Chapter 26: Ye Chongwen’s Wretched Misfortune and “Arrogance”

An old man and a young boy, playing and teasing each other, seemed rather unserious. Yet, unknowingly, they eased the pressure weighing on Chen Ping’s heart. After all, building the road was a major county affair, and with the county magistrate placing his hopes on him, how could there be no pressure?

Only belatedly did Chen Ping appreciate Elder Ye’s thoughtful intentions, filling his heart with gratitude and deep emotion. To have a teacher who truly cared for his students like this—he had only ever met one in his entire life.

Before Chen Ping could express his sincere feelings, Elder Ye waved his hand repeatedly. “Since today is a rest day, don’t just stay cooped up in the academy doing exercises. Go find your classmates and have some fun!”

“Oh, and when you see Ye Chongwen, be sure to warn him for me: tomorrow’s mathematics class is mandatory for all of you. No absences allowed!”

Why only warn Ye Chongwen explicitly, yet insist all three must attend? Naturally, because the other two would never miss any of Elder Ye’s lessons anyway.

What could Chen Ping say? He could only agree repeatedly, silently mourning for Ye Chongwen for a moment.

A short while later, somewhere in a corner of the academy, a sharp, mournful cry suddenly rang out.

“Why does the world have mathematics classes?!”

“If you’re lacking in other subjects, you can work harder to catch up, but if you can’t grasp math, then you just can’t!”

“Dear heavens, have mercy on me!”

Chen Ping and He Qingxuan struggled to hold back their laughter, their faces flushing red and necks straining until they finally burst out laughing.

“Ha ha ha…”

Perhaps the laughter of two mischievous friends was too infectious, for Ye Chongwen quickly forced himself to shake off his sorrow. Wiping away imaginary tears, he turned his head decisively and declared, “Drink today as though there’s no tomorrow; worry tomorrow when it comes!”

“I shouldn’t cry now. I can’t be hurt twice by the same thing. I’ll cry tomorrow instead!”

“Come on, to Old Qin’s Wonton Shop—this young master needs to soothe his soon-to-be-broken heart properly.”

Ye Chongwen’s dramatic change of expression earned a thumbs-up from both Chen Ping and He Qingxuan.

A true man must face life’s hardships head-on!

To Old Qin’s Wonton Shop, let’s go!

Before long, the three of them strolled in unison to the grass market not far from the academy.

The market stretched over a hundred meters, with dozens of scattered stalls. All were filled with the favorite snacks and trinkets of the academy’s teachers and students, though the layout was rather chaotic.

Only at the market’s end, a few newly built shops hinted that the commercial prospects here would not stop at this modest stage.

Taking the lead, Ye Chongwen navigated confidently through the market, heading straight for one of the shops.

Meanwhile, Chen Ping surveyed the various stalls, discreetly checking the quality and prices of the goods.

The Chen family’s livelihood was still too fragile, relying mainly on gathering medicinal herbs—a short-term solution at best.

The countryside was generally impoverished, especially tenant families with little land. It was rare to find a family that managed to avoid debt after a year of hard work.

In such a situation, every household racked their brains to find ways to earn a living.

Inevitably, the medicinal herb trade, which was hard to conceal, would soon attract the attention of others.

Once that happened, word would spread rapidly.

Eager villagers would swarm the mountains, entire families sweeping through the easily gathered areas, leaving nothing behind—a predictable outcome.

Thinking of this, Chen Ping felt increasingly anxious.

They had to find a new way to make money before that scenario unfolded!

Otherwise, no matter how hard Chen Duohai and his wife worked, they could never cover the expenses of schooling.

Lost in thought, Chen Ping kept pace with the others until they arrived at Old Qin’s Wonton Shop.

A simple banner hung above the shop’s entrance, indicating no fancy frills—just wontons and light snacks.

Such a peculiar business model had even become a topic of conversation among the townsfolk.

It was said that Old Qin’s main shop had stood on the busiest street in the county town for nearly a century.

Not only had it survived the constant rise of new restaurants and inns nearby, but it had also continued to open branches.

Now, a branch had even opened in Qingsong Town, proving the owner’s genuine skill.

Inside, there were not many customers—seven or eight tables were far from full, which was convenient for the three friends.

“So this is the wonton shop you’ve been talking about for days? Looks pretty ordinary to me,” He Qingxuan said, glancing around and pursing his lips in confusion.

Why would Ye Chongwen, so fond of food, keep going on about such a small shop?

Ye Chongwen ignored him and called out to the waiter, “Are your lamb wontons really as good as those at the main store?”

“Bring us three bowls to try first. If they don’t taste like the main store’s, don’t blame me for not paying—and I might just take your banner as a souvenir when I leave!”

The shout immediately caught the manager’s attention.

Wearing a wealthy man’s hat, the manager approached with a smile and bowed slightly to Ye Chongwen. “So you’re an old customer of the main store. What a coincidence!”

“This branch opened just three or five days ago, and you’re the very first to come in and call out for our signature wontons.”

“In that case, young master, no matter how much you eat today, it’s on the house—just for this special connection, how about it?”

It’s hard to refuse a smiling face holding out an offer like that; Ye Chongwen felt a bit embarrassed.

He had no intention of freeloading, let alone dining without paying.

He wanted to decline, saying he wasn’t short of money, but that might sound arrogant.

Just as Ye Chongwen hesitated, Chen Ping spoke up.

“Manager, please don’t misunderstand. My friend here has been craving your wontons for days and just got a little impatient. Please forgive him.”

The manager maintained his warm expression, smiling as if he had never misunderstood anything.

Chen Ping shot Ye Chongwen a sharp glance.

After all, Ye Chongwen was Elder Ye’s grandson. Though it was just a joke, they didn’t want malicious gossip spreading—that Elder Ye’s grandson was arrogant and overbearing because of his family ties.

Never underestimate how much the academy’s teachers and students loved to gossip.

Since ancient times, academies have been breeding grounds for rumors and public opinion.

If news of such arrogance reached Elder Ye, Ye Chongwen would surely be severely reprimanded.

As Chen Ping spoke, he glanced around the shop as if struck by an idea, then cupped his hands and smiled. “Your food must be quite delicious, but I wonder why, even at mealtimes, there are so few customers?”

“Manager, may I ask the reason?”

Sure enough, when the topic of customer flow came up, the manager’s expression changed, and he asked anxiously, “Young sir, do you happen to know? Please enlighten me.”

Not only was the manager troubled, but He Qingxuan and Ye Chongwen looked on in astonishment.

Chen Ping actually understood business?

After a brief silence, with the three eagerly watching him, Chen Ping smiled softly and said, “Of course it’s because the academy is strictly managed, and students have little free time.”

“At mealtimes, everyone rushes straight to their familiar food stalls. Who would think to try a new, unfamiliar shop?”

“If your shop wants to gain ground, someone from the academy must actively promote it first. Manager, do you understand?”

The manager was a shrewd man; after pondering Chen Ping’s words, he grasped the meaning.

“I understand now!”

“You three young friends are treasures to this humble shop. Those earlier remarks were just jokes—I promise no ill words will ever spread from here!”

Hearing this, He Qingxuan looked at Chen Ping with deep admiration.

Only Ye Chongwen remained confused…