Six days later.
The final exam ended, and all the scholars either wailed or cried out loud as they came out. Just by looking at their expressions, one could already tell how they had done.
Yuan Zhao ignored the smell on the passing scholars and stood on tiptoe, searching for Shi Wuxiang and the others. This time he was experienced and knew exactly where to wait.
“Hey… aren’t you that young husband who pretended to be a scholar to scam people?”
A doubtful voice sounded.
Yuan Zhao instinctively turned his head. He had not been careless—he just knew his earlier lies were too ridiculous. If he didn’t respond, he might actually get dragged away by guards.
Who wouldn’t stop to watch a scammer?
He blinked. “Are you talking about me?”
The pale-faced scholar in fine robes nodded. “Yes. I heard you at the roadside inn.”
Yuan Zhao stiffened. He did not expect to be exposed here, in a place full of people. If word got out, Ah Xiang would lose all face.
Why did these people even believe such obvious nonsense?
“More than that,” another scholar added. “You also said your house was burned down by a rich family, and you were going to the provincial city to seek relatives.”
Yuan Zhao turned even more embarrassed. He vaguely recognized this one too—clearly someone who had heard his earlier made-up stories.
He felt awkward and a bit scared. Would they report him to the authorities?
Luckily, the scholars kept their distance, since they themselves smelled unpleasant, and Yuan Zhao was a young husband, so they only teased him a little.
“Ah Zhao.”
“Ah Xiang!”
Relief flooded him when Shi Wuxiang finally arrived. Yuan Zhao immediately hid behind him.
Shi Wuxiang politely cupped his hands. “May I ask if there is something you need with my husband?”
Yuan Zhao whispered from behind him, “Ah Xiang, they found out we were lying. Are they going to report us?”
The scholars burst into laughter. “No, no. We just found your stories interesting. We already knew they were jokes.”
Shi Wuxiang also smiled lightly. “A chance encounter is fate. If there is opportunity, we may meet again.”
The scholars believed it sincerely.
One of them asked, “Then where are you staying?”
After hearing about their small courtyard and rent cost, the scholars were all stunned. Once they learned five people were sharing it for fifty taels, they could not help but sigh—truly, clever talkers lived comfortably.
Soon after, Chengdu and the others also arrived. After exchanging names and locations, they quickly parted ways, since the stronger the crowd, the worse the smell.
Back at the courtyard, they bathed in hot water as usual. Yuan Zhao soaked their dirty clothes and left washing for later.
After dinner, they each returned to rest.
That night, lying in bed, they finally had time to talk.
Yuan Zhao did not dare ask how the exam went, so he only spoke of his own matters—the pot was ready, he would pick it up tomorrow, and then he would prepare ingredients and seasoning to start the stall.
“You came all the way to the provincial city just to set up a stall. Don’t you feel tired?” Shi Wuxiang said, patting his back as his eyes slowly closed.
Yuan Zhao hugged him back. “There are still thirty days before results are posted. We can’t just sit idle. Chengdu and the others can help too. We can earn money for drinks for you all.”
“Everything… up to you…” Shi Wuxiang’s voice grew faint. “Say a few more words. I’m too sleepy.”
Yuan Zhao obediently continued talking—about the scholars they met, about whether they would really be reported, about whether they would refuse the invitation for drinks—
“Ah Xiang?”
He had already fallen asleep.
Yuan Zhao huffed softly. If Ah Xiang wasn’t worried, then he wouldn’t worry either.
He burrowed closer into Shi Wuxiang’s arms and fell asleep as well.
For once, the next morning Yuan Zhao was not woken by the thin woman’s mother. The entire courtyard was unusually quiet. When he woke up, it was already bright outside.
He sat up in a daze. The bed was still warm, but the person beside him was gone.
He quickly got dressed and ran into the courtyard.
Shi Wuxiang had already brought back the newly made pot and was boiling water to test it.
“Ah Xiang.”
“You’re up. Go wash up, we’ll test your pot,” Shi Wuxiang said. “If it’s fine, we’ll rest for a day and start selling tomorrow.”
Yuan Zhao nodded repeatedly.
