After lunch, it was time for study again.
Xu Jinnian thought Sheng An would talk about something unrelated to studying, but until the study session ended, he didn’t hear what he wanted to hear.
Sheng An had learned another dozen new characters. As she stood up to leave, she suddenly slapped her forehead: “Oh right!”
Xu Jinnian’s hand holding the brush tightened slightly, his jade-like face showing no trace of emotion: “What is it?”
“A surprise! I want to give you a surprise.”
Sheng An cheerfully patted Xu Jinnian’s shoulder. Before he could react, she briskly walked to the guest room and retrieved the Wenfang Sibao from a small box.
“Here, open it and see if you like it.”
Sheng An placed the exquisite case on the desk, signaling for Xu Jinnian to unwrap the gift himself.
Xu Jinnian looked at the case, then at Sheng An, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes that even he didn’t notice.
His slender, well-defined hands rested on the case as he gently lifted the lid. The first thing he saw was the Yantai carved with ancient patterns.
In the compartment below the inkstone, two ink sticks emitted a rich ink fragrance. Beside them lay a rare Ivory Brush.
Just this Ivory Brush alone was something even those from Shuxiang Shijia might not necessarily possess—it was precious enough to be treasured as a Family heirloom.
Sheng An, with her limited knowledge, didn’t understand the value of the Ivory Brush. Seeing Xu Jinnian’s gaze fixed on it, she knew the gift had hit the mark: “With the Imperial Examination approaching, this surprise is my early gift to you.”
Do your best and pass the exam to become a Cultivated Talent in one go.
By then, her small restaurant would be open, and she might just borrow the prestige of being a Cultivated Talent’s wife.
“An An, thank you. I really like it.”
Xu Jinnian held Sheng An’s hand, his deep eyes swirling with complex emotions that settled into calmness the moment he looked at her.
Since calling her by her full name yesterday, his address for Sheng An had changed to An An.
When these two words came from his lips, they carried a touch of tender affection.
“As long as you like it. I’m just borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha.”
Sheng An was pleased with Xu Jinnian’s reaction. Withdrawing her hand meaningfully, she said:
“There are countless couples in this world, and not every pair shares the same heart. Although we’re still in the stage of getting to know each other, I think you’re a good person. Even if we don’t become a loving couple in the future, we won’t stab each other in the back.”
Xu Jinnian’s good mood instantly plummeted. His thin lips pressed into a straight line, a hint of hurt suppressed deep in his eyes.
“Keep studying. I’m going out to work.”
Sheng An didn’t notice Xu Jinnian’s unusual reaction, quietly praising her own cleverness.
She genuinely thought Xu Jinnian was a good person and couldn’t imagine him capable of something as insane as murdering his wife.
She still needed to find an opportunity to voice her concerns, to let him know that if he ever wanted to climb to higher branches in the future, she wouldn’t cling to him obstinately—there was no need for him to take the risk of killing anyone.
Xu Jinnian watched Sheng An leave, remaining in that position for a long time without moving.
Hearing her cheerful voice telling Grandma Sheng she was going to the Zhang Family to get pork bones, he somehow smiled—a expression that seemed both helpless and self-mocking.
This time when visiting the Zhang Family, Sheng An brought a can of tea leaves, some Dried Seafood, and several types of pastries.
When Xu Cuilian saw her arriving with gifts, her face immediately fell: “You’ve only been setting up stall for a few days, and you already have more money than you know what to do with? If you really think money burns your hands, bring it here and I’ll keep it for you!”
A newlywed bride simply doesn’t know how to manage a household. Her second brother had been ill for several months, and their modest family savings had long been depleted.
With Jinnian soon heading to Fu Cheng for the imperial examinations, travel and accommodation expenses would require significant funds. How could she spend money so recklessly like this?
“Aunt, you’ve misunderstood—I didn’t pay for these items.”
Sheng An was familiar with Xu Cuilian’s temperament and naturally didn’t take offense at her sarcastic tone. “If you don’t believe me, Aunt, you can ask Father-in-law and my husband directly.”
Hearing this, Xu Cuilian’s expression softened. She took the items and examined them carefully, then her face grew tense again:
“This tea looks expensive! And these dried seafood—we’re not near the coast here, the shops sell these at sky-high prices!”
Sheng An smiled. “They were all gifts from others. I brought them for you and Uncle to try.”
She briefly explained how she went to the Ding family to cook for Ding Tianci and received gifts from Master Ding in gratitude, without specifying the exact quantities.
Xu Cuilian listened as if hearing a thrilling tale, her eyes wide as copper bells and her mouth hanging open.
She never imagined this niece-in-law she initially looked down upon would have such remarkable encounters, directly connecting with the prestigious Ding family—one of the top households in the city!
That was the Ding family! A family whose slightest favor could outweigh their entire family’s worth!
It took Xu Cuilian a long moment to recover. She looked at Sheng An as if gazing upon a great treasure: “You are truly blessed!”
Her second brother’s family fortunes were about to turn around again.
Sheng An shuddered at the goosebumps, unable to bear Xu Xiaogu’s intense gaze. “Please keep these items without worry, Aunt. Consider them as mine and my husband’s gesture of respect for you and Uncle.”
Xu Cuilian stopped being polite, her plump face blossoming into a radiant smile. “As your aunt, I can certainly accept such filial offerings from you and Jinnian.”
Sheng An returned home carrying a full basket of pork bones.
That evening when the Zhang father and sons returned home after butchering pigs, Xu Cuilian served a table full of delicious dishes and brought out a jar of fine wine.
