Chapter 336: Farewell Gathering

Chapter 336: Farewell Gathering

The news left the Yujia family in shock, and Xingxing was equally stunned.

Although the mine that was discovered was a disorderly coal mine, it was still a mineral vein!

A mineral vein means a steady stream of income!

Mineral veins of gold, silver, copper, iron, salt, and jade are crucial to the national economy, and the Great Xia Dynasty does not allow private mining. However, coal mines fall into a gray zone—private mining is allowed, but a portion must be surrendered to the government each year, and a rather high tax must be paid.

Even so, having such a coal mine vein in hand means that, unless something goes wrong, Xingxing will have enough to live on for this lifetime, the next, and even the one after that!

The ironic part is that this mine was one of the two mountains exchanged with Xingxing by Lin Yang Marquis's estate!

It was like Lin Yang Marquis's estate handed a perpetually money-generating treasure to Xingxing on a silver platter!

This is... just too amazing!

Xingxing didn’t know how to manage a coal mine, and Bai Ge’er didn’t know how either, but Bai Ge’er had people under him who did.

Opening a coal mine is a lengthy process that can’t be rushed, so Bai Ge’er arranged for a trusted subordinate to take charge of the operation.

But the news soon got out to the people at Lin Yang Marquis's estate.

When Bai Rong heard that a mineral vein had been discovered in one of the two mountains they exchanged with the little girl from the Yujia family, he nearly spit out blood.

A mineral vein?!

It was pain like a knife to the heart!

…

Xingxing was going to the capital with the Yujia family and, unless something happens, wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

This was different from going to the prefectural city. After all, the prefectural city wasn’t far from Mapo County.

But the capital—that was a place most people from Mapo County would never get to visit in their entire lives. Traveling there and back was a huge hassle.

Xingxing said her goodbyes to the young girls she was close with in the county.

She also threw a banquet in the restaurant owned by Bai Ge’er in the county.

Over the years, most of the elder sisters Xingxing had gotten close to had already married. Some had married out of town, some had married locally, and some were still waiting to get married.

Xingxing sent invitations according to the proper etiquette.

Everyone who received the invitation came; no one declined.

Xingxing booked a private courtyard at the back of the restaurant. It was a small courtyard with a large stone jar, a pebble path, and bamboo that made a soft sound when the wind blew.

It was really elegant and charming.

The first to arrive was a Miss Bai, Bai Runiang. Over the years, she had married the son of a wealthy merchant. The Bai family and this wealthy merchant's family had a marriage alliance and supported each other in business.

After marrying the wealthy merchant's son, Bai Runiang and her husband lived respectfully. Even after he took in two concubines, he never neglected Bai Runiang. It was only after Bai Runiang gave birth to their legitimate son that the contraceptive medicine of the two concubines was stopped.

Though there were some bitter moments, Bai Runiang was relatively satisfied. She had brought her three-year-old son with her and specifically wanted Xingxing to hold him.

Bai Runiang smiled and said, "Xingxing is truly extraordinary. You've got Third Brother Fan, the provincial champion, for literature, a general for martial arts, and a merchant brother to bring in the cash. They say you've found a mineral vein in a mountain you own—your fortune is simply unparalleled. Quick, give my precious boy a hug. All I wish for is my boy to grow up safe and sound."

Xingxing had plenty of practice with her younger siblings and was a natural at holding them.

As she held the boy, he suddenly gave her a loud kiss on the face.

The boy blinked his big eyes and said, "Sister, you're so beautiful. When I grow up, will you marry me?"

Bai Runiang was both entertained and frustrated, quickly taking the boy back from Xingxing. "You child—"

Xingxing just smiled calmly; she was used to it, having been kissed by Bang Geer, Mian Ge'er, and Xu Ge'er before.

As they were talking, more young ladies arrived. Some were already married and brought their kids, while the unmarried ones brought their younger sisters or family members. Before long, the courtyard was filled with liveliness.

After a while, Bai Runiang looked outside, puzzled, and said, "How strange."

"How come I didn't see Pingfang? Xingxing, did you send an invitation to Pingfang?"

"I specially sent a servant to invite Sister Fan from the neighboring county. Her servant told us that although Sister Fan wasn't feeling well, she'd definitely come..." Xingxing said, puzzled. "Could it be that Sister Fan hasn't fully recovered yet?"

Xingxing was also wondering. Sister Fan had married a local scholar the previous year. It seemed like the perfect match—he was talented, she was beautiful, and she knew how to handle money. The Fan family had given her five shops as part of her dowry.

However, after she married and moved to the neighboring county, Xingxing didn't see her much.

It was Fan Xingru who had stayed in Mapo County to study and kept in touch with the Yu brothers.

Not long ago, Ju Geer went out horse riding with Fan Xingru.

As they were talking about Fan Pingfang, she showed up. She was wearing delicate makeup and holding her one-year-old daughter, Lingling.

Xingxing happily went over to welcome her. "Sister Fan," she called, but she also noticed a four-year-old boy following Fan Pingfang.

Fan Pingfang beamed. "Xingxing, it's been a while. You seem to have grown even taller."

Xingxing was all smiles.

"Xingxing, here, give my Lingling a hug. You're a lucky one. I hope Lingling will be as lucky as you." Fan Pingfang said with a smile as she placed Lingling into Xingxing's arms.

As Xingxing held the laughing one-year-old Lingling, the child suddenly burst into tears.

Seeing her daughter cry, Fan Pingfang quickly took her back and gently soothed her.

While comforting her, Fan Pingfang was also confused. "Lingling usually loves to laugh, but lately, she's been crying a lot for some reason."

Xingxing followed Lingling's gaze and saw the four-year-old boy standing beside Fan Pingfang.

He was glaring at Lingling with a fierce look!

Xingxing was taken aback.

She never expected to see such a scary look in a four-year-old's eyes.

The little boy didn't expect Xingxing to notice him. He hurriedly lowered his head to hide, but his panic only drew more attention from the others.

Bai Runiang directly asked, "Pingfang, is this boy your son?"

Fan Pingfang's hand, which was patting Lingling's back, paused slightly. Then she spoke in a calm, indifferent tone, "He is my son."

"What?!"

Everyone present was shocked and looked at Fan Pingfang in disbelief.

Even Xingxing was utterly astonished.