Chapter 22: Men who lie about dividing their families should all die.
Chen Jingshu had actually been there for quite some time. She had been waiting in the teahouse not far away, watching the figure in blue gracefully moving between the stove and the customers. She had inquired her way here and learned that this was the woman engaged to Senior Brother Pei. Unlike many well-bred young ladies she had met, she possessed a direct and vibrant vitality, like untrimmed wild plants in the mountains, with her own resilient posture.
She knew she was being presumptuous and even somewhat impolite by coming here, as it was the most shocking thing she had ever done besides disguising herself as a man to enter the academy, but she had to go through with it.
Ever since her father sent her to audit classes at the state school, she tossed and turned every night, believing it to be a peaceful place for learning, cultivating talents for practical use in the country. But what she saw and heard was mostly students gathering together, engaging in grand discussions, their words invariably concerned with personal gain and their actions with calculations of profit and loss. Who had climbed the social ladder, which official favored which type of writing, how to fathom the emperor's intentions, how to scheme and plot…
She sat in the corner, listening to the words that were either utilitarian or flattering, and felt completely out of place. An indescribable disgust and deep disappointment welled up in her heart.
Just as she was feeling lost and distressed, she overheard her father talking with the renowned scholar Fu. The scholar, famous throughout the land and respected even by the Empress Dowager, spoke to her father with undisguised regret: “Jishan, I have indeed heard of that Pei scholar you mentioned. Headmaster Li also praised him highly in his letter, calling him a ‘talent of great wisdom.’ I will not be staying at the state academy for long, as I intend to test him. If he is truly a gem, I would gladly offer him some guidance. It’s just a pity… everyone has their own ambitions, and you can’t force them. It’s a shame that this war is so dangerous… it’s a shame that his innate talent for studying is being wasted…”
Fu Daru's words, "Everyone has their own ambitions, and you can't force them," were spoken calmly, but Chen Jingshu's heart pounded with fear. Even Fu Daru felt regret; everyone said the border was dangerous, so how unwise was Senior Brother Pei's choice!
She couldn't bear to see her senior brother Pei go astray like this, so behind her father's back, she secretly inquired about his hometown and eventually found her way to this remote village called Xingcheng. Weary from her journey, she was told by the villagers that Pei Ji had already left. Hope dashed, and she was filled with disappointment and hesitation when she heard someone mention Pei's fiancée again. Pei had always been reluctant to discuss his private affairs, and she was unaware that he had a fiancée—a peasant girl who seemed unsuitable for him.
Chen Jingshu thought that a typical farm girl would have limited experience and might not understand the matter of studying. She might even be a burden to her senior brother because of her romantic feelings.
Thinking of this, Chen Jingshu composed herself. Looking at Yu Man's back, she thought to herself: In any case, for the sake of Senior Brother Pei's future, I must humble myself and properly explain the pros and cons to this Lady Yu.
It was with this intention of persuasion in mind that Chen Jingshu restrained all her emotions when Yu Man suggested going inside to talk, and followed the figure in blue into the small house in the backyard filled with the aroma of ingredients.
Yu Man led Chen Jingshu through the bustling dining area to a small hut in the backyard that was temporarily serving as a storage room and a resting place. The hut still had a faint smell of food, but it was much quieter than the hustle and bustle outside.
"Please sit down, Madam Chen." Yu Man poured a bowl of warm water and handed it to her, then sat down opposite her and got straight to the point, "May I ask what brings you here, Madam Chen?"
Even though she already knew Chen Jingshu's identity, putting aside the question of whether she was the female lead or not, she was very curious about the reason why Chen Jingshu suddenly came to her door.
The woman opposite her took the earthenware bowl, applying slight pressure with her fingertips, but did not drink. She raised her eyes, which held a scholarly air yet could not hide her anxiety, and looked directly at Yu Man. Her voice was still gentle, but carried a reckless frankness: "Madam Yu, I have come here today hoping... that you can persuade Senior Brother Pei Ji to return to the academy and continue on the path of the imperial examinations. The border... the road to the border is truly too difficult."
Yu Manzheng paused almost imperceptibly in the hand holding the bowl.
What's the meaning?
Pei Ji didn't return to the academy?
He's lying to himself?!
The system adds in a timely manner: [The first step to losing trust is deception!]
Yu Man ignored the pet that was fanning the flames; her face remained expressionless, except that her eyelashes drooped slightly before lifting again, following Chen Jingshu's words:
“Madam Chen, everyone has their own path to walk and their own choices to bear the consequences. Pei Ji has made his decision, and he must have his reasons. Even I have no right to easily interfere with his future.”
