meat into bite-sized pieces and arranged them in a porcelain bowl.

Then, she moved on to the sauce. She heated a pan of oil until it shimmered and poured it over chili powder and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a fragrant red oil. To this, she added salt, sugar, black vinegar, soy sauce, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and finely chopped coriander. The rich, glistening sauce was then drizzled over the tender chicken, seeping into the meat and infusing it with deep, layered flavors.

The kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma.

Next, she turned her attention to crispy fried pork belly.

She sliced thick, even strips of pork belly and marinated them in a fragrant mixture of chopped scallions, ginger, soy sauce, butter, cumin, chili powder, salt, and a dash of pepper. To create a crispy coating, she added a bit of sweet potato starch and a beaten egg, ensuring each piece was well-covered.

The wok sizzled as she dropped in the first batch, frying the pork belly until it turned a delicate golden hue. She scooped them out and let them rest briefly. When the oil temperature rose again, she returned the pieces to the hot oil for a second fry, deepening their color to a rich, crispy gold. The double-frying process ensured that the exterior remained crunchy while the interior stayed tender and juicy.

The fragrance was mouthwatering.

She had fried half a basket of pork belly, yet she suspected it still might not be enough.

Before serving, she speared a few pieces onto bamboo skewers and handed them to Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu, who had been diligently tending to the fire.

The brothers had been drooling since the moment the pork hit the oil, so they eagerly accepted the skewers.

The first bite was bliss——crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, perfectly seasoned, neither too dry nor too greasy. The interplay of flavors made it impossible to stop at just one piece.

But knowing that good things should be savored, the two brothers exchanged a glance and deliberately slowed their chewing, prolonging the enjoyment of each bite.

Xia Mingyue chuckled at their antics. "Go ahead and eat! There’s plenty of pork belly today!"

She had bought five or six pounds of it——there was no need to be stingy!

But even with her assurance, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu remained disciplined, eating with deliberate care.

Shaking her head in amusement, Xia Mingyue turned to skewer more pork belly, this time for Sister Zhou and Sister Song, who had been tirelessly working in the kitchen.

"You’ve both been working hard lately. Here, enjoy some while it’s hot," she said warmly.

Sister Zhou and Sister Song were momentarily taken aback by the generosity. Gratefully, they accepted the skewers but chose to tuck them away, intending to bring them home for their families instead.

Satisfied, Xia Mingyue moved on to preparing vegetarian dishes.

The oil left from frying the pork belly carried a rich depth of flavor, making it perfect for stir-frying.

She quickly chopped fresh green peppers, selecting the ones with slightly wrinkled skin, as she had learned that these were the most flavorful. Flattening them slightly, she sliced them into thin strips and tossed them into the hot wok. As they sizzled, she poured in the whisked eggs, letting them envelop the peppers. The result? A fragrant, golden dish where the eggs carried the aroma of the green peppers, and the peppers absorbed the richness of the eggs.

Next, she prepared garlic mashed eggplant. She peeled a large, oval eggplant and steamed it until soft. Then, she squeezed out the excess moisture and mashed it gently, mixing in freshly crushed garlic and a pinch of salt. The simplicity of the dish belied its incredible flavor——soft, savory, and slightly spicy from the garlic.

Finally, she set out a plate of boiled peanuts that had been soaking in star anise and peppercorn-infused water all afternoon, allowing them to absorb layers of aroma and spice. A cold tomato salad with a light sprinkle of sugar completed the spread.

With the dishes ready, the household gathered for dinner.

The moment Zhao Youcai and Lu Qiyan clinked their glasses of Fenjiu, the meal officially began.

The scent of the liquor mingled with the aroma of the food——the rich fragrance of mouthwatering chicken, the crispy decadence of fried pork belly, the warm comfort of stir-fried vegetables....

There was laughter, there was conversation, and there was the simple joy of good food shared with good company.

That evening, after finishing her work, Sister Song carefully carried her portion of fried pork belly home.

