Chapter 67 I'll use your name to clean up this mess.
Upon arriving at Laizhou Prefecture, Yu Man did not rush back to Dongqing County. Instead, he ordered the carriage to turn towards Manji Restaurant on West Street.
Surprisingly, the area outside the shop was bustling with customers, with waiters moving about like a never-ending stream, a scene of thriving business. However, several well-dressed servants, whose demeanor was quite different from that of ordinary diners, were gathered by the stone steps of the shop entrance, talking to Chang Xiang, who was guarding the door. The atmosphere was rather tense.
Yu Man gestured to Gu Qiu to slowly park the covered cart under the shade of the locust tree by the roadside, while he himself walked closer with Xiao Tao without disturbing anyone.
But then a servant dressed in a dark blue silk shirt, with an arrogant expression, said, "...My master has sent three invitations, sincerely inviting Manager Xue to come to our residence for a chat, but each time she has been turned away with the words 'Manager Xue is unwell.' Could it be that Madam Xue thinks the Sima family's face is not worth considering, or that Manji's business has become so prosperous that she no longer takes the prefectural officials seriously?"
Chang Xiang maintained his kind demeanor, cupping his hands in a polite smile, but his words were measured: "You flatter me, esteemed guest. Manager Xue's old ailment has indeed flared up, and the doctor has advised him to rest and avoid overexertion. It is by no means an attempt to shirk responsibility. Once you have fully recovered, I will certainly inform you."
Another young servant looked impatient and was about to speak again, but was stopped by an older, composed man dressed as a steward. The steward nodded slightly to Chang Xiang and said in a calm tone, "In that case, we will not disturb Madam Xue's rest. Please convey to the young man that we will talk another day." After speaking, he led the servants away, heading towards the prefectural government office.
Yu Man watched the crowd disappear around the street corner before leading Xiao Tao and Gu Qiu to the shop. Chang Xiang caught a glimpse of them, paused for a moment, then his face lit up with excitement, and he blurted out, "Dong—"
Yu Man raised his index finger slightly, pressed it to his lips, shook his head slightly, and gestured with his eyes to go inside the shop to talk.
Chang Xiang immediately fell silent. Looking around, he saw that the diners who had been watching the spectacle had turned their attention away. He turned to the side and whispered, "You're back!"
The three of them quietly passed through the bustling front hall and entered the quiet back courtyard. As the door closed, Chang Xiang breathed a long sigh of relief and said urgently, "Master, thank goodness you're back!"
"Those people just now were servants of one of the most powerful families in the prefecture..."
"What exactly happened to Madam Xue?" Yu Man interrupted, as she had never known that Xue Han had any old ailments, and assumed that something must have happened to make up this excuse.
Knowing that his master was worried about Manager Xue, Chang Xiang quickly composed himself and recounted what had happened in the past few days: "It's Zhao Silang, Manager Xue's betrothed from years ago. He suddenly returned to Laizhou some time ago. This man had disappeared without a trace in the past, and I heard that he had become addicted to gambling and was living a miserable life. Now, I don't know where he found out that Manager Xue is in charge of Manji and is doing well, so he came here with the old marriage certificate, demanding not only the person but also money and a prescription."
"Manager Xue refused to agree, so he threatened to sue the authorities for breaking off the engagement and to cause trouble in the shop. Fearing that it would damage the shop's reputation, Manager Xue claimed to be sick and recuperating for the past two days, but in reality... he had gone back to his old wine shop for some peace and quiet."
Upon hearing this, Yu Man exclaimed, "So that's how it is?" The person had actually returned. She pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly, "I understand." She then turned to Xiao Tao, "Xiao Tao, you rest here and take a look at the situation ahead." She then said to Gu Qiu, "Come with me." Finally, she instructed Chang Xiang, "Prepare the carriage in the back alley, and don't disturb anyone."
“Master, although Zhao Silang is now down on his luck, I’ve heard that he was once well-educated and is not entirely a brute. You must be careful…” Chang Xiang reminded him worriedly.
"Understood." Yu Man replied, turning around and walking briskly with Gu Qiu out the back door.
