Volume 1, Chapter 24: Sister-in-Law’s Calculated Scheme

The next day.

A story about the "Scholar County" spread rapidly through Zhiyuan County.

Legend has it that at the founding of the Great Yin Dynasty, a poor scholar named Zhang Huaikong traveled to the capital for the imperial examinations but collapsed from hunger at a dilapidated temple. He was saved by a wandering old Taoist who gifted him a "tea-marinated egg" he carried with him, instructing him to simmer it over a gentle flame, allowing it to absorb the essence of the tea and the spirit of the world, for consuming it would open one’s mind and sharpen literary inspiration.

After eating the egg, Zhang Huaikong felt refreshed and clear-headed, his literary talent surged, and he went on to rank first in the imperial examinations! When he presented the remaining half of the tea-marinated egg to the Emperor, the Emperor was so delighted after tasting it that he bestowed upon it the title, "Scholar’s Aroma."

The story spread through the streets and alleys with incredible speed. Along with it came another piece of news: this "Scholar’s Aroma" was exclusively available at Zhiweixuan; not every tea-marinated egg could be called a Scholar’s Aroma. It was said that the Empress, while traveling incognito, stopped by Zhiweixuan and, after eating three, praised them endlessly, declaring, "A single Scholar’s Aroma is worth ten years of cold-window study." A popular saying quickly followed: "If you don't gift Scholar’s Aroma, you will regret missing out on such good fortune."

At the Fan household.

As Xiao Ruoqing was struggling to exercise with the assistance of Ying, she heard the story from Mrs. Li and was left stunned for a long time. Ying, standing beside her, was so shocked her mouth hung wide open.

"What do you think?" Fan Xiu wiped the soot from his face, crossed his arms, and said triumphantly, "Is this story I made up any good? Don't praise me, I’ll get arrogant!"

Ying’s face darkened as she said, "You have a lot of nerve, using the Empress’s reputation like that!"

The rogue! He dared to spread rumors about the Empress right to her face! If the Empress hadn't forbidden it, she would have already drawn her sword and hacked this scoundrel to pieces.

"Heh! We’re in an obscure little county in the middle of nowhere, with the mountains high and the Emperor far away. How could the Empress possibly know? Even if she did, would she really draw her sword and come all the way to Zhiyuan County to settle scores with me?" Fan Xiu said proudly. He had considered the risks of using the Empress’s name, but after careful thought, he realized that with his status as a provincial scholar and the influence of Zhao Defu, he had nothing to fear in Zhiyuan County. Besides, the Empress wouldn't punish him over such a trivial matter.

Xiao Ruoqing was almost amused by Fan Xiu’s shamelessness. How could there be such a brazen person in this world? She had intended to watch from the sidelines to see how he made money, only to find herself being calculated into his schemes while she was still bedridden. However, what worried her most was that by using her name, the Cheng family would inevitably track the trail to Zhiweixuan and eventually to Fan Xiu.

"Forget about that," Fan Xiu urged. "Come over and lend a hand with the cold noodles. Elder Zhao has already invited officials and local gentry to Zhiweixuan; if the noodles aren't ready, all our efforts will be in vain!"

"Not interested," Ying replied, helping Xiao Ruoqing back into her room.

Xiao Ruoqing’s legs had regained sensation that morning, but she still couldn't walk. She could only manage brief movements with Ying’s help before needing to rest again.

"Hey!" Fan Xiu shouted at Liu Yue. "Liu Yue, your sister is resting because she’s injured, but you need to come work. You can’t just eat for free, can you? Ouch! Sister-in-law, take it easy! I’m a scholar!"

Before he could finish, Mrs. Li had grabbed him by the ear.

"So what if you’re a scholar?" Mrs. Li stood with one hand on her hip and the other twisting Fan Xiu’s ear, snarling, "Is being a scholar something to brag about? You’re a scholar, and I’m a scholar’s sister-in-law! The Liu sisters are guests in our home; there’s no reason for guests to do the work. My husband and I will do it, and if not, there’s always Mother!"

Setting aside the twenty taels of silver the sisters had given her, if these two could both marry into the Fan family, it would be Fan Xiu’s great fortune. She had mentioned it to her mother-in-law, Mrs. Zhou, the night before, and Mrs. Zhou’s smile had stretched from ear to ear. The Liu sisters, especially Liu Qing, were clearly from a prominent background and were well-educated. Although the Fan family had produced a scholar, their foundation was too shallow; under normal circumstances, they could never dream of marrying a high-born lady like Liu Qing, let alone both sisters. After consulting with Mrs. Zhou, they had decided on a strategy: treat the sisters well and make them feel at home.

