The next morning, Yuan Zhao woke up with swollen eyes and a slightly swollen face, but his mood was unexpectedly good.
The atmosphere at home was even better than before. Yuan Yuan was the happiest—he felt as if his words from the night before had “fixed” everything, and kept enthusiastically serving food. The unsuspecting might think Shi Wuxiang had been bullying the child.
Business at the stall proceeded as usual. As the weather grew colder, customers crowded around the stove, refusing to queue properly and instead huddling near the stall for warmth.
Yuan Zhao thought he should build a better windproof shelter soon.
By noon, the sun finally rose higher and warmth returned. It was time to move the stall near the academy again.
He had originally not wanted to go, but Shi Wuxiang had said recently he could continue selling there—likely related to a message passed through the constables.
When they arrived, it happened to be dismissal time. The students poured out eagerly, eyes fixed on the stall. Yuan Zhao began setting up right where he always had.
“What’s going on? Why don’t they have to hide it today?”
“Could it be that the academy cafeteria is really going to introduce wraps? I want more side dishes!”
“No idea. I only heard that Master Cui was once summoned for questioning, but I don’t know who called him. Surely it can’t be the county magistrate?”
They all guessed and discussed, but no one knew what was really happening. In any case, as long as it didn’t affect their ability to buy food, it didn’t matter.
Yuan Zhao quickly finished making the food and hurried to serve it out. Cheng Du took the opportunity to ask a couple of questions.
“I don’t know either,” Yuan Zhao replied. “A-Sang said I could set up a stall here, so I came. I didn’t see Master Cui or his brother-in-law today.”
“The cafeteria food is really awful,” Cheng Du sighed. “If other food stalls could come here too, that would be great. I’d even eat more vegetables.”
He wasn’t particularly driven by appetite, but the bad food made him feel weak even when studying.
Fu Ying beside him also nodded slightly and absentmindedly patted Yuan Yuan’s round little head.
Yuan Yuan puffed his cheeks and quietly leaned closer so he could be petted more easily.
Yuan Zhao thought for a moment and asked, “What do you want to eat? If I come to set up stalls, I can bring it for you.”
“Anything is fine. The cafeteria food is really terrible. We only rely on your wraps now,” Cheng Du sighed. The other students behind him nodded in agreement.
“Can’t you discuss it again with the headmaster?” Yuan Zhao frowned. “Shouldn’t he care about the students’ opinions? If the food is bad, there should be another solution.”
“It’s not that simple,” someone replied. “The cafeteria is run by Master Cui’s relatives. The headmaster has to consider their face, so it’s difficult.”
“We’ve suggested it before, but it was all rejected. We can only endure it.”
The students clearly disliked the cafeteria food. Many of them survived on Yuan Zhao’s stall alone.
Yuan Zhao felt sympathy, but he couldn’t just interfere casually. As long as the cafeteria manager wasn’t replaced, he wouldn’t cooperate with the academy—he was even worried they might steal his recipe.
“What’s been going on in the academy recently?” Yuan Zhao asked casually, giving Cheng Du a look.
Cheng Du understood immediately and, after mentioning a few harmless topics, finally brought up Li Qingwei.
“He hasn’t been coming to the academy recently,” Cheng Du said. “I heard something happened at home. It seems different from last time. Not just him—many students have withdrawn recently.”
“What happened?” Yuan Zhao was surprised.
The previous incident had been about accounting issues and tax problems. But what about this time? Could it be Cold Food Powder?
A few students who knew more cautiously spoke up.
“The constables have been investigating merchants recently, and there’s even talk about Cold Food Powder. He suddenly stopped coming—maybe it’s related.”
“I heard the same. My father was so nervous when the constables came he practically let them search the entire house.”
“So those who withdrew recently… are they all because of Cold Food Powder?”
“If that’s true, shouldn’t the academy also be investigated? That stuff is basically slow poison. Why would anyone take it?”
Ordinary scholars didn’t fully understand, but there were always people who tried shortcuts. Unable to keep up with studies, they relied on drugs to maintain focus.
They knew it was dangerous, yet still took the risk—hoping to pass the exams before the effects showed. But the substance was highly addictive and difficult to quit.
Yuan Zhao listened and gradually understood. Master Cui had likely been summoned by the magistrate, which explained his absence. As for the others leaving, it might all be connected to Cold Food Powder.
He stopped thinking about it further and finished his stall work before heading home.
On the way back, he kept thinking about what the students said. He also wanted to try other foods, but he didn’t want others to profit too easily from it—better to develop something himself.
“Isn’t there anything convenient to eat?” Yuan Zhao muttered, a little troubled.
Street stalls avoided the academy either because they were afraid, or because their food wasn’t easy for students to carry.
Shi Qingyue suddenly had an idea. He recalled something from old books—thinly sliced meat used for hot pot.
“If meat can be boiled in hot pot,” he said excitedly, “then why not just stir-fry it instead?”
