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Shen Youfu had always believed that Shen Zi’an still had money in his hands. When he claimed that the money from selling ginseng was used to buy land and build houses, Shen Youfu was skeptical. Now, seeing Shen Zi’an so lavishly renovating the garden and building more houses within it, his doubts deepened, suspecting that Shen Zi’an had deceived him from the beginning.
As soon as Shen Zhang Zhi’s words were spoken, Shen Youfu’s lingering suspicion turned into certainty.
Shen Youfu was quite angry. He almost went to settle accounts with Shen Zi’an, but Shen Zhang Shi intervened, stating that Shen Zi’an had already separated from the family, and it was not their place to interfere. Furthermore, if he insisted that the money was earned later, there was nothing they could do. Shen Youfu recalled how Shen Zi’an had made a good profit selling candied haws during the Lantern Festival and often saw him selling fur in town. These were all sources of income, along with the money they received for their children participating in the Rain Worship Festival, so Shen Zi’an had valid reasons to claim that the money had been saved up over time.
Shen Youfu thought for a while. This time, he came to find out how much money his son had. He was doing this for Shen Ziju.
With Shen Zhu covered in a rash and the family’s funds running low, Shen Youfu was concerned about Shen Ziju’s well-being on his journey. The amount of money Shen Ziju took with him was only half of what Shen Youfu had anticipated. He genuinely feared for his son’s hardships outside. Due to these circumstances, Shen Youfu now placed even greater importance on money, considering that Shen Ziju would need substantial funds in the coming autumn and spring. Especially in the following spring when Shen Ziju was to travel to the capital, where there were plenty of expenses. Shen Youfu was determined to ensure he had enough money for his son. Currently, Shen Zi’an’s place was the best source for money.
Shen Youfu intended to express his dissatisfaction, even if Shen Zi’an currently had no money. This way, he would have a reason when he needed money later on.
Shen Youfu had decided to request the examination expenses for his youngest son from Shen Zi’an, regardless of whether he had money or not. He believed that since Shen Zi’an could acquire a significant amount of money in such a short time, he could also arrange for funds for Shen Ziju’s examination fees.
It was a matter of great honor for the Shen family to have a child shine brightly in the imperial examinations. According to Shen Youfu, it was a significant event that required everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to support Shen Ziju in achieving this milestone. Shen Zi’an had no reason to refuse.
As for Shen Zhu…
Shen Youfu preferred not to say much to his daughter-in-law. He was well aware of her capabilities. With just a few words, she could easily silence him. Moreover, the innovative dishes she came up with, unknown to the people in their riverside village, and the miraculous medicinal recipes she devised, made Shen Youfu realize her true abilities. He was reluctant to cross her, preferring to deal with Shen Zi’an instead.
Su Zhi said, “Zi’an is helping with building the house over there. Should we go and take a look, or should we go back inside first? I’ll have someone fetch him.”
Shen Youfu replied, “Go ahead and call him over.”
Xiaori said, “I’ll go call Dad. Mom, you stay here with Grandpa and Grandma.”
Su Zhi patted his shoulder and said, “Go ahead. Don’t run too fast.”
Su Zhi accompanied Shen Youfu and the other two towards the house, engaging in conversation with Shen Zhang Shi and Shen Zhu along the way. She inquired about Shen Zhu’s condition, relieved to hear that she had not experienced a relapse in recent days, advising her to relax. Shen Zhang Shi suggested that Shen Zhu visit Su Zhi more often in the future and asked if Su Zhi welcomed this idea. Su Zhi thought to herself that Shen Zhang Shi might be trying to stir up trouble by having Shen Zhu visit their home, and she couldn’t let that happen.
Preventing someone from visiting was an easy task, especially in Su Zhi’s household. With a family of sacred beasts, including the new addition of a large dog, Da Hui, they couldn’t physically drive people away, nor could they command the silent animals to do so. Su Zhi thought that even if one of the sacred beasts bit Shen Zhu, there wouldn’t be much they could say about it.
“If Zhu has time, she can come over and play.”
Su Zhi said with a smile. However, in her mind, she had already decided that once the garden was finished, she would begin training the sharp-toothed and cunning wolves and dogs at home. With just a subtle cue from her, they would be ready to scare off the person she disliked. It was now confirmed that Shen Zhu would be the first on that list.
Shen Zhu thought to herself that her mother was truly clever. She was just contemplating visiting this place more often to figure out a way to introduce a woman between her fourth brother and Su Zhi. Before she could even mention it, her mother had voiced the idea. Shen Zhu anticipated that on her future visits, her fourth brother and Su Zhi would certainly receive her with better hospitality.
As they entered the courtyard, the Shen family of three stood at the gate without moving further inside, as they spotted two individuals sitting in the center of the yard.
These two individuals were none other than Uncle Lan and Aunt Lan. Their health had significantly improved, and they were now sitting in the courtyard, enjoying the sun while working.
