Chapter 28: Visiting to Propose Marriage
Early the next morning, Quan Qian came looking for Ye Ning.
Qingtian Village was not close to the county seat, and the roads in and out were all dirt paths. With the recent heavy rains, these dirt paths had turned into mud, making travel even more difficult. They had to leave early to make sure they returned before dark.
When the Jiang matriarch heard that Quan Qian intended to travel to the county with Ye Ning, she immediately had carriages and horses prepared. She also sent a few household servants along to help carry things and provide support.
“Master!”
Quan Qian jumped down from the carriage. “Master, let’s set off.”
The two of them climbed onto the carriage, and the driver urged the horses along the rough, winding paths of Qingtian Village. The carriage rattled as it moved, and because such carriages were rare in the village, anyone passing by would stop to glance, whispering quietly amongst themselves.
Once seated, Quan Qian lowered his voice. “I’ve heard that the Zhou family has been running around these past few days dealing with Zhou Dahu’s situation, pawning things left and right.”
Recently, the Zhou family had also come to find Ye Ning, asking him to provide false testimony. However, Jiang Changxin had chased them away with a slingshot, and they had not returned since.
Quan Qian continued, “The Zhou family really has no shame. I’ve heard they have some connections with the county magistrate. But there’s no way Zhou Dahu will escape the cane. We must see him punished with our own eyes today.”
Ye Ning and Quan Qian were heading to the county not just to purchase supplies for expanding the noodle stall. More importantly, they were going to witness Zhou Dahu’s punishment. They were not the only ones—many curious villagers from Qingtian also rushed to the county to watch.
The Zhou family had always bullied others. Many villagers were their tenants and had been oppressed quietly. Though they dared not speak out, they had long harbored resentment. Today, they finally had a chance to witness his punishment firsthand, and they relished it.
The area in front of the government office was crowded with onlookers, everyone standing on tiptoe to get a better view.
The county magistrate had already pronounced the sentence—it was indeed the cane for Zhou Dahu. Two constables escorted him in, made him lie face down, and prepared for the punishment.
Ye Ning squeezed through the crowd to look and couldn’t help frowning slightly. Something felt off.
Zhou Dahu’s body was like a mountain, full of muscle. Ye Ning had seen him a few times, and there was no doubt—this was not the man in the dock.
The prisoner being escorted was not Zhou Dahu!
Quan Qian noticed as well, tugging on Ye Ning’s sleeve. “Master, master, it was too dark that night… did Zhou Dahu really look like this?”
Ye Ning narrowed his eyes. “He isn’t Zhou Dahu.”
“What?”
Quan Qian quickly said, “This is terrible! The magistrate has arrested the wrong person!”
Ye Ning let out a cold chuckle. Unlike Quan Qian, he was not naive. He said calmly, “The county magistrate couldn’t have made a mistake. Most likely, he took a bribe from the Zhou family and hired a stand-in.”
“A stand-in?”
Quan Qian had never heard such a term before.
In ancient times, there were indeed “stand-ins.” Poor people or prisoners would take coins to be punished in someone else’s place.
Quan Qian panicked. “What do we do now? Does that bastard just get away with it?”
It was the day of Zhou Dahu’s punishment. Jiang Changxin, along with Cheng Zhao and Yu Yuan, had also gone to the county.
Cheng Zhao smiled and said, “Master says he’s going to see Zhou Dalang punished, but really… isn’t it just to follow Ning Ger?”
Jiang Changxin glanced at him and said lightly, “Yu Yuan.”
“Master,” Yu Yuan immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands.
Jiang Changxin ignored Cheng Zhao and said lightly, “Lately, Cheng Zhao’s mouth has been noisier than an old crow. You sew it shut for me.”
Yu Yuan smiled faintly. “Yes, Master!”
“Ah!”
Cheng Zhao hurriedly covered his mouth. “I won’t say anything! I won’t!”
Jiang Changxin insisted on witnessing Zhou Dahu’s punishment himself. He was concerned that Ye Ning and Quan Qian had traveled so far. Although their mother had arranged the carriage and servants, no one could predict what might happen.
