The snow outside had stopped.
Shi Wuxiang rested indoors, while Yuan Zhao led the family in clearing snow from the yard and roof. If left uncleared, the accumulated weight could crack the tiles.
Fortunately, this first snowfall brought more freshness than trouble. Together they cleared pathways through the yard. Though snow looked light, it was difficult to remove.
After clearing several paths, their exposed skin felt cold, but their bodies were sweating. Once they warmed up, they would feel much better.
Yuan Zhao was especially sensitive to the cold wind. Even with a scarf, the wind slipped through, raising red welts across his face and body.
He endured the itching and continued working, knowing it would fade once he warmed up.
“Mother, the roof is easy to clear. A’Yue and I can handle it,” Yuan Zhao said.
Madam Shi nodded and went to check on the livestock.
Using makeshift brooms, they pushed snow off the sloped roof in heavy chunks, which fell into the yard with a thud, making the children below squeal and laugh.
“Keep it down—big brother is sleeping,” Shi Qingyue warned.
After finishing, they piled the snow in the yard and began building snowmen, even throwing snowballs at each other, their laughter impossible to contain.
Inside, Shi Wuxiang faintly heard the noise and felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if he had experienced such a scene before.
Yuan Zhao entered, bringing in a gust of cold air. After shaking off the chill, he approached the bed.
“A’Xiang, feeling better?”
“Mm. Aren’t you going to play?”
“I’m staying with you,” Yuan Zhao said, leaning by the bed with a slightly pleading tone.
For some reason, Shi Wuxiang felt a rare sense of loneliness. The lively noise outside contrasted sharply with the empty room when he woke.
Yuan Zhao felt like a beam of light slipping through a crack.
“Keeping me company will be boring,” he said.
“Not at all! I’m never boring!” Yuan Zhao grinned.
Shi Wuxiang smiled faintly. “Then it’s my fault.”
Yuan Zhao waved it off generously. “I forgive you.”
…
“We’re not here to eat. The guy tailing Cui Qi said he saw him go into the county.”
“After he came back, he looked really pleased, like he had taken care of something major. He must be planning to do something bad! He even mentioned the Li family.”
Yuan Zhao was a little surprised. “Are the two families really about to have a happy occasion?”
“Yeah, but Cui Qi seems to really dislike Li Qingwei. He said he’s going to ruin them!”
That was no small matter.
Yuan Zhao had been thinking about the academy. Since he already knew that the previous academy was the best, there was nothing to choose—if A-Xiang was going, he had to go to the best one.
And if Cui Qi was there, then why not just find a way to make him leave?
After thinking it over, he said, “Then I’ll trouble you to keep an eye on him for me. If you want to eat rolled pancakes in the future, come early and wait. If you’re late, you’ll end up like today and get nothing.”
“Got it, thank you, Boss Yuan!”
Now that they were working for Boss Yuan, eating his pancakes no longer felt like taking advantage for free.
Braving the cold wind, the three of them hurried back home and quickly gathered around the brazier, holding out their stiff, swollen hands, hoping to warm up as soon as possible.
Only after they had recovered a little did Shi Qingyue speak slowly. “Sister-in-law, I heard today that Yuan Xiangxiang might not make it…”
“What happened?” Yuan Zhao knew how well-informed he was—almost nothing in the village escaped him.
“I heard she’s been causing trouble in jail every day. The others in her cell couldn’t stand it and beat her. How could she fight a whole group by herself? And those people… they’re the desperate kind…”
Shi Qingyue did not finish, but Yuan Zhao understood.
Anyone locked up with Yuan Xiangxiang could not be decent. Most were vicious criminals. For her to provoke them—she had truly kicked an iron plate.
But whether she lived or died had nothing to do with Yuan Zhao anymore. It was just something to hear as idle gossip.
As the New Year approached, business at the restaurant was thriving. The accountants were naturally overwhelmed—endless ledgers to calculate, heads buried in numbers all day until their eyes blurred.
