Chapter 67 Part 1

Chapter 67 Part 1

Fu Mingze glanced at the small amount of liquor in the cup and looked at Shen Shaoyuan with confusion: "This liquor, did you brew it yourself, Dad?"

Although he had long noticed that his father-in-law was actually a very smart person and seemed to learn things quickly outside of official duties, brewing alcohol?

Of course, there are indeed people in the village who can brew liquor, but basically, they only know how to brew a little rice wine for their own consumption, and due to the recent grain shortages, very few people brew it anymore.

Moreover, this liquor is clearly not the kind that farmers can casually brew. Even an ordinary distiller might not be able to produce this kind of liquor.

Shen Shaoyuan began to spin a tall tale: "This liquor has been brewed for quite a long time. It was brewed by Moer's mom and me when Moer was still young. I almost forgot about it, but I suddenly remembered it a few days ago and dug it out. Moer's mom was really skilled; this liquor was brewed very well. When I first opened it, I almost felt tipsy just from the aroma."

Shen Moer silently glanced at him, thinking to herself that it was indeed almost intoxicating. This was the renowned Great Liang liquor, "Sleeping Under the Flowers," which has the most mellow and rich aroma when the jar is opened. Lightweights could really get drunk just from smelling it.

There used to be an old steward in the prince's mansion who knew how to brew liquor. Her father, out of boredom, had also tried his hand at it a few times and could probably brew some ordinary rice wine, but to say he could brew something like "Sleeping Under the Flowers" was pure nonsense, exploiting Fu Zhiqing's lack of knowledge.

Fu Mingze sensed something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint what it was. After all, his father-in-law hadn't bought any liquor recently, so if he said this liquor was just dug up from the house, it would make sense. The only thing was that the liquor was brewed too well.

Fu Mingze said sincerely, "This brewing skill is something even a master distiller from a brewery might not be able to match."

Shen Shaoyuan sighed lightly, "It wasn't just me who brewed it; it was mostly Moer's mom's effort. I probably couldn't have done it alone."

Fu Mingze didn't want to stir up Shen Shaoyuan's painful memories, so he took the bottle and filled everyone's cups, raising his glass, "Dad, I raise my glass to you."

Shen Shaoyuan sighed leisurely, "Alright."

Shen Moer shot Fu Mingze a sympathetic glance. Fu Zhiqing was usually very smart and sharp, but he probably had no defenses against his father-in-law, and thus was easily taken in by her father.

But it wasn't surprising. After all, her father's skill in deceiving others was honed on the most cunning individuals in the world. If it were so easy to see through, his life would have been in danger long ago.

Shen Moer thought and picked up a piece of fish for Fu Mingze, "Eat more fish." Eat some fish to boost your brainpower.

Then she picked up some scrambled eggs for Shen Shaoyuan, "Eat more eggs." Stop fooling people.

Halfway through the New Year's Eve dinner, firecrackers started popping outside. Shen Moer raised her glass, "Here's to a smooth, joyful, and healthy new year."

Shen Shaoyuan smiled, "Joy and health."

Fu Mingze, "Joy and health."

With a loud bang from a firecracker, Shen Shaoyuan was startled, "Whoa, who got such loud firecrackers? Alright, let's eat quickly and go set off our own. We can't let them show us up."

After finishing the meal, Shen Moer and Fu Mingze cleared the table. Shen Shaoyuan took a lunchbox with some meat and vegetables he had set aside earlier, tossed in a steamed bun, and headed out into the night.

Shen Moer knew he was going to deliver food to Old Wang in the cowshed and would probably chat for a while before returning. So after washing the dishes, she dragged Fu Mingze out to set off firecrackers.

At this time, the village would normally be pitch black and silent, but today was different. Even at the village entrance, they could see the continuous flashes of light and hear faint laughter and chatter.

The firecrackers were already hung at the door. Fu Mingze lit the fuse with a match and quickly pulled Shen Moer back inside. The firecrackers crackled and exploded behind them. Shen Moer screamed and laughed, hiding behind Fu Mingze, who reached out and pulled her into his arms.

The cold winter air was instantly shut out. Shen Moer glanced at the courtyard gate and hugged Fu Mingze's lean waist.

Fu Mingze leaned down and kissed her, softly saying, "Comrade Shen Moer, Happy New Year."

Shen Moer smiled, "Fu Zhiqing, Happy New Year."

Shen Moer didn't know when her father returned later. She only knew she was so exhausted her voice was hoarse, and she had scratched him countless times while being held by Fu Zhiqing to "stay up for the New Year." His method of staying up was too exhausting.

She was also angry that he didn't keep his word. He had said they would sleep soon, but after a long time, he still didn't let go. She was afraid of using too much strength and really hurting him. In a daze, she didn't realize until he brought in a basin of hot water to clean her. She glanced at the time—it was already past two in the morning.

In the dim light, Fu Mingze looked satiated, his handsome face slightly tinged with a faint blush, exuding an unusual lazy charm.

He bent down to kiss Shen Moer's lips, gently coaxing, "Go to sleep."

Shen Moer tried to glare at him, but her gaze wasn’t fierce, instead appearing soft and alluring. Fu Mingze sighed, covering her eyes with his hand, and said again, "Go to sleep."

Shen Moer drifted off almost instantly. When she woke up again, the sun was high in the sky. She checked the time—it was almost ten.

She could hear faint voices outside. Shen Moer listened carefully and recognized it was Mao Mao and a few other troublemakers. Mao Mao's voice was the loudest, and she heard the brat yelling, "Why isn’t Sister Moer up yet? The sun’s already up!"

