Chapter 76

Chapter 76

As the sun set in the west, Pei Mu had only a small amount of spice left. He packed up his stall and hurried toward the shop, worried that Zhong Yizhu was running it alone today and wondering if he could handle the busyness.

The ox cart stopped at the shop entrance for a moment, and Zhong Yizhu quickly came out to greet him. Pei Mu jumped down, mindful of the public setting, and simply put an arm around his shoulder. They spoke at the same time, one asking if the day had been busy, the other asking if he was tired.

“Not tired.” Pei Mu held Zhong Yizhu’s hand, his brows carrying affection and undisguised joy. “Let me take the cart to the backyard first, and then I’ll tell you in detail.”

Just then, a young man with an unfamiliar face ran out from the shop and said softly, “Let me do it, Master. I know how to drive the cart.”

“Alright.” Zhong Yizhu smiled and nodded, pulling Pei Mu away from the cart. Pei Mu was a bit puzzled but didn’t show it, letting the young man drive the cart into the alley.

The two walked into the shop together, arms linked. Zhong Yizhu quickly and quietly told Pei Mu about Kong He’s background. He hadn’t acted out of blind kindness; he saw a bit of himself in Kong He. Saving him was an impulse, but he didn’t regret it.

“I thought since the shop is short-handed, keeping him here to watch the place at night could save on hiring someone for the night shift.”

Pei Mu knew Zhong Yizhu had a kind heart and agreed, following his lead: “That’s good. With our own people in the shop, we don’t have to worry about anyone taking advantage.”

They stood behind the shelves, using the shelves and hanging cloth to block the view. Zhong Yizhu smiled and reached for Pei Mu’s arm, but Pei Mu wasn’t satisfied with that. He lowered his head and gently bit Zhong Yizhu’s lips, asking softly what he had eaten for lunch.

Zhong Yizhu had eaten too many pastries in the morning and skipped lunch. Now he hesitated, unable to answer, until Pei Mu pinched his waist. “You’re not eating properly again.”

Zhong Yizhu shrank back, changing the subject: “You haven’t told me how the stall went today.”

Pei Mu had no choice but to briefly recount the day’s events. When Zhong Yizhu heard that two spice shops had bought spices from him and that most of his stock had been sold, his brows lifted with joy: “That’s great!”

He took the initiative to kiss the corner of Pei Mu’s mouth, not stinting on praise: “You’re amazing.”

Pei Mu rubbed noses with him. “That’s all thanks to Boss Zhong for building my spice’s reputation. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have specially bought it to try.”

Pei Mu also told him about the spice stall owners’ frustration. Zhong Yizhu wanted to laugh but felt it was inappropriate, holding it in uncomfortably until Pei Mu poked the soft spot on his waist, making him laugh out loud. Pei Mu laughed along with him until the door connecting the shop to the backyard opened, and he sobered up, looking over.

Kong He had tidied himself up. Earlier, he had applied medicine to his wounds. Seeing that his clothes were too tattered to wear, Zhong Yizhu had given him money to buy a ready-made outfit and also bought cloth for him to make another set for changing.

Kong He already regarded Zhong Yizhu as his second parent. After hearing Zhong Yizhu’s arrangements for him, he felt his work was too little to repay such kindness. Even if Zhong Yizhu told him to rest for a day to heal, he refused, eagerly taking on tasks.

But despite his fiery temper, he was still just an ordinary village young man. Now, under Pei Mu’s cold gaze, sweat beaded on his forehead, and fear grew in his heart. He wasn’t afraid of anything else, only that Pei Mu might take a dislike to him and make Zhong Yizhu sell him off.

“Were you sold by your gambling addict father?” Pei Mu asked abruptly.

Kong He was startled, then realized the question was for him, and nodded. “Yes.” He wasn’t stupid; he understood Pei Mu’s implication and quickly added, “But he’s already sold me to the master now. I belong to you. I've repaid the debt of his raising me. From now on, I have nothing to do with him.”

Pei Mu looked at him. “It’s best if that’s the case. Just remember one thing: if you dare to betray or harm Zhu Ge’er in any way—whether because of your father or anything else—I won't go easy on you.”

