Chapter 32 Turbulent Times

The sun shone exceptionally brightly today, as if a dazzling feast was about to begin. From the crowd, a man in magnificent robes slowly emerged, his brocade robes as radiant and dazzling as the moon in the night sky. Behind him, Qin Xiaolin, also dressed in magnificent robes, followed closely. The contrasting black and white robes created two unique and captivating scenes, instantly igniting the entire audience.

Shen Xu and Qin Xiaolin's appearance undoubtedly became the focus of everyone's attention. Their magnificent robes shimmered in the sunlight, the intricate patterns on their brocade robes resembling exquisite landscape paintings. Every movement they made exuded elegance and nobility, and every smile conveyed their confidence and charm.

"Sir, your statement is incorrect. Everyone saw these people causing trouble in the shop; therefore, they are in the wrong. It's unreasonable for the shopkeeper to pay for their medical expenses," Shen Xu realized that the captain was deliberately siding with the thugs, and who knew what shady business he was involved in. Things were about to change; the world was in chaos, with officials behaving like officials and soldiers like soldiers. Bandits and thieves ran rampant, their tyranny rampant...

"Gentlemen, I didn't say the shopkeeper did anything wrong. The main issue is that these men were also injured. Giving them some medical expenses is a way of maintaining harmony," the captain said humbly. He could tell these two men were no ordinary people and couldn't afford to offend them. He wondered whose sons they were.

“I’m not going to give them money. I’m letting them off this time. Nobody’s money grows on trees. If they don’t leave, I’ll report them to the authorities.” Li Xi refused to pay. These thugs will never stop once they’re given money. They think you’re easy to bully.

“Brother Li, I support your decision to report this to the authorities. It just so happens that Brother Qin’s elder brother works in the Jingzhao Prefecture. I’ll have Shen Qing invite him over. Shen Qing…” “Your subordinate obeys,” Shen Xu’s subordinate said, preparing to turn and leave.

Upon hearing that someone was working for the Jingzhao Prefecture, the local thugs immediately ran away. That official was higher than a captain, and they couldn't afford to be caught. They couldn't afford to be arrested for a few taels of silver; they'd heard that the beatings in the Jingzhao Prefecture were very painful, and their lives were at stake.

"Since everyone has left, I won't delay your business any longer. Here's some silver for you to have some tea," Li Xi said, stuffing a bulging purse into the captain's hand and deliberately twirling it a few times so everyone could see.

"Oh, oh, oh, this won't do, this won't do! We're just trying to help the people, this won't do!" The captain quickly stuffed the purse back into Li Xi's hand. Why didn't this fool slip it to him secretly? Who would dare accept it so openly? If someone reported him for accepting a bribe, he'd be in big trouble. That was the purpose of his visit today, after all. All his efforts were in vain, and the captain and his men slunk away.

Seeing that the troublemakers had left, Meng Zhelan felt much relieved. She turned around and said, "I'm sorry to have bothered you all today. I'll give each of you a thank-you gift later. Come on, everyone, continue eating." "Great! Manager Meng is so generous!" "We are in for a treat today."

Qin Xiaolin was slightly taken aback when he saw Li Xi's malicious smile. Then, a hint of a smile appeared in his phoenix eyes, radiating a tenderness that even he himself did not realize.

"Young Master Li, what a brilliant plan! You're sure to infuriate that captain with this, hahaha," Shen Xu said, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked at Li Xi. "Pshaw, what's that? I was just teasing him. What he said just now made me want to smash his head in," Li Xi said angrily, clenching his fist. In this era, it's incredibly difficult for ordinary people without power or connections. They're blatantly bullying others while pretending to be looking out for you.

The group continued eating and drinking. It must be said that Ling'er's cooking skills and Meng Zhelan's health-preserving tea were a perfect match. To express her gratitude to Shen Xu and Qin Xiaolin, Li Xi set a table full of food. Although the two were from prominent families, they were very approachable and started eating as soon as they picked up their chopsticks.

The two young masters ate with incredible speed, yet maintained an elegant demeanor in every gesture. Their chopsticks danced with incredible speed, each bite precise and accurate, as if performing a silent dance. Qin Xiaolin, in particular, emptied his bowl and plate faster than the others, yet he never let a single grain of rice fall; each grain seemed to be under his control, gracefully placed into his mouth.