Jiang Changxin withdrew his gaze but furrowed his brow suddenly.
“Huh?”
Cheng Zhao also noticed something wrong, pointing at the prisoner in the county uniform. “Isn’t that man supposed to be Zhou Dahu?”
Yu Yuan, experienced in these official affairs, stated firmly, “It’s a stand-in.”
Cheng Zhao panicked. “Master, what do we do? Punishing Zhou Dahu lightly is one thing, but the Zhou family is in cahoots with the magistrate. Hiring a stand-in in broad daylight—does that mean Zhou Dahu goes free? If he isn’t left crippled, he’ll remember this and next time… just wait, he’ll cause trouble for Ning Ger again!”
Jiang Changxin’s expression darkened. After giving instructions separately to Yu Yuan and Cheng Zhao, the two nodded and dispersed to carry them out.
The prisoner’s identity was being verified, and the execution was about to begin. A small wave of murmuring rose from the crowd. Many villagers of Qingtian had clearly noticed—the prisoner in the dock was not Zhou Dahu!
However, everyone only whispered and pointed discreetly. No one dared speak loudly. The Zhou family’s influence had clearly reached the county magistrate. Anyone who mentioned it openly would not only gain nothing but also invite trouble.
Quan Qian hesitated. “If we expose that this stand-in isn’t Zhou Dahu, won’t the Zhou family target us for revenge?”
Ye Ning’s gaze darkened. Revenge? That was the least of his worries. He was about to step forward when suddenly, a tall man in black emerged from the crowd.
It was Yu Yuan, who announced loudly, “This man is not Zhou Dahu.”
As soon as he spoke, the onlookers parted automatically, allowing him to walk to the front of the dock. In a cold, emotionless voice, he repeated, “This man is not the criminal Zhou Dahu.”
Both the stand-in and the magistrate were stunned. No one expected someone to interfere.
Ye Ning was surprised. He looked at Yu Yuan—a stranger to him, dressed in black robes and combat attire, arms folded, carrying a long sword. His presence was icy, like a sculpture of ice, expressionless, clearly a trained fighter. Ye Ning wondered how he recognized the stand-in wasn’t Zhou Dahu.
The magistrate panicked. “B-bold! I am conducting a trial here. Who dares disrupt the proceedings? Remove him!”
The constables immediately advanced to surround Yu Yuan. He only looked at them coldly, dismissing them entirely.
The magistrate tried to cover it up. Ye Ning stepped forward. “This man is indeed not Zhou Dahu.”
Quan Qian, though nervous and with cold palms, saw Ye Ning step up. If he remained timid, he would always be a coward. Taking a deep breath, he declared loudly, “He is not Zhou Dahu! We can all testify!”
With Ye Ning and Quan Qian speaking, several villagers from Qingtian, blending into the crowd, chimed in vaguely, “Yes, he’s not Zhou Dahu!”
“Why can the magistrate hire someone to take the punishment?”
Those who didn’t know Zhou Dahu also began to stir and argue.
Suddenly, someone shouted from the crowd, “The magistrate says he is Zhou Dahu—then he is Zhou Dahu!”
Everyone turned to look. The man shouting was massive, like a mountain, a stark contrast to the thin villagers around him. Broad-shouldered, muscular, and used to privilege, he wore a patched, ragged coat.
It was Zhou Dahu himself!
The Zhou family had hired a stand-in, but Zhou Dahu was there in the crowd, fearless and shameless.
“Is that really Zhou Dahu?”
“Shh—keep your voice down, or you’ll get yourself killed!”
Zhou Dahu puffed out his chest and stepped forward, unconcerned about being recognized. He curled his lips into a sneer, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth. “Has the county magistrate verified the identity? What, you unruly villagers still want to block the execution?!”
Ye Ning said, “I am from Qingtian Village and can testify. The prisoner in the dock is not Zhou Dahu. This man here is the real Zhou Dahu.”
Ye Ning pointed at Zhou Dahu with complete accuracy.
Zhou Dahu glared. “Ah, Ye Ning, it’s you again! Always ruining my plans! You don’t even know which way the county office doors open, huh? You’ve lived too long!”
