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“Dear aunt, if I hear any rumors in the village about me becoming someone’s concubine…”
“I’ll make sure the whole village knows how your family mistreats the elderly and oppresses their relatives.”
“Big cousin wants to pursue a career as an official, right? With parents who are unfilial, what kind of man could he possibly be? If his reputation gets ruined, don’t blame me.”
Xu Sinan spoke with a half-smile, her gaze sharp. She didn’t care about so-called reputations since she had no intention of getting married anyway.
But Zhu Wanrou cared. She didn’t want her mother to be hurt by such things.
Sure enough, as soon as Xu Sinan finished, Zhu Wanrou seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her complexion looking much better.
Wu Cuihua was furious, so much so that she nearly lost her balance. Clutching her chest, she said, “You wouldn’t dare!”
“You better believe I dare to do anything.”
Xu Sinan’s smile grew wider. “You already know I’m acquainted with Young Master Pei. If I tell him about this in the capital, your son will become even more ‘famous.’”
Wu Cuihua clung to the doorframe, dizzy with rage, clutching her chest as she spat out, “When Wen Chang becomes an official in the future, you’ll regret this!”
Xu Sinan found it hilarious. A man in his twenties still stuck at the child student level—how much promise could he really have? Only someone like Wu Cuihua would treasure such a son like gold.
“I should be saying that to you, dear aunt. When my family prospers in the future, you won’t benefit from it one bit.”
After Wu Cuihua fled in defeat…
Xu Qianxing cheered, “Sister, you’re amazing! And so is Dad!”
He couldn’t even win an argument with their aunt, even when he was in the right. Today, he felt a sense of liberation.
“Of course! Do you even know who your sister is?”
Xu Sinan said with mock conceit. People like Wu Cuihua, shameless and malicious, deserved to be scolded thoroughly.
Zhu Wanrou, however, looked at her husband and daughter with a complicated expression. They had always been honest and simple people, yet they had changed so drastically overnight.
She let out a long sigh. The shock from splitting the family must have been too much. Her husband had gained white hair and a hunched back overnight, and even her daughter’s temperament had shifted entirely.
A large plate of fragrant braised pork ribs, freshly steamed fish, hot white rice, and delicate osmanthus cakes filled the table.
In the evening, the family sat together, their worries swept away by the sumptuous dinner.
Xu Qianxing had never eaten such good food before. In the past, he could only watch as his uncle’s family feasted.
His aunt always claimed that since his cousin was destined to become a high-ranking official, he needed to eat well, while farmers like them didn’t deserve to eat meat.
Grinning foolishly, Xu Qianxing said, “Am I dreaming?”
“Of course not. We’ll live even better in the future,” Xu Sinan replied, feeling a pang of sadness.
Her family was so hardworking and kind-hearted, yet they lived in misery.
Since they genuinely cared for her, she was willing to see them as her true family.
She resolved to work hard in business, earn a fortune, and realize her dream of becoming a wealthy woman so her family could enjoy a better life.
“Anan, even though Young Master Pei paid you, we should still spend carefully,” Zhu Wanrou said, her voice tinged with worry. After all, she was used to living a frugal life.
Xu Sinan reassured her by explaining how Pei Zheng had bought her navigation map and even provided living expenses for the family.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll continue working with Young Master Pei and earn even more.”
Zhu Wanrou’s frown deepened instead of easing. “Are you really planning to go to Siam?”
Xu Sinan nodded firmly. For an ordinary fishing girl like her, it was nearly impossible to change her fate, especially during years of famine when even survival was difficult. She wouldn’t miss this rare opportunity.
Zhu Wanrou’s gaze dimmed. Her daughter and son were both planning to leave—how could she possibly feel at ease?
Her father-in-law had gone to sea and never returned. Dezhen had narrowly escaped death. If not for sheer luck, he wouldn’t have survived the treacherous waters.
She had tried reasoning countless times, but Xu Sinan simply wouldn’t listen.
She never expected her children to achieve great things or earn fortunes; all she wished for was a safe and peaceful life for the family.
Looking toward her husband for support, Zhu Wanrou pleaded, “Shuisheng, talk some sense into your daughter.”
Xu Sinan felt a headache coming on. Her father, usually a man of few words, had shown unexpected strength today. This was shaping up to be a challenging battle.
But to her surprise, Xu Shuisheng gazed lovingly at his precious daughter and said, “Anan, I support you.”
Everyone was stunned.
Xu Sinan’s beautiful eyes widened, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. Did she hear that correctly?
Xu Shuisheng, however, looked proud. “Anan daring to venture to the South Seas shows courage most people lack. I’m proud of you.”
“When your grandfather led the village’s first expedition overseas, he was a pioneer. Anan, you truly are a good child of the Xu family.”
Xu Sinan felt a wave of relief and smiled brightly. “Thank you for supporting me, Dad.”
If there were wine, she’d happily toast her father with a few glasses.
Xu Shuisheng scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. After some hesitation, he said, “Daughter, are you…close to Young Master Pei?”
Xu Sinan blinked, confused by his question. Did her father also suspect something between her and Pei Zheng? Was he…gossiping?
“We’ve only known each other for two days…”
Xu Shuisheng seemed a little disappointed, murmuring, “I see.”
Xu Sinan was speechless. Did her father actually hope there was something between them?
After an internal struggle, Xu Shuisheng finally mustered the courage to ask, “Um… Young Master Pei will need sailors for his voyage, right? I have a lot of experience, and your grandfather taught me well. Can I join you?”
Xu Sinan was utterly shocked. Her father’s cautious yet hopeful gaze made her instinctively nod. “Of course.”
“That’s wonderful!” Xu Shuisheng’s face broke into a beaming smile. “My daughter is the best!”
His children were of marriageable age, yet the family had nothing to offer. His wife had spent half her life enduring hardship without a single day of comfort.
He had long dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps by venturing overseas.
Despite the risks, the rewards were immense.
He still remembered the rare treasures his father once brought back—shimmering stones, fragrant wood, and other exotic items. These easily exchanged for dozens of acres of prime farmland.
Xu Sinan needed sailors for the voyage, and Xu Shuisheng was a perfect fit.
Although she hadn’t initially wanted him to take such a risk, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse when he seemed so eager.
“Dad, do you know any other experienced fishermen? Preferably those who once sailed with Grandpa or are skilled and reliable?”
Xu Shuisheng perked up, nodding enthusiastically. “Yes! Your Uncle Zhang, Uncle Li—both are excellent. How many people do you need?”
“About 20. They must be skilled, preferably with experience, and trustworthy above all.”
Xu Shuisheng nodded confidently. “No problem. Among those who once sailed with your grandfather, only Old Wei is still around. He’s elderly now and may not be up for it, but I’ll ask.”
“These days, fishing barely earns anything. I heard some of them complaining earlier about not having enough money to buy rice. Life’s tough—they’d probably jump at the chance.”
Xu Sinan felt much more optimistic. With her father’s help, finding a crew would be much easier.
Meanwhile, Zhu Wanrou felt a splitting headache. Not only was her husband not stopping their daughter, but he also wanted to join the voyage and was chatting enthusiastically with her about it.
She cleared her throat. “Are we still eating or not?”
Father and daughter immediately fell silent, lowering their heads to focus on their bowls.
When they’d nearly finished eating, Xu Sinan dared to speak again. “Mom, Young Master Pei is building a magnificent ship. Once it’s done, I’ll take you to see it.”
No matter how much she tried to reassure her mother, Zhu Wanrou remained unmoved. Only seeing it for herself could ease her worries.
Xu Sinan could only hope Pei Zheng wouldn’t disappoint her mother.