Chapter One Hundred Nine: Great-Grandmother

Chapter 109 The Great-Grandmother

Xiao Xun asked directly, without beating around the bush. He didn’t think it was a major issue and believed he understood Xiao Dashi’s character.

It was unlikely Xiao Dashi would take money to the old family residence; asking was simply to put Lin Qiuran’s mind at ease.

However, after Xiao Xun spoke, Xiao Dashi’s reaction was entirely unexpected. A hint of embarrassment appeared on Xiao Dashi’s face, quickly morphing into anger. His face visibly flushed, turning an unpleasant shade of red.

Xiao Dashi glared at Xiao Xun and said, "Qiu Ran told you, didn’t she? If you have something to ask, come directly to me. Why beat around the bush and send you?"

Sun Shi hadn't yet grasped what was happening. Tangyuan, the child, was startled—just moments ago, everything had been fine, so why was his grandfather so furious now?

Having grown up with Lin Qiuran’s gentle nature and Sun Shi’s doting care, this was the first time Tangyuan had witnessed such a display of temper.

Lin Qiuran caught a maid's eye, and the maid promptly led Tangyuan out of the room.

It wasn't appropriate for a child to be present during adult conversations, especially since Tangyuan was perceptive for his age. Lin Qiuran didn’t want him to hear such things.

With Tangyuan gone, the room fell silent. Xiao Dashi and Sun Shi sat in the master's chairs in the main hall, while Lin Qiuran and Xiao Xun occupied the chairs on the side.

Lin Qiuran remained composed, calmly sipping her tea. Sun Shi couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Dashi. "What’s wrong with you? If the accounts aren’t clear, isn’t it right to ask? Why blame Qiu Ran? Besides, Xiao Xun didn’t say anything out of line. Why are you so agitated?"

Lin Qiuran wore a faint smile. If Xiao Dashi had claimed the money was lost or spent on the road, it might have been somewhat believable. But his immediate anger and shifting blame to others at the first question made it obvious the money had undoubtedly gone to the old family.

If it were appropriate, she would have brought Tangyuan back in to teach him the meaning of "shame turning into anger." The change in demeanor was simply too swift.

Lin Qiuran said calmly, "Father, there are boundaries between men and women. Having my husband ask on my behalf isn’t a big deal, is it? Besides, he didn’t beat around the bush—he asked directly. Is that not allowed? I’m in business with Aunt Yu, and naturally, I expect my share of the profits each month. If Aunt Yu didn’t pay, I would confront her. I can’t just provide the recipe and not collect the money—I’m not a fool.

"It’s the same with Madam Yang. I invested money in the business with her. Since she set up her stall, Lin Ming has helped with all sorts of matters—introducing affordable suppliers, giving her a cart, and so on. If the monthly profits aren’t delivered, I could take her to court. Asking is for the benefit of both parties."

After speaking, Lin Qiuran added, "Besides, we’re not asking an outsider. The way you’re acting, Father, it’s as if Xiao Xun and I have committed some heinous crime."

Sun Shi nodded along as she listened. When Lin Qiuran finished, she couldn’t help but nudge Xiao Dashi. "Where did the money go? Say something!"

Lin Qiuran said, "If it’s lost, we can still report it to the authorities. Although the capital is far from Yu’an, I’ve left servants and managers there. Distance doesn’t mean we’re helpless. Besides, Xiao Xun is an official now. A small matter like this can be investigated."

Xiao Dashi’s face turned a dark, flushed red. Xiao Xun frowned. Sun Shi stared at Xiao Dashi for a while and urged, "Hurry up and speak!"

Sun Shi had never asked about the shop’s profits before, and she didn’t inquire about Aunt Yu or Madam Yang’s businesses either. For one, she didn't bother with it, and for another, Lin Qiuran had never treated her unfairly.

Previously, Lin Qiuran gave Sun Shi and Xiao Dashi two silver taels each per month. After moving to the capital and living alone, it became five silver taels. Now, after another move, Lin Qiuran said she would give ten silver taels per month. The servants’ wages in her courtyard were covered by the household funds, so this money was for Sun Shi to spend as she pleased.

There was a small kitchen in the courtyard, and she could go out to buy snacks. If she needed more, she could always ask.

