Early morning.

Jinxiu Village slowly awakens in the morning light.

The wooden door of a dilapidated thatched cottage creaks open, and a child runs out, heading straight to the water jar by the wall. With practiced ease, the child grips the rim of the jar, stands on tiptoe, and peers inside, seemingly searching for something.

Found it!

Stretching out a small arm into the jar, after much effort, the child finally fishes out a chipped ladle. Clutching it eagerly to the chest, the action also scoops up a string of clear water droplets.

Ice-cold.

Involuntarily shivering, the child blinks bright eyes and then looks down into the ladle, earnestly saying, “It's okay, there’s still water. I... I just have to be slower, just a bit slower.”

One step.

Another step.

And another... moving like a little snail, the child slowly returns to the dim thatched cottage, approaches a low bed, and gently calls out to the slender youth lying there, “Little uncle, drink some water, little uncle, little uncle...”

Little uncle?

What little uncle?

Seems to be the voice of a child.

Annoying!

So noisy!

Xiao Yu, having worked overtime for half a month, had just lain down to get some well-deserved sleep, only to be awakened by these calls. Irritated, he turned over in bed, sensing something was amiss.

Slowly opening his eyes, he saw a strange and dirty little face.

Who is this?

He sat up abruptly.

"Uncle, you're awake!" the child said, beaming.

Xiao Yu exclaimed in astonishment, "Who are you?"

The child looked puzzled but answered, "Uncle, I'm Minghe."

Minghe?

Who is Minghe?

Before Xiao Yu could ponder further, a torrent of memories flooded his brain, overwhelming him... After processing them for a while, he realized he had died of overwork and then transmigrated into a fictional online novel called "Emperor's Dream" he had read half a month ago, becoming a minor character with the same name.

This character, an orphan living with his sister, hoped to pass the imperial examination one day to provide a better life for his sister's family. He worked the fields and studied, waiting for that day.

But tragically, just three years after his sister's marriage, before he had the chance to take the exams, his brother-in-law died in battle, and his sister fell ill with grief.

Despite selling all his assets, he couldn't save his sister's life. When he himself fell ill, there was not a single coin left in the house.

Left with no choice, he worked in a tavern despite his illness, only to encounter a rogue manager. He didn't earn any money and his condition worsened due to the stress and mistreatment.

Eventually, due to a severe fever, he died in his dilapidated thatched hut, leaving behind his three-year-old nephew, Minghe.

However, the story of "Emperor's Dream" truly begins from this point. The young Minghe, after witnessing the cold, stiffening corpse of his uncle, suffered a tremendous psychological shock, developing a deep-seated resentment towards the world.

As Minghe grew up alone, he faced even more disdain, suffering, and abuse, which fueled the hatred in his heart. He became increasingly ruthless, ascending to the position of Prime Minister while also becoming the greatest antagonist in "Emperor's Dream."

He relentlessly persecuted the rising male protagonist and his group, becoming a formidable force in the court, feared by all.

Had it not been for his madness leading to his death, the protagonist's group would have stood no chance against him.

Many readers regretted his demise, writing lengthy reviews about this controversial character. Most believed he was not inherently evil and could have been guided onto the right path by a kind person. His talents could have been used to protect and unify the country, potentially making it the strongest in the world.

Such a pity.

Truly a pity.

The death of Minghe's uncle was the root of all the tragedies in "Emperor's Dream," a consensus among the readers. Now, although Minghe's uncle was indeed dead, Xiao Yu's soul had entered his body, making "Uncle" very much alive again.

The silver lining was that at this point, Minghe hadn't yet developed any hatred for the world. He hadn't experienced rejection, suffering, or abuse, nor had he harmed any innocents. All the tragedies narrated in the book had not yet occurred.

Yes.

They had not happened.

Xiao Yu, unsure of what he could do in this frail body, felt dizzy and sweaty after just a short while of sitting up and thinking. Carelessly, he fell back onto the bed with a thud.

"Uncle!" Minghe quickly put down his water dipper.

Xiao Yu lay back, breathing rapidly to alleviate his discomfort.

"Uncle, Uncle, are you feverish again?" Minghe's small hand already touched Xiao Yu's forehead.

Sensing the child's panic, Xiao Yu said weakly, "I'm not feverish, I'm okay, really. Just a bit dizzy, I'll feel better after resting a bit."

Indeed.

Uncle's forehead wasn't hot anymore.

