Chapter 31

Chapter 31

"The tipping leaderboard ranks the top twenty patrons based on the total silver tipped during each storytelling session, compiled monthly and ranked from highest to lowest."

"The top three will receive story-related items from 'Love Between Human and Ghost.' Details will be announced later. The top tipper can have a pseudonym used as a character's name in the next story. However, they cannot interfere with the story's creation—it's just a name. If they prefer, they can exchange it for other items related to 'Love Between Human and Ghost.'"

The patrons present were all avid fans of "Love Between Human and Ghost." Hearing there would be related items, even without knowing the details, they felt a budding anticipation.

This was unprecedented in storytelling, sparking curiosity. The idea of having one's name woven into such a novel and captivating story held an irresistible allure for the patrons.

"Manager Ji, why didn't you say so earlier! Can we add more tips? Hurry, hurry! Bring that tray over—I want to tip more!"

"Yes, yes! And get a bigger tray, or it won't hold enough!"

"Quickly, Manager Ji, don't delay our tipping!"

As soon as the tipping leaderboard was announced, well-off patrons eagerly competed to tip.

They were rolling in wealth and cared little about the money, simply wanting to spend for joy.

For patrons with less means who could only afford tea and the story, Shen Yuan introduced a punch-card booklet: listen to five sessions, get a free pot of tea. Finish the entire book, and receive a dessert-and-tea set.

This benefit was for all listening patrons and would be implemented once the chapter seals were carved.

Ji Xingwang announced this news first, bringing joy and anticipation to the less affluent patrons as well.

Once more storytellers were trained and private storytelling rooms opened, even more revenue could be generated.

Thinking of the promising future, Ji Xingwang felt a surge of enthusiasm, working tirelessly without a hint of fatigue.

At noon came more good news: Auntie Chun had successfully made the steamed milk custard!

This meant the teahouse could add another dessert to its income stream!

Shen Yuan tasted the steamed milk custard: rich with the fragrance of milk, a hint of wine aroma, sweet, with a dense, smooth, and tender texture. One version was sprinkled with dried almond slices, another drizzled with osmanthus honey, offering complex layers of flavor.

Chilled with ice, it was refreshingly cool. As the weather grew hotter, the sweet, smooth, and delicate custard melting in the mouth felt like the very embodiment of happiness.

"Auntie Chun, this is delicious!" Shen Yuan affirmed.

The steamed milk custard was sure to be a hit with the public!

Hearing this, Auntie Chun was overjoyed. After many failed attempts—sometimes too strong in wine flavor, sometimes failing to set—she had finally succeeded without holding Shen Yuan back.

Once the custard was served and teahouse revenue increased, the owner would see the profits and no longer consider selling the place.

They could all continue working at the teahouse.

Ji Xingwang devoured four bowls in one go. If Shen Yuan hadn't stopped him, fearing a stomachache from overeating, he would have kept going.

It was truly delicious! He had never tasted anything so good, leaving a sweet fragrance lingering on his lips and teeth—simply irresistible.

In his view, even the owner had never eaten such delightful food!

The steamed milk custard was scheduled to debut the day after tomorrow, requiring ingredient preparation and business negotiations. Tomorrow, Shen Yuan would incorporate it into the new plot to build anticipation.

Ji Xingwang handled the negotiations for the ingredient supply.

He was away from the teahouse in the afternoon. Uncle Sigeng took over managing the main hall, with Shen Yuan and Fang Zaoshang keeping an eye out, ensuring everything remained calm.

Due to the morning's announcement about the tipping leaderboard, afternoon tips doubled immediately after the session.

Uncle Sigeng couldn't manage alone, so Fang Zaoshang and Wang Sanhu each took a tray to collect tips.

The three were stunned speechless—they had never seen so much gold, silver, and jewelry in their lives!

And this was just from one session's tips!

Combined, it must be over a hundred taels, right?!

Ji Xingwang returned just as Shen Yuan was finishing work. Today, Auntie Chun had prepared steamed fish and mutton soup. Shen Yuan packed two bowls of millet rice, a steamed fish, a large earthenware pot of mutton soup, plus two servings of steamed milk custard to take home.

