When he returned to the stall, most people had gone to watch the commotion, and no one was buying wraps anymore.
Shi Qingyue quickly asked, “Did the beggars say anything?”
Yuan Zhao nodded and relayed everything he had just learned.
But the whole situation left them baffled. Li Qingwei clearly liked Cui Xiuxiu and was about to marry her—why would he suddenly harm her maid?
“We will ask Big Brother later. He will understand,” Shi Qingyue said.
Shi Qingran nodded repeatedly.
Yuan Zhao had hoped to sell more wraps during the last market before the New Year, but with such an incident, he would likely not finish them today.
Still, where there were spectators, there would always be people buying food. He was not in a hurry—they would stay all day.
Soon, Madam Shi and A-Yuan returned. They had also heard about the incident and were visibly shaken. She reminded Shi Qingran not to wander off in the future.
Shi Qingran nodded obediently. She usually stayed at home and did not interact much with others in the village, so she was unlikely to get into trouble.
The incident was so shocking that everyone was talking about it. Shi Wuxiang also heard bits of it at the restaurant, though he had not gone to see it himself and did not know the details.
It was only after returning home and hearing Yuan Zhao’s account that he fully understood.
“So, A-Xiang, what do you think is going on?” Yuan Zhao frowned. “Why would Li Qingwei harm Cui Xiuxiu’s maid?”
Shi Wuxiang understood those people better. He had long expected that, given Li Qingwei’s nature, he would resort to ruthless measures for revenge. But even Li Qingwei himself was probably uneasy now, realizing he might have killed the wrong person.
If the beggars’ account was true—
Li Qingwei had sent someone to arrange a meeting with Cui Xiuxiu. The servant climbing the wall showed that Cui Qi had already been on guard, likely warning his daughter beforehand.
Between Li Qingwei and her father, Cui Xiuxiu would naturally trust her father more.
So she sent her maid in her place.
And that maid died—humiliated in the worst way.
Now Cui Xiuxiu would understand that her father was right: Li Qingwei was not a suitable match.
But Li Qingwei might not yet realize that Cui Xiuxiu had seen his true nature. That meant the Cui family now held the advantage in secrecy.
“Do they really have to go this far?” Yuan Zhao asked, troubled. “If they dislike each other, why get engaged at all? Why reach the point of killing?”
“The fact that they act this way shows their true nature,” Shi Wuxiang said gently. “To them, other people’s lives are nothing. They are not good people.”
Yuan Zhao knew that—but he had not expected such darkness to exist even in a small place like Qingshui Town.
“If we move to town in the future, will we run into things like this too?” Yuan Zhao worried aloud. “Will someone try to kill us just because our business does well?”
“Do not scare yourself,” Shi Wuxiang said with a soft laugh.
Yuan Zhao knew he was overthinking—but he could not stop. The more he thought, the more unsettled he became.
And when his mood sank, more unpleasant thoughts followed.
Almost instantly, he thought of the little beggars—how that boy had proudly introduced himself as Da Gou.
Yuan Zhao pursed his lips, his eyes already glistening with tears.
The county magistrate Zheng smiled faintly.
“Since you claim ignorance, it seems your father may know something after all. This official will certainly investigate thoroughly. Right and wrong will be made clear for the people to see.”
With that, Li Qingwei could only watch helplessly as the yamen officers left—likely heading straight for the Li residence to summon his father.
His lowered eyes flickered with panic, his mind scrambling without direction.
If even his father was brought here, the matter would become even harder to resolve. There would be no one left outside who could save him… Yet no matter how he thought, he could not stop the officials from taking the man.
Magistrate Zheng took in his panic without a word, then glanced at Cui Shushu still kneeling below. With a subtle, deliberate tone, he provoked them further.
“At this point, I’m afraid the two of you will no longer be able to become husband and wife. What a pity indeed.”
“She is falsely accusing me. I would not marry her even if asked,” Li Qingwei sneered, immediately distancing himself from the matter.