She removed the pieces from the bamboo skewer, sliced them into smaller portions, and began preparing a simple yet satisfying meal.

She set a pot of cornmeal batter on the stove, sticking handmade pancakes to the edges of the pot to bake. At the same time, she picked fresh beans from the yard, blanching them and tossing them in garlic sauce.

As the pancakes puffed up and the meal neared completion, a familiar figure stepped into the courtyard.

It was Li Shuisheng, her young brother-in-law.

"Sister-in-law!" He called out excitedly, presenting an oil-paper package.

Sister Song took it and unwrapped it, revealing half a roast chicken, its golden skin glistening with oil.

"Where did this come from?" She asked in surprise.

"The Luo residence held a banquet after their young master was recommended for the autumn exams," Li Shuisheng explained. "The steward let us take home the extra food."

Sister Song’s face softened with a smile. "Then we’ll eat the pork belly tonight and save the roast chicken for you tomorrow," she said, glancing at the thin, wiry boy before her.

But Li Shuisheng shook his head. "Leftover food spoils overnight. Let’s eat it all tonight!"

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Chapter 117: Fresh Meat Buns

Li Shuisheng knew his sister-in-law all too well. If he didn’t insist, she would save all the good food for him, content with eating plain meals herself.

Determined to let her enjoy the feast as well, he carried the roast chicken into the kitchen, washed his hands thoroughly, and began cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces. The sharp knife glided through the golden, crispy skin, revealing the tender, juicy flesh beneath. The aroma of roasted spices mixed with the lingering scent of freshly fried pork belly, making his stomach rumble in anticipation.

Once he was done, he scooped up a bowl of cornmeal batter, which had cooled to the perfect temperature, thick and smooth like a comforting porridge.

Sister Song watched his actions in silence. Seeing how firm he was, she chose not to argue. Instead, she turned to the blanched beans, skillfully mixing them with minced garlic, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. The simple salad carried a refreshing fragrance, complementing the richness of the meat dishes.

When everything was ready, she set the dishes on the table. But before she could say a word, she deliberately placed the plates of pork belly and roasted chicken in front of Li Shuisheng.

Without hesitation, the young man calmly pushed the dishes back toward her, his gaze unwavering. He picked up a pair of chopsticks, grabbed two generous portions of meat, and placed them into her bowl.

"Sister-in-law, eat." His voice was steady, yet filled with quiet insistence.

"You too," Madam Song said, her tone equally firm.

Li Shuisheng chuckled, his lips curving into a rare, relaxed smile. "Master Luo has been in a good mood these past few days. With the upcoming exam, there’s been a lot of celebrating in the residence. The meals have been especially lavish——I’ve been eating well.

Moreover, I've worked at the Luo residence for a while now. It seems the steward has taken notice of my efforts. He told me I might get a fifty wen increase in my wages next month."

"That’s great!" Sister Song’s face lit up. "With what I earn, we’ll have at least one or two taels of silver saved every month."

Their meals were covered by their respective jobs, and aside from rent, they had little to no other expenses. With careful budgeting, they could save a significant amount. Perhaps, in a year’s time, they might even have ten taels of silver set aside.

Encouraged by this thought, she smiled and said, "Next fall, I’ll ask a trustworthy matchmaker to find you a good marriage candidate."

At that, Li Shuisheng visibly tensed. The chopsticks in his hand paused mid-air before he quickly lowered his head, focusing on his bowl of cornmeal batter. "No rush," he muttered.

Sister Song sighed, sensing his reluctance. "You’ll turn sixteen after the New Year," she reminded him. "From the initial proposal to the final decision, it’ll take at least half a year. And after that, another half-year for wedding preparations. By the time the marriage takes place, you’ll be eighteen—certainly not too young."

Li Shuisheng frowned slightly. Eighteen wasn’t young, but... so what?