Wang Sanhu's meals weren't as lavish as Shen Yuan's; Shen Yuan's portions were specially prepared on Ji Xingwang's orders, following Ji Pingan's instructions.

Still, Wang Sanhu was perfectly content with his food: two large millet steamed buns and two spoonfuls of pickled vegetables. He had also drunk two big bowls of millet porridge at the teahouse.

...

Meanwhile, at the dock of the neighboring county to Qingyun County, a large ship flying the Xie family's flag was moored. Nearly a hundred trackers shouted as they pulled the ship, shoulders rubbed raw by ropes, sweating profusely, leaning forward with great effort.

The dock was cleared, filled with officials standing quietly in wait.

At the forefront were three men: the County Magistrate, the County Deputy Magistrate, and Ji Pingan.

As the ship approached the shore, the County Magistrate squinted, anxiety in his heart. "Later, I'll rely on you, Young Master Ji, to put in a good word for this humble official before your Fifth Grandfather."

Ji Pingan remained expressionless, ignoring him entirely.

Failing to gain favor, the Magistrate felt like lashing out but didn't dare. He merely snorted coldly, cursing inwardly about ingratitude before letting it go.

After all, the man was related by marriage to the Xie family of Youyang City—the foremost great clan of Wu Country. Who would dare provoke them?

Just then, a ladder was lowered from the ship, and movement could be seen above.

The Magistrate set aside his thoughts, putting on a fawning, false smile as he stepped forward.

The first to descend were several guards dressed in black riding attire, swords at their waists.

Among them was a young man in white brocade embroidered with cloud patterns, his black hair tied up with a jade crown. Gold-threaded hidden patterns adorned his collar. Exceptionally tall and straight as bamboo, he had clear, cold features and deep, calm black eyes. His gaze swept from afar, carrying a chill and aloofness, noble and extraordinary like frost and snow meant only to be admired from a distance.

Ji Pingan instinctively lowered his head, not daring to look. Beside him, the Magistrate and Deputy Magistrate were also halted by the cold, unapproachable aura emanating from the man, not daring to take another step forward.

As the figure drew nearer, sweat beaded on the Magistrate's forehead. In a panic, he pushed Ji Pingan forward.

The guards immediately raised their swords, blocking Ji Pingan's path.

Their eyes held a clear warning: take another step, and bear the consequences.

Ji Pingan had no choice but to lower his gaze and say, "I am Ji Pingan of the Ji family in Qingyun County. Today, I have come specifically to escort Fifth Grandfather Xie to Qingyun."

The man whom Ji Pingan respectfully addressed as Fifth Grandfather had a face like carved jade, cold and noble.

Xie Yulin stepped forward slowly. The guards shifted slightly but maintained a protective formation, shielding him flawlessly.

He paused briefly before Ji Pingan, his voice deep, magnetic, yet cold and distant. "According to Youyang's customs, address me as Great-Uncle."

After saying that, he turned and left without looking back, as if there had been no pause at all.

Ji Pingan quickly nodded in agreement.

His sister was a concubine in a branch of the Xie family. According to the generational customs in Qingyun County, he was supposed to address Xie Yulin as "Fifth Grandfather." Since Youyang was in the south of Wu Country, following the customs there, he should call Xie Yulin "Fifth Granduncle."

Ji Pingan followed at the back of the procession. Gazing at Xie Yulin's otherworldly and aloof figure from behind, he thought the other man was probably not much older than him, yet his own generational rank was so much lower.

Oh well, even his own father had to address the man as "Fifth Uncle."

The Xie family's ship docked at the neighboring county instead of going directly to Qingyun County because a Xie ancestor had once been rescued by a local farmer. After the family rose to prominence, they established a clan rule: any Xie descendant passing through Minghua County must pay their respects to the Fan family.

Thanks to this, the Fan family had become the foremost clan in Minghua County, far removed from their humble farming origins centuries ago.

Naturally, the current head of the family, Fan Chenghua, was also present today. However, as the Xie family's status rose higher and higher, the gratitude owed to the Fan ancestors had long since faded.

If not for this ancestral decree, a household like the Fan family would never have had the chance to show their faces before the Xie family.

