W Chapter 76

Chapter 76 Adding Fuel to the Fire

Chapter 76 Adding Fuel to the Fire

It was midday, and also the Dragon Boat Festival. The villagers of Xiao Liucun hadn’t gone to the fields yet, and many people were sitting under the shade of the big tree at the village entrance, chatting idly.

Seeing the carriage approaching in the distance, the chatting people stopped talking and looked in the direction of the carriage.

Carriages rarely came to Xiao Liucun, and the villagers were curious about the visitors, all staring intently.

As the carriage got closer and closer, they finally saw who it was.

It turned out to be the scholar, the second son of the Shen family. No wonder he was driving a carriage.

The villagers’ eyes followed the carriage until it was out of sight before they reluctantly looked away.

Silence was broken in the crowd.

“Heh, the Shen family is really different now. Look at Shen Hui’s demeanor, it’s incomparable to before.”

Someone in the crowd immediately joked, “Look, didn’t Zhao Fu Lang not want to marry Shen Hui before? Now that he sees the Shen family prospering, is he being sour?”

The others laughed along, and Zhao Fu Lang, who was singled out, blushed and said angrily, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Was it him who didn’t want to marry Shen Hui? From the beginning, the matchmaker just casually introduced him. Among the men in the village who hadn’t married a wife or Fu Lang, there happened to be Shen Hui.

He chose the one most suitable for living a life together from these people, what was wrong with that?

Before the Shen family prospered, these people all said in front of him that it was a good thing he didn’t choose Shen Hui.

Now, the wind had completely changed.

Some gossipy and malicious people even confused black and white, saying that he used to bully the Shen family because they were poor.

Even if it was said in a joking tone, he was unhappy in his heart.

Heavens, he and Shen Hui clearly hadn’t said a word to each other, and the other party had no intention of considering him. It was just a casual remark from the matchmaker.

It really made it impossible for him to explain.

Fortunately, the villagers of Xiao Liucun didn’t dare to really say anything, after all, several of their daughters, Ge’ers, and wives, Fu Lang, were working with Xu Youfang.

They were paid copper coins according to how much they did, with a daily limit of ten copper coins.

People said that if the business grew bigger in the future, they would have to recruit people, and the limit would also be raised.

Everyone was looking forward to it.

Not to mention that Shen Hui’s identity was extraordinary, so they really didn’t dare to joke about him.

It wouldn’t be good to offend him.

However, at the moment, the only fresh and worthwhile topic in the village was the Shen family. It wasn’t good to talk about the other members of the Shen family, but there was one exception.

“I guess the one sitting in the carriage is Shen Hai’s Fu Lang. He’s also lucky, the Shen family is now prosperous, and a widower is living a prosperous life.”

As soon as this was said, it aroused the resonance and affirmation of many people.

“Yes, who is as lucky as him, meeting the Shen family. Even his younger brother is being raised by them, and he’s also being asked to go to the county to live a good life.”

“I think he’s not very old, and he doesn’t have any children. Do you think he can really keep himself for Shen Hai?”

“He definitely couldn’t keep himself before, but it’s hard to say in the future. With the Shen family having such a good life, would you be willing to leave?”

Definitely not willing to leave.

“That’s not right.” An aunt in the crowd said doubtfully, “How do I remember that it was Ling Xing who came up with the money-making idea, which led the Shen family to rise up? And before, my daughter went back to her maiden’s home and said that she saw Ling Xing opening a shop in town.”

Seeing that the topic was finally not on him, Zhao Fu Lang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly followed up, “Isn’t that shop now in the hands of Shen Yan and his wife? I guess it’s the Shen family’s property. They let him manage it before, and now it’s back in the hands of the Shen family’s own people, isn’t it?”

Everyone didn’t know the specifics of what was going on. Since the Shen family sold their house and built another one at the foot of the mountain, they didn’t have much time to interact with the village. After all, their eldest son needed people at that time, and even more so, he needed money. The whole family spent all their time earning money and taking care of Shen Hai.

Even when they were in the village, they rarely saw the Shen family members going out to chat.

Being a little farther away, it was naturally even more impossible.

It also made them know very little about the Shen family, and they still remained at the time when Shen Hai was alive.

As for how the Shen family got their life going later, they really didn’t know.

I’m afraid only the village chief, who was a little closer to their family, and Xie Qingya knew.

Anyway, it was just that everyone gathered together to chat when they had nothing to do, and they said whatever came to mind.

But the topic had always been focused on Ling Xing.

There was no way, his identity was really special.