He knew Cui Shushu’s temperament all too well—pampered by Cui Qi, she was willful and explosive. She would not endure such words without reacting.
As expected, Cui Shushu erupted.
“What nonsense are you spouting! It was clearly you who sent your attendant to find me—you’re the one trying to harm me! And now you dare twist the truth? Li Qingwei, I misjudged you!”
Li Qingwei let out a cold laugh.
“Miss Cui has always been obsessed with Shi Wuxiang. You were only willing to lower yourself because you already knew your reputation was ruined and wanted someone to take responsibility for you!”
“You’re spouting lies!” Cui Shushu shouted back without hesitation. “It was you who kept framing Shi Wuxiang, spreading rumors in the academy to ruin his reputation. Later, you even had him injured and forced out just to monopolize me! How dare you accuse me?”
The two immediately began tearing into each other, exposing every grievance they could think of, each determined to pin the other to the wall of the courtroom.
In an instant, the court had turned into a chaotic marketplace of insults. Even the spectators outside began whispering among themselves.
Many townsfolk regularly bought rolled flatbread, and some had even tasted Shi Wuxiang’s cooking. They knew him to be a good-tempered man and had never imagined he would be dragged into such a mess.
“Master Shi is such a good person! He even made flatbread for us before—how could he be bullied like this?”
“The magistrate must punish them properly! Master Shi is innocent!”
“He was driven out of the academy because of this? It’s all their fault!”
Shi Wuxiang himself was upstairs working. The commotion was within his expectations—dogs biting each other always ended up dragging more things out into the open.
What he had not expected was that the common people would actually speak up for him. Magistrate Zheng might ignore others, but he could not ignore public opinion.
Zheng’s impression of the Li family worsened further.
He had long wanted to bring them down. The previous investigation had only uncovered tax evasion, and though they had since made restitution, that was not enough. To truly destroy the Li family, he needed evidence of their illegal trade in cold food powder.
Soon after, Li Qingwei’s father, Li Haiyuan, was brought in, with Cui Qi following behind—clearly intending to see how the situation developed.
In truth, Cui Qi already held evidence of the Li family’s involvement in the sale of cold food powder. If the Li family showed hostility now, he would immediately present it.
Li Haiyuan knelt as soon as he arrived and began loudly proclaiming his innocence, shifting all blame onto Cui Shushu. His words clearly showed he intended to break ties with the Cui family entirely.
As for the matter the magistrate truly cared about—cold food powder—he refused to mention it at all.
“Li Haiyuan,” Magistrate Zheng said coldly. “Do not waste this official’s time. Someone has reported your family for selling cold food powder. Is this true?”
Though he already had a suspicion, he still needed confirmation.
Evidence would come soon enough. If not from the accused, then from someone else.
At that thought, Zheng glanced toward Cui Qi.
Li Haiyuan’s expression instantly turned tearful and aggrieved.
“My lord! This humble one has always conducted himself properly. I have never done anything improper—how could there be any cold food powder? Who made such an accusation? Where is the evidence?”
Zheng’s tone softened slightly, appearing almost coaxing.
“This official does not mean to accuse you. Last time, nothing was found in your residence either. I merely asked because of the report. If your family is not involved, I will not make things difficult.”
What?
Cui Qi was stunned.
Just like that? It ended here?
There was a report, yet no continued investigation? Just a question and nothing more?
Li Haiyuan’s face brightened instantly.
“Your Excellency is wise! Although this incident involving the maid has nothing to do with our family, since we are implicated, we are willing to handle her burial arrangements. May I ask if the Cui family agrees?”
The words were clearly meant to elevate himself while subtly accusing the Cui family of being unreasonable.
Cui Shushu could not hold back any longer.
“You killed my family’s maid, and now you act so righteous? Li Qingwei called her out, she went, and then she died. If I had gone instead, would I be the one dead now? Just because she was a maid, does that mean her life means nothing?”
