Chapter 714: Intimidation and Mo Qingze's Arrest (3)

Aside from Yan Junyu, the only other person who knew martial arts, Han Zhiyun, was stunned as he looked at the deadly serious Xiao Ruiyuan. He could hardly believe that such a skilled warrior truly existed in the world. Reflecting on Xiao Ruiyuan's young age, Han Zhiyun was filled with endless admiration. He didn't feel any sense of inferiority despite Xiao Ruiyuan being younger but far more skilled.

If even Han Zhiyun felt this way, one could imagine how the others reacted. The men and boys looked at this imposing figure with a mix of fear and reverence. Though they were afraid, they couldn't help but admire such a powerful man.

The women, more timid, had already retreated to a safer distance. But looking at Xiao Ruiyuan's undeniably handsome face, combined with his protective stance over the Mo family, many young maidens and newlywed women blushed with racing hearts. Even some of the middle-aged women were enthralled, lamenting why they hadn't encountered such a man or blaming their parents for not having given birth to them a few years later.

As for how Xiao Ruiyuan's sword strike elevated his stature in everyone's minds, Old Mo and his two companions were utterly dumbfounded. The sight of the door shattering into splinters profoundly shocked them, quashing any thoughts of revenge against the Mo family.

In the end, Old Mo, looking utterly defeated, chose to submit, fleeing the Mo household in terror as if chased by a vengeful spirit.

Mo Yongfu, carrying the terrified and soiled Hong shi on his back, hurriedly followed suit. As he crossed the threshold, either due to the height of the step or his own distraction, his right foot caught on the threshold, causing both him and Hong shi to crash heavily to the ground.

The villagers burst into laughter at the sight of the mother and son's pitiful state, mocking that the Mo family had done so many bad deeds that even the heavens couldn't tolerate it.

In a corner, Wu Shi, who had remained silent throughout, clutched her children tightly. Seeing Mo Yongfu hobbling as he struggled to lift Hong shi again, she instinctively looked away, a trace of pity crossing her face.

Despite all the resentment and anger she harbored, after years of hardship, the bitterness had gradually faded. Yet, her pity was limited to this fleeting moment—she had no intention of turning back.

…

The Mo family's mood was understandably dampened after the unpleasant interruption to what had been a happy occasion. Fortunately, the situation was resolved quickly, and the guests' spirits weren't too affected. After Old Mo and his group left, Mo Qingze and his daughter invited the guests to sit down and continue the feast.

Although the atmosphere wasn't as harmonious as before, it remained lively enough. Mo Qingze went around to each table to offer his apologies for any lack of hospitality.

The guests, of course, were understanding, raising their glasses and drinking heartily, assuring Mo Qingze not to let the earlier events upset him.

Mo Qingze thanked each of them with a calm expression, unaffected by Old Mo and his group's actions.

As he returned to the main table, the others had already finished eating, waiting for the sound of firecrackers to signal the end of the banquet.

Just as everyone was content, chatting quietly, a sudden scream erupted from the children who had gone to play in the courtyard. The adults inside were startled, immediately fearing a repeat of the previous incident when bandits had tried to snatch children from the village. They quickly stood up and rushed outside.

As the host, Mo Qingze also hurried to the door. However, before he could step out, a group of about ten guards, clad in yellow light armor and exuding a deadly aura, charged into the courtyard and surrounded the hall.

The lead guard scanned the room with a cold gaze before asking expressionlessly, "Who here is the newly appointed Juren, Mo Qingze?"

Mo Qingze felt a sinking feeling in his heart. He stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "That would be me. May I ask what this is about, sir?"

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 713: Intimidation and Mo Qingze's Arrest (2)

After speaking, Old Mo and Mo Yongfu lifted the wooden door and prepared to leave the Mo family.

"Hold on!"

At that moment, a voice colder than ice echoed in everyone's ears, causing the crowd to shiver and stop in their tracks. They turned to the source of the voice and found themselves staring into a pair of deep, cold black eyes.

Xiao Ruiyuan looked at the stunned Old Mo family with a gaze as cold as death itself. He had initially thought this was just a typical neighborhood dispute that Yan'er could handle on her own. However, he didn't expect this family to harbor thoughts of revenge. Even if Yan'er wasn't afraid, he would not tolerate it.

The cold voice rang out again, "What do you mean by being unjust to the Mo family? Speak!"

Old Mo stared in shock at the owner of the voice. Unconsciously, he loosened his grip on the door, causing it to fall to the ground with a thud, along with the immobilized Hong shi. She rolled off the door, and Mo Yongfu tried to catch her but was too late.

The onlookers stared at Xiao Ruiyuan, puzzled as to why this nobleman from the capital would stand up for the Mo family, especially when even Young Master Yan, who had close ties with the Mo family, had not intervened.

Yan Junyu wasn't unwilling to act; he simply preferred to work in the shadows, allowing those he schemed against to suffer greatly while they frantically searched for the mastermind. He would stand in plain sight, watching them struggle, relishing the experience.

Dealing with a few ordinary villagers was no trouble for him, but he was already mentally planning how to deal with them later. He didn't expect someone else to steal the spotlight.

Having his moment stolen, especially in front of a woman, left Yan Junyu feeling quite displeased. He glared at Xiao Ruiyuan’s back, wishing he could bore a hole through it.

Chu Heng also looked at his cousin with resignation. Ruiyuan could have let the Mo family handle this on their own, but he chose to step in. Had he forgotten that the woman he liked wasn’t a weakling confined to the inner chambers?

Even Mo Yan herself hadn't expected Xiao Ruiyuan to stand up for her family. Seeing his expressionless, icy face, her heart felt warm, and her eyes revealed a soft, girlish affection.

Though she wasn't afraid of Old Mo’s threats and had already thought of a way to deal with him once and for all, what woman wouldn't want to be protected by the man she liked? She was no exception!

Seeing that Old Mo was too frightened to speak, Xiao Ruiyuan wasn’t about to let him off the hook. He spoke again, his voice now laced with a hint of killing intent, "Speak—"

Old Mo, no matter how bold he might be, was just an ordinary farmer. His earlier threats were fierce, but he was no match for Xiao Ruiyuan, a battle-hardened warrior exuding an aura of death.

It seemed as if those sharp eyes would pierce his throat at any moment. Old Mo swallowed hard and stammered, "N-no... no injustice... I-I didn’t mean it..."

A bloodthirsty gleam flashed in Xiao Ruiyuan’s eyes as he spoke, his voice like it came from the depths of an icy cavern, "You better remember what you just said, or this—will be your fate!"

With that, he drew the sword from his waist and stabbed the thick wooden door lying on the ground.

There was a dull thud, and though it seemed like a light strike, the sturdy door was hit with such force that wood chips flew everywhere. The solid door instantly shattered into fine pieces!