Being in the Shen family, which was in the limelight, but not entirely a member of the Shen family.

He was still a wandering Ge’er, whose identity and family background were unknown. He himself carried some mystery and had great luck.

Following the Shen family, his life was better than anyone else in the village.

Especially after being raised for more than a year, Ling Xing’s figure finally became normal, and his appearance was so good-looking that it couldn’t be ignored.

An overly good-looking appearance was not a good thing in the village.

There were quite a few people who were jealous.

Once the topic started, it never stopped.

At first, out of consideration for the Shen family, they spoke normally.

Later, it became more and more wrong.

“Hey, what do you say, although Shen Hai was sick before, he was still alive. Why did he die after marrying a Fu Lang for a “Wedding to Ward Off Evil”?”

“Tsk, you don’t understand, do you? Ling Xing looks so seductive at such a young age. I’m afraid Shen Hai was seduced by him, that’s why he died.”

“Yo, Aunt Han, that’s not right. Didn’t you also help out at the Shen family when Ling Xing first came? At that time, he was so thin that you couldn’t look at him, where did he get his good looks now, how could he seduce anyone? I could believe you if you said Shen Hai was poked to death by him.”

Aunt Han, who was refuted by the young wife, was a little embarrassed. She was telling news under this big tree, who wasn’t listening and agreeing with what she said?

Aunt Han rolled her eyes and spoke to the young wife who refuted her.

“Which of you young people isn’t shameless? You’re always pulling and hooking up with men, and pantingDelicate after saying a few words. Even if it’s a piece of wood, it can be hooked up.”

“Look at Ling Xing’s foxy appearance, can he not have any tricks? I say Shen Hai was harmed by him! The old Shen family didn’t listen to me and insisted on marrying him for a Wedding to Ward Off Evil, they suffered and were kept in the dark. It’s also worrying, and it allowed a Fu Lang who brings bad luck to her husband to enjoy the family’s good fortune.”

The young wife was so ashamed by her words that she didn’t dare to open her mouth again. Aunt Han was just bullying her because she was still young and deliberately said these things to block her.

However, not many people responded to Aunt Han’s words this time. Her words were too much, and she was ruining people’s reputations for no reason.

They were all counting on the Shen family to give them work, and no matter how much Ling Xing was an outsider, he was closer to them and the Shen family.

And they didn’t know the specific situation of how the Shen family made their fortune. What if Ling Xing was amazing?

Following the trend to speak at this time was not a good choice.

Disaster comes from the mouth, it’s better to shut up.

Seeing that only a few people responded, Aunt Han felt a big psychological gap and didn’t feel good. She wanted to say more.

Before she could open her mouth, she was startled by an angry roar.

Today was the Dragon Boat Festival, and Xie Qingya and Wang Juan made a special trip to town for a good meal. Aunt Han was emotional after being refuted, and the louder she got.

Xie Qingya heard it clearly.

Wang Juan understood his Fu Lang and raised his hand to pull him, but it was still a step too late.

The man jumped out like a rabbit, put his hands on his hips, and shouted, “You’re talking so eloquently, what! Were you lying under Shen Hai and Ling Xing’s bed that day watching!”

Aunt Han screamed in fright by Xie Qingya who suddenly jumped out. Before she could recover, she heard Xie Qingya continue to shout, “Do you know how hard it is for Ling Xing to get up early and work late to set up a stall and do business! All of this is earned by his own efforts, he’s not enjoying anyone’s good fortune, and he doesn’t bring bad luck to his husband!”

Xie Qingya didn’t say too much.

The Shen family had not explicitly stated that the ideas were all Ling Xing’s, also to protect him.

He understood the principle that a tree that stands out from the forest is easily destroyed by the wind.

Therefore, he didn’t explain it in such detail, for fear of causing unnecessary trouble for his friend.

Aunt Han’s face was ugly. She couldn’t shout as loudly as Xie Qingya, so she stood up and wanted to do something.

Wang Juan pulled Xie Qingya in time, protected him behind him, and coughed lightly. His voice was faint, “Aunt, do you really think the Shen family won’t pursue your reckless words today?”

Aunt Han wasn’t sure.

Her hand froze in mid-air, neither up nor down.

She was just unhappy with those foxy women and gave a few words of advice, would the Shen family really stand up for Ling Xing?

At this time, Aunt Han finally broke free from the sense of satisfaction and excitement she had from gossiping about people and gave birth to some anxiety.

