“The signs of drought are already appearing, though I hadn’t expected it to be this severe. We’ve only had two light rains this year, and the crops in the fields are already withering from dryness,” Shen Wenhe said.
“So it’s showing already? Then we must prepare early. The natural disasters in my dream lasted quite a long time. Although I’ve made some preparations, it’s still not enough. We need to stock up more,” Bai Nianqing replied.
“Indeed, I’ll start preparing tomorrow. I noticed you haven’t stored much vegetables and meat – I’ll have people gather more. Also, the clothes you brought aren’t suitable for wearing here. I’ll have someone prepare fabrics and make some ready-to-wear garments. And sewing supplies – I see you haven’t prepared any. I’ll buy more from the general store,” Shen Wenhe recalled as he listed what Bai Nianqing had prepared.
Sewing supplies were something Bai Nianqing genuinely hadn’t considered. Her clothes were always ready-made – when they tore, she’d either discard them for new ones or pay a tailor shop for repairs.
“Alright, you handle the preparations. By the way, should we inform your father about this?” Bai Nianqing asked.
“They already know without me telling them. Recently, my legal mother has been selling off family properties. I heard she plans to seek refuge with her maternal family in the capital. Still, I’ll mention it to them, though whether they listen is beyond my concern. Actually, I expect they’ll bring up separating the family tomorrow to divide us from the main household. What are your thoughts? Would you prefer not to separate? If so, I’ll find a way to handle it,” Shen Wenhe said.
“No need. Separation would be better. When fleeing disasters, having a large family together becomes inconvenient. Besides, I have my dimension – with many people around, it would be difficult to take things out without drawing attention,” Bai Nianqing explained.
“Very well, I’ll follow your wishes,” Shen Wenhe agreed, then added, “My wife, you must be tired. Let me have someone prepare bathwater for you to freshen up first.”
Only then did Bai Nianqing remember this was their wedding night, belatedly feeling a flush of shyness.
What followed came naturally, as smoothly as water flowing downhill.
With mutual affection between husband and wife, their wedding night passed with passionate intensity.
The next morning, Bai Nianqing first had her younger brother brought over and comforted him for a while before accompanying Shen Wenhe to the main house to pay respects to his parents.
“Husband, will your parents give me trouble? And your sisters-in-law – none of them seem easy to deal with,” Bai Nianqing worried aloud on their way.
“Don’t worry, they won’t. My legal mother cares most about face – she won’t openly pick faults with you. Though my sisters-in-law might speak harshly, feel free to rebut them without hesitation,” Shen Wenhe reassured her.
“Alright, I understand.” With Shen Wenhe’s assurance, Bai Nianqing felt more confident. She wasn’t someone to endure bullying – if provoked, she would certainly retaliate.
Their courtyard was quite distant from the main house, taking half an hour to reach. Servants bowed and greeted them along the way.
“I didn’t realize your family was this wealthy. This estate is enormous,” Bai Nianqing remarked, gazing at the vast garden before them.
“Yes, but the wealth has little to do with me. As you know, I’m just a son of a concubine and not favored by my father. The separation won’t leave us with much.”
“But don’t worry, over the years I’ve managed some businesses myself. Supporting you won’t be a problem.” Shen Wenhe supported her as they walked slowly forward.
“Mhm, I believe you…”
The two chatted as they walked. It’s often said that intimacy acts as a lubricant between men and women, and this was certainly true for Bai Nianqing and Shen Wenhe.
After last night’s deep connection, they now resembled passionate lovers who couldn’t bear to be apart for even a moment.
When they arrived at the main hall, the entire family was already present, with Shen Wenxi complaining.
“Honestly, I always said Bai Nianqing comes from a humble background and lacks manners. Look what time it is now, and she still hasn’t arrived, making elders wait like this.”
“Little sister, don’t say that. Third brother and his wife are newlyweds after all, it’s normal for them to wake up later,” Shen Wenhe’s eldest sister-in-law chimed in.
“Hmph, weren’t they fainting and getting sick just yesterday? What, could they consummate the marriage once we left?” Shen Wenhe’s second sister-in-law spoke even more harshly.
“Oh? Second sister-in-law sounds quite resentful. Has second brother not been satisfying you?” Shen Wenhe and Bai Nianqing entered just in time to hear this, and Shen Wenhe retorted in his casual, irreverent manner.
“Third brother, how dare you speak to your second sister-in-law like that?” Shen Wenhe’s second brother, Shen Wenbo, scolded with a dark expression.
“How am I speaking? She can criticize me, but I can’t talk back? Since when does the world work that way?” Shen Wenhe said indifferently.
“Third brother…” Shen Laoda also looked at him with disapproval.
Shen Wenhe sneered. He knew it – they were the real family, while he was just an outsider.
“Enough, everyone settle down. It’s time for the tea ceremony,” Master Shen interjected, glaring fiercely at Shen Wenhe as the conversation grew increasingly inappropriate.
“Yes, yes, let’s proceed with the tea ceremony first. Nianqing, don’t take it to heart. The brothers are used to joking around and often speak without thinking,” Madam Shen quickly mediated.
The subsequent tea ceremony went smoothly. Master Shen gave Bai Nianqing a large red envelope, while Madam Shen presented her with a set of head ornaments and jewelry.
The three elder brothers and their wives all gave red envelopes as well.
Naturally, Bai Nianqing also gave red envelopes to Shen Wenxi and her nephews and nieces.
This family recognition was merely a formality. Once the ceremony concluded, the family sat down again to talk.
*Ahem*, now that Fourth Son is married, your mother and I have fulfilled our responsibilities.
We’re getting old and can’t keep you all under our wing forever. You need to go out and live your own lives.
Your mother and I have discussed it and decided to separate the family.” Master Shen said under Madam Shen’s repeated hints.
“We’ll follow Father and Mother’s arrangements,” Shen Laoda stood up and replied respectfully.
“Eldest brother is right. We’ll all follow Father and Mother’s decisions,” the others echoed their agreement.
Seeing this, Shen Wenhe and Bai Nianqing understood completely.
This had clearly been prearranged by the family. In reality, only the two of them were truly being separated from the family.
Wasn’t this just a performance put on for them and for outsiders?
Noticing Shen Wenhe’s silence, everyone turned their attention to him.
Shen Wenhe sneered, “Why are you all looking at me? Would you call off the separation if I objected?”
“If you truly don’t wish to separate the family, then we won’t,” Master Shen said awkwardly.
“Fourth Brother, Father and Mother are separating the family for your own good. You mustn’t be ungrateful.” Shen Laoda had long wanted to drive Shen Wenhe out, and naturally didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
“That’s right, Fourth Brother. Once the family is separated, you can be your own master. Isn’t that wonderful?”