Chapter 77

Chapter 77

During Ji Pingan’s recuperation, his wound was healing quite well.

With the supply of good medicine from the Xie family and a physician staying behind to care for him, his recovery had gone much better than expected.

He couldn't sit still. In the past couple of days, as soon as he could move around, he began playing a game of cat and mouse with his family and the physician, hiding all over the courtyard just so he could practice boxing.

When Shen Yuan arrived, Ji Pingan was being scolded by the old physician. Ji Mingfeng and Zhao Yueyun stood by watching, their expressions clearly saying, "Scold him well, scold him more," as if venting their own frustrations.

"Brother Pingan!"

The "dead man" came back to life, scrambling to his feet in one go, not even caring about the pain from the wound on his back, smiling despite the pain. "Xiao Yuan, you're finally here! I missed you like crazy!"

It had only been one night since they last saw each other. Shen Yuan knew he was just tired of being lectured and was looking for an excuse to escape.

Nowadays, in Qingyun County, if there was anyone who could handle the two old physicians by Xie Yulin's side, it was undoubtedly Shen Yuan.

Sure enough, when the two physicians saw Shen Yuan arrive, they stopped their nagging and nodded politely to him.

Shen Yuan smiled at them. "I've come to see Brother Pingan. Thank you for your hard work, you two. I'll take over from here."

With Shen Yuan there, the two physicians were indeed reassured. Ji Mingfeng and Zhao Yueyun felt the same. After they left, the room suddenly became much quieter. Ji Pingan's eyes were fixed on the clay pot in Shen Yuan's hand. "Is that the pork rib soup your aunt made? I can smell it already. Quick, bring it here, bring it here."

"Brother, your sense of smell is getting sharper and sharper."

Ji Pingan couldn't wait to drink it. Not wanting to waste time pouring it out, he directly scooped it from the pot with a spoon.

"You came today because you're here for a reason, right?" Ji Pingan asked Shen Yuan between sips.

Shen Yuan touched his face in surprise. "Is it written on my face?"

Ji Pingan laughed. "How could I not understand you? Go on, what is it?"

Shen Yuan moved closer to Ji Pingan, his big eyes fixed on him, speaking in a negotiating tone. "I want to ask Brother for a person."

Ji Pingan nearly spat out his mouthful of rib soup, choking and coughing violently. Shen Yuan quickly patted his back to help him catch his breath. "Don't drink so fast. Choking is so uncomfortable."

"Who do you have your eye on?" Ji Pingan grabbed Shen Yuan's wrist, his face full of gossipy curiosity. "I don't have many maidservants by my side, just two. Is it Chuntao or Chunxing?"

Shen Yuan was torn between laughter and tears. "Brother, you've misunderstood. I want Manager Ji Xingwang. I want him to work for me."

Ji Pingan looked rather disappointed. "Ah, and here I thought it was something serious with that mysterious look on your face. If you're short on manpower, I can find you someone better. Although Ji Xingwang has improved, his abilities are limited and his aptitude is mediocre."

"No need, I think Manager Ji is just fine," Shen Yuan explained. "Manager Ji will strictly follow my requirements and do his best to achieve what I ask. For the tasks I need him for, that's all that's required. While very capable people are also needed, that's not the case right now."

Shen Yuan wanted to build his own team, one that could operate well even in his complete absence later on.

If there were too many Ji family servants, the situation wouldn't be ideal. If someone wanted to take advantage of a weakness, they could directly target the Ji family with harsh measures.

Killing two birds with one stone, the Ji family would suffer for no reason.

"Alright, I'll transfer Ji Xingwang to you," Ji Pingan said. "I'll also give you the family registry papers for his entire family, so he can work for you with peace of mind."

"However, his eldest son's family is farming on the estate. The estate is some distance from Qingyun County. If we send word today, the earliest they could arrive is tomorrow evening."

Shen Yuan's eyes lit up. "How many people are in the eldest son's family?"

Ji Pingan thought for a moment, answering vaguely, "Seems like four or five. I'll have someone come and tell you."

The steward brought over the records on bamboo and read out the situation of Ji Xingwang's family to Shen Yuan.

"He has two sons and a daughter. The eldest son's family of six includes two sons and two daughters with the estate maid Niu Siya, and they farm on the estate. The second daughter married the servant Liu De and had one daughter and one son. The youngest son's family of three includes one daughter with the maid Chunyan. They do small tasks and cleaning in the residence."