With his bulky body, Zhou Dahu pushed through the crowd, lunging toward Ye Ning, raising a massive hand the size of a palm leaf to strike.
“Ah!”
Quan Qian cried out.
In contrast, Ye Ning remained perfectly calm, almost disdainful. Though slender, he needed little strength to deal with Zhou Dahu; his skill and leverage were more than enough.
Just as Ye Ning was about to move, there was a crisp smack! Yu Yuan’s eyes sharpened. He swung the sword sheathed in its scabbard toward Zhou Dahu, who screamed miserably. His hand never touched Ye Ning; instead, he instinctively covered his face and stumbled backward five or six steps.
The surrounding crowd scattered in fear. Without support, Zhou Dahu fell to the ground with a thud, sprawled awkwardly.
Rip—
The ill-fitting tattered pants tore at the crotch with a sharp sound…
“Pfft…”
Quan Qian, moments from tears, suddenly burst out laughing.
Zhou Dahu’s face bore a bright red stripe, its edges white, swollen from the scabbard’s impact. He scrambled and wriggled on the ground, trying to stand, but the crotch of his pants tore further, letting out continuous ripping sounds. He had to awkwardly clamp his fat legs together, looking both ridiculous and greasy.
“You… you—”
Zhou Dahu pointed at Yu Yuan. “How dare you hit me?! Do you know who my grandfather is?!”
The county magistrate’s hat tilted from fright. He quickly steadied it and wiped sweat from his temple, slapping the desk. “Silence! Silence! Everyone, quiet—”
At that moment, a clerk ran forward and whispered something to the magistrate.
The magistrate’s eyes widened. He stood briskly and hurried into the inner hall.
“Huh?”
The onlookers murmured curiously, “Where’s he going?” “Where is the magistrate going?”
Zhou Dahu struggled to rise from the ground and sneered, “Just you wait! I’ll kill you all!”
The magistrate rushed into the inner hall, where indeed someone was waiting.
“Oh my!”
He adjusted his hat and greeted warmly, “Lord Cheng! What wind blew you here?”
The person waiting in the hall was Cheng Zhao.
Cheng Zhao wore his usual sly, polite smile and cupped his hands in return. “You honor me too much. In front of the magistrate, how dare I be called you ‘Lord’? Truly, life threatening!”
The magistrate forced a smile. “Who doesn’t know Lord Cheng is Old Master Jiang’s most capable aide? Back then, Old Master Jiang held office in the capital before retiring home. How could we compare?”
“Ah… I see…”
The magistrate cautiously asked, “Lord Cheng, you came today for…?”
“Modesty,” Cheng Zhao said with a laugh. “You already know my intentions perfectly!”
The magistrate broke out in sweat. “Y-You came because of Zhou Dahu?”
Cheng Zhao nodded. “You may not know, but the Qian Ger Zhou Dahu bullied is the young master of the Quan family in Jiangnan.”
“What?!”
The magistrate almost leapt. “Jiang… Jiangnan Quan family? No one told me this! The Zhou family clearly said—”
Cheng Zhao interrupted, “I suspected as much. You were kept in the dark, sir. That’s Zhou family’s sly trickery! The Quan family of Jiangnan is a major southern gentry. If they cough, even this little county shakes three times! They have no other male heirs—only this young master. The entire family, elders and servants alike, treat this Qian Ger as a treasure.”
“This… this…”
Cheng Zhao continued, “I’ve also heard the Jiangnan Quans are close with the prefectural office, often sharing tea and watching plays together. You see, if because of the Zhou family, you offend the Quans or the prefect, it could ruin your career for nothing. Not worth it, not worth it!”
Cheng Zhao had been a young master himself, experienced with the powerful and worldly. His words blended soft persuasion and firm pressure. Even the magistrate was intimidated and astonished.
The magistrate, having taken the Zhou family’s money, thought he could easily fudge things with a stand-in. He hadn’t realized the Zhou family hid the truth. Now he understood he had nearly made a serious mistake!