Minghe withdrew his hand and picked up the water dipper again, "Then you should drink some water, just drink a little." Whether it was fever or recovery, Uncle always gave his mother water, saying it would make her feel better. So the first thing he did upon waking up was to fetch water for Uncle.

Xiao Yu's stomach was empty, and he didn't feel like drinking water at all.

Minghe put down the water dipper again, asking, "Uncle, are you hungry?"

Indeed.

Xiao Yu felt hungry.

Minghe hurriedly said, "I have a steamed bun! I have a big steamed bun!"

The Xiao family's meager possessions, the Ming family's land, and valuables were all sold for his sister's medical expenses. The original host had not received his wages either. Apart from this dilapidated small courtyard, the original host and Minghe were truly at the end of their resources. Xiao Yu didn't know where Minghe had gotten the steamed bun.

"I traded for it!" Minghe quickly added.

"Traded?" Xiao Yu was puzzled.

"A couple of days ago, it rained heavily. The mountain was very slippery, and Granny Hao was afraid of falling and didn't dare to go up. Yesterday, I went up the mountain for her and collected a basket of firewood. Then Granny Hao gave me a big steamed bun, a really big one, Uncle, look." Minghe pulled out a round white steamed bun from his embrace.

At the age of three.

This child is only three years old!

And he's already gathering firewood to exchange for steamed buns!

"A poor child becomes the breadwinner early," Xiao Yu couldn't help but reflect inwardly.

"Uncle, eat this. If you eat, you won't feel dizzy anymore!" Minghe pushed a large steamed bun towards Xiao Yu, revealing his skinny arms from the sleeves, marked with striking red welts.

Xiao Yu quickly grabbed Minghe's small hand, "What happened to your arm?"

Minghe looked down at his arm, thought for a moment, then seemed to recall, "Um, I fell."

"How did you fall?" Xiao Yu examined the wound closely; it looked like a scrape.

Minghe explained, "The mountain was really slippery. When I was collecting firewood, I slipped, fell, and then got hurt."

Indeed, it was a scrape. Xiao Yu asked further, "Did you get hurt anywhere else?"

"Anywhere else?"

Without waiting for Minghe's reply, Xiao Yu lifted the boy's tattered clothes, intending to check for injuries, but what he saw was a painfully thin little body.

Truly skin and bones!

It was his first time seeing a child so emaciated. A child this skinny had exchanged firewood for a steamed bun, not to eat himself, but to save for his uncle.

His heart was greatly shaken by this realization. He thought of how this sensible, independent, young, and dutiful child, after enduring the death of his father, the departure of his mother, and the death of his uncle, would have to face wandering, begging, and inhuman abuse, eventually dying in madness... It was just too cruel.

Both legally and morally, he couldn't stand by and watch this three-year-old child walk toward such a fate.

A strong resolve emerged in his heart – since he had transmigrated as the antagonist's uncle and already altered the plot of "Emperor's Dream," he might as well change it completely!

Yes!

Change it completely!

Just moments ago, he was unsure of what to do, but now he had a clear goal. He was determined to survive, to take good care of, cherish, and educate Minghe, and never let him walk down that tragic path.

His gaze refocused on Minghe's little face.

Minghe glanced at his emaciated body, seemingly indifferent, and instead looked at Xiao Yu, "Uncle, I'm not injured anywhere else. Just my arm, but it's already scabbed over and doesn't hurt anymore. Uncle, please eat the bun. I'll go to the mountain later to gather more firewood and then exchange it with Granny Hao for more buns."

"You must not go!" Xiao Yu raised his voice.

Minghe's face froze in surprise.

Xiao Yu's thoughts had just emerged from the novel, and his emotions were still entangled, which made him speak with more agitation.

He quickly calmed himself and apologized, "Sorry, my voice was a bit loud. What I mean is, Granny Hao's family isn't wealthy either, and they don't have spare buns to give us anymore."

Minghe wasn't the type to hold a grudge against his uncle, especially after his apology. Concerned about their sustenance, he asked worriedly, "Then what should we do?"

Xiao Yu let go of Minghe's clothes, his voice returning to normal after calming his emotions, "Don't worry, Minghe, your uncle will figure something out."

Minghe, with his young but worried face, said, "But Uncle, you're sick and can't think of a solution."

"I have a plan right now," Xiao Yu reassured.

Despite his young age, Minghe was already very considerate, asking, "What plan?"

Xiao Yu didn't hide his intentions, "To collect debts. Once we have the money, we'll be fine."

Minghe inquired, "Where will we collect the debts?"