Seeing her reaction, Chen Jingshu became even more anxious. She leaned forward and explained urgently, "Madam Yu, you may not know, but my father originally planned to recommend Senior Brother Pei to the state academy to study under the tutelage of the great scholar Fu! You may not know who the great scholar Fu is—" She paused, as if she felt she needed to make Yu Man understand the implications, "Master Fu is a close friend of the current Empress Dowager, with students and friends all over the court, and his influence is extraordinary! With Senior Brother Pei's talent, if he could receive his guidance, he would surely rise rapidly in his career and have a bright future!"
To say that ambitions are too unrealistic, the only things that can move ordinary people are worldly power and position.
She looked at Yu Man, trying to find a trace of emotion on her beautiful face, and continued to analyze the current situation, lowering her voice slightly, with a hint of her own keen perception: "You must have heard about the current state of the court, Madam Yu. His Majesty is young, the Empress Dowager is ruling from behind the curtain, and the court is mostly controlled by relatives and nobles, with nepotism rampant. Although Senior Brother Pei is talented, he comes from a humble background. Without the support of a powerful figure, it would be as difficult as climbing to heaven to rise through military merit in such circumstances!"
Her words reminded Yu Man of how Pei Ji had suddenly abandoned the seemingly easy path of becoming a civil official and chosen a more difficult and easily overlooked path of martial arts. Why did he do this? Even the system hadn't explained it to her.
Yu Man listened quietly to Chen Jingshu's urgent and worried advice, and finally nodded slightly, uttering three words: "I understand."
The overly evasive words made Chen Jingshu keenly aware of something amiss. Shouldn't she be more worried, more anxious, or even immediately agree to persuade him? Why was she... remaining aloof? An indescribable disappointment and a hint of annoyance at being slighted welled up in her heart. Chen Jingshu couldn't help but press, her tone carrying a subtle sharpness: "Madam Yu, I'll only ask you one question, will you... try to persuade him?"
Yu Man looked up and met her scrutinizing gaze. After a moment of silence, she said, "I will consider it."
"Consider?" Chen Jingshu finally couldn't hold back any longer. Her refined upbringing, typical of a scholarly family and the daughter of a headmaster, allowed her to maintain her composure even in anger, but the accusatory tone in her words was clearly discernible. "Madam Yu, I've heard that you and Senior Brother Pei have known each other since childhood and are even engaged. If you truly care about him and his future, you shouldn't let him take such a risky path, abandoning the light for darkness! You should do your best to persuade him to repent and return to the right path!"
"The right path?" Yu Man repeated the two words, a rare hint of weariness creeping into her voice. She looked at Chen Jingshu, her eyes, which always carried a touch of languor and casualness, now revealing a clear sharpness. "What does Madam Chen think the 'right path' is?"
Chen Jingshu was taken aback by her question, but without hesitation, she replied with the unwavering conviction inherent in scholars: "The way of being a person in this world is to cultivate oneself, manage one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world! Studying to understand principles, taking the imperial examinations to enter officialdom, assisting the monarch, and pacifying the people—this has been the proper path for scholars for thousands of years, and it is also the right way to govern the world and benefit the people! Senior Brother Pei is exceptionally talented and should give full play to his talents on this path, rather than burying them in the dust of the frontier and merely displaying the courage of a common man!"
Her words were firm and resounding, filled with pride in what she had learned.
Yu Man slowly shook her head. She walked to the window, looked at the well in the backyard, and spoke in a low but clear voice, as if stating a very simple fact: "Miss Chen is well-read, but do you know how many people have been trapped by the word 'righteous path,' and how many people have been paved the way for by it?"
She turned around and said, “According to Miss Chen, the way of life in this world is that only men can study and enter officialdom, while women should stay in their boudoirs, supporting their husbands and raising their children. So, Miss Chen, as a woman, you dare to enter Shanqing Academy alone to study, and discuss politics and explore knowledge with men. Is this... in line with what you call the ‘right path’?”
Chen Jingshu trembled violently. She opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but found her throat felt blocked. Yes, in the eyes of the world, wasn't what she did also unconventional? Her father was enlightened enough to allow her to sit in, which was already under immense pressure. Deep down, hadn't she felt a moment of bewilderment at her transgression? She insisted on competing with those men to prove that women could be just as capable as men—was this... really the "right path" recognized by the world? This rhetorical question made her face turn slightly pale, and she was speechless for a moment.
Yu Man took in her reaction but did not press her advantage. Instead, her tone softened slightly: "Madam Chen, you see, this 'righteous path' is nothing more than a comforting excuse that people use to justify their own path, or a yardstick used to restrain and judge others. It is not an immutable truth."