The pot had multiple compartments. Shi Wuxiang boiled it for cleaning, then refilled it with water. While they watched the fire, he went to cut meat and vegetables.
Even though it was cold outside, standing by the fire made it feel warm.
The thin woman’s mother watched with curiosity. “So you’re just going to sell directly with this pot? What is it anyway? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Boiled meat skewers,” Yuan Zhao said. “You can try some later.”
Shi Wuxiang brought out prepared meat and vegetables. Each person had a bowl of dipping sauce.
“It’s similar to the hotpot we ate before,” Yuan Zhao said, remembering the village meal.
“Yes, similar,” Shi Wuxiang replied. “I’ll make different soup bases later, so there will be more flavors.”
He began placing meat into the boiling water.
For now, it was just plain water—this was only a test. With good dipping sauce, even plain boiling worked fine.
A group of people sat around the pot, faces full of steam and heat, yet no one complained about cold or taste.
The thin woman’s mother had originally not wanted to take advantage, but curiosity won out in the end. She joined in—and after the first bite, it was incredible. The flavor exploded in the mouth like fireworks.
“This seasoning is good,” Chengdu said, quick-handedly picking up meat. “It’s clearly just boiled food, but once you dip it in the sauce, it becomes completely different.”
“My sauce is good too,” Yuan Zhao said, then suddenly widened his eyes. “I could also make meat sauce to sell!”
Meat sauce?
The thin woman’s mother immediately became interested. She had heard of soybean paste and fermented sauces before, but meat sauce—was that made from meat?
“It is made from meat,” Yuan Zhao said with a smile. “I’ll fry some for you to try later, Auntie. If it can be sold, that would be even better.”
“Good, good,” she nodded repeatedly. She had never even heard of meat sauce in the provincial city. These people from the countryside really had some skills. If it tasted good, she would definitely buy some.
The ten-compartment pot filled with meat and vegetables was still not enough for them. After being tortured in the exam cubicle, eating while guarding a chamber pot had made even their dry rations barely edible. Now that the exam was finally over, they naturally had to eat properly.
Yuan Zhao only ate a little before he was full, so he took over cooking the meat and vegetables. Since they were all friends, it was not really serving anyone—just whoever got overcooked meat ended up in Chengdu’s bowl.
The two horse drivers squatted nearby eating as well. After benefiting from this meal, they were more than willing to continue working with them in the future.
After eating, everyone patted their full stomachs while the thin woman’s mother efficiently washed all the pots and bowls. Since she had taken advantage of the meal, it would not be right not to do something in return.
“If you want to buy meat and vegetables, go to the morning market before dawn. It’s cheaper and fresher then,” she said. “I know that area well. I’ll take you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Auntie,” Yuan Zhao said immediately with a smile.
In the afternoon, with nothing to do, they naturally went out for a walk.
The group of three or five strolled through the streets. Yuan Zhao was already very familiar with the market now—thanks entirely to the thin woman’s mother.
Chengdu even teased him. “Little sister-in-law is already a local of the provincial city now. Looks like that burned-down house of yours was worth it.”
Shi Wuxiang coughed. The others laughed.
Yuan Zhao glared fiercely. “I hate you. You were the one who burned it. Pay me back! Pay me a house in the provincial city!”
“My heavens, that’s a lion’s mouth opening wide…” Chengdu laughed. “Why don’t you just say sell me instead?”
“You’re not even worth fifty taels,” Yuan Zhao shot back. “Can’t carry, can’t lift, anyone who buys you would just lose money.”
Chengdu immediately pretended to be hurt and leaned on Shi Wuxiang’s shoulder. “Good brother, look at your husband’s sharp little mouth—he’s hurting me!”
Shi Wuxiang raised an eyebrow. “My husband’s mouth is sharp, and you know it?”
“…I don’t know anything,” Chengdu immediately changed tone. He could not afford to offend married people like this.
He quickly turned and leaned on Fu Ying instead. When Fu Ying pushed him away, he shifted to Hu Lu. Luckily Hu Lu tolerated him, or else he would have caused a scene.