The people in the Ji Family Teahouse were all under Ji Pingan's authority. Even with Ji Pingan's consent, Shen Yuan still needed to ask Ji Xingwang for his opinion.

"Brother, if Manager Ji disagrees, then let's pretend I never brought this up."

Ji Pingan didn't understand why Shen Yuan would go to the extra trouble of asking when it was a matter decided by the master of the house, but he still listened to Shen Yuan. "Alright, I'll do as you say."

"What? Me? I'm going to be the vice president of the Storytellers' Union?!" Ji Xingwang was so startled he began to stutter, staring blankly at Shen Yuan. "Xiao Yuan, you're not joking, are you?"

After a brief moment of pleasant surprise, Ji Xingwang was overwhelmed by intense self-doubt and disbelief. "I can't do it. I couldn't even run a teahouse well. Back then, if it weren't for you, the teahouse would have been ruined under my management, and the owner would have had to sell it. The Storytellers' Union is such an important place. For me to be the second-in-command, that's really too high an honor for me."

Ji Xingwang was genuinely afraid. He thought highly of Shen Yuan and liked him, so he wanted Shen Yuan to succeed.

He could help with small tasks and chores, but being in a management position—he was truly afraid he wouldn't do well and would ruin Shen Yuan's plans.

That would be more painful to him than death itself.

Shen Yuan poured water slowly and handed it to Ji Xingwang.

"Manager, I've always thought you've done an excellent job," Shen Yuan spoke honestly to Ji Xingwang. "Everything you've done, I've seen it all."

"As I've said before, you are diligent and willing to learn, responsible in dealing with people and matters. That's exactly the kind of person I need."

Ji Xingwang's aptitude was mediocre; he was never the type to pioneer or expand new areas.

But he was the best type for holding steady and building up, for steady and solid progress.

The tasks of taking the lead and making breakthroughs would naturally be done by those skilled in such matters, but stability in the rear also required corresponding people to handle it.

Since storytelling was added to the teahouse, Ji Xingwang had managed everything from top to bottom without any mistakes; instead, things had gotten better and better.

Shen Yuan's storytelling was one part, but Ji Xingwang's management and maintenance were also indispensable.

Ji Xingwang fell into deep thought.

Being the manager of the teahouse was good, especially the current teahouse.

In the future, as long as he didn't mess things up, the Ji Family Teahouse would continue as it was. The Family Head, out of consideration for Shen Yuan, wouldn't let anyone else replace him.

Ji Xingwang could even imagine his life in his later years.

From then on, it would likely be smooth sailing, living a plain life.

He was already in his forties, getting older. It had taken him over twenty years to climb from the Ji family residence to becoming the teahouse manager.

The Storytellers' Union was brand new, something that never existed before.

Ji Xingwang could also imagine that with Shen Yuan involved, the development of the Storytellers' Union would be beyond his wildest dreams.

If he went, he would be the second-in-command, the vice president.

Even though he was already forty years old, his future still held limitless possibilities.

On one side was the teahouse, enough for him to enjoy a peaceful old age. On the other side was the Storytellers' Union, full of challenges and unknowns.

Ji Xingwang was torn.

He knew that at his age and in his situation, there was only one reason he still felt this way.

He wanted to go to the Storytellers' Guild.

He wanted to be Shen Yuan's assistant; even in his forties, the desire remained.

Shen Yuan saw and understood him.

Ji Xingwang had rarely received recognition; almost all of it had come from Shen Yuan.

"The Ji family..." Ji Xingwang hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject with his master’s household.

After all, he was a household servant; his ancestors had all been servants of the Ji family. His family members were also servants of the Ji family.

Once a person entered the slave registry, they could never be removed from it. As a servant of the Ji family, how could he work for Shen Yuan?

Shen Yuan knew Ji Xingwang was interested. He said, "If you agree, Shopkeeper, the Ji family side is not a problem. Brother Ping'an will give me all the indentures for your family members. However, your daughter married a servant, so their family's contracts are not included."

"I heard your eldest son is a farm laborer on the estate. My family has also bought land and hasn't found suitable tenants yet. They can continue farming in Dashu Village."

Ji Xingwang was overjoyed.

His eldest son's family had always been on the estate; they rarely saw each other throughout the year. He recalled the last time they met was when his little granddaughter was born, and he had gone to take a look.

Several years had passed in the blink of an eye.

