Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Shen Yuan thought Fan Qiuyuan and the others would wait until after the New Year to seek him out, but they arrived at the Storytellers' Guild a few days before the holiday.

The group had inquired about the timing and arrived after Shen Yuan and Ji Xingwang had finished distributing the New Year gifts to the workers and storytellers within the guild.

In a private room on the upper floor of the Storytellers' Guild.

Fan Qiuyuan’s attitude was respectful as he handed the pre-drafted contract on silk cloth to Shen Yuan with both hands. "We were concerned about taking up President Shen's time, so we have already confirmed these particulars ourselves. After our discussions, we agree that acting on President Shen's suggestion can indeed resolve our current predicament. However, the involvement of various craft techniques is also a genuine concern."

"After several days of contemplation, we realized President Shen's Storytellers' Guild is truly ingenious. Several of us got together to discuss it. If we were to also establish a Jewelry Guild, with President Shen serving as chairman to enforce rules against deceit, theft of craft techniques, or shoddy work, we would all be willing."

After Fan Qiuyuan finished speaking, everyone stood up and bowed with cupped hands. "If President Shen could serve as the chairman of the Jewelry Guild, half of the profits could be allocated to President Shen."

Shen Yuan did not respond immediately but pondered for a moment.

"I'm actually not knowledgeable about jewelry matters. I'm not quite suited to be the chairman of a Jewelry Guild. However, the Storytellers' Guild could establish a Jewelry Department. This department would be dedicated to producing various types of jewelry from the stories, with each family contributing their techniques and raw materials, while I provide the venue and designs. If you're uncomfortable with having one of your own people manage it, the management could also be handled by people from the Storytellers' Guild."

"If you all agree to this plan, the profit-sharing ratio can be adjusted."

Fan Qiuyuan and the others gathered close, whispering and discussing for a good while.

"So, the items would still be considered the Storytellers' Guild's property?"

"Didn't President Shen say his share could be reduced?"

"The jewelry business these days just recycles the same old designs; everyone's bored with them. In my opinion, getting the trendiest goods from Westmoon probably isn't possible."

"But this way, wouldn't we just be providing manpower and materials, working for him?"

"What alternative do you have? Can you get Westmoon Country to supply you with quality goods?"

Fan Qiuyuan spoke earnestly, "Everyone, don't be too pessimistic. President Shen didn't say he would sell them within the Storytellers' Guild. Our jewelry shops would still retain the right to sell them. This way, it's not much different from the previous proposal. Leaving aside the question of whether there will be innovative designs, do you all trust each other? Without a supervisor overseeing things, could you really work together to produce jewelry? If you could, then you wouldn't need President Shen either."

His words plunged the group into silence again.

In business, there are always trade-offs. After weighing the pros and cons, everyone had no choice but to nod in agreement.

According to the investment share for profit distribution, the Storytellers' Guild only contributed the venue and designs, with Shen Yuan receiving twenty percent. Fan Qiuyuan, contributing raw materials and techniques, would get thirty percent. The remaining fifty percent was divided among the other families.

With the jewelry matter resolved, the Storytellers' Guild added a Jewelry Department to follow its Merchandise Department.

However, with the New Year approaching, all Jewelry Department matters would have to be discussed after the holiday.

The day before the New Year was the auspicious day for ancestral worship calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

The capital of Wu Country, Youyang City, had been under tighter security than usual these days. Finally, under the anticipation of all Youyang City residents, the day of the royal ancestral worship ceremony arrived.

Emperor Wu, Li Xing, was dressed in black brocade robes, with a large dragon-embroidered cloak draped over them, the collar lined with smooth sable fur. He was tall and imposing, walking with measured steps. The pearl curtain on his crown swayed, yet his posture remained steady.

Xie Yulin, in spotless white robes, stood to his right, looking ethereal and noble.

To his left was Empress Zhou, wearing dark phoenix robes.

For this ancestral worship, Emperor Wu had specially built an altar on Qingshi Mountain outside Youyang City.

The royal relatives and major aristocratic families followed behind, forming a long procession heading towards the altar on Qingshi Mountain.

White hemp cloth strips fluttered, paving a long, pure white path.

The procession finally ascended Qingshi Mountain, where another long staircase led to the altar.

Xie Yulin's expression was calm, his breathing even, showing no sign of discomfort.

Emperor Wu's chest rose and fell slightly more noticeably, but he forced himself to endure.

