***WARNING! CONTENT CONTAINS DETESTABLE ACTION. THOUGH IT IS FICTION BUT IT’S ACTION THAT SHOULDN’T BE ENCOURAGE***
Chapter 68
On March 8, it was an auspicious day to open a business.
On this day, everyone in Qishanju woke up very early and got busy. They helped Jiang Yun Zhu and Xue Jing on making the snacks, reviewed how to make tea, and put melon seeds, peanut preserves and other things on plates... Once everything was ready, it was already bright outside.
"Boss." Xue Jing took the last piece of snacks out of the oven, feeling a little nervous.
Opening a teahouse was like re-beating the drum to start. Don't know if there were any guests today.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't speak. She was a little uncertain. The restaurant opened at noon, when the students across the street were getting off school. The lion dance team activity would naturally attract customers. However, the teahouse had to open at 9am, when the students were all in class. Normally, the street had nobody.
But everything was prepared, "Let's go."
She took off her apron, adjusted her appearance in front of the water tank, and took the lead to go out.
Opening the entrance of Qishanju, many people were already surrounded outside.
"Boss Jiang, your teahouse is opening today? Congratulations." Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu coming out, Miss Ye got off the carriage and said. As soon as she moved, the curtains of the several carriages behind were all lifted. Inside were the misses who frequently ate at Qishanju.
They all got out of the carriage and congratulated Jiang Yun Zhu on the opening of her new store.
There were so many delicate misses. All were beautiful and well-dressed. They immediately became a beautiful sight on the street.
There was a steady stream of carriages coming from behind.
"You guys are? Many thanks!" Jiang Yun Zhu didn't expect so many misses to come today.
"We made an agreement to come and support you when your new store opened. If anyone doesn't come, we won't allow her to come to your store for eating and drinking tea in the future!" The round-faced Miss Tao said jokingly.
Hearing what she said, Jiang Yun Zhu seemed to understand what was going on and was extremely grateful in her heart.
At this time, all the misses immediately started talking one after another, "No, it's rare that there is a place like Qishanju for us to eat and play. If anyone doesn't come, don't come in the future."
"Boss Jiang, you’re opening a teahouse? Would we be able to sit in your teahouse every day in the future?"
"That's great. We can only come to Qishanju at noon and evening and have to leave after eating. We couldn't talk properly. With the teahouse, we could come when we are free. This time we can have fun!"
"Boss Jiang, the new store opens today! What delicious food do you have?"
"Yeah, why is that octopus ball gone? I haven't eaten enough yet."
...
All the misses sang and chirped together. Jiang Yun Zhu experienced the troubles of happiness. When they asked her all at once, she didn't know who to answer first.
"Boss Jiang, congratulations!" Compared with these misses, the words of the gentlemen next to them were relatively simple. It was all words of congratulations.
Jiang Yun Zhu took a rough look and found that out of the ten gentlemen who were judges last time, seven of them came. Many of the rest were regular customers of her store. They came here to congratulate her when they heard that her new store opened today.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt warm in her heart, "Thank you everyone for coming to join us. The new store is opening today. Tea and snacks are all half price."
This was her temporary decision, in order to repay everyone's kindness.
When everyone heard this, they immediately cheered. Half price? Sure enough, it was right to come today.
At this time, the lion dance team began to dance. The sound of gongs, drums and firecrackers rouse the atmosphere to an upsurge.
When it was time for the opening, Jiang Yun Zhu climbed up the ladder, reached out and pulled off the red cloth, revealing the three characters ‘Chabuliang’.
"Good!" Everyone cheered. They don’t know who wrote these words but it was still amazing when seeing it.
"Tea not cold, 'the heart of a customer is always hot; even when the person left, the tea isn’t cold'. A good tea not cold. It sounds pleasant to hear. Boss Jiang, just base on your teahouse’s name, we know your heart on how to treat us."
"That's right, tea not cold. I hope we can meet here forever."
"'It's hard to make a bosom friend even after a thousand cups of fine wine; a cup of clear tea could make one intoxicated'. As long as tea isn’t cold, we won’t disperse."
...
As expected of the educated gentlemen and misses. One person talked about his feelings, and the others followed immediately. Some gentlemen even looked at the young ladies while talking. Don’t know if they were talking about this teahouse or talking about people.
No matter which, it was all good. Youths ah!
"Thank you everyone for your kindness." Another burst of firecrackers sounded and Jiang Yun Zhu thanked everyone.
Beside her, Jiang Cheng, Mrs. Chen, Xue Jing, Xie Lian, Xie Chen and others were all present. The new store opened today. Jiang Yun Zhu took the opportunity to distribute benefits to everyone. Everyone was wearing brand new clothes, standing there laughing and talking.
"Congratulations, congratulations." Everyone gave another round of congratulations.
"Everyone, please come in." Jiang Yun Zhu made a gesture of invitation. Everyone rushed into the store immediately. They wanted to see what the store was like and what delicious food it had.
This store was almost a replica of Qishanju. It made people find it close and familiar. Only in the east corner, there were a few more rows of bookshelves and some paper and pens.
"These books, everyone can read at will." Jiang Yun Zhu explained, "There are these pens and papers. If you need them, you can use them as long as you don't take them out of the store or waste them on purpose."
After hearing this, everyone was full of praise. This kind of teahouse was what they wanted. They could have discussions here in the future.
There were those who didn't eat in the morning and were waiting to come to Jiang Yun Zhu's place for tea and snacks. They immediately began to look at the menus hanging on the wall.
Tea, from ordinary green tea to top-quality Biluochun, was available here. Snack seeds and candied fruits were all available here. Of course, the most attractive thing for everyone was the snacks in the store.
They have eaten the milk red bean cake. It was delicious. They all knew what cloud cakes, peanut cakes, osmanthus cakes, etc. were. But what were lotus root cakes, cotton cakes, and mince cakes? By the way, also the baked stuffed sesame biscuits! Biscuits made from crab shells?