Sun Shi couldn’t help but ask Lin Qiuran, "What's the total profit for these past few months?"

She wanted to know how much Xiao Dashi had taken.

Xiao Dashi remained silent. Lin Qiuran said, "It’s about eighty silver taels."

Even after Lin Qiuran finished speaking, Xiao Dashi still didn’t say a word. He kept his head down, his face alternating between red and pale.

Eighty silver taels would last her eight months even if she spent freely. Sun Shi asked anxiously, "Where did you take the money? You didn’t gamble it away, did you?"

Lin Qiuran thought, definitely not. She had Lin Ming follow Xiao Dashi when he went out, and Xiao Dashi hadn’t visited gambling houses or pleasure quarters—places where money could be squandered. He had only privately asked about the location of their former residence and how much it would cost to buy a house in the capital.

Xiao Dashi lifted his head. "What's with all the questions? What’s with the incessant interrogations? It’s just a few tens of taels—can’t I spend it? Sure, I didn’t put effort into the business, but aren’t I part of this family? Do I have to justify every penny? What, am I a prisoner? Qiu Ran spends money too - do I question her?"

Xiao Dashi shouted, his voice loud and strained.

Xiao Xun couldn’t help but say, "Father, we're not stopping you from spending, but eighty silver taels isn’t a small amount. Asking where it went isn’t unreasonable."

Sun Shi was furious. "Exactly! How can you talk like that? It’s not like we don’t give you money every month. Those eighty silver taels—you spent them just like that, and when asked where they went, you… If you had a proper reason for spending it, who would criticize you? But if you won’t say where it went, who knows what you used it for! And you have the nerve to be upset? You!"

Sun Shi was beside herself with anger. She was afraid Xiao Dashi had gambled the money away or picked up bad habits. Their family was doing so well now—why invite trouble and make everyone miserable?

Xiao Dashi was still raising his voice, oblivious to how unreasonable he was being.

But no matter how Sun Shi pressed him, Xiao Dashi refused to say a word. He kept his head down, maintaining his usual quiet manner. Under such persistent questioning, Sun Shi had a terrible thought.

Sun Shi leaned across the table between the master's chairs and grabbed Xiao Dashi's arm. "Tell me, you didn’t spend that money on the old family, did you? You gave it to them!"

Lin Qiuran glanced at Xiao Dashi. At her words, he froze for a moment, then lowered his head even further.

She didn’t say anything. As a junior, it wasn't her place to speak. But Sun Shi was his wife—they had been married for years, and husband and wife should be honest with each other. Moreover, the old family had treated Sun Shi poorly in the past. If the money had indeed been given to them, how could Sun Shi not feel heartbroken?

Xiao Dashi’s mind was in turmoil. On one hand, he felt guilty and knew he had wronged Sun Shi. On the other hand, he felt he hadn’t done anything wrong.

At the end of August, after Lin Qiuran and the others left, Xiao Dashi stayed alone in Yu’an. It happened to be the time for harvesting grain in Xiaojia Village. After a long day of work, he was exhausted and hungry, heading home without having eaten, when someone from the old family took him back for a meal.

Bai Shi, now getting old, said tearfully that she missed him, called Xiao Dashi heartless for never visiting her all these years. She said she was nearing the end of her life and asked what could possibly be so unforgivable.

The table was set with meat—something the old family seldom had—but they offered it to Xiao Dashi. They said he was now the pillar of the family and should be the first to eat.

If Xiao Dashi had been penniless, he might have let it go. But he often ate meat himself—how could he bear to eat while his mother and nephews watched?

Gradually, their relationship warmed. With him being the only one left in the family, Bai Shi and his nephews occasionally brought meals to the county town.

Xiao Dashi had worried they were after his money, but they never mentioned moving in. They just delivered the food and left. How could he not feel obligated?

Xiao Dashi had saved up some money over the years, and he spent it all.

Over three months, Xiao Dashi’s relationship with the old family improved significantly. Every time he returned, there was good food and drink, and his nephews showed him filial respect.

He said to Sun Shi, "People change after all. You can’t keep thinking they’re the same as before."

Sun Shi didn’t argue but asked, "How much money did you give them over these months?"

Sun Shi was trembling with anger. She even felt like ripping open Xiao Dashi’s head to see what was going on inside. How could he have the nerve to say people change? If their family hadn’t become well-off, would the old family have cared about Xiao Dashi?