“Silence!” Magistrate Zheng struck the desk and barked sharply, clearly unwilling to hear more. His attitude visibly leaned toward protecting the Li family.
Cui Qi could no longer sit still.
“My lord! I have evidence proving the Li family is selling cold food powder!”
At those words, Li Haiyuan’s expression changed drastically. “Cui Qi! What nonsense are you spouting!”
But Cui Qi did not even look at him. He immediately pulled out a thick stack of documents from his sleeve.
“My lord, these are records of the Li family’s cold food powder trade, including transactions involving academy students!”
The words struck like thunder across the courtroom.
Students from the academy were involved in purchasing poison?
Li Haiyuan’s eyes nearly split open.
“Cui Qi! You old bastard! You betrayed me! Do you think you are clean yourself? You took bribes! How much money from my Li family did you accept? You dare pretend ignorance?”
“Your son Li Qingwei killed my family’s maid and tried to harm my daughter—what are you pretending to be so righteous for?”
“And you! You’re no better! Jealous of Shi Wuxiang’s talent, you incited your son to harm him. You have no right to be a teacher! No wonder you raised a daughter who throws herself at men every day!”
“You dare insult my daughter? Your son is worse—he raped and killed a maid and tried to cover it up! He deserves a thousand cuts!”
The two men erupted into mutual accusations, exposing every dirty deed they had ever committed.
Magistrate Zheng slammed the desk again.
“Men! Detain them immediately! Not a single one is to be spared! Send people to thoroughly investigate the Li household—confiscate everything!”
Only then did Li Haiyuan and Cui Qi realize the gravity of the situation. They fell to their knees, desperately begging for mercy.
Outside, the crowd erupted into chaos, voices rising in anger and shock at the scale of their crimes.
Inside the inn, the scene turned into utter pandemonium—some crying, some demanding justice, others shouting for harsher punishment.
Only after the officials dragged them away did the hall quiet slightly.
Magistrate Zheng did not leave. Instead, he summoned Shi Wuxiang and spoke to him at length.
“This matter involved both Cui and Li families, and your name was also mentioned. Rest assured, this official will not tolerate such things. You may live in peace from now on.”
He patted Shi Wuxiang’s shoulder.
“I hear you will be returning to the academy after the New Year. Study diligently—do not disappoint this official’s expectations.”
“Yes,” Shi Wuxiang replied respectfully, bowing his hands.
Only then did Magistrate Zheng depart.
As his figure disappeared, customers began pouring back into the hall, eager to continue discussing what had just happened.
The streets outside filled with chatter as well, every stall crowded with talking people.
Shi Qingyue quickly joined nearby guests in conversation. While they spoke, Madam Shi Zhang returned hurriedly with Yuan Yuan.
Madam Shi Zhang looked triumphant, placing their purchases down while Yuan Yuan obediently handed out three candied hawthorns to Yuan Zhao and Shi Qingran.
“Mother, what happened? Has the magistrate finished the investigation?” Yuan Zhao asked, chewing on a hawthorn.
Madam Shi Zhang nodded.
“Not only did he finish investigating—he directly dragged both Cui and Li families to the county office for questioning. Their crimes are now fully exposed!”
She recounted everything she had overheard outside the inn.
Yuan Zhao’s expression darkened.
“These people are insane. That maid… she’s the most pitiful one of all.”
Shi Qingran nodded earnestly.
“The magistrate will definitely uncover everything.”
Yuan Zhao smiled faintly, agreeing as well.
Shi Qingyue soon returned, his expression complicated.
“Regardless, Cui Qi will never return to the academy again. And that means your eldest brother can finally go back.”
“Right,” Yuan Zhao said firmly. “And since Cui Shushu admitted it was Li Qingwei spreading rumors about Shi Wuxiang, no one at the academy will dare bully him anymore.”
He nodded with conviction.