The words hovered on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back. He lowered his head further, silently chewing on a piece of cold, garlicky beans. He tore a small piece of the pancake, stuffing it into his mouth bit by bit, chewing slowly.

Sister Song watched him with understanding in her eyes. He was still young, still shy about such matters. There was no need to push him now.

She decided to let the topic rest for the time being.

The two of them ate in quiet companionship under the pale glow of the moon. No candle was lit in the small courtyard, but the warmth of the shared meal made up for the darkness.

At the same time, in another part of the town, the evening gathering at Xia Mingyue’s home had just wrapped up.

Sister Lu, after helping clean up the dishes with Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo, left to take care of her drunken husband, Zhao Youcai.

"I’ll handle the rest," Jiang Zhuguo said, taking the broom from Xia Mingyue’s hands. "Sister Xia, go look after Brother Lu."

Xia Mingyue hesitated, but remembering how Lu Qiyan had seemed quite drunk when Zhao Youcai left, she nodded. "Alright."

Yet, when she entered the main room, she found Lu Qiyan sitting calmly, drinking tea.

He looked up at her and, without missing a beat, poured a second cup, sliding it across the table towards her.

His movements were steady, precise——not a single drop of tea spilled. His eyes were sharp and clear, completely devoid of drunkenness.

Xia Mingyue blinked, confused. "Weren’t you... drunk?"

Lu Qiyan smiled faintly. "Brother Youcai enjoys drinking until he’s completely gone. If I don’t at least pretend to be tipsy, he’ll think I didn’t enjoy myself enough and will find another occasion to make up for it."

Realization dawned on her. "Ah... so that’s why."

He wasn’t just a good drinker——he was also smart. And thoughtful.

But now that she thought about it... the Fenjiu they drank tonight was far stronger than ordinary rice wine. Zhao Youcai, after just a few cups, had been rambling incoherently, yet Lu Qiyan appeared completely unaffected.

She narrowed her eyes. He must have an impressive tolerance for alcohol.

Lu Qiyan chuckled, leaning back slightly. "Maybe I was just born this way."

Xia Mingyue was stunned.

She hadn’t said it out loud——how did he know what she was thinking?

Could he read minds?

Amused, she deliberately thought something absurd, What if I secretly called him a 'fool' in my head? Would he notice?

She peered at him expectantly, waiting for a reaction.

Feeling her intense stare, Lu Qiyan instinctively touched his cheek. "Do I have something on my face?"

Xia Mingyue paused, loss for words.

Never mind.

This man was just naturally perceptive.

Shaking off her thoughts, she shifted the conversation. "I should prepare some things for you to take with you tomorrow."

"There’s no need. Just a set of clothes will do," Lu Qiyan replied.

"Alright." She nodded, then added, "It’s getting late. You should rest early."

"Mm."

After washing up, both of them retired for the night.

As she lay facing the wall, Xia Mingyue went over the tasks she had planned for the morning.

Meanwhile, Lu Qiyan lay quietly, unable to fall asleep. He didn’t want to toss and turn, lest he disturb her. Instead, he reached for the two amulets that Xia Mingyue had left by the head of the kang.

He held them in his palm for a long time, his fingers tightening around the fabric.

She had prepared these for him.

For his safety.

A soft sigh escaped him. If only these amulets truly had the power to guarantee a peaceful journey.

At dawn, Xia Mingyue woke early to prepare breakfast.

She mixed fresh pork filling with aromatic bone broth, scallions soaked in hot water, minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a final drizzle of fragrant sesame oil. Stirring the mixture in one direction, she ensured the flavors blended seamlessly, creating a rich, juicy filling.

Instead of fully leavened dough, she used a semi-fermented method, inspired by Goubuli buns. Rolling the dough into strips, she pinched even pleats along the edges, forming delicate, chrysanthemum-like folds.

Once steamed, the buns emerged fluffy, with a soft texture that contrasted beautifully with the savory filling.

Paired with a bowl of warm egg drop soup and a few refreshing side dishes, breakfast was simple yet deeply satisfying.

