CFRSIO Chapter 4

Lin Yunliang went to the town. For now, news of what happened there wouldn’t reach the village, but his own affairs had already spread throughout the village.

For example, Lin Yunliang ignored Tao Wenyu in the village center, and Tao Wenyu left in a huff.

Many people soon learned of this.

At the Village Chief’s house,

As the head of the village, the Village Chief lived in a brick house. The Village Chief valued his reputation. Upon hearing the village gossip, his expression became displeased.

“It’s all your fault! I told you long ago! I told you to keep Brother Yuer away from Lin Yunliang! Look at what’s being said in the village now!” the Village Chief scolded with a displeased expression.

The Village Chief’s wife, however, did not share this view and was equally unhappy about the scolding. “What do you mean it’s all my fault!”

“Didn’t you also happily eat the rabbits Lin Yunliang sent over before!”

There were few hunters in Tao Village, and even less wild game to eat. On several occasions, after receiving wild rabbits from Lin Yunliang, the Village Chief specifically asked his wife to prepare a feast and then specially invited village chiefs from other villages. Ostensibly, it was to foster relationships, but in reality, it was to show off.

Their ill-gotten wild game.

Indeed, as the parent, so the child. Tao Wenyu shamelessly courted Lin Yunliang, always asking for things, yet always acting as if he were innocent. Village Chief Tao was no different; he shamelessly accepted gifts from others, outwardly saying it was inappropriate, only to have his wife cook them and then invite others to subtly boast.

“You!” Village Chief Tao angrily flicked his sleeves, “Tell Brother Yuer not to interact with Lin Yunliang anymore.”

“Got it, got it.” Previously, Village Chief Tao had not explicitly stated not to interact with Lin Yunliang, but this time he said so, indicating he was truly angry. Village Chief’s wife couldn’t say much more and could only agree.

“Alright, alright, don’t be angry. It’s not good for your health.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Yuer about it.”

“Besides, you know what kind of person our Yuer is.”

“And that fellow Lin Yunliang is petty. It’s just because I didn’t allow Yuer to see him a few times before, and now he’s publicly shaming our Yuer!”

The Village Chief’s wife felt she had done nothing wrong, and that all the fault lay with Lin Yunliang. However, they didn’t consider Lin Yunliang’s current situation at home, where calling it bare was an understatement. As for their family, Tao Wenyu had received things from Lin Yunliang several times, but what did they get in return? Nothing, not even a mention.

Now, just because Lin Yunliang was no longer willing to be their fool, they complained incessantly.

Upon hearing this, the Village Chief actually felt his wife was right. However, as the head of the village, he couldn’t openly admit certain things. He could only soften his tone and say, “Alright, why are we talking about him?”

“Go and see Yuer. His eyes are red.”

“Ah.”

Tao Wenyu’s eyes were red, not only from grievance but also from anger. He believed he had Lin Yunliang perfectly under his control, but he never expected that Lin Yunliang would one day stop being his fool and stop sending him meat and hairpins.

“Brother Yunliang.”

“Mother.” Seeing the Village Chief’s wife, Tao Wenyu felt even more wronged and directly threw himself into his mother’s arms.

Although this world was heavily patriarchal, placing Shuang’er in a particularly awkward position, he was still his flesh and blood. Furthermore, he had a difficult birth and was small and weak after being born, which had been a torment to her.

Over the years, he had finally been nursed back to health. Perhaps because he was a Shuang’er and his youngest son, Tao Wenyu was much more caring than his elder son, Tao Zhiming. Therefore, the Village Chief’s wife doted on her younger son.

Seeing her son like this, the Village Chief’s wife naturally felt immense heartache.

“Good boy, my darling, don’t cry, don’t cry.” The Village Chief’s wife held him in her arms.

She sat with him by the bedside, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped away Tao Wenyu’s tears.

“Mother,” Tao Wenyu continued, “I don’t know why Brother Yunliang is treating me like this. I clearly…”

Before he could say much, he began to sob again. His round eyes, glistening with tears, were incredibly pitiable. How could the Village Chief’s wife bear this?

She hugged him tightly again, comforting him.

“However, Yuer, your father means for you not to interact with Lin Yunliang anymore.”

Tao Wenyu’s expression stiffened; he was unwilling. Naturally, he was unwilling. During this period, he had obtained many things from Lin Yunliang, and the wild game had mostly been given to his cousin. If not for this, his cousin would have likely been snatched away by someone else.

