On market day, Shi Wuxiang and Yuan Zhao woke even earlier than usual.
There were so many people heading into town that the village ox carts were full—there was no way to bring their stall equipment along.
Fortunately, Shi Wuxiang had planned ahead. The night before, he had rented an ox from a livestock yard in town. They only needed to hitch it to a cart and return it later after feeding it.
It cost fifty wen a day, but it made things much easier.
On the way, villagers saw them driving their own ox cart and asked curiously. Yuan Zhao answered everything—except when asked whether the stall made money. Then he sighed and made it sound like they barely earned anything at all.
After arriving in town, Yuan Zhao set up the stall at their usual spot.
Shi Wuxiang said, “It is market day—there will be many more people. Do not panic if anything happens, and avoid conflicts. If there is trouble, go straight to the restaurant to find me.”
“I remember,” Yuan Zhao said.
“I remember the way to Xiangxiang Restaurant too!” Yuan Yuan puffed out his chest.
Shi Wuxiang patted both their heads. “Good. I will take the cart back. In business, honesty matters—small gains can lead to bigger losses. Do your work properly.”
Yuan Zhao understood and nodded obediently.
As Shi Wuxiang drove away, Yuan Zhao watched his back, a faint dissatisfaction lingering—why did he always remind him like that?
They quickly finished setting up. As usual, returning customers arrived early, already lining up.
Customers knew the routine—state their order, hand the coins to Yuan Yuan, and wait. Thankfully, Yuan Zhao had a good memory and could match faces to orders.
The wrap stall was always busy—especially on market day.
Many people came to town specifically to spend money, and seeing a crowded stall made others curious. They wanted to know what could attract such a crowd.
Once they held a heavy, generously filled wrap and took a bite, they understood immediately.
“So good! Give me more shredded cucumber—so crisp and fresh!”
“Why eat cucumber when you are out? Add more meat! The braised meat is amazing—I always get extra. One wrap is enough for two people!”
“Hey, stop pushing! I know what you are doing—you are trying to cut the line!”
“Everyone, please do not push!” Yuan Zhao called out. “One at a time—there is enough!”
The old noodle vendor had one point right—the stall was indeed lively. With so many people talking at once, it felt chaotic.
But that was… what was the word? He would ask A-Xiang later.
At first, he still had room to think. Soon, his mind was filled with nothing but wraps—cucumber, extra meat, repeat.
After one wave of customers finally dispersed, nearly an hour had passed.
Only then did Yuan Zhao notice the other vendors watching him with envy. He smiled and greeted them one by one—anything to make them stop staring.
“From afar I thought you looked familiar—turns out it really is you, Zhao ge’er.”
Yuan Zhao had just sat down for a sip of mung bean soup when he heard a sharp, familiar voice.
He looked up—it was indeed women from his old village. And among them, Wang Xiaohua.
Since he and Yuan Yuan had left, she must have been forced to handle everything herself—she had never come out into the sun like this before.
Wang Xiaohua strode over aggressively. “So you are running a stall now? If you had this ability, why did you not do it at home? Now you are earning money for outsiders—truly an ungrateful wretch!”
“Would you like to buy a wrap?” Yuan Zhao replied calmly. “Six wen for a plain one, ten for one with meat and egg.”
“Ten wen?! Why do you not just rob people outright? How can someone like you be allowed to earn money? Heaven must be blind!” she exploded, pointing at him. “You shameless little thing—making money now? We raised you all these years and you do not give us a single coin!”
“Yes, Zhao ge’er,” another woman chimed in, fanning the flames. “Even if your second aunt did not contribute much, she still worked hard. Why did you not use this skill to earn money back then?”
Yuan Zhao did not want to engage, but they were blocking his business.
“This stove costs one tael of silver,” he said evenly. “Second Aunt would not have been willing to pay for it. So naturally, I could not earn money.”
