Chapter 53: Reunion

Liu Yuanmao was instantly struck a heavy blow.

Shen Xiuyan glanced at the dark cloud hanging over Liu Yuanmao’s head and had the urge to pat him on the shoulder and give him a knowing look.

Having such a wealthy father-in-law truly was a sweet burden.

Moments later, Liu Yuanmao was still fuming.

“Still no good. It was wrong of him not to tell us about this. When I see him, I’m definitely giving him a beating to vent my anger. And don’t any of you try to stop me.”

Grandmother Liu shook her head and perfunctorily replied, “Alright, we won’t stop you.”

Su Mingyue blinked and remained silent, simply putting on her most obedient look.

This whole pregnancy thing had absolutely nothing to do with her father. Based on the travel time, it’s not like he would’ve known much earlier anyway.

But if she admitted that, wouldn’t it mean she’d forgotten to tell them?

No way she was going to be that ungrateful daughter.

So, sorry Dad, she’d have to throw him under the bus this time~

When it came to setting up her father, Su Mingyue was a pro.

The family enjoyed a lively dinner together, during which they also met Su Mingyue’s cousin, Liu Zhiqi.

Although older than Shen Xiuyan, he was still only a Xiucai. Upon learning his brother-in-law was a Jieyuan, he immediately grew excited and eager to seek advice.

Shen Xiuyan, good-tempered as ever, patiently answered his questions.

Even Liu Yuanmao, listening on the side, couldn’t stop nodding.

No wonder he became a Jieyuan—this wasn’t luck but true talent and learning.

Su Dazhuang really did have a good eye for people.

After staying at the Liu residence for two more days, Shen Xiuyan led the group to their newly rented courtyard.

After all, the Liu household wasn’t their own home. With so many people around, it was hard to do anything freely—especially with Su Dazhuang and Madam Zhou coming soon. Better to rent a place early and settle in.

Among them all, the one most reluctant to see them leave wasn’t Liu Yuanmao or Grandmother Liu, but Liu Zhiqi.

“Brother-in-law, are you really moving out? Stay a few more days! I still have so many questions to ask you.”

Liu Yuanmao smacked the back of his head. “Ask, ask, ask. Your mouth never stops. If I were Xiuyan, I’d be driven away by you too.”

“Ah… it’s really because of me?” Liu Zhiqi looked a bit dejected.

Shen Xiuyan laughed and comforted him, “No, not at all. We’re just renting a place now to make it easier when Father-in-law and my mother arrive. Besides, it’s only two streets away—you’re welcome to visit anytime.”

“That’s great!” Liu Zhiqi instantly perked up.

Liu Yuanmao held his forehead.

Unbearable. How had he ended up with such a son?

Already this old and still asking advice from a younger brother-in-law—shameless.

Then again, that was one of his son’s strengths too.

At least he wasn’t ashamed to learn from someone younger.

The move went smoothly, and the courtyard was quite new. Supposedly, it was owned by an official who had been transferred and was now renting it out.

Su Mingyue looked around the courtyard thoughtfully.

“What are you thinking about?” Shen Xiuyan leaned in to ask, planning to tease her—only to be stunned by her next sentence.

“I’m wondering if we should just go ahead and buy a house in the Capital City,” Su Mingyue mused, stroking her chin.

Shen Xiuyan clutched his trembling heart and advised, “Let’s not. What if I don’t pass the exam? Then the house would just sit here unused.”

Property prices in the Capital were sky-high. Just renting this courtyard cost over a hundred taels a year.

That alone was enough to buy a house back in Linzhu County.

And she wanted to buy one outright? That wouldn’t be just a few hundred taels.

As a man, he should earn the money to buy a house himself. Living off his wife’s fortune without a care didn’t sit right with him.

Buy one? Sure—but only after he had the money saved up.

Ah, that damned pride!

“Alright…” Su Mingyue reluctantly let it go.

They could revisit the idea later. No rush—she believed it was only a matter of time before they’d own a house here.

Time flew by, and by year’s end, Su Dazhuang arrived with Madam Zhou and Shen Yuanming.

By then, Su Mingyue’s belly was round like a balloon. Though her loose dresses made it less obvious, anyone could tell she was clearly pregnant.

Madam Zhou lovingly stroked Su Mingyue’s belly. “You’ve had a hard time, Mingyue. Now that I’m here, just tell me what you want to eat. I’ll make it for you.”

Shen Xiuyan interjected, “No need for that. Your cooking can’t compare to the chef’s. If Mingyue doesn’t say anything and ends up starving my two precious ones, that won’t do.”

“You!” Madam Zhou tapped his forehead with a finger.

“Hehe~ Just chat with her whenever you’re free.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll take good care of your wife. Happy?”

On the other side, Su Dazhuang walked in carrying a heavy chest. Beaming, he said, “Son-in-law, I was worried you’d be short on money in the Capital, so I brought all the dividends from the past few months.”

Shen Xiuyan held his breath and opened the chest. The gleaming gold and silver notes inside were staggering.

Did his father-in-law go rob a pawnshop or something?

Even Madam Zhou and Shen Yuanming couldn’t help but gasp. They’d carried the chest the whole way but hadn’t known it contained this much money—if they had, they wouldn’t have slept a wink.

“We came along the official route with the Su Family caravan—lots of people, very safe. So I figured I might as well bring it all to you,” Su Dazhuang said kindly to Shen Xiuyan.

What Shen Xiuyan didn’t know was that the Su Family primarily ran restaurant businesses. Thanks to all the food recipes he’d provided, they’d made an absolute fortune.

No one could figure out how that little head of his came up with so many strange and unique dishes.

Hotpot, skewers, crayfish, fried chicken, various pastries—things unheard of for most of their lives—all were launched by the Su Family.

The popularity reached such a level that the shopkeepers of every store could wake up laughing in their sleep.

There was no helping it—the monthly commissions were simply too high.

“As long as those recipes help you make money, Father-in-law, I’m at ease.”

“Make money? That’s an understatement!” Su Dazhuang’s smile grew increasingly obsequious. “Son-in-law, do you have any more money-making recipes lately?”

Su Mingyue couldn’t bear to watch from the side—her father’s fawning expression made it seem like her husband was his father-in-law. Their roles were completely reversed!

“I do have some. Let me think them over and I’ll tell you.”

“Good, good, good.” Su Dazhuang was overjoyed. Finding such a son-in-law had truly been the right decision.

Shen Xiuyan closed the chest of money, then patted it. “Mingyue, all this money is for you. Have someone put it away.”

Didn’t she want to buy a house? Save up a bit more and they’d have enough.

“Alright.” Su Mingyue accepted without hesitation, then instructed Cui Cui to have someone carry it away and store it.

Su Dazhuang was dumbfounded. Daughter, be careful! Your mother-in-law is still here!

Her son gave you all his money—how could she feel good about that?

Su Mingyue seemed oblivious to his winking and nudging, instead beaming as she acted coy with Shen Xiuyan. “Husband, you’re the best.”

Shen Xiuyan tapped her nose. “I told you—all my money from now on is yours.”

Su Dazhuang cleared his throat. “Son-in-law, I have to say something—you should still keep a portion for yourself. Just give her some household money; handing everything over isn’t proper.”

Shen Xiuyan looked innocent. “But as a man, I don’t really need much money. Isn’t money meant to be earned for one’s wife to spend?”