Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 131 Part 2

    Fei Yazheng might have been a poor scholar, but he had a knack for business. After two years of travel, he returned to Siyang and started his own small ventures. Now, he owned three shops. Zhang Fangyuan once joked to Xu He that both children of the Xu siblings had defied their fathers’ professions.

    As Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He’s world expanded, they paid less attention to village gossip. News about Xu Shaochun’s family usually came from Liu Xianglan, who visited the city occasionally to run errands and check on Xu He and the boys.  

    After Xu Shaochun bore Fei Lian a son, they had no more children. In their youth, marital strife and concubine had strained their relationship. Fei Lian preferred his concubine, and his mother had quarreled endlessly with Xu Shaochun, making her life miserable.  

    With no support from her husband, Xu Shaochun poured all her love into her son. Fortunately, Fei Yazheng was sensible and fiercely loyal to her, remaining at odds with Fei Lian since childhood.  

    As Fei Yazheng grew older and his business prospered, the family’s fortunes visibly improved. Once he gained influence, he spoiled Xu Shaochun with fine food, servants, and luxuries. Knowing his mother had been the village beauty in her youth, he showered her with clothes and jewelry, bringing back cartloads of gifts after every trip.  

    If anyone dared mistreat his mother, Fei Yazheng wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. As the Fei family’s only capable heir, everyone obeyed him.  

    Fei Lian resented Fei Yazheng for not becoming a scholar like Ruijin but still spent his son’s money. Whenever he tried to scold Xu Shaochun, Fei Yazheng would rebuke him. Having won over the clan with his generosity, Fei Yazheng soon became the family's decision-maker, leaving Fei Lian powerless.  

    With her son’s backing, Xu Shaochun regained her youthful glow in recent years.  

    Villagers marveled, as if transported back to her maiden days - rosy-cheeked, radiant, and exquisitely dressed. Though age had crept in, her beauty remained. Dressed in the latest Jiangnan fabrics and adorned with ever-changing hairpins, she now resembled a wealthy matron.  

    The Xu siblings had long been the talk of the village, and even after two decades, they remained a hot topic.  

    "Yazheng, you’re back too? Your grandmother mentioned you’d gone to Jiangnan on business."  

    Xu He greeted him warmly. Though Yazheng’s father and the Zhang family didn’t get along, the young man respected them deeply. Xu Shaochun had said Yazheng admired Zhang Fangyuan’s business acumen since childhood and never missed sending gifts during festivals.  

    Yazheng guided his horse to the carriage and nodded at Ruili before replying, "I just returned last night. Brought back some Jiangnan fabrics for Mother, so I hurried home."  

    "After being away so long, she must have missed you. But with such filial piety, her worries were worth it."  

    Yazheng smiled and turned to Ruijin. "I heard the news of your success in the exams. Congratulations, Cousin."  

    "No need for formalities between brothers. Since we’re both back, we should spend more time together." Ruijin said. "Ruili wants to go hunting, you should join us."  

    "That sounds perfect!"  

    "Enough standing in the sun! The tea at home has been reheated multiple times already!"  

    As they spoke, Zhang Shixin and Zhang Shicheng, having heard of the family’s return, had been waiting impatiently. When they learned the villagers had blocked the road, they brought servants to escort them home.  

    Though Zhang Fangyuan’s long absence made it hard for him to command the villagers’ respect, Zhang Shixin and Zhang Shicheng had remained in the village. As the Zhang family’s wealth grew, so did their authority.  

    Three years ago, after the old village chief passed away, Zhang Shixin was elected as the new village chief, wielding considerable influence. Now, coming to fetch their nephew, the villagers had no choice but to disperse.  

    "Yazheng, come to our place for a visit."  

    Yazheng declined, "I still have goods to deliver. I’ll stop by after settling things at home."  

    Zhang Fangyuan agreed. "Make sure you do. It’s rare for you cousins to gather."  

    "With Cousin leaving for his official post next year, I’ll definitely come."  

    After parting ways, the two groups continued on their separate paths.  

    The lively roadside reception was just the beginning. Back at the estate, another round of excitement awaited. The entire extended family had gathered at the gate, young and old alike, eagerly watching for Ruijin. They bombarded him with questions about the capital and his exam journey.  

    Ruili jumped down from the carriage. "Uncles and aunts, you’re only fussing over Brother. Haven’t you missed me too? How unfair!"  

    "Look at Ruili, growing taller but still as petty as ever, jealous of his own brother!"  

    Everyone laughed.  

    Zhang Shixin urged, "Alright, enough standing around. Let’s head inside."  

    The crowd finally filed into the house.  

    After Zhang Fangyuan moved to the city, his second aunt and fourth uncle’s family had lived in the old house. Later, as clan leader, he oversaw the ancestral hall’s construction. His elder cousins, having made fortunes with their trade caravan, expanded the estate further, and Zhang Shixin’s family moved in.  

    Now, the sprawling compound housed the Zhang clan’s closest relatives, three families in total. The rooms once occupied by Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He remained untouched. With all present, the family - including elders, children, and servants, numbered several dozen, creating a lively atmosphere.  

    The family feasted and chatted late into the night. Only by the next day did the excitement gradually settle, bringing peace at last.  

    However , Ruili couldn’t stay idle. He dragged Ruijin and their cousins to pick watermelons, fish in the ponds, and hunt in the hills. With the children gone, the house grew quieter.  

    During harvest season, the adults were busy, leaving Zhang Fangyuan who was usually swamped with work free to relax with Xu He.  

    "After over a decade, this osmanthus tree has grown beautifully."  

    Xu He stepped outside and found Zhang Fangyuan lounging under the golden osmanthus tree, his tall frame barely fitting the rocking chair.  

    Hearing him, Zhang Fangyuan opened his eyes and reached out. Xu He took his hand and moved closer.  

    "This year’s blossoms are especially fragrant."  

    Zhang Fangyuan gazed at the clusters of osmanthus flowers, their sweet scent carried by the autumn breeze. Petals dusted Xu He’s shoulders - a picture of serenity.  

    He smiled softly.  

    "I’m like this osmanthus tree."  

    Xu He tilted his head. "Hmm?"  

    Zhang Fangyuan murmured, "Come closer, and I’ll tell you a story…"  

    A story that began with you and ends with you.