If they were in Dashu Village, meeting would be much more convenient than going to the estate.

Ji Xingwang no longer hesitated and nodded immediately. "I'll go back and tell my family. Xiao Yuan—no, I should start calling you Master. From now on, whatever you say, I'll do. I'll definitely handle the tasks you assign beautifully!"

Shen Yuan smiled. "It's fine, no need to change how you address me. Just call me Xiao Yuan."

Ji Xingwang chuckled, happy inside. He was finally someone valued and appreciated!

"By the way, Shopkeeper, what can your youngest son and his wife do?"

They would need jobs when they arrived, and Shen Yuan wanted to find out more from Ji Xingwang.

Ji Xingwang wasn't sure either. When he went back, his timing with his youngest son's family never aligned, and they didn't meet much.

He thought for a moment before saying, "This child was a bit simple since he was young; he liked to squat alone playing with branches. When he grew up, I was busy and didn't see him much. After he got married, we met even less. Honestly, I can't say much."

After all, it was his own son. Ji Xingwang ended up offering a few sincere words of praise. "But he has a good nature—honest and straightforward, he just doesn't like to talk. He works diligently and steadfastly, bearing hardships without complaint."

"My youngest daughter-in-law is the same; neither of them likes to talk much. But they have good hearts and good temperaments."

If they weren't good, he wouldn't have dared to arrange this marriage. His family didn't have a single domineering person; if they married a fierce one, the household couldn't handle it.

Shen Yuan had a general understanding and planned to ask them more when they arrived.

With Ji Xingwang's agreement, things moved quickly.

The next day, Ji Ping'an gave Shen Yuan all the household registration contracts for Ji Xingwang's entire family. After returning, Shen Yuan made arrangements in the courtyard to ensure Ji Yu—Ji Xingwang's eldest son—and his family had a place to live.

Hearing that someone would farm the family land, Shen Anniang also breathed a sigh of relief.

She originally thought finding tenants would be easy, but she didn't expect it to be so difficult.

It wasn't that no one came; on the contrary, many people came. They were all attracted by the fertile land and the prospect of good harvests. Many people from Dashu Village itself came asking to tenant the land.

But there were many people and little land. Between fellow villagers and relatives, giving the land to any one family seemed wrong.

Village Head Liu and the others had no solution either. This concerned their most important livelihood: food. No one could make a decision easily.

The villagers excluded outsiders, arguing that people from outside the village shouldn't be allowed. Those living closer in the village excluded those living farther away, saying those far away couldn't take good care of the land, while those nearby could keep an eye on it easily.

Shen Anniang heard the people were household servants with contracts from the Ji family. She safely stored the registration contracts Shen Yuan gave her and happily went to prepare rooms for them.

It was good to have more people living at home. In the countryside, more people meant more safety.

Now the land also had people to farm it. The Shen family's own people would farm it, so they weren't afraid of gossip, nor were they afraid of envious neighbors causing trouble or pulling up seedlings.

...

Once the sign for the Storytellers' Guild arrived, hanging it up meant opening for business.

The surrounding merchants had been curious ever since someone started cleaning inside the Xu Family Teahouse, wondering which wealthy household had taken over such a prime location.

Upon inquiring and learning it was bought by Registrar Shen, any schemes anyone had were put to rest.

Everyone thought Shen Yuan bought the teahouse to split from the Ji family and operate independently. After all, it was hard to justify—he was a Registrar, yet he still worked as a storyteller at the Ji Family Teahouse.

Ji Mingfeng also heard the rumors and felt as anxious as if he were being fried in oil.

The tips earned by the Ji family servants were quite substantial, but dozens of them combined could only match what Shen Yuan alone earned.

To let go of such a large sum of money for nothing was as painful as cutting his own flesh.

He also knew Shen Yuan would leave sooner or later; he couldn't keep storytelling at the Ji Family Teahouse forever.

Especially given his status. If it weren't for the fact that he enjoyed storytelling, someone of his rank would never perform for others.

Ji Mingfeng's heart, anxious and unsettled, only calmed down when he learned Shen Yuan had asked Ji Ping'an for Ji Xingwang.

He wished he could immediately send Ji Xingwang to that so-called Storytellers' Guild, as long as Shen Yuan continued storytelling at the Ji Family Teahouse.

Even one more day meant more money. Several hundred taels of silver!

After the sign was hung, the merchants read it: Storytellers' Guild.

