Cheng Zhao Walks to the Ice Jelly Stall

Zhao Sidaan was filled with vigilance.

Without a word, he positioned himself in front of the wooden bucket containing the copper coins, determined to defend the Zhao family’s hard-earned money at all costs.

But if his mother insisted on giving it away, it seemed he had no choice.

The little boy’s mood instantly sank.

Cheng Wanwan maintained a businesslike smile. “Two bowls of ice jelly, six coins. Take your time, no rush.”

After serving the customers in front of her, she finally turned her gaze toward Cheng Zhao, who was standing behind them.

This was the eldest nephew from her maternal family.

When the original owner of this body was still around, she had doted on this nephew the most.

After all, Cheng Zhao was a scholar.

Over two years ago, he had passed the county exam and earned the title of “Tongsheng” (a preliminary scholar).

Though this status was not as highly regarded as a “Xiucai” (a more advanced scholar), it was still a hard-earned achievement.

A Tongsheng had to pass the county exam, then the prefectural exam, and only after that could they qualify for the academy exam to become a Xiucai.

“Oh, Brother Cheng actually has spare money for ice jelly?” A scholar standing nearby sneered. “You spend half a month copying a book just to earn a hundred coins. Can you really afford a three-coin bowl of ice jelly?”

Cheng Wanwan was slightly surprised.

Back in Chengjia Village, Cheng Zhao was admired by everyone.

She hadn’t expected him to be looked down upon at the academy.

She thought Cheng Zhao might feel embarrassed, but to her surprise, he calmly replied, “This is my second aunt. I don’t need to pay for ice jelly.”

Zhao Dashan silently washed a bowl and prepared to serve the ice jelly.

Zhao Ergou scowled.

This eldest cousin was so annoying, always taking things for granted.

Zhao Sanniu clenched his fists.

This cousin was just asking for a beating.

He really wanted to punch him.

Zhao Sidaan lowered his head and said nothing.

One bowl of ice jelly was nothing, but he was afraid his mother would end up giving all their earnings to the Cheng family.

Cheng Wanwan’s mouth twitched.

Did he still think she was the same “second aunt” as before?

That she would just hand over everything to him?

Her family was struggling.

Her children needed money for school.

Why should she pay for the Cheng family’s child to study?

The past debts were too messy to untangle, but from now on, she would not let the Cheng family take advantage of her.

Cheng Wanwan hesitated before saying, “Zhao’er, running a small business isn’t easy for me. Instead of making me give you free ice jelly, why don’t you help me attract more customers?”

Cheng Zhao looked stunned.

Before, no matter what he wanted, his second aunt would always give it to him with both hands.

He hadn’t even intended to eat ice jelly, but since it was made by his second aunt, he thought it wouldn’t matter if he had a bowl.

He never expected her to refuse.

Back then, she had given away twenty taels of silver without a second thought. Now, she couldn’t even spare three coins?

And before, whenever she saw him, she always smiled warmly and affectionately.

But today, her smile felt distant…

Hadn’t he heard that his second aunt had fallen out with the family?

Did this mean she wouldn’t care for him anymore?

The scholars around them started criticizing him.

“Brother Cheng, you are a scholar. A gentleman does not act against the principles of propriety.”

“A gentleman pursues the Dao, not food. This behavior is unworthy of a true scholar.”

Cheng Zhao’s face turned red with embarrassment.

Being mocked for his poverty didn’t bother him. The Cheng family had always been poor.

But being accused of being unworthy of a scholar, of not being a true gentleman—this stung worse than a slap in the face.

He took out three coins from his pouch and placed them on the table. “Second Aunt, is this enough?”

Cheng Wanwan smiled. “Of course. Dashan, hurry and serve your cousin a bowl of ice jelly.”

Cheng Zhao was eighteen this year, two months older than Zhao Dashan.

Though they were the same age, they belonged to completely different worlds.

Cheng Zhao was a scholar.

Next year, he would take the academy exam.

If he passed, he could become a Xiucai.

Even if he never advanced beyond that, he would still have the chance to escape the confines of Chengjia Village and enter a broader world.

Meanwhile, Zhao Dashan was already married and about to become a father.

His future would likely be spent in Dahu Village, toiling in the fields for the rest of his life.

Facing Cheng Zhao, Zhao Dashan felt an indescribable sense of inferiority.

Carefully, he handed the bowl of ice jelly to him.

Holding the bowl, Cheng Zhao hesitated as if wanting to say something.

But Cheng Wanwan ignored him and turned to serve the next customer.

By the time all the ice jelly was sold out, Cheng Zhao still hadn’t left.

Standing beside the stall, he finally spoke.

“Second Aunt, my father was indeed in the wrong. He shouldn’t have hit you. I apologize on his behalf. But you’re still a Cheng. No matter what, we’re family. We shouldn’t be so distant.”

Hearing this, Cheng Wanwan laughed in anger.

She placed the bowl heavily on the table and spoke slowly, emphasizing each word.

“What do you mean by ‘we shouldn’t be so distant’? Does that mean my ice jelly should be free for you? That all my earnings should go toward your education?”

Cheng Zhao stammered, “Second Aunt, that’s not what I meant…”

“Then what do you mean?” Cheng Wanwan’s temper flared. “You want me to continue treating the Cheng family as my own, so you can keep leeching off me? Cheng Zhao, you know how well I treated you all these years! But ten days ago, your father smashed my head open. Look! The scar is still here! If the injury had been just a little worse, I could have died. I was hurt that badly, and yet, my dear nephew, the most ‘thoughtful’ one, didn’t even come to see me once!”

Cheng Zhao had never seen this side of his second aunt before.

He was completely stunned.

After a long moment, he finally muttered, “I—I was at the academy. I just found out a few days ago…”

“Enough. You don’t need to explain,” Cheng Wanwan said as she packed up her things. “I’ve already cut ties with the Cheng family. From now on, just pretend you don’t know me. And don’t call me Second Aunt anymore. A talented scholar like you is beyond the reach of us Zhaos.”

Cheng Zhao opened his mouth. “Second Aunt, I—”

“Don’t call my mother ‘Second Aunt’!” Zhao Sidaan glared. “From now on, we don’t have a scholar cousin anymore.”

Zhao Sanniu stood in front of the stall. “My mother said she doesn’t have a nephew like you. Leave now and stop interfering with our business.”

Zhao Ergou spoke coldly. “If you keep this up, you’ll soon become a laughingstock at the academy.”

Cheng Zhao turned around and saw several classmates watching, whispering among themselves. The crowd around him grew.

He had no choice but to step back. “It doesn’t matter if Second Aunt won’t acknowledge me. As long as I acknowledge her, that’s enough. I’ll visit another day to make amends.”

Then he turned and walked toward the academy.

The students around him pointed and whispered, but he remained composed as if nothing had happened.

Cheng Wanwan showed no emotion.

She was about to take the children out for a meal when a man in his thirties stepped in front of her.

“The ice jelly that everyone in Hekou Town is talking about—does it come from you, madam?”

Cheng Wanwan glanced at him.

He wasn’t wearing coarse fabric, and a jade pendant and sachet hung from his waist.

He looked like a businessman.

She smiled. “I’m out of ice jelly today. Come earlier tomorrow.”

“I’m not here to buy ice jelly.” The man grinned. “Would you be willing to sell me the recipe?”