Chapter 95

Zhang Xianglian chopped fresh pork, some into fine minced meat, some kept in chunks, so that when eaten, it would be delicate and tender, yet one could still chew the plump meat chunks.

It was indeed delicious.

But what was even more delicious was the current mood, the joy of being able to eat dumplings whenever desired, the carefree and unrestrained life.

Zhang Xianglian recalled the days when she could only watch the pot bottoms after cooking, eating leftover dishes if available, if not, swallowing plain steamed buns. Tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Liu Cui empathized and put her arm around Zhang Xianglian's shoulders, gently comforting her, "It's all in the past, sister. From now on, we will all be fine and keep getting better."

Zhang Qiquan did not want to see them with tearful eyes. He raised his cup to break the gloom, "Alright, cheer up! It's New Year's Day. No matter how it was in the past, from now on, we'll always have meat dumplings to eat."

Jiang Sheng was the first to respond, "I absolutely refuse vegetable stuffing."

That showed how much he disliked vegetables.

Zheng Ruqian chuckled. The others also laughed.

Together they raised their cups and drank the tea, celebrating the New Year.

Suddenly there were noises coming from outside, Jiang Yizhi to Jiang Baquan from the next table all ran into the yard and exclaimed.

Turned out the wealthy families in the city were setting off fireworks, big and small, scattered and clustered, much nicer than those in town.

Jiang Sheng watched intently, eyes glued.

Zhang Qiquan took advantage of his familiarity with the city gained over the past year and a half, and voluntarily introduced to little Jiang Sheng, "The fireworks over there are the Wu family's, those are the Liu family’s, those are the Wang family’s, the farthest are the Bian family’s. It seems the Wangs are the wealthiest, their fireworks are the biggest and most splendid..."

Fang Heng stood straight by the window, looking towards the Wangs.

When mother was alive, she had said uncle was honest and kindhearted, aunt was petty, and neither was good at business. Much of the properties left by grandparents was lost. If not for the Fangs lending a hand several times, they could not have maintained such wealth.

Later father died in battle, mother committed suicide, yet the Wangs did not fall. On the contrary, they became more prosperous.

One could guess what tricks had been played.

How frightening relatives could be. For wealth, they could turn ruthless, point blades at the young ones they once doted on, disregard old affection. Yet it was uncertain how long the Wangs could maintain their wealth gained by manipulating Fang Heng.

And when the Fangs could rise again.

"Younger brother." Xu Mo had come over at some point, "If the Wangs fall, would you feel upset?"

Fang Heng was startled, then smiled.

"Eldest brother thinks too little of me, Fang Heng. Although my parents' deaths were unrelated to the Wangs, their heartlessness towards me, disregard for my parents' decades of support, are already akin to treason in my heart."

"In the army, traitors are lingchi executed."

Xu Mo nodded, gaze gradually steadying, "The position of Anshui Prefect must not fall into the hands of the Suns."

In this world, all who have power will not just defend but attack.

Waiting to counterattack only after being harmed is not kindness but foolishness.

The Wangs wanted to crush them with one strike, so they would ruthlessly plot back.

Fang Heng turned and happened to meet Xu Mo's eyes like secluded pools.

Although young, they had composure and steadiness from experiencing ups and downs, as well as some shrewdness.

Chang Yan had also come over at some point, standing beside Xu Mo, looking towards the Suns, baring his teeth in a grin, "The Suns only helped Madam Wang, not the entire Wang family."

When there were internal conflicts in a family, there would be a good show.

Just then the fireworks ended. Jiang Sheng hopped in happily, saw his three elder brothers standing together emanating frost, startled, "Eldest brother, third brother, fifth brother, what are you doing?"

"Did you enjoy the fireworks?" Xu Mo instantly softened.

"I'll take you to see more elsewhere." Fang Heng smiled, baring his teeth.

"Or we could buy some too." Chang Yan tilted his head.

Oh, it was like three dogs about to fight suddenly saw their master return, and swiftly started wagging their tails.

Jiang Sheng shook his head, brushed off the strange thoughts, "No need, fireworks are too expensive. Watching others is enough."

She hopped to the round table and shouted, "Time to eat dumplings!"

Zheng Ruqian was dozing off and was startled awake by her. Opening his eyes, he looked around frantically. Seeing the yard full of two carts of dried green beans, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Eat dumplings, eat dumplings, they'll get cold if we don't eat them soon." Zhang Xianglian called the children.

Wen Zhiyuan took a bite. Hmm, no poison. He ate two more bites, indeed no poison.

The three children by the window also came back. Everyone ate their fill and took a good nap.

On New Year's Day in the city, there was a custom to visit relatives and elders to pay New Year's greetings. But the Jiang siblings had no elders or many acquaintances. So they just paid New Year's respects to Auntie Zhang and the Zhang Qiquan couple. The three of them symbolically wrapped some copper coins in red kerchiefs, not much, just for festiveness.

The only two with social connections were Zheng Ruqian and Xu Mo.

Xu Mo went to visit the Prefect to thank him for governing the people like his children and seeking justice for the citizens.

At the same time, paving the way to oppose the Suns and Wangs.

Zheng Ruqian prepared several bags of cured meat, brown sugar and wine, as well as a pot of stewed pork and dried green beans freshly cooked, and hurried to deliver them while still hot to You Ran House.

Soon, they returned.

"Shopkeeper Hao accepted them and even gave me a red envelope." Zheng Ruqian reported to his brothers, "This batch of dried green beans is almost guaranteed to sell well."

Having made tasty flavor, there was no worry the beans would not sell. The twenty-five taels lost before the New Year would certainly be earned back after the New Year.

Compared to Zheng Ruqian's elation, eldest brother Xu Mo was much quieter.

"Eldest brother, what did the Prefect say?" Fang Heng asked.

Xu Mo shook his head.

That represented the answer was negative.

Fang Heng was surprised, couldn't help looking dazed, "Even the Prefect cannot interfere with the selection of the next Prefect. It seems we can only rely on ourselves."

Previously, there was the option of reporting to officials, seeking protection under the law.

But this time, they could only strive by themselves, relying on their good fortune.

"However, the Prefect said as long as he holds his position, he would not allow unfair or oppressive cases against the people to happen in Anshui." Xu Mo said in a deep voice.

Fang Heng pressed his lips without speaking.

Back then it was difficult enough dealing with a county magistrate. Now their opponents would be the next Prefect, a whole level higher.

But they had no choice.

Blocking might be met with difficulties, but not blocking and allowing a Sun to take the position of Anshui Prefect, what awaited them could only be catastrophic destruction.

As the ancients wisely said, when retreat was not an option, only advance remained; when loss was inevitable, only gains could be sought.

To protect their family behind them, to uphold the dignity of their youth, at this moment, they would brave winds and waves unflinchingly, with righteous courage.

Not far away, a carriage raced over, inside sat a white-faced beardless youth in his early twenties. From afar, seeing the five erect youths, he first revealed admiration, then sadness, quickly masked by feigned excitement.

When Wang Xi stopped the carriage, he scrambled down clumsily, stopped in front of Fang Heng, and held out his palm revealing the fragrant sachet meticulously sewn by Jing Xin.

"This is your red envelope."