Chapter 238: The Hundred Duck Feast
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Rong Zhen Zhen took a sudden step back, her eyes wide with apprehension as she gazed at her elder brother. Known for his relentless nature, he had always been a source of terror for her. Quickly, she dabbed at her tears, worried that any delay might provoke him to violence.
“I’m only concerned about Che’er. Che’er…” she started to explain.
“Che’er made his choice!” her brother cut her off sharply. “He has remained untouched until the age of thirty-five just for her. What more do you expect? If he doesn’t marry Shi Yun, our family name might die out!”
“But you know Che’er. He won’t settle for just anyone!”
“Don’t try to manipulate me with talk of sibling love!”
“I’m ready to disown you if that’s what it takes!”
“Do you really think I would hesitate to hang myself at your husband’s house?” The chilling words of the old Protectorate Duke sent a shiver through Rong Zhen Zhen.
“You have children, your eldest son married young, and you enjoy a blissful family life. What about me? I’m nearly at death’s door, and I’ve yet to welcome a daughter-in-law into our home!” The old Protectorate Duke’s frustration was palpable, his voice strained with irritation.
Rong Zhen Zhen recoiled, a pang of guilt washing over her.
“But surely, we can’t allow Che’er to marry into her family, right? He’s the sole heir to the Rong family!” she protested.
The old Protectorate Duke glanced at her sharply. “Even if he’s the only son, my wife and I would support him…”
“We just fear that Shi Yun might look down on us… No family usually includes their parents in the marriage,” he added with a tone of regret.
Rong Zhen Zhen found herself at a loss for words.
“Mother, why are you here arguing with Uncle again?” A young woman in a bold red dress approached them. Despite her delicate features, there was a touch of heroic spirit about her. She moved with a confidence that belied the traditional attire she wore.
“It’s all for you! Che’er is planning to propose to the Xu family. They have three sons and one daughter. How are you any less deserving?” Rong Zhen Zhen’s voice broke as she began crying once more.
“Mother, it’s not Shi Yun’s fault that her life has been difficult. Despite her hardships, Cousin still loves her, which shows she must be exceptional!”
“I don’t care for Cousin. I’ve never considered marrying him,” the young woman declared, frustration evident in her tone.
“In this world, life is tough enough for women. Don’t make it tougher for another!”
“Don’t interfere with their marriage. If you sabotage Cousin’s proposal, I won’t stand by you.”
“Uncle, don’t listen to Mother’s exaggerations. I have no interest in Cousin…” Shu Yao said, her voice powerful.
“Even though I haven’t met Sister Yun, her children are notably intelligent. If Cousin marries Sister Yun, it would be a boon for our family. It could even enhance our lineage… The children would likely be brilliant…”
Madam Rong glared at her daughter, visibly irritated. However, she could sigh upon realizing her daughter’s disinterest.
“Forget it then. I can’t control you. Seventeen years old and not yet betrothed. We’ll see who you end up marrying.”
Shu Yao remained unfazed. After dining with her uncle, she mounted her horse and rode off, eventually arriving at Ronche’s residence.
“Cousin, Cousin, I heard you’re going to propose? How can you abandon your cousin like this?” Shu Yao confronted Rong Che, a look of anguish on her face.
“Once you get married, they’ll pressure me to marry as well!”
“You’re seventeen this year; it’s time you thought about engagement,” Rong Che responded, his tone dismissive.
“Engaged? To whom? I refuse to be one of many wives and concubines!”
“Why should I settle for one tree when there’s an entire forest out there?”
“The boys at Suyun Pavilion are so handsome!” Shu Yao clutched her cheeks, her face flushing with excitement, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Rong Che wanted to slam his door shut in frustration.
“Don’t even mention Suyun Pavilion around here! Those men are nothing but…”
He struggled for the right words, his face darkening. “Ducks (Gigolos)… That’s what they are!”
Shu Yao waved her hand dismissively. “I’m just looking. What’s wrong with appreciating beauty?”
“The granddaughter of the Minister of Justice, frequenting Suyun Pavilion? What kind of example are you setting? You’ll drive Aunt to an early grave!” Rong Che’s anger gave him a headache.
“Also, don’t bring up Suyun Pavilion in front of Shi Yun. If you influence her, I’ll never forgive you! I swear, one day I’ll demolish that Suyun Pavilion!”
Shu Yao pouted. “Alright, I won’t talk about it. But Suyun Pavilion isn’t something you can just tear down!”
Despite numerous inspections, Suyun Pavilion had remained intact, backed by powerful patrons.
“Stay away from me! I’m about to be married, and you need to keep your distance!” Rong Che pointed sternly at her, urging her to step back.
“This ‘cousin’ relationship is inappropriate. Maintain your distance! I can’t let Shi Yun misunderstand.”
Shu Yao was taken aback. [We’re three meters apart, Cousin!]
“Should I leave?” Shu Yao pointed towards the door.
Rong Che gave her a dismissive glance and made no move to stop her.
As Shu Yao walked away, she muttered under her breath, “Good for you, Rong Che, sticking to your principles even before the wedding.”
“I’m not even interested in you. The ducks at Suyun Pavilion are far more handsome!”
She continued grumbling as she left.
Suddenly, she halted and turned around, only to find Lu Chao Chao holding a dog and staring at her with wide, bright eyes.
“Sister, where are the ducks? Chao Chao wants to see them too!”
Shu Yao was momentarily stunned.
“Princess Sunshine…” she quickly bowed.
Though her face remained composed, her heart was in turmoil.
[Oh no, I’m in trouble! Talking like this in front of Princess Sunshine, the king might have me silenced!]
The two maids behind Lu Chao Chao glared coldly at her.
Yuhua subtly moved away, possibly signaling to the secret guards.
“Sister, can you take me to that restaurant too? Is it the Suyun Pavilion?” Lu Chao Chao inquired, her curiosity piqued just after finishing her studies and catching Shu Yao’s murmured words as she departed the Rong household.
Shu Yao was confused. [Suyun Pavilion? A restaurant?]
“Hurry up, Sister… Chao Chao is hungry.” Lu Chao Chao patted her belly. “Which family do you belong to, Sister?”
Shu Yao felt a lump in her throat, tears welling up. “I’m Rong Che’s cousin, named Shu Yao. Princess Sunshine, you…”
“Sister Shu Yao, thank you… I love eight-treasure duck the most.” Lu Chao Chao smiled even more sweetly, recognizing a familiar face.
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Half an hour later.
Shu Yao sat in Suyun Pavilion, gazing blankly at a table laden with various duck dishes.
“Eight-treasure gourd duck, fish-flavored duck, sesame crispy duck, Suzhou marinated duck, Jinling roast duck, and delicious old duck soup…”
“Sister Shu Yao, you’re amazing!!”
“This Hundred Duck Feast is so delicious. You must try it… Why is that boy crying?” Lu Chao Chao pointed at a handsome boy greeting guests at the entrance.
Shu Yao dabbed at her own tears. “Maybe he’s celebrating the restaurant’s grand opening.”
[Oh, in just half an hour, the entire Suyun Pavilion had been transformed.]
[Boo hoo hoo hoo…]
[What happened to the powerful backing?]
[Her beloved Suyun Pavilion had become a mere restaurant, all thanks to Lu Chao Chao!]
[Her joy had vanished!]