The two headed straight for Xue Han's old wine shop. Fortunately, it wasn't too far away. The wooden door was ajar, and a low argument could be heard from inside, clearly audible as a man and a woman.
The man's voice, though deliberately affected, couldn't hide its superficiality: "...Han Niang, we are, after all, bound by a written, arranged marriage. Back then, I was young and impetuous, seduced and led astray. Now I have repented and am determined to mend my ways. You are now the manager of Manji Restaurant, a prominent figure in the town. Why bear the stigma of being a snob and a breach of contract? Why don't we start anew? You can help me rebuild my family's fortunes, and in the future, you will enjoy the glory of wearing a phoenix coronet and wedding robes, surrounded by servants. Wouldn't that be better than you showing your face in public and engaging in this lowly profession?"
Xue Han's voice was cold and trembling slightly, yet each word was clear, not out of fear, but out of suppressed rage: "Zhao Wenkang! Stop with your sweet talk! When you ran off with the money I used to pay for my mother's medical treatment, did you remember even a trace of the marriage contract? When my mother was critically ill, and I had pawned everything and was desperate, which gambling den were you in? Now you've returned like a fly smelling carrion! That marriage contract was long ago void along with the money you took! You want me to go with you? Only if I die!"
"You!" Zhao Wenkang was utterly humiliated by this merciless exposure. His voice suddenly rose, sharp and piercing. "Fine! Fine, Xue Han! Since you're heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless! I'll take the marriage certificate to the prefectural government and accuse you of breaking your promise and disregarding human ethics! I'll go to your Manji Restaurant, beat drums and gongs, and let all the elders of Laizhou City see what kind of materialistic, immoral woman is behind the fine wines and delicacies they praise every day! Let's see if you can still sit securely in your position as manager!"
"You dare!" Xue Han shouted sharply, her voice filled with determination.
"You'll see if I dare or not!" Zhao Wenkang seemed to take a step closer, his words carrying a fierce tone.
Just then, Yu Man pushed open the door and entered.
The sound of the door opening startled the two people speaking, who turned to look. Yu Man could now clearly see the scene inside. The hall was dimly lit, with several old tables and chairs askew. Xue Han stood behind the counter, her face as pale as paper, her lips pressed tightly together, her almond-shaped eyes resolute, and her back straight. The man opposite her, about thirty years old, had a pale, puffy face, dark bags under his eyes, and wore a worn silk shirt covered in wrinkles. It was Zhao Wenkang. On the blue brick floor between them lay a thin paper cutter, its blade gleaming coldly.
Upon seeing Yu Man and Gu Qiu rush in, Zhao Wenkang was initially startled and shrank back slightly. After he realized that the newcomers were just a young woman and a servant carrying a sword, his fear subsided, his eyes darted around, and he put on a forced composure. In particular, when his gaze fell on Yu Man, there was an added hint of probing.
"Who are you two? This is a private residence. You are uninvited guests. Please leave immediately!" Zhao Wenkang puffed out his chest, trying to adopt the air of a scholar.
Yu Man did not answer immediately. His gaze quickly swept over Xue Han. Seeing that she was in a sorry state but not injured, he felt a little relieved.
Only then did she look at Zhao Si, taking in his bluffing demeanor. A slight smile played on her lips, her tone even: "Manji owner. Just now outside the door, I seemed to hear someone banging drums and gongs, trying to ruin my shop's reputation?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wenkang's pupils contracted sharply. The owner of Man Kee Restaurant? He only knew she was a woman, but he hadn't expected her to be so young.
He was filled with suspicion and uncertainty, but considering the other party's identity, his greed rekindled, and he forced a smile, saying, "So it's Master Yu. My apologies. This is a private matter between Zhao and the Xue family. Although Master Yu is the Xue family's employer, I'm afraid it's inappropriate for you to interfere, right? Besides,"
He glanced at the knife on the ground, his words carrying a hidden meaning, "Master Yu also saw it. Xue Han actually tried to hurt her fiancé with a knife. If this matter gets out, it will be very damaging to Manji's reputation."
"Household chores?" Yu Man chuckled lightly, stepped forward slowly, and kicked the small knife on the ground with the tip of her boot. Gu Qiu picked it up and put it away.