Li Xi fawned over them like a lackey, her skills in pouring tea and water improving considerably. Meng Zhelan had Ling'er steam some yam and poria cake that morning, intending to send it to Lingyin Temple near Sendai Mountain. When she was a child, her father had taken her there to escape capture, and Abbot Liaokong had taken them in. Now that she had returned to the capital, she felt she should go there.

Aunt Wang and Tian Tian quickly wrapped dozens of portions of pastries. Meng Zhelan had the shop assistant deliver one to each customer: "Dear neighbors, this is the Chinese yam and poria cake I've been working on these past two days. This cake has the effects of nourishing the spleen and stomach, calming the mind and soothing the nerves, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, and calming the mind and soothing the nerves." "Wow, Manager Meng, you have a new product again, thank you!" "I can smell the aroma of this pastry even through the oil paper." Everyone chatted and laughed, making it very lively.

Li Xi also brought over a portion to Shen Xu and Qin Xiaolin, saying, "Xiao Xi, I'm here again. What delicious food do you have today? Quickly bring me a few dishes." Old Sun led an elderly man with a venerable air towards Li Xi.

"Seniors, I'm so sorry for not greeting you sooner. Please, have a seat. I'll get you some pastries to fill your stomachs right away," Li Xi said, bringing out a yam and poria cake and a pot of herbal tea from the kitchen. "Seniors, this yam and poria cake is good for your spleen and stomach, and this herbal tea will surely help you sleep soundly."

"Alright, alright, Zimo, this is Xiaoxi. Xiaoxi, this is Headmaster Xu of Baichuan Academy. We must treat him well," Li Xi quickly bowed to Headmaster Xu, "Senior Xu." "Good, good, you are a promising young man. Your restaurant is quite good, the tea and pastries are excellent." "Thank you for your praise, Senior. Please enjoy your meal. The dishes you ordered will be here shortly. I will go and attend to the other guests. Please call me if you need anything." "Alright, go ahead," Old Sun waved his hand.

Shen Xu called over Li Xi, "Young Master Li, impressive! Even Headmaster Xu is here!" "No, no, it was just a coincidence," Li Xi replied shyly. The other students also noticed the headmaster and stepped forward to greet him and make conversation…

Meng Zhelan noticed the commotion and called Li Xi over, only to learn that the headmaster of Baichuan Academy had arrived. She went to greet him and then asked Ling'er to make some easy-to-eat pastries for the two elders to take back…

Seeing that the two young people knew so many people, the crowd couldn't help but speculate about their identities. Having suffered quite a fright these past two days, Li Xi and Meng Zhelan were both somewhat uneasy, wondering which colleague they had offended, as they were being harassed daily. Ling'er was also worried; it would be such a pity if they had to give up the customers' trust after finally gaining their approval. For a moment, the group fell silent.

After a long silence, Li Xi spoke, "I'll go see President Wang of the Chamber of Commerce tomorrow." "Yes, that's right. We need to find a shrewd and capable manager to look after the shop in a few days. We still have to keep moving forward." "Okay, whatever you say, Lan'er," the group encouraged each other. Even Tian Tian was infected by their enthusiasm and became more lively, strictly adhering to the training plan given by Li Xi every day. She also wanted to be able to protect the young ladies.

The curtain of night fell, and starlight, as dazzling as diamonds, adorned the vast universe. Li Xi had recently taken to sitting on the rooftop, gazing at the stars or the moon, wondering if she truly existed in this world, or if this was merely a dream before her death. A moment later, she jumped down, disappearing into the darkness. Since gaining complete control over her inner energy, her night vision had improved.

Li Xi had been feeling incredibly frustrated these past two days, and she needed to find something to vent her anger. Tonight, she was going to see which fool dared to sneak out and steal.

"Zimo, did I introduce it correctly? This girl's taro cake is really good," Old Sun said, taking bite after bite. Xu Shanzhang pressed his hand down, "It's late, don't eat too much." Taking advantage of Old Sun's inattention, he picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. It was soft, glutinous, and had a smooth texture.

Shen Xu was still savoring the amusing incident of Li Xi teasing the captain earlier that day. This young master Li was just different from ordinary people; his behavior was quite unconventional.

Qin Xiaolin, dressed in a dark-colored nightgown, leaned back in his chair, his long legs crossed, looking languid...