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Listening to Shen Youfu’s words, Su Zhi thought to herself that despite his bad temper, he was not unintelligent, especially when he wasn’t angry. His words had depth, subtly implying that they were living too well while their parents were not. If someone else heard this, they might think the children were unfilial for living comfortably without caring for their parents. If Shen Zi’an and she were honest enough, they might feel guilty after hearing those words, admit their faults, and offer money as a gesture.
However, what irritated Su Zhi the most about Shen Youfu was not this. It was his statement about separating them when she fell seriously ill, suggesting that their current prosperity was due to a stroke of luck from a misfortune.
Su Zhi couldn’t help but think that Shen Youfu had a hard and thick-skinned heart to say such things. How could he even utter those words?
Just based on his “a blessing in disguise” remark, Su Zhi decided that no matter what Shen Youfu’s intentions were today, she wouldn’t let him have his way.
“Mother, father is right. We indeed found fortune amidst misfortune. When we were separated from the family, we had only enough food for two days of gruel, a leaky house, and the poorest land in this riverside village. However, fate was kind to us. We were almost eaten by a tiger, saved by sacred beasts, and even gifted with ginseng. It seems like Heaven took pity on us and bestowed so many blessings upon us. My heart is truly grateful,” Su Zhi said with a smile, causing Shen Youfu’s family to visibly stiffen. If they weren’t fools, they could have sensed Su Zhi’s complaint in her words.
Shen Zi’an held Su Zhi’s hand, realizing how much his wife had suffered in the past.
Seeing the situation, Shen Youfu realized he couldn’t bring up the matter of asking Shen Zi’an for money at this moment. However, he wasn’t too disheartened, as he believed Shen Zi’an would provide the funds when he went to take the imperial exams. He was confident that Shen Zi’an wouldn’t refuse then. His visit this time was merely to touch base with Shen Zi’an.
Shen Zhang Shi quickly changed the subject to avoid any potential conflict caused by Shen Youfu. With so many people outside and the father not assisting in building the house but instead asking for money, it would be embarrassing. She didn’t want to be seen as orchestrating such actions.
“Zi’an, Su Zhi, there are guests outside. A young master Qian and a Miss Liang. They are said to have come from the town,” Uncle Lan reported at the door.
The people in the house were taken aback, and Shen Youfu’s family all turned to look at Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. Shen Zhu, especially, had a gleam in her eyes, wondering why Qian Guang had come to the riverside village.
Shen Zhu was set on marrying a wealthy and influential man, with Qian Guang ranking first among the people she knew. He was unmarried, affluent, handsome, and had good manners, making him a near-perfect match in her eyes.
“Invite them in,” Shen Zi’an said.
Uncle Lan turned and went to do so.
Shen Youfu suggested, “Zi’an, bring out the best tea we have and start preparing lunch. Let’s host Young Master Qian and the Miss for a meal. Why have they come here? Are all our family members deceased? They should have invited us over instead of having Young Master Qian come here.”
In Shen Youfu’s mind, he assumed Qian Guang knew Shen Ziju and must have visited their old residence first, only learning about their presence here afterwards. He felt it was essential to entertain Qian Guang well at their current location to maintain a respectable appearance. Shen Zi’an’s household not only had better food than their old home but also served superior tea, ensuring Qian Guang didn’t look down on Shen Ziju. However, Shen Youfu also wanted to make it clear that their son and daughter-in-law were benefiting from Shen Ziju’s reputation, making it easier to ask for financial support for Shen Zi’an’s imperial exams in the future.
Su Zhi found it amusing but decided not to dwell on it. She believed that Qian Guang and Liang Fu had come to visit them, especially since Liang Fu had previously mentioned her intention to visit and express gratitude, which hadn’t happened until now. However, another reason that led her to this conclusion was Shen Ziju’s ongoing exams in the capital. If Qian Guang had come to see Shen Ziju, he wouldn’t have arrived at this moment. Additionally, if he had come to pay respects to Shen Ziju’s parents, he would likely have waited at their old residence rather than seeking them out here, which she found to be impolite.
“Fourth brother, fourth sister-in-law, we’ve come today without prior notice. Please forgive our abrupt visit,” Qian Guang said with a smile and a bow upon entering, addressing Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. As he noticed Shen Youfu’s family, his expression turned surprised.
“Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, and Miss Shen Zhu, you’re here as well.”
Qian Guang greeted the three individuals, but his remark caused some slight discomfort among the three, particularly when they saw Su Zhi’s smile, which widened their unease.