Kong He met Pei Mu’s eyes, shivering violently, but it also stirred defiance in him.

He suddenly knelt down, raising his hand to swear to heaven: “I swear here today: if I ever harbor the slightest disloyalty toward the master, may I be struck by lightning, may my bones be ground to dust and I die a miserable death.”

He looked directly at Zhong Yizhu. “If the master doesn’t mind, from today on, I will change my surname to Zhong, and have nothing more to do with that surname Kong.”

Kong He raised one hand to make the vow, while the other hand hung by his side, tightly gripping the hem of his clothes.

The new linen was a bit stiff, but to him, it was already a luxury. He couldn’t even remember the last time he wore new clothes.

His father had died early, when Kong Dashan hadn’t yet taken up gambling. They had relied on each other, and life was manageable.

But not for long. Kong Dashan was led into gambling and never worked again. Kong He’s days were filled with endless toil—housework, other people’s work. As a young man working as a hired laborer, he asked for less wages and did more work than others, which was the only reason anyone would hire him. But the money he painstakingly saved, no matter where he hid it, Kong Dashan would find and take.

In the village, young men and women of marriageable age would have matchmakers come, but his family was avoided by everyone. He lived numbly, seeing only darkness in every direction. His mother’s family had long since cut ties, and he didn’t even know where to run.

Until the debt collectors broke into his home, and he realized things could be even worse.

His land was gone, and he was about to be sold by his father. The old man’s leering gaze every time he looked at him made him nauseous just thinking about it. This was the first time he had resisted Kong Dashan, refusing to yield.

Zhong Yizhu was the lifeline he had found in despair. In his eyes, Zhong Yizhu was no different from a deity.

His life was given by Zhong Yizhu. He would do anything for his master.

Zhong Yizhu was momentarily stunned. He looked into Kong He’s sincere eyes, and many thoughts crossed his mind—about Wang Shun, about many things related to the Zhong family.

He stepped forward to help him up. “Alright, I believe you.”

Kong He’s eyes reddened, but he didn't cry, but said in a low, hoarse voice, “Master, rest assured, I won't let you down.”

Even Pei Mu hadn’t expected his words to provoke such a strong reaction from the young man. Zhong Yizhu had said he had a fiery temper, and now it was clear there was no exaggeration.

He didn’t care whether Zhong Yizhu bought or saved people, but he had to make sure that those who stayed by Zhong Yizhu’s side were trustworthy.

Seeing this young man’s temperament, some new ideas started forming in his mind.

·

After the shop closed, Zhong Yizhu and Pei Mu went to visit the couple who had previously been helping them watch the shop. They told them they no longer needed their help, settled their wages for the past few days, and added a little extra.

The commotion on Fu’an Street at noon had been loud, and the whole street had heard about Zhong Yizhu spending a large sum to buy a young man. The young couple had heard about it from their family too and weren’t surprised—since he had bought someone, naturally he wouldn’t need extra help.

Although they lost the job, Zhong Yizhu paid promptly and even added a bonus, so the couple had no complaints. They both saw that Zhong Yizhu was generous, and with the shop doing well, he might hire them again in the future. It was wise to keep on good terms.

After that, the two went to the general store to buy oil, rice, bowls, and chopsticks, and also bought up all the remaining vegetables from a stall that was about to close. They took everything back to the shop.

The kitchen in the backyard had a pot, but since they had been busy, no one had thought to cook. So although the backyard was livable, it lacked daily necessities. Zhong Yizhu was thoughtful—he not only bought a new wooden basin for He Ge'er, but also a toothbrush.

Apart from the storage room, the yard had two rooms suitable for living. They had spare bedding for overnight stays. The previous young couple had used their own, and their spare bedding was stored in a chest, unused and clean, which now came in handy.

Zhong Yizhu had hesitated about letting an unmarried young man like Kong He stay at the shop overnight, fearing it might attract troublemakers. But when Kong He heard this, he panicked, afraid Zhong Yizhu would think him useless, and suddenly hoisted the stone table in the yard, hastily promising, “I’m strong! I’m not afraid of thugs—they can’t beat me. Master, rest assured, I’d rather lose the shop’s goods than let anything happen to the shop.”

