Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Bully him? How could we?" Yang Jiu said with a nonchalant smile to Minghe, then turned to Xiao Yu, "We just want to discuss something with him."

"What is it?" Xiao Yu asked.

"Let's be frank, Young Master Xiao, you should stop selling buns at the small dock," Yang Jiu stated bluntly.

Yang Jiu's wife, Mrs. Wu, nodded in agreement.

Is this a negotiation?

This is clearly a command!

Since Mrs. Liu had warned Xiao Yu to be wary of his competitors, he had guessed that the Yang couple, who sold buns at the small dock and in town and had a decent business, might be involved.

Since his arrival, their business at the dock had suffered, and he had often noticed their resentful glances. Now facing their confrontation, he was neither surprised nor panicked. He stepped forward, shielding Minghe behind him.

Unexpectedly, Minghe ran ahead of him, clutching a white radish.

Xiao Yu whispered, "Minghe, go to the back."

Minghe insisted, "No, I want to protect Uncle."

Xiao Yu, amused yet resigned, stopped trying to move Minghe and turned to Yang Jiu, asking, "Why shouldn't I sell buns at the small dock anymore?"

"You're affecting my business," Yang Jiu said.

"How am I affecting it?" Xiao Yu feigned ignorance.

"The passersby are all buying your buns, no one's buying mine!" Yang Jiu exclaimed.

"That's right," Mrs. Wu chimed in.

"That's the customers' choice, what does it have to do with me?" Xiao Yu responded.

The Yang couple had observed Xiao Yu for several days and even inquired about his background. They knew his parents, sister, and brother-in-law had passed away, leaving him alone to care for his nephew. Handsome but humble, always smiling at others, they thought he was good-natured, but didn't expect him to be so sharp-tongued.

Being illiterate and accustomed to bullying, the Yangs were not good at reasoning.

Yang Jiu raised his voice, "Are you trying to be unreasonable?"

Xiao Yu retorted with a smile, "Seems like you're the one being unreasonable."

"Enough talk, are you leaving or not?" Yang Jiu demanded.

"I'm not leaving," Xiao Yu declared firmly.

"Then don't blame me!" Yang Jiu rolled up his sleeves and advanced towards Xiao Yu.

Wu Shi, seeing this, hurriedly advised, "Young man, don't be stubborn. He hits hard. Your buns are tasty, just sell them somewhere else to avoid getting hurt."

"I'll hit you!" Minghe raised the white radish, charging at Yang Jiu first.

"Minghe!" Xiao Yu reached out to grab the back of Minghe's collar.

Minghe, unable to move forward, continued to wave the white radish in his hand.

Yang Jiu had already approached, attempting to grab Xiao Yu.

"Yang Jiu," Xiao Yu's voice turned icy cold.

Hearing this, Yang Jiu shuddered and halted in his tracks.

"Xiao Yu!" Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.

Zhang Wu ran over, panting, and stood in front of Xiao Yu, "Xiao Yu, is someone bullying you?" Rolling up his sleeves, he prepared to join the fray.

Though not particularly tall, Yang Jiu had a sturdy build and dark complexion, indicating he was used to physical labor. Mrs. Wu, somewhat frightened, moved closer to Yang Jiu and whispered, "Husband, this..."

"I'm not afraid of them!" Yang Jiu blustered.

"Let me at them," Zhang Wu stepped forward.

Xiao Yu put a hand in front of Zhang Wu, saying, "Don't, I'll handle this."

"You?" Zhang Wu looked skeptical.

Xiao Yu nodded, "Yes, keep an eye on Minghe for me. I'll talk him down!"

Talk him down?

"What kind of demise is that?"

Zhang Wu, curious about Xiao Yu's approach, pulled Minghe aside. He thought if Xiao Yu couldn't handle it, they could join forces against the man without disadvantage. So, he stood to the side, gripping Minghe's hand.

Minghe cried out, "Don't you bully my uncle!"

Xiao Yu turned and reassured, "They won't, Minghe, don't worry."

Minghe instantly fell silent.

Xiao Yu turned back to Yang Jiu, his demeanor growing stern, "Yang Jiu, are you planning to get physical?"

