Chapter 160
Huang Li was eventually divorced, taking ten thousand taels of silver as compensation. After the news spread, no one thought the Ming family had gone too far, especially since Huang Li had lost her reputation.
Of course, the main reason was Huang Li's terrible reputation. She and the third young master of the Ming family didn't have much marital affection, and she often stayed at the Donghu Inn, reportedly meeting other men. It was only natural that they were now divorced.
"Although the Ming family was generous and gave so much silver, a divorced woman who has lost her reputation and has no children to rely on, how will her future days be?" a woman said with a sigh, reflecting that the world was still too harsh on women.
"My sister-in-law's husband's third sister married into the Huang family. I heard it was Huang Li who cried, made a scene, and threatened to hang herself to get a divorce. The Ming family didn't have this intention at first," said a well-informed lady, surprising the other ladies who were gathered for tea.
"No way, would Huang Li be so kind?" the voice was clearly filled with doubt.
Although Huang Li was more than ten years younger than them, once married, their circles were the same, and after interacting a few times, none of them could stand Huang Li's arrogant personality. She was overbearing and ostentatious, directly speaking ill of anyone she disliked. If it weren't for the Ming and Huang families, who would indulge her?
"That day, there was a snake on the Nine-Bend Long Corridor, and how did that lecherous fellow sneak in? They said it was an accident, but what was the real situation?" The words were left half-said, but the ladies, who were well-versed in inner-chamber struggles, immediately understood. Thinking of Huang Li's later outburst at Madam Zhang, it seemed she had tried to harm someone but ended up harming herself.
Involving the Prefect's wife, they exchanged knowing smiles and picked up their teacups to sip their tea. Some things were understood but not spoken.
Regardless of how the situation in Nanxuan Prefecture changed, as the prefectural examination approached, Zhan Feiyu spent her days studying diligently at the Donghu Inn.
After breakfast, she would spend half an hour reciting classics, historical texts, and the works of sages, followed by another half an hour studying excellent essays sent from the capital by Scholar Gu. She analyzed everything from the structure and theme to the use of allusions, identifying what was brilliant and what was lacking, and how to improve them.
After the midday break, Zhan Feiyu would spend half an hour practicing calligraphy, then light incense to time herself writing essays. She wrote one essay a day, and then revised and transcribed it. Both the draft and the revised version were sent to Scholar Gu in the capital for his review.
In the evening, lacking literary flair, she had to recite classic poems and the collected works of poetry from the Great Qing Dynasty. As Scholar Gu put it, the more she read and memorized, the more she would be able to write poetry.
Since the prefectural examination also tested official documents such as edicts, decrees, and memorials, Zhan Feiyu also had to study the writing of official documents at night, including how to begin and end, and specific wording.
"Miss, the prefectural examination is in five days. Why not go out for a walk while the weather is good?" He Nuan looked at Zhan Feiyu, whose cheeks had become a little thinner, and truly understood the hardship of studying. Outsiders knew of her talent but not how much she had sacrificed.
"The prefectural examination is almost here?" Zhan Feiyu glanced out the window. The April sun was bright, and the courtyard was lush with foliage, no longer resembling the early spring scene.
Stretching her stiff body from sitting for too long, Zhan Feiyu smiled and said, "Last time, the third young master mentioned that the dumplings at the shop in Tonggu Alley were authentic. I heard there's also spiced chicken sold next door. Let's go out to eat tonight."
Closing the door to study, she lost track of time. When she walked on the street and saw scholars walking in pairs, Zhan Feiyu realized again that the prefectural examination was imminent. Scholars from all the counties under Nanxuan Prefecture who had passed the county examinations had arrived in Nanxuan Prefecture, all waiting for the prefectural examination in five days.
Tonggu Alley.
"What is this? Is it fit for human consumption?" Fatty Chen threw down his chopsticks in anger, "Take it away and feed it to the dogs! Have the master chef make it for me personally!"
"Young Master Chen, the master chef is very busy at this time," the waiter said with a smile, but a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. Did this Fatty Chen still think he was the young master of the Chen family from before?
Although this chicken was not made by the master chef himself, it was made according to his secret recipe and was the famous spiced chicken of Nanxuan Prefecture. Feeding it to dogs? "What did you say?" Fatty Chen stood up abruptly, grabbed the waiter by the collar, and cursed angrily, "Call Li Feng for me! I'll see if he wants to keep this shop open."
He used to go to the private rooms upstairs and have the master chef personally make the spiced chicken. But today, even though there were no private rooms, Fatty Chen hadn't complained. After all, the prefectural examination was approaching, and the number of scholars in Nanxuan Prefecture had increased, as had the number of guests who came because of its fame.