Shen Youfu realized that Qian Guang had directly come to visit Shen Zi’an’s Residence. He recalled the pleasant conversation between Shen Zi’an and Qian Guang during the Rain Worship Festival at Tian Sheng Court and realized that their relationship was quite close. He had initially thought it was due to Shen Ziju’s influence, but now he understood that Shen Zi’an and Qian Guang had developed a close bond even before.
Feeling a bit embarrassed about his behavior earlier in front of his son and daughter-in-law, Shen Youfu made an effort to control his expression and not show too much discomfort, especially with esteemed guests present.
“Master Qian, what brings you to visit Zi’an today?” Shen Youfu inquired, making Shen Zhang Shi slightly uneasy as she felt Qian Guang’s visit to pay respects to Shen Zi’an was entirely appropriate.
Qian Guang, undisturbed, smiled and replied, “Fourth brother and I share a strong bond. Moreover, when my aunt and cousin were in this area, they were assisted by Fourth Brother. My family and I have wanted to express our gratitude. It seems we are a bit late in our visit today.”
At this moment, Liang Fu stepped forward to bow and expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to Fourth Brother’s timely help back then; otherwise, my mother and I wouldn’t have made it. We have been wanting to visit and express our gratitude, but various circumstances prevented us. Today, unexpectedly finding construction underway at Fourth Brother Shen’s home, we hope we’re not causing any disturbance.”
Su Zhi, meeting Liang Fu’s gaze, responded with a smile, “Not at all. If you had waited a bit longer until the garden was fully renovated, we could have enjoyed the scenery together inside the garden.”
Liang Fu replied, “In that case, we can plan another visit after some time when everything is ready. Recently, my mother was unwell, so I had to stay home to take care of her. Now that she’s recovered, I have the time to come out. I look forward to visiting often in the future and bothering you, Sister Zhao.”
“Feel free to visit anytime,” Su Zhi warmly welcomed Liang Fu.
Su Zhi thought to herself that aside from occasionally casting an extra glance at her husband, Liang Fu wasn’t a disagreeable person. She understood that her husband was quite handsome and naturally attracted attention. She didn’t believe Liang Fu had any ill intentions towards him. Observing Liang Fu’s demeanor towards her, her husband, and Shen Zi’an seemed respectful, without any malicious intent.
Qian Guang had his servants bring in the gifts, and after a polite exchange, Shen Zi’an accepted them graciously and had them placed in a room to the west.
Watching the servants carrying the gifts into the house, Shen Youfu and his family couldn’t help but feel that Qian Guang and Liang Fu’s gesture was quite generous. Their courtesy towards Shen Zi’an was remarkable.
Shen Youfu couldn’t help but think that there must be money among the gifts, which could serve as financial support for Shen Ziju’s imperial exams. He was curious to see how Shen Zi’an would decline and say he doesn’t have any money.
Shen Zhu noticed Su Zhi and Liang Fu conversing happily and decided to join in the conversation. She was aware of Liang Fu’s noble background as an official’s daughter who had come to visit with her mother. Making friends with such a high-born lady would be a status symbol. Although she had gotten along well with Liang Fu before, she felt a bit uncomfortable seeing how well Liang Fu and Su Zhi were getting along this time.
Qian Guang and Liang Fu also interacted with the three children, finding them charming and lovely. Observing the layout and decorations of Shen Zi’an’s courtyard and interior, they couldn’t help but feel that the couple didn’t really seem like ordinary villagers.
As lunchtime approached, Su Zhi insisted that they all stay for lunch, an invitation Qian Guang and Liang Fu graciously accepted.
Su Zhi started cooking, grateful for the well-stocked ingredients at home, especially the ample meat supply, ensuring she could prepare a full meal. She ended up making garlic spinach, stir-fried bean sprouts with meat, braised fish, stir-fried pork with scallions, cured meat with garlic chives, chestnut chicken, potato cakes, rabbit meat, and sour cabbage soup – a feast of eight dishes and a soup.
The Shen family members were well aware of Su Zhi’s culinary skills, but Qian Guang and Liang Fu were pleasantly surprised when they saw the spread on the table.
Having grown up in affluent households with good food but not necessarily lavish feasts, Qian Guang and Liang Fu had encountered numerous banquet meals. However, upon seeing this assortment of dishes, their mouths watered, and the aroma made them anticipate a delicious meal.
“Fourth sister-in-law is truly skilled in cooking,” Qian Guang praised, watching Su Zhi enter with a pot of wine. He admired her refreshing appearance in a bright blue top and green skirt, her slender waist accentuated without any constraints. Her jet-black hair, fair face, and clear eyes added to her charm.
Qian Guang couldn’t help but feel that such a beauty, now a farmer’s wife, was indeed a great loss.