"Don't be ridiculous, we haven't touched anyone," Mrs. Wu interjected.

"But you do have a history of being aggressive with people, don't you?" Xiao Yu challenged Yang Jiu.

"So what if we do?" Yang Jiu retorted defiantly.

"Aren't you afraid of retaliation?"

"Who would dare?"

"Me," Xiao Yu said with a faint smile. "I'm the type who holds grudges. If someone kills me, I won't let them off even as a ghost!"

People in these times believed in spirits and the supernatural. Xiao Yu's bold declaration unnerved the Yang couple, especially Wu Shi, who tugged at Yang Jiu's sleeve.

Yang Jiu tried to maintain his composure in the face of Xiao Yu.

Not giving Yang Jiu a chance to speak, Xiao Yu continued, "If they fail to kill me, and I can't beat them, then I'll secretly take out their father, their mother, their son... I have to vent my anger somehow."

"You wouldn't dare!" Yang Jiu shouted.

Zhang Wu stepped forward.

Xiao Yu stopped Zhang Wu and continued, "Is that not acceptable? Then I'll find another way."

Wu Shi asked apprehensively, "What else are you planning to do?"

Xiao Yu stated seriously, "According to the third volume, article fifteen of the Da Jing Legal Code: For unjustly assaulting someone causing minor injury, twenty lashes and a fine of one tael of silver; for serious injury, thirty lashes, half a month's detention, and a fine of five taels; for assault leading to death, depending on the situation, punishment can be execution, exile, imprisonment, and a fine. Yang Jiu, Mrs. Yang, which one would you prefer?"

In an era where 'all professions are inferior to scholarship', the less educated revered the educated even more, especially when Xiao Yu cited the Da Jing Legal Code with such seriousness.

Yang Jiu and Wu Shi were stunned.

Zhang Wu, aware that Xiao Yu was literate, was surprised at his prowess.

Minghe, clutching the large white radish, looked up at his uncle, seeing him in a radiant light, his eyes filled with admiration.

Xiao Yu didn't stop there, "Oh, and I remember your cousin's nephew's wife's brother's father-in-law holds an important position in the government office, right?"

Yang Jiu and Wu Shi blurted out, "How do you know that?"

"Because you used to bully people relying on him," Xiao Yu said as if suddenly remembering, "Oh yes, the fifth volume, article forty-five of the Da Jing Legal Code states, 'If a government official falsely accuses a poor person, they shall be punished as an accomplice.'"

Yang Jiu and Wu Shi's faces turned extremely unsightly.

Xiao Yu countered, "Yang Jiu, Mrs. Yang, do you still wish to continue?"

Yang Jiu hadn't expected his attempt to intimidate Xiao Yu would lead to such complications.

Wu Shi tugged at Yang Jiu's sleeve, saying, "Husband, he's a scholar with a sharp mind. We can't outsmart him."

"So we just let it go?" Yang Jiu was reluctant to give up.

"Of course, we can't just let it go. From tomorrow on, you also can't oppress other small vendors at the small dock. Everyone should mind their own business. Otherwise, as long as I live, I'll report you and your cousin's nephew's wife's brother's father-in-law to the government office. If I die, I'll ensure your family never finds peace and faces extinction!" Xiao Yu's voice was soft but his words venomous.

Yang Jiu's hands trembled slightly.

Wu Shi, already frightened, whispered, "We said it already, he sells his buns, we sell ours. You insisted on picking a fight. Look how maliciously he speaks. We can't do anything to him, what about our hard-earned son?"

"Weren't you the one complaining about making less money?" Yang Jiu yelled at Wu Shi.

"Then why don't you shout louder to sell?"

"Haven't I been shouting? It's still your fault for not making tasty buns."

"Yang Jiu, don't be so heartless. Didn't you also make the buns?"

"I did, but I never complained they were bad."

“……”

The couple started arguing on the spot.

Furious, Yang Jiu stormed off.

Wu Shi, in tears, hurried after Yang Jiu.

"They're gone!" Minghe exclaimed happily.

So this is what they call 'talking someone to death'?