Lu Qiyan didn’t offer excessive compliments. Instead, he merely ate——bite after deliberate bite——letting his actions speak for themselves.

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Chapter 118: Installments

A large bamboo basket of freshly steamed meat buns rested on the stove, their fragrant aroma filling the air. The golden morning light streamed through the wooden window, casting a warm glow over the small kitchen.

Lu Qiyan, seated at the simple wooden table, ate with his usual steady composure. But today, he was particularly voracious. Without realizing it, he had devoured half the basket in one go.

Across from him, Jiang Zhuguo took her time enjoying the meal, savoring each bite. She had already eaten four buns but still reached for another, sighing in satisfaction. “Sister Xia, these buns are incredible. If they were sold in the marketplace, they’d be snatched up before they even left the steamer.”

Her words weren’t mere flattery. The buns were light yet substantial, their filling bursting with rich, juicy flavors. The semi-fermented dough, soft but with a slight chewiness, complemented the seasoned pork perfectly.

Jiang Zhuguo, now accustomed to Xia Mingyue’s culinary creativity, looked at her expectantly. “Does this delicious bun have a name?”

Many of her dishes had unique and catchy names——like the mouthwatering chicken they had eaten the night before, the popular cold pot skewers, and the famous Dezhou braised chicken. She was curious to know what name Xia Mingyue had come up with this time.

Xia Mingyue chuckled. “Actually, this bun does have a name. It’s called Goubuli.”

“Goubuli?” Jiang Zhuguo frowned slightly. The name sounded both ordinary and unusual at the same time. “Why would a dog ignore such delicious buns? Wu Jin would never turn his nose up at them.”

She laughed. “It’s not about the buns themselves, but about the man who first made them. His name was Gouzi, and he was so skilled that people flocked to his shop every day. He was always too busy kneading dough and steaming buns to chat with his customers, so people joked that he ‘sold buns but ignored people’——thus, the name Goubuli.”

Jiang Zhuguo chuckled at the story, nodding in understanding.

Lu Qiyan, who had been listening quietly, raised an eyebrow. He had never heard of such a name before. He assumed that the shop Xia Mingyue spoke of was only well-known in Chuzhou, where she had grown up. But whether the name was famous or not, the buns themselves were undeniably delicious.

Despite feeling full, he found himself hesitating. His gaze drifted toward the last few buns in the basket. After a brief internal debate, he reached out and picked one up.

The moment he brought it to his lips, a loud burp escaped him.

The sound was so unexpected——and so loud——that Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo both turned to look at him.

Lu Qiyan stiffened. For a man who carried himself with quiet dignity, this was a rare moment of embarrassment. He hesitated, debating whether to continue eating or set the bun down. After a moment’s thought, he took a decisive bite.

Burping meant that the trapped gas had been expelled, right? That meant there was more room in his stomach. Logically, he could fit in one more bun.

Xia Mingyue, observing his thought process, held back a laugh. Instead, she turned toward the kitchen, where another basket of buns sat cooling. She carefully removed them from the pot and arranged them in a clean bamboo basket.

Once breakfast was finished and the dishes were put away, she wrapped the cooled meat buns in a clean cloth and tucked them neatly into a bag.

“The weather is cooler now,” she said, tying the bag securely. “The buns should last for a day or two without spoiling.”

Lu Qiyan took the bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He nodded but hesitated before speaking. “We won’t be back for the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Xia Mingyue’s hands paused in the act of smoothing the cloth covering the buns. “How long will you be away?”

“At least two months,” he replied. His tone was calm, but his eyes flickered with something more serious. “Even if the warfront is quiet, there’s still a lot to do——rebuilding the city, reinforcing defenses, training new recruits. The situation remains unstable.”

She nodded, fully aware that his duties extended far beyond the battlefield. “Take care, Brother Qiyan.”

Lu Qiyan gave a faint nod. After a moment’s pause, he added in a low voice, “You take care of yourself, too.”