Not only were the aristocratic families and civil and military officials watching, but the envoys from North Country were also present. As the emperor of Wu Country, he could not lose face.

The four consorts from aristocratic families, however, suffered. For the latter half of the journey, they basically had to rely on their maids for discreet support.

Finally reaching the altar, Emperor Wu began paying respects to heaven and earth and worshipping the ancestors.

The parts related to worship in "Love Between Human and Ghost," as well as the worship methods discovered by Wu Country's spies sent to North Country, Emperor Wu had long memorized clearly.

The two did not conflict; in fact, the details in "Love Between Human and Ghost" were more comprehensive.

The methods of worship had always been tightly controlled by North Country and never disseminated. Worship had become synonymous with orthodoxy. This was Wu Country's first ancestral worship, making it exceptionally significant.

All the aristocratic nobles, civil and military officials wore solemn and dignified expressions, their movements precise and meticulous. Regardless of internal strife, at this moment, they were all determined to show the people from North Country that Wu Country also had its own worship!

Half an hour later, the ancestral worship concluded.

Attendants brought forward boxes containing cloth money made of silk, intended to be burned for the deceased souls.

Flames burned in the bronze fire basin. As stacks of round silk cloth fell in, the flames flickered.

The Northern Envoy, who had been standing to the side without speaking, carefully observing the worship process, suddenly snorted. "Orthodox ancestral worship ceremonies always use paper money. Using cloth money as a substitute, Wu Country is truly learning only superficially. Such unorthodox, shallow imitation—aren't you afraid your ancestors will be laughed at by the orthodox even after this is burned?"

Xie Yulin looked up. The man's mocking expression suddenly stiffened. As he was trying to recover from the fear induced by Xie Yulin's gaze, a sharp pain struck his abdomen. The force sent him tumbling backward, rolling all the way down the stone steps.

The civil and military officials of Wu Country quickly made way, allowing him to roll down more smoothly. Who would dare intervene when someone was directly kicked down by His Majesty?

Besides, with such a foul mouth, he deserved it.

Another envoy's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Their North Country was the leader among the nations! How dare this mere Wu Country treat an envoy like this!

"Wu Country barbarians! Wu savages!"

Emperor Wu lifted his leg and kicked again. "I'll send you to hell!"

...

The New Year festival had arrived. Shen Anniang got up early to knead dough and make the dumplings Shen Yuan had mentioned.

She prepared two fillings: one vegetarian with cabbage and tofu, and one meat-based with cabbage and pork.

Shen Yuan lazed in bed for a while before getting up to wash up. Then he went into the kitchen to help Shen Anniang squeeze water out of the cabbage.

The weather was cold, so there was no work in the fields. Ji Yu's family stayed home busy with cleaning.

Shen Xi, as usual, took the siblings Ji Xiaotian and Ji Xiaoyue running all over the village.

As they were about to leave, Shen Yuan called out, "Xixi, remember to go to your Brother Liushu's house and invite him for lunch!"

Shen Xi immediately promised, "Big brother, leave it to Xixi! I'll definitely get him to come!"

Shen Liushu was practically dragged to the Shen household by Shen Xi, Ji Xiaotian, and Ji Xiaoyue.

Some time ago, Shen Yuan promised Shen Liushu to help find his elder brother. After so much time had passed, Shen Yuan had been keeping an eye out, but Shen Yushu was still missing.

If based on the previous speculation, Shen Yushu had been at the private salt mine and was later taken away, then Song Zijun should know where he went, since the owner behind the mine was him.

It was just that he currently had no way to ask Song Zijun.

Shen Liushu was also aware of Shen Yuan's particular kindness toward him. He felt grateful, but also awkward.

He always felt he had no way to repay it; even if he treated Shen Xi well and took extra care of Shen Dong, Shen Nan, and Shen Bei, it couldn't offset the kindness Shen Yuan showed him.

Shen Anniang went to see Little Beibei, so the kitchen was temporarily left to Shen Yuan, who was wrapping dumplings.

Shen Liushu entered and approached Shen Yuan, lowering his head. "Yuan-ge, it's normal if my brother can't be found. You don't need to be so nice to me because of this. I'm worried I won't be able to repay you."

Shen Yuan didn't stop wrapping dumplings. He chuckled. "Is asking you over for a meal being good to you? Couldn't it just be that I missed you and wanted to see you? What's all this about repaying? Why are you keeping score at your age?"