Zhong Yizhu quickly told him to set it down. He had seen the young man scuffling with a few thugs earlier and assumed it was a burst of strength in an emergency, but now it seemed he was naturally gifted with strength.

Kong He obediently put the stone table back where it was; he set it down so gently that hardly any dust was stirred up. He looked completely at ease doing it. Only then did Zhong Yizhu agree to let him stay at the shop overnight.

In this world, young men and women were heavily constrained by social reputation. Even though Zhong Yizhu had bought Kong He, he couldn’t ignore these considerations.

He had previously tried to move the stone table to a better spot but had nearly thrown his back out. Seeing how easily Kong He moved it, he knew the young man could truly defend himself, and his concerns were eased.

Zhong Yizhu and Pei Mu knocked on the back gate, handed the new supplies to Kong He, and reminded him to be careful at night. Then they finally drove off, heading home.

He Ge'er watched them leave before closing the door. Looking down at the various items in his hands, his heart swelled with warmth.

The road from Songyun County back to Liushan Village was already familiar to them. Zhong Yizhu hadn’t been with Pei Mu all day, so he didn’t want to sit inside the carriage. He perched on the shaft, leaning against Pei Mu’s shoulder, watching the sunset over the distant mountains, feeling the pleasant breeze.

Spring flowers were in full bloom. Pei Mu stopped halfway, cut a large branch from a lush crabapple tree, and placed it in Zhong Yizhu’s arms. The most vibrant blossom he tucked into Zhong Yizhu’s hair.

Zhong Yizhu looked at him and smiled.

The man was more beautiful than the flowers; the flowers complemented his fragrance.

While the two were immersed in tender feelings and everything was going smoothly, elsewhere, someone was already burning with jealousy.

The Zhong family in the prefectural city.

Zhong Yourong and Zhong Youtong stood there, faces stiff, listening as the Wu family messenger recounted Zhong Yizhu’s recent affairs—how he had started an incense-making business and even opened a shop, with booming sales. When Zhong Laosan and his wife heard how well he was doing, almost as if he were carrying on his father’s legacy, their faces darkened.

Zhong Laosan scowled and said, “Didn’t you all say before that he married a jinx and would be beaten to death sooner or later? How is it that he’s now an incense shop owner? Are you helping them trick us?”

Wu Shi chimed in, complaining, “With so many people in the family, why didn’t anyone do something sooner? Now that they’ve made something of themselves, you come to tell us.”

The Wu family messenger quickly defended himself: “How could that be? We’re family; why would we help outsiders deceive you? It’s just that they kept their stall business under wraps, and we only heard the news recently.”

As he spoke, his guilty eyes darted to Zhong Yourong and Zhong Youtong, catching the attention of the agitated Zhong Laosan.

Zhong Laosan’s face went dark. “What’s going on? Yourong, are you hiding something from me?”

Zhong Yourong and Zhong Youtong had returned from Liushan Village last time, spooked and needing a few extra days to recover. Knowing they had caused trouble, they didn’t dare tell the truth, claiming instead that they had fallen ill from the heat and rested midway. Fearing the Wu family would inform their parents, they’d even bribed the Wu family members who visited the mansion.

That nightmare had scared the living daylights out of them. They never imagined that, days later, they would hear news of Zhong Yizhu having already opened a shop.

Only now did Zhong Laosan and his wife learn that these two good-for-nothings, sent to the village to put on a show for outsiders, had gone and spilled family secrets to the entire village. What they called a vengeful ghost was probably just troublemakers causing mischief.

Now that they knew Zhong Yizhu’s husband treated him well—building a house, helping him open a shop, and even taking in Sun Yunniang—it wasn’t hard to figure out that the two siblings had fallen into a trap.

Zhong Laosan chewed the siblings out, but it was too late to fix things. He paced the hall a few times, feeling he couldn’t ignore this matter. Though Zhong Yizhu had only opened a shop in a county town, what if he succeeded like Zhong Laoer?

A nagging unease crept into his heart. The incense shops he ran had been doing worse, and just yesterday, he had been scolded by his mother.

Zhong Laotai held the purse strings of the family. This year’s take was noticeably less than in previous years, and she was displeased, suspecting Zhong Laosan and his wife of hiding money. Without proof, she could only call them in every month to chew them out.

