The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 845 - 182: The Birth of Xixi

Chapter 845: Chapter 182: The Birth of Xixi

Fang Li believed that Fang Liuming, being in an official position, would have a substantial amount of silver. Thus, Old Scholar Fang gave him a travel allowance of more than ten taels of silver. He grumbled in dissatisfaction but did not insist on more, and took Fang Zhi with him as they followed the security escort agency to Baoning County.

Old Scholar Fang also had the agency’s people bring a letter to be personally delivered to Fang Liuming, explaining the situation clearly.

With Fang Li gone, the home suddenly became much quieter. Fang Fu, seeing that everything at home was in order, proposed to travel with Shen Songming. He wanted to visit Capital Jingcheng to check on news, but there was no need for him to go there since Mo Heng remained in the capital. Dalang needed to gain experience, and he would not be going, so Fang Fu could not just wait at home either. There had been no opportunity before, but now that there was one, he needed to seize it to broaden his horizons. Regardless of whether he would pass the examinations next year, he had to make an effort beforehand.

The eldest brother at home was unable to handle matters, and their father was getting old. Dalang would eventually take an official post outside and wouldn’t be able to look after home affairs, so someone needed to step up and take the initiative.

Old Scholar Fang, upon hearing of the trip with Shen Songming, did not refuse and readily agreed, ensuring Fang Fu had enough provisions. "Song Ming has his own things, but when you’re with him, you can’t always rely on his resources. Whenever possible, try to help out. Helping him is also helping Qinqin and yourself."

Last time, there was only one ship’s cargo, but this time there were two. Fang Fu understood priorities, nodded, and agreed. He thought that if possible, he would also engage in some trade to earn his keep, rather than continuously spending the family’s silver.

"Mother! Sister-in-law! With Lady Ruan at home, I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on her. And as for Xinxin, you can discipline her as necessary. None of those bad habits should be tolerated; being strict now is for her future benefit!" Fang Fu entrusted Grandma Fang and Lady Yu.

"Don’t worry! When she’s at home, we’ll definitely look after her! Xinxin is also well-behaved and obedient, so there’s no need for concern," Grandma Fang said, though she felt that the second daughter-in-law didn’t measure up to the first but was still much better than those others who were always causing trouble and stirring up strife.

Lady Yu also said they would take care of Lady Ruan and told him to be at ease.

After taking care of matters at home, Fang Fu went to find Shen Songming.

Shen Songming had intended to stay a few more days, but he had been discussing the processing of rubber products and latex with Pei Qin these days, much to the dissatisfaction of Mo Heng. Seeing that Fang Fu was ready, and Pei Wendong, Xiao Yong, and Chang Yonglin were also prepared to leave, Feng Wei summoned the large caravan, promptly loaded up the soy sauce and century eggs, and urged Shen Songming to hurry on.

"Tsk! Just cooped up at home, like a woman! Still claims not to be a kept man living off others’ charity, yet that face is so pale, and he does nothing—it’s pretty much living off soft rice!" Shen Songming muttered.

Mo Heng glanced at him, his expression darkened.

The sesame sauce pancakes, dry rations, and jerked meat he needed were all prepared with the help of Pei Qian, while Pei Qin simply watched.

Once everything was packed, Shen Songming snorted and led the caravan southward with Fang Fu, Pei Wendong, Xiao Yong, and Chang Yonglin. This time, he planned to stay for a while at the rubber plantations in the south and, once the rubber factories were operating, find a way to make a trip to Vietnam.

With everyone gone, the house was suddenly much quieter. With godfather gone, and all three uncles as well, Jiujiu felt dejected for two days before she resumed chasing insects with Sun Xingwang and Zhao Xiaolang.

Meanwhile, news from Capital Jingcheng arrived: the Emperor celebrated a Long Live and Prince Heqing, Xiao Guangbi, presented a superlative gift—a gold mine in Lai Prefecture, capable of producing gold for five hundred years without depletion.

The Emperor, overjoyed, immediately bestowed upon Prince Heqing innumerable gold, silver, and riches, and the prince’s son, Xiao Yi, was granted the title of Commandery Prince.

Suddenly, Prince Heqing’s power surged, posing a threat to Crown Prince Xiao Guangmin.

Prince Yong’an, Xiao Guangjun, only sent a modest Longlife Folding Screen. The calligraphy was written by Xiao Guangjun and Xiao Yong, and the Princess Yong’an had embroidered it despite her ill health.

Upon examining it, Emperor Chu Wen commented on their thoughtfulness and awarded some fine wines and fabrics.

The Crown Prince shook his head discreetly and advised Prince Yong’an, "Shouldn’t you consider taking another consort? The Princess has been bedridden for years, and even Xiao Yong is so frail; everything in the mansion relies on you. It can’t go on like this!"

Prince Yong’an, whose annual income was substantial, had indirectly and discreetly subsidized the Crown Prince with some of his wealth. "The household is still manageable, and the Princess has her good days. There’s no need for my royal brother to worry," he replied.