Chapter 355: Let the Chaos Begin
Chapter 355: Chapter 355: Let the Chaos Begin
The Gu Family let the villagers watch another drama this time. Originally somewhat apprehensive villagers, seeing their farcical behavior, also felt these people are nothing to fear.
The happiest was the village chief. It’s good that these people are causing trouble; it means no one will fixate on his position.
When a big family is not united, outsiders have nothing to fear.
Today, people coming to visit for New Year’s greetings were endless. Zhu Ziqiang spent the whole day laughing, and when he met children, he was uncharacteristically generous, giving each some peanuts.
After a round of visitors left, it was their turn to go out and pay respects to the elders. Seeing the children running around in the yard, he suddenly remembered, "Don’t forget to visit the Gu Family at the end of the village."
"Yes, we indeed should," Tian Cuifen quickly nodded, "We’ve made some silver thanks to them recently, and our days have been much better.
We don’t have much to give, but we still need to maintain connections."
If they don’t engage, this good job might be taken by another, and then they would have something to cry about.
The two daughters-in-law also agreed since their families had earned some income because of it.
Kai Yuan was walking in the yard holding a child. He had just checked the backyard, and now the greenhouse completely met the family’s need for green vegetables.
He once thought of selling some in the county, but thinking of the complicated situation there, he gave up on that idea.
"Happy New Year!"
Early in the morning, the gate was wide open. After all, it’s the New Year, a time to welcome fortune.
Li Dazhuang saw someone coming and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Happy New Year, Village Chief’s Wife!"
"I’ve come to give your master and mistress my regards," Tian Cuifen stood outside with her two sons and daughters-in-law. Even though she had visited several times, she remained very courteous to this well-off family.
"Happy New Year!" Nanny Pang was also delighted to see visitors. In the past, at the manor house, during New Year, children liked to crowd around her.
She had no children, so she was particularly generous with them. Hence, adults feared her, but children were close to her.
This year, having come here, even Li Dazhuang’s children were still very close to her, but due to their age, the atmosphere was a bit quieter, lacking the New Year’s vibe.
As the day had passed without anyone visiting for New Year’s greetings, hearing noise now, she couldn’t help but step out to welcome them.
Seeing the stewardess nanny, Tian Cuifen quickly led her two daughters-in-law to bow, "Nanny, Happy New Year!"
"Alright, come in and sit down." She ushered them in. Wu Xiaocui quickly went to serve snacks and tea.
Kai Yuan, holding his child, nodded at them, exchanged New Year greetings, and then greeted Zhu Ziqiang’s two sons.
Nanny Pang explained to Tian Cuifen, "My mistress is still in confinement after childbirth, so she can’t come out to greet you. I hope you understand."
Though Tian Cuifen thought Bai Suihe was being a bit dramatic, as locally, women would be out working the day after giving birth, there was no such thing as confinement.
Of course, she wouldn’t say anything offensive but instead accompanied her words with a smile, "That’s as it should be. Recovering well is more important than anything."
This Gu mistress always had an entourage when going out and lived reclusively usually, so she certainly had little in common with them. Her not appearing also saved them some discomfort.
After serving them snacks and tea, they were seen off.
Thinking things would calm down, who knew more visitors soon followed.
In reality, villagers were observing the village chief’s lead. Since he made friendly ties, they certainly couldn’t fall behind.
Only Kai Yuan’s family among the exiled ones was notably wealthy. They might rely on them in the future, so such rare opportunities for friendship couldn’t be missed.
Wave after wave of visitors came, making Nanny Pang beam with joy. Finally, her role as a steward nanny had some purpose.
By lunch, the visits stopped. Just as they were preparing for a meal, Chen Dafu arrived.
Kai Yuan wore a baffled expression but still greeted with a smiling face, "Mr. Chen, Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year!" Chen Dafu responded, "Today I came to say goodbye."
Kai Yuan was even more puzzled. To be honest, they didn’t have much of a relationship and merely spoke occasionally.
"Does it seem odd?"
Kai Yuan honestly nodded, "Mr. Chen, are you returning to the capital, having finished your duties?"
"Indeed, you’re a sharp kid," Chen Dafu wasn’t surprised. "My duties are done, and I’ll leave shortly. But I wanted to come and tell you."
"Don’t you feel there’s no need for these formalities between us?"
Kai Yuan, "... You’ve said everything, what else can I say?"
"Though we haven’t interacted much along the way, I’ve acknowledged your character.
You’re different from Gu Baijiang; you don’t seem like a Gu Family member at all.
Though some of your actions are improper, I do appreciate your temperament.
If you return to the capital someday, remember to visit my house, so I won’t be fretting over you."
Kai Yuan chuckled, "Mr. Chen, stop giving me riddles. Just speak plainly."
"You’re really not the lovable type, making it hard for this old man who means well.
I came just to remind you, if you want peace, it’s best to keep your distance from the old Gu Family."
Kai Yuan, "Is Mr. Chen too idle, even involving himself in my family’s affairs?
Unless you’re preparing to take over the Imperial Censorate upon returning."
Chen Dafu spat, "Don’t curse me like that. I’m not one of those talking heads trying to find a sense of existence.
Don’t think I’m meddling either; for the safety of your entire family, it’s best you think of getting out of here."
After leaving those words, Chen Dafu turned to leave. He’d taken several steps towards the door, and Kai Yuan still hadn’t called him back.
He could only stopping, looking at Kai Yuan helplessly, "Aren’t you curious, to ask me why?"
"Mr. Chen, take care."
Chen Dafu looked at him for a few seconds, then suddenly chuckled twice, unsure if he was mocking himself or Kai Yuan, and quickly disappeared from the Gu Family.
"Master?" Nanny Pang stepped forward, "Should we send someone to keep an eye on him?"
Kai Yuan shook his head, "I’ve already got someone on it."
Nanny Pang said no more, instructing to serve the prepared meal to the main room, as the mistress must not go hungry.
Kai Yuan cleaned himself up and entered the room as well, since he needed to accompany his wife for the meal, regardless of what schemes Chen Dafu might have.
"What did Chen Dafu mean by that?" Bai Suihe had overheard the conversation outside.