He quickly said, “Thank you for your advice, Lord Cheng. If not for you, I would have been schemed by the Zhou family!”
Cheng Zhao nodded. “The Zhou family is not to be trusted! Keep your distance from them in the future.”
“Yes, yes,” the magistrate said. “Lord Cheng, rest assured. I will carry out the execution properly.”
Cheng Zhao smiled. “Many thanks, sir.”
“You flatter me. Many thanks to Lord Cheng for the advice.”
The magistrate stayed in the inner hall for some time. The crowd grew impatient, and Zhou Dahu grew bolder, confident the magistrate would side with him. The white silver from the Zhou family had not been given for nothing.
Finally, the magistrate returned, his expression stern and his face dark. He adjusted his robes, coughed twice, and said, “Bold criminal Zhou Dahu! You dared hire a stand-in to deceive the court and the people. Your crime is great and evil.”
“Ah?!”
Zhou Dahu, still smiling, froze, unsure what the magistrate meant.
BANG! The magistrate slammed the desk, shouting, “Guards! Arrest the real Zhou Dahu and verify his identity!”
Zhou Dahu didn’t react until the constables rushed at him, forcing him to the ground.
“What are you doing?!”
He struggled and shouted, “You’ve got the wrong person! The wrong person! He’s the real Zhou Dahu! Hit him! Hit him!”
The onlookers were confused. Even Ye Ning was puzzled. After a while in the inner hall, the magistrate returned with a completely different attitude, as if he were a different person.
Yu Yuan looked on knowingly. Earlier, Jiang Changxin had instructed him to identify Zhou Dahu, while Cheng Zhao was to persuade the magistrate. They had worked together, and Cheng Zhao’s silver tongue had clearly worked its magic.
“Let go of me—”
Zhou Dahu was flipped face-down, pressed to the ground.
THUD—!
The cane came down.
“Ah—”
Finally receiving the blow, Zhou Dahu screamed, “Magistrate! Didn’t you take the Zhou family’s silver? We agreed on a stand-in! Why are you hitting me?!”
The villagers whispered again. The magistrate immediately stood, trembling with rage. “Rascal! I am upright and incorruptible! How could I stoop to accepting bribes and committing such disgraceful acts? Shut his mouth! Let him not speak nonsense!”
“And strike him hard!”
“How dare you hire a stand-in to deceive me and mock the people! I nearly fell for your trick. Your punishment will be doubled!”
“Ugh ugh ugh!!”
Zhou Dahu’s mouth was gagged, and his eyes widened like never before, bloodshot and bulging like a fish’s. No matter how he struggled, the constables held him firmly on the ground as cane after cane struck him.
“Lord!” a clerk stepped forward to check and cupped his hands. “The criminal Zhou Dahu has fainted. Should the execution continue?”
The magistrate hesitated. Though he had been tricked by the Zhou family, he had taken their silver, so a part of him wavered. He glanced up and saw Cheng Zhao still present among the onlookers.
The magistrate immediately ordered, “Hit him! Continue! Not a single cane less!”
“Yes!”
Thud! Thud—thud!!
Zhou Dahu was struck unconscious, quickly roused, and struck again. Soon he stopped shouting altogether, sprawled on the ground like a flattened pancake, his backside a bloody mess, long since beaten to a pulp.
Quan Qian hid behind Ye Ning, both scared and curious, secretly relishing the vengeance but also fearing the gruesomeness would give him nightmares that night.
Yu Yuan watched the execution, his task complete, then turned away from the crowd to report back to Jiang Changxin.
“Young Master, please wait.”
A voice called from behind. Yu Yuan halted as Ye Ning and Quan Qian approached.
Yu Yuan had often accompanied Jiang Changxin and had seen Ye Ning several times before, though always in secret protection. Ye Ning, therefore, did not recognize him.
Ye Ning said, “Young Master, you’re not from Qingtian Village, are you?”
Yu Yuan shook his head, silent, exuding extreme coldness. Yet secretly he was curious. Could someone favored by his master really be extraordinary in every way?
Ye Ning continued, “I’ve never seen you before. Since you’re not from Qingtian Village, how did you recognize Zhou Dahu?”