They strolled the streets to see what was being sold. If something was too common, it would not sell well. Fortunately, nothing like what they planned to sell was already on the market—meaning there was probably profit to be made.
Even if not, they could still eat it themselves.
“Senior brother!”
Yuan Zhao turned and saw the same group of scholars from before. Their attendants were carrying items behind them, clearly also out for leisure.
Shi Wuxiang cupped his hands. “Brother Hong, Brother Ling.”
Hong Yu said, “Where are you all going? If convenient, shall we walk together?”
“We’re just casually wandering,” Shi Wuxiang replied gently. “Since we will stay in the provincial city for some time, it is good to get familiar with it. Walking together is fine.”
“Perfect.”
So they traveled together. The atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious. After learning about the hotpot-style meal they had eaten at noon, Hong Yu and Ling An also wanted to try it.
Since they had already agreed to meet again, it was better to do it today. So it was settled.
In the evening, Hong Yu and Ling An arrived with wine and dishes.
The small courtyard rarely hosted so many guests, especially all scholarly candidates of the same year. To the thin woman’s household, it felt almost like their home had become honored.
Yuan Zhao, as a young husband, was originally not supposed to sit at the table, but Shi Wuxiang insisted and the others also persuaded him, so he sat and helped serve the group.
After wine and meat, everyone was slightly drunk.
Shi Wuxiang casually leaned against Yuan Zhao’s shoulder without concern, as if no one else existed. He wanted the whole world to know their relationship, with no space for anyone else.
The scholars, already drunk, paid no attention and continued eating and arguing about exam questions.
Yuan Zhao did not dare ask how they performed, but he saw them arguing fiercely over classical passages, almost fighting, then suddenly laughing and putting arms around each other again.
After several rounds of drinking, most of them were completely drunk.
Yuan Zhao first helped Shi Wuxiang back to the room, then had the coachmen carry Chengdu and the others inside. Hong Yu and Ling An were taken back by their attendants.
“Please take care of them safely.”
“Don’t worry, Madam Shi. Farewell.”
Yuan Zhao cleaned up, then went to the kitchen to make sobering soup. He brought it to each room before finally returning to Shi Wuxiang.
“Ah Xiang, drink the soup before sleeping. Otherwise your head will hurt tomorrow,” Yuan Zhao said softly, wiping his face with a warm cloth.
Shi Wuxiang half-closed his eyes, pretending to sleep. He could hear Yuan Zhao’s voice and knew he was speaking to him, but he was too exhausted to respond properly, only letting out faint, unclear sounds.
Yuan Zhao leaned closer but could not understand anything. “Then I’ll feed you directly. Swallow properly, okay?”
He helped Shi Wuxiang sit up and fed him the soup, gently opening his lips with the rim of the bowl and pouring it in.
Even in a hazy state, Shi Wuxiang still swallowed properly, so it was not difficult.
After finishing, Yuan Zhao was about to put the bowl away when his sleeve was suddenly grabbed.
“Ah Xiang? Are you awake now?”
“…What are you doing,” Shi Wuxiang’s voice was hoarse.
“I’m putting the bowl away,” Yuan Zhao said. “I’ll come back and sleep with you right away. Close your eyes first.”
“Mm… hurry,” Shi Wuxiang said softly, loosening his grip.
Yuan Zhao quickly cleaned up and returned. After washing up briefly, he lay down beside him.
Shi Wuxiang immediately pulled him into his arms, holding him tightly. In the cool night air, the two bodies pressed together warmly and closely.
The next morning before dawn, Yuan Zhao went out with the thin woman’s mother to buy meat, vegetables, firewood, and charcoal. With her help, they managed to get good prices, though it still added up to quite a sum. He only hoped they could earn enough back within these thirty days.
Back in the courtyard, they prepared meat and vegetables and skewers made by Xiu-niang’s family. By noon, everything was ready.
They went to a street where street stalls were allowed. The moment they set up, they immediately attracted attention.
A young husband with several handsome scholars selling food—it was hard not to notice.
Crowds quickly gathered. Yuan Zhao introduced the food while cooking, dipping skewers into sauce for tasting samples. The customers were surprised by the free tasting.