"He absconded with the money his fiancée had saved to save her mother, nearly causing her death from illness. He then lived a carefree life for years, gambling away all his family's wealth. Now he shamelessly returns with a worthless piece of paper, threatening and extorting money. Is this what you call a family matter?"
She raised her eyes, her gaze clear and cold. "As for the knife... Young Master Zhao, have you forgotten that it was you who trespassed into a private residence and threatened me first? According to the laws of our dynasty, anyone who enters a person's home at night without cause shall be killed immediately by the homeowner. Although it was not late at night, the homeowner was forced to enter and coerce you, and what wrong has it done to carry a weapon in self-defense? But you, Young Master Zhao," her tone suddenly turned cold, "extorted money and coerced a woman. According to the law, what crime should you be charged with? Do I need to explain it to you in detail?"
"Besides, where are the knives on the ground? I didn't see any. Did you see any?" She looked at Gu Qiu.
Gu Qiu shook his head: "No."
"you!"
Zhao Wenkang's face flushed and paled under her barrage of questions, especially the question, "What crime should you be charged with according to the law?" which struck at his deepest vulnerability. He was indeed afraid of seeing the officials; those old debts and bad debts couldn't withstand scrutiny. But he had some education and his mind worked quickly. Seeing that Yu Man's words were sharp and that she was accompanied by guards, he knew he couldn't confront her directly. So, he quickly changed his strategy.
He suddenly straightened his wrinkled clothes, managing a forced smile: "Master Yu, you have a sharp tongue. But no matter how eloquently you speak, this marriage certificate," he pulled a yellowed piece of paper from his pocket, shaking it, "is real, tangible, and legally binding. It's an arranged marriage, recognized by the government. If Xue Han breaks off the engagement, I can appeal to the ends of the earth. As for extortion and coercion?" He scoffed, "Empty words, who will bear witness? On the contrary, Master Yu, you, with your armed servants, broke into a private residence and threatened innocent people. I wonder what crime you should be charged with?"
Zhao Wenkang seemed to grow bolder with each word, even taking a half-step forward, lowering his voice, and saying with a hint of smugness, "Master Yu, I, Zhao Wenkang, am just a worthless man, and a barefoot man has nothing to fear. Your Manji business is huge, and your manager Xue Han's reputation is invaluable. Why should we fight to the death? How about... we make a deal? You give me Xue Han, and compensate me for my losses, and I'll take the money and run away. Otherwise..." He sneered twice, "I'll come here every day, stand in front of your shop and say this, and see who can afford to wait! I don't believe that you, Master Manji, would dare to let your servant commit violence in broad daylight and kill a scholar like me with official rank!"
Yu Manzhe thought to herself, who said villains don't have brains? Isn't he quick to react? She really didn't dare to, and wouldn't, kill him right there, even with Gu Qiu by her side.
Seeing this, Zhao Wenkang thought he had her weakness in his grasp, and his expression became even more arrogant.
Hearing this, Xue Han felt a surge of anger, but also worried about Yu Man's predicament. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Yu Man gently raise her hand and stop her.
"A scholar? A man of official rank?" Yu Man repeated slowly, his tone mocking. "Since Young Master Zhao prides himself on being learned and sensible, does he know that the 'Great Law on Household and Marriage' has a different interpretation of 'reneging on an engagement'? It states that if a woman's family accepts betrothal gifts but then reneges, the penalty is fifty."
She abruptly changed the subject, her gaze sharpening, "If the groom's family has committed any heinous acts such as breaking the law, adultery, theft, or absconding, or if they have acted recklessly, are ill, or have unclear dowry details, the bride's family can repent and will not be punished. You absconded with the money, which falls under the categories of 'theft' and 'absconding.' Xue Han's breaking off the engagement is legally justified. What crime have you committed? Your academic achievements should probably have been revoked long ago, shouldn't they?"
Zhao Wenkang's face turned pale. He had indeed fled due to gambling debts and had long been expelled from the academy, a fact known to very few.