She paced back to the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rough surface: "History is vast, and Madam Chen must know it better than I do. Qin Yu, a female general of the previous dynasty, led troops in place of her husband to resist foreign aggression and was awarded a title by the court. Was she following the 'right path' that women should take? Yet she protected her country and made great contributions to the nation. At the beginning of this dynasty, there was Madam He, who was famous for raising silkworms and benefiting countless weavers. She never took the imperial examinations, never wrote poetry, and only studied among silkworm pupae. What she did could not be considered the 'right path' in the eyes of the literati, could it? Yet she enabled countless people to wear clothes."
She looked up, her gaze falling once more on Chen Jingshu's fingertips, calloused from years of holding a pen, and said sincerely, "What you did today, Madam Chen, dared to break free from the constraints of the inner chambers and pursue knowledge. Even a country girl like me should sincerely admire you. Because you are walking the path you have chosen, even if it is not the 'right path' in the eyes of the world."
Changing the subject, Yu Man's tone sharpened: "However, Madam Chen, not everyone has the confidence to make the same choice as you. Pei Ji's choice may seem like a wrong path to you, but who knows if it's not the only opportunity he could see and seize given his circumstances? The border may be dangerous, but is the imperial court a safe haven?"
“We all want the best for him, but there isn’t just one standard for ‘good.’ Please give him more respect, and please… respect the choices he has made for his own life. Whether the road ahead is thorny or smooth, it is ultimately his own path, and he needs to walk it and bear the consequences himself.”
His words were like a heavy pillar striking a bell, resounding and awakening the listener.
Chen Jingshu listened in a daze, her anger long since dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented shock and deep reflection. The teachings she had received since childhood, the principles of conduct she had firmly believed in, were now being ripped open by a peasant girl she had previously taken lightly.
Looking at Yu Man's calm and composed face, she suddenly realized that this seemingly ordinary woman possessed a wisdom and resilience that rivaled any scholar. She even felt that Yu Man had seen through her inner pride and sense of superiority.
Reading requires self-reflection, yet because she was different from other women, she felt a deep contempt for them. Thinking this, Chen Jingshu felt even more ashamed: "I'm sorry, I..."
Yu Man didn't let her continue, but gently pushed the warm water towards her again: "Madam Chen, have some water."
After solemnly finishing her drink, Chen Jingshu stood up and gave Yu Man a respectful curtsy. Her voice no longer carried the urgency and accusation of before, but instead held a hint of sincere respect: "Madam Yu's words have made me ashamed. Today... I was impetuous. Thank you for your guidance, Madam Yu." She hesitated for a moment, as if she wanted to say something more; her lips moved, but she ultimately did not ask.
Yu Man noticed her concerns and casually tidied up the mess made during their conversation, saying in a normal tone, "Don't worry, Madam Chen, I won't mention your visit to Pei Ji today."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jingshu visibly breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Yu Man again, her eyes filled with complex emotions—gratitude, admiration, and a hint of indescribable disappointment. "Thank you," she said again before turning away, her steps slightly hurried.
After seeing Chen Jingshu off, the calm on Yu Man's face slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful stillness. She went to the backyard, deftly grabbed a plump hen from the coop, and began preparing the new dish she planned to try that evening. She silently boiled water, scalded the chicken, and plucked its feathers, her movements skilled yet carrying a ruthlessness even greater than usual, as if she had a grudge against the chicken.
[Beep—! Host! You were absolutely amazing just now!] The system's electronic voice rang out in his mind at just the right moment, carrying an almost fawning excitement. [Look at that Chen Jingshu, she started off with that saintly "I'm doing this for your own good" attitude, but you, host, silenced her with just a few words, leaving her questioning her very existence! This is the power of knowledge! This is the dimensional reduction attack of a transmigrator!]
Yu Man expressionlessly plucked a handful of chicken feathers, thinking to herself: [Thank goodness for those history and politics classes.]
"That's because you used it well, host!" the system continued to flatter, then cautiously probed, "Um... host, are you... angry?"
"I'm not angry." Yu Man's tone was calm and even as she deftly gutted the chicken. "His legs are his own; he can go wherever he wants. What does it have to do with me?"
System: [...] It watched as Yu Man deftly and precisely removed the chicken leg with a swift, sharp chop. The "thud" of the blade striking the cutting board was so fast and urgent, it was as if the cutting board itself was someone's head. The electronic voice stammered: [I...I haven't even said who it is yet...] Besides, host, the way you're butchering this chicken doesn't really look like you're "not angry"! That murderous aura is almost tangible!
It quickly cut to the chase, trying to awaken the host's "crisis awareness": [Host! We can't sit idly by any longer! Look, the named characters from the original story are starting to appear one after another! The male lead is clearly following the main plot of the original work, abandoning his studies to join the army and heading to the frontier! If this trend continues, he'll be surrounded by beautiful women and wield immense power, while you… might very well repeat the tragic ending of the original story! We must take action!]