"If you really want to repay me, go wash your hands and come learn how to wrap dumplings. We have to make a bunch; Auntie Ping and Village Head Liu are coming over tonight." Shen Yuan winked at Shen Liushu, smiling slyly. "Didn't expect it, did you? I'm roping you into some hard labor."

Shen Liushu knew these words were to make him accept this kindness with a clear conscience. His own house was too cold, and at this moment, wrapped in warmth, he simply couldn't bring himself to return to that cold, empty, dirt-walled house today.

Shen Liushu sniffled, his nose stinging. "I'm coming right now!"

For lunch, the Shen family didn't eat dumplings; they had white rice with side dishes.

Shen Anniang made a lot of food, specifically telling Ji Yu's family not to cook and to have lunch together.

In the evening, the Shen household was even livelier than at noon. Not only did Auntie Ping's family and Village Head Liu's family come, but Ji Xingwang also brought his wife and second son's family to reunite with the eldest son's family.

Ji Pingan came with Ji Xingwang. The first thing he did upon entering was to reserve half of Shen Yuan's bed.

The state of Wu didn't have dumplings as a food, and no one had seen them in other countries either, not knowing if other places had them. They just thought this way of making flour-based food was delicious.

Dozens of catties of dumplings ended up not being enough. Luckily, there was plenty of dough. Halfway through eating, everyone started making dumplings. Shen Yuan laughed nonstop at the weirdly shaped dumplings.

Still, he found all kinds of creative ways to praise everyone's dumplings.

Seeing Shen Yuan praise others' strange dumplings, Shen Nan was hugely encouraged. He took out the dumpling he made, tugged Shen Yuan's sleeve, opened his palm, and looked up at Shen Yuan with his big, bright eyes, not saying a word.

Shen Yuan looked down. "Wow, Nannan's round dumpling is so perfect!"

Shen Nan wrapped his hand around the round dumpling again. The light in his eyes faded as he lowered his gaze and whispered, "This is a dumpling..."

"Ah! Is this Nannan's original creation, a rice ball dumpling?" Shen Yuan squatted down to let Shen Nan see his face. "That's a good meaning, adding a blessing for reunion. When we cook them later, big brother has to eat one!"

Shen Nan perked up again, nodding repeatedly. Then he carefully placed his rice ball dumpling on the edge of the winnowing basket to prevent it from rolling away. After that, he started pinching dough again, flattening it, adding filling, and rolling it into a ball.

Even though Shen Nan was usually quiet and didn't like to talk, his affection was strong. Shen Yuan ate two full bowls of Shen Nan's round dumplings. Shen Anniang and the others only got one each; they wanted more, but there weren't any left.

After a lively night, the next day was for paying New Year's visits.

The younger ones from the Shen and Ji families dressed neatly, bundled up tightly, and went door-to-door to make their New Year's calls.

Many children also came to the Shen house to offer auspicious greetings. Shen Anniang and Shen Yuan gave each of them a piece of rice cake.

Shen Xi and the other kids came back with pockets full of snacks, mostly cornbread buns and dried tofu slices.

What the villagers could give were the best treats their families could offer.

Shen Yuan gathered some gifts, ready to go with Ji Pingan and Shen Dong to pay New Year's visits in Guihua Village and Xinghua Village. Before they could leave, Xu Dagui arrived with Xu Qingxuan to pay their respects. Besides them, Qin Shisong, Li Baozhu, Guo Mingchen, and Xu Kangfu also came.

The last four had planned to come together and coincidentally met Xu Dagui and his son at the village entrance.

Shen Yuan invited them all to stay for lunch, and the family had another meal of dumplings.

Like Auntie Ping and the others who had dumplings for the first time the previous night, these few couldn't stop eating once they started, unknowingly eating over twenty each.

Li Baozhu exclaimed repeatedly that he would have his family chef make them when he got back, so his parents could try them in the evening.

Since everyone enjoyed them, when they left, besides the New Year's gifts, Shen Yuan told them the recipe for the dumplings and even prepared some for each of them to take home, ready to boil in water.

Meanwhile, at the Xie family in Youyang.

Inside the high gates, in the best-located Jing Garden, several rows of Xie family juniors were kneeling.

In front of them, several noblewomen and richly dressed young men looked anxiously ahead.

