Chapter 2: Eating for Free

Tang Yi stood up in a hurry, quickly putting on his clothes and going outside to take a look. At that moment, the stairs creaked, and Tang Xiucai was coming up with two buckets of clear water, swaying unsteadily. Upon seeing that Tang Yi was awake, he immediately broke into a broad smile

In addition to selling noodles, the noodle shop also offers steamed buns and congee in the morning, and the aroma of the buns can be detected from just a few steps away. The three-ding buns, about the size of a fist, are delicious and juicy, priced at one cent each, and are renowned far and wide. Many families specifically purchase buns from the Zhu family.

Scholar Tang stared blankly at his son, who was brimming with confidence. How had that little fellow, who used to be as dull as a gourd, suddenly grown up and even possessed more spirit than his own father!

When your mother was dying, she told me to buy a simple coffin and just bury her. Who told your father to be so stubborn and foolish, accumulating debts while trying to show off, insisting on making a grand affair out of it. He borrowed money with high interest, and in less than a year, one hundred taels turned into three hundred taels. Fortunately, there is still a piece of ancestral grave; otherwise, they would have had to break your father's hands and feet and throw him into the Yangtze River.

A pair of small hands clasped over a large hand, and Tang Yi's eyes reddened slightly as he said emotionally: "You are not foolish, but deeply in love with my mother. Even in the heavens, she would be comforted. If it were truly done poorly, it would make her son look down on you!"

"Nonsense, even the graveyard has been sold, Tang Shen is the sinner of the family!" Tang Xiucai said through gritted teeth, but after glancing at the vegetable knife that was almost like a saw, he ultimately lost his courage

After a moment of astonishment, Scholar Tang extended his large hand to pat his son's shoulder, feeling increasingly ashamed in his heart

Exiting the small courtyard and taking a few steps forward, one arrives at Manager Zhu's noodle shop. In fact, the two establishments share the same courtyard; it is just that the back section has been constructed into a bamboo building, with the Zhu family's residence in the middle, and the front facing the street serves perfectly as a storefront

Tang Xiucai's eyes lit up, and then he苦笑 and shook his head at the book.

Scholar Tang was momentarily taken aback, his nose tinged with a sour sensation. He raised his head to gaze at his son's understanding little face, tears once again blurring his vision. His large hand grasped Tang Yi's arm, shaking it incessantly.

Oh oh oh

Scholar Tang stared blankly at his son, incredulously asking: "Did you say that father did the right thing?"

The resounding crow of the rooster awakened the slumbering town. Tang Yi rubbed his eyes and climbed out of his small bed. He looked around, only to suddenly find that his father was nowhere to be seen

However, Tang Yi and his grandfather have never eaten it. Firstly, Tang Xiucai is a homebody; in the past, when he was diligently studying, he could still get up early, but now he has become increasingly lazy, only rising when the sun is high in the sky. As for Tang Yi, the little fellow is as honest as a girl, never spending a single penny.

Tang Xiucai said apologetically: "Yi'er, your father was wrong in the past, but I realized yesterday that after taking the imperial examination for over ten years, I lost our family fortune, and your mother has also passed away. Now nearing thirty, I have nothing to my name. It is evident that the imperial examination is a detrimental endeavor, and I will never engage in it again."

"Yier, why are you following me?"

The short and stout guest glanced at the mountain of buns and suddenly let out a cold laugh: "If it's bad, it's bad; the extra money is a gift to you." As he spoke, he fished out three coins from his pocket and deliberately waved them in front of Manager Zhu, as if he were truly bestowing a great favor. Those who take advantage do so with a sense of entitlement, and Tang Yi couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

Of course! Tang Yi nodded without hesitation

Tang Yidun's eyes suddenly lit up. He pulled his father and sat down at the table under the awning. Scholar Tang, feeling a bit embarrassed, reproached him, saying, "Yier, are you not afraid of losing face?"

However, his stomach was emptier than his pockets. Tang Xiucai's face turned red, while Tang Yi, after much effort, managed to pull out a smooth and new coin from the bottom of his pocket.

In the face of his father's curses, Tang Yi instead wore a smile, got up from the bed, and helped the furious Tang Xiucai to sit in a chair

A short and stout fellow walked past the sign, and the words on the sign unexpectedly changed; a vertical line was added in the middle of the second "one," making it read: ten buns for one cent

Tang Yi was holding a coin to buy steamed buns when suddenly a miraculous scene unfolded

Thank you, Uncle Zhu, please go about your business

Yesterday, there was a clamor about suicide, and now there is a desire for a complete transformation. One moment it is like a cat, the next like a dog; if one can truly find work, it would be a miracle.

The bones are being simmered to make soup

You should think carefully, our kitchen knife is full of nicks. There is a saying that goes, to relieve the hatred in one's heart, a dull knife is used to slay the enemy. Are you really that self-centered?

The kitchen knife fell to the ground with a clatter

"You little rascal, isn't that a term used to describe women?" Tang Xiucai laughed and scolded, "Father has gone out to look for work."

This is truly exceptional

"What are you losing face for, Uncle Zhu? Bring me ten buns!"

For the important client, Manager Zhu hurried over and, after a rough calculation, found that there were only 26 left in the steamer. He wrapped them in oiled paper and presented them to the guest

The sun has risen in the west, and the usually aloof scholar Tang has unexpectedly considered seeking employment. Is there something wrong with his ears, or has he misheard something?

Hmph, I need other tricks!" Tang Xiucai took a few steps to the window, gripping the window frame with both hands, ready to jump down. The annoying voice sounded again from behind.

