Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Zhao Sheng had also spent a few years studying in a private school, but due to his stubborn temperament and straightforward nature, he offended some powerful figures and was subsequently sent back home. After that, he worked as a helper in Town until his family's supermarket opened, at which point he was called back and recruited by Xia Muxin.
Xia Muxin could see through the ulterior motives behind Zhao Sheng's actions, but Yan Zhouwan merely curled her lips at his suggestion, then shifted her gaze away.
"Brother Zhao, you make a valid point, and I appreciate your concern. However, Aunt Zhao's health is not good, and Tea County is quite far; it won't be easy to return in just a day or two. If you go there, who will take care of the elders in the Zhao Family? While I want to earn money, I also don't want to gain a bad reputation. It would be better for you to wait until things stabilize over there and Aunt Zhao's health improves before you go. That way, at least you'll be able to return immediately if needed."
Although the Zhao Family had more than one son, Zhao Sheng was the only one who was unmarried. His brothers were all working in Town, leaving only their elderly parents and a few daughters-in-law with children at home. The Zhao Family was prosperous; each daughter-in-law had given birth to at least one son, resulting in the elders having no fewer than ten grandsons now, though they had only one granddaughter. This made them quite prominent in the village, and others dared not bully them.
Zhao Sheng was not young anymore; it was time for him to consider marriage. His parents had even sent someone to discuss this matter, but for some reason, their attempts had failed twice. Now it became clear that he had been interested in Yan Zhouwan all along and was likely waiting for an opportunity. However, Xia Muxin understood Yan Zhouwan's feelings well enough; even if she were not with Shen Muqing, she would never marry anyone in her lifetime. Rather than delaying Zhao Sheng's future, it would be better to refuse him outright.
She just hoped he wouldn't hold it against her.
Moreover, Aunt Zhao's health seemed to be deteriorating day by day; she probably clung to life just to see Zhao Sheng settle down. Her concerns were reasonable.
Zhao Sheng was a sensible person. After hearing Xia Muxin's words, he realized he had been too rash. With the late rice harvest coming up in about ten days and his brothers working in Town while the family prepared to renovate their house, there were many matters to attend to. If he really went to Tea County, it would be uncertain when he could return. Considering his mother's health as well, he decided to gracefully step back from the situation using Xia Muxin's words as an excuse.
Xia Muxin then reminded him to take good care of his family and invited him for a housewarming celebration upon his return before finally bidding farewell to her family.
*
During lunchtime, Shen Muqing held back his frustration and did not go downstairs. He felt like he could roar with annoyance; that damned woman Yan Zhouwan truly treated him like air. She seemed intent on opposing him at every turn—whatever he said went in one ear and out the other. Sometimes he genuinely questioned whether her mental state was normal.
For this period, she had been tirelessly baking bread day and night, filling their home with so much that it could probably last half a month of sales. Seeing the exhaustion etched on her face made him endure it all.
Shen Muhan had gone to Tea County; Xia Muxin would likely follow soon but hadn't provided a specific timeline. His hands were itching with new skin growing painfully; he hadn’t been able to help much around the house but had taken time to check on the oven instead.
“Shen Er Ye, lunch is ready. Should I bring it to you or...”
A hearty voice suddenly came from outside the door. Shen Muqing frowned; who else could it be but Ming Peng? That kid had been summoned by Shen Muhan five days ago and had since been managing the Workshop's affairs. According to Shen Muhan, he had trained a group of elites. With both him and Xia Muxin away, someone had to be left in charge, especially since the household was filled with honest folks who might be taken advantage of.
At that moment, he felt a surge of frustration; it seemed he was not considered human...
“I'll go down to eat myself.”
However, it wasn't Yan Zhouwan calling him that made him feel worse; he replied sullenly, and soon there was no sound from outside. Angered, he kicked the foot of the bed hard before finally putting on a stern face and heading downstairs.
It was well-known that he wasn't good with words. The Xia Family was easygoing and wouldn't pick on anyone's shortcomings. Plus, he was Shen Muhan's younger brother and a general defending the country, so everyone treated him with great respect. Even if he only ate plain rice every day, no one would think much of it. However, he rarely smiled at others and appeared quite distant, which made people keep their distance from him as well.
The Summer Forest father and son had been busy at the supermarket all day, while Songzi was at school. The house was filled with women and children, but today felt particularly strange with both Xia Muxin and Yan Zhouwan absent.
“Shen Er Ye, please have a seat.”