Yu Man seemed oblivious to its alarmist claims, proceeding to cut the cleaned chicken into even pieces. She then marinated it with cooking wine, ginger slices, and a little of her special sauce. She picked up some soaked dried mushrooms, washed them carefully, and tore them into strips. The fire in the stove was lit, the wok was heated, oil was poured in, and with a sizzle, the marinated chicken pieces were added and quickly stir-fried until the skin was golden brown, the fat rendered, and a rich aroma of meat instantly filled the air.
"And then?" she asked the system absentmindedly in her mind as she smoothly stir-fried the chicken. "What should I do?"
The system, as if finally getting its chance to shine, raised its electronic voice a notch: [Based on the successful experiences of countless transmigrated predecessors in this system's database! Faced with this situation, host, you have two main strategic directions! First, seize the initiative and choose another male lead! Find a promising prospect, invest in him when he's still relatively unknown, nurture him, and make him your exclusive male lead, completely replacing the original male lead! Second, strike at the root and win the original male lead's heart! While he's still single and hasn't yet risen to prominence, use your charm—for example, your excellent cooking skills are quite good! Then completely conquer him, making him devoted to you alone, choosing only you from among all the other possibilities! Whether it's Plan A or Plan B, the ultimate goal is to turn the plot into a happy ending!]
Yu Man pushed the stir-fried chicken pieces to the side of the wok, then added scallions, ginger slices, and star anise to the remaining oil and stir-fried until fragrant. She then added the mushroom strips and stir-fried together, allowing the mushrooms to fully absorb the oil and the wok's smokiness. Her tone remained flat: "And then?"
System: [...And then? And then you succeeded! You escaped the fate of being a cannon fodder female supporting character, lived happily ever after with the male lead, and reached the pinnacle of life!]
Yu Man poured the stir-fried chicken and mushrooms into a prepared clay pot, added enough boiling water to just cover the ingredients, covered the pot, and simmered it over low heat. She dusted off her hands and finally gave the system a positive response, her tone tinged with curiosity: "Oh. So what is your function?"
The system immediately puffed out its "electronic chest": [This system plays a crucial role! It will accompany the host through difficult times, providing essential emotional support! At critical moments, it will reveal plot information from the original story, helping the host avoid risks and seize opportunities! (Note: This is limited to certain unlocked key plot points!)]
Yu Man nodded and concluded: "Hmm. I understand. Isn't this just an electronic pet that spoils the plot?"
System: A series of crackling electrical noises erupted instantly. [Host! How could you say that! This system is a product of high technology! It's a fate-altering assistance system! Not a pet! Not!!!]
Yu Man ignored its protests, picked up a rag and began wiping the stove, her tone leisurely: "So tell me, according to my opinion as the owner of this 'electronic pet,' what should I be doing right now?"
The system, harboring a simmering "electronic resentment," asked sullenly, "[...So, what do you plan to do, host?]"
Yu Man watched the fragrant white steam rising from the rim of the clay pot lid, a pragmatic smile playing on his lips: "Make money. Work hard to make lots and lots of money. Then, find a beautiful, peaceful place with kind people, buy a few acres of land, build a big courtyard, and live a comfortable life with my family."
The system clearly hadn't expected this answer, and after a long pause, it weakly asked: "Then... what about the male lead?"
Yu Man turned her head, as if she could see the noisy system through the void, and a bright, even sweet, smile bloomed on her face, but what she said almost froze the system's code:
"Him?" She smiled, her eyes crinkling. "All lying men should die."
System: [...] Host, you're terrifying.
The mushroom and chicken stew in the casserole simmered and bubbled, filling the air with its aroma. Yu Man ignored the system in her mind that might be questioning Tong Sheng, focusing instead on adjusting the heat. She cared about Pei Ji, knew he had lied to her, and worried about the dangers he faced on the border—perhaps this was love. But this love was far from enough to make her abandon herself and follow him to the death. In her heart, what always came first was herself, and the stable and free life she desired. As for that guy who had chosen the "dangerous path" and kept it a secret from her… Yu Man ground her teeth, scrubbing the rag with even more force—she'd settle the score with him when he returned!
...
Despite some hiccups, the food stall's business flourished, its unique flavors and efficient management making it famous throughout the southern part of the city. Yu Man gradually became overwhelmed, and most of the time she rested in the small hut she had set up in the backyard of the stall, returning to the village only a handful of times. She considered having her father come and help, so he could oversee the stall and also give him a break; ultimately, she cared more about their own business.
That day, she was busy preparing ingredients for lunch in the kitchen when she heard a bustling noise outside, mixed with the crackling of firecrackers and faint music. She wiped her hands and went to the door. Not far away, opposite the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, the long-renovated Fengyu Restaurant had finally opened its doors, brightly lit and decorated! Its grand doors were wide open, guests were plentiful, and the waiters, dressed in brand-new uniforms, shouted their wares, their voices audible across half the street—a truly magnificent sight. Passing diners were also discussing it animatedly:
"See that? The Chen family is really going all out!"