They didn't change for twenty years, but suddenly changed in three months? The memory of how the old family had treated her before made Sun Shi shake with rage.

Xiao Dashi remained silent. Sun Shi demanded, "How much did you spend? Tell me!"

Xiao Dashi: "It was only a few tens of taels. They’re family—why make a fuss? Fine, I won’t give them any more from now on. Just consider it me doing my filial duty."

Lin Qiuran lowered her head. Xiao Xun pursed his lips. This was a matter between Sun Shi and Xiao Dashi. As an adopted son and junior, and with it involving the Xiao family’s relatives, he couldn’t interject.

Xiao Dashi said, "Our family has so much money now. Why are you nitpicking over such a small sum?"

Xiao Dashi couldn’t understand it. Their family lived in a large estate and lacked nothing. Why were they hounding him over a few tens of taels?

Sun Shi took a deep breath. She was tired of arguing with him. "Qiu Ran, write a letter home immediately. Have the family find out where that money went and get it back."

Xiao Dashi panicked. "How can you ask for it back!"

Sun Shi said, "Why can’t we? This is money Qiu Ran earned. Not only are we getting the money back, but after the New Year, you’re going back too. You say they treat you well? You say people change? I want to see if they’ll still be nice to you when you return penniless."

Lin Qiuran tentatively tried to mediate. "Mother, it’s the middle of winter. Having Father travel back and forth right after New Year's would be difficult."

Sun said, "What hardship is there? Xiao Xun isn't working, and isn't the northwest cold too?"

Lin Qiuran said, "The journey is one thing, but if Father goes back and they treat him poorly, wouldn't that be..."

Xiao Dashi stiffened his neck defiantly and said, "Fine, I'll go back."

Bai Shi always said Xiao Xun couldn't be relied on, and it was true—just a bit of silver made him return to his hometown. He had nephews and relatives; every time he went back, the family laid out a big feast. He didn't dare spend the money Lin Qiuran and Xiao Xun earned.

Sun, furious, let out a cold laugh and said, "Fine, you can go back, but you're not taking a single coin from this household. I'll have Qiuran write a letter soon to get the money back. The two houses in Yu'an are under Qiuran's name and were handled by her—you're not to touch them. There's a house in Xiao Village; if you want to live there, you can. It's close to the old family, just as you wish."

Sun didn't know if she could get the money back—it was probably hopeless. She felt she had let Lin Qiuran down; all the hard-earned money over the years had been fed to the old family. If it couldn't be recovered, she would consider it his wages for Xiao Dashi's work over the years. She could take a smaller monthly allowance until the shortfall was made up.

Xiao Dashi was defiant too. He said, "Fine, I won't take it. So what? Living in the hometown might not be less comfortable than in the county town."

Sun didn't know what kind of sweet talk the old family had fed Xiao Dashi, but he was completely fooled. She composed herself and said, "You haven't brought anyone to stay in the house these past three months, have you? If they've moved in, I'll report them for trespassing!"

Xiao Dashi said, "I've told you, you can't always think of people the same way. These past few months, they often brought food and left immediately."

Lin Qiuran pressed her lips together. Sun couldn't help saying, "The money you gave them is enough to eat at Golden Tripod Restaurant every day for three months. And they bring you food? Didn't we leave a cook for you at home? Can't you eat the food from Golden Tripod Restaurant? It's like you've had too many delicacies and now crave plain food!"

Xiao Dashi felt he couldn't make Sun understand.

Lin Qiuran didn't think people couldn't change, but after so many years, they didn't even show up when news of Xiao Xun's death arrived. What could be expected now?

There was no kindness in times of need; they only showed up after the Xiao family prospered. Who could believe they had no ulterior motives?

The old family had treated Sun and Xiao Dashi the same for over twenty years. Lin Qiuran had also met Bai Shi and the others.

If she were Sun, she wouldn't believe they had reformed in just a few months either.

Especially since they had wronged Sun the most. They didn't behave well when Sun was around, only acting this way after she left—all because Xiao Dashi was indecisive and easily swayed.

But they had learned to be clever, knowing how to retreat to advance and take things slowly. If they could keep Xiao Dashi happy, there would be plenty of money. Delivering meals in exchange for cash—what a cheap arrangement! And there were only three of them; they hadn't moved in, but the longer this went on, the more it proved their ulterior motives.

