The Perfect Life in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 20

Chapter Forty-Five: Giving "Gifts"

Inside the Yuhang Gate, the melodies of string and wind instruments drifted from the North Gate Tower. Performers tapped their fingers on the table, keeping time, and sang seductive and decadent tunes. Laughter and boisterous drinking echoed in waves, reaching the ears of lonely passersby, stirring their hearts and making them envious of those drinking and making merry upstairs.

At that moment, in a courtyard deep in the alley behind the restaurant, someone was playing the zither and singing. The singing was clear and melodious, even better than the courtesans in the North Gate Tower.

Chen Nian took a sip of wine, then looked up with interest at the couple playing the zither and singing. Hongluan and Fengwu had shed their elaborate makeup and costumes, their hair simply styled, their faces naturally beautiful, except for a touch of red on their lips, which added a touch of allure. He couldn't help but turn his head to Chen Qiwen at the head of the table.

Chen Qiwen had his eyes half-closed, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, humming along to the rhythm, swaying his head and enjoying himself immensely.

Chen Nian couldn't help but sigh inwardly, it's such a pity that such a wonderful couple is being taken advantage of by Lao Buxiu!

After the song ended, Chen Nian waved her hand, and the sisters Hong Luan and Feng Wu left, leaving only Chen Qiwen and his nephew Chen Nian.

"Uncle, what do you think of these two women?"

"Incredible!" Chen Qiwen was still lost in his fantasies about the two beauties, staring blankly in the direction the two sisters had left.

"Ahem!" Chen Nian coughed twice. "Uncle, this house is registered under the name of Li Sanlang, the owner of the Li family's treasury in the East City. I have always been on good terms with him, so he rented this house to me. I settled Hongluan and Fengwu here so that it would be convenient for you to come over and relax when you have free time, listen to some music."

Chen Qiwen snapped out of his daze and squinted at his nephew: "Heh, you can't accept a reward without merit. Why did you promise your uncle such a great benefit for no reason?"

Although the two women were alluring, Chen Qiwen remembered the incident before the New Year when he had sold the Meizhou shop for antiques, and Chen Yu's subsequent complaints made him realize that he had been tricked by the eldest son's family. Although the old lady had allocated two more shops to recover some of the losses, he had become wary of the eldest son's family. This "gift" also secretly suited his own tastes, so the eldest son's "gift" would not be easy to accept.

"It's nothing serious. Li Sanlang's brother-in-law used to live in Daming Prefecture and was a medicinal herb dealer. He recently bought a house in Hangzhou and wants to settle down here. Before the New Year, he bought a batch of precious medicinal herbs in the north, including ginseng and lingzhi from Changbai Mountain. The original buyer's business failed, and he couldn't sell them in time, so he brought them over with him during the move. Now, he wants to find a reliable buyer locally to sell them at a low price. Firstly, it's easier to resell locally, and secondly, he spent a lot of money when buying the property and wants to make up for the losses. He has his eye on our newly opened shop, saying that our Chen family has a good reputation in Liangzhe Road, so he asked Li Sanlang to come to me."

Chen Nian paused, secretly observing Chen Qiwen's expression. Seeing that he still looked sleepy, she wondered how much he had actually listened to. She figured it must be because of what happened in Meizhou last time. He must have regretted it after hearing Chen Yu talk about the ins and outs, which was why he was acting so nonchalant towards her today.

Chen Nian wasn't in a hurry, and continued with a smile, "He said his brother-in-law wants to establish a connection with you so that it will be easier for him to do business with you in the future." As he spoke, Chen Nian glanced outside, "My nephew invited you here today to check you out and see if you're satisfied, hehe!"

"This kind of matter should be discussed with Si Lang. What use is it to consult an old man like me? I'm afraid I can't accept this gift!" Chen Qiwen declined Chen Nian's offer and shook his head with regret.

"Uncle, what are you saying? Doesn't the shop that Si Lang is in charge of belong to Second Uncle?"

"The old lady only asked Silang to manage it temporarily, she didn't say she would really give it to him?" Chen Qiwen continued to dodge the question. He didn't think Chen Nian would collude with outsiders to ruin his family's business. The business sounded good, but he didn't want to agree to it so soon.

"Is Uncle worried that this time it will be like what happened in Meizhou last time?" Chen Nian hit the nail on the head, making it difficult for Chen Qiwen, who wanted to continue pretending to be confused, to respond.

"Oh, I apologize to my uncle for what happened that time," Chen Nian said, standing up and bowing in apology.

