Shen Wenhe drove the carriage all the way back to the Shen residence.
The once bustling Shen residence now had its main gate tightly shut, indicating that the household had long since departed.
“Whoa,” Shen Wenhe halted the carriage and helped Bai Nianqing down.
“Wife, I’ll go knock on the door,” Shen Wenhe said.
“Mm, go ahead,” Bai Nianqing nodded.
Shen Wenhe ascended the steps and knocked on the main gate.
After quite some time, movement could be heard from within.
“Who is it?” The voice came as the gate swung open.
“Uncle Shen, it’s me,” Shen Wenhe said in a deep voice.
“Oh, it’s Fourth Young Master! Why did you only come now? The master and the others left two days ago. Before leaving, the master kept mentioning you. He left something for you, saying to give it to you if you came looking for him,” Uncle Shen rambled on.
The implication was clear: if they didn’t come, there would be no need to give it to them, right?
“I’ve been away these past few days and wasn’t home. I only returned yesterday and thought to come see today,” Shen Wenhe explained.
“Fourth Young Master, don’t blame this old servant for speaking out of turn. Although the master severed ties with you, it was for your own good. Don’t hold it against him. The master has his own hardships—Madam’s family holds great influence, and the master had no other choice. Here in Huai’an, it’s manageable since the emperor is far away. Even if they’re dissatisfied, they can’t do much to you. But if you go to the capital, it’s different. Under their watchful eyes, even if the master wanted to show you favoritism, it would be impossible. And as for the madam—here, with the master keeping an eye on her, even if she had any ideas, she would have reservations and wouldn’t dare go too far. But in the capital, it’s her territory. If she truly sets her mind on destroying you, the master would be powerless to stop her,” Uncle Shen said as he led Shen Wenhe inside.
Shen Wenhe remained silent. He knew Master Shen cared for him—if he didn’t, Shen Wenhe wouldn’t have survived until now. However, the degree of that care varied. While Master Shen did care for him, he cared equally for Shen Wenbo and the others. Compared to Shen Wenbo, his siblings, and Madam Shen, Shen Wenhe’s significance was negligible.
Of course, the same went for him. He certainly had feelings for his father, but how deep those feelings were was hard to say.
“I understand, Uncle Shen. Has everyone in the household left? Are you the only one left to watch the house?” Shen Wenhe asked, feeling unsettled as he looked at the desolate courtyard.
“It’s good that you understand, Young Master. This is what the master left for you. He said that since they’re leaving, they likely won’t return. This estate is of no use to them anymore, so he’s leaving it to you. After I hand this over to you, I’ll retire and return home. These are the keys to the estate—please keep them safe, Young Master,” Uncle Shen said, producing a small wooden box and a set of keys.
“Retire and return home? You, Uncle Shen?” Shen Wenhe asked in surprise.
Shen Wenhe was surprised because Uncle Shen had no children.
Uncle Shen had originally been Master Shen’s servant. It was said that he had married later in life but had no children. However, his wife had passed away for unknown reasons. Uncle Shen had deeply loved his wife and had remained single ever since.
Uncle Shen had once been Master Shen’s trusted aide and later became the steward of the Shen family. Shen Wenhe didn’t understand why Uncle Shen hadn’t accompanied them to the capital this time. Now, hearing Uncle Shen talk about retiring from the estate, he was even more puzzled. With no children to care for him, who would support him in his old age? That was why Shen Wenhe was so surprised.
“I have a nephew back in my hometown. I ran into him on the street a few months ago, and he’s willing to support me in my old age. Since I’m getting on in years, I didn’t accompany Master Shen to the capital this time. The master was kind enough to return my indenture, so after handing over my duties to you, young master, I’ll be going to live with my nephew,” Uncle Shen explained.
Shen Wenhe nodded, finally understanding the situation. Considering the current circumstances outside, he worried Uncle Shen might not fare well after leaving. After some thought, he asked, “Uncle Shen, where is your nephew from? What’s his family situation like? The current conditions are quite grim – many refugees have gathered outside the city gates. Grain prices have already risen at the shops and will likely increase further. I’ve heard many wells have run dry, and the rivers outside have all dried up too. You must be very careful when you go back. Just yesterday I saw a family planning to sell their granddaughter.” Shen Wenhe feared Uncle Shen’s nephew might have ill intentions, perhaps planning to take the old man’s money and then abandon him. If that happened, an elderly and frail man like Uncle Shen probably wouldn’t survive.
“Thank you for your concern, young master. I understand completely,” Uncle Shen replied. “I’ve already purchased a house and will live there independently. I’ve also hired a maid to take care of my daily needs so I won’t be a burden to them. It’s just that at my age, one never knows when their time might come. I thought it would be good to have family nearby when that day arrives.” Uncle Shen spoke with some melancholy.
Seeing that Uncle Shen had made proper arrangements, Shen Wenhe didn’t press further. However, since Uncle Shen had served the Shen family his entire life, and though he knew Master Shen must have provided generous silver notes, Shen Wenhe felt he should offer something as well. After a moment’s consideration, he turned to Bai Nianqing and whispered a few words.
Bai Nianqing glanced at Uncle Shen and took out one hundred taels in silver notes from his robe. Shen Wenhe accepted them and approached Uncle Shen. “Uncle Shen, take these silver notes. Take good care of yourself after leaving the estate. Remember what I said – keep your wits about you. With this abnormal weather, drought is inevitable. If you have silver, stock up on grain and drinking water as much as possible.”
Shen Wenhe couldn’t help adding more advice, genuinely concerned Uncle Shen might be abandoned. During such famine years, even parents might be forsaken, and selling children was becoming increasingly common. An uncle who hadn’t been seen for years and shared little emotional bond would likely be cast aside once his money was gone.
“I understand, I understand. Then I’ll take my leave now, young master.” Having explained everything to Shen Wenhe, Uncle Shen wanted to depart early.
“Very well. How will you travel, Uncle Shen? Shall I have a carriage take you?” Shen Wenhe offered.
“No need, no need. My nephew lives on Tongda Street, not far from here. I’ve already moved most of my belongings there – only a couple changes of clothes remain. I can walk,” Uncle Shen declined.
“Alright then. Let me see you out. Uncle Shen, with the drought beginning, you should make preparations early.” Shen Wenhe escorted Uncle Shen to the gate and offered one final reminder.
“Yes, I know. Take care, young master. This old servant is leaving now.” Uncle Shen took one last look at the Shen residence where he had spent nearly his entire life, then hunched over and walked away.
Shen Wenhe watched until Uncle Shen disappeared into the distance before sighing and turning back inside.
“Has Uncle Shen left?” Bai Nianqing sat in the gatehouse, gazing at the small wooden box on the table.