Never heard of it. What was this for? It sounded like it was related to storytelling.

Could storytelling have its own separate shop?

Everyone was extremely curious. Being neighbors, they simply brought gifts and went in to inquire.

Shen Yuan happened to be there at the time.

He hadn't had time to change out of his official robe yet. The various shopkeepers who entered all froze on the spot.

You could say Registrar Shen was quite a character.

Usually, seeing these officials is not quite as difficult as climbing to heaven, but the silver needed to grease their palms before a meeting could pave a whole road.

Shen Yuan’s official position is neither high nor low, yet they managed to see him just like that, out of the blue, without spending a single copper coin.

What can I say? He is truly down-to-earth.

The quicker-witted cloth shop manager immediately smiled and said, "I pay my respects to Registrar Shen. Seeing that the Storytellers' Union was open, we neighboring merchants just came by to say hello."

Shen Yuan is young and has a baby face.

But with his green official robe of blended silk on, no one dared to comment on his age; everyone was on their best behavior.

Shen Yuan is even less stuck-up; when others are kind and smile at him, he is even more sincere in return.

"They say a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. The Storytellers' Union is going to need everyone's support in the future."

Everyone was surprised that Shen Yuan was so down-to-earth, speaking politely and not looking down his nose at anyone.

It took everyone a bit aback at first, but who doesn't like a smiling face and friendly words? They immediately replied, "Ah, Registrar Shen, what are you saying? No need for such formalities. If the Storytellers' Union needs anything in the future, just let us know."

Shen Yuan nodded, "Let's help each other out; harmony brings wealth!"

The group of merchants who came to investigate the Storytellers' Union left without learning a thing. They just handed over the gifts they brought, each receiving a box of snacks in return, their cheeks aching from all the smiling during the pleasant interaction with Shen Yuan.

As soon as the Storytellers' Union sign went up, Ji Xingwang started working there.

The eldest brother Ji Yu’s family, due to the distance and unfinished matters at their farm, wouldn't be able to move to Dashu Village for a while.

The third brother Ji Shuang’s family temporarily lived in the small courtyard behind the Storytellers' Union, keeping an eye on the place at night and pitching in with odd jobs during the day.

For the new manager at the Ji Family Teahouse, Ji Pingan sent another person from the Ji family—an honest and reliable man who wasn't expected to be a go-getter, just to do his job properly.

To make management easier, the storytellers now gather at the Storytellers' Union every morning.

Before their assigned storytelling times, they practice on their own.

The Storytellers' Union provides lunch and dinner. Sometimes, when there are leftovers, Shen Yuan tells Ji Xingwang that the union will provide ceramic bowls for the extra food, charging two copper coins per bowl, regardless of how much is served. It is limited to one bowl per person and sold to the public.

If union employees want to buy, it's the same.

Once the news spread, the employees—who had been skimping on their own staff meals to take home to support their families—were overjoyed.

Two coins outside might only buy a sesame baked pancake, but at the union, they could get vegetables and meat—you bet they were happy!

"Come help me dish out the food, Ji Shuang!"

Auntie Yang gave two coins to Lu Xiaohai, who was sitting nearby keeping track of the money, and called out to Ji Shuang, who was wiping tables not far away.

Lu Xiaohai took the money and said to Ji Shuang, "Third Brother Ji, could you serve me a portion later too?"

"Alright," Ji Shuang replied shyly, picking up a ceramic bowl to start "building a house" for Auntie Yang, piling the food up high.

Since everyone discovered that Ji Shuang had a real talent for loading up a bowl—always managing to pile the most into identical ceramic bowls—they loved asking him for help.

After the employees finished, the small door to the backyard opened, and a line had already formed outside.

They were all common folks from the nearby poor neighborhoods.

In the first two days, when they heard that two coins could buy meat, vegetables, and millet rice, they were skeptical. They came to check it out, curious, and it was true!

One by one, they paid and entered, with Auntie Yang and a few others standing behind the food pots.

Although it hadn't been many days, Auntie Yang was already familiar with most of the regulars.

"All done eating for today, Auntie Yang?" A woman held the union's ceramic bowl, with a small bamboo basket hanging from her arm containing her family's large ceramic bowl. After getting the food, she could just dump it into her own bowl.

Auntie Yang, who knew the menu inside out, replied, "Finished. Today we made chicken. When you serve, remember to pour some broth over the millet rice—it's really tasty."