Tao Wenyu had high aspirations and believed that only the status of a scholar’s husband was worthy of him. The only person who could help him achieve his dream was his cousin, Tao Zhiyuan. Moreover, Cousin Zhiyuan was good-looking, and his scholar’s robe made him even more handsome.

As the Village Chief’s Shuang’er, Tao Wenyu naturally believed that only he was worthy of Cousin Zhiyuan. Furthermore, they were relatives, so if they could get married, it would be an even better union.

Who knew that someone would suddenly appear. Zhang Qing’an. Thinking of him made Tao Wenyu angry. Wasn’t he just a young master from a landlord’s family? But Tao Village was ruled by the Village Chief.

Therefore, Tao Wenyu, who initially looked down on Lin Yunliang, instead set his sights on him. His purpose was simple: to get some money from Lin Yunliang to support Tao Zhiyuan. His family was not short of money, and his own allowance was not small, but his cousin was a scholar, and every item of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone required money to purchase.

Most of his own money was used to support Cousin Zhiyuan.

Cousin Zhiyuan had recently told him that he had no feelings for Zhang Qing’an and only loved him. After he passed the imperial examinations, he would definitely return to break off his engagement with the Zhang family and marry him. Tao Wenyu believed this implicitly.

For this reason, Tao Wenyu was even willing to condescend to speak a few words to Lin Yunliang, wanting to squeeze out more benefits to better hold onto Cousin Zhiyuan’s heart and to prove to Cousin Zhiyuan that he was not inferior to Zhang Qing’an at all.

In the end, Lin Yunliang was no longer willing to be this fool, and even his father told him not to interact with Lin Yunliang anymore. How could Tao Wenyu be willing?

“Mother, this doesn’t seem appropriate,” Tao Wenyu said hesitantly, looking extremely troubled. “I have to make things clear with Brother Yunliang.”

“We are all from the same village. We see each other all the time.”

Upon hearing this, the Village Chief’s wife thought it made sense. What if that scoundrel Lin Yunliang spread rumors outside and ruined her Yuer’s reputation? The Village Chief’s wife had great hopes for her younger son, believing that he was handsome and had a good disposition, and would surely marry into a wealthy family in town in the future.

Then, as the mother-in-law, she could naturally enjoy life in town.

Therefore, she was particularly worried about being held back by that scoundrel Lin Yunliang.

However, she couldn’t disobey her husband. After hesitating, she said, “How about this, Mother will handle this matter for you.”

“For now, just listen to your father and don’t meet with Lin Yunliang, understand?”

Tao Wenyu knew his mother doted on him, but he also listened to his father, so he nodded obediently.

This made the Village Chief’s wife overjoyed, and she affectionately hugged her younger son.

“My Yuer is beautiful. You will surely marry into a wealthy family in town and become a rich wife.”

Tao Wenyu knew what his mother was thinking. Although it didn’t align with his own wishes, Tao Wenyu was smart enough not to argue.

He knew what he wanted. He didn’t want to be a rich wife; he wanted to be a scholar’s husband. Moreover, the academy teacher said that Cousin Zhiyuan had extraordinary talent and might even become the top scholar in the future.

All of this made Tao Wenyu even more reluctant to give up on his cousin.

The villagers also knew these things, but they were short-sighted, only seeing their immediate surroundings and not understanding Cousin Zhiyuan’s capabilities. Naturally, the most accomplished people they had met were scholars and yuanwai. He was different.

The more he thought about it, the more Tao Wenyu was reluctant to give up on Lin Yunliang. Especially thinking about how he had reaped a rich harvest today, he felt a strong covetousness. If all these things were sent over, he could keep some for the family, give some to Cousin Zhiyuan, and still have some left. Then he could have Cousin Zhiyuan find someone to sell the wild game in town for more money.

Damn Lin Yunliang, for pretending not to see him today! No, he absolutely could not let this guy off!

Meanwhile, at the home of Zhang Qing’an, on the other side of the village, since they were all villagers, they naturally heard everything. Zhang Qing’an’s expression froze.

The needlework he was holding accidentally dropped. He was somewhat surprised and couldn’t help but recall the strange words Lin Yunliang had said to him at the time.

Back then, he felt that Lin Yunliang was not like an ordinary person, and those words were certainly not something the scoundrel Lin Yunliang would say.

He had also met Tao Wenyu and remembered that most villagers liked Tao Wenyu, thinking he looked like a Shuang’er.

Although he didn’t understand what that meant, he disliked the person in private interactions.

He hadn’t expected that this “Lin Yunliang” would be the same, and even more blunt. It was… quite pleasing.

