TSWRLM -Chapter 20 One Must Not Disappoint the Chef

Hearing that someone was trying to sabotage the marriage between the Wei and Xiao families, Mr. Wei and Mr. Xiao’s faces immediately darkened, while Madam Yun and Madam Xiao turned ashen.

A family’s future and prosperity rested on the children’s marriage. Anyone attempting to meddle could not be tolerated.

Since the matter happened at the Xiao estate, Madam Yun, though anxious, did not intervene. Madam Xiao looked steadily at Chun Xi and asked, “Do you have any proof of this?”

“Yes. Second Young Master Ye gave me ten gold ingots and promised three thousand more once his plan succeeds.”

Chun Xi quickly produced the ten gold ingots and handed them to Shen Qingyuan.

Gold and silver ingots were officially produced under the imperial mandate, each stamped with the issuing region. Royal gifts were engraved with dragon and phoenix patterns, along with the recipient’s family crest or surname. Of course, some unscrupulous people melted objects in small workshops and reshaped them as ingots with their own family marks.

The ten Chun Xi produced were imperial gifts, each engraved with the Ye family crest.

“These ingots are indeed from the Ye family.”

Shen Qingyuan pointed out the markings to Mr. Xiao, who snorted coldly: “The Ye family truly raised a fine son!”

Chun Xi hastened to explain earnestly: “I am willing to confront Second Young Master Ye in person, but I beg you, Lord Xiao, to ensure the safety of my family. Yesterday, Second Young Master Ye had my fiancé beaten badly. I fear that the moment I step out of the Xiao estate today, his men will torture me to death.”

“He dares!”

Wei Lingze ground the words out through clenched teeth, his killing intent boiling over.

He should have killed Ye’s second son that day at the outing.

Ye’s scheming and Chun Xi’s efforts to avoid him had inflamed Wei Lingze’s anger, yet to others, it seemed his fury was in defense of Chun Xi.

Seeing everyone’s reaction, Madam Yun had to speak: “The matter is clear now. Thanks to Chun Xi’s loyalty to the Wei family. You may ask for whatever reward you wish.”

Madam Yun made it clear that she was only discussing a reward with Chun Xi and would not allow her to return to Wei Lingze’s side. Chun Xi did not refuse, her eyes shining as she asked,
“May I keep the gold ingots Second Young Master Ye gave me?”

After narrowly escaping death, a few gold ingots were hardly too much to ask.

Madam Yun naturally thought it reasonable. Compared to Wei Lingze’s marriage, these ingots were insignificant. Madam Xiao shared the same attitude, pleased that Chun Xi only wanted money. In addition to the ten gold ingots from Ye, another ten were retrieved from the treasury as a reward for Chun Xi.

Chun Xi kowtowed and thanked them, her joy genuine.

After such an ordeal, not only had the crisis been averted, but she had gained twenty gold ingots—an incredible profit.

After the commotion, it was time for the banquet.

Chun Xi was about to take her leave when Madam Xiao, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke: “This child seems agreeable. Since you are here, stay and have a meal with us.”

Everyone was surprised, but Chun Xi remained unflustered: “Thank you, Madam. I did not know today was your birthday and had no gift prepared. If you do not mind, these two ingots are a small token of my respect.”

These weren’t even her own earnings—yet she dared to offer them as a gift?

Everyone thought Chun Xi bold, but she didn’t care. She swiftly placed two ingots in front of Madam Xiao.

Madam Xiao accepted without complaint, seating Chun Xi beside Shen Qingchi.

Madam Mo’s face fell instantly.

Though their presence at the Xiao banquet depended on Shen Qingyuan, they had at least brought proper gifts. If Shen Qingyuan sat with the Xiao family, fine—but why were they now relegated to a table with Chun Xi?

The Xiao family busied themselves with the wedding arrangements, indifferent to Madam Mo’s feelings, and Chun Xi didn’t care either.

Her own home was far away, and after being chased, she was starving. The dishes on the table were exquisite, made with premium ingredients.

Not eating properly would be a disservice to the chef.

With a large bowl of rice, Chun Xi focused intently on her meal.

Shrimp and tofu, rice wine-steamed duck, sour bamboo chicken skin soup, butter pine roll pastries, ham-braised pork shank…

Chun Xi ate bite after bite. Though fast, her manners were neat, chewing thoroughly before swallowing.

Shen Qingyuan sat to Madam Xiao’s left, giving him a perfect view of Chun Xi.

Seeing someone eat with such gusto for the first time, he couldn’t help stealing glances. Madam Xiao noticed and followed his gaze toward Chun Xi.

Shen Qingchi, seated next to Chun Xi, was most influenced. Though not very hungry, she sampled the shrimp and tofu she had taken three times in a row.

It seemed truly better than the dishes she usually ate at banquets.

Shen Qingchi’s eyes brightened. Just as she reached for the butter pine roll pastry, she heard her mother’s cold voice: “Didn’t we feed you at home? Must you eat like a starving ghost?”

Madam Mo’s voice was deliberately low, enough for Shen Qingchi and Chun Xi to hear.

Shen Qingchi paled and quietly set down her chopsticks, but Chun Xi remained unfazed, even asking a maid for another bowl of rice.

Eat, eat, eat—stuff yourself!

Madam Mo nearly rolled her eyes in frustration.

Though she hadn’t met Chun Xi in person, she had long been briefed on her by Shen Qingyuan. If Chun Xi became Shen Qingyuan’s second wife, she wouldn’t be angry about her bold behavior—she would be pleased.

But Madam Xiao had mocked her earlier and said Shen Qingyuan would make his own marital decisions. Now, any embarrassment from sitting with Chun Xi reflected on them in the Xiao family’s eyes, making them look like buffoons.

Chun Xi’s mere presence infuriated Madam Mo, while Shen Qingyuan, noticing this, smirked slightly and reached for the shrimp and tofu.

Madam Xiao also took a bite.

The wedding date of Wei Lingze and Xiao Qinghe was set for May 26, just two months away.

Time was tight, but both families had been preparing for three years, so nothing was rushed.

During the meal, Mr. Xiao now addressed Wei Lingze as “worthy son-in-law,” and the elder brothers reminded Wei Lingze to treat Xiao Qinghe well, never to wrong her.

Wei Lingze wholeheartedly agreed, promising to be faithful and take no concubine in his life.

Xiao Qinghe maintained a polite smile but lost her previous shy joy.

She couldn’t help sneaking glances at Chun Xi several times.

In this entirely unfamiliar environment, Chun Xi showed no fear, eating bite after bite without regard for others’ opinions. The discussions about Wei Lingze’s marriage had no impact on her.

This powerless, insignificant girl posed no threat and never intended to compete.

Yet she—the supposed noble daughter—had lost so utterly.