Unle Lan was weaving baskets, while Aunt Lan was sewing clothes. Su Zhi had bought each of them a new set of clothes, but they hadn’t replaced their current ones, which had been tattered long ago. Su Zhi found two pieces of fabric suitable for their age and color preferences, and Aunt Lan took it upon herself to make the clothes.
As soon as the old couple saw Su Zhi entering with others, they stood up as well.
Aunt Lan, with a smile on her face, said, “Su Zhi, these guests are…”
Initially, the old couple insisted on addressing Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi as “Lord and Madam” out of respect. However, due to Shen Zi’an and the three kids learning martial arts from Uncle Lan, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi insisted that they use their names instead. Shen Zi’an did so out of reverence for his teacher, while Su Zhi sensed that the elderly couple had secrets, making it difficult for her to view them as ordinary helpers.
Su Zhi said, “Aunt Lan, these three are my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Zhu’er, Shen Zi’an’s younger sister. Father, Mother, Zhu’er, these are the Uncle and Aunt Lan I mentioned to you before. I met them when I was at the convent. They were facing difficulties, so I invited them to come back and help take care of the garden.”
Uncle Lan and Aunt Lan greeted Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi.
Shen Youfu had a bad temper, but towards outsiders, as long as they didn’t provoke him, his temper wasn’t too bad. Shen Zhang Shi, on the other hand, was quite eloquent, which helped them maintain a good reputation in the village. They exchanged a few words with Uncle Lan and Aunt Lan, reassuring them to settle in comfortably and that better days were ahead. Shen Zhang Shi’s words were particularly comforting, leaving a soothing effect on one’s mind.
Su Zhi invited the three inside the house to sit down. Aunt Lan offered to fetch water, mentioning that with many people in the garden now, there was always hot water available without needing to heat it up constantly.
Once Shen Youfu had his drink of water, Shen Zi’an returned home.
“Father, Mother, Zhu’er, you’re here.”
Shen Zi’an set Xiaori down from his arms. As soon as he heard that his parents had arrived, he hurried back. Aware that his father had been in a bad mood lately, he was concerned that it might affect his wife. Seeing them seated peacefully and his wife looking unbothered, he felt relieved, greeted his parents, and took a seat.
Shen Youfu looked at Shen Zi’an and said, “I haven’t been feeling well these days, and while you’ve been renovating the garden, planting trees, laying paths, building houses, and digging ponds, I haven’t been able to assist you. I’m feeling a bit better today, so I came to check on things.”
Shen Zi’an thought to himself that his father must have come for a reason, especially since he had directly come inside to sit down. However, he didn’t expect his father to offer any help or show concern. He wondered what issue Shen Youfu had come to discuss this time.
“Father, don’t worry. There’s nothing major here. Eldest brother and second brother are helping, and everything will be done soon. If you’re not feeling well, rest at home. Once the garden is finished, I’ll invite you to come and see.”
Shen Zhang Shi smiled and added, “Zi’an, when the time comes, we’ll definitely come over to see. I was just looking around and thought that if all these trees in your garden thrive, it will be a lush green area. The rockery and those pathways on the ground give it such a grand appearance. Once you plant some flowers and grass, walking in will feel like stepping into a noble’s estate. You’re truly living the good life now, and your parents can rest assured.”
“Stop worrying,” Shen Zi’an reassured his parents. He was known to speak concisely, never saying more than necessary unless pushed to do so. He maintained a balance in his words, never giving anyone a reason to argue.
Upon hearing Shen Zi’an’s response, Shen Youfu couldn’t contain his impatience and decided to test the waters.
“Zi’an, with all this garden renovation, it must cost a considerable sum of money. Didn’t you mention last time that you had spent all your funds? Where did this money come from?”
Both Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an almost simultaneously thought that this was indeed about money.
Shen Zi’an had already discussed a plan with Su Zhi beforehand. He calmly explained their money-making ventures, such as selling candied haws, fur, and the earnings from their children participating in rain worship festival..
“Fourth brother and sister-in-law are truly capable. Even without relying on ginseng, they manage to build more houses, create paths, plant trees, and even construct ponds.”
“Mother, I always knew fourth brother was capable. You used to worry about him a lot, but now you don’t need to worry. He’s doing well,” Shen Zhu said with a smile to Shen Zhang Shi. Her words were cheerful yet subtly meaningful, acknowledging Shen Zi’an’s ability to earn money while hinting at Shen Zhang Shi’s concern for him.
Shen Zhang Shi nodded and said, “Yes, I can finally relax. Zi’an, Zi’an’s wife, I felt uneasy ever since we followed the Taoist’s advice to separate for the family’s safety. Seeing you both doing well now truly brings me joy.”
As she spoke, Shen Zhang Shi wiped away tears with her handkerchief, her eyes genuinely moist with tears.
Shen Youfu glanced at her and said, “Why are you crying? It was my decision to separate them, not yours. Stop blaming yourself. They are doing well now. If anything, their separation turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Without it, they wouldn’t be living so comfortably. We aren’t even half as comfortable as they are…”