Being teased by his son, Scholar Tang lost his focus on death. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he glared fiercely at Tang Yi, shouting loudly: "You little brat, your father is about to die, and you don't even know to stop it. Is there such an unfilial son in the world like you?"

Faced with his father's poor acting skills, Tang Yi did not expose him, quietly finishing the meat in front of him. Nothing was more important than quickly regaining his health, allowing himself, and his father to climb out of the abyss.

What else can be done? I just don't trust you!

Father, have you not noticed that there is no water in the water tank

Tang Yi could clearly sense every subtle emotion of his father; this man actually has a charming side as well

Father, in fact, if one wants to succeed, the imperial examination is still...

This is the second floor, guaranteed not to die from a fall, but there might be injuries, and then our family will have two patients!

Upon seeing the two members of the Tang family, Manager Zhu hurriedly brought over ten buns and smiled, "Master Tang, is the young master feeling better now?"

"One is just one, at most we can split it in half for each person," Tang Yi said with a smile

Well, what a well-mannered child

You are absolutely right; a son is indeed the most unfilial in the world. So, why should you make things difficult for yourself when your son has not even thought of dying?

You wouldn't be thinking of ending it all again, would you? Have you gone off somewhere to commit suicide?

"Yier, I am not hungry, you eat." As he said he was not hungry, his stomach began to rumble, and Tang Xiucai wished he could burrow into the ground.

While Tang Yi was still in a daze, his father had already taken action, tearing off all the pieces of meat from the bones and placing them directly into Tang Yi's bowl. He held the bones in his hands, gnawing on the remaining tendons and flesh, vigorously sucking the marrow from the bones, making audible sounds.

Good child, your father has come to a realization. Come, there is mutton soup here. You must be hungry after a whole day. Eat more!

He spoke while taking a plate of pickled vegetables and placing it in front of the two of them

The Tang family belongs to the two of us. The child does not think there is anything remarkable about it. Isn't it just a piece of land? It was also purchased by grandfather back in the day. We can just buy it back.

He said with a smile: "The doctor said that walking more is beneficial for recovery, and besides, the sunshine today is so nice. This is a brand new beginning for the two of us."

Father

"Father is not refusing to share with you; given your current weak spleen and stomach, it is better for you to eat more meat," said Tang Xiucai, speaking with a sense of pride as if he had gained a significant advantage.

"I will eat the skin, you can have the filling," murmured Tang Xiucai softly, his face burning intensely. He secretly vowed that no matter what, he would earn money so that his son could eat buns to his heart's content

Still not quite accustomed to my father's sudden change in demeanor, it seems he probably will not be seeking death or despair any longer

The two of them left the bamboo house one after the other. Don't they need to keep watch? Nonsense, being that poor, if any thief were to come, it would be considered a stroke of bad luck for them!

Tang Xiucai stared blankly at the ceiling, tears streaming down one after another. His fists were clenched tightly, with veins bulging on his forehead. His face was filled with a myriad of emotions: sorrow, anger, self-blame, shame, and helplessness.

It has been said not to call her "girl," yet the reminder has gone unheeded. Never mind, given the current situation, it is futile to mention it.

"Is it gone? I said it doesn't hurt at all!" Tang Xiucai awkwardly raised his head and foolishly asked, "Where is the water?"

"Yi'er, your father is not bad-looking, right?" Tang Xiucai said jokingly.

Today, as soon as they caught a whiff of the aroma, both of them couldn't help but swallow. Last night, they only had a bit of soup, filling their stomachs with water, and by the time they had a morning urination, their bellies were empty.

Upon hearing this, Scholar Tang looked up at the rising sun, feeling as if a window had been opened in his heart, bringing in much brightness.

At that moment, someone suddenly shouted from another table: "Boss, bring thirty buns"

There is no need to say more, I have made up my mind to earn money to raise my son, to bring you up to adulthood, so that I can be worthy of your mother. Scholar Tang picked up a water bucket, poured half a basin of clean water, washed his face, and then found a piece of clothing without patches to wear, looking at himself in the basin.

My spouse may not have many skills, but she can chop pickles finely. When combined with sesame oil, vinegar, and finely sliced ginger, it becomes a refreshing dish that pairs well with rice, and it costs nothing. If it's not enough, we can always add more

So, now that I have nothing, what should I do

Scholar Tang slowly lowered one leg that he had already raised, thinking to himself that he did not believe he could not survive. Suddenly, he turned around and rushed to the side of the rice jar, where there happened to be a kitchen knife. He decided to simply cut his throat!

There is a door, keep looking, up and down, I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find a second one. Tang Yi's face immediately fell; it wouldn't do for two people to share one bun, would it

Before Tang Yi could finish speaking, Tang Xiucai forcefully waved his hand, interrupting him

Tang Yi sat by the bedside, while his father’s head was still submerged in the water tank, eyes tightly closed, holding his breath, waiting to suffocate and die. This unfilial son actually did not even attempt to save him.

Bought back

After speaking, he turned and descended from the bamboo building. Having taken only a few steps, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around abruptly and saw his son following closely behind.

"Ya, no, it's Yi'er. Hehe, you stay home obediently today, Dad is preparing to go out to find some work"

I sincerely apologize, we are still short by four. Would you like to wait for the next batch?

That is natural, a beauty born of nature

"You little rascal, are you trying to set a trap for your father?" Tang Xiucai sighed, "Child, you are a good kid; it is your father who is unfilial. I am sorry to your deceased grandfather, and I am sorry to the Tang family!"

Alright, you can follow along. If you get tired, make sure to return home early

What else can be done? We have to find a way!" Tang Yi said with a smile, "Rest assured, my son is almost fine. I will find a way to make money, not just the cemetery, but even our old house, we will get it all back!"