Everyone found it novel. They wanted to order a plate to try.
In the end, they chose two dishes with difficulty, ordered a pan of tea, and waited anxiously.
The tea was served quickly. When everyone drank it, no matter whether it was the cheapest tea or the top-grade Biluochun, they were all brewed properly. The fragrance of the tea was overflowing.
Of course, Jiang Yun Zhu had learned how to properly make tea in the past. Not to mention these teas, no matter if it was the rare sparrow tongue and snow-topped greens, she could pull out 100% of their taste.
After only two sips of tea, the snacks were put on the table.
The lotus root cake! Snacks were actually able to be made this thin. It was even thinner than the dragon beard cake. The cake was full of the lotus root fragrance. No wonder it was called the lotus silk cake. Mince cake was filled with various nuts and dried fruits. It was fragrant and soft, but not greasy. Quite yummy.
Osmanthus cake, cotton cake, cloud cake... every kind of cake was delicious, but the most special one was the crab shell cake.
The freshly baked stuffed sesame biscuits were exactly the same as crab shells. One bite down, it was crispy and refreshing.
After eating too many sweet cakes, the umami and spicy sesame biscuits had a special taste.
Almost every table would order a portion of baked stuffed sesame biscuits. Everyone was satisfied with it. Xue Jing and others were happy with being busy.
Unbeknownst to them, someone was looking at this side. He was burning with rage. It was Xie Yong. Last time he wanted to put his bill under the name of Xie Chen or Xie Lian, but Jiang Yun Zhu refused and called the constables.
The constables didn't care so much. They put him in jail and said once the family send the money, they would let him go.
Of course, Xie Chen and Xie Lian wouldn't give the money. So he had been kept in prison.
It had been so many days and he only owed Qishanju 48 wen at that time. Seeing that there was no money to fish, the prison head released him.
Xie Yong was currently disheveled and umkempt. When he left the cell, the first thing he did was to find Xie Chen and Xie Lian to settle accounts. This pair of unfilial siblings had the heart to put him in prison for so many days and ignore him. He insisted on making them look good.
So he came to Qishanju. Just in time to see Xie Chen and Xie Lian standing there in brand new clothes with smiles on their faces.
How could Xie Yong not be burning? He was suffering in prison, while these two were enjoying happiness outside.
He was about to rush into the teahouse and beat them up but when he saw Jiang Yun Zhu, he was a little frightened. So he spat on the ground and wobbled home.
Xie Chen and Xie Lian didn't know that Xie Yong had been released from prison. After the business of the teahouse stabilized, Xie Chen left.
It was already the eighth day of March. The examination would be in May, so he had to quickly prepare for the examination.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood and told him to go back with an eased mind.
In the evening, Qishanju closed. Xie Lian returned home with a food box. The food box contained snacks and dishes that weren't sold out in the store today. Jiang Yun Zhu didn't want to waste it, so she gave her some to bring back.
Xie Lian had already eaten in the store. This box was for Xie Chen. She carried the food box in a merry mood. She couldn't wait to go home and show Xie Chen what was in the food box and let him eat.
She got home. When she opened the door, she found that the door was unlocked. Xie Lian assumed Xie Chen had returned. So she walked in briskly.
The room was very dark. Xie Chen didn't turn on the lights?
Xie Lian lit the lamp and saw a person sitting in the room.
Seeing that person's appearance clearly, Xie Lian's skin suddenly turned cold. Her whole body felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. The food box in her hand fell directly downward.
Xie Yong caught the food box and said in a dark voice, "What good stuff you got there? It smells so good."
Opening the food box, he saw a plate of sweet and sour pork ribs, a plate of twice-cooked pork, a bowl of white rice, and even three snacks inside.
Xie Yong became more and more infuriated, "You eat these every day. No wonder, you got all fair and plump. But, have you forgotten that you have a father, who is suffering in prison!"
The last sentence, he hollered it out in rage.
Xie Lian was so frightened that her body trembled like sifting chaff, like leaves falling in the wind.
Xie Yong was very satisfied with her reaction. He took a step back and sat on the stool, "What are you standing there for? Go, get me chopsticks." Eat first. After he was done, he’ll properly play with her.
Xie Lian didn't seem to hear what he said.
"Still not going?" Xie Yong raised his eyebrows.
Xie Lian hurried out to get the chopsticks and handed them to him with shaking hands. In the midst, the chopsticks almost fell to the ground.
Xie Yong took it impatiently, "Trash."
He berated and started to gobble up the dishes.
Soon, he cleaned out the two dishes and a bowl of rice.
"Water." He said.
Xie Lian picked up the kettle and poured him a glass of water.
While drinking water and eating snacks, he looked Xie Lian up and down.
Xie Lian wore a new light grass-colored long dress today. The girl had a slender waist and her skin was much fairer than before. Coupled with those big watery eyes, she was very beautiful.
"Just like your lowly mother, only know how to seduce men." Xie Yong scolded. Then he suddenly pulled Xie Lian into his arms and touched her body.
Xie Lian's eyes widened in horror. She wanted to shout, but she couldn't.
Her eyes slowly dimmed. Despair overwhelmed her like a sea.
"Don't shout. That's right. If your elder brother sees it, he won't want you. If others see it, they will call you lowly!" Xie Yong said proudly.
At this time, his hand had reached into Xie Lian's clothes.
At this moment, footsteps came from outside, "Ah Lian?"
It was the voice of Xie Chen.
Xie Lian burst into tears.
Xie Yong cursed in a low voice and reluctantly let go of Xie Lian. He was a little apprehensive toward Xie Chen.
Xie Lian slumped to the ground and curled up into a ball, like a small animal.
When Xie Chen came in, he saw Xie Lian curled up there with tears all over his face. Beside her, Xie Yong was full of anger.