Shen Moer: "..."

Then she heard Fu Mingze's serious voice, "These candies are from your Sister Moer. Take them and eat. She stayed up late last night, so she’s sleeping in. Come back tomorrow to see her."

"But I'm going to my grandma's house tomorrow."

"Then come back after your grandma’s."

Fu Mingze smoothly sent the kids away. Shen Moer listened as the outside gradually quieted down, then pulled the blanket over her face.

Scoundrel, liar.

*

She’d slept half the day away, and upon waking, it was all about eating and drinking. The first day of the Lunar New Year drifted by in a leisurely, relaxed mood.

Early the next morning, Shen YinYin's family arrived.

The second day was traditionally for visiting one’s mother’s family. Shen YinYin's three children were all unmarried, so they didn't have to worry about daughters-in-law visiting their own families. So the whole family came together.

Unexpectedly, shortly after Shen YinYin's family arrived, Shen Shengli, the eldest brother, sent his grandson to invite Shen YinYin over for a meal, even delivering a message saying, "The eldest brother is like a father figure. Since our parents are no longer here, as the eldest, I am the maternal home for my sisters."

Shen YinYin was stunned, thinking to herself, "Has the sun risen from the west today?" In previous years when she returned to Yangliu Brigade, apart from having a meal at Shen Shaoyuan's house, her other brothers would act as if they didn't know she had come.

Shen YinYin wasn't particularly close to Shen Shengli and didn't feel like going, so she declined, saying Shen Shaoyuan had already prepared a meal. Shen Shengli's grandson then ran back to deliver the message, but soon returned, saying that his grandfather had said since they were having lunch at Seventh Uncle's house, they could come over for dinner in the evening. There was no need to worry about not being able to return home at night; they could just stay over and make room.

He also invited Seventh Uncle to bring his wife and brother-in-law along, so the whole family could have a reunion dinner.

"Has the eldest brother lost his mind?" Shen YinYin couldn't help but say after Shen Shengli's grandson left.

It wasn't that she was being petty, but as a sister, she knew Shen Shengli all too well. He never lifted a finger unless there was something in it for him. Despite being the eldest, he had never helped his younger siblings and was always scheming to take advantage of them.

When Shen YinYin got married, Shen Shengli was already established with his own family. Although he had already moved out, he still tried to scheme for Shen YinYin's dowry money. If it hadn't been for their father, who was still clear-headed at the time, insisting on returning the dowry money to his daughter as her personal savings, the money might have really been taken by him.

Shen Shaoyuan smirked, "He's probably trying to find a way out for his sons and grandsons."

Previously, he had held a grudge against their family because his grandson had been caught stealing bricks and ended up in the police station. He didn't even attend Shen Moer's wedding and even declared that they should cut ties. Now, suddenly, his attitude had done a complete one-eighty. It wasn't hard to guess that it was likely because of the ninth workshop of the Embroidery Factory that was under construction.

Shen YinYin spat, "He's got quite the imagination."

But she didn't spare Shen Shengli any face. She had his grandson take a message back: "There was no such custom in previous years, so there's no need to trouble yourself this year."

Regardless of Shen Shengli's intentions, she directly mocked him.

Actually, Shen Shaoyuan wasn't wrong; Shen Shengli was indeed thinking along those lines.

He had three sons and several adult grandchildren. When he found out that Shen Moer was going to be the Deputy Director of a state-owned factory and could arrange for people to enter the factory, he was filled with regret, wishing he could go back to the time of Shen Moer's wedding and personally bring a grand gift.

A state-owned factory worker—with so many able-bodied laborers in his family, even if just one or two could become workers, their family’s standing would be completely different.

After a very public spat with Shen Shaoyuan earlier, Shen Shengli had been filled with regret during this period. Finally, he found an excuse, thinking he could take the opportunity to mend relations with Shen Shaoyuan's family.

But Shen YinYin didn’t bite. Upon hearing the message brought back by his grandson, Shen Shengli was so angry that he smashed an enamel cup at home.

Shen Xianghong, the fourth sister, was also at Shen Shengli’s place. Her husband's family was in the commune, and her husband was a worker, giving her some clout in her family. Every year on the second day of the Lunar New Year, she would have a meal at Shen Shengli's house.

Shen Xianghong glanced at the enamel cup rolling on the ground, her eyes darting, and said, "Big brother, don't be angry. You know how stubborn YinYin is—she's been like this for years. It's not worth getting worked up over her. It's still early, let's take a walk around the village, and you can take a break too." She shot a meaningful glance and called over her husband, Lu Yiping, and daughter, Lu Xiaoqin.

As they walked out of Shen Shengli's house, Lu Xiaoqin pouted and complained, "What’s the point of walking around the village? It’s freezing out."

Lu Yiping said, "It's awkward in the house, it's better to get out."

Shen Xianghong showed a smug smile, "You guys, don't forget what day it is today. It's the second day of the Lunar New Year, the day to return to the family home. My parents have passed away, so isn’t my brothers' house my family home? I have four brothers—the eldest brother's house is my family home, but isn’t the youngest brother's house also my family home? If Shen YinYin can go to Lao Qi's house, why can't we? Let's go to Lao Qi's house!"

Lu Xiaoqin didn't want to go. She had almost no contact with Shen Moer since childhood, and she used to look down on Shen Moer. Now that the person she’d always looked down on had suddenly made it big, she felt uneasy.

Shen Xianghong asked, "Do you want to be a worker?"

Lu Xiaoqin's eyes lit up.