Yet, they dared to serve him spiced chicken meant for other customers. Fatty Chen was so angry that he almost smashed the shop.
Chai Yi stood by without speaking, his gaze subtly sweeping around.
Seeing Fatty Chen acting like a bully, the customers in the hall were displeased. If it weren't for Fatty Chen's luxurious attire and their reluctance to cause trouble, they would have intervened.
"Brother Chen, is my establishment's staff clumsy and negligent in their service?" a clear voice called out. Master Li hurried over from the back hall, cupped his hands towards Fatty Chen, and then reprimanded the waiter beside him, "Why are you still standing there foolishly? Quickly tidy up the two tables by the window."
"Yes, boss." The waiter knew his boss was helping him out and ran off.
Fatty Chen's face, full of fat, was still flushed with anger, "Your employee dared to serve me this pig slop! This is clearly not the spiced chicken roasted by the master chef."
"There have been too many customers these past few days, and the master chef is exhausted. Brother, you know the master chef's temper; he doesn't care about anyone. However, this spiced chicken is all made according to the master chef's secret recipe, and it's made under his supervision in the kitchen. The taste is at least ninety percent similar," Master Li said with a warm smile, diffusing Fatty Chen's anger in a few words.
"Apologies for disturbing everyone's meal. Proprietor, please send a plate of fried peanuts to each table, and we ask for your understanding." Master Li bowed to the guests in the hall.
After all, Fatty Chen's words were too insulting. Feeding it to dogs? Pig slop? If it weren't for the Chen family, Master Li would have probably beaten him up. Were these the words of a human?
"You're too kind, boss."
"Haha, thank you. These peanuts with wine are absolutely delicious."
The guests in the hall returned smiles. After all, it was Fatty Chen who spoke rudely. Such arrogant and bullying scions were everywhere; in essence, they were just born lucky.
As Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan stepped in, a waiter greeted them, "Two young ladies, we are full today. Would you mind waiting a bit? Several tables will be finished soon."
"We'll eat dumplings next door. Can you send the spiced chicken over?" Zhan Feiyu glanced into the hall. It was indeed full, and the aroma of spiced chicken wafted over. She wasn't very hungry before, but now she was ravenous.
"Certainly. Please wait a moment, two young ladies." The waiter readily agreed, as he most feared unreasonable customers like Fatty Chen.
Master Li had just come out from the back hall and spotted Zhan Feiyu at the entrance. "Miss Zhan?"
"May I ask who you are?" Zhan Feiyu looked at him doubtfully, certain she didn't know him.
"I am the owner of this establishment. Miss Zhan, please come upstairs. The private room upstairs is now available." Master Li's attitude became solicitous. This was a disciple of Scholar Gu and an honored guest of Prefect Zhang. If he could befriend her, why would he fear Fatty Chen?
Fatty Chen had almost finished eating. He had been in a state of panic lately. The Chen family's business was either being investigated by government constables or being harassed by ruffians. Several merchants they had previously done business with were either demanding price increases or not renewing contracts. Old Master Chen had fallen ill, and Fatty Chen had taken over the family business.
He had been quite pleased at first, enjoying the authority of being in charge and issuing orders. However, there were too many problems, and Fatty Chen felt he had become thinner from all the trouble. He suddenly craved spiced chicken and had come here when he had a moment, only to find himself eating in the hall with these paupers.
"Young Master, we should be going. There are still many accounts..." Chai Yi's voice trailed off, and his expression changed to surprise as he looked behind Fatty Chen.
"No, spend more money. It's just finding a few accountants. Humph, do they really think the Chen family's shops can't operate without them!" Fatty Chen's face was full of rage. Several shopkeepers had quit, and even the accountants had resigned, making Fatty Chen almost want to go to their homes with his retainers and guards.
But Chai Yi had stopped him. In the past, beating them up would have been fine, just costing a bit more money. But now, Prefect Zhang was keeping a close eye on the Chen family, and if Fatty Chen committed any offense, he would likely face imprisonment.
As Fatty Chen finished his complaint, he turned around and was instantly furious!
Master Li was leading Zhan Feiyu upstairs. Li Ji's most famous dish was the master chef's secret spiced chicken. The second floor was actually Master Li's own resting place. A private room was partitioned off in the east, by the window, for entertaining distinguished guests or friends.
This was also why Fatty Chen hadn't complained today about not getting a private room. After all, there was only one such room. But seeing Zhan Feiyu going upstairs now, his old and new grievances surged.