Xie Chen didn't know what almost happened now like the way he didn’t know what Xie Yong did to Xie Lian before. He thought that Xie Yong had beat and scolded Xie Lian again. His fist punched toward Xie Yong, "I told you, don't touch Xie Lian."
His fists were precise and ruthless. Xie Yong hadn’t had his guard up against his sudden attack. He was hit in the face and fell to the side.
But soon, Xie Yong stood up, "Alright, dare to hit me!"
He picked up the pole next to him.
Seeing this, Xie Chen pursed his lips and picked up the kitchen knife next to him.
His face was extremely ferocious, as if he wanted to go all out against Xie Yong.
Xie Yong looked at the kitchen knife and became timid at first. Then he spoke, "What? You want to chop your father? Try it."
Xie Chen clenched the kitchen knife in his hand, "I said, don't touch Xie Lian."
"You were all born by me. Why can't I touch? Father beats his son, the official won't care about it." Xie Yong said.
"What I owe you, I will pay you back."
Back to the original question again. Xie Yong spat. He must accumulated eight lifetimes of bad luck to give birth to such a rebellious son. Throwing away the pole, he went back to his room to sleep.
Xie Chen put down the kitchen knife. After a while he came back to his senses and went to help Xie Lian, "Did he hit you?"
Xie Lian threw herself into Xie Chen's arms, crying until breathlessness.
Xie Chen roughly checked her body and felt relieved that she didn't seem to be injured.
In the evening, it was time to go to bed. Xie Chen wanted to send Xie Lian back to her room, but Xie Lian held his hand firmly. No matter how much he comforted her, it was useless.
Without a choice, Xie Chen let Xie Lian sleep on the bed. He moved a chair and sat there to accompany her.
In the middle of the night, Xie Lian was awakened by a nightmare, and subconsciously grabbed out. Feeling that Xie Chen was beside her, she felt relieved. But after she laid down and looked at Xie Chen's tired face, she couldn't help but sob again.
She didn't want him to work so hard, but she was so scared!
The next morning, Xie Yong got up early and berated in the yard.
Xie Lian grabbed Xie Chen's arm, shaking with fear.
Xie Chen took her out the door directly.
When the two arrived on the street, Xie Chen looked at the somewhat empty streets and felt that this could no longer go on. Xie Lian cannot be under the same roof as Xie Yong, otherwise she would be afraid and he would not be able to study in peace.
Go rent a house? They had before. But once Xie Yong made trouble, they refused to rent it to him.
Then what else could he do?
Xie Chen looked at the vast sky and said to Xie Lian, "How about we go to the capital early?"
He hadn't collected enough travel expenses, but he could earn money while traveling.
Xie Lian only held his hand tightly. She would go wherever he went, as long as he didn't leave her behind.
Before the teahouse opened, Xie Chen brought Xie Lian over. Both of them weren't in good condition. Xie Chen's eyes were bloodshot, while Xie Lian seemed to have cried as her eyes were a little swollen.
"What happened?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked. She got Li He to bring each of them a glass of milk and some snacks.
Xie Chen opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say anything about Xie Yong. He had troubled Jiang Yun Zhu last time. He didn't want to trouble her again.
"The examination is coming up in May. I want to take Xie Lian to the capital ahead of schedule." He only said.
"Didn't you say you’re leaving in April?" Jiang Yun Zhu was puzzled.
"It's better to go early, otherwise if something happens along the way, it would be troublesome if I got delayed." Xie Chen explained.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt that what he said was reasonable. In ancient times, many scholars fell ill on the way to take the exam. If one leaves early, there’s more time and won't have to hurry.
"You could decide for yourself. I’ll give your pay and Xie Lian’s pay." Jiang Yun Zhu took out the abacus and started counting.
Xie Chen wanted to say that Xie Lian's wages could be forfeited. She was leaving within a month of working. If changed to another workplace, she would definitely not get a penny.
But he knew Jiang Yun Zhu. She would definitely give it if she said so.
In the end, he didn't say anything but silently jotted down this kindness in his heart.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had done the calculations. The two of them got a total of one liang and three coin silver.
"So many?" Xie Chen was surprised.
"That's right. Xie Lian is one of the top ten employees in my store. Of course she should be paid more." Jiang Yun Zhu laughed.
When Xie Lian heard, she looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. Her eyes became bright again. She was the first person to praise her like that. She liked it and was very reluctant to leave here.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, took out the silver and handed it to Xie Chen.
"Thank you!" Xie Chen solemnly responded.
"You deserve it." Jiang Yun Zhu only said.
Xie Chen pondered for a while, "I'll settle the teahouse’s account for yesterday. Anyway, I won't be able to leave today."
"Go do your stuff. The account, I’ll..."
Xie Chen insisted on this.
"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu said, "Then you guys have this milk and snacks first before going to work."
Xie Chen ate with Xie Lian. Xie Chen helped Jiang Yun Zhu settle the accounts. The teahouse’s opening was yesterday. There were a lot of accounts.
Xie Lian went to the kitchen at the back to work. In her free time, she touched everything there with nostalgia, recalling the happy days spent here.
Soon, the teahouse opened and some guests came in.
At 9pm, Xie Chen finished the account and handed the account to Jiang Yun Zhu.
The teahouse opened yesterday and made a total of two liang. It didn't look like much, but it was half price yesterday.
Thinking about it this way, the teahouse seemed very profitable.
Jiang Yun Zhu nodded with a smile. It was as she expected.
At this time, Xie Chen and Xie Lian were leaving. Li He and the others knew that they were leaving, so they came out to see them off. Especially Xie Lian. They know each other for a long time, but they had worked hard together and watched Qishanju get better and better. Now that she is leaving... everyone was very reluctant.
Xie Lian was reluctant to part with them. Everyone bidded farewell.
"Have a safe trip."
"Take care on the road."
"If you have a chance in the future, definitely come back and visit us."
...