"Alright, alright! Sister-in-law, please let go! Brother, help me!" Fan Xiu cried, clutching his ear. He was truly afraid of Mrs. Li. If he couldn't beat her, he could at least run!

Beside them, Fan Yuan looked at the wailing Fan Xiu, then at the fierce-looking Mrs. Li, and silently lowered his head, pretending not to see anything.

"Brother, you won't even help me! Sister-in-law, I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong!" Fan Xiu begged for mercy.

Mrs. Li finally let go of his ear, clapped her hands, and asked in confusion, "Fan Xiu, it’s strange. You used to study the classics and practice self-restraint. Now that you’ve become a scholar, have you gotten carried away? Not only do you want to abandon literature for business, but you’re also full of smooth talk and lack manners!"

"Uh..." Fan Xiu was startled. Mrs. Li’s observational skills were sharp; she had noticed the change so quickly.

"Well..." Fan Xiu cleared his throat. "I used to only know how to study, and my heart was filled only with the sages. Although I became a scholar, it left the family deep in debt. Once I gave up studying and chose to do business, the moment the thought of commerce arose, I suddenly felt the world broaden!"

Mrs. Li rolled her eyes. "Broaden, my foot! Your heart is smaller than a needle’s eye. I don't care what you think, but you are absolutely forbidden from bullying the Liu sisters!"

Fan Xiu frowned. "But I need help with the work! Today is just the first day, but tomorrow, the volume will likely increase tenfold. Our family can't handle it alone!"

"It’s fine," Mrs. Li replied. "We'll have Father help, and the second uncle. If that's not enough, we'll ask Village Chief Zhao to find a few villagers."

Fan Xiu shrugged helplessly.

Inside the room, Xiao Ruoqing and Ying couldn't help but laugh as they watched Fan Xiu being disciplined by Mrs. Li. When it came to keeping Fan Xiu in check, Mrs. Li was the only one for the job! But soon, their expressions turned grave.

"Elder Sister," Ying said, "Fan Xiu is being too reckless. Using your reputation to sell 'Scholar’s Aroma'—at this rate, the Cheng family will likely track us down here very soon."

Xiao Ruoqing lay back on the bed. "Fan Xiu doesn't know about the Cheng family; we can't blame him. Actually... I think this might be a 'survive by seeking death' strategy."

"Hm? What do you mean?" Ying asked, puzzled.

Xiao Ruoqing tapped the head of the bed. "First, the story of me eating the Scholar’s Aroma is just idle gossip in the streets. If I were the Cheng family, I would probably just laugh it off, or at most, send someone to investigate casually."

Ying was stunned.

Xiao Ruoqing continued, "Even if the Cheng family sends someone to investigate, they will go to Fan Xiu first. How do you think he will react?"

"Explain it to the Cheng family?" Ying ventured.

"No," Xiao Ruoqing smiled faintly. "Based on my understanding of Fan Xiu, once he gets the news, he’ll be so scared he’ll run away. Do you think the Cheng family would trust such a person?"

"They wouldn't!" Ying immediately replied. "Forget the Cheng family; I wouldn't trust him either! The Cheng family would assume Fan Xiu just made up a lie to sell his goods!"

Xiao Ruoqing nodded. "Exactly. If Fan Xiu truly knew I was the Empress and that I was being hunted by the Cheng family, would he dare to use my name so openly? The Cheng family might turn Zhiyuan County upside down, but they would be the most likely to overlook the Fan household."

Hearing this, Ying’s eyes lit up. "If that’s the case, that would be wonderful."

Xiao Ruoqing said helplessly, "That’s only the best-case scenario, though. We must still prepare for the worst. My legs should recover in three to five days. Have the Blood Feather Guards stealthily head toward the capital to draw the Xu family’s attention."

"Understood!"

Near noon, Fan Xiu finally set off for the town of Zhiyuan in his donkey cart. Zhiweixuan was located in the east of the city. From a distance, Fan Xiu saw many carriages parked in front of the shop. He looked at his own donkey cart—it was truly the difference between an Audi and a generic scooter! There was a crowd gathered in front of Zhiweixuan, whispering to one another. Even from afar, Fan Xiu knew they must be talking about the Scholar’s Aroma marinated eggs.

Fan Xiu didn't dare go through the front entrance; instead, he drove the donkey cart around to the back. Just as he parked the cart, a fragrant breeze brushed past him. Before he could turn around, his eyes were covered by a pair of soft, warm palms.

"Young Master Fan, guess who I am?"

A woman’s alluring, melodic voice echoed in his ear.