Yu Man stopped looking at him and turned to Gu Qiu, his tone flat: "Gu Qiu, write down this man's appearance. Later, go to the state government's treasury office and check if there are any records of Zhao Wenkang's examinations. Also, ask the criminal office how he should be dealt with for embezzling property, extortion, and impersonating someone else to obtain official titles. If you encounter any obstruction, just say... it was Compiler Pei from the Hanlin Academy who was concerned about the local area and sent someone to inquire."
We can only borrow his reputation for now.
Gu Qiu replied in a deep voice, "Yes."
"Hanlin Academy... Compiler Pei?" Zhao Wenkang panicked completely. Even if he was ignorant, he knew that the Hanlin Academy was prestigious and the compiler, though only a seventh-rank official, was a close advisor to the emperor with a promising future. This woman was actually connected to an official in the capital? His legs went weak, and his earlier arrogance vanished completely.
Yu Man then looked at Zhao Wenkang, whose face was ashen, and took out a hastily written document and a small ingot of about ten taels of silver from his sleeve, placing them on the still relatively intact table beside him.
“Zhao Wenkang,” she said, her voice low but each word clear, “this is a deed to dissolve the engagement, a deed that severs all ties between us, witnessed and sealed by a middleman. This ten taels of silver is not to buy your marriage certificate, but to make up for your so-called betrothal gifts back then—although what your Zhao family contributed back then was less than half of this amount. Sign and seal it, take the money and leave. From now on, we'll go our separate ways. If you dare to entangle yourself with Xue Han or involve Man Ji again,” she paused, her gaze sweeping over the ancient longsword in Gu Qiu's arms, “not to mention Compiler Pei, even the rules of Laizhou probably wouldn't tolerate you.”
Zhao Wenkang trembled, looking at the silver ingot, then at the sword in Gu Qiu's hand, and then at the Hanlin Academy compiler and the possible imprisonment. Ten taels of silver were far from enough for him to recoup his losses, but it was enough to solve his immediate crisis, and the other party had clearly grasped his Achilles' heel.
He had no doubt that if he didn't comply, this woman would really drag him to the state government office.
After struggling for a moment, his fear of death ultimately prevailed. With trembling hands, he grabbed a pen and wrote his name crookedly on the document, pressed his fingerprint on it, grabbed the silver, and even forgot to take the old marriage certificate. Like a stray dog, he staggered out the door without looking back, afraid that if he was a step too late, he would not be able to escape.
Without needing to be told, Gu Qiu moved silently and followed them out.
The shop fell silent for a moment. Xue Han's tense shoulders and back suddenly relaxed, she swayed, and only managed to stand up after grabbing the counter for support.
Yu Man quickly stepped forward and took her arm: "Sister Xue, are you alright?"
Xue Han shook her head, her eyes slightly red, but she breathed a sigh of relief: "It's alright. Boss, thank you for arriving in time and for your thoughtfulness." She looked at the contract on the table, her thoughts in turmoil, "It's just... that you've spent money and used Pei Langjun's name."
"Money is a small matter; it's worth it to get rid of such a scoundrel."
Yu Man helped her sit down, her tone softening. "As for titles, they're just empty titles. Use them when necessary. You're the manager of Manji Restaurant, so it's only right that I protect you." She glanced at the old shop. "This place is no longer suitable. I'll take you back to the back of the restaurant later; there are more people there, so it's safer. Or, I can find you another quiet place."
This time, Xue Han did not refuse again and nodded in agreement: "I will leave it to the master's arrangements." She took a deep breath, and her expression had regained its usual calmness. "Now that the master has returned, I need to report to you as soon as possible on the current situation of the shop and a few matters that need to be decided."
Yu Man waved his hand, revealing a rare hint of weariness from his long journey home: "Those things aren't urgent, we'll talk about them later. You calm down first and pack the important things. I'm hungry too, I want to try the new dishes at the food stall."
Seeing her like this, Xue Han knew it was out of consideration, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She no longer insisted and stood up, saying, "Then I will go back and prepare. Please tell me what you would like to eat, Master."
As the two were talking, Gu Qiu returned and nodded slightly to Yu Man, indicating that the matter had been taken care of.
Yu Man nodded and said to Xue Han, "Let's go back to the shop first."
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