Wang Xiaohua choked on her words, but quickly snapped back, “You never told us! How would we know? And now you cannot even take a few words of criticism? Everyone come look! This wrap seller is my own nephew—he ran off to marry and cut ties with his family, spending all his money on outsiders! And you still dare eat his food!”
“Stop talking nonsense!” Yuan Zhao finally snapped. “If you are not buying, then leave. My wraps sell just fine—I do not need you causing trouble!”
“You all heard that? I am his own aunt, and he drives me away like this!” Wang Xiaohua raised her voice louder and louder as the crowd grew.
But the crowd was not foolish.
“As long as the food is good, who cares about your family matters?”
“Exactly—if you are not buying, then move aside! Boss, make me three full wraps!”
“Is that not Wang Xiaohua? Zhao ge’er was treated terribly by your family. Now that he is doing better, you come to cause trouble?”
“Oh? There is more to the story? Tell us!”
“That old woman tried to sell him to an abusive widower! Those brothers suffered terribly before—only now are they living better!”
…
People who knew the truth began speaking up. Others who recognized Wang Xiaohua added more.
Mistreatment, beatings, withholding food—her misdeeds spilled out one after another.
Soon, Wang Xiaohua was surrounded and scolded. Some even pushed her away from the stall.
She had not expected this at all. Turning to leave with the other women from her village, she found herself alone.
“Yuan Zhao! You just stand there and let others curse your own aunt?” she shouted, fear creeping into her voice.
Yuan Zhao broke into a wide grin. “If you are not buying, then leave. Causing trouble here will get you arrested!”
Wang Xiaohua spat, looking at him with disdain. “Who do you think you are? You think the officials will come just because I scold you a few times? Even if the Emperor himself came, I would still have the right to scold my own junior!”
But just as her words fell, a sharp shout rang out—
“What is going on here? Who is causing trouble?!”
The crowd instantly lined up properly, exposing Wang Xiaohua standing there like a tyrant. The arrogance had not yet left her face, her raised hand still hanging midair—only to meet the yamen runners rushing toward her.
In an instant, she shrank like a quail, not daring to speak loudly, not even daring to lift her head.
Ever since the stalls began paying rent, the yamen runners had been patrolling this area more frequently. And with it being market day, there were even more officers—if trouble broke out, the magistrate would surely reprimand them.
They walked up and immediately fixed their gaze on her. “Was it you causing trouble?”
“Yes, sir, it was her!” someone in the crowd spoke up. “She is not buying anything and will not let others buy either—just standing here cursing the stall owner. She almost made the young boss cry!”
Huh?
Yuan Zhao blinked, then quickly put on a pitiful expression. “She… might just be in a bad mood…”
“Move along! If you are not buying, do not cause trouble here!”
“You want to spend a few days in jail? Keep this up and we will take you all in!”
Wang Xiaohua panicked. She had come out to shop—there was no way she wanted to end up in jail.
“Sir, I was wrong! I will not cause trouble anymore! I still need to shop—please let me go!”
Since nothing serious had happened, the officers merely scolded her a few times and let her go.
“Enough watching! Buy your things properly!”
Understanding how to handle people, the officers also said a few comforting words to Yuan Zhao before continuing their patrol.
As soon as they left, the crowd around Yuan Zhao’s stall grew lively again. Most came to comfort him, while some tried to satisfy their curiosity with gossip—but Yuan Zhao smiled and deflected them all.
The busiest morning rush passed, and the wooden cash box was already overflowing. Thankfully, he had prepared an extra box—otherwise there would be nowhere to put the money.
Finally finding a moment to rest, Yuan Zhao scooped himself a bowl of mung bean soup. From his pouch, he counted out ten copper coins and handed them to Yuan Yuan.
“Go have a look around nearby. I saw someone selling sweet cakes over there—if you want one, go buy it. If it is not enough, come back and get more.”
“What about you, brother?” Yuan Yuan asked.
“I am grown—I will find something to eat if I am hungry. Do not worry about me. Just do not wander too far—I can see you from here.”
If his brother was not eating, Yuan Yuan did not really want to go.
