NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Malicious Slander
Xu Qiusheng hesitated after hearing his sister's request. Though he wasn't fully convinced that she had any claim to the tofu recipe, he knew Xu Chunhua's character well enough to realize she wouldn't risk his livelihood unless she was sure of a payoff. Begrudgingly, he agreed.
Xu Chunhua's excitement grew as she followed her brother to the estate of the Second Young Master of the Yan family. She had only heard tales of the family's immense wealth, but as they approached, she saw luxury she could scarcely imagine.
The stairs and railings were made of pristine white marble smoother than her own skin. Even the maids walking past were dressed in silks and adorned with hairpins far finer than anything she had ever owned.
Xu Chunhua's eyes gleamed with greed. She was determined to take advantage of Jiang Huaiyu and her recipe. Who knew? If she caused enough of a stir, perhaps the young master might take an interest in Jiang Huaiyu and make her a concubine. Wouldn't that serve Jiang Huaiyu right?
With that thought solidifying her resolve, Xu Chunhua straightened her posture and waited humbly outside the courtyard, as her brother entered to make the introduction.
Xu Qiusheng's nerves were frayed as he approached a maid known as Juan'er, who served closely by the young master's side. Keeping his head bowed, he said respectfully, "Miss Juan'er, I have an urgent matter regarding the tofu that's become so popular in town. May I have an audience with the Second Young Master to discuss it?"
Juan'er's laugh was sharp and mocking. "A lowly servant like you? What important matter could you possibly have? Do you think the young master has time for the likes of you?"
Xu Qiusheng swallowed his pride. "This concerns the tofu. The details are significant, but I must explain them directly to the young master."
Hearing the word "tofu," Juan'er paused. The young master had been captivated by the dish lately, and it was not something she could dismiss lightly.
"Wait here," she said curtly before sashaying down the garden path.
In the dining hall, the Second Young Master lounged at a low table, his breakfast spread before him. A dozen young maidservants fluttered around, tending to his every whim. With a furrowed brow, he held up a piece of golden, fried tofu.
"This tofu… how is it made?" he mused aloud. "Crispy on the outside, soft inside. It's delicious as it is, but also perfect with sweet or savory sauces. Such a versatile thing..."
Juan'er entered just in time to hear his contemplative murmurs. Quickly, she smoothed her expression into a charming smile and curtsied.
"Young Master, one of the servants claims to have important information about the tofu and seeks an audience with you. Should I bring him in?"
The young master's interest was piqued. He immediately sat upright, ignoring the soy milk spilling onto his robe from a startled maid's hands.
"Have him meet me in the White Peony Courtyard," he ordered, already striding out of the room with an air of urgency.
When the young master arrived at the White Peony Courtyard, he stopped short, his expression souring. Instead of a servant, he found a middle-aged peasant woman standing alongside Xu Qiusheng.
"Who is this?" he demanded with a frown.
Xu Qiusheng bowed deeply. "Young Master, this is my sister, a resident of Wangjia Village. The tofu sold in town comes from her village."
The young master's gaze swept over Xu Chunhua, her rough-hewn demeanor clashing with the opulence around her. His doubts grew instantly.
Sensing his impatience, Xu Chunhua plastered a sycophantic smile on her face and began, "Young Master, the tofu is made by a widow who lives next door to me. To keep things discreet, she handed the recipe to our neighbors, the Wangs. I see her working tirelessly every day—it's pitiful."
She spun a tale of misery and oppression, painting Jiang Huaiyu as a helpless widow bullied into giving up her rightful profits.
"At night," Xu Chunhua added conspiratorially, "I've seen them dividing the earnings. The Wangs shamelessly take two-thirds of the profits, leaving her with almost nothing! That's why I came to you, Young Master. Everyone knows you're righteous and wise. I thought you could help her."
The young master narrowed his eyes, leaning forward.
Xu Chunhua pressed on, her voice dripping with flattery. "With your resources, you could buy the recipe and free her from the Wangs' grasp. Think of the goodwill it would bring! And with you in control, every household in the county could enjoy tofu. Wouldn't that be a noble deed?"
The young master's lips curled into a slow smile as realization dawned. This was it. His chance to secure a lucrative business and polish his reputation as a benevolent figure.
Juan'er returned with two embroidered pouches, presenting them to Xu Chunhua with an indifferent expression.
"You've brought a valuable matter to my attention," the young master said smoothly. "This is your reward. But let me warn you—if there's even a shred of falsehood in your story, consider these silver pieces as compensation for your family's medical bills."
Xu Qiusheng broke into a cold sweat. He was all too familiar with the ruthless pragmatism of his master.
Xu Chunhua, however, beamed as she accepted the heavy pouches, already imagining the wealth and status this deal would bring.
As they left the estate, Xu Qiusheng's patience snapped. Finding a secluded spot, he confronted his sister.
"You lied! That tofu recipe isn't yours, and the widow isn't under any threat. Do you realize the danger you've put her in?"
Xu Chunhua rolled her eyes, jingling the pouch in her hand. "Oh, please. You're just mad I outsmarted you. Once the young master gets the recipe, we'll be partners in the tofu business. Stop pretending you care about that woman!"
Xu Qiusheng's face darkened. "I knew it. You couldn't stand to see someone else doing well."
"Spare me your moralizing," Xu Chunhua retorted, already opening the pouch to inspect the silver. She bit into a coin, her grin widening.
Meanwhile, back at the Yan estate, the young master dismissed Juan'er with new orders.
"Send men to Wangjia Village. Confirm the widow's role in the tofu-making process. If the information is false… deal with it accordingly." His tone was cold.
The maid bowed low. "Yes, Young Master."
In Wangjia Village, Jiang Huaiyu hung freshly laundered clothes on a bamboo rack. She marveled at how quickly the tofu business was growing under the diligent care of Wang Dazhuang and Zheng Xiaoyue. Soon, she would have enough saved to buy a house in the county.
Unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon, Jiang Huaiyu hummed softly as the morning sun warmed her skin.