The three of them worked their abacuses, without even the mind to talk, only hoping to finish the accounts as soon as possible. At year’s end, this was the most critical time.
“Master Shi, the owner is waiting for you in the study.”
The manager knocked lightly on the door, even lowering his voice for fear of disturbing them.
Shi Wuxiang answered, “I’ll be there in a moment.”
“Alright!”
Shi Wuxiang could roughly guess why the owner had summoned him. He quickly finished the calculation at hand, marked it, and then got up and headed to the study.
The owner of Xiangxiang Restaurant was named Yang Zixiang. It was said his wife’s name also contained the character “Xiang,” hence the name “Xiangxiang Restaurant.”
Shi Wuxiang knocked and entered, cupping his hands respectfully. “You called for me, sir?”
“Sit.” Yang Zixiang gestured.
Shi Wuxiang sat down. A cup of hot tea had already been prepared, so he lifted it and took a sip.
Knowing the man before him was intelligent, Yang Zixiang did not bother with pleasantries. He tapped the table lightly with his fingers and smiled. “Master Shi, have you grown accustomed to working here?”
“The owner is approachable, the manager kind, and the other gentlemen mild-tempered. Naturally, I have,” Shi Wuxiang replied.
Since the other party was not speaking plainly, neither could he.
“You truly know how to speak,” Yang Zixiang said with a smile. “You are clever, so you must know what I want to ask. I won’t beat around the bush—I want to ask about your plans after the New Year. If you intend to leave, you should inform the manager in advance.”
“I was planning to tell him anyway. After the New Year, I will be reporting to an academy, so I cannot continue working here,” Shi Wuxiang said honestly.
“Then I’ll let the manager know to start looking for someone else. I’m telling you in advance so there won’t be any misunderstanding.”
“Of course.”
“That’s good,” Yang Zixiang nodded, then asked, “Are you planning to return to your original academy?”
That had been Shi Wuxiang’s intention. He was not afraid of Cui Qi causing trouble, but Yuan Zhao would surely be unwilling. This would have to be discussed further.
“I haven’t decided yet,” he said with a faint smile.
“Then you must be wary of Cui Qi?” Yang Zixiang, having spent decades in town and with considerable means, could easily see through such matters.
After a moment’s thought, Shi Wuxiang said, “My husband is especially concerned. If he is unwilling, then we will find another academy.”
“I’ve long heard that the two of you are close. It seems it’s true,” Yang Zixiang said. “The Cui family is about to form a marriage alliance with the Li family, but what you may not know is that Cui Qi is dissatisfied with them and does not truly intend to marry his daughter into that family.”
Shi Wuxiang had guessed as much but still asked in surprise, “That I did not know. I only knew the two families were close. It seems there are things we are unaware of?”
Yang Zixiang had seen countless people, yet even he could not read Shi Wuxiang. The man seemed anything but simple, yet on the surface he was just a frail scholar, often ill.
So even now, he could not tell whether Shi Wuxiang truly did not know or was pretending.
But whether true or false, he had to say it.
If for no other reason, then because this man was especially favored by the county magistrate.
“Previously, the county conducted a strict investigation of the town’s merchants. With a single order, several were brought down. Naturally, some problems were uncovered. But as the saying goes, if the water is too clear, there are no fish. Those who were not implicated were not entirely clean—they simply made up for it behind the scenes.”
Shi Wuxiang showed sudden understanding. “I see. If that is the case, it’s no wonder Cui Qi is unwilling. Thank you for telling me.”
Yang Zixiang waved it off. “No need for thanks. And let me tell you one more thing—Cui Qi seems to be about to make a move.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
When Shi Wuxiang returned to the accounts room, this more or less matched his own guesses. However, he had not expected that Cui Qi would be thinking of dragging the Li family down with him.
If it really came to that, the Li family would not sit still.