Because the Fu Lang of her second son was working for Xu Youfang. He was skilled and was assigned to cut velvet thread. The ten copper coins a day were really in her hands.

If this was gone, where would she go to get ten copper coins a day for nothing!

Aunt Han lowered her banner. When she met Wang Juan’s eyes, she couldn’t help but feel a little frightened.

The person was so frightened that her legs softened and she fell down.

He clearly looked like a sick man, but why were his eyes so scary?

Just one look made her legs tremble.

Seeing that Aunt Han had completely extinguished the fire, Wang Juan pulled Xie Qingya and continued walking.

“You shouldn’t have pulled me, you should have let me fight her and see who is more powerful!”

On the way, Xie Qingya was still dissatisfied with what had just happened.

Wang Juan gently pinched his hand and said softly, “I think Shen Hui and Ling Xing should be back. Aren’t you going to see Ling Xing? Are you going to spend your time fighting with people?”

Hearing that Ling Xing might be back, Xie Qingya’s eyes lit up, “How do you know they’re back?”

Wang Juan said, “There are ruts on the soil at the village entrance. There weren’t any when we left. Today is also the Dragon Boat Festival, I think they should be back for the festival.”

And among the people in Xiao Liucun who would ride in a carriage, so far, Wang Juan had only seen Ling Xing and Shen Hui.

Of course, he might have guessed wrong.

If he guessed wrong, he would take his Fu Lang to the county to see his friend tomorrow as an apology for making people happy for nothing.

Xie Qingya thought Wang Juan’s analysis was right. He hadn’t even noticed the changes on the ground.

“Then let’s not go home first, let’s go to the Shen family to see!”

Wang Juan responded, “Okay.”

At this time, the Shen family was lively. Xu Youfang had just said at home that she was not used to the fact that there were fewer people in the house for the Dragon Boat Festival this year and was thinking about going to the county to see them in a few days.

She also happened to want to send the velvet flowers to the county and talk business with several jewelry shops.

It was a coincidence that as soon as she finished speaking, Shen Lai’s cheerful voice rang out in the yard, “Parents! Your little five is back!”

Wu Xue was the fastest to react in the family, and only a shadow could be seen when it ran. Wu Xue, who hadn’t seen its little master for a long time, wagged its tail quickly and kept leaning against Shen Lai.

The dog had been missing him every day these days.

It was asking for petting and comfort.

Shen Lai, who had also participated in training Wu Xue before, naturally understood the dog’s heart. Without saying a word, he squatted down and hugged the big dog enthusiastically.

From top to bottom, he petted Wu Xue comfortably.

“Oh my Wu Xue, your brother missed you so much!”

Wu Xue responded softly.

The dog too!

The family had already eaten dinner and were in the main room, chatting idly.

Hearing the movement, they were very happy and all rushed to the yard.

No one dared to squeeze Xu Youfang, she was the first to come out. When she saw Shen Lai in the front, her eyes suddenly turned red.

The child was thin, and there was fatigue that couldn’t be hidden on his face.

Because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time, the difference could be seen at once.

She knew that Ling Xing and Shen Hui couldn’t possibly treat Shen Lai badly, so it could only be because of the medical studies.

“Little five, come over and let mother take a look.”

Shen Lai let go of Wu Xue and ran to Xu Youfang with a smile.

But Xu Youfang couldn’t smile.

She knew her own children. There was a difference between a genuine smile and a forced smile.

Even if Shen Lai pretended well, the mother could see through it at a glance.

Just like when she first discovered Shen Hui’s abnormality.

Xu Youfang still regretted that she hadn’t paid more attention to Shen Hui, so that she could have discovered it earlier and hopefully stopped it in time.

Instead of waiting until Shen Hui was bent beyond repair to see it.

Shen Chengshan was the second to come over. Seeing Shen Lai hugging Xu Youfang and acting spoiled, he said with a chuckle, “He’s thinner, but still so lively.”

Xu Youfang couldn’t help but glare at him. The abnormality of the second son hadn’t been seen, and he kept asking her what was going on every day.

As a result, he hadn’t seen the abnormality of the youngest son.

Were this old thing’s eyes decorations!

However, Xu Youfang just glared at him and gave up, because the other people in the family were the same as Shen Chengshan.

Shen Hui carried a pile of things into the yard, Ling Xing and Ling Yue each carried a bag of pastries.

Shen Hui saw that Ling Xing really wanted to help him share the burden. Not wanting to let down the goodwill of his beloved, and wanting to enjoy the tenderness of his beloved, he carefully selected two portions of pastries from a pile of things.