“As long as Shi Wuxiang is doing well, that’s enough.”
The market soon became lively again, and customers heading to Xiangxiang Tower came in an unending stream.
At first, Yang Zixiang had been nervous, but seeing that even after the magistrate left, business only grew instead of falling, he quickly became delighted. He could not help but look at Shi Wuxiang with even greater respect. After all, he knew very well that there were many restaurants in the town, and Xiangxiang Tower was not the most special one. Yet the magistrate had chosen this place precisely because Shi Wuxiang was here.
This man truly was his fortunate guest.
“Brother Yang!”
“Brother He!” Yuan Zhao stared in surprise at the young man in front of him. “You seem to have gained weight.”
In rural villages, saying someone had gained weight meant they were living well—eating well and dressing well.
Back when Zhou He was at home, he had already been well-loved. Now that he had married a husband who cherished him, his days were even more comfortable.
His complexion was rosy. “Brother Zhao, could you make me two egg pancakes? My husband hasn’t tried them yet, and I want him to taste them.”
“I’ll give you two for free,” Yuan Zhao said as he moved to prepare them.
“No!” Zhou He said firmly. “Brother Zhao, we should keep things separate. One matter is one matter.”
He was being very clear, but not in a way that distanced their friendship.
The better the relationship, the more clearly things should be accounted for.
Yuan Zhao understood, so he did not insist further. He quickly made two rolled pancakes, generously adding extra fillings.
After finishing, he also made a portion of tofu. “This one is for you.”
This time Zhou He did not refuse and accepted it happily. “Then I won’t stand on ceremony. I also saw the commotion earlier. I didn’t expect the academy to have so many matters. I was even thinking of sending my future children there.”
Families with means all hoped to send their children to academies to study and gain official positions.
To put it bluntly, one person achieving success could lift the entire family.
And who would not admire such a rise?
The Shi family before them was the clearest example—because Shi Wuxiang studied well, he could even know the magistrate, and the magistrate clearly favored him.
“These things aren’t common. It’s just bad people doing bad things,” Yuan Zhao said. “If you want to send your children, then send them. Studying is always good. No need to worry too much.”
“You’re right,” Zhou He nodded. “Alright, I should go find him now. You keep busy—we’ll talk again when we have time.”
Yuan Zhao quickly nodded. “Alright, be careful on your way.”
Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, evening arrived. The sun in the sky slowly sank, and a chill swept back in. Yuan Zhao and the others began preparing to close their stall.
“Should we wait for Ah Xiang?” Yuan Zhao asked with a grin. “It’s already this late anyway…”
Madam Shi Zhang sighed helplessly. “Of course we should wait. With so many of us, we’ll need two carts anyway. Let’s just go to the back courtyard of Xiangxiang Tower.”
“Alright!” Yuan Zhao said happily.
They pushed their carts over, carrying all their goods. There was so much that even two carts were barely enough.
By the time they arrived, Shi Wuxiang was already waiting in the back courtyard.
Yuan Zhao called out in delight, “Ah Xiang! How did you know we were coming?”
Shi Wuxiang turned around and walked forward, taking the cart from Yuan Zhao and placing it onto the ox cart.
“Today’s work ended early, so I came back sooner,” he said. Then he looked at the goods they were carrying. “Get on the carriage first. I’ll load these.”
Otherwise, once the items were placed, there would be no space left for people.
Madam Shi Zhang, Yuan Yuan, and the Shi siblings got onto the carriage. The space was quickly filled with goods, piling up around their feet until they were holding items even in their laps.
The ox cart was likewise filled to the brim. Yuan Zhao drove it forward while Shi Wuxiang’s carriage moved alongside them.
Outside the town, the road was narrower. Shi Wuxiang’s carriage led slightly ahead, blocking some of the wind, and Yuan Zhao followed behind safely without worrying about veering off the road.
In less than two quarters of an hour, they arrived home.