Those skilled in martial arts understood that only a master with deep internal strength could inject their power into the blade and, through the tip of the sword, instantly shatter a solid door into fragments.

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 1574: Consolation Prize Attracts Many Customers

Shu Yu took out a paper bag from the basket; it wasn't large, and the quantity was limited.

In fact, this was just a small snack. Since everyone received a consolation prize, it couldn't be too much, or she would end up losing money.

Although this grand event was meant to boost their reputation, even if they incurred losses, it was still worth it. Profits could be made little by little.

Shu Yu opened the paper bag, revealing the popcorn inside.

As the bag was opened, the nearby customers caught a stronger whiff of the aroma.

This was the consolation prize?! It turned out to be the consolation prize!!

The customer who won the prize took a deep breath, "This thing is called popcorn?"

Shu Yu nodded, "Yes, this is popcorn. Here, have a taste. It's best to eat it while it's still warm; the taste might not be as good when it's cold. Just don't keep it for too long; don't eat it if it's been overnight."

Actually, popcorn could be stored well and eaten overnight without a problem.

However, storage conditions in this era were limited, and some people might consider it a snack and a novelty, reluctant to finish it all at once. If left for too long, it might not be as good.

After Shu Yu explained, she handed over the paper bag.

The popcorn was still warm as it was freshly popped. Yesterday afternoon, Wang Kangfu, the manager of the noodle production, had come. He was originally a chef, and today, he had been asked to bring a helper to the kitchen to make popcorn.

To his surprise, Wang Kangfu was very interested in the process.

He had never known that such a small piece of corn could be turned into something so delicious.

He now had many ideas and felt that he could try other things later.

As there were many consolation prizes, there was quite a substantial amount of popcorn.

Shu Yu decided to call the next person to draw the prize.

The third person was instantly enthusiastic. Initially, he had his eyes on the first prize, thinking it must be valuable. However, after seeing someone draw the fifth prize, he thought the fifth prize was good too.

Now, seeing the consolation prize, he also liked it a lot.

Especially after seeing the second person who drew the prize enjoy the popcorn, he looked like he was in heaven, and his mouth watered rapidly.

The number of winners for the previous few awards was limited, and most of them were consolation prizes.

Therefore, this person also drew the consolation prize.

Surprisingly, he felt no disappointment at all. Instead, he was thrilled and received the paper bag from Yingxi, eagerly opening it to eat two pieces.

"It's delicious! So fragrant!"

The customers who had been merely observing the scene at the back now rushed forward to buy the sunflower seeds.

The fifth prize didn't entice them, but a consolation prize made everyone eager to spend their money.

After all, not many would get the fifth prize, but everyone could get the consolation prize. Even if their luck was bad, they could still take some popcorn home.

Furthermore, after trying the sunflower seeds, they found them equally delicious.

Especially when Wei Ronghua introduced, "sunflower seeds are a great treat for guests, a perfect snack to have with alcohol, and an excellent gift. When you have nothing to do, just crack a few. It's small, so you can grab a handful and put it in your pocket when going out to work. It's a nice snack when tired, and it's not boring to chat with people while munching on them. For those who don't like cracking seeds, we also have shelled sunflower seeds with an excellent taste."

After introducing the sunflower seeds, he moved on to the sunflower oil.

"As for the consolation prize popcorn, it's made with sunflower oil. Isn't it fragrant? When used for cooking, it's just as fragrant. You can see for yourselves—the color is clear and transparent. Even the noble ladies in the palace use it."

 Chapter 1573: Consolation Prize

Ignoring the discussions among the others, Shu Yu addressed the middle-aged man, "Congratulations on winning the prize. Please follow our staff to collect your reward."

The first customer, beaming with joy, took a couple of steps but suddenly remembered that he hadn't asked about the reward for the fifth prize. He hurriedly inquired, "What's the prize?"

Shu Yu smiled and walked over to the table where the prizes were placed, which were covered with red cloth.

She replied, "After everyone wins their prizes, I'll reveal them by uncovering the cloth. For now, let's keep it a little mysterious."

The crowd was disappointed; they wanted to know what the first prize was.

Meanwhile, Shu Yu had already reached the fifth prize and lifted the red cloth.

Everyone fixed their gaze on it, and to their surprise, it was... instant noodles?

Shu Yu explained, "The fifth prize has fifty winners, and each winner gets three packs of instant noodles."

Instant noodles were a proper meal, and there weren't many shops selling them now. Many people had never tried them before.

For just two or three hundred wen worth of sunflower seeds, they could get three packs, which would be enough for a family of three to have lunch. Even at the noodle stalls outside, the cheapest noodles cost five wen, and these instant noodles were of better quality, comparable to those served in noodle shops that cost more than ten wen.

Three packs of noodles were worth at least thirty or forty wen.

The first customer was overjoyed and accepted the three packs of instant noodles from Yingxi. He said to Shu Yu, "This is a truly substantial prize! I really got lucky."

After winning the prize, he didn't leave but stayed to see what other rewards there were.

Soon, the second person approached, looking excited.

She also wanted three packs of instant noodles. She had heard that they were incredibly convenient to eat—just pour hot water over them, cover them for a short while, and they'd be ready to eat. No need to spend so much time lighting a fire and kneading the dough.

Now she didn't desire anything else; she only wanted three packs of instant noodles.

As she reached into the box, she felt a handful of slips inside and began picking one after another, unable to decide.

Someone behind her urged, "Hurry up! We're all waiting."

"Okay, okay, just a moment."

Finally, she grasped a slip, feeling nervous, and took it out. She took a deep breath and opened it to look.

But what was this? She couldn't read much, just three complex-looking characters; there were no numbers like one, two, three, four, or five.

She became anxious and quickly showed it to Shu Yu, "Madam Lu, please take a look for me. Did I not win anything?"

Shu Yu glanced at it and smiled, "This is a consolation prize."

"Consolation prize?" The crowd didn't understand. "What's the consolation prize?"

Shu Yu walked to the prize table and uncovered the cloth that covered the consolation prize.

Everyone saw a small... what was this thing? They had never seen it before.

The person who drew the slip furrowed her brow, "The consolation prize is just this small thing? What is it?"

She reached out to touch it, but Shu Yu stopped her, "Don't rush. This is just a sample. This thing is called popcorn, and the consolation prize is a bag of popcorn. Please wait a moment; someone will bring it out soon."

Popcorn... what was that? Some kind of flower?

Many people had never seen it before.

Yingxi went to the backyard and returned shortly with a basket full of oil-paper-wrapped packets.

This wasn't unusual, but what surprised everyone was the rich aroma that wafted out when the packets appeared.

"It smells so good."