"I heard that the private rooms were fully booked for the first three days after the opening!"
"The grain store really has a strong foundation. Judging from this, they're going to beat Zuixianlou!"
Having watched the commotion to her heart's content, Yu Man turned back to the kitchen and continued to busy herself with her livelihood.
The next day, an unexpected acquaintance came to the food stall—it was Liu Yiyi, who had recently gotten married. She was dressed in clothes that looked more luxurious than when she was a young girl, but her expression was much more peaceful than before. She came with her maid to buy some refreshing snacks.
Upon seeing Yu Man, Liu Yiyi awkwardly pulled her aside to speak: "Yesterday, I went with my parents-in-law and husband to try out the newly opened Fengyulou restaurant." Liu Yiyi's husband's family runs a silk business in the county. Although they are not among the wealthiest, they are quite well-off, so it is common for them to patronize a new restaurant.
She frowned slightly, a hint of doubt in her eyes, and said to Yu Man, "The dishes at that restaurant are exquisite, and the ambiance is grand. But for some reason, I feel that the taste of a few dishes is somewhat familiar... especially the sauce for dipping roast goose, and the base flavor of the braised chicken with mushrooms, which is quite similar to the sauce from your restaurant." Curious, she called over a waiter to ask. The waiter, with a smile, replied with considerable pride, "This lady has a discerning palate! To tell you the truth, the signature dishes at our Fengyu Restaurant use a secret sauce specially sourced by our owner, which shares the same origin as the sauce from Madam Yu's Manxin Restaurant in the south of the city! Did you know? Our owner's wife is Madam Yu's cousin!"
After Liu Yiyi finished speaking, she looked at Yu Man: "I was wondering at the time, I had never heard you mention it before. You have such a prominent relative? If that's true, it's a good thing, with the Chen family helping you..."
Upon hearing this, Yu Man frowned and quickly asked, "Does the waiter... say that to all the customers?"
Liu Yiyi was startled by her sudden seriousness and nodded, "Yes, I saw several people at the next table asking about it out of curiosity, and the waiters were giving the same answer. What's wrong? Is this... not true?" Seeing Yu Man's face darken instantly, she realized that things might not be as simple as they seemed.
Yu Man instantly understood! The Chen family was trying to strike first and cut off their supply lines! By exploiting blood ties and differences in information, they were forcibly linking her sauces with Fengyulou, first establishing the reputation of "of the same lineage" and "secret recipe sauces"!
When everyone knows, even if she has a thousand mouths, she won't be able to explain herself! At that time, whether she admits it or not, in the eyes of outsiders, her sauces will either be "benefiting from the Chen family" or "a recipe that came from the Chen family." The reputation and uniqueness that she has worked so hard to build will be easily stolen and covered up by the Chen family!
She suppressed her shock and anger, forcing a weak smile at Liu Yiyi: "It's alright, thank you for telling me all this. This matter... is a bit complicated, I'll explain it to you in detail later."
After seeing off the puzzled Liu Yiyi, Yu Man lost all interest in running the business. She hastily dealt with the customers at lunchtime, then packed up her stall early, hung up a sign that read "Owner has something to do, closed for half a day," locked the door, and hurriedly returned to the village.
As soon as she got home, she told Yu's father and Deng Sanniang everything that Liu Yiyi had said.
Upon hearing this, Deng San Niang immediately exploded! She slammed her hand on the table, stood up abruptly, her chest heaving with anger, and cursed, "You despicable bastards! I was wondering why they'd been quiet these past few days; I thought they'd finally learned their lesson! Turns out they've been hiding this whole host of wicked schemes! Not only did they steal our things, but they also tried to ruin our reputation! Are they trying to drive Aman to her death?! Do they really think our main branch is made of clay?!"
Yu Chengfu's face was also ashen, his hand gripping his pipe trembling. He muttered, "No wonder...no wonder the village chief has been avoiding my gaze these past few days and hasn't mentioned the prescription anymore. It turns out they've already gained their status and feel there's no need to waste any more words with us..." He looked up at his daughter, his eyes filled with guilt and anger, "Aman, it's my fault for being useless, for not protecting you..."
“Father, Aunt Xiang, this is not the time to talk about this.” Yu Man was the calmest one. She poured a bowl of water for the angry Deng San Niang and said in a calm voice, “Since they have made their move, we have to accept it. The most important thing is to figure out two things: First, how to quickly sever our ties with Fengyulou and prevent them from getting the blame. Second, how to prevent similar things from happening in the future.”
Deng Sanniang took a big gulp of water and said angrily, "Clear our name? How can we clear our name? They can't stop the whole county from hearing us just by talking. Unless we go and say it with drums and gongs, who will believe us? They have too much power!"