Xia Mingyue smiled. “I will.”

Neither of them said more after that. The conversation had reached a natural end, but an unspoken understanding lingered between them.

By the time the sun had risen higher in the sky, Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai had finished packing their things. Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu accompanied them to the city gate.

At the threshold of the bustling street, Lu Qiyan turned back one last time. His gaze rested on Xia Mingyue, lingering as if he wanted to say something more.

But in the end, he only repeated the same words. “Take care of yourself.”

Xia Mingyue, seeing his hesitation, raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Take care, Brother Qiyan.”

With that, there was nothing left to say.

Lu Qiyan exhaled, nodded, and strode forward. The city gates loomed ahead, and with steady steps, he and Zhao Youcai disappeared beyond them.

Xia Mingyue stood watching for a while before turning back. There was still work to do.

Because they had taken the time to see Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai off, she and Sister Lu set up their stall slightly later than usual.

Some of their regular customers had already gathered, waiting for them.

“Madam Xia, you’re late today,” one of the familiar patrons teased with a smile.

Xia Mingyue chuckled as she handed the man a paper cup filled with skewers. “Half an hour late. We’ll be on time tomorrow.”

She scooped a spoonful of fragrant chili oil onto the skewers, the rich aroma wafting through the air.

The man took a deep breath and grinned. “This chili oil is something else. I’ve started using it to mix with cucumbers at home.”

“Yes, it's a great idea." She replied before she added, "Slow down and enjoy,” Xia Mingyue said as she moved on to the next customer.

By midday, the stall had nearly sold out. Only a few skewers of vegetarian options remained.

Just as they were about to start packing up, a woman in her late twenties approached. She had a determined look in her eyes.

Before she could speak, Xia Mingyue said, “I’m sorry, there are only four skewers of vegetables left. If you don’t mind, I can give you a discount.”

The woman shook her head. “That’s not why I’m here. You must be Madam Xia?”

Xia Mingyue studied her for a moment before nodding. “Yes. And you are?”

“My surname is Qiao,” the woman said. “I heard that you’re allowing others to franchise your cold pot skewers business. I wanted to ask about it.”

Xia Mingyue’s interest piqued. “If you’d like to discuss it in detail, let’s talk at home.”

Back at her house, Xia Mingyue explained everything clearly:

The franchise fee was three taels of silver. Vendors could sell cold pot skewers in the summer and oden in the winter. The stall cart had to be custom-made for one tael of silver. While vegetables and tofu could be sourced independently, the meat, soup base, seasonings, bamboo skewers, and packaging had to be purchased from Xia Ji.

Strict rules applied——fresh ingredients daily, no overnight leftovers, and pricing had to remain consistent.

Madam Qiao listened attentively, nodding frequently. But when Xia Mingyue finished, she hesitated before speaking.

“I want to join, but I don’t have enough silver,” Madam Qiao admitted. “I can pay two taels now, and for the remaining two, I can give you five hundred coins per month for five months. That way, I’ll even pay a little extra.”

Xia Mingyue didn’t respond immediately, making Madam Qiao shift uneasily.

After a moment, Madam Qiao sighed. “To be honest, my husband was injured in the army. He can’t work anymore, and most of our money went toward his medicine. Our situation is difficult.”

Hearing this, Xia Mingyue’s expression softened.

She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, thinking.

Perhaps, there was a way to make this work.

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Chapter 119: Fish and Fishing

Madam Qiao lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting the hem of her sleeve as she took a slow breath. "I am a woman, and there aren't many ways for me to make money," she admitted, her voice steady but tinged with quiet determination. "I’ve thought it through——Madam Xia’s cold pot skewers are simple to make, and they taste excellent. If I can sell them, I believe the business will do well." She looked up, meeting Xia Mingyue’s eyes. "That’s why I came to ask."

She hesitated for a moment before adding, "If Madam Xia finds it difficult to accommodate, please forget that I was ever here. I understand that this is my family’s hardship, and no one is obligated to help us."