Without any physical effort, Xiao Yu managed to drive away the Yang couple just with his words.

Zhang Wu finally understood why Yao, the shopkeeper, was willing to pay Xiao Yu a wage.

It was truly because Xiao Yu was quick-witted and articulate.

His gaze shifted from the departing Yang couple to Xiao Yu. He had always known that Xiao Yu was handsome, but today he seemed exceptionally so. Dressed in plain clothes, yet with delicate features, red lips, and white teeth, Xiao Yu was the most striking person he had ever seen, and Zhang Wu couldn't help but stare in awe.

"Zhang Wu," Xiao Yu called out.

Snapped back to reality by Xiao Yu's gentle gaze, Zhang Wu's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't bear to meet Xiao Yu's eyes and quickly looked away, feeling his face heat up.

"Thank you for coming to help," Xiao Yu said.

"I didn't do anything," Zhang Wu replied.

"Your presence was a help."

Recalling the confrontation with the Yang couple, Zhang Wu's tumultuous thoughts settled, and he eagerly asked, "What exactly happened?"

Xiao Yu recounted the entire incident.

"They can't sell their own buns and blame others?"

"Yes."

"Will they try to sabotage you in the future?"

"No, they're not inherently evil or cunning. They know I'm not easy to provoke and understand the consequences of doing so. At most, they'll hold a grudge against me, but they won't take any action. In real life, these kinds of minor frictions usually end without further incidents."

"That's good. If you ever need help, you can count on me. I have a few friends who are good in a fight," Zhang Wu offered.

"Okay," Xiao Yu smiled, then asked, "By the way, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, someone from the village passed by Wang Yue Restaurant and told me my mother wasn't feeling well. I asked the shopkeeper for leave to go check on her."

"What's wrong with her?"

"The same old ailment."

"Then you should hurry back."

"Alright." Zhang Wu agreed, then gave Xiao Yu a deep look, glanced at Minghe, and said, "You two have gained some weight, especially Minghe, who's much chubbier than before."

"I eat a lot every day! Like a little pig!" Minghe declared.

Who would compare themselves to a little pig?

Xiao Yu chuckled softly.

His smile was particularly charming. Zhang Wu couldn't bear to look any longer. Without even asking how Xiao Yu and Minghe started selling buns, he quickly said goodbye and hurried away.

Xiao Yu looked at Minghe, "Minghe."

"Uncle," Minghe said, one hand clutching a white radish, the other hugging Xiao Yu's leg.

"Were you scared?" Xiao Yu asked, looking down.

"I was a little scared," Minghe admitted, lifting his small face.

"Then why did you rush to fight?"

"Because I want to protect Uncle."

"Uncle is really happy. You did very well, Minghe. But remember, Uncle is also very capable, so we don't need to be scared, okay?" Xiao Yu's voice was extremely gentle.

"Yes, Uncle, you are super strong, like the sun."

"Is the sun very strong?"

"Yes, it's dazzling."

"I see."

"But it doesn't dazzle my eyes."

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm Uncle's dearest person."

Concerned that Minghe might be traumatized, Xiao Yu kept talking and making him laugh all the way home. After resting for a while and nearing lunchtime, he asked, "Minghe, what would you like for lunch?"

"Whatever Uncle eats, I'll eat," Minghe said, tilting his head.

Seeing no sign of negative emotions in Minghe, Xiao Yu felt relieved and suggested, "Then Uncle will make radish strip pancakes, okay?"

"Okay, okay, I'll light the fire."

"You go pick some green onions."

"Alright."

"Pick a good amount."

"Okay."

Minghe rolled up his sleeves and began peeling the white radish. He had thought he'd have to cut the radish into strips by hand, but to his surprise, their modest home had a julienne peeler, saving him much effort and time.

Once he had enough radish strips, Minghe still hadn't returned. Xiao Yu called out towards the courtyard, "Minghe."

There was no response.

"Minghe."

Still no response.

Minghe was usually prompt in answering. Xiao Yu, feeling anxious, put down the dish he was holding and hurried towards the courtyard. From a distance, he saw Minghe crouched in the vegetable patch, motionless.