Yu Yuan: “…..’
Yu Yuan was naturally taciturn and not prone to lying. Unlike Cheng Zhao, who could say anything to anyone, Yu Yuan was not skilled in deception. He was momentarily caught off guard by Ye Ning’s question, his eyes darting. Stammering, he said, “M…met him through… business.”
Business?
The Zhou family raised many pigs and indeed conducted trade in the county. According to their own claims, their business was extensive, sending large amounts of pork to the magistrate every year. No wonder they had connections with the county office.
Yet…
Judging from Yu Yuan’s expression and his manner of speech, he truly did not seem like a businessman.
Ye Ning smiled, recognizing that Yu Yuan’s answer was a convenient excuse, but he did not expose him. It was clear Yu Yuan had only acted with good intentions.
Ye Ning said, “Thanks to you, Young Master. Without your help, just our identification might not have been enough to change the outcome.”
“It’s nothing,” Yu Yuan replied tersely, eager to report back.
Ye Ning smiled. “I wonder if you might have a moment later?”
Yu Yuan was about to say he didn’t.
Ye Ning continued before he could speak. “We have little to thank you with, but if you have time, come by my noodle stall for a bowl. Consider it a token of our gratitude.”
Noodles…
Yu Yuan’s mouth opened, then slowly closed. All thoughts of being unavailable were swallowed.
Yu Yuan had always worked in secret protection, which meant few interactions. This suited him, as he disliked socializing. But it had its downsides.
In the Jiang household, Cheng Zhao had eaten a bowl of “Pian’er Chuan,” the matriarch had, even the master, though suffering from dietary issues, had tasted it—yet Yu Yuan had never.
The bowl of Pian’er Chuan Cheng Zhao had tried to give him was intercepted by the master. Until now, Yu Yuan had not had the chance to taste it.
His Adam’s apple moved slightly. “No need to thank me. You’ve troubled yourselves enough.”
Ye Ning noted that Yu Yuan had not refused and said, “It’s no trouble. Today we punished Zhou Dahu thanks to you. If you don’t mind, come sit at the noodle stall.”
Yu Yuan did not refuse, nodding slightly.
Jiang Changxin and Cheng Zhao waited for Yu Yuan in the distance. Cheng Zhao chuckled. “Hehe, even if Zhou Dahu survives, he’ll be crippled. So much blood… beaten like that, I’d say he could go straight to the palace as a eunuch.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, Serves him right.”
Suddenly, Cheng Zhao’s voice rose, pointing into the distance. “Master, Yu Yuan is leaving with Ning Ger?”
Jiang Changxin looked over. Indeed, Yu Yuan, who had intended to return, had changed course and followed Ye Ning and Quan Qian into the carriage, which headed back toward Qingtian Village.
“Heh,” Cheng Zhao sighed. “Yu Yuan usually doesn’t even fart, yet today he suddenly changes and goes with Ning Ger.”
Shaking his head, he added, “Sigh—Master does good deeds anonymously, and Ning Ger would never know it was Master helping. It’s all Yu Yuan who steals the credit.”
Jiang Changxin: “…..”
Jiang Changxin said flatly, “…Get in. Let’s go back.”
Yu Yuan’s heart was uneasy, but curiosity about the noodles prevailed, so he joined them and rode back to Qingtian Village.
Once there, they entered Ye Ning’s noodle stall. Ye Ning wasted no time, starting the broth for the Pian’er Chuan. Quan Qian helped, arranging small dried fish and various pickled vegetables on plates for Yu Yuan.
The aroma was irresistible! Yu Yuan’s usually expressionless face nearly betrayed him. This trip had been worthwhile. Aside from the Pian’er Chuan, there were roasted small fish with a fragrant char. Yu Yuan, a martial artist who usually stayed sober, now wanted to savor a little with his wine, as if all worries would melt away.
While cooking, Ye Ning asked, “May I know your full name, Young Master?”
“Yu Yuan.”
Ye Ning nodded. “Ah, so you are Young Master Yu. I noticed you seemed familiar entering the village. Have you been to Qingtian Village before?”