But he really wanted that sweet cake. Red bean filling, sesame on top—it smelled so good…
In the end, he went.
Clutching the little pouch tightly, afraid a thief might steal it, he made his way safely to the stall.
“I want one with red bean…” he called out, standing on tiptoe.
“Six wen. Pay first,” the vendor said.
Yuan Yuan counted out the coins and soon received a large, round cake. He thanked the vendor and was about to leave—
when someone suddenly grabbed him by the collar.
“Ah! Help!” he cried out, flailing his arms.
The hot cake brushed against the person’s hand, making him release his grip momentarily—only to grab him again.
Yuan Yuan screamed, drawing attention—and Yuan Zhao rushed over immediately, abandoning his stall.
When he saw who it was, he did not know whether to laugh or cry.
“Scholar Cheng,” Yuan Zhao said helplessly, “you frightened my brother.”
Cheng Duan looked surprised. “This is your brother? What a coincidence—I thought he looked familiar and wanted to ask him where the wrap stall was. I did not expect…”
In truth, he had only grabbed him on impulse, partly to tease—he had found the child rather cute.
As soon as he let go, Yuan Yuan threw himself into Yuan Zhao’s arms, sobbing. He would never go buy things alone again!
Yuan Zhao gently patted him. “Sorry, he is timid. If you are looking for the stall, come with me.”
The scholar beside Cheng Duan, stern-faced, glanced at Yuan Zhao curiously—then secretly pinched Cheng Duan.
Cheng Duan winced. “This is Yuan Zhao, from Wuxiang’s village. And this is Fu Ying, also Wuxiang’s friend.”
“Nice to meet you,” Yuan Zhao nodded.
Back at the stall, customers were still waiting. Yuan Zhao apologized and quickly finished their orders, even adding extra fillings.
Cheng Duan and Fu Ying watched in amazement. The stall they had been searching for was run by someone they knew?
Only after finishing all orders did Yuan Zhao make theirs.
“Here, these are for you,” he said. “I will be here regularly—just come if you want more.”
“We should pay,” Fu Ying insisted, offering coins.
Yuan Zhao shook his head. “You are A-Xiang’s friends—consider it a gift.”
“You can give him a gift, but not me,” Cheng Duan teased. “I am not a stranger.”
Yuan Zhao smiled even wider. “Then you should pay double.”
Cheng Duan clicked his tongue. “Fine. For Wuxiang’s sake, I would pay even two hundred!”
“His face is worth a lot,” Yuan Zhao joked, though he still did not take the money. Changing the subject, he asked, “Do you always visit the market on your days off? Where is Scholar Hu today?”
“He went to the bookshop,” Cheng Duan replied. “I heard about these wraps and dragged Fu Ying here. Did not expect it was you!”
“If only we could eat them every day…”
Yuan Zhao’s eyes lit up. “Can you go near the academy regularly?”
Cheng Duan laughed. “We study, not serve time. Of course we can move around. Why—planning to sneak in?”
Fu Ying pinched him again. “Do not speak like that.”
“It is fine,” Yuan Zhao said quickly. “Then… can stalls be set up outside the academy?”
Cheng Duan immediately understood. “You want to sell there? But do not you already pay rent here?”
Yuan Zhao grinned. “If I set up in two places, I can earn more. I only work mornings here anyway.”
“That… could work,” Cheng Duan said. “Vendors do come by the academy gates. As long as you do not disturb anything, it should be fine.”
“I will discuss it with A-Xiang,” Yuan Zhao said.
Cheng Duan and Fu Ying exchanged a glance.
“Why do you consult Wuxiang about everything?” Cheng Duan asked deliberately. “You are just from the same village—are you not worried about troubling him?”
“You already guessed, did you not?” Yuan Zhao replied calmly.
Before, he had hidden it out of fear of causing trouble. But now—there was no need.
“If you do not say it, how would I know?” Cheng Duan pressed.
“My brother is married to A-Xiang,” Yuan Yuan piped up innocently.
