Chapter 60

Chapter 60

"Why would you need to worry about such things?"

Xie Yulin glanced at him calmly and said, "It has already been handled. All his identity papers are exactly as they were back when your aunt was still single."

Shen Yuan couldn't help but widen his eyes.

He gained a bit more understanding of Xie Yulin's power.

Not only could he bring a "dead person" whose registration had been cancelled back to life, but he could also wipe the public record clean, as if nothing had ever happened.

Shen Yuan blinked and said with a look of pure worship, "Then can Great-Uncle do me another favor?"

On the way here, Shen Yuan had already learned that his aunt had been rescued in time by Xu Dagui. Now that the Xu family was living a stable life, given Big Brother Dagui's character, knowing that the person he saved was Shen Yuan's aunt, he certainly wouldn't want money or riches.

However, there was one thing that if he offered it, the Xu family would have no way to refuse.

That was Xu Qingxuan's official records.

Originally, Xu Qingxuan was a bondservant of the lowest class, sold into a household to be a catamite, with a status even lower than a concubine. Later, after he escaped, his household registration was directly cancelled; otherwise, an extra portion of tax would have to be paid.

The current Xu Qingxuan was a ghost, a person with no legal standing. He even had to avoid crowds whenever he stepped out of the Xu family's door, for fear of being discovered.

The Xu family's neighbors had noticed something to some extent, but they didn't make things difficult by asking questions. The Xu family must have had their reasons for hiding him, so why ruin things for neighbors of so many years?

A neighbor nearby is better than a cousin far away; they would have to live together in the future, so providing convenience was also leaving a path for oneself.

But it wasn't a permanent solution for Xu Qingxuan to keep hiding like this.

Shen Yuan knew that although Xu Dagui didn't say it, he was worried.

He was raising the boy as a son; how could he let him skulk around like a rat for a lifetime, living as a fugitive?

Since Xie Yulin could solve his aunt's problem, he should be able to solve Xu Qingxuan's as well.

Xie Yulin looked at Shen Yuan in silence, and after a pause, he asked, "What is it?"

Shen Yuan didn't say it directly. Fearing that Xu Qingxuan might be exposed, he first made a request. "You have to promise me not to spread this matter, Great-Uncle; it's a secret."

Shen Yuan spoke very mysteriously, which made Xie Yulin laugh.

As if he couldn't stand to watch Shen Yuan play dumb any longer, he stopped teasing him. "You want to talk about Xu Qingxuan, don't you?"

Shen Yuan was stunned. "Great-Uncle, you know everything?"

Xie Yulin rubbed the space between his eyebrows and emphasized again, "I have sent shadow guards to follow everyone around you. I know more about what's going on than you do. I will help you with his matter."

Shen Yuan suddenly realized; he had forgotten again.

After a smile, he suddenly thought of something and asked Xie Yulin with a spark of hope, "Then has my little uncle also been found?"

But the result did not go as Shen Yuan wished. Xie Yulin shook his head. "No."

The people he sent out had been searching. Some news had been sent back recently, but the person was not within the borders of Wu Country, making the search quite difficult.

After Shen Yuan finished visiting Shen Anniang and confirmed she was fine, since his home hadn't been tidied up yet, he let her stay here for the time being.

It was perfect to have the female physician looking after her.

Since Shen Anniang hadn't woken up and Shen Yuan still had to rush back to Weixian Restaurant to play his part, he made a trip to the Xu family before leaving.

He thanked Xu Dagui for saving his aunt and mentioned the matter of helping Xu Qingxuan get his residency papers.

Fearing that Shen Yuan would be put in a difficult position, Xu Dagui quickly refused, "No, this matter is too difficult. You have just taken office, and so many eyes are watching you. I’d die before I let you get into trouble."

The news of Shen Yuan becoming an official was known to the few people he was close with.

He didn't have time to come to Guihua Village, so he had asked Wang Sanhu to tell them on his behalf.

Xu Dagui instinctively considered Shen Yuan's situation, and the rest of the Xu family, including Xu Qingxuan himself, had the same thought.

No matter what, they couldn't make things difficult for Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan put one arm around Xu Dagui's shoulder. He was short and had to stand on his toes.

Xu Dagui cooperatively bent down to make it easier for him.

"Big Brother Dagui, do you see the carriage in front?" Shen Yuan pointed toward Xie Yulin's carriage.

Xie Yulin hadn't gotten off and was currently looking at Shen Yuan through the bamboo curtain.

The carriage was luxurious and elegant. The horses harnessed to it were sleek and glossy. Even the driver was dressed better than ordinary commoners.

How could something that flashy not be seen?

Xu Dagui, who had been intentionally avoiding looking, couldn't help but take a glance. "I see it."

What did this carriage have to do with getting Qingxuan's registration?

Shen Yuan said, "The person sitting inside said he would help me. He is extremely powerful, so nothing will go wrong. Don't worry, Big Brother Dagui."