Zhang Qing’an realized the emotion in his heart and was a little surprised. He habitually picked up the needlework by his side to organize it.

Zhang’s mother was also a little surprised. Of course, she didn’t think that Lin Yunliang had suddenly changed his ways after meeting her son and abandoned Tao Wenyu, whom he had always liked but had never treated well.

However, that scoundrel had indeed taken An’er’s bracelet…

The women chatting were nearby. The woman noticed the subtle awkwardness in the expressions of Zhang’s mother and son and wanted to say something more, but someone from her family called her over.

The woman had to leave first.

After the woman left, Zhang’s mother finally spoke, “An’an… what about that scoundrel Lin?”

“Mother, don’t worry,” Zhang Qing’an might not have confidence in scoundrels, but he did trust this Lin Yunliang.

The trust felt strange, and he hadn’t expected it, but when the other party voluntarily returned his treasured possession, a voice in Zhang Qing’an’s heart told him that this person could be trusted.

Zhang’s mother’s thoughts and insights were far less than her son’s and husband’s. Later, Zhang’s father spoke to Zhang Qing’an to understand the matter and learned about the situation from Zhang Qing’an.

What Zhang Qing’an didn’t say was that Lin Yunliang was no longer the same Lin Yunliang. Although he didn’t know why, Zhang Qing’an felt it wasn’t a bad thing.

Zhang’s father only thought that Lin Yunliang had come to his senses and changed his disposition. He hesitated for a moment before subtly reminding Zhang Qing’an that he was already engaged.

Zhang Qing’an understood and did not seek out Lin Yunliang again after that.

Hearing her son say this, she knew they had plans and her expression finally softened considerably.

Meanwhile, what about Lin Yunliang, who had gone to town?

He purposefully went to the largest restaurant in town, the Jade Pavilion. He hadn’t come without any prior research. Hunting relied on youthful vigor. Many hunters in the nearby mountains had either gotten old and retired, or had earned enough money and didn’t want to continue this life-threatening profession.

After all, no matter how much money you earned, if you lost your life, where would you spend it?

Lin Yunliang arrived at a good time. A local yuanwai was hosting wealthy merchants from out of town. They had eaten most of the local dishes and craved wild game. But when they wanted to eat, it wasn’t just one or two rabbits they needed.

Moreover, the number of hunters in town had decreased recently, causing the butler a headache. Just as Lin Yunliang arrived, he solved his urgent problem.

This yuanwai and his butler were from the Xu residence that Lin Yunliang had visited before.

Lin Yunliang didn’t recognize Butler Xu, but Butler Xu recognized Lin Yunliang first. At that time, the situation was urgent, and they had hired skilled workers who often did odd jobs. Among them was an unskilled one, and he was very obvious.

Lin Yunliang was that person. Furthermore, afterward, Lin Yunliang didn’t come to collect his wages. Instead, the person who brought him claimed to collect it for him. At the time, he thought this person was probably an idiot. Now, seeing that he looked energetic and was good at hunting, he couldn’t help but wonder.

He couldn’t help but murmur a few words. Was this guy a hunter? He didn’t think so. That day, he had gotten tired in no time. Moreover, he didn’t seem stupid. How could he have been fooled so easily?

Lin Yunliang didn’t know what the other person was thinking, but he felt the gaze was strange and subconsciously looked back. Only then did he recall who this person was. It was the butler from the yuanwai’s residence.

Lin Yunliang didn’t care about this. He had other plans. “I can help deliver these small items to the residence.”

Butler Xu saw that the person was sensible and nodded, then rewarded him with a few copper coins.

Lin Yunliang was always adaptable. He didn’t have the notion of a man not bending his knees for wealth, nor the idea of not bowing for five pecks of rice. He respectfully accepted the reward.

Unbeknownst to him, this behavior only made Butler Xu more satisfied. He had someone follow Lin Yunliang to the back door of the Xu residence.

The Xu residence was located on East Willow Lane, an area inhabited by wealthy people, with many mansions and wealthy merchants. Lin Yunliang only glanced a few times before quickly averting his gaze.

The people instructed by Butler Xu carried the wild rabbits and pheasants inside. Only then were they paid. In total, Lin Yunliang received fifteen taels, plus an additional tael as a reward.

Lin Yunliang brought five rabbits, five pheasants, and some wild goods from the mountains, such as mushrooms and wood ear fungus. Although it seemed like a lot, he had only hunted five pheasants and wild rabbits himself that day. The rest were from the Siamese cat’s space that he had stored previously. Moreover, he had accidentally discovered some wild goods in the Siamese cat’s space.