"Brother, there's no need for such formalities among family." Chen Qiwen sat there with his back straight, declining verbally, but not moving an inch.

After bowing, Chen Nian sat down and continued, "Regarding the Meizhou matter, I advised Father and Erlang that it didn't matter which of our brothers took over. Even if there was a little extra income, it shouldn't hinder our brotherly bond."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qiwen thought to himself, "The deed is done, what's the point of saying all this?"

“You know Erlang’s temperament; he won’t listen to advice. As his older brother, I couldn’t do anything about it, so I just stopped paying attention. When you were discussing this with them, I did voice my disagreement.” Chen Nian glanced at Chen Qiwen, and seeing him nod to indicate that he remembered the matter, she continued, “I just didn’t expect that Erlang would hold a grudge and cause trouble for my family at this birthday banquet.”

"Huh? What's going on?"

"It all comes down to that play-changing incident. In the end, I found out that it was Erdi's wife who sent people to do it."

"With Erlang not here, how could Erlang's family have the guts?" Chen Qiwen wondered.

“Who says otherwise? Second Sister-in-law is resentful because of Second Brother’s matter. It’s obvious that Second Brother instructed her before he left. Otherwise, Zhou Shi wouldn’t have dared to do it. Moreover, those who helped her were all Second Brother’s former trusted subordinates.” Chen Nian was very distressed. “After all, they are my own brothers. I can’t just expose Second Sister-in-law and let the Old Madam punish me when Second Brother is not around.”

"Eldest son is a kind and filial man!" Chen Qiwen casually praised.

Chen Nian hurriedly replied modestly, "Thank you for your praise, Uncle. I am unworthy of such praise! It is my fourth brother who is truly kind and filial. He has worked tirelessly for our family for many years without ever uttering a single complaint. I bet he brought you quite a few antiques and paintings this time. I wonder when I will have the opportunity to see them?"

"Antiques and calligraphy and paintings? That kid, it's good enough that he doesn't teach me a lesson. Now he won't even let me touch the money in the house, sigh!" Chen Qiwen complained inwardly, but that was in Zhang Shi's opinion, not in his own.

Speaking of Chen Qiwen, he only spent money on eating, drinking, and having fun, never using any of it for anything worthwhile. When Chen Yu was away, Zhang Shi controlled the second wife's money. Although she was difficult to talk to, they were an old married couple, and he would coax her into giving him some. But when their son returned, not only did he refuse to give them any of his own money from his business, but after being lectured by him, Zhang Shi also stopped giving him any. Chen Qiwen was left with no way to express his grievances.

"Ah! That's not how I am, Silang! But don't worry. I originally wanted to talk to Silang directly about this good deal, but as you know, Silang is very sensitive about Erlang and Meizhou. I was afraid he would have a grudge, so I thought I'd come to you first. It just so happens that you're short on cash right now, so why don't you talk to Silang and act as a middleman? This house and the people inside are all for you. As for the quality of the goods, you can rest assured. Just send a few capable people to inspect them carefully."

"This..." Chen Qiwen was tempted, hesitated for a long time, and finally agreed.

Chen Nian arranged to come back another day with Li Sanlang's brother-in-law. She then called Hongluan and Fengwu in, instructed them to take good care of Chen Qiwen, and then turned around, closed the door, and left.

Chen Nian stood outside, listening to Chen Qiwen calling her "darling" and "baby" inside. The two women's sweet and charming laughter gradually turned into soft moans. A mysterious smile appeared on her lips, and she turned and left...

***************************************************8

Chapter Forty-Six Hints

Mu Qing's upper lip was slightly swollen and red. Chen Xun felt both distressed and worried, and asked Mu Qing, "Does it still hurt? Shall we go to a clinic to get it treated?"

Mu Qing initially thought it was a minor matter—just a slight bump, her upper lip was a little swollen and sore, but nothing serious—and didn't want to go. However, seeing her third brother's concerned gaze, she suddenly realized that it wouldn't be appropriate for her mother or even the matriarch to see her like this. So she nodded, "Qing'er is fine, but it's good that we go to the clinic to get it checked out, so that others won't make a fuss, right, Third Brother? Hehe..."

Chen Xun naturally knew who the other person was, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "It's all Third Brother's fault for not taking good care of his sister. Let's see if she can recover faster."

"Third Brother, don't blame yourself. Qing'er is fine. Let's go to the clinic." Mu Qing smiled and comforted the young man. It was rare to have such a kind and gentle older brother, and she felt a warm glow in her heart.