If both sides destroyed each other, what of it? Only if both were defeated could he reap the fisherman’s profit.
Then Yuan Zhao would no longer worry about him.
Li Qingwei was a vicious man. If he learned of this, he would surely prepare thoroughly and act ruthlessly.
At the thought, a dark glint flashed in Shi Wuxiang’s eyes—then let them fight even more fiercely.
“Brother Wuxiang, time to eat—let’s go!” Zhang Xiang patted his shoulder, then looked surprised. “You’re not feeling unwell again, are you?”
Shi Wuxiang showed an embarrassed expression. “I am indeed a bit unwell. I’ll sit for a moment and then come over. You go ahead.”
Zhang Xiang and Wen Hao were used to this and said nothing more, leaving first.
After they left, Shi Wuxiang immediately began writing a note. Fortunately, he had practiced various calligraphy styles and could imitate different handwriting. Only after finishing did he head next door to eat.
As soon as he entered, the two expressed concern for him—and remarked that with such a weak constitution, he probably could not even manage his marital duties.
Shi Wuxiang, whose inner self was already thirty years old, froze for a moment at the phrase “marital duties.”
Realizing Zhang Xiang’s meaning, he did not laugh it off but instead stated seriously, “My husband is still young. Do not joke about such matters.”
“My apologies, my apologies! I spoke out of turn!” Zhang Xiang quickly apologized. “I only said it because you two are so affectionate. It was my fault—please forgive me!”
“You deserve it—always running your mouth,” Wen Hao chimed in, fanning the flames while also smoothing things over. “Brother Wuxiang, don’t forgive him so easily. He ought to be scolded.”
Shi Wuxiang was not truly angry, but if he did not make his stance clear on small matters, misunderstandings might arise later.
He nodded slightly. “Just be mindful in the future.”
“Of course, of course!” Zhang Xiang responded quickly, then changed the subject. “I heard you won’t be coming back next year?”
“That’s right. I plan to continue with the examinations. The manager should be recruiting new staff soon,” Shi Wuxiang said.
Working at Xiangxiang Restaurant had only been a temporary measure to support his household. Now that their situation had improved and they had enough money to live, that alone was far from sufficient.
Whether in his previous life or this one, money alone was not enough for stability. One needed a certain social standing to truly live smoothly.
Cui Qi had once been a poor scholar as well, but after becoming a provincial graduate and a teacher, he rose rapidly in the town. Just being a teacher earned him such respect.
Shi Wuxiang was no saint—he could not remain indifferent to fame and profit.
Zhang Xiang and Wen Hao admired his resolve. They themselves had not persevered and knew their limits.
“Ah, enough of that—let’s eat. With the New Year coming, the ledgers are only piling up,” Zhang Xiang said, waving it off.
After the meal, Shi Wuxiang used the excuse of going for a walk. In truth, he wanted to find unfamiliar street urchins. As he walked, he reached the street where Yuan Zhao set up his stall and paused, recalling something Yuan Zhao had once told him.
He immediately began searching for young beggars.
At a glance, he spotted a few sneaking out of an alley with rolled pancakes in hand and stepped forward to stop them.
“Stop.”
Caught off guard, the children were startled. Thinking a bigger beggar had come to snatch their food, they instinctively hugged the hot pancakes to their chests before turning around.
“Master Shi?”
“It’s Boss Yuan’s husband!”
“You need something from us?”
Recognizing him, they relaxed and even greeted him cheerfully.
Shi Wuxiang had not expected that even the beggars knew about his relationship with Yuan Zhao. But thinking it over, it made sense—though insignificant, these children saw everything that happened in town.
“I need someone to run errands. There are two places—are you willing to help?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
“Yes, yes, just tell us!”
Shi Wuxiang handed them two slips of paper, specifically instructing them not to tell anyone that he was the one who sent them.
The little beggars were surprisingly sensible. Thumping their chests, they promised they would never reveal it, then hurried off to carry out the task.