And indeed, the couple had been skimming off the top. Though Zhong Laotai had helped them secure the family business, they resented her iron grip on the money.

With shop profits declining and the couple embezzling, the accounts looked terrible. No wonder Zhong Laotai was furious.

But now, a better target for her anger had presented itself.

Zhong Laosan stood up and gestured for the Wu family messenger to follow. “Come with me. This matter needs to be brought to Mother’s attention.”

As they walked toward Zhong Laotai’s courtyard, Zhong Laosan warned, “Don’t say anything you’re not supposed to, understand?”

The Wu family member was Wu Zitian, the younger generation from the fourth branch, who’d been caught spying by the Liushan villagers on the opening day of the Bamboo Fragrance Shop. He looked honest, but greed was in his eyes.

“Understood, understood. I won’t breathe a word about my cousins’ business.”

Satisfied with his compliance, Zhong Laosan nodded. They entered the courtyard where Zhong Laotai and Zhong Laohan lived. Zhong Laohan was out listening to storytelling and playing with birds, while Zhong Laotai reclined on a soft couch, sipping tea and eating pastries. Two young maids massaged her shoulders and legs, living it up like a rich old lady.

She disliked the Wu family, always trying to squeeze stuff out of her third son, so she frowned when she saw Zhong Laosan bringing a Wu family member.

But when Zhong Laosan dismissed the maids and had Wu Zitian recount Zhong Yizhu’s affairs, she forgot about the Wu family’s small-time scheming.

She slammed the table in anger. “Outrageous! Our Zhong family’s incense formulas—how dare he, a married-off outsider, use them to open a shop and make money!”

Wu Zitian’s eyes lit up. Hearing Zhong Laotai’s tone, she was likely planning to reclaim the shop.

Rongyang Prefecture was far from Songyun County, so they might send someone from their family to manage it.

His father was the favorite son of his grandparents, who had already said they would live with their branch in old age, so all good things went to them. He wasn’t worried about other brothers snatching it away.

He had seen the bustling crowds on the shop’s opening day and was green with envy. If that shop fell into his hands… just thinking about it made his heart soar.

Zhong Laosan tested the waters, looking at his mother. “What do you think we should do, Mother?”

Zhong Laotai said that, but Zhong Yizhu was married, and the shop belonged to his husband’s family. It wasn’t closely tied to theirs, and seizing it by force wouldn’t be easy.

She knew this too, so after a moment’s thought, she said, “Next month, when Tong’er marries, call them to see her off. And that second brother’s wife—her niece is getting married, and she doesn’t even come to look? That’s too rude.”

Zhong Laosan quickly agreed, seeing this as a good opportunity. Once they were summoned, everything else would fall into place. Those two were each other’s weakness; how could Mother fail to control them?

He just needed to figure out how to deal with Zhong Yizhu’s husband in advance. But he wasn’t too worried—just a village hunter. Even if he was fierce, would he dare kill someone in the prefectural city? If he did, that would be even better; they could send him to jail, and those two would be at their mercy…

As Zhong Laotai brought up the mother and son, she couldn’t stop, muttering, “Ungrateful wretches. They don’t even come to pay respects to their elders during festivals. Living in the village has made them petty and unsophisticated.”

Zhong Laosan was used to it and found his mother’s scolding satisfying.

Neither paid attention to the third person in the room. Wu Zitian listened stiffly to Zhong Laotai’s tirade for a while, then shot a dark glance at her door as he left. When Zhong Laosan called him, his face immediately resumed its fawning expression.

Zhong Laosan didn’t notice his look and warned sternly, “Don’t let this leak. If you mess things up, you’ll pay.”

Wu Zitian nodded eagerly. “Rest assured, Fifth Uncle-in-law. I won’t breathe a word to anyone, not even my parents.”

Zhong Laosan smiled. “Good. You’ve got the makings of someone who gets things done.”

He took two pieces of silver from his pouch and tossed them to Wu Zitian. “Go on. There’ll be more benefits for you later.”

Wu Zitian responded with repeated affirmations, pocketed the silver, and followed Zhong Laosan back to the front hall as if nothing had happened.