Lips are living flesh, and the doctor applied some anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and blood-activating medicine. Although it looked strange and smelled bad, the effect was remarkable. When the two came out of the clinic, Mu Qing looked almost the same as usual.

On the way, Chen Xun bought Mu Qing a few more trinkets, and the two returned to the mansion before lunch. Chen Xun escorted Mu Qing back to the west courtyard, exchanged a few words with her, and then returned to the south courtyard.

Mu washed her hands and face, took out the bag containing her little front tooth from her bosom, opened it, took out the little tooth and handed it to Qian Shi: "Mother, Qing'er lost a tooth today." After saying that, she smiled at her mother, revealing her gap-toothed little mouth, which looked both mischievous and cute.

Madam Qian smiled, carefully examined Mu Qing's gums where a tooth was missing, and found them to be fairly normal. She touched Mu Qing's little face and said, "Qing'er has grown up and lost her tooth. New teeth will grow in later. However, we need to find a good place to throw this one away so that the new tooth will grow in quickly. Come with me."

After Qian finished speaking, she took Mu Qing's little hand and led her to a low water vat in the corner of the yard, which was used to collect rainwater for fire fighting. She then threw the tooth into the vat. Mu Qing looked on curiously and asked, "Why did you throw it here, Mother?"

Madam Qian patted Mu Qing's head and patiently explained, "Because if you don't throw it under the water vat, your upper teeth won't grow in quickly. If it were your lower teeth, you'd have to throw it on the roof so they'd grow in faster." Then she pulled Mu Qing back to eating.

Mu Qing secretly scoffed to herself, "They'll grow back no matter what. Adults lose teeth, and they won't grow back no matter where you throw them. What superstition!"

Mu Qing harbored these thoughts in her heart, but she didn't voice them.

Chen Yu returned quickly. Madam Qian instructed Biyan to set the table. Chen Yu washed his hands and face and went back to his room. He saw Mu Qing sitting at the table, went up to her, and picked her up in a hug: "Qing'er, my sweet girl, did you miss Daddy? Did you have a good day...?"

Madam Qian found it amusing and ladled a small bowl of soup for Chen Yu, handing it to him and saying, "We've only been apart for a short while, what's wrong with you today? You look so happy. Tell us what's going on, so we can have some fun too."

Chen Yu put Mu Qing down, took a sip of soup, and then said, "Today I went to the Old Madam's to report the accounts. Recently, the two shops I manage have been doing well, and I've slightly adjusted the staff, so the expenses have decreased a bit. The Old Madam was pleased to hear that. Later, she mentioned the shops my second brother left behind. She said that my eldest uncle and eldest brother already have quite a few shops, and with all the miscellaneous social obligations, plus the shops my second brother used to manage in the East City, they're sometimes too busy. Besides, those three shops in the East City are close to the ones I currently manage, and the Old Madam wanted to assign them to me to manage as well. I was worried about them getting suspicious, so I declined."

Chen Yu casually pointed towards the east courtyard, then shook his head with a smile, saying, "But the Old Madam wouldn't allow it. In the end, she gave me a good talking-to, and it's clear she was happy today..."

Clearly, Chen Yu's talent had been recognized by his superiors, who were also the big bosses of the Chen family. It would be strange if he wasn't happy. He didn't hide it much in front of his wife and daughters, and his pride was evident in his words.

Madam Qian was also happy, and a proud smile unconsciously appeared on her face. Only Mu Qing, though smiling, had other plans in mind.

Although the old matriarch maintains a semblance of peace in the Chen family, none of them are easy to deal with. The more useful Father is now, the more he is appreciated by the old matriarch, making it increasingly difficult for him to leave this large family and live independently.

Not only will it be difficult, but the eldest son's family will likely become increasingly displeased with their father, causing countless troubles both openly and secretly. It will be hard to find peace and quiet in their lives.

After thinking for a moment, Mu Qing felt she should subtly remind her father: "Father, the shop originally belonged to Second Uncle. What if Second Aunt is unhappy when she finds out? Second Aunt is so formidable."

Madam Qian gently slapped Mu Qing's arm and scolded with a smile, "You little kid, what do you know about being powerful or not? Don't talk nonsense about adult matters. Here, have a meatball to shut your clever little mouth up."

Chen Yu smiled and placed a lion's head meatball on Mu Qing's plate. At the same time, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Qian Shi. After the initial excitement subsided, he couldn't help but be wary. After all, the matter of Danling was not something that could be forgotten so easily, and it was impossible for him to have no thoughts about it at all.

No matter what, Chen Yu is still a person, a businessman who has been through the business world.