In addition, he had discovered many good things. He was already planning his next steps.

He wanted to stay away from the protagonists, so coming to town was better. However, Lin Yunliang didn’t know why he wasn’t satisfied with this plan. Since he couldn’t come up with a satisfactory plan, he decided to solve other problems first.

What problems? Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Butler Xu, having seen some of the world, saw that Lin Yunliang accepted the job and his expression and demeanor were not servile like ordinary people. This made him even more satisfied. “If you have any more good wild goods in the future, you can bring them here first. The Xu residence will offer a price that is definitely not low.”

This was an unexpected surprise, but Lin Yunliang had no intention of becoming a hunter. He just needed a suitable reason to legitimately come to town. Although he thought about it, he still maintained a humble demeanor.

“Thank you, Butler Xu!” While saying this, he slipped some silver into the butler’s hand, not much, but it was an additional reward. “Though it’s not much, please accept it. Have a cup of tea to relax when you have time.”

Lin Yunliang knew that Butler Xu probably wouldn’t care about this small amount, but he would be satisfied with his thoughtfulness. He had also heard that the Xu family’s request was last minute, and if Butler Xu handled this task well, the master would give him an even larger reward. His gesture was like adding icing to the cake.

Butler Xu did indeed accept it. This young man had some insight.

Only then did Lin Yunliang leave East Willow Lane.

His next destination was the clinic in town. Lin Yunliang was not in a hurry; he didn’t even rush back to Tao Village. He first went to the town entrance and paid off his debts in copper coins.

He also inquired with Tao Agou about the clinics in town. At the very least, he needed to understand the reputation of the clinics. He couldn’t be too hasty.

After finding out that the Clear Water Clinic had the best reputation among the clinics, Lin Yunliang turned and headed for the clinic.

The Clear Water Clinic was not located in a busy area, nor was it deserted. However, perhaps because of word-of-mouth among the common people, many people were coming and going at the entrance.

“Are you here to see a doctor or to get medicine?” A young attendant at the clinic saw Lin Yunliang enter and look around, so he walked over and asked.

“Young man, I’m here to sell medicinal herbs.”

An hour later, Lin Yunliang left the clinic. Although his face showed no outward signs, he clearly exuded a bit of a smile.

“Ah!! My hard-earned money! You have to compensate me!” Siamese cat wanted to roll on the ground.

How could he have forgotten? Contractors could share spaces. And Siamese cat had hidden a lot of good things in the space. Now, all of it was gone!!

He didn’t need to guess who did it.

Lin Yunliang was quite happy. He felt no remorse for taking Siamese cat’s inventory. “Oh, this is all for my mission.”

“Since you want me to fulfill wishes, you can’t give me nothing, right? Do you really expect me to start from scratch?”

“Besides, you never gave me the beginner’s gift package, so how can you blame me for taking things from your space!”

Lin Yunliang’s argument was righteous. Moreover, he mentioned the beginner’s gift package, which made Siamese cat feel guilty. This silenced it.

Still, he felt a bit heartbroken. But how did Lin Yunliang know about the beginner’s gift package! The boss had told him to keep an eye on him!

Lin Yunliang glanced sideways at Siamese cat, his face showing a smug expression. Lin Yunliang knew because of the matter concerning the space.

In the space, there was actually a guide manual. When Lin Yunliang first saw it, he found it quite speechless. After reading it, he understood.

This cat looked silly and cute, but he was indeed hiding something from him. Therefore, Lin Yunliang felt no guilt about taking the ginseng and various wild goods from Siamese cat’s small space.

However, he hadn’t expected that the ginseng in Siamese cat’s small space was centuries old. Fortunately, he hadn’t taken it all out.

In this place where medicine was not very developed, a hundred-year-old ginseng was worth a lot. Thinking of Tao Zhiyuan’s status as a scholar,

Lin Yunliang had some ideas, but he needed to consider them carefully. He didn’t want to fail and bring trouble upon himself.

That would not be worth the loss.

He then turned and entered the Jade Pavilion he had visited initially.

The waiter at the Jade Pavilion had seen Lin Yunliang before and naturally remembered him. He also thought that Lin Yunliang had gotten lucky by catching the Xu family’s urgent need for wild goods, so he must have earned a lot. His expression became even more radiant.

“Young Master Lin? Why are you here? Are you here to dine?” The waiter eagerly approached, demonstrating his skill of saying whatever people wanted to hear.