Since Xia Muxin usually called him that, everyone gradually began to feel it suited him and reflected his unique status. Xia Jihua finished serving the last dish, and Aunt Xia respectfully called out to him after dishing out the rice for everyone.
This wasn't the first time they had called him that, but this time it felt particularly awkward. Shen Muqing's eyelid twitched as he smiled slightly at Aunt Xia before sitting next to Ming Peng.
His sudden smile startled Aunt Xia; she thought she must have done something wrong. Her face turned bright red in surprise, but she didn't dare ask anything until Xia Jihua placed a piece of Braised Pork into her bowl. Only then did she nervously start eating her meal.
Shen Muhan ate a few bites without tasting anything before finally asking:
“Where are my sisters-in-law? Why haven't they come for lunch yet?”
At the same time, he raised an eyebrow at the table where two dishes were missing—had they gone to Town?
"Ah?"
Xia Jihua was momentarily taken aback, responding with a hint of confusion before explaining, "They set off for Tea County early this morning. Yan Zhouwan prepared some ointments and bandages for you, saying time was of the essence, so she left them with me."
When did these two become so close? Yan Zhouwan is a good girl—capable and down-to-earth—and she's becoming more beautiful by the day. Several boys in the village have taken a liking to her, but due to the Xia family's high standards, they can't bring themselves to approach her.
Moreover, both of them had experienced that incident, yet Shen Muqing hadn't even mentioned marrying her. This left Xia Jihua somewhat dissatisfied; after all, he had been through it himself and understood how important it was for a woman to maintain her purity. If his niece weren't so promising, she might have already taken drastic measures.
Shen Muqing's eyes dimmed as he said nothing more. He quickly finished his meal and declared he was full before getting up and leaving the courtyard.
Ming Peng observed quietly, unaffected by the tension. Once Shen Muqing departed, he began chatting and laughing with the Xia family, amusing several elders who chuckled heartily and openly suggested finding him a good wife.
At this, Ming Peng fell silent. Having spent too much time around the eldest brother, his standards had risen. Not only did their future wife need the eldest brother's approval, but also that of the eldest brother's elder. Only then would her judgment be reliable.
Meanwhile, Xia Muxin and her companions had been riding in the carriage for quite some time and were genuinely tired. The driver, Ming Da, was one of Ming Yi's many brothers. He appeared simple and honest, spoke little but was very considerate. When it was mealtime, he stopped the carriage to let the two young women disembark, and they found an inn to have a meal.
"Xia Muxin."
After finishing their meal and resting for a bit, they were eager to continue their journey. After all, Tea County wasn't too far but not exactly close either. They had set out early in the morning, and with the time spent eating, they would likely arrive after dark. Just as they stepped out of the inn, a voice filled with malice rang out.
"Ming Da immediately extended his arm to shield the two women while glaring coldly at the group ahead.
"Su Xiuning."
Xia Muxin showed no fear as she called out her name directly, provoking Su Xiuning's ire further.
Behind her followed several men and women, each with an air of arrogance, resembling the legendary scions of wealthy families. Among them, a young man in a maroon brocade robe stood the tallest, his cold Dan Feng Eyes fixed on Xia Muxin, as if trying to see through her.
The name Su Xiuning was nearly forgotten by Xia Muxin. After all, Shen Muhan's earlier strike had been severe; anyone would know what to do in such a situation. Yet now, they boldly blocked her path.
It seemed this woman had indeed been spoiled.
One couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with the Su Family's judgment. Instead of nurturing the promising Su Yan-Chu, they chose to elevate this unrelated person. Su Rong's intentions were questionable; did Prime Minister Su share the same mindset?
This led her to speculate whether Su Rong had an affair with the matriarch of the Ouyang Family.
"Oh, you have quite a bit there! Are you headed to Tea County? Brother Mu Han has made it clear that I can entertain guests anytime. Would you like to join me on the way?"
Xia Muxin had been pampered since her marriage, looking delicate and radiant. Although her attire was not overly extravagant, it was simple yet elegant, exuding an innate nobility that irked Su Xiuning. With a cold smile, she spoke.
It felt as though she was flaunting her status; even though Shen Muhan had married Xia Muxin, she could still approach him and offer hospitality at any time.
"That sounds great! I was just lamenting the lack of company on my journey," Xia Muxin replied with an alluring smile, generously extending her invitation. She was determined not to let this opportunity tarnish her reputation.
Who better than Xia Muxin to understand Shen Muhan's character? That earlier strike had been meant to make Su Rong give up hope.
- End of Chapter -
Comment 0 Comment Count