Chapter 289

Shen Yu’an sat on the return carriage with a dazed expression, unsure of which step she had taken to fast forward. Weren’t they just beginning to understand each other?

Why was Fei Yanchen preparing to propose so soon?

Fei Yanchen tightly pursed his lips without explaining, but the memory of seeing the matchmaker outside the Shen family’s door that day made him feel uneasy.

Even though he and An’An had just confirmed their feelings for each other, in two days, he would have to leave. What if someone took advantage of his absence?

So, he decided to act quickly and secure the relationship first. Time was running out, and there was no time for the traditional three books and six rites. They had to prepare the proposal ceremony properly.

Later on, he would make it up to An’An step by step.

On their way back, they still saw many refugees gathered outside the city gates, appearing crowded. Officials and wealthy citizens from the city were distributing porridge to them.

Everything seemed well-organized.

Shen Yu’an was curious because the refugees, who were scattered when they arrived, were now all gathered here.

Furthermore, the area outside the city gates had been divided to accommodate these refugees, complete with temporary shelters.

Even though everyone was enduring hardships, it wasn’t particularly noisy outside the city gates. Even when people talked to each other, it was not loud and boisterous.

Shen Yu’an had actually crossed paths with some of the people distributing porridge outside the city gates. They were the two daughters of General Xiangnan.

The eldest daughter, Qi Yiwan, was gentle and virtuous, radiating a sense of tranquility.

The second daughter, Qi Yitong, was lively and spirited, full of vivacity. She had a special fondness for laughter and today she was dressed in a close-fitting riding outfit, distributing porridge outside the city gates.

Shen Yu’an pulled back the curtain and looked outside, coincidentally making eye contact with them.

She nodded and smiled at them, a form of greeting.

Fei Yanchen, who was sitting not far from Shen Yu’an, extended his arm, hooked it around Shen Yu’an’s neck, and pulled her back.

The two young ladies from the Qi family saw a man’s figure briefly inside the carriage, and Shen Yu’an disappeared.

Qi Yitong widened her eyes in astonishment and quickly put down the spoon in her hand, tapping her older sister.

“Sister, did you see that? There was a man inside just now, right?”

Most importantly, they looked very close. Qi Yitong was incredibly curious.

Qi Yiwan also saw it, but when it came to other people’s business, why bother getting involved? So, she whispered a reminder to her younger sister, “Don’t jump to conclusions and unjustly tarnish that young lady’s reputation.”

“Miss Shen comes from a family with many brothers; maybe the person inside was her brother.”

Qi Yitong knew her sister was just teasing her, but she responded with an “Oh.”

She was only a little curious, nothing more. Besides, every time Miss Shen came to their house, she would help put Qi Yiran, that annoying girl, in her place. She liked her very much.

But coming back to the point, who could it be in that carriage?

I’m really curious!

Meanwhile, after Shen Yu’an was pulled back by Fei Yanchen, she asked about the situation outside.

“It’s done by the General’s residence,” Fei Yanchen explained their intentions briefly.

It turned out that more and more people were escaping from various princes’ fiefdoms. If they were entirely neglected, it would undoubtedly become a significant threat over time.

Moreover, in the eyes of the public, General Xiangnan was considered a direct power of the emperor, commanding fifty thousand troops and a significant source of wealth.

However, with the emperor’s ailing health, it was possible for others to seize his power.

General Xiangnan’s territory bordered the lands of the two princes and was also connected to other countries.

Now, all the princes were recruiting troops, and many had their eyes on General Xiangnan. Some even sent people to contact him.

But they didn’t know that General Xiangnan had long been brought under Fei Yanchen’s control, so their efforts were in vain.

General Xiangnan didn’t want to take the position of those princes, as it would likely lead to resentment and suppression from them.

So, they arranged for these refugees who had escaped to be here as part of their future plans.

Shen Yu’an nodded in understanding, thinking about the large number of people who would require food daily. He wondered if this might spoil them, making them feel entitled to food without any effort.

Fei Yanchen explained, “The current situation is already unstable. While we do need some people, we won’t be supporting these refugees indefinitely.”

“In the future, we will have them form temporary villages, and the rest will be taken care of by our people.”

Shen Yu’an then nodded in reassurance and said, “In that case, after some time, I’ll have the grain shop distribute food and porridge outside the city gates in your name.”

“Can we support that many?” Fei Yanchen asked without much context.

Shen Yu’an smiled and nodded. “Of course, it’s enough. And besides, it’s about time we put what the heavens provided to good use.”

Fei Yanchen ruffled Shen Yu’an’s head and said, “No need to do it in my name. Just use the name of Auspicious Grain Shop to handle this matter. You take care of the arrangements.”

Behind the Auspicious Grain Shop was his An’An. When people found out, it would be An An’s accomplishment.