Yuan Zhao blinked. “That… might make sense? I don’t really understand. Should we try it?”
“Let’s do it!”
Once they got to work, the entire family became energetic. They cut pork into slices, heated the pan, and prepared ingredients.
Shi Zhang immediately suggested, “If we’re stir-frying meat, we should add seasoning too.”
Shi Qingran and Yuan Yuan ran off to fetch spices.
The pan heated up, the meat sizzled immediately, and because pork already had fat, no extra oil was needed. Yuan Zhao accidentally grabbed chili powder instead of another seasoning and sprinkled it in.
Thinking it was a waste to throw away, he quickly added salt and stir-fried everything together before plating it.
“This is all meat… I messed up with the chili,” he worried.
“I’ll try first!” Shi Qingyue said immediately, unconcerned, and took a bite.
It was hot, spicy, and a little salty—but surprisingly delicious.
The stir-fried meat carried a strong aroma, the chili didn’t overpower the flavor, and it was still very fragrant.
“It’s good!”
Encouraged, Yuan Zhao made more, adjusting the seasoning and adding garlic. The result improved even further.
Everyone agreed it tasted excellent.
Even Yuan Zhao was surprised. His cooking skills were usually average at best.
“I’ll make more. I’ll save some for A-Sang too,” he said happily.
As soon as Shi Wuxiang was mentioned, everyone realized it was getting dark.
Later that night, Shi Wuxiang returned and immediately smelled the rich aroma of cooked meat.
“What are you all busy with? Didn’t you come to meet me at the village entrance?” he asked lightly.
“We made a new dish,” Yuan Zhao replied. “I saved some for you. Try it.”
Shi Wuxiang already guessed it was some kind of roasted or stir-fried meat.
And he was right.
A bowl of thinly sliced, seasoned meat was placed in front of him. The aroma alone was inviting.
He took a bite. The flavor was good—simple but satisfying. The only flaw was that it lacked variety in texture.
“How is it?” Yuan Zhao asked expectantly.
“Not bad,” Shi Wuxiang said. “But meat alone isn’t enough. Add some greens or pickled vegetables. It’ll balance the taste better.”
Yuan Zhao hesitated. “But people mostly like meat… won’t vegetables make it less popular?”
“Some people will want meat only, some will want balance. You should prepare both options. It keeps things refreshing,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly.
Yuan Zhao nodded slowly. “Then I’ll prepare for a couple more days and start selling it.”
He then talked about the academy happenings—Cui Qi, Li Qingwei, and the investigations.
Shi Wuxiang listened without much surprise.
“No need to rush,” he said. “These things don’t resolve overnight. With their current standing, they won’t fall easily.”
Cui Qi had official scholarly status, so even the county magistrate could only reprimand him a few times at most. As for the Li family, everyone knew they were not good people—but without solid proof that they were selling Cold Food Powder, all speculation remained just that: speculation.
Yuan Zhao could only sigh. “Then we can only leave it like this for now.”
Shi Wuxiang set down his chopsticks. Yuan Zhao immediately cleaned up the dishes, washed his hands, and went back into the room. Outside, the night wind was cold and sharp.
Two thick quilts had been laid out on the bed.
Yuan Zhao first climbed into the inner quilt, then patted the pillow beside him. “Come on, it’s getting colder. Or you can just study at the small table on the bed. I’ll just lie here and won’t disturb you.”
Shi Wuxiang glanced at him but said nothing. He simply climbed into the quilt. Asking someone to study in bed while another person lay beside them comfortably was torture in itself.
Not to mention, if the other person was right there sleeping, it made concentrating even harder.
“What are you doing not speaking?” Yuan Zhao nudged him.
Then suddenly, a not-very-warm foot pressed against his. Yuan Zhao immediately hissed and tried to pull back, but Shi Wuxiang hooked his legs and dragged his feet right into his own quilt.
“I’m not coming over…” Yuan Zhao muttered, suddenly a little shy.
He kept thinking about last night. They had already made things clear—but now Shi Wuxiang was acting like this again. It felt deliberate.
Shi Wuxiang simply lifted his quilt, opening his arms in invitation. “Are you sure you’re not coming over?”
“Coming! Coming!” Yuan Zhao instantly kicked off his own quilt and slipped over, then hugged him tightly. “I can hug you, right?”
“You’re already hugging.”
Yuan Zhao grinned foolishly, occasionally nudging his legs excitedly. This was the first time Shi Wuxiang had held him before falling asleep.
“Stop moving. Sleep,” Shi Wuxiang patted his back lightly.
The unfamiliar yet deeply familiar gesture made Yuan Zhao drowsy. He pressed closer. “Pat me… I’m almost asleep…”
Shi Wuxiang clicked his tongue softly but still continued patting him. “Sleep properly.”