Her tone was calm, without resentment or desperation——just the simple acceptance of someone who had long since learned not to expect kindness from others. If Xia Mingyue was willing to offer assistance, she would be deeply grateful. If not, she would not complain.

Xia Mingyue tapped her fingertips lightly against the table, deep in thought. After a moment, she said, "Madam Qiao, allow me two days to consider this. I will give you an answer then."

Madam Qiao nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Madam Xia. I won’t disturb you further." She rose, adjusted her slightly worn shawl, and left with a quiet grace.

As soon as she was gone, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu exchanged a glance. Without another word, they set out to investigate the Qiao family’s situation.

By the following afternoon, they had gathered all the details.

It was just as Madam Qiao had said——her husband, Liu Shanhuai, had been a squadron leader in the army. In the recent siege of Changzhou Prefecture, he had suffered grievous injuries. An enemy blade had severed half his arm, and his foot had been severely wounded by caltrops. Under normal circumstances, such injuries might not have left him crippled, but the battlefield had been a brutal place. The military doctors had been overwhelmed, medical supplies had been scarce, and the delayed treatment had led to severe infections. In the end, to save his life, they had been forced to amputate his leg.

Now, Liu Shanhuai was a man robbed of his strength, his position, and his ability to provide for his family.

He and Madam Qiao had two young children——an eight-year-old son and a daughter just four years old. Their household expenses were mounting, and the silver granted by the Imperial Court was barely enough to cover his medical costs, let alone sustain the family.

That night, as Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu sat in their courtyard, the weight of reality settled upon them.

"When I was out asking around today, I saw several homes draped with mourning cloth," Sister Lu murmured, rubbing his hands together against the evening chill. "And the pharmacy was packed——people coming and going, desperate for medicine. Many families must be in the same situation as the Qiao family."

Xia Mingyue nodded slowly. "A soldier’s pay is often the lifeblood of an entire household. When something happens to them...," She sighed. "Survival becomes an uphill battle."

The Imperial Court had allocated relief funds for war casualties, but the need was too great, and the silver too little. Severely wounded soldiers often found themselves struggling to afford even the most basic treatment.

"No wonder we’ve had more people inquiring about the cold pot skewers franchise these past few days," Xia Mingyue mused, pursing her lips.

She drummed her fingers against the table, deep in thought. Finally, she said, "Let’s modify the franchise structure."

Sister Lu straightened. "What do you mean?"

"The stall cart costs one tael of silver——this is non-negotiable, as it goes directly to the carpenter. However, instead of demanding the full three taels of silver upfront for the franchise, we’ll allow franchisees to pay three hundred coins per month, beginning from the third month of operation, for a total of ten months. By then, they should have enough income to manage the installments."

Sister Lu’s eyes lit up. "That would help a lot of people."

"But," Xia Mingyue added, her expression firm, "this special arrangement will only be available to war widows and families whose main providers were injured in battle."

Sister Lu exhaled slowly, considering the implications. "This.., this could really change lives."

"And we need extra hands here too," Xia Mingyue continued. "Especially for preparing fish balls. Let’s spread the word that we’re hiring, and just like with the franchise, we’ll give priority to people from affected families."

Sister Lu nodded quickly. "That makes sense."

Jiang Zhuguo, who had been listening quietly, suddenly frowned. "But there will be more people in need than we can help. What if resentment grows among those we can’t accommodate?"

Xia Mingyue smiled faintly. "If someone harbors resentment over this, it only proves that they would have been a poor choice to begin with. A person who is constantly bitter and feels the world owes them will always be dissatisfied——no matter how much you help them."

Jiang Zhuguo thought about this and eventually nodded in agreement. "You’re right, Sister Xia."

She had seen such people before——individuals who never appreciated what was given to them, only dwelling on what they did not receive.

She clenched her fists, pushing away unnecessary thoughts. "Alright! If Sister Xia is expanding the franchise, I want to help however I can!"

