Chapter 176: Chapter 176: A Father’s Life Saved, A Debt Beyond Repay
Yue Sihai’s father agreed to this because he was forced into it.
But now, Su Ye and Yue Sihai are already married, and Su Ye accompanied Yue Sihai for the exam, so it’s clear this matter has shifted from a temporary solution to a reality.
After all, if it was just to deal with Liu Feng, it wouldn’t have truly succeeded.
Seeing the confusion on Meng Yao’s face, Zhao Dahe took the initiative to explain, "At that time, Uncle Yue announced publicly that it was a double celebration and decided on their engagement. In this way, even if Liu Feng accused them, no one believed it. A few neighbors helped speak up, and the Yue Family’s reputation was quite good, so Liu Feng didn’t succeed."
"After the banquet ended, Uncle Yue invited Su Ye home, saying this matter did indeed damage Su Ye’s reputation. If she was willing, the Yue Family was willing to marry her as a daughter-in-law. Su Ye directly refused and talked about her childhood. Although Uncle Yue didn’t remember, Su Ye said it was enough that she remembered, then she left."
"The day after the banquet, Uncle Yue found out about Su Ye’s identity and bought many gifts, sending Sihai to express gratitude."
"And then?"
"Sihai fell for Su Ye and rushed to the Escort Agency, telling everyone and inviting them to the wedding feast with Su Ye," Zhao Dahe said, "Su Ye asked him what he really wanted, he confidently declared that the kindness of saving his father could only be repaid by offering himself."
"So, Su Ye was won over by Sihai’s relentless pursuit?" Meng Yao asked.
"Well, isn’t there an old saying, a firm woman fears an insistent suitor? Besides, Sihai isn’t bad at all. Tall and strong, not bad looking, the family’s pretty well-off, and he himself is promising. Folks at the Escort Agency treat Su Ye like a younger sister; they approved of Sihai as her silly brother-in-law," Zhao Dahe said.
Meng Yao recalled how Yue Sihai introduced Su Ye and the affectionate look in his eyes.
As for Su Ye, she clearly wasn’t the type to be pressured.
By a happy accident, two goods made one good pair.
Moreover, this marriage had its roots in the good deeds sown by Yue Sihai’s father.
Otherwise, Su Ye wouldn’t have stood up in that situation.
Overall, it was joy for everyone involved.
"And what about Liu Feng? Since he had feelings for Sihai, why would he set a trap for him?" Meng Yao was curious.
"He thought if Sihai failed the exam, he wouldn’t leave, and he could stay with Sihai. Though Liu Feng studied with Sihai, mom, not everyone studies with the same talent as your son!" Zhao Dahe boasted gleefully.
"There are limited participants in the county exam. The prefecture exam, however, includes students from all over Qingzhou Prefecture, a large number. Are you that confident that none of the students in Qingzhou Prefecture are as good as you?" Meng Yao poured cold water on him.
"Yes." Zhao Dahe said, with a firm tone.
"You, you really are..." Meng Yao shook her head.
"Auntie, the meal is ready. Shall we start?" Su Ye invited Meng Yao.
Meng Yao stopped talking, Zhao Dahe’s growing confidence could be addressed later.
"Thank you for your hard work, Ye Zi." Meng Yao said with a smile, "Auntie’s visit was rushed and I didn’t bring much, but here’s something for you; I hope you like it."
Meng Yao handed the prepared snow cream to Su Ye.
The small box was quite exquisite, Su Ye seemed to like it very much, but upon opening, Su Ye looked puzzled, "Auntie, what is this?"
A translucent creamy substance, faintly aromatic, looked quite pretty, but she truly didn’t know what it was.
Meng Yao quickly explained, Su Ye was very pleased, "I’ve bought clam oil before, in lumps, sticky and with a strange smell, this one is nice, this one is nice. Thank you, Auntie, I like it very much."
Indeed, at any time, women can’t resist things that make them beautiful.
"Thank you, Auntie, for going through the trouble." Yue Sihai was happy to see his wife pleased.
"Alright, alright, we’re all family here, thanking back and forth seems too formal. The dishes are all set here; if we don’t eat soon they’ll get cold." Zhao Dahe called out.
Meng Yao and Teacher Wang, being the elders, sat at the top.
The rest just sat wherever.
Have to admit, Su Ye is indeed quite skilled.
Whether vegetarian or meat, the dishes looked and tasted both fine.
Meng Yao praised her, and she laughed cheerfully, "All the years in the kitchen were worthwhile, Auntie. If it suits your taste, do eat more."
Looking over the dishes again, Meng Yao noted that the knife skills were indeed superb.
With such excellent knife skills, surely Su Ye endured hardships before.
The kitchen has always been a man’s world, and a young woman trying to learn true skills there is extremely difficult.
Overall, the meal was enjoyed by everyone.
Meng Yao felt, no wonder in the Prefecture, at this time, they already have plenty of green vegetables.
After inquiring, Su Ye informed her that there were special veggie farmers who did this, albeit at a higher price. Usually, a few coins per pound of vegetables now priced comparable with meat, sometimes even pricier than meat.
Su Ye added, "I think it’s not as good as eating meat, but I’ve heard that these scholars can’t just eat meat, it easily leads to excess heat, they need to eat vegetables along with it. Thus, expensive as it is, they’d still eat it; we’re not exactly unable to afford it."
Meat leads to phlegm, excessive consumption accumulates inner heat, resulting in endless minor yet annoying ailments like mouth sores, sore throats, and the like.
Not only this, but it often causes constipation.
Especially for scholars, with limited activity, it’s even more prevalent.
"I’ll brew some Digestive Tea for everyone shortly, a bowl after each meal to reduce greasiness," Meng Yao suggested.
"Then I’ll accompany Auntie to buy the herbs." Su Ye offered, "I’m familiar with the area."
"Then I’ll trouble you to lead the way." Meng Yao said with a smile.
"Not a trouble at all, otherwise I’d be quite bored alone here. With Auntie and the two sisters coming, I finally have some company." Su Ye said cheerfully.
After the meal, Meng Yao wanted to help Su Ye with the dishes but was firmly seated by Su Ye.
"Auntie, you’re the elder, how could I trouble you with such a minor task? I’ll handle it, I’m used to it."
Meng Yao was surprised at Su Ye’s strength, as with her own considerable strength and skills, Su Ye’s grip showed no advantage over her.
Upon reflection, this young woman, accustomed to tough life, capable of escort work, definitely possessed some skills.
Meng Yao didn’t join in, luckily Xiaohua and Wen Nuan, perceptive enough, swiftly assisted Su Ye in cleaning up.
Quick as a flash, the three tidied up the table mess.
Su Ye untied her apron, tidied her hair, instructed Yue Sihai to read after a stroll, no slacking off. Her natural habit included also Zhao Dahe and Wen Shu, reminding them not to slack off either.
Then, Su Ye led Meng Yao out.
As for Zhao Xiaohua and Wen Nuan, they were after all young, exhausted from the recent journeys by carriage, and after eating, Meng Yao chased them back to rest.