Yuan Zhao nestled into his arms, finding a comfortable position. Under the steady rhythm of his back being patted, he drifted off.
Yuan Zhao was the kind of person who, once he decided to do something, had to do it immediately.
After two days of practice, his stir-fried sliced meat dish was finally ready, along with the side dishes Shi Wuxiang had suggested. He didn’t prepare too much at first, afraid of waste if it didn’t sell.
At the town stall, Yuan Yuan obediently tended the fire. Yuan Zhao and Madam Shi Zhang each worked a stove. Once the pan heated up, Yuan Zhao quickly cooked a portion of the meat first to let the aroma spread.
And it worked.
The smell of meat instantly attracted customers.
“What is that? Smells amazing!”
“Stir-fried meat slices! Freshly sliced and cooked on the spot!” Yuan Zhao shouted while cooking. “First come, first served!”
“How much is it? How big is a portion?”
“Is there vegetables inside? Give me one! Add garlic too!”
“Hey, I was asking first!”
“Ask later! Don’t block the queue!”
Yuan Zhao quickly stopped them. “This is a sample portion. You can try it before deciding whether to buy.”
“What? It’s not for sale? Then sell it to me directly!”
“I’m in a hurry!”
“No, I’m asking first!”
Despite the chaos, Yuan Zhao insisted everyone try it before buying.
And once they did—
There was no stopping it.
The meat sold out almost instantly. Even though Yuan Zhao priced it at ten coins per portion—more expensive than a pound of meat—customers still bought it eagerly.
Once the meat was gone, only wraps and egg pancakes remained, but business was still booming.
When they went to the academy stall later, the scholars who had smelled the meat were already crowded around.
But—
“Only wraps and egg pancakes today,” Yuan Zhao said with a sheepish grin. “The stir-fried meat is already sold out. I didn’t make much…”
“What?! My meat!”
The scholars wailed in disappointment. Some even begged him to bring more the next day.
“Please! Make sure you sell it to us tomorrow!”
“Don’t forget us!”
Yuan Zhao blushed from all the shouting but nodded obediently.
By the time they closed up and headed home, the day felt both long and strangely short.
When they returned, fresh gossip was already waiting for them.
Yuan Xiangxiang’s marriage date with the widower Wang had been set.
The date was deliberately made soon, likely to prevent her from running away. Meanwhile, the neighboring village of Xiahe was in an uproar.
The Yuan family next door and the Zhou family lived side by side—one constantly noisy and chaotic, the other full of joy.
When Zhou He’s fiancé from the Weng family came to deliver gifts, they could hear Yuan Xiangxiang cursing nonstop in the background.
“Why set it so early?” Madam Zhou asked, confused. “Isn’t next month the original date?”
“I’ve already prepared everything,” Wen Qingshan said calmly. “Furniture, dowry, banquet arrangements—they’re all ready. I just want to bring He’er home sooner.”
His sincerity pleased both parents, though they were still puzzled by the rush.
“The neighbors keep fighting every day,” he added bluntly. “I’m worried they might cause trouble out of jealousy.”
At that, Madam Zhou suddenly remembered how often Yuan Xiangxiang glared toward their house. A chill ran through her.
Father Zhou also frowned. “With those kinds of neighbors… who knows what they might do.”
So the date was moved forward—to the 22nd of the month.
Ironically, it was even earlier than Yuan Xiangxiang’s wedding.
Everything was arranged quietly.
Zhou He came to find Yuan Zhao immediately after.
“Twenty-second? That soon?” Yuan Zhao asked, glancing instinctively at his stomach.
“Hey—what are you looking at!” Zhou He immediately covered him. “Don’t think nonsense!”
After clarifying the misunderstanding, Zhou He explained everything about the rushed wedding.
Yuan Zhao nodded. “Then it makes sense. That family… they really might do something crazy.”
Zhou He sighed. “So I came to tell you early. You’ll come to the wedding banquet, right? Bring Yuan Yuan too.”
“Of course,” Yuan Zhao said. “I’ll also ask A-Sang if he can come. What about gifts? Do you want anything?”
Zhou He thought for a moment and said, “I don’t really want anything right now. Just come eat the banquet. If you feel bad about it, just give three or five coins.”
“I understand,” Yuan Zhao nodded, looking at him with genuine happiness. In a place like Xiahe Village, leaving early was probably the best thing.
That night.
As soon as Shi Wuxiang returned, Yuan Zhao immediately told him about the matter. He still remembered how they had argued the last time this topic came up, so he spoke a little cautiously.
“So… I’ll go with you then?” Shi Wuxiang asked softly.
“I calculated it. You’ll be busy that day. I’ll just take Yuan Yuan,” Yuan Zhao said confidently, thinking he was being very considerate.
Shi Wuxiang, however, worried he was being passive-aggressive and immediately said firmly, “I’m going. I’ll go with you. Even if I have to change shifts, I’m going.”
He had to go.