Arthur Evans Takes Tofu Beauty as Concubine
Arthur Evans was riding high, feeling on top of the world. When Tofu Beauty came strutting in, practically throwing herself at him, he didn’t hesitate—he’d been holding back for ages. Sparks flew, and before long, they were entangled in a scandalous affair right there in the study, in broad daylight.
Tofu Beauty was nothing if not bold. Listening for commotion outside, she deliberately made a racket at the height of the villagers’ congratulatory visit, ensuring everyone caught her and Arthur Evans in the act.
Arthur Evans never imagined Tofu Beauty would be so shameless—she didn’t even care if the whole village found out about their affair. Tofu Beauty and Mrs. Tang kicked up a fuss on the spot, demanding Arthur take responsibility, threatening to spread word that he seduced a respectable woman if he refused.
Arthur Evans was furious beyond words. Even with Governor Yale backing him, there was no stopping the village gossip. Left with no choice, he forked over two silver coins as a bride price and accepted Tofu Beauty as his concubine.
Lila Green was fuming, but she was shrewd enough to know her husband never cared for her anyway. Now that Arthur Evans was riding high, she played the part of the dutiful wife, graciously welcoming Tofu Beauty into the Evans family as a concubine.
Everyone in the village knew what kind of person Tofu Beauty was, and compared to Lila Green, it was a toss-up—neither was exactly a saint. With one wife and one concubine, both seasoned veterans in the art of love, Arthur Evans’s reputation for wearing a ‘green hat’ just kept piling up—he was the talk of the town, and the jokes practically reached the heavens.
Because Arthur Evans had taken in a notorious widow as his concubine, even Governor Yale felt his own reputation was at risk and quietly dropped the idea of adopting Arthur as his godson. Every time Arthur remembered how his lack of self-control cost him a prestigious title, he grew more resentful toward Tofu Beauty.
As the New Year approached, Evans Manor celebrated a massive off-season vegetable harvest across their thousand acres!
On harvest day, dozens of restaurants that had reserved their share sent caravans racing to the fields. Hundreds of wagons crowded the roads, turning the village into a bustling hub of activity!
With Eugene Warren’s help, White Dew had quickly risen to become Evans Manor’s chief steward. For days, she and Eugene were up before dawn and working late into the night, handling business in the fields together, hardly stopping to catch their breath.
Wagon after wagon loaded with fresh vegetables rolled out of the fields, destined for restaurants all over the country. Passersby stopped in their tracks, eyes wide at the sight of such crisp, vibrant produce.
Meanwhile, Liam Green was drinking at a restaurant with Zhang Bin and his crew when another young lord came over to offer congratulations. “Brother Liam, your winter vegetable business is something else! You must have made a fortune, huh?”
Liam Green grinned, raising his cup in a toast. “It’s all thanks to Lily Evans. You know, she’s got a knack for turning the ordinary into gold. I’m just lucky to be along for the ride.”
Zhang Bin, never one to miss an opportunity, piped up, “Brother Liam, you’re too modest. With Evans Manor’s thousand acres, you’ll be rolling in silver for years to come!”
Liam Green’s face lit up with pride. “You’re right! Evans Manor owes everything to Lily Evans. Without her, we’d still be scraping by, eating cabbage and turnips all winter.”
The young lord laughed. “Lily Evans is a legend! If she ever starts selling seeds, I’ll be first in line to buy!”
Zhang Bin nodded enthusiastically. “Evans Manor’s vegetables are the talk of the county. Even the governor’s kitchen can’t compare!”
Liam Green chuckled, savoring the praise. “We’re just lucky Lily Evans is so generous. She’s always thinking about the village first.”
The restaurant buzzed with laughter and stories. As the night wore on, everyone agreed—Evans Manor’s vegetables were worth their weight in silver, and Lily Evans was a true blessing to Clearwater Village.