Yu Man pondered for a moment, his gaze gradually hardening: "Simply saying it won't work. What we need to do is make our diners understand for themselves that our food is completely different from Fengyulou's, and is even better and more unique!"
Yu Chengfu's face was ashen. He remained silent for a long time, the veins on his forehead throbbing. His knuckles turned white from gripping the pipe so tightly that the rough, old bamboo pipe seemed about to be crushed by him at any moment.
He pounded the ash in his pipe heavily, as if trying to release all his pent-up anger and something else that had been building up for a long time. Only the dull "bang bang" sound remained in the room, each one striking a chord in people's hearts.
After a long while, he raised his head, his eyes, which had always carried weariness and a hint of cowardice, now held a resolute determination. He didn't look at his wife and daughter; his gaze was fixed on a blank spot on the ground. His voice was hoarse and dry, as if it were being squeezed out with difficulty from the depths of his throat:
"There is a way."
The two of them looked at him at the same time.
"Separate the family."
Upon hearing these two words, both Deng San Niang and Yu Man were stunned.
Yu Chengfu seemed to have used all his strength to continue speaking, his pace slow but carrying an undeniable force: "A complete separation. A written agreement, a clearing of assets, and from now on, each of us will live our own lives and never see each other again."
He finally raised his eyes and looked at his daughter: "Aman, it's all my fault... I used to think that we're brothers from the same mother, and our mother is getting old, so I should be tolerant and forgiving, because we're still family... I was so foolish! I've let your mother down, and now I'm even more sorry to you!"
Mentioning his deceased wife, the taciturn man's eyes instantly reddened, and his voice choked with emotion: "Your mother... your mother was worn down little by little like this until she died..."
He seemed lost in painful memories, his voice trembling, "Your grandmother resented her for not giving birth to a son, she couldn't stand her, and she made things difficult for her openly and secretly. In winter she made her wash clothes with ice water, and in summer she made her work in the fields under the scorching sun... If there was anything good to eat, she would give it to the third son's family. When your mother was sick, she was stingy with the money for medicine... I... I talked to your grandfather, but your grandfather... he couldn't control your grandmother, and he always thought it was a small matter... I couldn't protect her... I could only watch helplessly..."
Large tears rolled down the honest man's cheeks. He wiped his face hard, took a deep breath, as if to release the pent-up resentment and regret of more than a decade: "After your mother passed away, your grandfather understood, which is why he suppressed it and let the third son's family take your grandmother to live with Li's family in the next village. He stayed behind with us, just because he was afraid... afraid that we would suffer again. But the division of the family... is still not settled. I always feel... that we are still one family."
He looked at Yu Man, his eyes clear with pain: "But now, they're not even sparing you! Using such despicable methods! If I, your father, continue to tolerate this, I... I won't have the face to face your mother even after I die!"
Listening to her husband's unprecedented confession and seeing his pained expression, Deng Sanniang's anger turned to heartache. When she married into the family, she only knew that her first husband had died of illness, but she had no idea there were so many sordid things going on. She gripped Yu Man's hand tightly, her eyes red, and said, "Husband, you're right! Let's separate! This family is rotten to the core! We can't get involved with them anymore!"
“Father,” Yu Man’s voice choked, and she grasped her father’s rough hand in return, “You did not wrong me and Mother. It was those wicked people who were wrong.”
She still remembered how her mother got her medicine; it was Yu Chengfu who carried heavy objects day and night to get it. Her mother never complained about Yu Chengfu before she died, and he always stood in front of her and her daughter when they faced difficulties.
Yu Man composed himself and calmly analyzed the situation: "Father, you need to find the village chief and a few respected and fair elders in the clan as soon as possible regarding the division of the family property. Don't hide anything; just explain clearly how the third branch of the family schemed against my restaurant's reputation, and... you can also mention what happened to my mother back then. Make sure they uphold justice and clearly divide the family property and land according to the old agreement set by my grandfather when he was alive, with everything in black and white, signed and sealed, to eliminate any future entanglements they might have!"
"As for the shop," she said sharply and clearly, "they want to steal our 'name,' so we'll establish our own 'brand'! First, I'll immediately get to work on creating one or two unique sauces that only our Manxin Food Shop has, based on our existing sauces, as our signature dishes, so that customers can immediately tell the difference. Second, we need to create a unique logo."
She took out a pattern of auspicious clouds supporting plump ears of wheat from her sleeve: "Let's brand this! From now on, all the pancakes, dried tofu, and even the sauce jars that we produce in our shop that can be taken away will have this mark stamped on them with food coloring! We'll also find a way to put this mark on the rims of the bowls and plates for dine-in! So that people can tell at a glance that this is a legitimate product from our Manxin Food Shop!"