Plop—
A small fish fell onto the table…
Yu Yuan’s eyelids twitched twice. He picked it up, noting the table was clean. It would have been a shame not to eat it. He replied evasively, “I… came here on business once.”
Ye Ning did not press further, serving three steaming bowls of Pian’er Chuan. After a whole day, both Ye Ning and Quan Qian were hungry.
Yu Yuan found Ye Ning sharp-minded, his insight clear as a mirror. He shouldn’t linger, yet the aroma of the noodles was irresistible. Hungry, he picked up his chopsticks and dove into the waterfall of noodles.
“Mm…”
Yu Yuan’s cold, usual eyes widened. Delicious! Fresh and untainted by any fishiness, with preserved vegetables and bamboo shoots adding layers of flavor. Most importantly, the taste was light, not greasy—no wonder even the master could eat it.
Master…
At the thought, Yu Yuan heard shouts of “Ye Ning! Ye Ning!”
A tall, broad-shouldered, upright, handsome young man burst inside, leaping in with a slingshot in hand, calling out joyfully like an excited dog.
It was Jiang Changxin.
Pft—cough, cough, cough!!
Yu Yuan, always calm, sprayed noodles from his mouth, nearly in tears and snot from choking.
He knew that the master had pretended to be mentally unfit to avoid the eunuchs’ pursuit and never thought much of it, even admiring his restraint—but today…
Yu Yuan choked and began coughing. Ye Ning was startled and asked, “Young Master Yu, are you alright?”
He quickly tried to pat Yu Yuan’s back, but Yu Yuan wouldn’t let him. It was just a bowl of noodles, yet the master had rushed in immediately.
A chill ran down his spine. Wasting those noodles would have been a pity, so he simply shoveled three or four mouthfuls in, then lifted the big bowl and drank the broth in two long gulps like a horse drinking water. Placing the bowl on the table with a thud, he even choked slightly and said, “I’m done eating. I have urgent matters and must leave first.”
He took a stride and even used a bit of his lightness technique, vanishing from everyone’s sight in an instant.
Quan Qian stared blankly, surprised. “This Young Master Yu is really strange. If you didn’t know him, you’d think his house was on fire, rushing off to put it out.”
Ye Ning: “…”
After Yu Yuan disappeared, a lingering discomfort remained in his throat, like a thorn in his back. He forced down the noodles, gulping hard to swallow.
“Young——Master——Yu”
Cheng Zhao suddenly popped out, elongating his voice with a teasing, cheerful call.
Yu Yuan glanced at him coldly. “Disgusting.”
Cheng Zhao was not pleased. “What? When Ning Ger calls you Young Master Yu, it’s fine, but when I do, it’s disgusting? How can you be so biased, Young Master Yu?”
Ye Ning looked in surprise at Jiang Changxin. “Why is Young Master Jiang here?”
Jiang Changxin grinned. “Hmm, eating noodles!”
He had used it as an excuse to come see Ye Ning and, conveniently, carried a basket of fresh ingredients from the kitchen as a pretext.
“Here, for you!”
Jiang Changxin pulled out a handful of greens from the small bamboo basket and pressed them into Ye Ning’s hands.
Ye Ning looked down at the lush, green bundle in his arms. The short stalks were neatly tied, and the leaves fluttered like a bouquet of flowers.
Ye Ning’s eyelids twitched. In his modern life, before the apocalypse, he had received flowers from a man once. Being tall and delicate in appearance, he attracted the attention of men, but he had always refused.
He never expected that now, one day, he would again receive a “bouquet” and find himself unable to refuse.
Because this was a bunch of—Sichuan pepper leaves!
Sichuan pepper was considered a luxury in ancient times, especially such fresh, tender leaves.
Ye Ning had to admit, his heart stirred.
Jiang Changxin tilted his head and smiled. “Here! Do you like it?”
Quan Qian looked at Jiang Changxin with disgust, thinking Ye Ning would surely not like it. If one were giving a gift, it should be gold, jade, silk, or a painting—not a big bunch of leaves!