"Stop!" Fatty Chen roared, his stout legs pounding as he walked over. He pointed angrily at Zhan Feiyu and questioned Master Li, "Didn't you say the private room was occupied? What does this mean? Li, don't you know that the old master has a grudge against this little girl?"
Initially, because of "Beauty's Makeup," Fatty Chen had set his sights on the business of fragrant soap. But inexplicably, rumors of ghosts appearing in broad daylight spread, and the matter was dropped.
Later, it was because of Di Lianchuan. Fatty Chen had finally found leverage against Di Lianchuan and asked Chai Yi to poach him to work for him. As a result, Instructor Zhao accused the Qin family of poisoning their grandson's wife, Tan Min. Well, Di Lianchuan was directly imprisoned and sentenced to exile. It was unknown if he was alive or dead.
After that, it was because of Huang Li's affair. The failed scheme against the Kong family led to the Kong family officials in the court attacking the Chen family's lineage. The disciples and relatives of the Kong family also simultaneously suppressed the Chen family officials or merchants in various prefectures.
In Nanxuan Prefecture, Old Master Chen's business became increasingly difficult. Prefect Zhang, due to the approaching prefectural examination, did not immediately target the Chen family. However, even so, it was enough for the Chen family to be in trouble. Therefore, at this moment, Fatty Chen's hatred upon seeing Zhan Feiyu was immense. Her involvement was in every single one of these matters.
"Young Master Chen?" Zhan Feiyu smiled slightly and looked at Chai Yi beside him. Even though she had been diligently studying the classics during this period, Zhan Feiyu had learned some information from He Sheng. Chai Yi claimed to be Fatty Chen's strategist, but in reality, he had defected to the Chen family's main branch.
Master Li gritted his teeth, forcing a stiff smile. "The previous guests just left, and the private room is now available. Miss Zhan, please go up first. I'll have a chat with Brother Chen."
"No!" Fatty Chen stepped onto the stairs and blocked them tightly. If he didn't move, no one could go upstairs.
"I haven't finished eating yet. Since the private room is available, bring me a pot of good wine and have the master chef make me a spiced chicken." Fatty Chen stared intently at Master Li, wanting to see if Li truly intended to curry favor with Zhan Feiyu!
Zhan Feiyu didn't care whether it was a private room or the hall and didn't want to put Master Li in a difficult position. "In that case, I'll eat downstairs. Please ask the waiter to clear a table."
From the moment Zhan Feiyu entered, many people recognized her. Previously, when Scholar Gu went to Shangsi County, almost all the scholars in Nanxuan Prefecture had come out in full force, hoping to have a chance to become Scholar Gu's disciple.
Later, when Zhan Feiyu, Tong Xu, and Wan Yunhao competed at the county school, many people present also recognized her. Now, comparing them, one was a beautiful young girl with rosy lips and white teeth, and the other was a scion full of fat.
"Miss Zhan has excellent composure." In the hall, a scholar couldn't help but praise. He had been annoyed when he saw Fatty Chen bullying the waiter earlier, but his classmate had stopped him. With the prefectural examination approaching, it was better to avoid trouble, as Fatty Chen clearly looked like a scion with a significant background.
And now, Fatty Chen was clearly bullying others. He had already eaten two chickens, so how could he possibly eat more? He was just seeing Miss Zhan go to the private room upstairs and deliberately making things difficult.
"Yes, it's true. Previously, there were rumors that Miss Zhan acted recklessly, but seeing her now, I was narrow-minded." A classmate beside him agreed with a smile.
If she had Zhan Feiyu's background, would she fear a scion? But Fatty Chen was aggressive, and Zhan Feiyu had backed down. This was not fear, but a desire not to make things difficult for the owner of Li Ji.
Another scholar in green clothes said loudly, "I look up to you like a high mountain, and I follow your righteous path. Miss Zhan has a broad mind, and we admire you."
Uh... Hearing this praise, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but be taken aback, then smiled and bowed to the scholar in green. "My esteemed brother, you flatter me. As the saying goes, 'It is better to compete with kindred spirits for excellence than to argue with fools.' For they will drag you down to their level of foolishness and then defeat you with their vast experience."
There was a moment of silence in the hall, followed by uproarious laughter. The group of refined and cultured scholars were all young and were now laughing heartily.
"Miss Zhan's words deeply resonate with me!" A boy of fourteen or fifteen years old slapped the table and laughed heartily. He thought of his cousin at home, who always argued with him. He didn't argue back, considering it magnanimity, but he always felt unhappy inside. Now, he felt relieved. Why argue with a fool? Wouldn't that make him a fool too?
"I'm going to the ancient times to take the imperial examinations" will continue to be updated without errors, with no advertisements on the site!
(