Because no one had been there all day, the stove fire had nearly gone out. Yuan Zhao hurried inside to add firewood, and soon the flames rose again.
They warmed themselves by the fire for a while before Yuan Zhao began cooking. It was already dark, but it felt as if it were the middle of the night.
After a busy day, no one had the energy to cook anything elaborate.
Yuan Zhao quickly made a large pot of noodle pieces. Everyone ate until full, warm and satisfied, before washing up and returning to their rooms.
The heated brick bed was still cold, so Yuan Zhao did not want to lie down yet. Instead, he stayed by Shi Wuxiang’s side while he read, chatting about what had happened during the day.
“Ah Xiang, what do you think will happen to the Cui and Li families?” he asked, resting his chin on his arms. “Will they be released?”
He was still worried. What if those people came back to cause trouble?
Shi Wuxiang said calmly, “The Cui family’s crimes are not punishable by death, but Cui Qi took bribes and can no longer teach at the academy. Without his position, he is nothing. As for the Li family, Li Haiyuan started the trade in cold food powder, and Li Qingwei helped distribute it. They will definitely be imprisoned.”
These were already serious crimes.
Not to mention Li Haiyuan’s other offenses, such as murdering a maid, or the Li family’s involvement in poison-tainted food and other hidden wrongdoing.
With all charges combined, the Li family was finished.
And since confiscation of property was certain, there was no way for them to recover.
Only then did Yuan Zhao relax.
“As long as they don’t bully you anymore, that’s good. Then you can go to the academy peacefully.”
He paused, then began worrying about something else entirely.
“What about tuition? Do we need to prepare meat and snacks? How much silver should we bring?”
Shi Wuxiang explained patiently, listing the required offerings—cured meat, fresh pork, silver, and optional gifts like pastries and cloth.
Yuan Zhao nodded as he listened.
“For poor families, that’s really hard to prepare,” he said softly.
He remembered when even half a jin of meat had felt like a luxury.
“I’ll also make you some sauce,” Yuan Zhao said suddenly. “You’ll be living at the academy—I’ll bring it to you so you can eat it with steamed buns. And if the academy’s meals are bad, you might get sick or have stomach problems…”
Shi Wuxiang lightly patted his head.
“I’ll ask about it tomorrow. But after what happened with the Cui family, the academy will probably remove Cui Qi’s relatives immediately. They might even come to find you tomorrow.”
“That would be best!” Yuan Zhao’s eyes lit up. “If that’s the case, I won’t even need to cooperate with the academy. I wouldn’t want to anyway, even if they paid me more!”
Then he frowned again.
“But even if you have my pancakes, their food will probably still be bad. You might get sick. What then?”
Shi Wuxiang looked at him quietly.
“…What do you think should be done?” he asked lightly.
Yuan Zhao immediately sat up, eyes shining.
“I’ll deliver your meals!”
But Shi Wuxiang refused flatly.
“No.”
“Why not? Why do you always say no? You’re making me look bad!”
Shi Wuxiang snorted. “You’re embarrassed? Your skin is thicker than a city wall. Do you even know how to write the word embarrassed?”
“Shi Wuxiang!”
Yuan Zhao lunged at him in anger, punching him lightly. “You’re terrible! I’m not talking to you anymore! Go sleep with Ah Yue!”
Shi Wuxiang glanced at him.
Even as he said those words, Yuan Zhao was tightly gripping his sleeve.
He smiled faintly.
“Such a temper. You’re getting more and more unruly.”
Then he added casually, “This house is half mine. If you don’t want to sleep with me, then you can sleep inside. I won’t disturb you outside.”
“You’re so annoying!”
Yuan Zhao huffed, cheeks flushed, and buried his face in his arms, refusing to speak further.
“Be good,” Shi Wuxiang said. “Finish memorizing this chapter and I’ll sleep with you.”
“I know…” came the muffled reply.
Outside the window, the night deepened—quiet, warm, and ordinary.