"At the Wangyue Tavern," the place where the original character worked. The novel "Emperor's Dream" mentioned that when Minghe grew up, he learned that Yao, the manager of Wangyue Tavern, had bullied his uncle and embezzled his wages. In retaliation, Minghe brutally killed Yao's family and executed him mercilessly.

Xiao Yu wouldn't let Minghe repeat such actions. He would personally collect the debts to prevent the tragedy from its root.

"You can't, you'll get sick!" Minghe, unaware of the specifics, remembered how his uncle would return pale-faced from the tavern. The last time, his uncle had fallen gravely ill and almost died. He didn't want his uncle to go back to the tavern.

Xiao Yu smiled, "I won't this time."

"You will," Minghe frowned again.

Xiao Yu insisted, "I won't."

Minghe, equally stubborn, said, "You will."

"Then, how about you come with me this time?" Xiao Yu offered a compromise.

"To protect you?" Minghe asked.

Xiao Yu couldn't help but smile at the child's boldness, just three years old and wanting to protect others. "Okay, you protect me."

The little one, perhaps truly believing he was capable, immediately agreed to accompany Xiao Yu to collect the debt.

Xiao Yu took the steamed bun from Minghe's hand, "First, let's eat the bun. We need to be full to have the strength to collect the debt."

"I won't eat," Minghe declared.

Surprised, Xiao Yu asked, "Why not?"

Minghe gazed at the bun, swallowed hard, then firmly said, "If I eat, there won't be enough for you, Uncle."

"There will be enough."

Minghe shook his head, "No, it's just one bun."

Xiao Yu said, "If we soak it in water, it will expand enough for both of us."

Minghe looked puzzled.

Xiao Yu sat up again, leaning against the mud wall to ease his dizziness. He took the cold, hard bun from Minghe, broke it into small pieces, and put them in the water dipper.

The soaked bread pieces quickly expanded, filling up the dipper.

"Wow!" Minghe exclaimed excitedly.

Xiao Yu asked, "It's increased, hasn't it?"

Minghe nodded, "Yeah, so much more!"

Xiao Yu then asked, "Now it's enough for both of us to eat, right?"

"Enough."

"Then let's eat together."

Minghe agreed this time and ran to the kitchen to fetch a wooden spoon.

The bread soaked in plain water, tasteless and cold, was not at all pleasant.

Yet, to the starving Minghe, it tasted delicious. He even cleaned the crumbs sticking to the sides of the dipper. Xiao Yu also found some energy in the soaked bread. As he slowly adjusted to his new body, he began to observe the thatched cottage. It wasn't large, divided into two small rooms - an outer and an inner room - by a rudely erected bamboo partition. The outer room served as the living area.

The inner room was the bedroom he was currently in, with a small window at the front. Through the gaps in the window frame, he could see the narrow fenced yard and a small vegetable patch at the entrance.

He wasn't sure what was growing there. There wasn't much else to see. Now that his strength was gradually returning, he got out of bed and, along with Minghe, washed their faces, combed their hair, and tidied up their clothes. It was then that he realized "Emperor's Dream" hadn't lied; he and Minghe looked very similar, both quite handsome.

Minghe, still in his cute childhood phase, had shiny black eyes, a straight nose, and chubby little lips. In the future, he was destined to become one of the most handsome high officials since the founding of the Great Jing.

As for himself, he was more handsome than he had imagined. With a fair, cold complexion and delicate features, especially a pair of clear, radiant phoenix eyes, he exuded a mischievous youthful charm, though quite thin.

"Uncle, you're really handsome!" Minghe looked up and said.

"Even in these tattered clothes, I look good?" Not only were Minghe's clothes ragged, but Xiao Yu's were also worn and old. He was concerned that, with autumn already here, they urgently needed to prepare seasonal clothing and bedding to avoid freezing.

"Yes, handsome! Uncle is the handsomest!" Minghe nodded affirmatively.

Xiao Yu went along, "Both Uncle and little Minghe are the handsomest."

Minghe smiled contentedly.

After getting ready, Xiao Yu said, "Let's go, we're heading to Wangyue Tavern in Qingshi Town."

Qingshi Town, located by the Zitang Great Canal in the Great Jing Kingdom, served travelers from the north and south and produced necessities for the surrounding villages.

As uncle and nephew passed through Jinxiu Village, Xiao Yu greeted the villagers warmly: "Aunt Wu, Uncle Yang, good morning."