Now they took silver; what would they want next? Houses, shops, sucking the Xiao family dry. If left unchecked, they might even follow them to the capital.

Xiao Dashi could go back and see how the old family treated him without money.

Of course, he was willing to go now because he thought he had a safety net. Let him go then; it wouldn't be so easy to come back later.

Xiao Dashi had raised Xiao Xun, so they couldn't just cut him off. But things wouldn't be as comfortable as now. Currently, Sun received ten taels a month; Xiao Dashi wouldn't get any allowance.

Lin Qiuran also couldn't understand it. Xiao Xun was so promising, while the old family had no talent and had treated him poorly before. Yet Xiao Dashi was willing to leave his son and return to Yu'an. She really didn't know what he was thinking.

Did he hope for his child to bring honor to the family but also fear the child would become too successful, beyond his control, and not listen to him?

Lin Qiuran sighed softly. She looked at Sun, who was so angry she didn't even want Xiao Dashi to eat.

Lin Qiuran smiled and persuaded, "Mother, the New Year is almost here. Let's get through the New Year first. If Father doesn't eat or drink well in the capital and returns to Yu'an looking thinner, the old family might feel heartbroken."

Lin Qiuran's words didn't help; instead, they made Sun angrier. She was itching to send Xiao Dashi back today, but after so many years of shared history, and with Xiao Dashi just arriving, she couldn't bear to make him spend the New Year on the road.

Sun's eyes reddened. "Let's eat first."

Tangyuan had already forgotten the matter and happily ate, even serving dishes to all four.

However, Xiao Xun, Sun, and Xiao Dashi didn't enjoy the meal. Xiao Dashi felt some regret—after all, life at home was good. But time reveals true intentions; the old family had treated him well these past three months. They were his family, and he didn't want Sun to look down on them.

Living on his own wasn't shameful, but Sun wouldn't drop it.

Sun was in no mood, and Xiao Xun couldn't understand—weren't they better than the old family?

After the meal, the two returned to the main courtyard. Lin Qiuran said, "Once he goes back, we'll know. If they really treat Father well, that's a good thing."

But Lin Qiuran thought this possibility was slim.

Now that they had discovered it early, before any major mistakes were made—just look at Zhao Tingyue. Those who bully others with power can sometimes be scarier than the powerful themselves.

Xiao Xun nodded. "Thanks for your concern."

Lin Qiuran said, "We should have brought Father earlier."

But judging by Xiao Dashi's behavior, he had returned to Xiao Village these past two years and had probably subsidized them before.

She stopped thinking about it. In the afternoon, she went to Golden Tripod Restaurant. The shop was already decorated and would open after the New Year. She first went to the study to write invitations, then had servants deliver them to Anyang Marquis Estate.

She would go to Anyang Marquis Estate tomorrow to deliver New Year gifts. This could actually be done by servants, but Old Lady Qin had been very kind to her. Even if Xiao Xun had no relation with Anyang Marquis Estate, she should show gratitude. Now that Zhao Tingyue had entered the Dali Temple, it was fine for her to go deliver gifts.

Lin Qiuran also wanted to bring Tangyuan to make the old lady happy.

Before leaving, Lin Qiuran didn't forget to remind Xiao Xun, "When Tangyuan is studying, you should also go get pastries."

Xiao Xun had been busy lately, so Lin Qiuran hadn't urged him. Now that things were quieter, this matter had to be settled.

Tangyuan's birthday was on the 15th of next month, and he should start school after spring.

Xiao Xun nodded. "Okay, I'll get it done tomorrow."

Lin Qiuran went to Golden Tripod Restaurant. The shop was in the south of the city, quite far from the Count Estate. The helpers and workers had been hired these days, including two kitchen helpers. Pots, pans, and other utensils were all ready. Homemade pickles and seasonings had also been delivered to the restaurant these days, and two people would stay overnight to guard the place.

The shop was larger than the one in Yu'an, but they could only take it slow for now. There were many restaurants in the capital, but as long as no one maliciously excluded them, Lin Qiuran believed in her skills.

After walking around the block a couple of times, Lin Qiuran spotted Lao Jin Hot Pot. After some thought, she went back to pick everyone up.