 Chapter 712: Intimidation and Mo Qingze's Arrest (1)

Although it's said that family scandals should not be spread, since the two families were no longer connected and the fault didn't lie with his own, Mo Qingze didn’t feel embarrassed.

After the villagers confirmed that what Mo Qingze said was true, the old professor decided not to intervene. "Since this is Ziyu's personal matter, you can handle it yourself." With that, he sat back down and continued drinking with the other professors.

Old Mo and the others were utterly stunned. They had deliberately chosen this moment to cause a scene, hoping to garner sympathy from the guests and pressure this ungrateful family into sparing their daughter (sister). But how did things end up like this?

The reaction from the professors put Mo Qingze at ease. He looked at the three with disgust. "Mo Yongxi repeatedly harmed my family. Her ten-year labor sentence was deserved and brought upon herself! Even if you kneel until the ground breaks, I, Mo Qingze, will not plead with the authorities to pardon the culprit who tried to destroy my family. Give up on that idea, and don’t try to entangle us any further. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being unkind!"

Seeing Mo Qingze's face darken, clearly not joking, Old Mo and his companions felt a twinge of fear. But having waited so long for this opportunity, they weren't about to give up easily.

A dark glint flashed in Old Mo’s eyes, but his wrinkled face only showed more desperation. "Ze'er, you're now a scholar, and Yan girl is a County princess. Both of you are people of status and reputation. Even if you've cut ties with us, blood relations can’t be severed! If this matter gets out, aren’t you afraid people will say you're bullying others with your power, or that you're ungrateful to your family?"

Bullying with power? Ungrateful? These accusations made Mo Yan and Mo Qingze’s faces turn cold. Was Old Mo implying that if they didn’t spare Mo Yongxi, he would go around ruining their reputation?

Mo Yan and her father weren’t the only ones who picked up on Old Mo’s veiled threat; the villagers did too. They looked at the trio with disdain, whispering among themselves. It’s one thing to plead for your daughter when she’s sentenced for harming others, but turning that plea into a threat was shameless.

"The whole village knows what Mo Yongxi did. She deserves the punishment she's getting. If you think you can threaten us into getting her off, think again!" Mo Yan was so infuriated by Old Mo’s words that she almost laughed. She declared firmly, "My family has nothing to hide. You want to spread rumors that we’re bullies or ungrateful? Go ahead! I’d like to see if you have the power to twist the truth!"

Mo Yongxi’s misdeeds were well known in the village. Trying to clear her name while tarnishing the Mo family’s wasn’t something Old Mo could pull off. If he had that kind of influence, the Old Mo family wouldn’t be in the dire straits they were now.

"You... you..." Old Mo was choked by Mo Yan’s disdainful gaze, unable to form a complete sentence, his face flushed with anger.

Mo Yongxi was the Old Mo family's only daughter, born when Old Mo was already old. He cherished her, but to say he was genuinely begging on his knees out of deep concern for her might not be entirely true.

Old Mo knew his eldest son was useless and that the future was uncertain. His second son had other intentions, beyond his control. His only hope was Mo Yongxi. If she could be released, the marriage with the Fang family could continue, ensuring he could rely on his daughter and the Fang family in his old age. So, in the end, today's commotion was more for his own sake.

Realizing there was no more to be gained and that his future hopes were dashed, Old Mo stopped pretending to be pitiful. He got up from the ground, pulled Mo Yongfu up with him, and glared viciously at Mo Yan and her father. "I'll remember this insult! If you two are heartless, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Hmph!"

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 711: Obstacles and Mo Yongxi's Outcome (4)

Mo Yan was serving food to the Han family's little ones when she heard the commotion outside. She quickly stood up, apologized to the women present, and hurried out. Seeing Old Mo, Mo Yongfu, and his son kneeling on the ground, as well as Hong shi lying on a door panel, looking half-dead, Mo Yan was so furious that she gritted her teeth. If the hall hadn’t been full of important guests, she would have thrown them out long ago. 

Mo Qingze looked at the three crying on the ground, his face unusually stern despite sitting calmly in his chair. "What are you doing?"

Seeing Mo Qingze finally speak, Old Mo became more brazen, crawling on his knees to clutch Mo Qingze's leg, tears streaming down his face. "Ze'er, your cousin did wrong by you. It's my fault for not teaching her well. If you want to punish someone, punish me, but please spare your cousin this time. She's still young; she can't be ruined like this..."

Old Mo tearfully recounted how Mo Yongxi had tried to frame the Mo family but was caught by the authorities, twisting the facts to portray Mo Yongxi as a naive girl who made a mistake. He even subtly accused the Mo family of using their influence to impose such a harsh punishment on her.

As it turns out, after Mo Yongxi's failed attempt to harm the Mo family and being caught by Mo Yan, the matter was reported to the authorities. The head officer took the evidence to the capital’s magistrate. Given that Mo Yan was recently granted the title of county princess, the magistrate dared not take the case lightly. Moreover, the evidence against Mo Yongxi was solid, and she was quickly arrested and thrown into jail.

A few days ago, Mo Yongxi was brought to trial. Faced with undeniable evidence and after enduring severe punishment, she confessed to framing the Mo family. She was sentenced to ten years of hard labor in the mines. Although the punishment was fair, considering Mo Yan's position, the reality was grim: for a young woman, surviving even one year in the mines would be a struggle, let alone ten.

Mo Yan’s expression remained indifferent throughout. She neither felt satisfaction nor hatred upon hearing about Mo Yongxi’s fate.

Initially, Mo Yan was annoyed by Mo Yongxi’s repeated attempts to cause trouble, so she schemed to marry Mo Yongxi off to the lustful Young Master Fang. If Mo Yongxi had stayed quietly in the Fang household, they might have eventually taken pity on her and provided a child for her to raise, ensuring a tolerable future.

However, Mo Yongxi didn’t settle down after marriage and continued to harm her family. It was then that Mo Yan realized the only way to stop Mo Yongxi was to crush her completely, leading to the lawsuit against her.

Mo Yan had been preoccupied with family matters and guarding against the Lin family, so she had forgotten about this case. If it weren’t for Old Mo and his family causing a scene, she wouldn’t have known that Mo Yongxi had already been sentenced and was due to be sent to the mines in a few days.

"Azhe, for the sake of family ties, please spare my sister. I’ll take her place if need be. I beg you!" Mo Yongfu pleaded sorrowfully, kowtowing repeatedly until his forehead turned bruised and swollen, mixing with his tears to create a pitiful sight.

"Ugh… ugh… Want… Yongxi…" Hong shi, lying stiffly on the door panel, barely able to move her neck, also tried to speak, seemingly pleading for Mo Yongxi’s sake.

Her hair, now matted and tangled like a bird’s nest, her face smeared with dirt, and the blanket over her chest stained with filth, emitted a foul stench despite the cold weather. Her skeletal frame suggested that she had been neglected after becoming paralyzed, leaving her in this wretched state. Her cloudy eyes struggled to focus on Mo Qingze, her mouth moving feebly as she muttered unintelligible words.

Had this been any other elderly person, they might have elicited sympathy. But in Hong shi’s case, most people believed she was reaping what she had sown. Only a few with overly soft hearts felt a twinge of pity, but even they didn’t think the Mo family should agree to their unreasonable demands.

Watching this scene, those who knew the background silently cursed Old Mo and his son for their audacity, coming to ruin a joyous occasion. Those who didn’t know the story looked at Mo Qingze skeptically, unwilling to believe he could be so heartless as to force his elders to kneel. Yet, the scene before them made them doubt his character.

"Ziyu, what is going on here?" A white-haired elder stood up from the head table, looking at Mo Qingze with a stern expression.

Even though Mo Qingze had already passed the imperial examination and completed his studies, he was still from the Changshan Academy. Had the elder not witnessed this today, it might have been fine, but since he had, as the academy’s professor and Mo Qingze’s teacher, he couldn’t sit idly by and let the academy’s reputation be tarnished.

Hearing his teacher’s question, Mo Qingze’s expression softened. He respectfully replied, "Teacher, these three were once my second uncle, aunt, and cousin, but at the beginning of this year, I severed ties with them."

Mo Qingze then briefly explained the years of grievances between him and the Old Mo family. With the villagers as witnesses, he believed his teacher wouldn’t be deceived by those three. He knew his teacher’s question was meant to clarify the facts, not because he doubted him, but if he didn’t explain clearly, that might change...

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 1572: First One Wins Fifth Prize

Wei Ronghua smiled, "Sure, please wait a moment, sir."

He called out to Ren Yiping, "Take this customer inside to weigh the melon seeds. He's our shop's first customer on the opening day, so when we settle the accounts, give him a discount and add an extra handful."

This first customer was a middle-aged man, and upon hearing this, his eyes lit up.

The other customers, who were initially waiting for someone else to try first, regretted it instantly and hastily asked, "Do we still get a discount? Can we also get an extra handful?"

Wei Ronghua laughed, "Seeing everyone's support, I can't refuse directly. How about this, I'll go ask the owner, and you all wait here."

"You better hurry."

Wei Ronghua went to Shu Yu and exchanged a few words before coming back, "The owner said that the first ten customers can get a ten percent discount."

As for getting an extra handful, that was a privilege reserved only for the first customer.

Some people wanted to say something, but others quickly said, "I'll buy 200 wen worth."

"I'll also buy 200 wen."

"I'll take 100 wen... Oh, wait, 100 wen doesn't qualify for the lottery. I'll take 200 wen too."

In the rush, everyone forgot what they wanted to say and only wished to be among the first ten customers.

Most customers bought 200 wen worth, but there were some who liked the taste after trying and wanted to stock up, so they bought 300 wen or 400 wen worth.

With so many customers, the shop's staff were well-prepared and quickly weighed the sunflower seeds for each person, calculated the total, and took the payment.

Behind the counter was Da Niu, who was already fast with calculations.

Shu Yu had taught him mental math, and sometimes he could quickly calculate without using an abacus, which made the process smooth even with just him handling it.

Especially because most people bought in round numbers, keeping track of accounts was straightforward.

After the calculations were done, Da Niu handed each customer a wooden token, which they could use to participate in the lottery on the other side.

The first customer had already settled his bill and rushed to the lottery stand with his purchased sunflower seeds. He asked eagerly, "Can I do the lottery now?"

Standing by the lottery stand was Shu Yu, and there were many enthusiastic customers waiting as well.

As soon as the first customer arrived, Shu Yu took his wooden token and smiled, "Of course, you can do the lottery now. Here's the lottery box. Just put your hand inside and randomly draw a slip. The slip will indicate the prize level."

The man began rubbing his hands together and even blew on them, as if it would bring him good luck.

Then, he closed his eyes and prayed for a while. The onlookers grew impatient, and finally, he reached into the box and started fishing around.

He stirred the slips inside for a long time before finally pulling one out.

Although it wasn't a grand prize, the man was incredibly nervous. Several others who had already bought their sunflower seeds came over.

"Quick, open and see," they said. They weren't in a hurry to draw, wanting to see this man's luck first.

With a deep breath, the man's fingers trembled slightly as he opened the slip with his eyes closed.

Someone leaned over to take a look, "Fifth prize?"

As soon as the man heard this, he quickly opened his eyes and burst into laughter, "I won, I won! I'm so lucky today. I got a discount on my purchase, and I won the fifth prize with just one draw."

Other people were surprised and started discussing, "Did he really win? He won the fifth prize on his first try; it's too easy, isn't it?"

 Chapter 1571: Guests Like Clouds

The child's eyes darted around as he grinned, "Why don't you go and see for yourselves? Fengtao Lane is nearby, it won't take much effort to go there, and the things you buy won't be expensive. Take a trip, you won't lose anything, and who knows, there might be some unexpected surprises."

The child was really skilled in speaking, and everyone couldn't resist his words.

Indeed, since it wasn't far, even though two hundred wen wasn't cheap, it was still affordable for everyone.

They thought they could just take a look, and if they didn't like the prizes, they wouldn't buy anything.

One by one, they thought this way, and some impatient ones had already headed towards Luji store.

Once someone took the lead, others were afraid of missing out on the big prize and rushed to Fengtao Lane.

The child wanted to offer them some sunflower seeds to taste, but when he looked up, they had all disappeared.

He sighed like a grown-up, shook his head, and continued to shout at the next intersection.

Fengtao Lane was especially lively. As Chenshi approached, Da Niu set off firecrackers. Amidst the crackling sounds of the firecrackers, Shu Yu and the store's manager, Wei, stood at the entrance, each holding one corner of a red cloth, which they gently pulled down.

The cloth fell, revealing the signboard with the characters "Luji store."

"Congratulations, congratulations!" The onlookers at the entrance eagerly stepped forward to offer their congratulations.

Not only them, but the other shopkeepers in Fengtao Lane also planned to establish good relations, not just because they would be neighbors in the future, but also because Shu Yu was the Village Lord.

Soon, some people brought gift boxes over. Shu Yu knew that these people didn't plan to buy anything, so after welcoming them in, she asked Ying Xi to serve them tea.

Who would have thought that upon seeing the table with the gifts, they wouldn't move an inch and instead just stood there, enjoying the spectacle like everyone else.

Shu Yu felt helpless.

The Luji store was quite spacious, with sunflower seeds displayed on the left and sunflower oil on the right.

Sunflower oil was relatively expensive, and most common people couldn't afford it. So, even if they came to buy something, they mostly aimed for the cheaper sunflower seeds. That's why the sunflower oil was placed separately, so those looking to buy oil wouldn't have to squeeze through the crowd.

There were also instant noodles on the shelves in the middle of the shop. Of course, today's focus was on sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, so only a small amount of instant noodles were displayed.

This was also to inform everyone that the shop also sold instant noodles, in case anyone needed them.

As soon as the firecrackers were done, the customers who entered the shop mostly headed towards the sunflower seeds section.

However, some people were curious about the sunflower oil supplied to the palace, so a group also gathered around the right side of the shop.

The number of customers was slightly more than Shu Yu had expected.

Wei Ronghua had already begun to receive customers, "For those who want to buy sunflower seeds, please come this way. We have various flavors, original, five-spice, and even cream flavor. The prices vary, and so do the tastes. But you can mix and match different types. For those who can't decide, we offer trial tasting."

As soon as they heard about the trial tasting, everyone couldn't help but salivate.

And indeed, as soon as they entered the shop, the air was filled with an enticing aroma.

One person stepped forward and tasted each type of sunflower seed, his eyes brightening with excitement.

"I want the five-spice flavor. I love this one. Give me...," he glanced at the price, surprised it wasn't too high. This person clearly had decent financial conditions and genuinely liked the flavor. "Give me three hundred wen worth."

 Chapter 710: Obstacles and Mo Yongxi's Outcome (3)

The guests who came to congratulate were seated at the main banquet table, while the flowing feast was set up in other rooms. Fortunately, the Mo family mansion was large enough to accommodate dozens of tables. Otherwise, guests would have had to sit in the courtyard, braving the cold wind while eating cold dishes.

After resting for half an hour, Chu Heng felt much better and insisted on attending the banquet, taking the first seat at the head of the table. Xiao Ruiyuan, Yan Junyu, and the Ghost Doctor sat on either side of him. Mo Qingze’s mentors were next, followed by Master Liu, Han Zhiyun, and Shen Ji, with Mo Qingze accompanying them. The ten seats at the Mo family’s large round table were filled.

At the next table were shopkeeper Xing, shopkeeper Mu, Yang Bao, and five village chiefs from neighboring villages, hosted by Nian Zhen and Yun Zhao, the two brothers. The women’s banquet was set in a dining room separated by a wall, with boys under ten years old also seated there. Mo Yan also sat among them.

Soon, delicious dishes were served one after another. Mo Qingze picked up a wine jar and poured each cup full of grape wine.

Most of the people at the main table had already tasted this wine before, so there were no surprises. However, the village chiefs at the second table expressed astonishment upon learning that the wine was brewed by the Mo family. They were even more envious when they heard that the Mo family was building a winery and planning to start a vineyard, particularly Yang Bao, who couldn’t help feeling a mix of jealousy and admiration.

Building a winery, especially one of such scale, would require a lot of help, meaning the villagers would have another opportunity to earn wages. Even if they didn’t know how to brew wine, they could still pick or wash the grapes, earning money right at their doorstep!

Chu Heng, attending a civilian banquet for the first time, found it somewhat novel. The dishes didn’t look as exquisite as those served at palace banquets, and even the plates were simple white porcelain. However, the aroma of the food was unexpectedly enticing.

Encouraged by Mo Qingze, Chu Heng picked up the communal chopsticks and reached for a plate of vegetarian dumplings in front of him. The dumplings were small, perfect for one bite. As soon as he bit into one, the fresh and savory flavor filled his mouth. The texture was just right, making it even more delicious than the meticulously prepared vegetarian dishes from the imperial kitchen.

“Not bad!”

Chu Heng, who usually adhered strictly to the rule of not speaking while eating, couldn’t help but express his pleasure. He thought to himself, no wonder everyone around him was so eager to gather here. It turned out that these delectable dishes satisfied their cravings—how had he not thought of joining them before?

Sitting on either side, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu also picked up their chopsticks, oblivious to their cousin’s inner grumbling. Even if they knew, they wouldn’t argue; after all, they genuinely enjoyed the Mo family’s meals. However, it wasn’t just the food that drew them in; it was also the warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Mo Qingze humbly smiled and said, “It’s just simple fare. If you don’t mind, please help yourself to more.”

Chu Heng nodded and continued sampling the other dishes with the communal chopsticks. As he ate, he discovered that every dish was indeed exceptionally tasty. Even the ones he usually disliked seemed to have become more flavorful, and he couldn’t resist taking a few more bites.

The others, naturally, were no different. With good food and wine before them, they quickly relaxed after the initial restraint, eating heartily. Before long, most of the food and wine on the table had been consumed.

The same was true in the other rooms. The atmosphere was lively, with guests exchanging toasts and conversations, singing, and enjoying themselves. Even the most mischievous children sat quietly beside the adults, their faces buried in bowls, savoring delicacies they rarely got to enjoy, unwilling to lift their heads.

At that moment, no one in the room noticed two figures pushing open the slightly ajar gate of the Mo family’s courtyard. By the time anyone realized it, the two people had already entered the main hall, walked directly toward Mo Qingze, and placed a wooden door panel down before kneeling on the cold, hard ground. With sorrowful expressions, they pleaded, “Ze’er, please spare your cousin this time. We beg you, we beg you…”

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 709: Obstacles and Mo Yongxi's Outcome (2)

Mo Yan, hearing this, suddenly recalled another matter and couldn’t help but feel sorry for her friend. She forced herself to say, “People can be deceiving. On the surface, that Shen Gongzi seems perfect, but who knows what he’s really like? Besides, your father and mother carefully chose Du Gongzi for you. He must be a good match. When you marry next year and live at home without having to deal with in-laws, that’s ideal for a woman.”

In this era, being a daughter-in-law was difficult. If one had a strict or demanding mother-in-law who enjoyed tormenting her daughter-in-law, daily life could be unbearable. Duties like morning and evening greetings, serving meals, and helping with dressing could be expected. If these weren’t done well, the consequences could range from scolding to punishment. Some mothers-in-law even interfered in the couple’s private matters… just thinking about it was enough to make one shudder.

Liu Tinglan’s parents had chosen a live-in son-in-law partly to ensure the Liu family lineage continued and partly to keep their only daughter close, so she wouldn’t suffer in a distant in-law’s home. They weren’t overly concerned about their son-in-law’s talents or capabilities; as long as he treated their daughter well and could manage the current family business, that was enough.

Unexpectedly, they found Du Gongzi, a scholar who, despite failing to pass the imperial exams this time with the Liu family’s support, was still a better match than they had hoped for. The wedding date had already been set for May of the following year.

Mo Yan’s words brought Liu Tinglan back to the reality that she was already betrothed, deepening her gloom. She had met Du Gongzi before, but he didn’t stir any romantic feelings in her; he seemed more like a stranger.

She had thought that after marriage, feelings might gradually develop, leading to a harmonious relationship like her parents’. But what was this new sense of dissatisfaction she felt after meeting the other man today?

“Sister Lan, you said Du Gongzi is gentle and ambitious. Your future will likely be bright, and your good days are ahead,” Mo Yan consoled her friend, feeling pained by her situation. She couldn’t possibly encourage Sister Lan to break off her engagement to pursue Shen Ji.

Setting aside whether Master and Madam Liu would agree, Shen Ji had a promising future and a wealthy family, giving him no reason to become a live-in son-in-law. Even in the best-case scenario, where these issues were resolved, would Shen Ji and his family even like Sister Lan? And if they did, what would happen to the engagement with Du Gongzi? Would he quietly accept being rejected and not cause trouble for the Liu family?

Too many uncertainties made it impossible for Mo Yan to offer any encouragement, so maintaining the status quo seemed best.

By now, Liu Tinglan had come to her senses. She knew her parents better than anyone and understood that her marriage to Du Gongzi was set in stone. Unless Du Gongzi wronged her or the Liu family, even if Shen Gongzi were willing to marry in, her parents wouldn’t break off the engagement with Du Gongzi to accommodate her. Besides, it was highly unlikely that Shen Gongzi would agree to be a live-in son-in-law.

Seeing the concern in Mo Yan’s eyes, Liu Tinglan felt a wave of gratitude and managed a small smile. “Yanyan, it’s too late to dwell on this. Don’t worry; I know my limits and won’t act recklessly.”

“Good!” Mo Yan nodded with a smile. Once today passed, Sister Lan and Shen Ji wouldn’t have any further contact. Over time, the small fondness Sister Lan felt for Shen Ji would fade, so Mo Yan wasn’t too worried.

Soon, it was time for the banquet to begin. The Mo family hosted a large gathering with a continuous feast. Guests came and went in waves, each group dining before leaving, making way for the next, until no more guests arrived and the tables were finally cleared.

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 708: Obstacles and Mo Yongxi's Outcome (1)

Once Chu Heng left, Master Liu, Han Zhiyun, and the others breathed a sigh of relief, their tension easing. Despite Chu Heng’s approachable and modest demeanor, his status meant no one dared act disrespectfully.

Curious about the Mo family’s connection to Chu Heng, Master Liu and Han Zhiyun asked Mo Yan about it while Mo Qingze guided the guests. Mo Yan gave a refined version of her earlier explanation to the villagers, blending truth and fiction in a way that’s hard to distinguish.

The two men found the situation too coincidental to question further and accepted Mo Yan’s story. They understood that she was the prince’s savior and concluded that maintaining distance from the prince would be wise.

After a while, Mo Qingze returned to the hall to continue hosting the guests, while Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu remained in the guest rooms and did not join the gathering.

“Father, why did you take so long? Was something wrong?” Mo Yan asked casually, concerned there might have been an issue with the guest rooms.

Mo Qingze’s expression shifted slightly, and his smile seemed a bit forced. “The prince asked me some questions, which delayed me. There’s nothing wrong.”

Mo Yan noticed her father’s discomfort and smiled. “I’m glad everything is fine.”

With her father in charge, Mo Yan felt at ease and went to the kitchen, where most of the dishes were prepared and just waiting to be served.

At that moment, Liu Tinglan came to Mo Yan, her face flushed and hesitant. She struggled to speak coherently.

Mo Yan initially thought her friend was embarrassed about a relative’s visit, so she led Liu Tinglan to her room and retrieved some spare items from the cabinet.

When Liu Tinglan saw what Mo Yan handed her, she spat out in annoyance, “I just left a few days ago. Why are you giving me this?”

Mo Yan was puzzled at first but quickly realized her misunderstanding and rolled her eyes. “If it’s not about that, why were you so flustered earlier?”

Liu Tinglan’s cheeks turned even redder, like a ripe peach, making her look particularly bashful.

Understanding dawned on Mo Yan, and she asked curiously, “There are few eligible bachelors here today. Have you taken a liking to someone?”

She expected her friend to react with embarrassment or anger, but instead, Liu Tinglan simply glared at her and fidgeted with her fingers, shyly admitting, “It’s… it’s the one you asked me to bring the ointment to!”

Liu Tinglan, feeling this wasn’t enough, quickly asked, “Who is he? What’s his relationship with your family?”

Mo Yan’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected her friend to be interested in her father’s potential son-in-law. Though she had no personal interest in Shen Ji, it was odd to hear that Liu Tinglan was attracted to him.

Still, Shen Ji did seem like a promising match. If Liu Tinglan and he could form a meaningful relationship, it would be a good match.

Mo Yan recounted what her father had said about Shen Ji, noticing Liu Tinglan’s expression growing dim.

“He’s an only child with outstanding talent. Surely he wouldn’t be content to be a son-in-law,” Liu Tinglan murmured.

Though she had a positive impression of the man she had met only once, she wasn’t in love. It was just that if she were to marry, choosing someone excellent and likable seemed better than marrying a stranger with no feelings and uncertain compatibility.

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 707: A Distinguished Guest Arrives at Shen Ji's Door (4)

Upon hearing this, Mo Qingze was even more pleased with the young man’s character. He instructed Mo Yan, “There are new clothes in the wardrobe. Please take Young Master Shen to change. Yan’er, quickly fetch some ointment.”

Before Mo Yan could respond, Shen Ji guessed her identity and bowed politely, saying, “Thank you, Miss Mo.”

At this point, Shen Ji was unaware of Mo Qingze’s plans or that Mo Yan had been granted the title of County Princess, so his bow was merely a conventional gesture.

Given Shen Ji’s refined demeanor and his injury from doing a good deed, Mo Yan’s impression of him improved further. She returned his bow with a genuine smile.

As she turned to fetch the ointment, several carriages arrived, including those of Mo Qingze’s teachers. 

With these visitors arriving, Mo Qingze could not personally accompany Shen Ji to change clothes. After exchanging greetings with his teachers, he instructed Mo Yan to take Shen Ji to change.

Mo Yan led Shen Ji to her father’s quarters, found a new outer robe for him, and left to retrieve the ointment from her room.

Just as she was about to return, Liu Tinglan rushed in, out of breath. “Yan’er, quickly go to the front. There are distinguished guests arriving, and your father wants you to hurry!”

Mo Yan immediately suspected that the guests were more significant than just Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu, as her father wouldn’t have called her in such a hurry otherwise. She hurriedly handed the ointment to Liu Tinglan and ran towards the front courtyard.

Liu Tinglan, amused, shook her head and took the ointment to Mo Qingze’s quarters. She was familiar with the layout of the Mo family home and quickly found the way.

When the door opened from the inside, Liu Tinglan was momentarily stunned to see the refined young man emerging against the light, not knowing how to react.

Shen Ji, seeing the unfamiliar woman, was captivated by her eyes, which sparkled with intelligence even in her dazed state, and forgot to respond.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment…

When Mo Yan arrived at the front courtyard, the gate was blocked by villagers. She stood on tiptoe to see the bright yellow carriage parked at the entrance.

Yellow was a color reserved for the royal family, used only by the sovereign and the crown prince. Mo Yan didn’t need to think hard to guess who the carriage’s owner might be.

The villagers, seeing Mo Yan, quickly made way. Although they didn’t understand the significance of the yellow color, they recognized that the visitor’s status must be higher than Yan Shizi, who was still in the rear. They guessed that the visitor might be a royal.

When Mo Yan stepped forward, she saw Mo Qingze greeting the newly arrived guests. The person at the forefront was none other than the recently recovered Prince Chu Heng!

Chu Heng appeared quite thin, as if a gust of wind could topple him. However, he looked healthier compared to his previous critically ill state, with a much-improved complexion.

He was dressed in simple clothes, not the ostentatious yellow, but the carriage had already announced his arrival. Everyone knew that the crown prince was visiting the newly appointed County Princess.

As Mo Yan approached and was about to perform a grand salute, Chu Heng raised his hand to stop her. “This time, I’m traveling incognito. There is no need for excessive formality, County Princess!”

Mo Yan complied and performed a simple bow.

She doubted that the crown prince would come just to congratulate her, considering that the carriage alone indicated his high status. She preferred to avoid speculation about their intentions and hoped that the royal family would not bring more complications to her family. She only wished to keep her distance from royal matters.

Chu Heng was aware that Mo Yan was indifferent to flattery and was not surprised by her calm demeanor. However, seeing that Mo Qingze also showed respect without flattery, he couldn’t help but sympathize with his cousin, Xiao Ruiyuan.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s typically cold demeanor softened noticeably.

After mutual greetings, Mo Yan’s family invited the guests into the main hall.

Although they had never met Chu Heng, the yellow carriage was a clear indicator, and Liu and Han families soon realized that Mo’s family had connections with the crown prince. Han Zhiyun, aware of the enmity between the Mo and Lin families, speculated that this connection might involve the crown prince, leading to concerns about Mo’s family.

The villagers dared not approach any closer, and their conversations became subdued.

Chu Heng sat at the head of the table, engaging in conversation with a smile. Despite being able to walk, he still felt weak and uncomfortable after a short while.

After being noticed by the attending physician, Xiao Ruiyuan and Yan Junyu insisted on taking Chu Heng to a guest room in the Mo family’s home.

Mo Yan observed Chu Heng’s frail figure and wondered about the real reason behind his visit. Was it to show gratitude for her attempt to save him, or was there another motive?

She quickly dismissed this thought. Chu Heng knew she disliked the title of County Princess, so he wouldn’t have come just to congratulate her. And given that her father was only a minor successful candidate, it seemed unlikely he was interested in her father’s potential for advancement.

Reflecting on her father’s unusual behavior recently, Mo Yan sensed something unusual was at play… 

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 706: A Distinguished Guest Arrives at Shen Ji's Door (3)

Indeed, Mo Qingze was diverted by Mo Yan’s words. He shook his head and said, "I’m just worried that his quick wits might be hard to manage and that he might get into trouble in the future." He wasn’t concerned about Zhen’er’s academic performance but was worried about his immaturity and the potential pitfalls that might arise from it.

“Father, you’re worrying too much. Don’t you know Zhen’er’s nature? And besides, we’ve always kept an eye on him. Even if he makes a mistake, we can still guide him back,” Mo Yan replied with a hint of helplessness.

Though Zhen’er was restless, he was pure-hearted and had a strong sense of justice, as shown when he asked her to take in Yun Zhao and Yun Sheng. As long as he retained his innocent heart, what trouble could he really get into?

Mo Qingze looked at his daughter with deep guilt. “In the past, I was so preoccupied with the school and my own studies that I hardly spent time teaching you and your siblings. You never complained but raised your younger siblings excellently. Whenever I think about it, I feel guilty. My only wish now is for you to have a good future, so I can truly be at ease.”

Hearing this, Mo Yan was reminded of the tough times she had endured with her siblings, and her eyes welled up with tears. She tilted her head slightly, holding her father’s arm, her reddened eyes brimming with smiles. “Father, no matter how hard things were, they’re all in the past now. Our family will only get better from here on out. You don’t need to feel guilty about me or us. Those hardships were just a form of training for us siblings.”

Mo Qingze’s eyes also became misty. He patted Mo Yan’s hand, unable to say a word.

As Mo Yan hesitated about whether to subtly inquire about any secrets her father might be keeping from her, she noticed a carriage approaching from a distance. With no other carriages in sight, she guessed that the person inside was the esteemed Shen Ji her father admired.

Her guess proved correct. As the carriage stopped in front of the Mo family’s home, the driver opened the door, revealing a slightly slender figure.

When the person stepped out and raised his head, Mo Yan saw that he was indeed a refined young man, with an air that resembled her father’s.

“Yun Jin!” Mo Qingze greeted with a smile, clapping Shen Ji on the shoulder. “Arriving so late, you’ll have to drink three extra cups when we start the feast.”

Yun Jin was Shen Ji’s courtesy name.

Shen Ji appeared apologetic, cupping his fists and bowing deeply. “Yun Jin arrives late. I hope Brother Ziyu will excuse me.”

Mo Qingze quickly helped Shen Ji up and noticed some stains on his clothes and a slight injury on the back of his hand with a bit of blood seeping through. He asked anxiously, “How did you get hurt? Did something happen on the road?”

It was unusual for the polite young man to arrive in stained clothing if nothing had happened on the way.

Realizing he had been noticed, Shen Ji quickly said, “It’s just a minor injury. Please don’t worry about it! I’m sorry for the unseemly appearance. I hope Brother Ziyu will not be displeased.”

Mo Qingze reassured him and inquired further about the incident. Shen Ji explained that he had set out early in the morning but encountered a thief who had stolen money from an elderly person. He chased the thief and, during the scuffle, stumbled and injured himself, resulting in the stains on his clothes and the minor wound on his hand.

(The End of this Chapter)`

 Chapter 705: A Distinguished Guest Arrives at Shen Ji's Door (2)

In recent years, with the support of the Mo family, villagers who were hired for various tasks received higher wages compared to elsewhere, which improved many households' situations. Though still not as prosperous as other villages, their conditions had markedly improved and were expected to get even better in the future.

With the village’s situation improving, Yang Bao had developed new ideas, one of which was to build a school. The goal was to educate the idle children and instill proper manners in them. Even if no one achieved fame right away, having hope was valuable. Perhaps someday a student from their village would achieve great things.

This would not only bring honor to a single household but to the entire village. The more educated people there were in the village, the more prosperous and thriving it would become. If Yang Bao were to pass away, at least his efforts in establishing the school would be remembered in the village records, justifying his time on earth.

Other village heads also hoped to see their villages produce outstanding individuals. They had been arguing for months about where the school should be built, each trying to claim the opportunity for their own village. Their desire intensified as they witnessed the Mo family’s success.

However, Yang Bao’s reasoning was difficult to counter, leading to dissatisfaction among the other village heads who were unwilling to concede the opportunity to Liu Yang Village.

Thus, a new round of debate commenced among the village heads, each vying to secure the school for their own village.

Meanwhile, Mo Yan and her father were unaware of these negotiations. They were at the entrance welcoming guests. Soon, Shopkeeper Xing and Shopkeeper Mu arrived. After exchanging congratulations and presenting gifts, they were invited into the study.

Both shopkeepers had helped Mo family with the heating last year and knew Master Liu and Han Zhiyun. Although they came from different backgrounds and social statuses, they were well-informed and had lively conversations when together.

By noon, most of the guests had arrived, except for Xiao Ruiyuan, Yan Junyu, and a few other invited “contemporaries” and mentors.

Not seeing any movement on the road leading out of the village, Mo Qingze casually mentioned his “contemporary” to his daughter.

“Contemporary” refers to Shen Ji, a young man of nineteen who Mo Qingze considered a refined and rare talent. They had met during a poetry competition at the academy and developed a good acquaintance.

Mo Qingze had a favorable impression of Shen Ji from the start. After getting to know him better, Mo Qingze began to consider him as a potential son-in-law. Having inquired discreetly about Shen Ji’s family background, Mo Qingze’s interest grew.

Shen Ji came from Huai County, directly under the capital, only a hundred miles away. He was the only child of his parents, who were still alive and wealthy. Despite his affluence, Shen Ji was very diligent. He had passed the scholar’s examination at sixteen, later studied at Changshan Academy, participated in this year's autumn examination, and ranked even higher than Han Zhiyun, placing 30th.

After learning of his results, Shen Ji sent a messenger to inform his parents and chose to stay in the capital to focus on his studies and prepare for the spring examination next year.

“Overall, Shen Ji is a commendable young man—hardworking and self-motivated. He requires no extra supervision, much better than Zhen’er,” Mo Qingze praised Shen Ji but also sighed over his lively younger son.

Having heard so much, Mo Yan realized that Shen Ji was the suitor her father had in mind. Although he seemed admirable, she was not interested. The more perfect Shen Ji appeared in her father’s eyes, the less favorable Xiao Ruiyuan would seem, which might complicate matters for all three.

Trying to steer the conversation away from Shen Ji, Mo Yan promptly took up the topic of Zhen’er as her father mentioned him, saying, “Zhen’er may be a bit restless, but he is very bright and hardworking. He has been in the top three in the monthly exams, so you needn’t worry.”

(The End of this Chapter)

 Chapter 704: A Distinguished Guest Arrives at Shen Ji's Door (1)

Master Liu found it amusing and teased, “Others treasure their sons like jewels, but you’ve turned your daughter into a gem!”

Han Zhiyun, adjusting the blanket around his one-year-old daughter with tenderness, said, “A daughter can only enjoy the comfort of her parents’ knees for a short time. Naturally, we want to cherish her as much as we can!”

The sentiment resonated with the other two fathers present. While many might place more importance on sons, they didn’t share that view. In their perspective, a daughter is far more precious than a son, who often just brings trouble, whereas a daughter is a source of warmth and affection.

Han Zhiyun glanced at Mo Qingze and Mo Yan and continued, “Seeing Brother Zi Yu and Miss Yan, I realize I’ve missed out on the joys of raising a daughter. Since the older one is beyond help, at least I have a younger one. If she turns out to be as filial as Miss Yan, I wouldn’t trade her for ten sons.”

It seemed that Han Zhiyun was inspired by Mo Yan and her father. He appeared to genuinely aspire to be a model father and to raise a model daughter.

Everyone enjoys compliments, but being praised in such a way by Han Zhiyun made Mo Yan and her father a bit embarrassed. They modestly thanked him and invited him inside. By late October, the weather was already freezing cold.

This time, Han Zhiyun had also passed the imperial examination, placing notably higher than Mo Qingze, at 44th. Since his exam results were usually not as good as Mo Qingze’s, he asked Mo Qingze the same question Master Liu had.

Mo Qingze attributed his lower ranking to nerves affecting his performance. Han Zhiyun, though skeptical, chose not to press further.

Knowing that Mo’s family had received distinguished guests, the villagers refrained from crowding inside and instead chatted and laughed among themselves in the yard. They greeted each other courteously whenever they met.

Although the Liu and Han families were not quite accustomed to the rough, enthusiastic welcome from the villagers, they responded politely. They noted that the villagers spoke highly of Mo’s family and felt that Liu Yang Village was remarkably simple and sincere, not at all like a makeshift village assembled from various places.

Soon, under Yang Bao’s invitation, village heads from four or five nearby villages came with gifts to congratulate Mo’s family. Even though these gifts were modest—a bag of candy or a box of snacks—they were the most respectable presents they could offer.

Mo Yan and her father were not at all dismissive of the modest gifts and courteously welcomed them into a small guest room they had temporarily set up. They served fine tea and water, with Yang Bao accompanying them.

“How about it? Was my suggestion correct?” After the father and daughter left, Yang Bao closed the door and said smugly to the other village heads.

The village heads exchanged glances and still seemed reluctant, “The County Princess and Scholar Mo are indeed kind and benevolent. Since that’s the case, they’ll support the construction of the school wherever it’s built. Why must it be in Liu Yang Village?”

If they could have the school built in their own villages, it would greatly benefit their communities, so why should they give up on such an opportunity?

Yang Bao shot them a stern look and declared loudly, “Just because the County Princess and Scholar Mo are from Liu Yang Village, the school must be built here. Only in this way can we secure the most support from the Mo family! Besides, Liu Yang Village has good feng shui. Building the school here will benefit the students. What can your villages offer in comparison?”

The other village heads fell silent.

Before the refugees settled in, Liu Yang Village was the smallest and poorest among the villages. After over a hundred households moved in, it became the largest village, yet it was still the poorest compared to others. 

(The End of this Chapter)