Qin Yao and Lin Yu Bai entered the teahouse. When she heard this, she immediately stood there in a daze. Xie Chen wants to leave and bring Xie Lian to the capital?
Xie Chen and Xie Lian had bid farewell to everyone and walked outside. At this time, he saw Qin Yao.
The eyes of the two were glued together.
In the end, Xie Chen took Xie Lian and left without looking back.
Qin Yao stood there, at a loss.
The Qin Family had a rice and grain store in Wuling County, as well as a courtyard. In the courtyard, Qin Yao took out a purse and stood there hesitantly.
Suddenly, she gritted her teeth and walked out holding her purse.
"Ah Yao!" A person stopped her, and it was Lin Yu Bai.
Qin Yao looked up at him.
"Ah Yao, don't go." Lin Yu Bai looked at the purse in her hand and earnestly urged, "Your father won’t agree to you two being together."
"How would you know? If he gets a rank..."
"Unless he gets into the top three or that there are vacancies in the court, he is mostly sent outside to be a county magistrate. Your father set his eyes on Subprefectural Magistrate He’s son."
"I won't marry him." Qin Yao said angrily.
"Ah Yao, I..." Lin Yu Bai wanted to say something more, but Qin Yao had already left. He chased after her but there was no sign of her.
Qin Yao came to the street where Xie Chen lived and lingered there.
At this time, Xie Yong happened to come out from the house and saw her. He remembered her, a lady from a rich family. It seemed that she was interested in Xie Chen.
Thinking of this, Xie Yong felt resentful. The last time he heard the news, he was very happy for a long time, thinking that if Xie Chen could marry a rich man's daughter, he would be able to live a good life as well.
Judging by Xie Chen’s behavior, he won't spend it on him even if he had money.
He looked at Qin Yao again. At the age of fifteen or sixteen, her skin was so tender that water seemed as if it would flow out with a pinch. A thought that shouldn't have flashed through his mind. A good matter was interrupted last night. Now he happened to...
With that in mind, he walked toward Qin Yao.
Qin Yao remembered him, Xie Chen's father.
"Excuse me, is Gentleman Xie at home? I have something to say to him." Qin Yao lowered her head, not daring to look at Xie Yong. Her face blushing.
Xie Yong took in with burning eyes, "He is. I'll take you to see him."
"En." Qin Yao's voice was like a mosquito.
Xie Yong walked in front, she followed behind. The two walked through the street one after the other.
In a house next to the street, Xie Lian was sitting in the courtyard. She happened to see two people passing by outside.
After a while, her mind caught up. She hurried to the door to tell Qin Yao to halt and tell her that Xie Yong wasn't a good person.
But when she opened her mouth, she couldn't make a sound. She was so anxious that she ran over as she slapped the wall, hoping to attract Qin Yao's attention.
Qin Yao was so immersed in her own world that she didn't pay attention to the sound behind her.
At this time, she entered Xie's house.
Xie Yong noticed Xie Lian behind him and sent her a fierce expression.
Xie Lian was immediately frightened and slumped there.
Satisfied, Xie Yong closed the door with his backhand.
Xie Lian leaned against the wall. Her eyes reddened in angst. What should she do?
Yes, go find Xie Chen. Xie Chen went to the academy just now and had told her to wait for him at the neighboring auntie's house first.
She suddenly ran to the academy like crazy.
Soon she arrived at the academy. Looking at the shadowy rooms, she stood there and cried with anxiety. There were so many rooms. Such a big place, where could she find Xie Chen?
"Boss, Xie Lian, she seems to be crying." Li He was working away in the teahouse and suddenly caught sight of Xie Lian on the opposite street. He notified Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked outside. It was indeed Xie Lian. What happened to her?
"What happened?" Jiang Yun Zhu went out, walked up to Xie Lian, found that she was indeed crying, and asked gently.
When Xie Lian heard her voice, she grabbed her hand as if she had found a savior and whimpered.
"Where's your elder brother? You want to find your elder brother." Jiang Yun Zhu asked tentatively.
Xie Lian nodded and shook her head again, continuously signaled with her hands.
She was so anxious that she made messy gestures. Jiang Yun Zhu couldn't guess what she wanted to say at all.
Suddenly, she guessed, "You, no, your home?"
Xie Lian nodded, anxious and excited. Suddenly, she let out a hoarse voice, "Save!"
The voice was as harsh and unpleasant as fingernails scratching the ground.
"Save?" Jiang Yun Zhu's heart skipped a beat. Save who?
At this time, Xie Lian suddenly thought of something and took out a handkerchief from her sleeve. The handkerchief was very well made. There was a small Qin character embroidered on the corner. It was given to her by Qin Yao to wipe her tears last time and said that this handkerchief was given to her.
It was the first time she received a gift. She carefully kept it with her.
When Jiang Yun Zhu saw the character Qin on the handkerchief, she immediately thought of a lot. Ever since she saw Qin Yao, she had always had a question in her heart- how could she ed up in that state in her dream? Could it be...
"Your home?" She grabbed Xie Lian's hand and asked anxiously.
Xie Lian nodded immediately.
"Take me there quickly."
Xie Lian ran over there.
Jiang Yun Zhu followed for a few steps, then stopped suddenly, "Wait for me, I'll be right back." Then she turned back to Qishanju. When she reached the backyard, she saw Shen Feng Ming coming out of the room. She grabbed his hand and ran outside.
She thought now that if something happened, it would be difficult with just her and Xie Lian.
Bringing Shen Feng Ming along was faster than calling those constables and it was effective.
Shen Feng Ming was clueless. Still, he quickly returned the grasp of Jiang Yun Zhu's hand.
The two quickly returned to the street.
Xie Lian was a little afraid of Shen Feng Ming, but when she saw him holding Jiang Yun Zhu's hand, she felt much more stable, and hurried home.
Chapter 68
On March 8, it was an auspicious day to open a business.