Yet Ye Ning took them, a faint smile touching his lips, his fair cheeks blushing slightly with pleasure. “Thank you, Young Master Jiang.”
Under Quan Qian’s astonished gaze, Ye Ning even sniffed the tender green shoots, unusually warm. “Have you eaten, Young Master Jiang? If not, would you like some here?”
He looked at the Sichuan leaves. “These are very fresh. The tender shoots can be fried and sprinkled with a bit of salt. Crispy and fragrant.”
Ye Ning loved this flavor. In the north during his modern life, Sichuan pepper leaves were rare, only eaten two or three times a year, sometimes tough or not fresh. In this remote, cramped village, such fresh leaves in such quantity were priceless. Ye Ning could never eat them all at once—better to share.
Jiang Changxin slightly frowned. Anything fried was unpleasant to him.
Not exactly unpleasant—he had no dietary restrictions in his previous life—but once he learned that the Empress Wang and the eunuch faction had poisoned his biological mother through food, leaving him mentally impaired for years, Jiang Changxin could no longer bear rich or oily foods. Especially fried, greasy, or meaty dishes—they made his stomach churn and disgusted him deeply.
Yet, wanting to draw closer to Ye Ning, he did not refuse. He smiled and said, “Yes, yes! Whatever Ye Ning makes is delicious! Eat!”
Cheng Zhao and Yu Yuan watched from nearby. Cheng Zhao remarked, “Pian’er Chuan is usually mild and light, but now the master wants fried food too? I bet he won’t even take a bite—just smelling it makes him recoil! To please Ning Ger, he’s really pushing himself!”
Yu Yuan’s expression remained stern, but he thought Cheng Zhao made a fair point.
Ye Ning said, “Wait a moment. I’ll tidy up these Sichuan leaves and pick out the tender shoots. I just bought some oil from the county today; otherwise, I couldn’t have prepared them for frying.”
Ye Ning moved quickly, bringing the basket of leaves to the kitchen to sort them. Jiang Changxin obediently sat at the table, fiddling with his slingshot, while Quan Qian…
Quan Qian slipped into the kitchen and whispered to Ye Ning, “Master, does Young Master Jiang like you?”
Ye Ning paused, instinctively glancing outside, then shook his head. “With his mind the way it is, does he even understand liking someone? He probably just thinks I look approachable and comes to play.”
Ye Ning’s face was indeed gentle, the kind that made one feel close at first sight. Combined with his delicate, attractive features, most people would look twice—but Jiang Changxin’s mental faculties were limited, so he didn’t act like ordinary people.
Quan Qian smiled. “I don’t think so. You’re a top-notch cook, but in terms of appearance… my parents made me study many families. Look at the way Young Master Jiang looks at you—definitely unusual!”
Ye Ning only smiled, not taking it seriously.
As they whispered, there was a loud bang—someone forcefully pushed open the door.
Ye Ning set down the half-sorted Sichuan leaves, wiped his hands, and stepped out, frowning tightly. “Why are you here?”
The intruders were Ye Ning’s parents.
Father Ye leaned on his cane. “You still ask me that?! You ungrateful brat!”
Mother Ye beat her chest. “What sin did I commit in my last life to have a debt-collecting child like you?! Oh dear—you’ve done something so reckless! Look at what you’ve done to the Ye family! When will you stop?”
Ye Ning said coldly, “I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’ve severed ties with the Ye family. This noodle stall is mine. You are not welcome. Please leave immediately.”
Father Ye refused. “Did you go to the county today? Did you report Zhou Dalang and get him caned?”
Mother Ye added, “Beaten so bloodily! He’s practically crippled!”
Ye Ning laughed. “Crippled is too generous a term for him.”
Father Ye and Mother Ye froze, sensing Ye Ning’s stern coldness. Quickly recovering, Father Ye reached out to grab Ye Ning. “Regardless, you must go to the Zhou family today to apologize!”
He seized Ye Ning and tried to drag him outside the stall.
Ye Ning, seeing he was an elderly man, feared hurting him and being blamed. He patiently said, “Let go.”
Smack!