None of them had eaten well at noon, so they could go out for dinner in the evening.

Tangyuan had told Xiao Xun earlier that this hot pot was delicious, and today they could fulfill that promise. Sun didn't like going out because the capital was colder than Yu'an, but she came out today too.

Only Xiao Dashi was left alone in the residence, with the cook making something for him.

Sun felt heartbroken that he couldn't appreciate the good life.

In the evening, the family ate at the hot pot shop. A beautiful copper pot with mutton floating on top, boiling and bubbling. Besides mutton, there were frozen tofu and vermicelli that Tangyuan loved.

The first floor was almost full, everyone enjoying hot pot—groups of friends and families, making the shop very lively.

Tangyuan looked up and asked Xiao Xun, "Dad, what do you think?"

Xiao Xun nodded. "Delicious."

Tangyuan said, "It's a pity you're still on medication and can't eat spicy, or it would be even better."

Xiao Xun smiled. The frostbite on his hands had mostly healed, but he was still taking other medications. He didn't act as his own doctor and say he could stop; Lin Qiuran meant well, so he took his medicine on time.

Sun ate quite a bit in the evening. The lively atmosphere in the shop eased her irritable mood a little.

After the meal, the family headed back. In the carriage, Sun couldn't help but say to Lin Qiuran, "We didn't contribute to that money, and your father spent it. I'll reimburse you fifty taels out of the eighty first. We'll talk about the rest later. Don't say no—let's keep things separate."

This was from Sun's own savings, originally intended for buying a house but unused.

Lin Qiuran thought for a moment and accepted the money.

Early the next morning, Lin Qiuran first checked the New Year gifts to be sent to the Marquis of Anyang's estate, which included wine, pastries, and several jars of sauce she had made herself. Everything was in even numbers—the first two items were customary gifts, while the latter were from the heart.

Tangyuan hadn't expected to be able to go along. Once in the carriage, he kept asking Lin Qiuran, "Mom, what should I say and do when we get there? Is the marquis's place fun?"

Lin Qiuran gently replied, "Tangyuan, just be polite. You don’t need to say or do anything special—just be yourself. In the past, when I went to the marquis's place, it was for official matters, so I’m not sure if it’s fun or not. But today, you can see for yourself."

Tangyuan nodded. Lin Qiuran fixed his collar. He was dressed festively that day, wearing a burgundy winter coat embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns. The collar and cuffs were trimmed with fur, and he wore cotton boots. He also had on a tiger hat made by Liu Shi, looking very well-behaved.

Lin Qiuran patted his head and said, "Let’s go."

The carriage soon arrived at the Marquis of Anyang's estate. Lin Qiuran stepped out with Tangyuan, while the servant carried the New Year gifts.

As soon as they stepped out, she saw Yun Shi waiting at the entrance.

Yun Shi took two steps forward, a smile in her eyes. Tangyuan looked up at Yun Shi. It was his first time meeting her, so he was a bit shy, but he obediently and respectfully greeted her, "Tangyuan pays his respects to Auntie."

Yun Shi remarked, "So your name is Tangyuan. Qiu Ran, at my age, I could be your auntie. The child could even call me grandmother."

Lin Qiuran was momentarily stunned. She leaned over and took Tangyuan’s hand, saying, "Tangyuan, the title is wrong. Greet her again."

Tangyuan politely said, "Greetings, Grandmother."

Yun Shi led Lin Qiuran and Tangyuan to Qin's courtyard. The older woman had already told her about what happened in the past, and she found it both astonishing and unbelievable.

Qin was elderly, and being able to receive news and fulfill a long-held wish in her lifetime was a good thing.

Yun Shi couldn’t help but hold Tangyuan’s hand. Seeing the little child, she thought he resembled Yige when he was young.

When they arrived at Qin's courtyard, Yun Shi didn’t wait for the servant to announce them. Instead, she directly led Tangyuan inside. The servant lifted the curtain, and Lin Qiuran followed them in.

Qin had been waiting. She had initially thought Lin Qiuran would come alone that day and was surprised to see she had brought the child along. In that instant, her eyes welled with tears.

Tangyuan looked at Yun Shi, then at Qin, and asked, "Mom, does that mean I should call her Great-Grandma?"