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News of Shen Zi’an’s encounter with the tiger today spread throughout the Shen family. Both Second and Third Grandsons returned home to deliver messages, but their intentions and outcomes were entirely different.
The Second grandson went to inform his parents. Witnessing his grandfather and Third Aunt plotting against Fourth Uncle Shen Zi’an, he sought his parents’ help to defuse the situation. Eventually, Shen Zifu rushed over to intervene, arriving before Shen Youfu could unleash his anger.
While Wang Shi was curious, she refrained from going. With the recent division of the estate, she didn’t want to appear overly interested in the family drama, fearing others might misinterpret her actions as envy. Concerned about preserving her dignity, she sat inside the house, knitting with her two equally curious daughters, suppressing the itch to join the commotion.
The Third grandson delivered messages to the main household members. With his father absent, he had to seek help from his grandmother and younger relatives.
Shen Zhang Shi smiled faintly and remarked, “Such a large tiger is indeed rare, but also quite intimidating. As an old lady, I’d rather not join in on that excitement.”
Shen Ziju, holding a book, spoke gently, “It’s a good thing Fourth Brother dealt with the tiger, but I’ll pass. With exams looming next spring, I prefer not to witness any killing. Third nephew, tell your mother not to cause too much of a commotion; we’re all family here.”
The Third grandson responded quickly and scurried off.
Shen Zhu had wanted to go, but seeing both her mother and brother opt out, she followed suit. However, her mind lingered on the colorful tiger skin, envisioning it as a cozy rug to lie on, feeling regal when seated upon it. She wished her father would bring back the tiger skin.
Unfortunately, her wish was dashed when Shen Youfu and Sun Shi returned, carrying only two pieces of meat claimed to be tiger meat. Sun Shi incessantly complained about how stingy and rude Shen Zi’an was.
The meat remained untouched, saved for the next day’s meal.
Before dinner, Shen Ziping arrived punctually. Upon hearing Sun Shi’s complaints, he grew anxious. However, Shen Youfu requested they avoid discussing the matter during the meal, aiming for a peaceful dinner. Although the atmosphere was subdued, with everyone seemingly preoccupied, even the usually rowdy younger ones, the fourth and fifth grandsons, were surprisingly quiet.
“Dad, did Fourth Brother really manage to catch two big tigers?”
After dinner, Shen Zhu couldn’t contain her curiosity and asked Shen Youfu. Intrigued by Sun Shi’s account, she was even more eager to hear the details, although she preferred to trust her father’s words over Sun Shi’s embellishments.
While Shen Zhang Shi continued embroidering without looking up, her pace slowed slightly.
Shen Ziju sat nearby, engrossed in his book. Upon hearing the question, he looked up, his handsome face adorned with a gentle smile under the lamplight. At fifteen, he already exuded the charm of a young gentleman, captivating the hearts of many young girls. He was undoubtedly the most striking young man in Riverside Village, unmatched within a ten-mile radius, which was precisely why Shen Youfu valued him.
Shen Youfu, drawing on his pipe, nodded and replied, “They did indeed catch two tigers, one each with Li Shi. They sold them to the inn in town, fetching quite a sum. Those tigers are a rare find; while the meat is one thing, the skins are valuable. The innkeeper bought all the skins.”
Upon hearing that the tiger skins were sold, Shen Zhu felt deeply disappointed. She pouted silently, concealing her feelings. Internally, she blamed Shen Zi’an for not considering her, his younger sister. She had always struggled with feeling cold, and a tiger skin rug would have brought her immense comfort. Selling it, just like the bathtub incident before, made her feel neglected, as if her brother had forgotten about her after getting married.
Shen Ziju smiled gently and remarked, “It’s good that Fourth Brother is doing well. I heard he encountered a white wolf as well. Did the wolf really give them ginseng? Is it truly mystical? I grew up listening to stories of mythical creatures and thought I’d never see one in my lifetime. It’s a shame I missed the chance in the Daming Mountains.”
Shen Zhu, energized by the mention of the mythical creature, inquired, “So, this mythical creature is just a wolf? Does it really give them ginseng? Is the ginseng really as big as Third Sister-in-law described, like a white radish?”
Shen Youfu took a puff of his pipe, explaining, “Whether they encountered the mythical creature or not is uncertain, but the ginseng is indeed a valuable item. It’s said to have taken human form, even its roots exude an ethereal aura.”
Eyes gleaming with excitement, Shen Zhu exclaimed, “Why didn’t you bring it back, Dad? Ginseng is a powerful tonic. Fifth Brother is about to take his exams; it would be great for his health. Once he becomes an official, he’ll have access to plenty of ginseng. They should have handed it over themselves! No need to talk about repayment!”