The next morning, Xia Mingyue visited the academy to find Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang. She needed copies of the franchise agreements, and there was no one better suited to the task.

As a token of appreciation, she brought a selection of fish ball dishes——boiled fish balls in a spicy soup, piping hot fish ball stew served in clay pots, and crispy fried fish balls wrapped in oil paper.

The aroma filled the air, making the two scholars visibly salivate.

But Zhang Mingyi quickly waved his hands in protest. "Madam Xia, we appreciate your kindness, but our headmaster has been keeping an eye on us! No outside food is allowed in the academy anymore."

Fan Pingyang sighed dramatically. "Ever since we organized those food runs, the teachers treat us like criminals! If we get caught with this, we might be sentenced to copying texts for days!"

Xia Mingyue chuckled, packing the food back up. "I’ll save these for you to enjoy once your exams are over."

Zhang Mingyi sighed wistfully. "After the exams, I’m camping at your stall for three days straight."

Fan Pingyang, however, had a different idea. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "You’re thinking too small, Mingyi! I’m going to see if my family wants to invest in a stall. That way, I can eat whenever I want!"

Xia Mingyue laughed, shaking her head. "You certainly know how to plan for the future, Young Master Fan."

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Chapter 120: Slap

Zhang Mingyi was momentarily speechless. Then, as realization dawned, his eyes lit up.

Wow, this was actually possible!

He turned to Fan Pingyang and gave him a big thumbs-up. "If you succeed, remember to call me!"

Fan Pingyang snorted, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. "What would you even do? You can’t wash dishes, you can’t cook, and you’re terrible at dealing with customers. As for accounting and writing, I can handle those myself."

Zhang Mingyi wasn’t the least bit discouraged. He grinned playfully and said, "That’s fine. My talent lies elsewhere. I’ll just sit at the stall and eat to my heart’s content. Imagine people passing by, seeing me wolfing down skewer after skewer——won’t that make their mouths water?"

A real, living signboard!

Fan Pingyang stared at him, speechless.

Damn it, that actually made sense!

After securing the franchise agreement, Xia Mingyue wasted no time. She made her way to Madam Qiao’s house and explained the preferential franchise policy to her in detail.

"Madam Qiao, you don’t have to pay the full three taels upfront," Xia Mingyue said gently. "You only need to pay one or two taels for now. The rest can be covered through monthly installments once your stall starts making a profit."

Madam Qiao had originally come prepared to negotiate——she had hoped that Xia Mingyue might allow her to defer part of the payment, but she had never expected such a generous offer. No interest, no added burden, just a clear path forward.

Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together. "Really? I only need to pay that much first?"

"Yes," Xia Mingyue confirmed with a nod.

Madam Qiao hurriedly bowed. "Thank you, Madam Xia! Thank you so much!" Her voice was thick with emotion, and she repeated her gratitude over and over again.

"If you’re free this afternoon, you can come to my house to sign the agreement," Xia Mingyue continued. "I’ll also walk you through the process of making cold pot skewers."

She paused before adding, "Also, if you know others who are in similar situations——families struggling due to the war, people with good character but little means——let them know about this opportunity. Times are tough, but if we support each other, we’ll make it through."

Madam Qiao’s eyes turned misty.

She thought back to the day Liu Shanhuai had been sent home from the battlefield, broken and bloodied. She had stood frozen in their small courtyard, staring at the man who had once been strong and proud——now missing an arm, his leg too wounded to bear weight. At that moment, her world had crumbled.

For days, she had wandered through the fog of despair, unable to see a future beyond survival. But now, a sliver of light was breaking through.

Madam Xia was a truly kind person.

Madam Qiao wiped her eyes before the tears could spill over.

After seeing Xia Mingyue off, she wasted no time and immediately began preparing the silver.

Meanwhile, Liu Shanhuai lay on the bed, watching her movements. His injury had stabilized, but even once the wound healed completely, he would still be a cripple.

