Chapter 59: Lending a Hand

Within the academy courtyard, the sun stood high in the sky. The rich scent of food wafted through the courtyard and beyond—tinged with a numbing spice, a lively heat, and an aroma so tempting that even those who had already eaten found themselves craving another bite.

“It’s been three days, three whole days now.”

“The noodles aren’t as fine as dragon’s beard noodles, nor as firm as knife-cut noodles, but the fragrance is irresistible.”

“I heard it’s those ten workers from Good Eats who make them.”

“Whoever made them, they’re cheap. Our academy’s noodles cost half of what Zhao’s Restaurant charges.”

“If only we could eat like this every day...”

The students whispered among themselves, but when they saw a figure approaching, they either greeted him solemnly or nodded in respect.

“Good day, senior.”

“Brother Jingyuan.”

Lu Jingyuan’s expression was calm as ever, returning only a slight nod. None found this unusual; even before the academy’s masters, Lu Jingyuan’s manner was unchanged.

Walking at his side, Zhang Hongsheng clicked his tongue. “Jingyuan’s wife is truly thoughtful. She manages her business, employs people, and still finds time to support our academy. I asked around—the academy pays the same price for these noodles as Zhao’s Restaurant.”

Jiang Bowen glanced at Zhang Hongsheng. “That Master Zhao is not one to suffer a loss. Though Jingyuan is a disciple of Master Fang, that’s a private matter. Now, thanks to Jingyuan, the entire academy has tasted delicacies we rarely enjoy. We owe it to him.”

Liu Ziyu, following behind with his books in hand, sneaked a glance at Lu Jingyuan but said nothing.

Zhang Hongsheng turned to him. “Why so quiet these days, Ziyu?”

“Ziyu has been more diligent than you,” Jiang Bowen replied.

At this, Zhang Hongsheng scratched his head. “Indeed, I was beginning to wonder if Ziyu plans to skip the county exam and jump straight to the provincial one.”

“I-I don’t, passing the county exam is enough for me.” Liu Ziyu raised his book as if swearing an oath.

“Tsk, now I’ll have to put in more effort myself.” With that, Zhang Hongsheng went to his seat to study.

Liu Ziyu hurried to his own desk.

Lu Jingyuan was about to enter the study hall when Jiang Bowen tugged his sleeve, signaling for a private word.

The two of them stepped to the side of the bamboo grove—a spot where anyone passing by could see them, but their conversation would not be overheard.

Jiang Bowen spoke first. “Today, Hongsheng confided something to me. It concerns you, Jingyuan. I cannot judge its truth, nor decide what to do. But thinking on your upright character, your tutelage under Master Fang, I felt it right to tell you.”

Lu Jingyuan replied, “Please speak plainly, Bowen.”

Jiang Bowen continued, “Hongsheng said that yesterday, while reciting his lessons in the woods out back, he dozed off in the warmth of the midday sun. He vaguely heard someone whispering, and thought he caught the words ‘Good Eats’—though he might have been mistaken. He looked over and saw it was Brother Wenzhao speaking.”

“I always thought Brother Wenzhao was a refined gentleman. He comes from a merchant family, so it’s natural he would pay attention to such things. But your wife is known for her virtue and generosity—admired by both young and old, praised even by our academy’s masters. I felt I should tell you, and hope you will pass it on to your esteemed wife, so all may stay well.”

Lu Jingyuan’s tone grew solemn. “Thank you, Brother Jiang.”

Jiang Bowen waved it off. “No need for thanks—just precaution.”

At that moment, Huang Wenzhao passed by, seeing both Jiang Bowen and Lu Jingyuan.

“Brother Jiang, Jingyuan,” he greeted, voice gentle and smiling.

“Brother Wenzhao,” they replied.

After a brief word, Jiang Bowen glanced at Lu Jingyuan.

“Classmate,” Lu Jingyuan said coolly, his presence suddenly chilling the air.

Huang Wenzhao paused, then left with a faint smile. But as soon as he turned away, his expression vanished, replaced by cold disdain.

Behind him, Jiang Bowen felt cold sweat break out on his back.

One was smiling, the other always calm—yet somehow, it felt as though a fight was about to break out.

**********

“A fight broke out outside.”

Hearing Li Qingtian’s report, Su Tang was incredulous. “Who would dare?”

“They’re from a neighboring county. Heard there was money to be made in Ping’an Town, and jobs on offer. But our hiring’s long finished. They tried to persuade the village chief, cajoled and pleaded, but he wouldn’t budge—insisted on speaking to the young mistress. Zhao De and his men had already stationed people outside and gave them a beating.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Su Tang asked.

“Hard to say, but thankfully no knives were drawn,” Li Qingtian replied.

“Knives?” Su Tang’s eyes widened.

Li Qingtian nodded. “You may not know, young mistress, but every year in Nanwu City, country folk get into several brawls, and it’s not uncommon for a few to die. But master didn’t want to frighten you, so he never mentioned it. It’s a good thing you got to know the village chief early on—otherwise, who knows what might have happened?”

With that, Li Qingtian looked at Su Tang with undisguised admiration.

Su Tang looked away, uncomfortable.

Li Qingtian’s gaze these days made her uneasy.

“But even so, if the Huang family hadn’t sent people to help, Zhao De and his lot might not have won,” Li Qingtian continued.

Su Tang’s heart stirred. “The Huang family?”

Li Qingtian nodded. “Yes, I heard it was the Huangs from Jiangyin. One of their sons studies at the academy too.”

The Huang family—Huang Wenzhao?

Her husband seemed to have issues with him.

“Woof, woof, woof—”

In the courtyard, the big black dog suddenly barked furiously.

Li Qingtian hurried out, and the ten burly men practicing knife-cut and dragon’s beard noodles in the kitchen poked their heads out as well.

Su Tang opened the door.

A delicate young woman appeared in the doorway; the ten men quickly ducked back into the kitchen to practice.

There were other jobs in town, but apprenticeships elsewhere lasted from six months to three years, often with little pay. At Good Eats, training lasted at most five days, and every day they could take home noodles they’d cut or pulled themselves—sometimes even earning wages.

Where else could they find such work?

If they lost the job, their families would probably beat them black and blue.

...

At the gate, the big black dog’s tail was raised high. Li Qingtian’s voice sounded uncertain. “Going to a banquet at Zhao’s house?”

“That’s right! The two families only came to know each other after a scuffle, isn’t that so?” Outside the gate, Master Zhao’s voice was especially loud, clearly wanting Su Tang to hear. “Before, Zhao De may have acted inappropriately, and I apologize for that. This time, Young Master Huang lent a hand. We must show our gratitude. There’s nowhere better in Ping’an Town—why not come to my house as guests? Consider it my way of making amends. What do you say?”

Master Zhao, so often arrogant and overbearing, now wore a beaming smile, even the gold tooth at his lip gleaming benignly. Beside him, Huang Wenzhao was the very model of refined gentlemanliness.

Su Tang curved her lips in a gentle smile—the delicate young woman like a fragile flower blooming in the sunset. “Thank you, Master Zhao, and thank you, classmate Huang. But my husband is not present, and I dare not decide on my own.”

No sooner had she spoken than a voice sounded from behind. “What’s the matter?”

Master Zhao turned and broke into a wide grin. “Why, if it isn’t your husband, just in time!”