Chapter 25: Zhang Xiaopang Seeks Help
Li Sicong spoke earnestly, “Father, I am not running the restaurant to make money; I just want to find a way to earn some silver from the Zhu and He families.”
“You saw today’s business at the restaurant. I believe I am capable of doing this.”
Linzhou was a remote area where the average person’s spending power was not high. Apart from the Li family, the wealthiest in the region were the Zhu and He families.
The Magistrate of Linzhou, Li Kan, was not a native of the area. Though the Zhu and He families showed outward respect to the Li family, they often engaged in underhanded schemes in secret.
Li Kan praised him, “This is an excellent plan! Your younger brother is far too reckless. I must have a word with him when I return!”
As he noticed the empty table before him, a thin layer of anger surfaced on his face. He was just about to instruct the steward by his side to notify the guards at the city gate to let the suppliers delivering ingredients to the Fengdeng Restaurant through when he heard Li Sicong continue speaking.
“I want to earn this silver, first, to support our household and honor Father, as a way to make up for the filial piety I failed to fulfill during my foolish years.”
“Furthermore, my younger brother needs a significant amount of silver to suppress the bandits. The mountain bandits in Linzhou have been wreaking havoc for over a century, and dealing with them is a tough bone to chew—it will take at least a year or two to root them out.”
“Since my younger brother took over the household responsibilities after coming of age, he has worked tirelessly. Now that I am earning silver, it is only right to let him use it.”
Eavesdropping nearby, Jiang Lili clicked her tongue in amazement. With just a few words, Li Sicong had managed to subtly belittle his younger brother while skillfully emphasizing his rightful role as the eldest son. He truly lived up to his reputation for emotional intelligence.
Li Sicong continued his grand display of “consideration for his father”: “Moreover, the shops under my management need more hands. By providing jobs for the people of Linzhou, I can help them support their families. When their lives improve, Father will have fewer worries.”
Jiang Lili thought to herself: Well, the “cakes” this guy is drawing sound more enticing with each one!
Li Sicong’s words struck deep into Li Kan’s heart. Li Kan felt both gratified and excited—he hadn’t expected his eldest son to consider this aspect of the situation.
The more he listened, the more he realized just how fortunate he was. His foolish son had become so clever after the awakening!
Letting Sicong manage the shops was truly a win-win situation.
In contrast, the second son’s plan to suppress the bandits required a significant amount of silver and manpower. Moreover, the bandits were so rampant that success wasn’t guaranteed. Even a rabbit, when pushed into a corner, could bite—how much more so the mountain bandits!
Li Kan slammed his hand on the table. “What nonsense is your second brother doing!”
Li Sicong, seemingly offering advice, but actually fanning the flames, said, “Father, don’t blame my younger brother. He’s still just a child!”
“A child? He’s twenty-two and still a child?! And he’s been managing the household for two years now and still can’t see things clearly!”
Fuming with anger, Li Kan turned to instruct the steward by his side, “Quick, send a message to the city guards—let the people enter and leave the city freely without obstruction.”
“Also, remove the second son’s supporters at the city gate. They’re just causing trouble and making things worse! Stop the recruitment of soldiers and halt the bandit suppression at once!”
After giving his orders, Li Kan handed over some of the household’s duties to Li Sicong, along with some of the power previously held by the second son.
When Li Sicong took a brief moment to greet Jiang Lili and Guan Yue, he had already dealt with the bandit suppression order and the city gate issue.
Jiang Lili and Guan Yue were left in awe!
Jiang Lili couldn’t help but lament how her English major seemed entirely useless now that she had transmigrated to an era that didn’t even exist in history. It felt like no help at all!
Jiang Lili had been born in a small, remote fishing village and was an orphan, raised by the kindness of the villagers.
Jiang Lili had been paying off her student loans since the college entrance exams. She had started working part-time right after finishing the exams. She had worked so many jobs that she had lost count—pig farm caretaker, after-school program teacher… She had done all kinds of odd jobs, learning a bit of everything, but not mastering any one thing. She cast an envious glance at Li Sicong.
“Sales Champion Li, you’re amazing! You can excel in both ancient and modern times!”
“Why is the gap between us, fellow time transmigrators, so vast?”
Li Sicong, flattered by the praise, beamed and explained, “That’s because I was a fool when I was young. Now that I’m a little smarter, the contrast is so striking, it’s shocking to Father Li too.”
“I must take advantage of the fact that he’s stunned by me and secure more benefits for myself,” Li Sicong added, glancing out the window at the darkening sky. “It’s getting late. You haven’t found a place to rest, have you? After dinner, I’ll arrange a guesthouse for you to stay in.”
Jiang Lili replied, “We’ve already booked three rooms at the Lai Fu Inn after entering the city. Our horses are also tied up there.”
“The Lai Fu Inn is owned by the Li family. I’ll have someone upgrade your rooms.”
After they finished their meal, Li Sicong had someone upgrade their rooms and made sure the stable boy took good care of their horses.
…
That night, both people and horses were able to get a good rest.
The next morning, Jiang Lili and her group got up early to head out to the morning market.
Jiang Lili noticed Jiayu yawning and looking troubled. “Did you not sleep well last night, Jiayu?”
Her casual question made Jiayu pause, his expression becoming cautious. He nodded slightly. “Yes, I’m just not used to sleeping in a new place.”
Jiang Lili raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Is it because Yueyue and I shared a room last night, and you’re not used to sleeping alone?”
“No!!!”
Jiayu and Guan Yue both denied it at the same time.
Guan Yue’s ears turned slightly red, and she quickly added, “In the bandit camp, we usually sleep in separate rooms.”
Guan Yue nodded eagerly in agreement.
Jiang Lili smirked. “I see. I was just asking casually.”
Jiayu let out a relieved sigh, thinking Jiang Lili had discovered he had a secret meeting with the young master last night.
…
Although Linzhou wasn’t very prosperous, the morning market was still bustling. Jiang Lili bought some soup-filled dumplings for breakfast and did not forget to pick up a portion for Zhang Xiaopang with candied haws.
She had been fed by Zhang Xiaopang every day during their journey to exile, and now it was finally her turn to send him some food.
After sending the food, Jiang Lili sent Xiaopang a message.
[Jiang Lili: Xiaopang, are you awake? I’ve sent you breakfast, remember to eat it while it’s hot! @Zhang Xiaopang]
She had just finished sending the message when she noticed a stall selling fish slice congee at the market. The business was booming, and the fish slices were clearly fresh.
Such a delicious dish was definitely something she had to get for her little brother Xiaopang.
[Jiang Lili: Also, there’s fish slice congee at the market. It smells amazing, and the fish slices are freshly prepared. When you wake up, let me know, I’ll get you a bowl!]
To her surprise, the usually slow-to-respond Xiaopang replied very quickly this time.
[Zhang Xiaopang: Sister Li, I’m awake! Actually, I didn’t sleep at all. I’ve been up all night with my father, both of us were in a panic. A hot breakfast has really lifted my spirits, thank you!]
Jiang Lili was taken aback. What could have happened for Xiaopang and his father to stay up all night?