Shen Ziju playfully patted Shen Zhu’s head, saying, “Ginseng isn’t like a radish. If it’s truly a hundred-year-old ginseng, it’s quite valuable.”
Shen Zhang Shi interjected, “Even just a small part, perhaps some roots, would suffice. Shen Zi’an didn’t give you any? Is he really as stingy as Shen Ziping’s wife claims?”
Frowning, Shen Youfu responded, “Don’t listen to that foolish woman’s chatter. If not for her, Shen Zi’an and I wouldn’t have argued. I didn’t even have a chance to discuss the ginseng with him.”
“Tomorrow, go ask Shen Zi’an for some ginseng to prepare for Shen Ziju; he truly needs it. And for Zhu Er, with her delicate health, she also needs something nourishing, and ginseng is the best option,” suggested Shen Zhang Shi, continuing to embroider.
Shen Zhu chimed in, “Father, look how thin Fifth Brother is. I heard the exams are exhausting. Some even collapse from the stress. Do you want his talents to be wasted because his body can’t keep up? We don’t want the Shen family to remain stuck in poverty forever, do we?”
Shen Youfu paused, realizing the truth in their words. He envisioned Shen Ziju rising through the ranks, allowing him to manage the household comfortably. Aware of his son’s frail health, he resolved to request the ginseng from Shen Zi’an, ensuring they obtained it all. With the money from selling the tigers, they should already be content.
Listening quietly, Shen Ziju wore a serene smile, his thoughts veiled from the others.
As they conversed, Shen Ziping, Sun Shi, and the Third grandson approached.
“Parents, siblings, are you all busy?” exclaimed Shen Ziping.
Shen Ziping entered with a jovial smile, his charm and slick mannerisms apparent. Despite his outward friendliness, his smile seemed insincere. Shen Youfu and the others immediately sensed his ulterior motives, suspecting he had his eyes on Shen Zi’an’s recent windfall.
Shen Youfu tapped his pipe and inquired, “Is your back feeling better today? You were out for most of the day. If you’re feeling well, you’ll join your elder brother for some casual work tomorrow! With more children on the way, we need to save some silver. We can’t have our children facing hardship.”
Grinning, Shen Ziping replied, “Father, my back just stopped hurting. The doctor advised a few more days of rest to avoid a relapse, which would be troublesome. Having more children is a blessing for you, Father. More sons mean more grandchildren! If I can endure the wind, can’t I also ensure that your delicate grandchildren don’t suffer? Who knows, maybe one of them will become a top scholar in the future!”
Shen Zhu teasingly chided, “Oh, Third Brother, are you praising my fifth brother or your son with those words?”
“Both, of course!” chuckled Shen Ziping.
Seated quietly, Shen Ziju didn’t show any particular reaction to Shen Ziping’s words, neither pleased nor upset.
Shen Zhang Shi interjected, “Alright, enough chit-chat. What brings all of you here? Not just for a leisurely chat, I hope?”
“Mother, you’re perceptive!” Shen Ziping complimented Shen Zhang Shi, pulled up a chair, and continued, “We’re here for Fourth Brother’s affairs. Father, Mother, Fourth Brother has come into some money. It’s time he showed some filial piety to you both, right? With all my health issues and my wife suffering from pregnancy complications, these troubles have largely stemmed from his wife. Back when we divided the estate, I spared them because I pitied them. Now, they should compensate in return, don’t you agree?”
Sun Shi interjected, “He does have that ginseng. It’s the best tonic for health. If they won’t use it, we might as well take it for the benefit of the whole family, young and old.”
The Third grandson added, “Those two tigers fetched a good sum today. I saw it glittering with silver. That woman stole my luck; it all went to her! She owes us some silver!”
Shen Ziju furrowed his brow, finding the talk of snatching silver distasteful. He excused himself from his parents, taking his books back to his room.
Shen Zhu found the situation rather amusing, sitting on the sidelines and observing the commotion with interest. She pondered what she could add to her own possessions if she managed to acquire some ginseng or silver.
“So, what do you all propose we do?” Shen Youfu had been worrying about Shen Ziju’s exam expenses, and now that a solution seemed possible, he didn’t want to let the opportunity slip by. However, he couldn’t bring himself to ask directly. Initially counting on the Third Household to handle this matter, now that they had taken the initiative, he didn’t object.
The members of the Third Household immediately understood that the patriarch’s silence signified approval for them to request money. Excitedly, they began discussing plans for the next day.