Some found it too spicy, others loved it immediately.
With prices so low, people quickly began buying. The provincial city crowd was always willing to try new things, so business started smoothly.
Soon, the stall was surrounded by customers, and their first day of selling began.
The aunt widened her eyes. “My son gives me money—how I spend it is my business. Don’t you interfere!”
Yuan Zhao laughed so hard he could barely close his mouth.
The few scholars standing there were like living signboards. Customers came in a steady stream to buy skewers. There were even maids and servants from young ladies and young masters, all leaning in to listen to the aunts talking, then faithfully reporting everything back to their own households.
Since they were only testing the stall at first, the pre-made skewers of meat and vegetables were not enough. Unexpectedly, business was so good they had to start cutting, skewering, and boiling everything on the spot—only earning more praise for being honest and efficient.
It was exactly mealtime at noon, and they simply did not have enough to sell. In the end, they had to close the stall under the reluctant gazes of customers.
“We’ll come again tomorrow,” Yuan Zhao said.
“Good, good, you must come back! And they will come too, right?” many people asked, still staring longingly at Shi Wuxiang and the others behind him.
Yuan Zhao smiled so hard his eyes curved. “They’ll all come.”
On the way back, Yuan Zhao’s face and nose were red from laughing. He never expected these scholars could attract customers like this—his original plan had only been for them to help out.
Shi Wuxiang and the others were also somewhat helpless. Beauty really was a kind of advantage—when used properly, it could even be turned into money.
In a way… they were earning money with their looks.
Back at the courtyard, they immediately went into Shi Wuxiang’s room. Yuan Zhao took out the money box that Xiu-niang’s family had given them, poured everything onto the table, coins scattered everywhere.
“Count it!” Yuan Zhao announced.
The scholars naturally obeyed. This was their team’s backbone, after all.
Each person took a pile and began counting. The room fell so quiet it made the scalp tingle. Yuan Zhao, however, sat lazily waiting for the final result.
In the end, the total came to more than ten taels. If they kept selling for a few more days, they could even earn back their rent for the month.
“This little stall makes that much?” Hu Lu was shocked. His mother’s embroidery shop would need half a month to earn this.
“Small business, thin profit but high turnover,” Shi Wuxiang said. “Add it all up and it becomes something.”
He had once heard that a roadside pancake stall auntie could even afford a luxury car in a year. Small businesses should never be underestimated.
Yuan Zhao asked, “Do we divide the money now, or at the end?”
“Subtract all costs and divide daily,” Shi Wuxiang said. “That way everyone stays motivated.”
No one objected. It was just casual work while waiting for results anyway.
Days passed like this. They ate, drank, laughed, and worked. Time moved quickly while they almost forgot they were still waiting for exam results.
The weather grew colder, and they even sent letters back to Qingluan Village, though it was unclear when they would receive replies.
After another half month, the post station delivered word that letters had arrived.
“Ah Xiang! There’s a reply! A thick stack!”
“It’s probably all bundled together,” Shi Wuxiang said. “Open it.”
Yuan Zhao carefully opened the envelope and took out their letter, placing the rest aside.
The handwriting was familiar. Judging by the date, it was likely written while Yuan Yue was still at home.
Yuan Zhao could recognize some characters, but not all. He glanced through briefly before waiting for Shi Wuxiang.
Shi Wuxiang came over with the others. Each of them opened their letters and read quietly.
“What does it say? I can’t recognize some words. Can Yuan Yue even pass exams with this handwriting?” Yuan Zhao muttered.
Shi Wuxiang smiled faintly. “That attitude of yours is worth learning from.”
He then explained the contents.
The letter was long and full of daily concerns—clothes, food, travel. It expressed worry for them and mentioned that the shop in town was still doing well, with profits safely stored in the bank.
Not a single word mentioned the exam directly. Only subtle questions about Shi Wuxiang’s health and state of mind.
“Mother is very worried about you, just not saying it outright,” Yuan Zhao said softly, glancing at him carefully.
“I’ve already done what I can,” Shi Wuxiang replied gently. “Now I just wait for the result.”
The paper felt light, yet carried heavy emotion.