After hearing this, Xu Dagui became even more worried, his thick brows furrowing. "Xiao Yuan, for Qingxuan's sake, it's not worth getting yourself in debt to such a great figure. How will you ever pay it back!"

Shen Yuan let out a sound of surprise. His mind had been entirely on his aunt before, and he seemed to have forgotten to offer Xie Yulin anything in exchange for his help.

However, Xie Yulin had indeed promised to help. He would have to tell Xie Yulin about a thank-you gift when he went back.

"It's fine, Big Brother Dagui, I know what I'm getting into." Shen Yuan turned his head to look at the silent Xu Qingxuan nearby. He had grown much darker and stronger; his features were still handsome, but he had a lot more wildness about him.

If placed in the entertainment industry, would he be considered a dark-skinned "little wolf dog"?

Shen Yuan's thoughts wandered for a moment before he persuaded Xu Dagui, "Look at how good Qingxuan is. Big Brother Dagui, can you really stand to see this child stay in the Xu family's courtyard for the rest of his life? Avoiding people whenever he goes out, living his whole life in the shadows?"

"What about getting married and having children later? What about the decades of his future life?"

Shen Yuan's words were like thorns pricking Xu Dagui's heart. The two elders of the Xu family also sighed.

They all doted on Xu Qingxuan as a grandson, and the child was very filial. Every day before dawn, he would get up to chop wood and light the fire to cook, fearing they would get tired.

They also wanted Xu Qingxuan to be able to walk out of the house openly and live like a normal person.

Not wanting to make things difficult for his family, Xu Qingxuan took the initiative to say to Shen Yuan, "Uncle Yuan, I am willing to stay in this little corner of the world for the rest of my life. With my family here, I am neither afraid nor lonely."

"Being able to live is already a new life given to me by Father. I wouldn't dream of asking for anything more."

Because of the generational hierarchy, Xu Qingxuan called Shen Yuan—who was two months younger than himself—"Uncle," and he said it very naturally.

He meant it from the bottom of his heart.

What he said was from the heart, without any pretense.

The more he genuinely felt this way, the more it tugged at one's heartstrings.

Xu Dagui said to Shen Yuan with an apologetic tone, "I'm counting on you to look after Qing Xuan, Xiao Yuan. In the future, if you need anything, don't hesitate to put me or Qing Xuan to work."

The guilt weighing on Xu Dagui's heart eased significantly thanks to Shen Yuan's bright smile. As he watched Shen Yuan leave, he thought to himself: meeting Shen Yuan and becoming his friend was the turning point of his life.

"Qing Xuan, no matter what happens in the future, you must listen to your Uncle Xiao Yuan. You can tune me out if you want, but you’d better listen to him."

Xu Qingxuan nodded earnestly, "I will."

After leaving the Xu residence, Xie Yulin sent Shen Yuan back to Dashu Village; the two villages were not far apart.

On the way back, Shen Yuan wanted to ask Xie Yulin if there was anything he liked or wanted.

But he remembered Song Zijuan had mentioned before that one must not pry into Xie Yulin's preferences, or they would be punished.

He had no choice but to swallow his words, planning to observe more carefully on his own later.

"You've been hesitating to speak this whole time. What is it?"

Shen Yuan hadn't spoken, but Xie Yulin was the first to open his mouth.

He wondered what could possibly make Shen Yuan so conflicted.

Since Xie Yulin had asked, he couldn't say nothing at all.

Shen Yuan said, "I have to thank Great-Uncle Five for Qing Xuan's matter. I was wondering what would make a good present for him."

To Xie Yulin, such a matter didn't even require his personal appearance; one of his people could have handled it with a single word.

However, since Shen Yuan put it that way, Xie Yulin found himself interested, wanting to see how Shen Yuan intended to show his gratitude.

"Well, go ahead and think on it then," Xie Yulin reminded him considerately. "No need to rush, take your time."

After saying that, Xie Yulin closed his eyes, and it was unclear whether he had fallen asleep.

Certain that Xie Yulin wouldn't reveal any of his own likes, Shen Yuan could only ponder it himself.

What should I get him?

Even by the time he stepped off the carriage, Shen Yuan still didn't have a clue.

...

The next day, a group of people disembarked from a small merchant ship at the Qingyun County pier.

Song Zijuan stepped onto the ground; nothing beat the feeling of solid ground beneath his feet. He finally felt like he wasn't floating anymore.

The weather was fine today with clear skies, and Song Zijuan was in a great mood.

"You, Song! My cousin won't let you get away with kidnapping us!"

An annoying voice rang out from behind him. The smile at the corners of Song Zijuan's mouth vanished instantly, and his mood turned sour.

He had made a trip back to Youyang. Whether they held official positions in the second branch of the family or not, he had used forceful means to bring them all to Qingyun County.

