Chapter 20: Two Scholars

The next morning, the weather was slightly cool, with dew still hanging on the leaves by the roadside, and the sun had just peeked out with a mischievous little head.

Shen Yuanming had already called his uncle over.

Perhaps feeling a little embarrassed, his aunt and cousin also came along, reflecting their seriousness about the matter.

At this time, Shen Xiuyan, still groggy from sleep, had just gotten up and was getting ready to wash up.

As soon as he stepped out the door, he saw five honest faces eagerly staring at his door.

The sight startled him, instantly waking him up.

Zhou Shi, seeing him come out, grinned. “Xiu Yan, you’re finally awake! Your uncle and aunt have come.”

Shen Xiuyan thought, “Isn’t this a bit too early?”

Would Shen Yuanming really go wake them up before dawn? Walking half an hour in the dark must have been tiring.

He didn’t have time to wash up now, so he quickly gestured for the family to come inside. “Uncle, I’ve heard about your family’s situation from Yuanming. Why didn’t you speak up sooner? If you need to borrow money, I’ll definitely agree.”

His uncle smiled broadly. He knew this child was a good one.

“Every family has its struggles, especially when you’re trying to study for the imperial exams. We couldn’t bring ourselves to ask for money unless it was absolutely necessary.”

Shen Xiuyan said, “You’re being too polite. How can you bring my cousin here when he hasn’t fully recovered yet?”

He then waved for his cousin to come over. His cousin, still young, was his uncle’s late-born child, only seven years old, looking very lovable.

Shen Xiuyan reached out and picked up the little one. “Da Hu (Big Tiger), are you hungry? Aunt will stew some meat for you later.”

The little one swallowed, but held back, “Da Hu doesn’t need it. Aunt is older and needs to nourish herself. Aunt should eat, Da Hu is still young, it’s no problem.”

He even patted his little chest as he said this.

Shen Xiuyan was amused by his behavior.

This child is really well-behaved!

If he and Mingyue could have such a well-behaved child in the future, it would be great.

He affectionately rubbed Da Hu’s little head. “Aunt will have some too, and so will you. Today, there will be enough meat for both.”

Da Hu pursed his lips. “Thank you, cousin.”

“Good boy.”

Then, Shen Xiuyan, still holding the child, continued, “Even if you borrow the money, what’s the point? You still have to struggle to pay it back later. My cousin is so smart and sensible, you can’t keep making him suffer like this.”

His uncle sighed, his voice muffled. “I’m useless. I haven’t been able to give Mingxia and Da Hu a better life.”

“Da Hu’s dad, don’t say that. Marrying you is my blessing.”

“Mingxia…”

Shen Xiuyan’s expression was blank.

Shen Xiuyan was so angry!

Even showing off their love should be done in the right context!

Besides, can you stop showing off your love?

He can too!

He cleared his throat. “Uncle, let me finish. I have a business opportunity for making money. Do you want to do it? Money earned through hard work is the most satisfying.”

His uncle, in awe of scholars, nodded repeatedly without even asking what it was. “I Do,I do!”

As a scholar’s nephew thinking of them, this was already a huge favor. There was no reason to refuse!

Shen Xiuyan rubbed his forehead. This uncle of his was so simple, didn’t he fear being tricked?

“Alright then, uncle, follow me.”

With that, Shen Xiuyan led his confused uncle to the kitchen.

He then demonstrated how to make the cake.

Watching the soft and delicious cake gradually take shape in his hands.

His uncle was initially confused, then shocked, and finally numb.

Xiu Yan actually had such good skills.

If this were sold outside, it would definitely be more popular than the snacks sold in the pastry shops.

Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but sigh, “My big nephew is really amazing.”

At this point, Shen Xiuyan spoke to bring him back to reality. “Uncle, did you remember the steps?”

His uncle, still lost in thought, hadn’t heard what he said and mechanically nodded.

When he finally reacted, he couldn’t help but let out a “Huh?”

What steps is he supposed to remember???

As he considered the value of this pastry, he intentionally avoided looking at Xiu Yan, knowing that this recipe was obviously worth a lot of money. How could he possibly learn it secretly?

What does Xiu Yan mean by this???

Why does he want him to remember it???

Shen Xiuyan could see the confusion on his uncle’s face and couldn’t help but rub his forehead.

What is he thinking? Did he invite his uncle over just to let him watch?

He clearly had no intention of learning secretly…

Shen Xiuyan sighed, “It’s my fault. I didn’t explain clearly. How do you like the cake?”

His uncle nodded, full of admiration. “Of course, it’s excellent. My nephew is really impressive!”

No one dislikes hearing compliments, and Shen Xiuyan was no different.

He smiled, “Then from now on, you’ll learn from me. Once you’ve learned it, you can sell it and make money.”

His uncle repeatedly waved his hands, “I can’t do that, I can’t learn this. Let your mother and Yuanming learn it, and once they’ve made it, I can just buy it from them and sell it.”

After all, the precious part is the recipe; he can’t take advantage like that.

Shen Xiuyan waved his hand dismissively, “My mother is currently in charge of the people making sugar in the village and is too busy to even handle it. As for Yuanming, I plan to send him to school in a while.”

His uncle: “!!!”

He said shakily, “What! You’re even letting Yuanming go to school… Is it a bit late…?”

The Shen family can’t afford to support two students, can they…

This big nephew really dares to dream.

Shen Xiuyan could immediately see what was on his naive uncle’s mind. He calmly nodded, “Right, I haven’t told them yet. You can’t let this slip. With the sugar business, the family should never lack money in the future.”

“Good, good, good.” His uncle was excited, the old Shen family ancestors’ tombs would surely be smoking with joy.

In the past, it was unthinkable to have two students in the family. Having just one respected in the village would have been enough. Now, the Shen family would have two!

Hahahahahaha, he was so happy for his sister.