Lin Yunliang smiled and simply said, “Excuse me, young man, is the manager in the shop?”

The waiter had seen all sorts of people and felt that the person before him was unusual. Hearing him ask for the manager, he asked, “May I know what business you have with our manager?”

“Are you here for business?”

Lin Yunliang smiled mysteriously and gave the waiter a few copper coins. It wasn’t much, but it was an income. “Please trouble the young man to invite him for me.”

“Please wait a moment.” The smile on his face instantly became genuine, and he replied immediately, taking the copper coins.

The Jade Pavilion had been in business in town for many years, so it naturally had some capabilities. They were somewhat surprised to learn that someone wanted to do business with them.

Driven by curiosity, the manager went to meet this person who wanted to do business with him.

However… this person was wearing tattered old clothes. Although his eyes were bright and his expression was neither servile nor overbearing, could such a person really do business with him?

Lin Yunliang naturally saw the doubt on the manager’s face. He didn’t think this person was looking down on him. After all, his current appearance was indeed somewhat unfashionable.

But who could blame him, since he hadn’t had much money before.

“You are the manager of the Jade Pavilion, aren’t you? Truly extraordinary. This junior is Lin Yunliang. If you don’t mind, then this junior will boldly call you elder brother.”

The manager thought to himself, “This young man is quite bold.” “Young Master Lin is too polite. My surname is Wang. You can just call me Manager Wang.”

“I heard that young master wants to do business with me, but young master, forgive my bluntness, but with your appearance, I really can’t imagine what kind of business you intend to do with me.”

“Whatever business Brother Wang does, that’s the business this younger brother will do.”

Manager Wang ran a restaurant and naturally did food business, but this fellow’s appearance was really somewhat…

“May I borrow the kitchen?” Lin Yunliang said.

No matter how much he said, no matter how eloquently he spoke, it was better to demonstrate it himself. Lin Yunliang had also thought about this for a long time before deciding to do it.

In Z country, there was no shortage of culinary skills for the past hundred years. For a period, Lin Yunliang wanted to become a chef, resigned without regard, and went to study under a renowned master who was skilled in both imperial cuisine and home-style cooking.

He was talented and learned well, but he never met the master’s standards.

The master always said his cooking was showy but unsubstantial, lacking emotion. No matter how well he cooked, it was never up to par in his eyes.

Lin Yunliang didn’t understand what this meant. Years later, the master was still not very satisfied, and Lin Yunliang was dragged back by his family.

Thus, the culinary career of Chef Lin was interrupted, and he became an unfortunate laborer.

However, Lin Yunliang never expected that after so many years, he would suddenly become someone else, several years younger, and have to pick up the ladle again.

Of course, so much time had passed, and Lin Yunliang could no longer find his original state of mind, nor did he intend to become a chef again.

He cooked a few dishes, but they were all exquisite in color, aroma, and taste. They included sweet-and-sour squirrel fish and spicy boiled meat slices.

All were excellent dishes, emitting a strong aroma, instantly captivating people.

As expected, people outside couldn’t help but swallow their saliva. Some customers who happened to arrive smelled the aroma and desperately wanted to eat them.

It was only after Manager Wang reasoned with them at great length that they were persuaded to go back.

When they returned to the back, Lin Yunliang had already asked the attendants to serve the dishes. The people were almost drooling, but the manager was not present, so none of them dared to pick up their chopsticks first. They could only wait for the manager to come.

As for Lin Yunliang, he stood aside with full confidence.

Lin Yunliang politely declined Manager Wang’s invitation and, under the cover of night, headed towards Tao Village.

Siamese cat, who was following him, was playing with a silver ingot. Although many things in the space were gone, this contractor was formidable. Seeing that Lin Yunliang had secretly shared some fragrant fish with him, Siamese cat decided not to fuss with Lin Yunliang anymore.

“Host, what do you plan to do next?” Siamese cat asked curiously.

He had thought Lin Yunliang would agree and settle down in town. In this way, the mission would be half-completed. As long as he didn’t offend them before Tao Zhiyuan became the top scholar, the mission would be accomplished.

“I don’t know. I’ll go back to Tao Village first.” Lin Yunliang had always had a very keen intuition since he was young. He felt he had to go back today. Although he felt it was strange, Lin Yunliang acted according to his feelings.

As a result, he was indeed right to come back.

Lin Yunliang walked on the mountain path. The mountain path was not easy to navigate, and it was getting dark, obstructing his vision. For safety, Lin Yunliang walked very slowly. Who knew he would run into this situation?