"Good! This is good!" Deng Sanniang pondered it carefully and nodded repeatedly.
Yu Man continued, "At the same time, we also need to make things clear to the outside world. There's no need to make a big fuss about it, which would make us seem guilty. But if regular customers ask about our relationship with Fengyulou, we will frankly tell them: we have separated and are operating independently. The sauce recipe was developed by me alone and has no connection with Fengyulou. Moreover, the flavor is unique, and we welcome customers to taste and compare it. True gold fears no fire. Customers who are used to our taste will naturally be able to tell the difference."
The family of three discussed in detail the potential obstacles and details of the division of the family property, especially since Old Mrs. Yu and the third branch of the family would certainly not agree easily, and there would probably be more trouble.
As expected, the news that Yu Chengfu was going to completely separate the family was like a boulder thrown into a pond that was not calm to begin with, instantly stirring up a huge wave in the Yu family clan.
That afternoon, when the news reached them, Yu Chenglu and Li rushed over from the neighboring village, followed by Old Mrs. Yu, who looked displeased and was being half-supported by her daughter-in-law, Li. As soon as they entered the main house, Yu Chenglu put on his usual, seemingly kind smile, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Brother! What are you saying!" Yu Chenglu interrupted as soon as he entered the door, his tone exaggeratedly affectionate and puzzled. "Why did you suddenly want to divide the family property? And even went to the village chief and the clan elders? Can't we brothers talk about this behind closed doors? Mother was very upset when she heard about this, so she quickly sent us over with her!"
Li, supporting the old lady, also looked worried and chimed in, "Yes, brother, it's normal for families to have disagreements. How can we talk about dividing the family property so easily? If word gets out, what will outsiders think of our Yu family? They'll think we brothers are at odds, and that'll be a laughing stock!" As she spoke, she secretly pinched the old lady.
Upon receiving the signal, Old Mrs. Yu immediately pounded her chest and began her performance, her voice trembling with sobs. She pointed a trembling finger at Yu Chengfu: "Chengfu! My son! Are you trying to kill your mother?! Was it Deng Shi and your girl who instigated you? Huh? I knew they weren't going to stay put! Things were just starting to look up, and now they're making a fuss about dividing the family property. They're trying to kick this old woman out! My poor son, how could you marry such a troublemaker…"
Normally, upon hearing his mother's crying and accusations, Yu Chengfu would have already lowered his head in guilt, speechless and unable to utter a word. But today, he simply stood silently in the center of the main room, his back ramrod straight, his face tense, listening to his mother's familiar rhetoric that always shifted blame onto others, his heart feeling as if it were immersed in ice water, utterly cold.
When the old lady's crying subsided, Yu Chengfu raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping over his younger brother and sister-in-law before finally landing on his mother's face. His voice was not loud, but unusually clear and firm: "Mother, there's no need to drag others into this. Dividing the family property was my own idea."
He gave the third branch no more chance to beat around the bush and looked directly at Yu Chenglu, getting straight to the point: "Third brother, let's not beat around the bush. You colluded with Chen's Grain Store to spread rumors that Aman's sauce recipe is from the same lineage as your Fengyulou, trying to use Aman's hard-earned reputation to embellish your own image. Do you admit to this?"
Yu Chenglu's smile froze instantly, his eyes flickered, and then he forced himself to remain calm, saying, "Brother, what are you talking about? That...that was just a few polite words from the restaurant waiter to attract customers, it's not to be taken seriously! Besides, Aman is my own niece, her recipe is from the Yu family, isn't it? Why make such a distinction..."
"Bullshit!" Before Yu Chengfu could retort, Deng Sanniang, who was standing to the side, could no longer hold back. Her eyebrows shot up, and she shouted sharply, "Yu Chenglu! Stop pretending to be ignorant! The shop assistant said that? Without your boss's permission, which shop assistant would dare to spout nonsense all over the street? And from the same family? Bah! When Aman was figuring out the recipe, did you contribute a single bit? Did you contribute a single copper coin? Now that you see it can make money, you want to pick the peaches and cut down the tree! What kind of logic is this!"
Li's face flushed red and then turned pale as Deng Sanniang scolded her. She shrieked, "Sister-in-law! How can you talk like that! We're doing this for the good of the Yu family! What future can Aman, a young girl, have by keeping a prescription? Giving it to the Chen family will bring us money and help the village. It's such a good thing! How can you be so ungrateful!"
"For the good of the Yu family?" Yu Chengfu abruptly interrupted her, his pent-up anger finally erupting. He took a step forward, staring intently at Li Shi, then at Yu Chenglu, his voice trembling with agitation, "You're doing this for your own good! To curry favor with the Chen family! To give your precious daughter more face in her husband's family! Have you ever considered how far this will push Aman? Huh?!"
