Chapter 6: Wang Youdao's Reminder

Even though Manager Liu considered himself accustomed to life’s tempests, he could never have imagined that today he would be so utterly humiliated that he nearly ground his teeth to dust in frustration. Along with his embarrassment, resentment toward Li Yuanjing swelled within him.

Clenching his teeth, he spat, "So what if it’s alive? Didn’t you see how this thing frightened me just now? Five hundred coins, not a penny more! If you won’t sell, then get lost!"

"I want to see who else in Fengcheng County would dare to buy a fish I refuse!"

"What’s going on?"

"Make way—everyone, make way!"

Just then, someone outside, drawn by the commotion, pushed through the crowd and entered.

"My goodness!"

"What a fish, what a huge fish! I’ve never seen anything like it in my life! Old Liu, is this your fish? I want it. Name your price!"

A young gentleman, robed in fine silks, strode in and was immediately captivated by the massive catfish, crying out in excitement.

"This…" Manager Liu was momentarily dumbstruck. Who would have thought that someone so influential would suddenly appear, someone he could not afford to offend?

Hurriedly, despite his aching back, he made his way to Li Yuanjing and whispered, "Little brother, sell me this fish. I’ll give you one tael—no, two taels of silver!"

Li Yuanjing had already spotted a familiar face behind the young gentleman and smiled, shaking his head. "Manager, my apologies, but I won’t be selling the fish."

With that, Li Yuanjing walked toward his acquaintance.

"Hey!"

"You reckless brat!" Manager Liu, furious, was about to chase after Li Yuanjing when he saw him conversing with the young noble’s attendant and could only stand down.

"Uncle Wang, what brings you here?" Li Yuanjing greeted the familiar man with respect. It was his father’s old friend, Wang Youdao, the foreman from Dagu Village.

Wang Youdao, shrewd as ever, had witnessed Manager Liu’s earlier threats. He smiled knowingly, "Just accompanying a distinguished guest for a bit of amusement. So, Yuanjing, this big black fish is yours?"

Li Yuanjing replied with a smile, "Uncle Wang, it was just luck. If you like it, I’d be honored to gift it to you."

Wang Youdao nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Yuanjing, then Uncle Wang owes you a favor. Still, I know your family’s situation—here, take this." As he spoke, he handed Li Yuanjing a small cloth pouch and discreetly signaled him before hurrying to greet the young gentleman.

Li Yuanjing’s eyes lit up as he accepted the pouch. Judging by the weight, it was certainly not copper coins, but gleaming silver. Opening it, he found six or seven small pieces of silver, amounting to nearly five taels.

This was clearly Wang Youdao reciprocating kindness with kindness. Though such a sum would hardly catch Li Yuanjing’s attention in his former life, now it made him tremble with excitement—it was his first real earnings in this world.

Meanwhile, Wang Youdao spoke a few words to the young gentleman, who was overjoyed and immediately summoned his attendants to seize the catfish.

Yet the fish’s strength surpassed everyone’s expectations. Even with seven or eight people, it eluded capture, splashing mud onto the young gentleman’s face. But he didn’t mind, delighted as if he had found his favorite toy, laughing and urging his attendants to continue their pursuit.

Wang Youdao, witnessing this scene, looked at Li Yuanjing with increasing admiration. After exchanging a few words with the young noble, he walked back toward Li Yuanjing.

At this point, Manager Liu was beside himself with regret. He stood motionless, watching the excited young gentleman wrestle with the fish at his stall, yet gaining nothing himself—his heart bleeding with loss.

"Yuanjing, thanks for today. Uncle Wang owes you one," said Wang Youdao, now at Li Yuanjing’s side, his tone warmer as he patted him on the shoulder.

Li Yuanjing replied with a simple smile, "Uncle Wang, you’re too kind. We’re family—no need for formalities."

"Family?" Wang Youdao repeated thoughtfully. As Li Yuanjing prepared to take his leave, a glimmer flashed in Wang Youdao’s eyes, as if he’d made up his mind about something.

He grabbed Li Yuanjing, leaning close to whisper, "Yuanjing, it seems the Xue family in town has their eye on you. Whatever you do, be careful from now on."

"Eh?"

…

Leaving the crowded market and reaching its outskirts, Li Yuanjing pondered Wang Youdao’s words.

He finally understood why the flirtatious matchmaker Wang Cuihua was so intent on Yu Niang. The truth was, the so-called philanthropist Xue had his sights on Yu Niang!

Li Yuanjing couldn’t help but smile coldly. Anyone daring to covet his woman would find him ruthless and unyielding—he would stop at nothing.

…

Clothing is a man’s dignity, money his courage. With five taels of silver in hand, even with Xue lurking in the shadows, Li Yuanjing’s confidence grew.

He first bought ten jin of pork, some salt, a few jin of brown sugar, and other daily necessities, along with candied treats for Yu Niang. He then browsed the game stalls, learning about prices for wild meat and furs, before heading to a ready-made clothing shop across the market.

After all, fishing in the small stream was not a long-term plan. The resources were limited, and it seemed more practical to trade in valuable game.

Originally, Li Yuanjing intended only to buy cotton-padded coats for himself and Yu Niang, but he found that the very new sheepskin jackets were quite affordable—only five hundred coins, apparently second-hand but of excellent quality.

He hesitated only briefly before deciding. He purchased two sheepskin jackets, two sheepskin hats, and specially bought Yu Niang a dogskin scarf and rabbit fur shoes.

Though he spent nearly three taels, leaving himself with just over one, Li Yuanjing felt no regret. A man earns money for his woman, after all.

How could he bear to let his delicate little wife endure the cold in thin clothing?

Packing everything up, he bought a worn oilcloth to cover his treasures and a few large buns for the road, and left the county in haste, eager to return home.

Li Yuanjing understood now: this world was no different from the one he’d left. Without power, trying to make a fortune in the county was a fool’s dream. The moment you make a little money, others will swallow you whole.

He needed to build strength first. Only with capital could he consider other ventures.

Returning to Quanzi Village, Li Yuanjing encountered no trouble. After closing the courtyard gate, he laid out his purchases before Yu Niang.

The young woman was utterly stunned, her tender lips forming a perfect ‘O,’ making one want to take a bite.

"Brother, brother…" she stammered. "How did you buy so much? I am but a lowly girl—how can I wear such fine coats?"

Yu Niang was both moved and delighted, tears sparkling in her star-like eyes, yet she instinctively refused.

She feared it was all a dream—if she woke, she could not bear to live.

But Li Yuanjing, now emboldened, suddenly embraced Yu Niang and kissed her soft cheek fiercely. "Yu Niang, there’s no ‘can’ or ‘can’t.’ If I give it to you, you wear it. For now, wear the sheepskin jacket underneath, and put your thin coat over it—understand?"

"Come, let me help you."

"Eh?"

Yu Niang’s face was redder than an apple from the kiss, but Li Yuanjing’s words startled her.

She understood his intent: keep wealth hidden.

Obeying, she let Li Yuanjing lead her to the stove, remove her thin coat, and dress her in the warm new jacket.

"Yuanjing, Yuanjing, are you home? It’s me, Zhang Kun—your elder brother!"

Just as the atmosphere between Li Yuanjing and Yu Niang shifted and a new understanding bloomed, a shout came from outside.

Li Yuanjing, alert, signaled Yu Niang, "Stay inside and don’t come out. I’ll go see who it is."

"Eh?"

"Brother…"

Yu Niang wanted to say more, but Li Yuanjing had already tucked a hatchet behind his back and strode out the door.