Although Xiao Yu wasn't a native of Jinxiu Village and usually kept to himself, the villagers, seeing him greet them for the first time and noticing his appearance, were pleasantly surprised. Their initial reluctance towards an outsider dissipated, and they warmly responded.

Xiao Yu believed in fostering good relations with neighbors for a better future. After about half an hour of walking and greeting, he and Minghe finally reached the main road of Qingshi Town.

Xiao Yu was glad they had eaten the soaked bread that morning; otherwise, they wouldn't have had the energy to make it this far.

"Uncle, there are so many people." Minghe, who had only been to Qingshi Town a couple of times and hardly remembered it, was excited to see the lively scene he had always heard about from the villagers.

Xiao Yu, concerned for Minghe's health, asked, "Are you tired? Do you want to rest?"

"Not tired, no rest." Minghe was eager to enter the town and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Xiao Yu nodded, "Then let's keep going."

"Mm."

"The Emperor's Dream" repeatedly describes the Great Jing Kingdom as an imaginary, prosperous, and open country. The original protagonist also has some vague memories of Qing Shi Town.

However, Xiao Yu subconsciously thought that the ancient productive forces were weak, and Qing Shi Town, not being the capital, should be somewhat poor.

To his surprise, upon entering Qing Shi Town, he saw a bustling scene of crowded streets, luxurious fabrics, and fluttering tavern flags, reminiscent of the lively atmosphere in "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."

Indeed, it was flourishing!

"Turns out, it's just me who is poor," Xiao Yu couldn't help but mutter.

"Little uncle, what did you say?" Ming He asked, tilting his little face up.

"Nothing," Xiao Yu replied, reaching out to hold Ming He's little hand.

Ming He, puzzled, asked, "Little uncle, why are you holding my hand?"

"There are too many people; I'm afraid you'll get swept away by the crowd."

Ming He confidently said, "Even if I get swept away, I can find my way home."

"Ming He is really amazing," Xiao Yu said, yet he didn't let go of his hand.

The two of them, like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, excitedly looked around everywhere, constantly expressing admiration at the bustling scenes.

Xiao Yu saw Ming He salivating over chestnuts, rice cakes, candied haws, and sugar figurines several times, but with his pockets empty, he pretended not to notice anything.

Soon, the two arrived in front of the Wang Yue Restaurant.

During the mealtime rush, Zhang Wu, a waiter at Wang Yue, with a clean cloth draped over his shoulder, greeted each customer with a smile: "Welcome, please come inside."

Xiao Yu led Ming He inside.

"Welcome, please—” Upon seeing Xiao Yu, Zhang Wu paused, quickly scanned the surroundings as if wary of someone, then grabbed Xiao Yu's wrist and pulled him aside, whispering, "Xiao Yu, why are you here again?"

Zhang Wu was a colleague of the original protagonist. They worked together at Wang Yue, one as a waiter in the front hall and the other as a helper in the kitchen. Coming from similarly impoverished backgrounds, they naturally grew familiar with each other.

Xiao Yu replied gently, "I've come to eat."

Zhang Wu was extremely surprised, "Did Manager Yao pay you your wages?"

Xiao Yu shook his head, "No."

"Then where did you get the money?" Zhang Wu knew of Xiao Yu's poverty.

Xiao Yu did not answer.

Zhang Wu, not pressing further, advised, "Even if you have money, don't eat here. A meal costs at least several coins, or at most several taels. It's more economical to buy some fish or meat and eat at home."

Xiao Yu appreciated Zhang Wu's kindness and said, "I must eat this meal today."

"Are you planning to use this meal to get your wages back?" Zhang Wu speculated.

Xiao Yu did not deny it.

"Xiao Yu," Zhang Wu said earnestly, "Manager Yao is from Qing Shi Town."

Xiao Yu asked, "And then?"

Zhang Wu looked at the frail Xiao Yu and said, "But you don’t have any relatives."

"I do, I'm his relative," Ming He interjected seriously, his little face determined. "I'm little uncle's closest relative."

Xiao Yu smiled and gently stroked the little guy's cheek, saying, "That's right!"

Ming He beamed with happiness at his little uncle's response.

Only then did Zhang Wu notice Ming He, asking, "Your nephew? Ming He?"

Xiao Yu nodded, "Ming He, say hello."

Ming He promptly and politely greeted, "Hello, Uncle."

"Good boy," said Zhang Wu. "The child is as handsome as you."

"Thank you," Xiao Yu smiled.