Then Ling Yue was afraid that his brother would be tired, so he insisted on dividing the two not-so-heavy pastries and carrying one portion himself.

Shen Gui came out from behind and didn’t stop much at Shen Lai.

But when he passed by, he reached out and touched his younger brother’s head. After successfully being slapped by his mother, he happily came over to help carry things.

The Shen family all went up to help. Xu Youfang smiled at Ling Xing while tidying up, “It’s good that you’re back. Why did you bring so many things? Don’t bring them next time, we don’t lack anything at home.”

Ling Xing said, “I just thought it was good and wanted the whole family to be able to experience it.”

Hearing this, Xu Youfang’s heart softened, “Then mother has to experience it well, it’s not in vain for our Ling Xing’s intentions.”

Shen Chengshan looked at the whole family gathered together and was very happy in his heart.

“Let’s make a few more dishes tonight and have a good meal!”

Speaking of everyone being together.

Shen Chengshan looked at Ling Xing, “Ling Xing, today is the festival, it’s rare for the family to be reunited.”

Last year, Shen Yan’s family was not here for the Dragon Boat Festival, but this year they were here and had a grandson.

He was happy, but there was also a void in his heart.

Shen Chengshan hesitated, “Father wants the whole family to go see Hai, are you willing to go see your husband?”

He had always thought that Ling Xing had married Shen Hai for a “Wedding to Ward Off Evil”, and their relationship was weak. They only spent three days together before being separated by life and death.

He was afraid that Ling Xing would be unhappy, so the family rarely mentioned Shen Hai in front of him, let alone asked him to see Shen Hai.

If it hadn’t been for everyone gathering together this time and it being a festival and a day of sacrifice, Shen Chengshan wouldn’t have mentioned it.

Ling Xing was indeed stunned for a moment. He hadn’t heard “Shen Hai” for a long time.

Their three-day relationship immediately came to his mind, and the things Shen Hai tried his best to leave him at the time of his death, he had also kept them under the box.

He was able to live so well in the Shen family, thanks to the other party’s last words, which had arranged everything for him.

He should go see him.

“Okay, Father.” Ling Xing asked, “When are we going? If it’s later, I’ll steam a sausage for… my husband. The county magistrate just made it, let him taste it.”

Having never said that title, Ling Xing stuttered a little.

He originally wanted to call him “Hai” directly, but thinking that he was now Shen Hai’s widow, and Shen Chengshan had mentioned “husband” earlier, he simply called him husband.

Xu Youfang was watching from the side, seeing her second son clenching his fists and suppressing his surging emotions.

Then she heard her husband, whose eyes “couldn’t see clearly”, shout, “Second son, go kill a chicken and stew it to send to your brother.”

“Oh, if your brother sees your husband going and specially leaves good things thinking of steaming them for him to eat, he will definitely be happy under the nine springs.”

Shen Hui didn’t speak, just turned around to kill the chicken.

Xu Youfang patted Shen Chengshan on the shoulder. If the children weren’t here, she would have really wanted to pry open his eyes and let him see clearly.

Wasn’t this purely stimulating the second son!

She had made a mistake in one step, and then made mistakes in every step.

She thought that letting Ling Xing marry him, knowing that Ling Xing didn’t have him in his heart, would allow him to let go of this feeling that shouldn’t have arisen and return to the right track.

As a result, she directly forced the person to confront her.

Now, this old thing actually let Ling Xing call Hai “husband” in front of Shen Hui.

Judging from Shen Hui’s current half-crazy state, she didn’t dare to think about what he would do.

Adding fuel to the fire! It was simply adding fuel to the fire!

Noticing Xu Youfang’s dissatisfied gaze, Shen Chengshan didn’t know where he had offended his wife again and quickly said that he was going to find paper money, taking the opportunity to escape from the other party’s sight.

Xie Qingya came to the Shen family at this time and knew that his husband was right when he saw the carriage outside.

“Ling Xing!”

Hearing the voice, Ling Xing immediately poked his head out from the kitchen, “Qingya!”

The two friends happily hooked their arms around each other’s shoulders. They hadn’t seen each other for a long time and missed each other very much.

Xie Qingya took the lead in apologizing, “I said I would go see you often, but I was too busy. I’m more relaxed today and didn’t even want to cook, so I went to town for a good meal.”

“How could I blame you for these things?” Ling Xing pulled him into the kitchen, “You came at the right time. I got a new food from the county and brought it to you, come in and take a look.”

Hearing that there was food, Xie Qingya moved faster.