On this day, everyone in Qishanju woke up very early and got busy. They helped Jiang Yun Zhu and Xue Jing on making the snacks, reviewed how to make tea, and put melon seeds, peanut preserves and other things on plates... Once everything was ready, it was already bright outside.
"Boss." Xue Jing took the last piece of snacks out of the oven, feeling a little nervous.
Opening a teahouse was like re-beating the drum to start. Don't know if there were any guests today.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't speak. She was a little uncertain. The restaurant opened at noon, when the students across the street were getting off school. The lion dance team activity would naturally attract customers. However, the teahouse had to open at 9am, when the students were all in class. Normally, the street had nobody.
But everything was prepared, "Let's go."
She took off her apron, adjusted her appearance in front of the water tank, and took the lead to go out.
Opening the entrance of Qishanju, many people were already surrounded outside.
"Boss Jiang, your teahouse is opening today? Congratulations." Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu coming out, Miss Ye got off the carriage and said. As soon as she moved, the curtains of the several carriages behind were all lifted. Inside were the misses who frequently ate at Qishanju.
They all got out of the carriage and congratulated Jiang Yun Zhu on the opening of her new store.
There were so many delicate misses. All were beautiful and well-dressed. They immediately became a beautiful sight on the street.
There was a steady stream of carriages coming from behind.
"You guys are? Many thanks!" Jiang Yun Zhu didn't expect so many misses to come today.
"We made an agreement to come and support you when your new store opened. If anyone doesn't come, we won't allow her to come to your store for eating and drinking tea in the future!" The round-faced Miss Tao said jokingly.
Hearing what she said, Jiang Yun Zhu seemed to understand what was going on and was extremely grateful in her heart.
At this time, all the misses immediately started talking one after another, "No, it's rare that there is a place like Qishanju for us to eat and play. If anyone doesn't come, don't come in the future."
"Boss Jiang, you’re opening a teahouse? Would we be able to sit in your teahouse every day in the future?"
"That's great. We can only come to Qishanju at noon and evening and have to leave after eating. We couldn't talk properly. With the teahouse, we could come when we are free. This time we can have fun!"
"Boss Jiang, the new store opens today! What delicious food do you have?"
"Yeah, why is that octopus ball gone? I haven't eaten enough yet."
...
All the misses sang and chirped together. Jiang Yun Zhu experienced the troubles of happiness. When they asked her all at once, she didn't know who to answer first.
"Boss Jiang, congratulations!" Compared with these misses, the words of the gentlemen next to them were relatively simple. It was all words of congratulations.
Jiang Yun Zhu took a rough look and found that out of the ten gentlemen who were judges last time, seven of them came. Many of the rest were regular customers of her store. They came here to congratulate her when they heard that her new store opened today.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt warm in her heart, "Thank you everyone for coming to join us. The new store is opening today. Tea and snacks are all half price."
This was her temporary decision, in order to repay everyone's kindness.
When everyone heard this, they immediately cheered. Half price? Sure enough, it was right to come today.
At this time, the lion dance team began to dance. The sound of gongs, drums and firecrackers rouse the atmosphere to an upsurge.
When it was time for the opening, Jiang Yun Zhu climbed up the ladder, reached out and pulled off the red cloth, revealing the three characters ‘Chabuliang’.
"Good!" Everyone cheered. They don’t know who wrote these words but it was still amazing when seeing it.
"Tea not cold, 'the heart of a customer is always hot; even when the person left, the tea isn’t cold'. A good tea not cold. It sounds pleasant to hear. Boss Jiang, just base on your teahouse’s name, we know your heart on how to treat us."
"That's right, tea not cold. I hope we can meet here forever."
"'It's hard to make a bosom friend even after a thousand cups of fine wine; a cup of clear tea could make one intoxicated'. As long as tea isn’t cold, we won’t disperse."
...
As expected of the educated gentlemen and misses. One person talked about his feelings, and the others followed immediately. Some gentlemen even looked at the young ladies while talking. Don’t know if they were talking about this teahouse or talking about people.
No matter which, it was all good. Youths ah!
"Thank you everyone for your kindness." Another burst of firecrackers sounded and Jiang Yun Zhu thanked everyone.
Beside her, Jiang Cheng, Mrs. Chen, Xue Jing, Xie Lian, Xie Chen and others were all present. The new store opened today. Jiang Yun Zhu took the opportunity to distribute benefits to everyone. Everyone was wearing brand new clothes, standing there laughing and talking.
"Congratulations, congratulations." Everyone gave another round of congratulations.
"Everyone, please come in." Jiang Yun Zhu made a gesture of invitation. Everyone rushed into the store immediately. They wanted to see what the store was like and what delicious food it had.
This store was almost a replica of Qishanju. It made people find it close and familiar. Only in the east corner, there were a few more rows of bookshelves and some paper and pens.
"These books, everyone can read at will." Jiang Yun Zhu explained, "There are these pens and papers. If you need them, you can use them as long as you don't take them out of the store or waste them on purpose."
After hearing this, everyone was full of praise. This kind of teahouse was what they wanted. They could have discussions here in the future.
There were those who didn't eat in the morning and were waiting to come to Jiang Yun Zhu's place for tea and snacks. They immediately began to look at the menus hanging on the wall.
Tea, from ordinary green tea to top-quality Biluochun, was available here. Snack seeds and candied fruits were all available here. Of course, the most attractive thing for everyone was the snacks in the store.
They have eaten the milk red bean cake. It was delicious. They all knew what cloud cakes, peanut cakes, osmanthus cakes, etc. were. But what were lotus root cakes, cotton cakes, and mince cakes? By the way, also the baked stuffed sesame biscuits! Biscuits made from crab shells?
Everyone found it novel. They wanted to order a plate to try.
In the end, they chose two dishes with difficulty, ordered a pan of tea, and waited anxiously.