At that moment, always-overlooked Jiang Changxin stood up, slapped Father Ye’s hand away, and pulled Ye Ning behind him, shielding him.
Father Ye and Mother Ye had seen Jiang Changxin but considered him a fool who understood nothing and naturally ignored him.
Father Ye’s hand was red and swollen; he instinctively stepped back, feeling Jiang Changxin’s imposing presence, and said, “You must go apologize to the Zhou family today!”
Ye Ning replied, “I have no ties to the Ye family. Why should I obey you? Moreover, Zhou Dahu was caned under the magistrate’s orders. What does that have to do with me?”
Because of their shouting, passing villagers gathered, curious to watch, swelling the crowd.
Father Ye’s face darkened. “Why not? Because I’m your father! I gave birth to you!”
Ye Ning laughed. “Funny—when you took money to sever ties, you didn’t say that.”
“Y…you…”
Father Ye trembled, his face flushed with anger.
Ye Ning understood immediately and said, “I see now. You’re worried the Zhou family will come after you, so that’s why you’re rushing me to apologize.”
A slight crack appeared on Father Ye and Mother Ye’s faces—they had been correctly read by Ye Ning. The news of Zhou Dahu being beaten had spread like wildfire and soon reached Qingtian Village. Upon hearing it, Father Ye and Mother Ye were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, thinking that if Ye Ning implicated Zhou Dahu as the culprit, it would inevitably offend the Zhou family and perhaps even involve them.
Father Ye cursed, “You unlucky star! Zhou Dalang has already been beaten half to death, and you’re still at it? We’re all from the same village! Going to their home to apologize, to make amends—wouldn’t that be enough?”
Mother Ye added, “We’re doing this for your own good! You act so fierce, breaking off the engagement with the Zhou family, and now you want to completely ruin Zhou Dalang. In the future, I want to see who dares marry you!”
Bang…
A light sound came—it was the landing of a sedan chair.
Everyone, engrossed in the spectacle, didn’t notice the exquisitely decorated sedan chair arriving beside them.
A servant respectfully drew aside the curtain, and the matriarch of the Jiang family slowly stepped out. Her voice carried so everyone could hear: “I’ve already heard about Zhou family’s retaliation. If they cause trouble, they come for our Jiang family, they come for our Quan family… I’ll make it clear: if they don’t come looking for us, we’ll go looking for them. Don’t think that a few light blows today will settle everything.”
Though the matriarch’s features were soft, she came from a grand household; her authority was undeniable, and every word she spoke struck decisively.
“And…”
The matriarch glanced at Jiang Changxin, a faint smile on her lips, her tone softening as she approached Ye Ning. “Who says no one will dare to marry Ye Ning? The Zhou family couldn’t marry such a fine Fulang because their family isn’t worthy.”
“Today I…”
The matriarch deliberately lengthened her words so everyone could hear clearly: “I have come to propose marriage.”
A stir ran through the crowd. Propose marriage? What kind of proposal? Could it be Ye Ning marrying the Jiang family’s only son?
Father Ye and Mother Ye could hardly believe it. Previously, Jiang Changxin had mentioned he wanted to marry Ye Ning, but he was considered a “fool,” so they had taken it lightly. Now, hearing it from the matriarch herself, it felt as if coins were raining from the sky—a truly joyous event!
Father Ye and Mother Ye were giddy. Mother Ye could barely wait to speak. “Our Ning Ger…”
Before she could finish, the matriarch smiled—a touch of chill under the warmth—and said, “I’ve heard that Ye Ning has severed ties with your family. From now on, water under the bridge—he’s no longer part of the Ye family. Therefore, this marriage… need not follow any parental command. It should be decided by him alone, correct?”
Mother Ye’s smile froze mid-way. The matriarch spoke without a single curse word, yet left no room for dispute.
Ye Ning glanced coldly at Father Ye and Mother Ye. “My own marriage, of course, is for me to decide.”
The Jiang family matriarch loved seeing Ye Ning’s decisiveness. Smiling, she said, “Good. Let’s go inside and discuss the marriage. Everyone unrelated, please step back.”
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