The woman repeatedly agreed, "Alright, alright! Thank you for the reminder, Auntie Yang."

"Ah, working here, you folks have it better than servants in a rich man's house. Your boss is such a good man, willing to help us like this. Otherwise, how could we buy anything with just two coins?"

A young wife behind added, "Exactly! I've bought here for two days, and my kids haven't complained of hunger for two days. Adults can tough it out, but kids can't. I never would've dreamed that two coins could fill several kids' bellies."

Auntie Yang loved hearing such things, her smile growing wider. "It's the same for my family."

Everyone was happy about having a full meal when suddenly a voice whispered, leaning closer to Auntie Yang, "Hey, can't you all in the kitchen usually make a bit more? That way, more people could get food, and you could also take more for yourselves. It's not coming out of your pocket, and it's good for everyone. Your boss seems like a kind man; he wouldn't say anything about it."

If he weren't so kind, he'd rather throw the leftovers out than give them to folks like them.

Everyone nearby fell silent. Auntie Yang's smile vanished instantly; she snatched the ceramic bowl from the woman's hand and slammed it on the table.

She put her hands on her hips and let her have it without holding back, "I say you're never satisfied with freeloading! You expect others to feed your whole family with handouts for the rest of your life—you're worse than a beggar. Beggars only feed themselves, but you—you take and you take without a shred of gratitude, expecting others to feed your whole clan."

"Yes, my employer is kind and good-hearted, or else he wouldn't have fed an ungrateful wretch like you, urging me to cheat him out of money to fill your belly. Look at you talking about who it's good for—it's all for your own benefit. Instead of scheming, you'd be better off hauling two buckets of manure to earn a few coins, so you won't start plotting against others once your belly is full."

The old woman pointed at Auntie Yang, her finger trembling with anger, "You... you... you..."

"Me, me, me, what about me? My employer doesn't want to waste food, so he came up with this idea to help everyone. But you, you old schemer, think beautifully, expecting my employer to feed you for free? Try that again and I'll rip your mouth right off your face!"

Auntie Yang’s shout froze everyone in place. Lu Xiaohai, beside her, recognized the old woman. "Aren't you the one selling vegetables at the market stall?"

The kitchen decided what vegetables to buy ahead of time, then gave the list to two purchasers. Lu Xiaohai went to buy vegetables every day and naturally recognized some people.

Auntie Yang scoffed, "Oh, so you're waiting here? Hoping we'll buy more from your stall?"

Lu Xiaohai said, "Her vegetables aren't good; we've never bought from her."

This made Auntie Yang even angrier, ready to chase her out.

The old woman panicked, threw herself on the ground, and started wailing, "Ah! Registrar Shen's subordinates are hitting people!"

Infuriated, Auntie Yang stomped her feet. It would be one thing if she'd actually hit the woman, but she hadn't laid a finger on her, which made it all the more infuriating.

Lu Xiaohai was young and had rarely seen such scenes. The other purchaser, Auntie Qiu, slipped away to get Granny Zhao.

Granny Zhao had been the very first one hired after the interviews. She was incredibly grateful for the job and guarded the union and Shen Yuan like treasures.

Having lived in Stone Alley for years, Granny Zhao had seen all kinds of people. She took two steps forward, and with a cry of "Aiyo!", she too lay down on the ground.

"You heartless devil, you've gone and broken my old bones! You have to take me to see a doctor, or I'll haunt your whole family even after I die! I won't rest in peace!"

The woman was startled, quickly scrambled up from the ground, didn't even brush off the dirt, and scurried away.

Granny Zhao sat up from the ground. "Hmph, what’s there to fear about ghosts? Nothing is more terrifying than being so poor you can’t survive!"

It’s only if you’ve done nothing wrong that you don't need to fear a ghost knocking at your door.

There were plenty of people in the line who harbored the same thoughts as that old woman. Seeing now that all the union employees were completely on the union's side, they realized it would be difficult to persuade them anytime soon, so they dropped the idea and didn't dare show their thoughts.

Otherwise, they too would end up like that old woman, unable to eat such cheap meals again.

The next day, Lu Xiaohai and Aunt Qiu went to the market to buy vegetables and meat. When they spotted the old woman from the day before, both looked away and steered clear of her.

“Oh, the bottle gourds at this stall look good, nice and tender.” Aunt Qiu squatted down to pick through them, while Lu Xiaohai stood by, watching how she selected them and quietly learning.

