Chapter 99: New Year (1)

Once winter arrives, the year-end feels very close.

Shen Xiling didn’t like this season for at least three reasons.

First, she was extremely busy around the year-end.

At the end of each year, all her businesses needed to settle accounts and conduct inventory. Originally, when she was just the owner of a small cloth shop, things were manageable. But now, with numerous fields and various types of businesses under her control, tasks became particularly complicated and exhausting.

It wasn’t just about the accounts; business relationships had grown increasingly complex too. Merchants she did business with, managers under her protection, and those secretly competing with her in trade associations—all required her attention. She had to tailor her words carefully to suit different people, which was no easy feat. This mental and emotional labor drained her far more than simply reviewing ledgers.

Second, during this season, Qi Ying was even busier than she was.

Though he was perpetually occupied throughout the year, the days leading up to the New Year were especially demanding. On one hand, government affairs needed to be wrapped up by year’s end. On the other, family visits and gatherings became frequent during this time. Preoccupied with these responsibilities, he rarely returned to Fengheyuan, often staying at the main household for extended periods—sometimes up to half a month or more.

Shen Xiling was deeply attached to him. Every year around this time, she felt a sense of loss. This year, however, she clung to him even more, experiencing an overwhelming reluctance to part. Amidst her own busyness, she couldn’t stop thinking about him, yet this year he stayed longer at the main household than ever before, not returning to their residence for over half a month.

She was heartbroken.

Third, this season always made her think more vividly of her parents.

Her parents’ memorial day fell near the end of the twelfth lunar month, still some time away, but it arrived during the coldest and bleakest part of the year. Over the years, Shen Xiling had matured significantly—she no longer cried uncontrollably whenever she thought of her mother and father. However, as the season approached, an undeniable heaviness settled in her heart, bringing back memories of her final moments with them. These recollections inevitably deepened her sorrow.

She didn’t want to succumb to such emotions, so she deliberately sought distractions. Fortunately, the trade association provided ample opportunities to keep her occupied, adding to her already hectic schedule.

During autumn and winter, white-stacked fabric goods were in high demand. Shen Xiling’s products remained both affordable and of excellent quality, continuing to sell briskly and generate substantial profits. Some merchants who had previously been reluctant to collaborate with her, seeing their own businesses falter and enticed by the favorable terms she offered, began softening their stance. Gradually, they disregarded the trade association’s disapproval and started reaching out to her.

This was a highly promising sign.

However, the relationship between Shen Xiling and the trade association had always been fraught with tension and delicate maneuvering. Now that the scales were tipping in Shen Xiling’s favor, the association naturally wouldn’t let matters rest.

Shen Xiling had anticipated that the association wouldn’t give up easily. She assumed they would retaliate through commercial means, perhaps offering additional support to rival merchants to compete against her. What she hadn’t expected, however, was their blatant use of intimidation—they covertly pressured several long-term collaborators to sever ties with her.

At first, Shen Xiling was unaware of this development until Manager Feng approached her.

After over a month without seeing him, the once robust manager now appeared markedly aged. His hair had turned almost entirely gray, his frame gaunt, and his complexion pale, exuding an air of exhaustion.

He informed Shen Xiling that he no longer wished to continue doing business with her.

Shen Xiling was astonished upon hearing this. After all, Manager Feng had suffered the most severe losses in the recent turmoil. His shop had been vandalized by the trade association and was still under repair. Although Shen Xiling, out of consideration for their relationship, had waived his dues for the next three months, he still struggled to make ends meet. Under such circumstances, severing ties with her would leave him utterly unable to survive.

Frowning slightly, Shen Xiling sensed something amiss and said with concern, “Our collaboration has always been voluntary on both sides. If you truly wish to part ways, I won’t force you. But if there’s something troubling you that you can’t disclose, please feel free to speak. If there’s anything I can do to help, I assure you I won’t hesitate.”

Manager Feng’s weathered face revealed a profound sadness and helplessness. Tears welled up in his eyes as he expressed gratitude, saying, “Miss Fang is a kind-hearted person who has always treated us well. It’s just…”

His voice trailed off, followed by a deep sigh, leaving the rest unsaid.

Shen Xiling understood the implications behind his hesitation and silence. After a moment’s reflection, she asked, “Is the trade association pressuring you again?”

Though Manager Feng denied it verbally, his evasive expression betrayed the truth.

Shen Xiling pieced together the situation. Initially, the association had resorted to violent tactics, vandalizing shops. After meeting with Yang Dong, both parties had refrained from further open conflict. But now, as Shen Xiling gained the upper hand, the association, unwilling to accept defeat, resorted to covert threats to undermine her. While coercion was still unethical, it wasn’t as overtly aggressive as vandalism, making legal recourse nearly impossible—a cunning strategy indeed.

What could the association possibly threaten them with? Though they hadn’t resorted to physical violence this time, what about the next? Or the time after that?

In essence, it was still brute force.

Shen Xiling’s heart grew cold. