Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 87 - 85: Generous Gift

The banquet had begun, and Shen Chengguang wished to join the table at which Lai Zhewei sat. However, that table was already occupied by nine people: Doctor Luo, Manager Yao, Manager Tong, Manager Chen, Uncle Fu, the village chief, Shen Zixuan, Ming Zhijie, and Lai Zhewei. The remaining seat was evidently reserved for the host, Shen Chengyao.

Shen Chengguang wasn’t oblivious to this protocol, but he yearned to build a rapport with Lai Zhewei. Considering that Lai Zhewei’s grandfather was the Minister of Works, having a relationship with Lai Zhewei, and even better if Bao’er could be married into the Lai family, would not be bad for Wen’er’s potential promotion in the future. This was a significant matter for their family’s prosperity, which was always prioritized by everyone in the family. With this thought, Shen Chengguang decided to seat himself anyway.

The people at the table were engaged in conversation, waiting for Shen Chengyao to take his seat and commencing the meal. When Shen Chengguang took the seat, everyone paused, refraining from speaking.

"Young Master Lai..." Shen Chengguang began, wearing a smile on his face, eager to converse with Lai Zhewei.

"Who are you? This seat is for the host!" Lai Zhewei had never been kind to those who flattered him continuously before his face. But considering he was there for a celebratory banquet and this was Shen’s third uncle’s house, he couldn’t go too far. However, this man certainly lacked manners and shame, anyone would be able to tell this seat was reserved for the host.

Shen Chengguang’s face stiffened a little. They had already seen each other once before. But it didn’t matter, high-ranking people generally tended to have poor memories; he was ready to reintroduce himself.

"Big brother, why are you still here? Dad is looking for you!" Shen Chengyao returned to his seat after finishing his arrangements, only to find Shen Chengguang occupying his seat. He had no choice but to gently remind him.

"What does dad want with me?" Shen Chengguang looked up irritably. Couldn’t they see he was talking to Young Master Lai?

"I’m not sure, you should go and see!" Shen Chengyao couldn’t hide his displeasure with his big brother’s indifference to Yun’er’s situation. And now, he had to deal with this. He kindly reminded his brother to leave and yet Shen Chengguang still sat there, lazily refusing to leave.

Manager Yao was extremely annoyed by Shen Chengguang. How could he disregard his own brother like this? He frankly said, "Elder brother Shen, your father is looking for you and you do not go. This is disrespectful."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chengguang became unhappy. Who was this man to meddle in his family’s affairs?

"I have to say, who are you..." and why are you sticking your nose in here?

Before he could finish his sentence, Shen Chengzu quickly intervened, grabbing Shen Chengguang: "Big brother, dad is waiting for you over there. He said someone is looking for you. Please go and see!"

Shen Chengzu, who had always labored hard, was much stronger than Shen Chengguang. He managed to pull Shen Chengguang out of his seat and ushered him away.

Once Shen Chengyao sat down, no one mentioned the previous incident. Soon, everyone’s attention was drawn to the lavish food on the table. Despite the abundant spread, the food vanished quickly, leaving Shen Chengyao worried about whether they had prepared enough dishes.

After observing the satisfied guests burping and praising the delicious food, he finally let out a sigh of relief: it was just that the food was too good, that’s why it was finished so fast.

"Brother Shen, from where have you hired this chef? These dishes taste even better than the ones at the ’Taste of Xuan’ restaurant in town!"

"We hired the cook from the restaurant in town."

"It’s not the cooking skill, it’s the produce that makes the difference." Even though one of the dishes was not cooked properly and the seasoning was not perfect, it indeed was better than anything he had sampled before! This suggested that the original ingredients were of high quality and freshness.

In the afternoon, the guests had taken their leave one by one.

Ultimately, Lai Zhewei was unable to stay overnight as his manservant and sister insisted on returning home to inform the Madam. He had to wait for the Madam’s approval before proceeding.

In the evening, the family counted the congratulatory gifts they received for the day.

Shangguan Xuanyi had given two sets of Jade Mountains, three boxes of Huzhou ink brushes, one high-quality inkstone, one Helan inkstone, one clay inkstone, a box of Longjing tea, a hundred ’fu’ embroidered screen, two rolls of decorative satin, two rolls of brocade. Also, a pot of peony in full bloom.

Di Zhaowei gifted a set of white jade tea set, blue and white porcelain tableware, a matched pair of porcelain vases with painted lions playing with embroidered balls, a screen embroidered with ’flowers symbolizing wealth,’ two rolls of brocade, and two rolls of satin.

Lai Zhewei gave a jade ornament, four rolls of silk satin, and three sets of high-grade paper, ink, brush, and inkstone.

Ming Zhijie presented a pair of blue and white jade pots, and the same three sets of high-grade paper, ink, brush, and inkstone.

In addition to Uncle Fu, Manager Yao, Manager Tong, Manager Chen, the village chief, and the many gifts sent by other relatives and villagers, all had been meticulously recorded by Xiao’er to facilitate future interactions.

When it came to the gift from Lai Zhewei, Mrs. Liu recalled the words she had overheard. She asked Shen Chengyao, "Did you sit in your uncle’s seat during dinner today? He seemed reluctant to leave it."

Jinghao recounted the events of the day in clear and detailed terms as soon as he heard the question.

Xiao’er looked at Jinghao admiringly. It was truly rare for someone of such a young age to express himself so clearly and logically.

Mrs. Liu shook her head after hearing this, "Even if he is the senior manager, despite all the books he’s read, he can’t even compare to an ordinary farmer when it comes to speaking and behaving!"

"Mother, some farmers are indeed honest, diligent, and kind. They shouldn’t be looked down upon."

"Yes, just like my father," Yun’er also chimed in, laughing.

"Indeed, our father is far superior to our uncle."

"Children! Do not disrespect your elders behind their backs," Shen Chengyao chastised, slightly exasperated.

Yun’er stuck out their tongue.

"We have received so many generous gifts for our house move. These stationery items will be given to you three brothers. Choose a set that you each like," said Mrs. Liu, as she categorized and stored the items in the warehouse, pointing at the pile of stationery.

Jingrui pulled Brother Ri over to choose their pieces, and both of them let the youngest, Jinghao, pick first.

"Mother, New Year is approaching. We should also prepare to give New Year presents," said Xiao’er, as she carefully put away the recorded items and closed the catalogue.

Xiao’er started making a list of the people to whom they needed to give New Year gifts. After finishing each list, she would let Mrs. Liu have a look to see if anything needed to be added or removed. They had to start preparing the gifts for each family and send them out the next day!

Shen old mansion

Shen Chengguang felt aggrieved, recalling that he didn’t get a chance to speak with Lai Zhewei that day. "The third is really unreliable. I am his elder brother, and he didn’t even introduce me to Young Master Lai. I created an opportunity myself, yet he gave no cooperation!"

Mrs. Lan remembered what she had seen at Shen Chengyao’s house that day. The front hall was furnished with a complete top-notch pear wood furniture set, showcasing an extraordinary aura. The backyard had real leather couches and various kinds of ornamental decorations shining in the light, creating a warm and unique atmosphere. The glazed windows, the redwood bookshelves and desks in the study, the special thatch house, and even the curtain fabrics were better than the ones she was wearing. How on earth did the third son become so wealthy all at once?

Mrs. Lan voiced all her thoughts and observations.

"That’s not all, there’s also the greenhouse. The entire room is made of colored glaze. There are many valuable flowers inside," remembered Shen Bao’er, wanting one for herself just thinking about it.

"There’s also a heated room on the wasteland. The roof is made of colored glaze too. It’s sprawling, around one acre in size. I heard it’s for growing vegetables!" Shen Chengwen added.

"The third son is unjust. He must have been hoarding before the division of assets. After the division, his family amassed a fortune overnight." The thought echoed Shen Manor’s, both having the same viewpoint.

"It would be great if we knew how the third son made his fortune." Mrs. Lan frowned, pondering.

"Mother, I might have a solution!" Shen Bao’er thought of something she had seen earlier.

"What solution?" Shen Chengguang’s eyes lit up in anticipation.

"Father, don’t you have a good relationship with Constable Zhang? ..."

Shen Bao’er invited everyone to draw closer and whispered her observations and plan into their ears.