Zhang Wu returned to the matter at hand, "Xiao Yu, what I mean is we can't compare with Manager Yao. You know he has a formidable wife and eight strong and powerful uncles who strut around the town. Everyone knows he keeps the workers' wages as pocket money because of his wife’s strict control, but no one dares to say anything. We can only accept it."

Xiao Yu indeed knew this, and it was precisely because he knew that he dared to come. He said, "Zhang Wu, I appreciate your concern, but I have my plans."

"Xiao Yu—"

"Trust me, Zhang Wu."

Zhang Wu remained unconvinced.

Left with no choice, Xiao Yu led Ming He towards the Wang Yue Restaurant.

Zhang Wu followed, trying to persuade him.

The Wang Yue Restaurant was bustling with customers upstairs and downstairs. Xiao Yu, with Ming He in tow, looked around and sat at an empty table in the main hall. He interrupted the incessant Zhang Wu, "Bring us a serving of chestnut roasted chicken, rice cakes, a bowl of egg noodles, a lamb bone stick, a basket of buns, two steamed buns, and a mixed sweet soup."

"That's a lot, isn't it?" Ming He was the first to speak.

Xiao Yu nodded.

Ming He whispered, "Little uncle, do we have enough money?"

Xiao Yu whispered back, "No, but just trust your uncle's cleverness and enjoy your meal."

"Okay," Ming He trusted his little uncle.

Zhang Wu was astonished, "Are you planning to use these dishes to compensate for your wages?"

Unable to explain in a few words, Xiao Yu responded, "Waiter, I am a customer. If you don't serve me soon, I'll get angry."

Zhang Wu was conflicted, "Xiao Yu, doing this..."

"Don’t worry, it'll be fine."

Still worried, Zhang Wu had no other choice but to trust Xiao Yu this time and hurried to the kitchen to expedite the order.

"Ming He," Xiao Yu called out.

When the original character worked here, he couldn't bring Ming He, who always waited alone at home. Thus, Ming He had never been in the restaurant or seen so many people, appearing a bit uncomfortable. He didn't seem like someone who could harm Manager Yao's family.

Xiao Yu patted his head, "Don't worry, we'll just eat."

Ming He straightened up earnestly, "Little uncle, I'm not afraid. I'll protect you."

Xiao Yu smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Soon, Zhang Wu brought the dishes and surreptitiously stuffed a handful of peanut candies into Ming He’s arms, saying, "This is the first time I'm meeting your nephew, so here's a little treat for the kid. Hope you don’t mind it’s just some candy."

"Thank you," Xiao Yu said.

Minghe politely replied, "Thank you, uncle."

"Such a good child," Zhang Wu smiled at Minghe and then turned to Xiao Yu, about to say something more.

Xiao Yu interjected, "Zhang Wu, go ahead with your work. Don't worry about us."

Just then, someone called for a waiter, and Zhang Wu had to attend to it. Yet, he still felt uneasy, glancing over at Xiao Yu and Minghe from time to time. He thought to himself how pitiful Xiao Yu and the child were. If there was a conflict with Manager Yao later, he would bravely side with Xiao Yu, even if it meant losing his job.

Xiao Yu was unaware of Zhang Wu's tumultuous thoughts. Looking at the feast before him, he felt very satisfied. However, having suffered from long-term hunger, both he and Minghe had weak stomachs and couldn't digest greasy food easily. He suggested, "Minghe, let's start with the noodles."

"Uncle, let's eat together."

"Alright."

After a few bites of noodles, Xiao Yu felt relaxed and content.

Minghe exclaimed with stars in his eyes, "Uncle, these noodles are so delicious, the best in the world."

Xiao Yu smiled warmly, "Keep eating."

"Okay, uncle, you too."

Having taken a few more bites, Xiao Yu noticed the plump Manager Yao moving around and chatting with other diners. He called out indifferently, "Manager Yao."

Hearing this, Manager Yao turned around with a smile, but his face darkened upon seeing Xiao Yu, asking displeasedly, "Why are you here?"

"Here to eat," Xiao Yu replied casually, sipping his mixed sweet soup leisurely. It was sweet and refreshing, not as good as what he could make, but he didn't mind. Looking at Manager Yao, he asked, "Can't I come to eat?"

"So, you've got money now?" Manager Yao approached with a sarcastic remark.

"No," Xiao Yu replied with righteous confidence.

"And yet you dare to dine here! Planning to dine and dash, are you?"

"Where else should I eat?" Xiao Yu, with a smile playing at his lips, responded with a calm and gentle demeanor, "Should I go to the Wanhua Tower like Manager Yao?"