These people were all as shrewd as could be. They were already on guard against Xie Yulin, so they couldn't be tricked at all.

He had simply ordered the secret guards to tie them up.

When the second branch realized something was wrong, they not only ordered a lockdown but also searched city after city. He’d busted his tail to bring them all this way.

Otherwise, he would have been back long ago.

The journey hadn't been easy either. To avoid searches, they had to hide and travel stealthily while rushing; it was truly as miserable as could be.

Song Zijuan felt as though his body was practically pickled in his own stench by now.

Since they had already reached Qingyun County, and assuming these "living ancestors" couldn't stir up much trouble here, he gave a cold laugh. "Whether Young Master Lin lets me off is one thing, but you'd better think hard about how to make him forgive your crimes."

Song Zijuan found it laughable that they were still pretending to be ignorant at this stage.

The members of the Xie family were truly each more adept at posturing and acting than the last.

To an outsider, it might actually look like a display of deep brotherly affection.

The several members of the Xie family were choked by Song Zijuan's words. They had known from the start that everything was authorized by Xie Yulin, and that their prospects this time were grim.

But as long as it wasn't brought out into the open, they could still maintain their facade.

Now that the truth had been pierced, they looked at each other, and real panic began to set in.

Seeing them trembling on such a sunny day, Song Zijuan couldn't help but shake his head with a sigh. Why act this way now if they knew this day would come?

He didn't know what the people of the second branch were thinking—clearly terrified, yet insisting on tugging on the tiger's tail.

Wasn't this just pure suicidal behavior?

Under the watch of the secret guards, the seven people brought from the second branch in Youyang were sent into the Xie family ancestral residence.

Song Zijuan only went to see Xie Yulin after he had washed himself clean. If he really went to see him in such a disheveled state, he feared he would be kicked right out.

There wasn't much to say about bringing the people from the second branch; the secret guards had already sent word, and Xie Yulin was fully aware of everything.

Song Zijuan took out a small wooden box and presented it respectfully with both hands. "Young Master Lin, this is what His Majesty ordered me to bring to you."

Xie Yulin took the wooden box and opened it directly; inside was a folded piece of silk.

He unfolded the silk to read the contents.

It said that the Northern Kingdom was preparing to send envoys to the Kingdom of Wu.

The Northern Kingdom considered itself the leader of all countries, the orthodox imperial lineage with the true heritage.

In the past, it was always envoys from other countries who went to the North to discuss trade. Why would the Northern Kingdom send envoys to Wu this year?

For what reason?

Xie Yulin thought for a moment. The only change in the Kingdom of Wu was the storytellers who had been popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain.

So, were they coming for the "Ghost" stories?

It made sense. Something they revered as their orthodox heritage and had used as a reason to suppress other countries was now starting to spread in Wu.

It would be stranger if the Northern Kingdom showed no reaction at all.

Although Xie Yulin had been staying in Qingyun County and rarely left his ancestral estate, any news within the borders of Wu Country was his for the taking if he wanted to know it.

The story *Love Between Human and Ghost* spread as fast as possible after his secret guards, disguised as storytellers, set out for various regions.

According to the reports sent back by the guards, after hearing the story, people everywhere began to understand ghosts and spirits, and they started to pay more attention to making offerings.

Xie Yulin believed that, given more time, Wu Country would not lag behind North Country in this regard.

That North Country made such a move meant that some elements mentioned in Shen Yuan’s *Love Between Human and Ghost* had caught their attention. Since they noticed it and were even sending people over, it was likely something North Country had never known before, or perhaps something they knew but had hidden from the world.

Xie Yulin placed the cloth scroll back into the wooden box and stared at Song Zijuan for a moment before saying, "From now on, your job is to protect Shen Yuan."

Song Zijuan immediately realized something was wrong. "Is someone planning to harm A-Yuan?"

The clasp of the box was somewhat dirty, staining the fingertips of Xie Yulin's gloves. A servant boy quickly brought a new pair.

Xie Yulin changed his gloves. "His Majesty says North Country is sending envoys to discuss trade matters."

Song Zijuan frowned slightly. "In previous years, weren’t we always the ones who sent envoys to them?"

He paused, realizing that this was precisely the issue.

Song Zijuan cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "This subordinate will ensure A-Yuan remains safe and unharmed."

Xie Yulin’s hands paused subtly as he adjusted his gloves. His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and his voice turned cold. "The people from North Country won't arrive for some time. For the next two days, you will go oversee the papermaking progress at the back mountain."

The back mountain was desolate, and in the height of summer, mosquitoes and wild animals were as numerous as hairs on an ox.

Song Zijuan hated mosquitoes more than anything, yet they were particularly drawn to him.

The thought of facing so many insects in the back mountain made his head ache.

Papermaking was an important matter, and he could not disobey the order. He could only answer reluctantly, "This subordinate will go at once."