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Grandma Shen didn’t decline the silver ingots on a whim; it was a decision made with careful consideration.
On the day when Fei Yanchen took away Shen Yu’an’s scripts, claiming they could bring in money, Grandma Shen gathered her three sons and discussed the matter.
Grandpa and Grandma Shen initially treated those scripts as mere stories to be heard, never really thinking they could yield much silver.
Hence, they discussed using the earnings to let Shen Yu’an keep it as her own dowry.
The Shen brothers, Shen Rong and his siblings, could still recall what Grandma Shen said on that occasion.
Grandma Shen sat on a soft stool, with Grandpa Shen and the three Shen brothers by her side.
She began, “If An’an has the ability to create scripts for sale, that’s her own skill. After discussing it with your father, we’ve decided that we shouldn’t accept this money. Instead, we’ll leave it for An’an as her dowry.”
“Each of you has your own talents; there’s no need to rely on the earnings of younger generations to make a living and bring shame to our ancestors.”
Naturally, the three Shen brothers readily agreed.
Grandma Shen even looked at Shen Rong specifically and repeated her words.
With this matter settled, Grandma Shen instructed her three sons to inform their respective families about it.
This was also to prevent any unhappiness or perception of favoritism if she were to decline the silver at a time like now.
Upon returning home, the three Shen brothers shared this decision with their own families, though the specifics of their conversations remain unknown.
However, as they looked at Grandma Shen’s refusal of the silver, Song Shi, Zhao Shi, and Xiao Zhang Shi, the three sisters-in-law, didn’t appear surprised – suggesting they might have already been informed.
Initially, everyone was surprised by the large amount of silver, but they didn’t entertain the idea of taking it for themselves.
Grandma Shen looked at Shen Yu’an with affection and said, “An’an, keep this silver for yourself, as part of your dowry.”
……
On New Year’s Eve, as the family prepared to stay up through the night, they gathered in the dining room around a charcoal fire, creating an especially warm atmosphere.
In an era where entertainment was scarce, the Shen family members usually went to bed not long after dinner.
Tonight, they had to stay awake until the early hours of the morning, and everyone was struggling to keep their eyes open.
At this moment, the stories Shen Yu’an had told became a lively and invigorating way to stay alert.
Just as Shen Yu’an was passionately narrating, the sound of firecrackers echoed from outside.
The fireworks here were luxurious items only affordable by the wealthy and influential.
Shen Yu’an suddenly remembered that there were also numerous fireworks in her hidden space.
She paused her storytelling and went back inside to search for some of the fireworks and firecrackers from her hidden space.
It took her quite a bit of effort to locate them.
Once found, she brought the fireworks and firecrackers to the courtyard and called everyone to come out.
Shen Yu’an explained what these items were and how to set them off, and soon, everyone was jubilantly celebrating in the courtyard.
The Shen family members had developed a silent understanding not to ask too many questions when Shen Yu’an brought out things they hadn’t seen before.
As for the others who were unaware of the truth, they also intuitively refrained from asking too much.
Shen Yun also went next door to call over some people from the Zhang family to join in the festivities.
Dazzling fireworks burst in the sky, and the falling sparks emitted various colors of light.
The loud spectacle successfully drew out the villagers, who stood in their respective yards, gazing up at the sky and being mesmerized by the beautiful scene.
In the courtyard of the Zhu Li Zheng family, Zhu Hai, Zhu Li Zheng’s son, looked up and remarked, “This is really spectacular. It seems to be coming from the direction of the Shen family, right?”
Zhu Li Zheng also came out, and upon hearing his son’s words, he nodded and speculated, “Indeed, it does seem to be from the Shen family.”
As Zhu Li Zheng spoke, he couldn’t help but gain a deeper understanding of the Shen family’s financial capabilities.
On this late night, every household in Longxian Village was astonished by the vibrant fireworks in the night sky, accompanied by the countless stars, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
And this captivating spectacle was visible from places quite a distance away.
Meanwhile, in a highly secluded spot deep within the mountains behind Longxian Village…
Fei Yanchen stood at the entrance, gazing upward at the fireworks bursting in the night sky.
It was in the direction of the Shen family.
Faintly, if one followed the drooping arm of Fei Yanchen, they could see droplets of blood sliding down his arm and falling onto the ground, each drop leaving a mark before hitting the earth.
And on his palm, there was a simple bandage, but it didn’t prevent the blood from continuing to flow.
Fei Dong stood by the side, expressing concern, “Master, your injury… let’s bandage it up first.”
It was as if Fei Yanchen hadn’t heard the words. He looked up for a moment, then withdrew his gaze, and surveyed the quiet surroundings before asking, “Where’s Fei Xi?”
Fei Dong responded with a stern tone, “Master, he hasn’t returned yet.”
Fei Yanchen clenched his fist, whether in pain or in response to Fei Xi not returning, his proud brows slightly furrowed.
In the next moment, both Fei Yanchen and Fei Dong heard the sound of rapid footsteps approaching.
Here, no one dared to make such a commotion, so it was evident that the one causing this disturbance was none other than that troublemaker Fei Xi.
Fei Dong turned towards the direction of the approaching footsteps, and indeed, it was the plump and agile figure of Fei Xi, who was ‘rolling’ over, a smile on his face.
Seeing Fei Xi’s demeanor, he quietly remarked as he passed by, “Why so slow? The master has been waiting for a while.”
Fei Xi rubbed the back of his head and chuckled foolishly, sincerely explaining, “On my way back, I saw Miss Shen’s family setting off fireworks in their courtyard, so I stopped to watch for a bit.”
Fei Dong turned away, unwilling to look at his unfiltered and ‘foolish’ expression.
As expected, as soon as Fei Xi spoke, Fei Yanchen’s gaze turned slightly chilly as he looked in his direction.
At the same time, there was also a subtle and hardly noticeable… hint of jealousy.
His voice turned cold as he asked, “How did you handle the tasks I assigned to you?”
Fei Xi immediately dropped his playful demeanor, and he explained in detail the tasks he had been given for the day.
Fei Xi had two tasks for the day, both involving delivering letters: one to Shen Yu’an and the other to a person Fei Yanchen was trying to win over.
Upon hearing that Fei Xi had successfully delivered the letters, Fei Yanchen’s expression softened somewhat.
Fei Xi continued, “Miss Shen mentioned that she wants the master to help her find some people.”
“Speak.”
“It’s Miss Shen’s maternal family. She mentioned that they should have arrived by now, but she’s not sure which group they were assigned to…”
He glanced at Fei Dong by his side and instructed, “Tomorrow, go to the capital and inform Lord Qin about this matter. Bring back any news immediately.”
Fei Dong bowed in acknowledgment.
Fei Xi remained silent, and Fei Yanchen’s gaze slowly turned toward him as he inquired,
“And her? Did she say anything else?”
Fei Xi scratched the back of his head and replied, “It seems like there wasn’t much else…”
Fei Yanchen’s gaze, profound and penetrating, fixed on him without wavering, causing Fei Xi to feel his hair stand on end.