Manager Yao's face changed at the mention of Wanhua Tower, a known but unspoken pleasure establishment by the canal, which he had secretly frequented more than once. Surprised that Xiao Yu knew, he defensively retorted, "Xiao Yu, you're talking nonsense—"

"Manager Yao, this is the Wangyue Restaurant, and there are many patrons here." The original owner had twice approached Manager Yao privately for wages, to no avail. Now, Xiao Yu chose to confront him publicly, ready to expose the manager's secrets.

As expected, Manager Yao's anger subsided slightly, his teeth gritted as he asked, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Xiao Yu replied airily, "Then consider it nonsense if you will."

Manager Yao grew even more infuriated, leaning on the table, and said through gritted teeth, "What are you trying to do?"

Minghe, sensing the tense atmosphere without understanding the situation, moved closer to Xiao Yu, adopting a protective stance for his uncle.

Xiao Yu, smiling, gently touched Minghe's face and said, "It's alright, keep eating."

Minghe obediently ate his noodles, but his eyes occasionally darted towards Manager Yao, thinking that if this fat man dared to bully his uncle, he would fight back fiercely!

Xiao Yu continued to smile at Manager Yao and asked, "Manager, don't you know what I want?"

Manager Yao disdainfully replied, "All this for that little bit of wages?"

Xiao Yu confidently asserted, "Exactly, one tael and five coins. Give it to me now."

Manager Yao snorted with a laugh, "I've made it clear to you, your work was substandard—"

Substandard work, customer complaints... these were all just excuses. Xiao Yu didn't wish to argue over this with Manager Yao. He interrupted, "Manager Yao, I'm not asking you to pay my wages. I'm informing you to do so."

"On what grounds?" Manager Yao stood tall, looking down at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu didn't immediately answer. He leisurely set down his spoon, stood up, and raised his voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, this Manager Yao, who runs Wangyue Restaurant, he—"

The customers, hearing this, all turned to look, anticipating some drama. Manager Yao, panicked about the potential repercussions, especially if his wife heard about it, quickly appeased them, "Excuse us, everyone. Please continue enjoying your meal."

The customers resumed eating.

Furious, Manager Yao glared at Xiao Yu and hissed, "Are you threatening me?"

Xiao Yu was unafraid, "Yes."

Manager Yao's gaze hardened, "Haven't you thought about the consequences?"

"I have," Xiao Yu sat back down, picked up a bun, and ate with relish. "Manager Yao, unlike you, who enjoys the finer things in life, my nephew and I have nothing but our lives. You have a lot to lose - a lavish lifestyle, elderly parents, children, a wife, eight uncles, and even your mistress at Wanhua Tower..."

The implication was clear: if it came to a showdown, Xiao Yu had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Manager Yao, accustomed to intimidating others and always succeeding, was furious at being threatened for the first time. With so many watching, he couldn’t react openly. He decided to compromise with Xiao Yu, planning to teach him a lesson later.

As if reading his mind, Xiao Yu said, "Thinking of retaliating later, are you?"

Manager Yao was startled.

Xiao Yu sipped his tea and continued calmly, "Manager Yao, I advise you to do the right thing. Pay me the one tael and five coins you owe me. After that, we go our separate ways. If something happens to me, my acquaintances in Shuangyun Village and Jinxiu Village will know you're responsible. And all the vile things you've done in secret will come to light. Do you think you'll have any good days ahead?"

"You—"

Xiao Yu extended his hand, "One tael and five coins, hand it over."

Manager Yao truly didn't want to pay, but he could sense that Xiao Yu was no longer the submissive person he used to be. Exuding an aura of confidence and calm, he seemed formidable, almost capable of desperate measures.

No choice.

He had just started enjoying the good life; he couldn't let this youngster ruin it. It was just one tael and five coins. Handing it over would settle the matter. Reluctantly, he took out the money and slapped it on the table, "There, satisfied?"

Xiao Yu immediately pocketed the silver, saying, "Let's settle another account while we're at it."

"Settle what account?" Manager Yao was puzzled.

"This meal," Xiao Yu replied, "consider it compensation for your usual bullying." His index and middle finger tapped lightly on the table before calling out, "Waiter!"

Zhang Wu, who had been observing them without hearing their conversation, rushed over at Xiao Yu's call, cautiously asking, "What can I do for you, sir?"

"Pack all this up, charge it to his account," Xiao Yu gestured towards Manager Yao.

Zhang Wu looked bewilderedly at Manager Yao, "Manager?"