The tea was served quickly. When everyone drank it, no matter whether it was the cheapest tea or the top-grade Biluochun, they were all brewed properly. The fragrance of the tea was overflowing.
Of course, Jiang Yun Zhu had learned how to properly make tea in the past. Not to mention these teas, no matter if it was the rare sparrow tongue and snow-topped greens, she could pull out 100% of their taste.
After only two sips of tea, the snacks were put on the table.
The lotus root cake! Snacks were actually able to be made this thin. It was even thinner than the dragon beard cake. The cake was full of the lotus root fragrance. No wonder it was called the lotus silk cake. Mince cake was filled with various nuts and dried fruits. It was fragrant and soft, but not greasy. Quite yummy.
Osmanthus cake, cotton cake, cloud cake... every kind of cake was delicious, but the most special one was the crab shell cake.
The freshly baked stuffed sesame biscuits were exactly the same as crab shells. One bite down, it was crispy and refreshing.
After eating too many sweet cakes, the umami and spicy sesame biscuits had a special taste.
Almost every table would order a portion of baked stuffed sesame biscuits. Everyone was satisfied with it. Xue Jing and others were happy with being busy.
Unbeknownst to them, someone was looking at this side. He was burning with rage. It was Xie Yong. Last time he wanted to put his bill under the name of Xie Chen or Xie Lian, but Jiang Yun Zhu refused and called the constables.
The constables didn't care so much. They put him in jail and said once the family send the money, they would let him go.
Of course, Xie Chen and Xie Lian wouldn't give the money. So he had been kept in prison.
It had been so many days and he only owed Qishanju 48 wen at that time. Seeing that there was no money to fish, the prison head released him.
Xie Yong was currently disheveled and umkempt. When he left the cell, the first thing he did was to find Xie Chen and Xie Lian to settle accounts. This pair of unfilial siblings had the heart to put him in prison for so many days and ignore him. He insisted on making them look good.
So he came to Qishanju. Just in time to see Xie Chen and Xie Lian standing there in brand new clothes with smiles on their faces.
How could Xie Yong not be burning? He was suffering in prison, while these two were enjoying happiness outside.
He was about to rush into the teahouse and beat them up but when he saw Jiang Yun Zhu, he was a little frightened. So he spat on the ground and wobbled home.
Xie Chen and Xie Lian didn't know that Xie Yong had been released from prison. After the business of the teahouse stabilized, Xie Chen left.
It was already the eighth day of March. The examination would be in May, so he had to quickly prepare for the examination.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood and told him to go back with an eased mind.
In the evening, Qishanju closed. Xie Lian returned home with a food box. The food box contained snacks and dishes that weren't sold out in the store today. Jiang Yun Zhu didn't want to waste it, so she gave her some to bring back.
Xie Lian had already eaten in the store. This box was for Xie Chen. She carried the food box in a merry mood. She couldn't wait to go home and show Xie Chen what was in the food box and let him eat.
She got home. When she opened the door, she found that the door was unlocked. Xie Lian assumed Xie Chen had returned. So she walked in briskly.
The room was very dark. Xie Chen didn't turn on the lights?
Xie Lian lit the lamp and saw a person sitting in the room.
Seeing that person's appearance clearly, Xie Lian's skin suddenly turned cold. Her whole body felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. The food box in her hand fell directly downward.
Xie Yong caught the food box and said in a dark voice, "What good stuff you got there? It smells so good."
Opening the food box, he saw a plate of sweet and sour pork ribs, a plate of twice-cooked pork, a bowl of white rice, and even three snacks inside.
Xie Yong became more and more infuriated, "You eat these every day. No wonder, you got all fair and plump. But, have you forgotten that you have a father, who is suffering in prison!"
The last sentence, he hollered it out in rage.
Xie Lian was so frightened that her body trembled like sifting chaff, like leaves falling in the wind.
Xie Yong was very satisfied with her reaction. He took a step back and sat on the stool, "What are you standing there for? Go, get me chopsticks." Eat first. After he was done, he’ll properly play with her.
Xie Lian didn't seem to hear what he said.
"Still not going?" Xie Yong raised his eyebrows.
Xie Lian hurried out to get the chopsticks and handed them to him with shaking hands. In the midst, the chopsticks almost fell to the ground.
Xie Yong took it impatiently, "Trash."
He berated and started to gobble up the dishes.
Soon, he cleaned out the two dishes and a bowl of rice.
"Water." He said.
Xie Lian picked up the kettle and poured him a glass of water.
While drinking water and eating snacks, he looked Xie Lian up and down.
Xie Lian wore a new light grass-colored long dress today. The girl had a slender waist and her skin was much fairer than before. Coupled with those big watery eyes, she was very beautiful.
"Just like your lowly mother, only know how to seduce men." Xie Yong scolded. Then he suddenly pulled Xie Lian into his arms and touched her body.
Xie Lian's eyes widened in horror. She wanted to shout, but she couldn't.
Her eyes slowly dimmed. Despair overwhelmed her like a sea.
"Don't shout. That's right. If your elder brother sees it, he won't want you. If others see it, they will call you lowly!" Xie Yong said proudly.
At this time, his hand had reached into Xie Lian's clothes.
At this moment, footsteps came from outside, "Ah Lian?"
It was the voice of Xie Chen.
Xie Lian burst into tears.
Xie Yong cursed in a low voice and reluctantly let go of Xie Lian. He was a little apprehensive toward Xie Chen.
Xie Lian slumped to the ground and curled up into a ball, like a small animal.
When Xie Chen came in, he saw Xie Lian curled up there with tears all over his face. Beside her, Xie Yong was full of anger.
Xie Chen didn't know what almost happened now like the way he didn’t know what Xie Yong did to Xie Lian before. He thought that Xie Yong had beat and scolded Xie Lian again. His fist punched toward Xie Yong, "I told you, don't touch Xie Lian."
His fists were precise and ruthless. Xie Yong hadn’t had his guard up against his sudden attack. He was hit in the face and fell to the side.