...

Meanwhile, Chen Nian emerged from the back alley of Beiguo Tower, got into the car, and headed straight out of the city.

After leaving Yuhang Gate and heading north along the canal for ten miles, Chen Nian turned east onto a side road and walked for another incense stick's time before stopping his car next to an old willow tree outside a small gray brick courtyard.

Chen Nian got out of the car and knocked on the courtyard gate. A woman's voice came from inside: "Who is it?"

"It's me!"

"But sir?"

"kindness!"

With a creak, the door opened, and Chen Nian stepped into the courtyard. She turned around and instructed the servant driving the carriage to be quick, then closed the gate.

Inside the room, Chen Nian sat at the table, glanced at the woman beside her, and snorted coldly, "You really know how to enjoy yourself!"

Ever since Furong and Yongxu were sent away, Chen Nian has been quite angry with Furong, who always caused trouble. She really is more trouble than she's worth!

Furong knew she had messed up the job, so she dressed up in an exceptionally alluring and seductive manner and specially ordered several dishes that Chen Nian liked to be served with drinks.

As soon as Chen Nian sat down, she immediately straightened up and leaned over to pour him a glass of wine, her voice so soft it was almost dripping with sweetness: "Master, have a glass of wine to soothe your throat first. Come, let Furong serve you..." After saying that, she leaned over and brought the wine glass to Chen Nian's lips, ignoring Chen Nian's somewhat displeased expression, and placed one hand on Chen Nian's shoulder, massaging it gently.

As expected, Chen Nian quickly relaxed, but still drank a glass of wine without any expression, and sighed: "I didn't expect you guys to accomplish anything great, but you've disappointed me too much, and that little bitch Yongxu, she actually ran away!"

Furong hurriedly poured more wine, saying dismissively, "She's just being ungrateful and hypocritical. She's a prostitute who wants to maintain a virtuous image, humph!"

This Furong was also quite beautiful. As she spoke, her eyes and brows exuded three parts disdain, seven parts allure, and ten parts charm.

The sky outside was rather dark, and the lights were on inside even during the day. Under the lamplight, Furong's skin appeared even more delicate and alluring, truly captivating. Chen Nian was momentarily tempted, a wicked fire rising within him. He pulled Furong into his lap and teased, "Yes, hehe, unlike you, my little darling, so sensible and understanding. No wonder Erlang likes that kind of thing, all as flirtatious as you. Too bad... you're useless, just wasting my money..."

As he spoke, Chen Nian's hand slipped under Furong's skirt and began to wander. Furong wrapped her arms around Chen Nian's neck and said coquettishly, "Isn't it inappropriate to be so lewd in broad daylight, sir!"

"You little slut, you don't care about these things?"

Upon hearing this, Furong giggled and flattered her, and the two of them were instantly aroused.

While the two of them were enjoying themselves, Chen Nian couldn't help but feel regretful. He didn't really care about the few coins, but it was a pity. What a great opportunity! Erlang and Silang hadn't even had a chance to have any friction because of this, but he had lost both his wife and his army. It was impossible not to be depressed.

Fortunately, he had prepared this trick of his second uncle's. Hopefully, the old man won't disappoint him. Now, he can only vent his anger on this bitch!

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Tickets, tickets, I need tickets! Any recommendations? *cough cough*

Chapter 47 Midnight Visitor

Since Chen Yu took over Shu Er's shop, he has become even busier every day. He is a serious, cautious, and ambitious person who strives to do his best in everything and doesn't want others to have any complaints. So he leaves early and returns late every day, becoming more and more like a workaholic.

Qian felt sorry for her husband, so she paid more attention to his diet, instructed the kitchen to often stew some tonics, and got up earlier than him in the morning to prepare them. She would also wait until he came home late at night to make sure he had eaten before she would rest. Although Chen Yu felt sorry for his wife and told her not to work so hard, Qian just agreed and then continued to do as she pleased. They were a loving couple who seemed to follow each other's lead.

Mu Qing sighed inwardly as she watched. It was good for a man to be ambitious, but she always felt uneasy, afraid that all his hard work would end up benefiting someone else.

And this possibility is extremely high.

Unfortunately, she is too young, and the adults won't listen to or say anything she says. It's not good for her to say much, so she doesn't have much persuasive power. Instead, her parents scold her for talking nonsense. It's not only a thankless task, but it's also not something a child her age should do.

Moreover, she was not exactly idle every day. She had to learn embroidery and keep up with her studies. Running between the two courtyards every day was not easy.