The cheerful melon seller said, “You’ve got a good eye, ma’am. I’m a skilled grower—my melons are all big and fine, fresh and tender to eat, no worse than meat.”

Aunt Qiu examined them carefully; it was true.

“Buy a bit more, ma’am. Gourds last for quite a few days.” The old man pushed his melons, but Aunt Qiu wasn't tempted to buy extra and stuck to what the union needed.

While Aunt Qiu was picking, the old man casually asked, “You look unfamiliar, ma’am. Don’t come around here often, do you?”

“Not often,” Aunt Qiu replied offhandedly, her gaze and attention fully on the gourds.

“Seeing you and the young man buying so much, it doesn't look like it's for your own kitchen. I heard the teahouse over on the main street has turned into some kind of Storytellers’ Union, opened by a Scribe. Are you folks from the union?”

Hearing the old man mention him, Lu Xiaohai smiled and replied, “Yes.”

But Aunt Qiu paused, put down the gourd, and said warily, “Are you selling melons or checking household registrations? Whether we’re from the Storytellers’ Union or some wealthy household, what’s it to you?”

The old man was startled, then acted as if he had been misunderstood. “You’ve got the wrong idea, ma’am. This old man was just thinking if I could supply you with gourds in the future, delivered right to your door. I’ve got other seasonal vegetables at home, all fresh. I could bring them over together, and if you like them, you could buy them directly. Wouldn’t that save you the trip back and forth?”

That sounded perfectly reasonable.

But Aunt Qiu remained wary. She kept firmly in mind Shen Yuan’s warning on the first day of work: if anyone, directly or indirectly, inquired about the Storytellers’ Union or about him, they should ignore them.

Back when she worked for the Fan family, it was precisely because the head of the household wasn't vigilant enough that they ended up with the crime of having their property confiscated and the family wiped out.

She could still vividly see the officials' broadswords from that day, an image she couldn't forget even in her dreams.

Now that she finally had a good place to work again, able to support herself and her family, she absolutely couldn’t let anyone ruin it.

“Xiaohai, let’s go. We’re not buying from this stall.”

Aunt Qiu stood right up. Without any hesitation, Lu Xiaohai followed right behind her.

The old man’s originally friendly face suddenly turned gloomy, his eyes fixed on the two as he cursed under his breath.

"Damn woman!"

After returning, Aunt Qiu told Ji Xingwang about what happened at the market. When Ji Xingwang saw Shen Yuan, he immediately passed it on to him.

Shen Yuan said, “Aunt Qiu was right to be cautious. If he really wanted to deliver vegetables, he would have asked about delivery from the start, not inquired about other things first. Uncle Ji, tell our people to stay on their guard. Once Youyang resolves the issue with the Northern Kingdom's envoy, things will be better.”

Ji Xingwang nodded. “I’ll notify everyone right away.”

After returning home, Shen Yuan also told Song Zijun about the matter. Song Zijun was carving a wooden horse for Shen Xi and didn't react much, just nodded, fully focused on his work.

By the next day, Shen Yuan had gained a shadow.

Even when Shen Yuan went to the outhouse, Song Zijun would stand guard outside.

Shen Yuan really couldn’t take it anymore. After enduring it for a few days, he called Shen Xi over. “Xixi, do Big Brother a favor. Starting now, cling to your master’s leg. Don’t let go except for eating and sleeping.”

Shen Xi nodded seriously. “Big Brother, you can count on me. I’ll definitely do it!”

And so, Song Zijun was stuck with his only disciple clinging to him.

No matter what he tried to tempt Shen Xi with, Shen Xi simply wouldn’t let go, clinging tightly to his leg, coiling his own little legs and plopping down on the ground.

If Song Zijun wanted to move, he had to drag Shen Xi along.

There's always a way to be one-upped. Song Zijun admitted defeat—he was slightly outmatched this time.

He shouted toward the kitchen, “A-Yuan! I won’t stick to you anymore. Tell this little fox to let go!”

Shen Yuan poked his head out holding a wooden spatula and said to Shen Xi, “Good Xixi, Big Brother made honey-glazed ribs for you. Come and eat.”

Shen Xi scrambled up from the ground and scampered off to find his big brother.

Song Zijun watched his beloved disciple’s retreating figure, shaking his head with a helpless sigh.

As a teacher, he was no match for an older brother.