Cheng Duan looked smug—he had guessed correctly.
Fu Ying, however, was genuinely stunned. Not because Yuan Zhao was unsuitable—but because Shi Wuxiang had married so quietly.
“We kept it quiet before to avoid gossip,” Yuan Zhao explained, patting Yuan Yuan’s head.
“That is understandable…” Cheng Duan said, then added meaningfully, “Though I fear someone will be heartbroken…”
He looked at Yuan Zhao with a hint of amusement—this young ge’er certainly had a way of drawing attention.
Yuan Zhao did not understand what he meant. While chatting with them, customers came by to buy wraps. Seeing two scholars standing there, some could not help but take a few extra glances—sure enough, the wraps must be good if even academy students came to eat them.
Cheng Duan and Fu Ying did not want to disturb him further. After exchanging a few words, they took their leave.
It was market day, so business was especially good—but also especially exhausting and hot. As the sun climbed higher, Yuan Zhao’s uncovered stall felt like a steamer. Anyone who came near was blasted with heat, and customers would stand in the shade while waiting for their food.
The bun vendor next to him could not help but say, “You should set up a simple canopy for shade. Summer still has months to go—if you keep working like this, you will get heatstroke. It might even affect your customers.”
“Got it, thank you for the reminder!” Yuan Zhao called back.
Fortunately, the wraps were still popular. Though it was hot, customers were willing to wait. Some even sent maids or servants to queue up, so business had not yet been affected.
But Yuan Zhao knew the advice was right. The problem was, setting up a canopy meant more equipment and more trouble transporting it back and forth. He did not know what to do.
By midday, even more people came to buy. Yuan Zhao had originally planned to go home for lunch, but he could not leave—so he decided to finish selling everything first.
“Grrr…”
Yuan Zhao glanced at Yuan Yuan. “Wait a bit—big brother will take you to eat soon.”
Yuan Yuan hugged his stomach and nodded, cheeks flushed. He could hold on a little longer.
After another rush, Yuan Zhao wiped his sweat. Most of his supplies were gone. He quickly made one last wrap with the remaining ingredients and handed it to the bun vendor.
“Uncle, have a wrap. I am closing soon—consider it helping me out.”
The man hesitated at first. He knew these wraps sold for ten wen—this was not something cheap.
But Yuan Zhao insisted, so he accepted. “If you need anything in the future, just say the word—we are neighbors after all.”
“Thank you!” Yuan Zhao beamed.
He packed up swiftly and pushed his cart toward Xiangxiang Restaurant. A worker from the back courtyard spotted him and hurried over to help, then quickly went upstairs to call Shi Wuxiang down.
When Shi Wuxiang came down, he was holding a slice of watermelon. Seeing the sweat on their faces, he frowned slightly and handed it over.
“Share this with Yuan Yuan. You must be overheated. If you go home now, you will miss lunch. I will order a few dishes here—eat first, then go back.”
“We can just eat something outside,” Yuan Zhao protested. “Restaurant food is expensive—we cannot spend like that!”
“I have not eaten yet. I will eat with you,” Shi Wuxiang said.
Yuan Zhao immediately nodded. “Then we should eat something good! I will go in through the front and order, then bring it up to you.”
Shi Wuxiang reached out and wiped away the sweat sliding from his temple to his neck. “No need to bring it up. I will come down and eat with you. Go ahead and order first—I will speak with them.”
“Okay!” Yuan Zhao grinned, taking Yuan Yuan inside.
Liuzi saw them and smiled instantly. “Here to see Mister Shi?”
Yuan Zhao looked a bit shy but still smiled brightly. “We are here to eat. Please find us a table.”
“Right this way!”
Liuzi led them to an empty table and waited for their order.
But as he listed the dishes, Yuan Zhao felt lost. He had never eaten in a restaurant before and had no idea what the dishes tasted like.
“Liuzi, I will order,” Shi Wuxiang said. “Bring the food upstairs—we will eat there.”
Liuzi grinned. “Of course!”