Chapter 64: It’s Definitely Fortunate for Me

“Wa waa~~~~~”

The sound of a baby crying came from inside, and the hearts of the three men finally relaxed.

After a moment, the door opened. Shen Xiuyan pushed past the two men and rushed inside, but he was firmly pulled back by Master Su and Liu Yuanmao.

Little brat, you think you can go ahead of her father and uncle?

Not happening.

Shen Xiuyan was yanked backward, stumbling and nearly falling, but as soon as he steadied himself, he saw the two men walking straight inside.

“……”

How childish!

But it’s fine, Moon must love him the most.

After comforting himself, he followed behind the two men, walking in a hurry.

The Midwife, seeing the three men, smiled. “Congratulations, it’s a boy.”

How about that, happy now? The Shen family has an heir!

Her reward would definitely not be small.

But to her surprise, the three men ignored her and walked straight to Su Mingyue’s bed.

They asked with concern, “Moon, are you feeling unwell?”

“Moon, are you feeling better?”

“Wife, Husband is here, tell me where it hurts.”

Su Mingyue was weak, but when she saw the three of them lined up, she still managed to let out a small laugh. “It’s nothing, I just need to rest for a while.”

“Alright, alright, we won’t disturb you. Rest first.”

When they saw that she had really closed her eyes, probably exhausted, the three men finally remembered to check on the baby.

The Midwife was already stunned. It was a boy, a boy!

Why was this family so unpredictable? At least send someone to look after the baby first!

Shen Xiuyan saw the confusion in her eyes and silently cursed. He had no claim to a throne, so why would he care about a boy?

He wasn’t even as happy as he would be with a soft, sweet daughter.

Meanwhile, the baby in his arms was unaware that his father already had complaints.

But it was still his own child, and when he saw him, Shen Xiuyan felt a surge of pride.

What a cute little thing, though wrinkled, you could still see his distinctive features.

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Xiuyan gritted his teeth and took five taels of silver from his pouch and handed it to the Midwife. “Thank you for your hard work.”

Ugh, there goes his pocket money for the month.

The Midwife’s eyes widened when she saw the silver. “Not hard work at all, not hard work. If anything like this happens again, just come find me.”

As expected of a top scholar—so generous. Five taels of silver at once! That’s enough for her to deliver five babies.

Master Su, seeing this, also pulled out silver and handed it to the Midwife. “A reward for you.”

“Hiss~”

Twenty taels!

This man’s generosity was on another level!

The Midwife quickly changed direction, showing a pleased smile. “Thank you, thank you. This little young master clearly takes after you. His little nose is exactly like yours.”

Master Su was pleased.

Shen Xiuyan lost.

“Alright, put the baby next to Moon. Cui Cui, stay here and watch over her. Let’s not disturb her rest.” Madam Zhou hurried the men out.

Once everyone had left, she grabbed Shen Xiuyan by the ear. “You better explain this clearly, what’s going on here?”

“Mother, please, ease up a little.” Shen Xiuyan pulled at her hand. “I’m innocent!”

“Divorce and marry someone else?”

“Am I the kind of person who would do that?”

Madam Zhou shot him a skeptical look. It probably wasn’t true.

But she still needed to make sure she laid down the law. “If you dare to mistreat Moon or marry that widow, I’ll have no further dealings with you.”

She thought for a moment and added, “At that time, I’ll take Moon and the baby and go back to my hometown. You can stay here alone.”

Shen Xiuyan sighed helplessly. “I didn’t, I promise.”

Seeing his sincere attitude, Madam Zhou relented. “Alright, I’ll trust you this time.”

Shen Xiuyan rubbed his sore ear. “Mother, don’t worry, this matter isn’t over. I will make sure Moon gets her revenge.”

He then called out, “Father, Uncle, come with me, we need to discuss something.”

In the study, Liu Yuanmao and Master Su both looked at Shen Xiuyan with expressions as if they’d seen a ghost after hearing his plan. What in the world was going on in his head?

Liu Yuanmao shifted his mouth. “Did you teach him this?”

Master Su chuckled. “If I could teach him, I would’ve already passed the imperial exams, not be doing business here.”

Liu Yuanmao stroked his chin, thinking. “That’s true.”

Master Su: I feel like I’ve just been subtly insulted.

He then put on a smile and lovingly looked at his son-in-law, who was eager to help his daughter. “Son-in-law, did you already think of this?”

Shen Xiuyan shook his head. “No, I originally thought it would be used to make money for you, but now there’s no choice but to offer it up first.”

Master Su: “…”

Why does he always end up getting hurt in the end?

He pulled Shen Xiuyan’s arm and sighed, “I don’t care. Since you’ve offered this, you need to come up with a new idea to make it up to me.”

Shen Xiuyan sighed. “Alright, alright, I’ll think of something later.”

“Go over there, we’re talking business now.” Liu Yuanmao kicked Master Su lightly. “Since you have an idea, everything’s up to you.”

“Of course.” A man who can’t protect his own wife isn’t a man.

Liu Yuanmao clicked his tongue while looking at the calm and composed Shen Xiuyan. This guy’s heart was definitely not as easy to talk to as his outward demeanor.

He’s really devious.

He could already foresee that, sooner or later, the position of the Minister of Personnel would be taken by someone else.

The next day, Shen Xiuyan went to the palace to request an audience.

With his status, it was generally impossible to meet with the emperor, but given that he had just been awarded the top scholar title, it was a different story.

Emperor Deye was mildly intrigued. Why would the newly appointed top scholar request an audience?

“Your Majesty.”

“Rise,” Emperor Deye said with a dismissive wave. “What brings you here today?”

Shen Xiuyan cupped his hands and replied, “Some time ago, I gave my father-in-law a recipe. He has since been experimenting with it at his manor. After years of trials and significant investment, the fields now produce three times the usual yield.”

Emperor Deye: “!!!”

“Is that true?” He blinked, momentarily stunned by what he had just heard.

“Every word, Your Majesty.”

Of course, it wasn’t entirely true. It had only been a year. But without a bit of embellishment, it wouldn’t convey just how much effort they had put in.

“But is there an actual method behind it?”

“We’ve developed a new kind of fertilizer. Fields treated with it have shown steady and consistent increases in output.”

“Is the effect limited to that particular manor, or can it be applied across the country?”

“Naturally, it can be used nationwide.”

A grin broke across Emperor Deye’s face, so wide it nearly reached his ears.

In that instant, a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind.

Three times the yield—what did that mean? It meant that every citizen in Nanyue could afford to eat their fill. In time, the kingdom would flourish. The people would live in peace and abundance.

And if the people were well-fed, they wouldn’t rebel. His name would be praised throughout the land.

Imagining scenes of public admiration, Emperor Deye couldn’t hold back a hearty laugh.

His gaze fell upon Shen Xiuyan with renewed warmth.

So this was his little top scholar—hadn’t even entered office yet, and already he had delivered such a gift.

Truly an auspicious omen—this was without a doubt a stroke of great fortune!