But soon, Xie Yong stood up, "Alright, dare to hit me!"
He picked up the pole next to him.
Seeing this, Xie Chen pursed his lips and picked up the kitchen knife next to him.
His face was extremely ferocious, as if he wanted to go all out against Xie Yong.
Xie Yong looked at the kitchen knife and became timid at first. Then he spoke, "What? You want to chop your father? Try it."
Xie Chen clenched the kitchen knife in his hand, "I said, don't touch Xie Lian."
"You were all born by me. Why can't I touch? Father beats his son, the official won't care about it." Xie Yong said.
"What I owe you, I will pay you back."
Back to the original question again. Xie Yong spat. He must accumulated eight lifetimes of bad luck to give birth to such a rebellious son. Throwing away the pole, he went back to his room to sleep.
Xie Chen put down the kitchen knife. After a while he came back to his senses and went to help Xie Lian, "Did he hit you?"
Xie Lian threw herself into Xie Chen's arms, crying until breathlessness.
Xie Chen roughly checked her body and felt relieved that she didn't seem to be injured.
In the evening, it was time to go to bed. Xie Chen wanted to send Xie Lian back to her room, but Xie Lian held his hand firmly. No matter how much he comforted her, it was useless.
Without a choice, Xie Chen let Xie Lian sleep on the bed. He moved a chair and sat there to accompany her.
In the middle of the night, Xie Lian was awakened by a nightmare, and subconsciously grabbed out. Feeling that Xie Chen was beside her, she felt relieved. But after she laid down and looked at Xie Chen's tired face, she couldn't help but sob again.
She didn't want him to work so hard, but she was so scared!
The next morning, Xie Yong got up early and berated in the yard.
Xie Lian grabbed Xie Chen's arm, shaking with fear.
Xie Chen took her out the door directly.
When the two arrived on the street, Xie Chen looked at the somewhat empty streets and felt that this could no longer go on. Xie Lian cannot be under the same roof as Xie Yong, otherwise she would be afraid and he would not be able to study in peace.
Go rent a house? They had before. But once Xie Yong made trouble, they refused to rent it to him.
Then what else could he do?
Xie Chen looked at the vast sky and said to Xie Lian, "How about we go to the capital early?"
He hadn't collected enough travel expenses, but he could earn money while traveling.
Xie Lian only held his hand tightly. She would go wherever he went, as long as he didn't leave her behind.
Before the teahouse opened, Xie Chen brought Xie Lian over. Both of them weren't in good condition. Xie Chen's eyes were bloodshot, while Xie Lian seemed to have cried as her eyes were a little swollen.
"What happened?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked. She got Li He to bring each of them a glass of milk and some snacks.
Xie Chen opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say anything about Xie Yong. He had troubled Jiang Yun Zhu last time. He didn't want to trouble her again.
"The examination is coming up in May. I want to take Xie Lian to the capital ahead of schedule." He only said.
"Didn't you say you’re leaving in April?" Jiang Yun Zhu was puzzled.
"It's better to go early, otherwise if something happens along the way, it would be troublesome if I got delayed." Xie Chen explained.
Jiang Yun Zhu felt that what he said was reasonable. In ancient times, many scholars fell ill on the way to take the exam. If one leaves early, there’s more time and won't have to hurry.
"You could decide for yourself. I’ll give your pay and Xie Lian’s pay." Jiang Yun Zhu took out the abacus and started counting.
Xie Chen wanted to say that Xie Lian's wages could be forfeited. She was leaving within a month of working. If changed to another workplace, she would definitely not get a penny.
But he knew Jiang Yun Zhu. She would definitely give it if she said so.
In the end, he didn't say anything but silently jotted down this kindness in his heart.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had done the calculations. The two of them got a total of one liang and three coin silver.
"So many?" Xie Chen was surprised.
"That's right. Xie Lian is one of the top ten employees in my store. Of course she should be paid more." Jiang Yun Zhu laughed.
When Xie Lian heard, she looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. Her eyes became bright again. She was the first person to praise her like that. She liked it and was very reluctant to leave here.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, took out the silver and handed it to Xie Chen.
"Thank you!" Xie Chen solemnly responded.
"You deserve it." Jiang Yun Zhu only said.
Xie Chen pondered for a while, "I'll settle the teahouse’s account for yesterday. Anyway, I won't be able to leave today."
"Go do your stuff. The account, I’ll..."
Xie Chen insisted on this.
"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu said, "Then you guys have this milk and snacks first before going to work."
Xie Chen ate with Xie Lian. Xie Chen helped Jiang Yun Zhu settle the accounts. The teahouse’s opening was yesterday. There were a lot of accounts.
Xie Lian went to the kitchen at the back to work. In her free time, she touched everything there with nostalgia, recalling the happy days spent here.
Soon, the teahouse opened and some guests came in.
At 9pm, Xie Chen finished the account and handed the account to Jiang Yun Zhu.
The teahouse opened yesterday and made a total of two liang. It didn't look like much, but it was half price yesterday.
Thinking about it this way, the teahouse seemed very profitable.
Jiang Yun Zhu nodded with a smile. It was as she expected.
At this time, Xie Chen and Xie Lian were leaving. Li He and the others knew that they were leaving, so they came out to see them off. Especially Xie Lian. They know each other for a long time, but they had worked hard together and watched Qishanju get better and better. Now that she is leaving... everyone was very reluctant.
Xie Lian was reluctant to part with them. Everyone bidded farewell.
"Have a safe trip."
"Take care on the road."
"If you have a chance in the future, definitely come back and visit us."
...
Qin Yao and Lin Yu Bai entered the teahouse. When she heard this, she immediately stood there in a daze. Xie Chen wants to leave and bring Xie Lian to the capital?
Xie Chen and Xie Lian had bid farewell to everyone and walked outside. At this time, he saw Qin Yao.