The thought weighed heavily on him.

He let out a quiet sigh and struggled to sit up.

Madam Qiao turned quickly, rushing to support him. She placed a firm hand behind his back and helped him adjust his position against the mattress.

Despite his weakened state, Liu Shanhuai was a broad-shouldered man. Even after losing weight due to his injuries, he was still much heavier than Madam Qiao, who was petite and slender. By the time she had settled him properly, she was slightly out of breath.

"Thank you," Liu Shanhuai said, guilt lacing his voice.

"Enough of that," Madam Qiao replied, waving off his words as she caught her breath. "You must have heard everything just now. Madam Xia is helping us immensely———she’s giving us a huge discount. In a few days, once I start selling cold pot skewers, our lives will improve."

She clenched her fists and added with conviction, "I will support our family, no matter what."

Liu Shanhuai didn’t respond immediately. He lowered his gaze, staring at his remaining hand, the scars that had begun to form over his amputated limb.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "When you have time... go to the street and find someone to write a divorce letter for you."

Madam Qiao froze.

Liu Shanhuai forced himself to continue. "You’re still young. You should be able to...."

Find a new husband. Someone whole. Someone who could give her a better life.

Before he could finish, a sharp smack echoed through the room.

Liu Shanhuai blinked. His cheek stung.

Then——smack!——another slap landed, followed by a third.

Madam Qiao, usually gentle and soft-spoken, was now standing with her hands on her hips, her eyes red-rimmed and blazing with fury.

"You! How dare you?" she yelled, her voice shaking with anger. "Do you want me to become the kind of woman people whisper about behind her back? Do you want others to say I abandoned my husband the moment he became disabled? You want me to live with that shame?"

Her voice cracked, but she pressed on. "I have lived my entire life with dignity! I have never done anything that would cause others to look down on me! And now, you——you——dare to suggest something so disgraceful?"

She pointed a trembling finger at him. "Listen well, Liu Shanhuai! I will pretend I never heard those words today. But if you ever say something like that again, I swear——I’ll slap you until your face swells up like a pig’s head!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, the dam broke. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her lips quivering uncontrollably.

Liu Shanhuai could only stare.

The timid, delicate woman he had married——the one who had always relied on him, who had always needed his protection——was now standing before him like an unyielding force, hands balled into fists, glaring at him through her tears.

His throat tightened. His vision blurred.

"Did you hear me?" Madam Qiao demanded, her voice still trembling.

Liu Shanhuai swallowed the lump in his throat. "I heard you."

A deep ache settled in his chest, but it was not from his wounds.

That afternoon, Madam Qiao visited Xia Mingyue’s home, paid her initial two taels of silver, and signed the franchise agreement.

Xia Mingyue immediately contacted the carpenter to commission the stall cart and then began training Madam Qiao on how to make cold pot skewers.

"The key to good skewers lies in the soup base," Xia Mingyue explained. "It must be fragrant, rich, and full of depth. Fresh ingredients are equally important——never compromise on quality."

She demonstrated how to prepare the broth using chicken bones and large marrow bones, letting them simmer until the soup turned milky and flavorful. Then, she showed Madam Qiao how to properly skewer vegetables and meats.

"Never use stale ingredients," Xia Mingyue warned. "If you try to be clever and cut corners, people will notice. And once you lose their trust, you’ll never win it back."

Madam Qiao listened intently, nodding at every instruction. She had always been meticulous in her cooking, and within two days, she had already mastered the techniques.

As the carpenter worked on the stall cart, Madam Qiao continued coming to Xia Mingyue’s house daily——practicing, helping with prep work, and refining her skills.

Meanwhile, news of Xia Mingyue’s franchise discount spread.

Families that had hesitated before were now coming forward, eager for a chance to start their own businesses.

To ensure the right people were selected, Xia Mingyue once again turned to the Zhao brothers——Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu——to investigate each applicant’s background and character.