Luo Yun stood at the doorway, putting his hands on his hips in exasperation. "I already said you don't need to come pay respects. Why are you here again?"

The leading young man instinctively clenched his hands, frowned, and said urgently, "The clan rules cannot be broken. We, being of lower seniority, should come to pay respects to Young Master Lin."

Luo Yun was momentarily speechless. Now they knew the clan rules couldn't be broken. He couldn't do anything about them, so he just flung up his hands and left. "It's freezing cold. If you're happy to run around, then run. If you're happy to kneel, then kneel."

As soon as he left, the group looked at each other, and ultimately had no choice but to grit their teeth and kneel on one knee in unison, calling out, "We juniors have come to pay our respects."

Luo Yun quickened his pace back to the room. Xie Yulin was eating a meal with his mother, Madam Xie.

"Have they left?" Xie Yulin asked softly.

Luo Yun shook his head. "No, they said they came to pay respects."

Madam Xie scooped a spoonful of chicken soup. After careful thought, she cautiously spoke, "A'Lin, they're just young and don't know any better. Let them off this time."

Xie Yulin's expression was indifferent as he looked at her. "Mother, if you came today to plead on their behalf, you may stop here. If you came to eat, please continue with your soup."

Madam Xie was hurt by Xie Yulin's coldness and couldn't stay seated a moment longer. But if she went back now, she probably wouldn't have peace either.

Those outside, using paying respects as an excuse, would annoy her to death.

Madam Xie put down her bowl, adopting a tone of concern. "A'Lin, your position is lofty; the whole family respects and fears you. But have you thought about it? When you are old and powerless in the future, how will the juniors you punished so harshly make your life miserable behind your back?"

She urged earnestly, with a mother's kind heart. "Forgive them once; it's also for your own future."

"During the time I was away from Youyang, they rode horses recklessly in the marketplace, injuring commoners, and the Xie family did nothing. They drunkenly spouted off and carelessly discussed court affairs, and the Xie family did nothing. They carried on debauchery in broad daylight, made a scene in a brothel over a dancing girl, and got into a violent fight, and the Xie family still did nothing. Now, after just kneeling for one night, the entire Xie family shows up, wanting to step in?"

Xie Yulin's voice grew colder, his dark eyes fixed intently on Madam Xie.

Madam Xie felt her scalp go numb and her whole body stiffen. For a moment, she even forgot to breathe, her heart giving a violent thud.

At the very least, she had to save those young ones' skins.

Xie Yulin's hand resting on his leg tapped his knee lightly with his fingertips as he said with mockery, "Oh, really? Mother, haven't you forgotten? I once knelt in the snow for several days. Back then, no one told me to go to the ancestral hall. Mother, you didn't either."

Madam Xie frowned tightly. Curses, she'd forgotten that!

"Sister-in-law!"

"Sister-in-law!"

"What did A-Lin say?"

When Madam Xie stepped out into the courtyard, she was surrounded by the ladies, who were anxiously seeking answers.

"All of you, leave," Madam Xie sighed softly. "If you keep staying here, their kneeling will truly be endless. You may even risk punishment yourselves."

Upon hearing this, the women felt both indignant and helpless.

There was nothing to be done. After all, Xie Yulin currently holds the most power in the Xie family. As the emperor’s favorite, no one could surpass him.

The women hugged their children and wept. "My child, your mother is useless; I can't save you."

"My child, hold on a little longer, just hold on a little longer!"

Madam Xie had no patience to listen to their weeping. She had her personal maid support her as she returned to rest.

Having a single meal with Xie Yulin was enough to take half the life out of her.

That child was becoming less and less human with each passing day.

Not a shred of warmth remained.

Madam Xie hadn't taken two steps before she saw the Chief Eunuch hurrying over.

She gave a slight nod. The other party returned the courtesy and then quickly strode toward the courtyard.

Madam Xie paused for a moment. As the door opened, she faintly heard the attendant's urgent plea, begging her son—who was as cold as frost and snow—to go to the palace.

Inside the room, Eunuch Cheng was so anxious in the bitter cold that he broke into a sweat. Bowing respectfully to Xie Yulin, he said, "Young Master Lin, I beg you to go to the palace and persuade His Majesty to let go of his anger. If this rage continues, not only will the imperial health suffer, but I fear the Northern Envoy will have come to Wu Country standing up only to leave it lying down!"

If the Northern Envoy were truly killed, the situation between the two nations would likely be beyond repair!