When they saw a plate of steamed dried sea shrimp on the table, all four men were astonished.
This type of dried shrimp was exorbitantly priced. Even though the Zhang family lived comfortably, they couldn’t bring themselves to spend money on such luxuries.
Butcher Zhang, usually a man of few words, couldn’t help asking: “Woman, with shrimp and fine wine today—did you find gold while out?”
“Don’t talk nonsense! This was sent by Jinnian’s wife.”
Xu Cuilian shot her husband a glare before boasting proudly: “This niece-in-law of mine has great prospects. Thankfully when Jinnian wanted this marriage, I didn’t try to stop him with tears, threats, or hysterics.”
The next moment, Zhang Da Kui bluntly exposed his mother: “Wasn’t it because cousin has always been strong-willed since childhood? Would your tears and threats have worked anyway?”
Xu Cuilian flushed with anger and slapped her eldest son’s forehead. “Shut up!”
Zhang Da Kui ducked his head and sealed his lips, not daring to make another sound.
Watching their eldest brother defeated, the fifteen-year-old twins Zhang Er Kui and Zhang Xiao Kui covered their mouths in silent laughter.
Big brother was so straightforward—he knew Mother would hit him, yet he could never control his tongue.
They were much smarter, never doing things that would provoke the tigress.
“Eat up, eat up! I’m in a good mood today—I’ll allow you all to drink!”
Xu Cuilian personally lifted the wine jar and poured a cup each for her husband and three sons.
Normally fearing it might affect their work, Xu Cuilian never permitted them to drink alcohol.
“Thank you, mother of my children.”
Butcher Zhang exchanged glances with his three sons, all seeing the wild joy on each other’s faces. They took turns praising Xu Cuilian with sweet words before happily drinking their fill with the delicious spread on the table.
Fortunately, the father and sons remembered they needed to rise early the next day to slaughter pigs. After each had just two small cups, they asked Xu Cuilian to put away the liquor.
That night during their pillow talk, Xu Cuilian mentioned how Sheng An had stumbled upon great luck – by cooking for Ding Tianci, she had gained Master Ding’s favor.
The matter of Ding Tianci’s illness causing him to lose his appetite had spread throughout the city last year, so the couple naturally knew about it. They weren’t surprised at all that Sheng An had earned Master Ding’s gratitude just by cooking a meal for Ding Tianci.
“For Jinnian’s wife to have such fortune, it’s because she has real capability herself.”
Butcher Zhang had only met Sheng An once, but he had a good impression of this hardworking niece-in-law, and now didn’t hesitate to praise her.
“Indeed. When she first mentioned setting up a stall to sell wontons, I thought it unreliable. Who would have thought not only would she succeed, but she’d even catch Master Ding’s attention with just one bowl of wontons.”
Xu Cuilian marveled again at Sheng An’s good fortune, feeling even happier for her second brother’s family:
“Ever since she married into the Xu Family, Second Brother’s health has begun to improve. Her wonton business is thriving too, bringing the family a decent monthly income. This lets me worry a bit less.”
Over the years, Second Brother and Jinnian had only each other. Recently, Second Brother’s condition had been worsening, looking like he wouldn’t make it. She had already prepared herself to see her second brother off on his final journey.
Her only concern had been Jinnian – how would he manage alone after losing his only father?
Fortunately, after persuasion from her and Second Brother, Jinnian finally agreed to find a matchmaker for marriage, and even managed to pick An An, a wife who suited him perfectly.
How could this not be considered a match made in heaven!
“Jinnian has good judgment, and his wife is no less capable. Your Second Brother’s blessings are yet to come.”
Feeling envious, Butcher Zhang thought of their own eldest son’s marriage prospects: “Da Kui is no longer young either. We need to arrange his marriage soon. Later, let’s ask Jinnian’s wife if she knows any suitable girls.”
Since Jinnian’s wife is such a good woman, the girls she associates with probably aren’t bad either.
Xu Cuilian thought this reasonable and immediately agreed: “Alright, I’ll ask Jinnian’s wife when she comes tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Sheng An had already gone to bed, staring at the man sitting by the bedside carefully applying moisturizer to her hands.
Meeting her Zhuozhuo gaze, Xu Jinnian remained unperturbed: “Why is An An looking at your husband like that?”
Sheng An really wanted to roll her eyes, but her eyelids betrayed her, nearly crossing into a squint.
She quickly blinked to maintain her composure, took a deep breath and snorted forcefully: “You know perfectly well why!”
Xu Jinnian nodded, showing an understanding expression: “Although your husband’s appearance is quite outstanding, if An An keeps staring like this, even I will become embarrassed.”
Sheng An nearly choked on her own saliva, looking at Xu Jinnian as if he were some strange creature, unable to believe these words came from him.
This guy’s character was supposed to be the Bai Yueguang, an untouchable flower on a high peak. For him to say such narcissistic words – wasn’t this completely breaking character?
After holding back for a long time, she finally couldn’t help but blurt out: “You should just shut up.”
Xu Jinnian smiled gently, as if asking Sheng An, yet also asking himself: “If your husband didn’t have this face, would An An still spare me a glance?”
Sheng An thought seriously for a moment, mentally replacing Xu Jinnian’s face with an ordinary one, then shook her head with complete honesty: “No.”
Who doesn’t enjoy looking at beautiful people?
It’s just that this guy was acting strangely tonight, making Sheng An feel somewhat uneasy.
To confirm her suspicion, she cautiously asked: “Xu Jinnian, did something happen to you?”