Normally, the Fan family should have been standing in the front row alongside the county magistrate and other officials to receive the guests.

However, three years ago, a daughter of the Fan family had moved into the Xie household under the pretext of recuperating from an illness. For reasons unknown, she offended Xie Yulin.

Since then, the Xie family had ceased all support for the Fan family and even declared that, apart from the ancestral rule, they would have no further dealings with them.

Fearing that Xie Yulin might see him associating with the Fan family and become displeased, the magistrate of Minghua County had placed the Fan family at the very end of the line.

Seeing Xie Yulin approach, Fan Chenghua hurriedly lowered his head and said respectfully, "Fan Chenghua pays his respects to Young Master Yulin. Everything at the residence is prepared. Please, Young Master, proceed there to rest."

Xie Yulin responded indifferently, "Mm."

The Fan family had prepared a carriage, but Xie Yulin did not board it directly.

Three Xie family servants boarded the carriage first. Each carried a large bundle, their hair tightly wrapped and hands covered in coarse cloth gloves. They thoroughly scrubbed the interior from top to bottom, then replaced all the bedding, cushions, and blankets with items from their packs.

During this time, Xie Yulin sat on a freshly wiped chair, propping his head up with his hand as he napped. He was wearing exquisitely crafted white silk gloves that fit his hands perfectly.

A guard stood beside him holding a parasol.

With Xie Yulin asleep, no one dared to speak. They made sure to breathe softly and didn't dare leave first, simply standing there and waiting.

The sun was blazing, and soon everyone was drenched in sweat.

Yet, under the parasol, Xie Yulin seemed utterly unaffected, resting peacefully with his eyes closed, calm and collected.

The county magistrate's face was flushed red from the heat, his head dripping with sweat. He repeatedly wiped his brow with his sleeve until the fabric was soaked through.

Suddenly, a male voice tinged with amusement sounded beside his ear, "Will you dare to wait like this next time?"

The magistrate and the others were startled and turned to find a handsome young man. He wore green robes, his hair half-tied with a ribbon. The cool color really popped under the scorching sun, catching everyone's eye.

"Might I ask who you are?"

Since only the Xie family's ship was docked behind them, this person must have come from it. His attire was of fine quality, indicating a significant status. The magistrate dared not be rude and inquired respectfully.

The young man grinned. "I'm Song Zijuan, a retainer of Young Master Yulin."

Those who could become retainers of Xie Yulin were no ordinary individuals.

The magistrate immediately clasped his hands in salute. "So it's Advisor Song."

The deputy magistrate and Ji Pingan also saluted him. Song Zijuan returned the gesture with a smile and said, "Young Master Yulin prefers quiet. With so many of you waiting here, looking like you're about to step up to talk, it's bound to annoy him. Consider this time spent baking in the sun as learning the hard way. Remember the lesson next time and don't pull such a stunt again."

The magistrate and the deputy magistrate couldn't complain. Who would have thought that Xie Yulin, who already seemed difficult to approach, would be even more unapproachable than he appeared?

Both nodded miserably and said, "Thank you for the advice, Advisor Song."

Song Zijuan chuckled lightly. "It's nothing." Then he looked at Ji Pingan. "You're Ji Pingan, right?"

Ji Pingan was taken aback. "Advisor Song knows me?"

Song Zijuan nodded. "I saw you once at the Xie residence in Youyang years ago. Young Master Yulin previously instructed that if we encountered anyone from the Ji family, I should pass on a message. Be at the dock tomorrow at exactly seven in the morning to board the Xie family ship to Qingyun County together."

Ji Pingan was surprised. He had only visited the Xie family once, years ago, when he accompanied his sister's entourage.

To think this man could still remember him after just one meeting.

Truly impressive. No wonder he could become a retainer for the Fifth Master.

"I'll definitely arrive on time tomorrow," Ji Pingan promised.

Over there, the carriage had been thoroughly cleaned.

The guard holding the parasol leaned down and whispered something. Xie Yulin slowly opened his eyes, rose, and walked leisurely toward the carriage.

Even in this relaxed state, his posture was elegant and his bearing naturally noble. Even from behind, he resembled a pine tree or the moon—aloof and standing apart from the world.