After the meal, Song Zijun and Shen Yuan finished washing up and went into the room to sleep.

Just as they got into bed, Song Zijun mysteriously pulled out a small carved box.

Shen Yuan looked down at the simply carved box and asked curiously, “What’s this?”

“Your birthday gift. I have to leave tomorrow for some business, so I’m giving it to you today.”

Shen Yuan only then remembered that tomorrow was his birthday. He’d been so busy lately he’d forgotten.

“Can I open it now?” Shen Yuan was curious.

Song Zijun smiled. “Of course.”

Shen Yuan eagerly opened the box. Inside was a wooden bracelet.

The bracelet was polished smooth, with carved patterns on the outside that seemed a bit unrefined. Inside were carved Shen Yuan’s birth details and a blessing for peace and smooth sailing.

He took out the wooden bracelet, his eyes filled with delight. “You made this?”

Song Zijun’s hands clenched tightly under his sleeves, but his face wore a flawless smile. “Mm. It’s not very well made. If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something else when I come back.”

Shen Yuan immediately put on the bracelet. His eyes sparkled in the candlelight as he looked at Song Zijun, happily saying, “How could I not like it! I absolutely love this wooden bracelet you made. I really like it and think it’s beautiful. Thanks for all the hard work, Brother Zijun~”

Shen Yuan's genuine delight brought Song Zijun boundless joy.

Song Zijun suddenly broke into an even deeper smile. “I’m glad you like it.”

On Shen Yuan’s birthday, not wanting his friends to travel back and forth, he planned to have lunch with them in the county town and dinner at home with his family.

As soon as he entered the yamen, Ji Pingan found Shen Yuan and gave him a fine inkstone and a set of good brushes.

“I asked our family’s merchant caravan to bring them back from the North Country. Try them out and see if they’re good. If you like them, I’ll buy more for you next time.”

Shen Yuan smiled. “Thank you, brother!”

Xu Kangfu and Guo Mingchen also gave gifts. Having spent a lot of time with Shen Yuan, they knew his temperament—he wasn’t someone who judged gifts by their price.

One gave Shen Yuan his favorite tea, the other gave him wine.

Even Qin Shisong brought something for Shen Yuan—a simple wooden box.

Ji Pingan couldn't resist a jab. "You didn't booby-trap that box to assassinate Xiao Yuan, did you? After all, in your book, my brother and I fit the standard of corrupt officials."

Qin Shisong shot him an exasperated look. "If I had that skill, you'd be my first target."

Shen Yuan chuckled at their bickering and opened the wooden box. Inside was a wooden doll, even wearing clothes.

"Is this me?"

Ji Pingan leaned in for a look. "Hey, it really does look like you, Xiao Yuan. Who would've thought, Boss Qin—with those rough hands of yours—you could carve something so delicate? Make one for me too someday; I won't let you do it for free, I'll pay you."

After hearing about Ji Pingan from Shen Yuan earlier, Qin Shisong had come to understand that this man was somewhat like him—sharp-tongued, but not always meaning to be sarcastic.

Like now, when Ji Pingan said this, he really meant to help him out here.

Qin Shisong scratched his head. "Well, I didn't make this. I asked my little nephew to do it. I saw all the beautiful wood carvings in his room and thought of having him carve one for you to play with, Registrar."

Shen Yuan was both amused and touched—it felt like being treated like a child.

"Your nephew is really talented, to carve something so lifelike without ever having laid eyes on me."

Qin Shisong’s smile widened at the mention of his nephew. "That's right. He lost his legs, but he's incredibly clever. I described your appearance to him, and after a few tries, it got more and more accurate. If he carved it while looking at your face, Registrar, I'm sure it would be identical."

Shen Yuan stared at the doll, lost in thought. An idea occurred to him.

"Boss Qin, could you take me to meet your nephew sometime when you're free? I have something to ask him."

Qin Shisong assumed that Shen Yuan, being young like his nephew, enjoyed wood carving and wanted to hang out with him, so he nodded immediately. "Registrar Shen, you can visit anytime you're free."

At noon, they all went to Weixianju.

Shen Yuan had reserved a spot there, the same lakeside pavilion as last time.

The weather wasn't as hot now, and with the pavilion providing shade and a breeze, it was more pleasant than being indoors.

Shen Yuan had also invited Ji Xingwang and the aunties from the Ji family teahouse. To him, these were all close friends and family.