He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, his years of pent-up grievances and resentment bursting forth like a flood. He pointed at the old woman, who had remained silent and feigning distress, and his voice was hoarse: "Mother! You keep saying that I married a troublemaker, that Aman is ignorant! Then tell me, how did Aman's mother get sick? How did she die?! In winter, you made her go to the river to break the ice and wash clothes, her ten fingers were frozen like carrots! In the summer, you made her go to weed alone at noon, and she fainted from heatstroke in the field! If there was anything good to eat, you would secretly give it to the third son's family! When she was so sick that she couldn't get out of bed and wanted to get some medicine, you said there was no money in the family! Where was the money? Did it all go to support the third son?!"
These old grievances, dredged up one after another, were like resounding slaps to the faces of Old Mrs. Yu and her husband, Yu Chenglu. Old Mrs. Yu trembled with rage, pointing at Yu Chengfu, her lips quivering, unable to utter a single coherent sentence: "You...you...you unfilial son! How dare you talk back to me! I've raised you in vain!"
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Yu Chenglu quickly stepped in to smooth things over, trying to steer the conversation back to the distribution of profits: "Brother! Why bring up the past? Mother is getting old and can't take any more anger! Since you're determined to divide it up, then divide it up! But... this property and land, we need to calculate it carefully. Father passed away early, and we've taken care of Mother a lot over the years, so this is a fair share of the hard work..."
"Enough!"
A deep shout came from the doorway. Village Chief Yu Zhengde and two elderly men with white hair and beards, who were highly respected in the clan, walked in, having clearly been listening outside for a while.
The village chief's face was stern as his gaze swept over everyone in the room, finally settling on Yu Chenglu with an undeniable air of authority: "Chenglu! Put away your little schemes! The Yu family's assets were already divided up with us old folks back when your father was alive! The eldest son of the eldest branch, Chengfu, is honest and hardworking, so he should get the lion's share! It's true that you third branches have taken care of the old lady all these years, but we know exactly what money and grain Chengfu sends every month, and it's more than enough to cover it!"
This time, they were the ones who schemed against Yu Chengfu's family first. Even for the sake of the village, he still felt guilty. If the eldest son's family really wanted to divide the property, he would grant their request.
Another elder sighed, "Chenglu's wife, and the old lady, you should both calm down. Is it any good to scheme against the younger generation? Do you think this will sound good? Do you have any shame about the Yu family? Today, we'll divide the property according to the old rules! Anyone who tries to cause trouble again will face the wrath of the clan!"
Under the strong suppression of the village chief and clan elders, despite Old Mrs. Yu's wailing and cursing her eldest son as "unfilial" and "ungrateful," and despite Yu Chenglu and Li's ashen faces and venomous eyes, they could no longer stir up any trouble. The clan elders took out old records that had long been yellowed and, according to the wishes of Yu's grandfather, sorted out the land and houses one by one.
When the document that represented a complete severance of ties between the families was laid out on the table, Yu Chengfu looked at the clearly listed terms, took a deep breath, and picked up the pen without hesitation—he knew a few words, which his daughter Aman had taught him later—and wrote his name neatly in the column belonging to the eldest son's family. Then, he dipped his finger in ink and pressed a bright red and clear fingerprint firmly onto his name!
The moment the fingerprint touched the ground, Old Madam Yu's sobs abruptly ceased, as if she had been choked. Yu Chenglu and Madam Li were ashen-faced.
Yu Chengfu straightened up, looked at the fingerprints, and then at his daughter and stepmother beside him, whose eyes were resolute. He felt a sense of lightness, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He bowed deeply to the village chief and clan elders: "Thank you, Uncle Zhengde, and thank you all for upholding justice."
Meanwhile, Yu Man's food stall reopened after a one-day closure. She worked through the night to produce the first batch of multigrain pancakes and braised tofu bearing the "cloud-patterned wheat ear" brand. She also hung a small wooden sign in a prominent place at her stall and in the shop, on which was written in neat handwriting: "All sauces and food in this shop are the owner's exclusive secret recipes. There is no other branch. Any rumors circulating recently that are related to this shop are false. Please be aware of this."
The novel food branding and this seemingly unassuming yet profound statement quickly sparked discussion among regular customers. Some curious individuals even went to Fengyulou to order the dish that was supposedly from the same source. Upon comparison, although the taste was somewhat similar, a closer look revealed that the layered flavors of the sauce and the precise control of the ingredients' cooking time made it completely different from the one at Manxin Food Shop, making the difference immediately apparent.
The food stall's business was not affected at all; on the contrary, its reputation grew even more due to this unexpected contrast and its unique trademark. Everyone now knew that there was a small food stall in the south of the city with unique flavors, and the owner was a girl with integrity and skill—completely different from that grand restaurant.
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