The eyes of the two were glued together.
In the end, Xie Chen took Xie Lian and left without looking back.
Qin Yao stood there, at a loss.
The Qin Family had a rice and grain store in Wuling County, as well as a courtyard. In the courtyard, Qin Yao took out a purse and stood there hesitantly.
Suddenly, she gritted her teeth and walked out holding her purse.
"Ah Yao!" A person stopped her, and it was Lin Yu Bai.
Qin Yao looked up at him.
"Ah Yao, don't go." Lin Yu Bai looked at the purse in her hand and earnestly urged, "Your father won’t agree to you two being together."
"How would you know? If he gets a rank..."
"Unless he gets into the top three or that there are vacancies in the court, he is mostly sent outside to be a county magistrate. Your father set his eyes on Subprefectural Magistrate He’s son."
"I won't marry him." Qin Yao said angrily.
"Ah Yao, I..." Lin Yu Bai wanted to say something more, but Qin Yao had already left. He chased after her but there was no sign of her.
Qin Yao came to the street where Xie Chen lived and lingered there.
At this time, Xie Yong happened to come out from the house and saw her. He remembered her, a lady from a rich family. It seemed that she was interested in Xie Chen.
Thinking of this, Xie Yong felt resentful. The last time he heard the news, he was very happy for a long time, thinking that if Xie Chen could marry a rich man's daughter, he would be able to live a good life as well.
Judging by Xie Chen’s behavior, he won't spend it on him even if he had money.
He looked at Qin Yao again. At the age of fifteen or sixteen, her skin was so tender that water seemed as if it would flow out with a pinch. A thought that shouldn't have flashed through his mind. A good matter was interrupted last night. Now he happened to...
With that in mind, he walked toward Qin Yao.
Qin Yao remembered him, Xie Chen's father.
"Excuse me, is Gentleman Xie at home? I have something to say to him." Qin Yao lowered her head, not daring to look at Xie Yong. Her face blushing.
Xie Yong took in with burning eyes, "He is. I'll take you to see him."
"En." Qin Yao's voice was like a mosquito.
Xie Yong walked in front, she followed behind. The two walked through the street one after the other.
In a house next to the street, Xie Lian was sitting in the courtyard. She happened to see two people passing by outside.
After a while, her mind caught up. She hurried to the door to tell Qin Yao to halt and tell her that Xie Yong wasn't a good person.
But when she opened her mouth, she couldn't make a sound. She was so anxious that she ran over as she slapped the wall, hoping to attract Qin Yao's attention.
Qin Yao was so immersed in her own world that she didn't pay attention to the sound behind her.
At this time, she entered Xie's house.
Xie Yong noticed Xie Lian behind him and sent her a fierce expression.
Xie Lian was immediately frightened and slumped there.
Satisfied, Xie Yong closed the door with his backhand.
Xie Lian leaned against the wall. Her eyes reddened in angst. What should she do?
Yes, go find Xie Chen. Xie Chen went to the academy just now and had told her to wait for him at the neighboring auntie's house first.
She suddenly ran to the academy like crazy.
Soon she arrived at the academy. Looking at the shadowy rooms, she stood there and cried with anxiety. There were so many rooms. Such a big place, where could she find Xie Chen?
"Boss, Xie Lian, she seems to be crying." Li He was working away in the teahouse and suddenly caught sight of Xie Lian on the opposite street. He notified Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked outside. It was indeed Xie Lian. What happened to her?
"What happened?" Jiang Yun Zhu went out, walked up to Xie Lian, found that she was indeed crying, and asked gently.
When Xie Lian heard her voice, she grabbed her hand as if she had found a savior and whimpered.
"Where's your elder brother? You want to find your elder brother." Jiang Yun Zhu asked tentatively.
Xie Lian nodded and shook her head again, continuously signaled with her hands.
She was so anxious that she made messy gestures. Jiang Yun Zhu couldn't guess what she wanted to say at all.
Suddenly, she guessed, "You, no, your home?"
Xie Lian nodded, anxious and excited. Suddenly, she let out a hoarse voice, "Save!"
The voice was as harsh and unpleasant as fingernails scratching the ground.
"Save?" Jiang Yun Zhu's heart skipped a beat. Save who?
At this time, Xie Lian suddenly thought of something and took out a handkerchief from her sleeve. The handkerchief was very well made. There was a small Qin character embroidered on the corner. It was given to her by Qin Yao to wipe her tears last time and said that this handkerchief was given to her.
It was the first time she received a gift. She carefully kept it with her.
When Jiang Yun Zhu saw the character Qin on the handkerchief, she immediately thought of a lot. Ever since she saw Qin Yao, she had always had a question in her heart- how could she ed up in that state in her dream? Could it be...
"Your home?" She grabbed Xie Lian's hand and asked anxiously.
Xie Lian nodded immediately.
"Take me there quickly."
Xie Lian ran over there.
Jiang Yun Zhu followed for a few steps, then stopped suddenly, "Wait for me, I'll be right back." Then she turned back to Qishanju. When she reached the backyard, she saw Shen Feng Ming coming out of the room. She grabbed his hand and ran outside.
She thought now that if something happened, it would be difficult with just her and Xie Lian.
Bringing Shen Feng Ming along was faster than calling those constables and it was effective.
Shen Feng Ming was clueless. Still, he quickly returned the grasp of Jiang Yun Zhu's hand.
The two quickly returned to the street.
Xie Lian was a little afraid of Shen Feng Ming, but when she saw him holding Jiang Yun Zhu's hand, she felt much more stable, and hurried home.
omgomg, I hope they get there in time to save her. The low life father... hoping he has a horrible end, so despicable! Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteSo disgusting, wishing the siblings a free and happy life. Hopefully this this is the impetus to get rid of this father for good
ReplyDeleteWait, wait, don't tell me this asshythole touched his own daughter????? 🤬😡
ReplyDelete