“Wenhe, I know you’ve resented me all these years. I had no choice—our family business still relies on your mother’s family. And for your studies and the imperial exams, you brothers will also need their support. I know I’ve been negligent toward you these years, and this division of property is indeed a bit unfair. But I’ve already thought of a way to compensate you. I had originally prepared 50,000 taels of silver for you. Now that you insist on leaving empty-handed, I’ll add another 50,000, converting the property originally meant for you into silver. Also, these are my secret assets, unknown to your eldest brothers, which I now hand over to you. I know your concerns. The Wang family—your mother’s family—is involved in the imperial succession struggles. By severing ties with us, at least if something goes wrong, you won’t be implicated. This is my way of ensuring that your branch of the family is protected.”
That evening, Old Master Shen called Shen Wenhe to his study and handed him the prepared silver and assets.
“Father, I don’t need your things. I have some assets myself; it’s enough to live on.” Shen Wenhe hadn’t expected his father to prepare so much silver for him. It was impossible not to feel moved.
“Take it. This might be the last time your father can help you. Take the money and live elsewhere. I’ll also make a proof of severed ties, which we’ll leave with the local office tomorrow. That way, even if trouble arises, it won’t drag you into it.” Old Master Shen let out a heavy sigh.
“Father…” Shen Wenhe looked at his father, feeling a pang of sorrow. He was just over twenty, and naturally craved a father’s love. Over the years, he had grown used to longing, but never expecting it. Yet now he realized his father still cared.
“Ah, from now on, take care of yourself and live well. If you go to a strange place, keep a low profile. And have a few children if you can.” Old Master Shen felt a little comforted.
“I understand, Father. By the way… have you noticed the weather recently? This summer, half of the year has passed with barely any rain. The crops in the fields must be withering. If this continues, harvests this year will be poor. We should start preparing now,” Shen Wenhe said, warning of an impending drought.
“I know. Not only here, but several other counties have reported drought as well. And the local princes are acting unpredictably—this world may descend into chaos. We’ll need to move to the capital eventually. There, under the emperor’s eyes, it will be safer than elsewhere. Do you want to come with us? At least the family can look after you,” Old Master Shen suggested.
“I won’t go with you. I need to prepare more food in case of disaster. At least then, we won’t go hungry,” Shen Wenhe said.
“Alright. I’ll give you a manor with a granary. The granary contains food. No one knows about this manor—it’s our last fallback. And it’s located at the foot of a mountain, so if things get dangerous, you can retreat into the mountains.” Old Master Shen pulled out a property deed from his desk.
This time, Shen Wenhe didn’t refuse. He realized his father was right: if trouble comes, retreating into the mountains was indeed a wise plan.
“Also, the manor has a secret room with some gold and silver I had hidden. Take it and use it as needed. If possible, convert the silver notes into gold or real silver for safekeeping. In times of real chaos, having tangible wealth is crucial—paper money may not be enough,” Old Master Shen instructed.
“I understand, Father,” Shen Wenhe replied.
They spoke about other matters late into the night before Shen Wenhe returned to his own courtyard.
“How was it? Why did Father call you?” Bai Nianqing, who had not slept, asked.
Shen Wenhe remained silent and handed her a box.
“What’s this?” Bai Nianqing opened it, amazed.
“Wow, where did you get so much silver? Did you go rob a bank?” she exclaimed.
“It’s from Father. There’s also a manor. Tomorrow, we’ll move there first,” Shen Wenhe said, feeling a little bittersweet.
“What does Father mean? Did he want you to leave empty-handed?” Bai Nianqing asked.
“Yes… Father said…,” Shen Wenhe relayed his father’s words: “The weather is abnormal, and your mother’s family is involved in the imperial succession disputes. Father feared that if something went wrong, the Shen family would be implicated. By separating me, at least our branch is protected.”
“I see. So moving to the capital under the emperor’s watch would be even more dangerous for them?” Bai Nianqing remarked.
“Who knows? Maybe that’s Mother’s idea. She’s always proud of her family. Shen Wenbo and the others are the same—adore their maternal relatives. Hmph, they have sons and grandsons, but even if there’s gain, would they share it with outsiders?” Shen Wenhe scoffed at his older brothers’ behavior.
“Ha, maybe they think they can take advantage? But they don’t realize that by going, their hearts are just cannon fodder. And your father too—he knows the capital is a dangerous place, so why insist on going?” Bai Nianqing understood his father’s reasoning.
“That’s how our family has always been. Mother’s word rules,” Shen Wenhe said sarcastically.
“Alright. Speaking of which, when we move tomorrow, who do we take with us? And what about the household items?” Bai Nianqing asked.
“Everything from this courtyard goes with us—it all belongs to me. As for people, there’s Chang Le, my personal page, who has been with me since I was five. The others are all bound servants of the mansion, really Mother’s people. Even if we wanted to bring them, they wouldn’t come,” Shen Wenhe explained.
“That’s good. We don’t need untrustworthy servants. The coming days won’t be easy, so we don’t need too many people. We also have Chun, a maid who usually helps Nianchen,” Bai Nianqing added.
“Yes, two people are enough. Secrets are better kept with fewer people. Tomorrow after we move, I’ll start purchasing supplies. Judging by Father, this disaster won’t be simple. Better to prepare more than less.”