RWNEFE -Chapter 43 The Shen Family Wants Money!

The reappearance of Guiguzi’s disciple meant the world was on the verge of changing hands! In such times, talk of decapitation was only implied—who dared speak it outright?

Shen Lanxi knew exactly who had spread the news, and her heart warmed.

Although she only visited Guigu Valley for two months each year, her master and senior brothers and sisters always saved the best things for her. When she arrived, they would unload everything onto her at once.

Everything around her was meticulously recorded—she couldn’t just take things back to the residence casually. Her master and senior brothers had prepared the largest room in Guigu Valley just for her, so she could store all the gifts they sent.

That place was her second home!

If it weren’t for the sudden scheduling of her wedding, she would have been studying the grand ceremonial rites in the palace and wouldn’t have had time to notify Guigu Valley. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have silently been in danger in the inner residence!

Thinking of the person who tried to harm her, her aura instantly turned cold and sharp.

She left a mark again, and in no time, people from Guigu Valley appeared.

After signaling, she said, “Tell Yinzi to meet me. Tell her I’m Xiao Jiu and to come to the Hongfu Inn.”

“Yes!”

“Officer Liu, has Young Master Lan said when he will arrive?” Shen Yuanjing asked, clutching his still-pained belly as he approached Liu Laohu.

The latter replied coldly: “I don’t know.”

Shen Yuanjing tensed; the punch to his stomach still throbbed painfully.

“Officer Liu, I want to buy some medicine for my injuries!” He gritted his teeth and dug out the last of his money.

Liu Laohu weighed the silver in his hand. “Two taels? That isn’t even enough for two buns!”

Shen Yuanjing’s face turned red—he dared not argue.

“Give him some medicinal supplies!” Liu Laohu signaled his constable brothers.

Shen Yuanjing received it and saw it was barely enough for one person. Just as he tried to ask for more, a cry came from the prisoners’ side.

It was his sister.

Shen Yuanjing clutched his belly and gritted his teeth as he ran back.

“Give it back! That’s mine!”

“Bah, what’s yours? You, a heinous criminal, deserve nothing!” the refugee shouted and immediately ran off.

Shen Yuantang chased after her, but just a few meters outside, she was grabbed and pulled by some dirty-handed refugees, screaming in terror.

“Get off! Let go of your filthy hands…”

The Shen family’s main branch rushed forward to rescue her, and the refugees reluctantly let go.

“Bah! You think we’re dirty? We’re commoners! You’re just a criminal fit for beatings and insults.”

“Everyone knows the Shen family deserves to die. Think you’re some high-born young lady?”

Insults and curses rained down, and Shen Yuantang covered her face, crying bitterly.

The old matriarch’s money was also stolen. After much discussion with her sons, she went to the eldest son: “Have Lanxi send more money and food. She’s a divorced woman now; we must look after her. In the future, the Shen family won’t wrong her.”

Shen Congwen immediately objected: “Mother, don’t speak of Lanxi like that! She’s divorced, not abandoned. The Emperor didn’t decree her exile; she could live comfortably in the capital instead of following us to a harsh land!”

Grandmother Shen replied coldly: “Divorced or dismissed, what’s the difference? Our Shen family has always been honorable—never has a divorced woman come from our household. If she were virtuous, even if the Shen family had great sins, it wouldn’t affect a married daughter. Clearly, she is of poor character, unacceptable to the imperial family! She can’t stay in the capital alone, with no one to watch over her, so she comes with us, seeking protection from her family!”

Shen Congwen said incredulously: “Mother, you’ve seen her skills—she’s formidable. Does she need the Shen family to protect her? She’s been protecting us all along!”

Grandmother Shen’s face darkened: “I knew you’d defend that little wretch! No matter how skilled she is, she’s a woman. A woman without her natal family’s protection cannot survive! Now we only ask her to provide some money, and you stall—what are you thinking?”

Shen Congliang stepped forward: “Mother, what else could he be thinking? Big Brother just wants the money as the main branch’s entitlement—no concern for the rest of us!”

Shen Congyi: “Big Brother, that’s wrong. Lanxi carries the reputation of a divorced woman and has that relationship with Zhou Ruyuan—who would dare marry her in the future? If she gives some money now, Father and Mother will ensure the younger generation of the family looks after her. Even when she’s old, they might support her! Big Brother, does the main branch have to hoard Lanxi’s money?”

Grandmother Shen: “Lanxi is part of the Shen family. Money in her hands is the family’s money. Everything she has comes from us. Big Brother, if you truly care for her, go get it from her.”

Shen Conglian: “Exactly. If she gives less, we protect her less. If she gives more, we protect her more. Hearts are flesh; we remember kindness. Lanxi’s care for us, we won’t forget!”

Shen Congwen fell silent. His daughter had divorced Zhou Ruyuan; few would seek her hand in the future. How long could he protect her? If, as his brothers said, they protect Lanxi more…

“Let me think it over.”

The brothers exchanged glances—they knew Big Brother’s temperament; saying “I’ll think” meant a very high chance of agreement.

“Big Brother, consider carefully. Mother, Father, go back and rest. Big Brother won’t disappoint you!”

Shen Lanxi went to the warehouse to collect some medicinal herbs. Returning to the inn, she saw a plump young man.

She blinked at him three times, and after a quarter-hour, he silently appeared in her room.

“Little junior sister, long time no see!” The plump young man placed a gift on the table and opened it.

Inside was a palm-sized golden jade peach tree. The branches were all made of gold, crafted in exquisite detail. Tiny peaches were carved from imperial jade, each about the size of a soybean, hanging heavily on the branches as if ready to bend under the weight.

“Third senior brother, is this for me?” Shen Lanxi held the miniature tree, tears welling in her eyes.

“Of course, for our most adorable little junior sister, Xiao Jiu! Look, do you like it?”

Shen Lanxi quickly blinked away her tears. Her senior brothers and sisters were family in every sense, even more than blood!

She was happy—she could laugh!

“Third senior brother, I really like it, thank you!”

Yinzi replied: “No need to thank me. I’m glad you like it. I happened to be nearby for the Medicinal King’s birthday; otherwise, you wouldn’t see me so soon!”

Third senior brother always spoke directly. Shen Lanxi carefully placed the peach tree on the table and led him to a corner.

Six large crates were stacked there. She opened one for him to see.

“Third senior brother, these crates contain gold, silver, jade, and antiques and calligraphy. Take them to sell. We’re going to make a big deal!”