However, one table couldn't seat everyone, and Shen Yuan worried they might feel awkward sitting with officials, so he reserved a table for them in the neighboring pavilion.

He himself shuttled back and forth between the two tables, taking a few bites at each.

Both sides were thoroughly amused by him, wanting to stuff his mouth with all the delicious food.

In the middle of the lively atmosphere, Xu Kangfu suddenly stood up, followed by Guo Mingchen. The two of them grabbed Shen Yuan, who was about to head to the other table.

The sudden pull caused Shen Yuan to lose his balance and fall to the ground, just as a sharp arrow landed precisely where he had been standing.

Qin Shisong and Ji Pingan immediately drew their swords, positioning themselves protectively in front of Shen Yuan.

A group of black-clad assailants emerged from nowhere, firing wrist arrows. Ji Pingan and the others parried with their blades.

Ji Xingwang's table wasn't spared either. Qin Shisong noticed their situation and swiftly moved over, holding his long sword in front as he urged everyone, "Quick, get away!"

Wang Sanhu, being strong, dragged along two terrified, weak-legged aunties as he ran.

Fortunately, these people's target wasn't them, so not too many wrist arrows were fired their way. Most of the black-clad assailants pursued Shen Yuan, and Qin Shisong alone could handle things here.

On Shen Yuan's side, despite being protected by Xu Kangfu and the other two, they were truly outnumbered.

Ji Pingan's back wound hadn't fully healed, and his sword movements were noticeably stiff. His face grew paler, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Shen Yuan was extremely worried. Just as Ji Pingan was about to be struck by a black-clad assailant, the hidden guards who had been secretly following Shen Yuan arrived, shooting an arrow that hit the assailant.

At the same time, Li Baozhu led a group from the Civil Blade Faction charging through the main entrance of Weixianju, heading straight for the lakeside pavilion.

"Registrar Shen! Captain Ji, Clerks Xu and Guo, are you all right?!"

Ji Pingan shouted, "Stop asking and get over here!"

Li Baozhu yelled "Got it!" and led the Civil Blade Faction members to surround them.

The Civil Blade Faction, accustomed to a comfortable life in the yamen, lacked practical combat experience, and their fighting was chaotic.

However, precisely because they fought recklessly, closing their eyes and gripping their swords tightly as they slashed wildly, the opponents found it somewhat difficult to deal with them.

This bizarre tug-of-war between the two sides was broken by Li Baozhu's shrill cry of "Registrar, watch out!"

Shen Yuan only felt a push, and when he regained his senses, he saw Li Baozhu shielding him, a gash on his arm visible through torn clothing.

The hidden guards' arrows flew faster, and several of them had already rushed from afar, cutting down assailants one by one.

Coupled with the Civil Blade Faction's desperate hacking, the black-clad assailants gradually couldn't hold their ground and began to retreat.

Shen Yuan promptly checked the injuries on Li Baozhu and Ji Pingan.

While removing his clothes, Ji Pingan winced in pain and tried to distract himself by asking Li Baozhu, "How did you all charge in? Could you hear the commotion from outside?"

Li Baozhu also winced, groaning as he replied, "We were patrolling nearby... ow, ow... when a little beggar... ow ow ow ow... said the Registrar was being assassinated at the Weixianju lakeside pavilion... so we hurried over... ow ow ow, it hurts!"

Ji Pingan, annoyed by Li Baozhu's cries, glanced at his wound. "It's just a slash from a blade! The way you're carrying on, one would think you were cut in half!"

Li Baozhu tried not to groan. "Captain Ji, look at what you're saying. If I were really cut in half, I'd be... ow... wouldn't that scare everyone to death?"

Shen Yuan patted Ji Pingan's shoulder to soothe him. "Brother, don't be angry. Captain Li got injured saving me. He's never experienced such hardship before, so it's understandable he cries out in pain."

Ji Pingan shot Li Baozhu an exasperated look. "Fine, if you want to cry out, go ahead."

Then he took out a small ceramic bottle from his pocket and tossed it to him. "This is medicine prepared by the Xie family's physician with excellent ingredients. Sprinkle it on your wound, and you'll be able to wield a sword again tomorrow."

Li Baozhu felt embarrassed. "This is too precious, Captain Ji. You should use it first. The wound on your back looks much more serious than mine."

"Just use it already!" Ji Pingan snapped.

If he didn't take care of this kid first, Xiao Yuan would surely blame himself and feel terrible.