Since Shi Wuxiang had already come this far, it would be awkward to turn back, so he continued forward until he reached Yuan Zhao’s stall.
“A-Xiang! What are you doing here?” Yuan Zhao was overjoyed. A-Xiang usually stayed at the restaurant and rarely came out at this hour. “We’re about to move over to the academy side to set up our stall. Business was too good and delayed us a bit—they’re probably getting anxious over there.”
“Mother.” Shi Wuxiang greeted first, then looked at Yuan Zhao. “I was just taking a walk and came by to have a look. If you’re heading out, then go quickly—don’t delay.”
Normally, when Yuan Zhao was busy making pancakes, he would not think of him. But now that he suddenly appeared in front of him, Yuan Zhao found his feet unwilling to move…
“A-Xiang~” Yuan Zhao did not notice how clingy he sounded—every move full of spoiled affection.
Shi Wuxiang looked at him. His complexion was dark like chocolate, but his features had opened up—clear, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, a small, delicate mouth… put simply:
He was good-looking.
It was just that his skin tone did not fit current beauty standards, so most people never looked closely, only thinking him unattractive at a glance.
“I’ll take Yuan’er ahead first,” Madam Shi said with a cheerful smile, pushing the cart away. Yuan Yuan kept turning back to sneak glances at them.
The two moved to a corner. Shi Wuxiang pinched Yuan Zhao’s cheek and clicked his tongue, half teasing, half warning. “All you know is how to act spoiled. Letting Mother go off to work alone—aren’t you afraid she’ll resent you?”
“Stop trying to scare me. Mother wouldn’t do that. You’re so mean—I’m going to complain tonight!” Yuan Zhao laughed, then asked, “Have you eaten? Did you really just come by on a walk?”
“What are you trying to say?” Shi Wuxiang raised a brow, looking at him leisurely.
Yuan Zhao lowered his voice. “I think you came because you missed me…”
Before he could finish, his cheek was twisted. He yelped softly, covering his face, then grabbed Shi Wuxiang’s hand and bit it. “Why are you pinching me?”
“I was checking how thick your skin is. You should have been sent to build city walls back then,” Shi Wuxiang teased, then held out the hand that had been bitten. Yuan Zhao immediately blew gently on the faint teeth marks.
“My skin can be even thicker!” Yuan Zhao blurted, then flushed before Shi Wuxiang could even respond.
It was obvious his thoughts had gone somewhere improper.
Shi Wuxiang tapped his forehead. “You…”
“Stop lecturing me all the time. Let me tell you, I’m amazing now—I even have followers!” Yuan Zhao said in a low voice. “They’re helping me gather information around town!”
“Yuan Zhao, don’t do anything reckless.” Shi Wuxiang instantly understood.
Young and fearless, he dared to have street urchins spy on the Cui and Li families. If discovered, and the children exposed him, it would truly spell trouble.
It was not that he distrusted the children—after all, one should trust those one employs—but many things were unpredictable.
Yuan Zhao pouted. “I’m not doing anything bad. I’m just gathering information. I won’t actually do anything.”
“You’d better not,” Shi Wuxiang frowned.
“I knew it—you didn’t come to see me. You just came to scold me whenever you get the chance. Go on, leave! Don’t ever come down this street again!” Yuan Zhao complained, lightly pushing him.
That clingy, sticky temperament was truly hard to handle.
Shi Wuxiang could only take his hand and soften his tone. “Does this road belong to you, that I’m not allowed to walk it? You’re even more unreasonable than a bandit. I say a couple of words and you get upset—can’t you take it?”
“You’re always lecturing me, always, always…” Yuan Zhao grumbled. “I never nag you like that!”
“You’re kinder and more magnanimous than I am. I’m the petty one,” Shi Wuxiang conceded, coaxing him.
Yuan Zhao immediately broke into a smile.