Chapter 281

Shen Dalang looked at the approaching two individuals and exclaimed, “Brother Fang, what brings you here today?”

Fang Chun smiled and replied, “Yesterday, my younger sister mentioned that she received assistance from your group on her way home, so I brought her here to express our gratitude.”

Shen Dalang waved off any concerns, saying, “No need for prior notice; you’re always welcome, Brother Fang.”

As it turned out, yesterday on their way back, the Shen family encountered Fang Nian and her younger brother Fang Heng, who were also heading home.

However, the Fang family’s carriage had gotten stuck in a muddy ditch, and since they had only one coachman with them, they struggled in vain to free the carriage.

By the time darkness fell, Fang Nian had even considered unharnessing the horses and abandoning the carriage when the Shen family arrived.

With their help, the Shen family, being numerous, managed to push the carriage out and walked behind the Fang family’s carriage all the way until they reached their home, before hurriedly returning.

It was originally an inconsequential matter, and upon their return, the Shen family didn’t make a big deal out of it.

Little did they expect that Fang Chun and Fang Nian, the brother and sister, would come bearing gifts.

Once inside the courtyard, Fang Nian greeted everyone with great courtesy, indicating a strong upbringing.

As Fang Chun entered, he noticed Shen Yu’an standing among them.

He looked at Shen Yu’an in surprise, as he never expected to encounter her here.

It wasn’t until others called his name that he snapped back to reality.

Shen Dalang asked, “Do you know my sister?”

Fang Chun, feeling somewhat embarrassed, bowed and apologized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect to meet the young lady here, and I didn’t react in time.”

He then went on to explain, “Indeed, I have had a brief encounter with your sister in the past, but it’s been a long time. The young lady probably wouldn’t remember.”

Shen Yu’an, on the other hand, didn’t recall ever meeting this person, but she had seen Fang Nian, who was accompanying her, once before.

And, due to Fang Chun’s presence, Fang Nian, who had just been paying her respects, also noticed Shen Yu’an.

Fang Nian was more direct than her brother. Upon seeing Shen Yu’an, she walked up to her with a joyful expression.

“So, you’re Young Master Shen’s sister.”

“On the day you left in such a hurry, I didn’t have the chance to thank you. Now, I’m fortunate to meet you again.”

This piqued the curiosity of everyone present. Weren’t the Fang siblings here to express their gratitude for the assistance in getting their carriage out of the mud yesterday? How did Shen Yu’an become the center of attention after the Fang siblings entered?

Shen Sanlang walked over with curiosity and asked, “So, Miss Fang, you also know my elder sister?”

Fang Nian smiled and replied gently, “Indeed, I do know Miss Shen. In fact, she can be considered my lifesaver.”

“I didn’t know where Miss Shen was from before, but now that I do, I must express my gratitude properly.”

The onlookers grew even more curious and began to ask questions, but revealing the events of that day might tarnish Fang Nian’s reputation, and she hesitated.

Shen Yu’an briefly brushed past the incident, mentioning that she lent Fang Nian a hand during her time of need.

Fang Nian looked at Shen Yu’an appreciatively, thankful that she hadn’t gone into detail, preserving her dignity.

While Fang Chun and the Shen family engaged in conversation, Song Shi asked Shen Yu’an to take Fang Nian for a walk. The two of them grew closer as they chatted. Shen Yu’an found that Fang Nian had a gentle disposition, much like Bai Miaqing, though Bai Miaqing combined gentleness with resilience, whereas Fang Nian embodied the ideal of a refined young lady.

During their interactions, Fang Nian subtly inquired about Shen Dalang’s situation, which Shen Yu’an detected as somewhat suspicious. It was clear that the Fang siblings’ visit wasn’t solely for social reasons.

Yet, they didn’t appear to harbor ill intentions, so Shen Yu’an answered their questions without reservation.

“Your elder and second brothers… they’ve reached an age where they should consider marriage. Why haven’t they wed yet?”

After asking, Fang Nian hurriedly clarified, “I didn’t mean to imply anything about a certain age not being suitable for marriage.”

Shen Yu’an quickly stopped her from elaborating on this sensitive topic and replied, “Perhaps they haven’t met the right person yet.”

On the other side, Fang Chun was also probing into the matter, albeit in a more indirect manner.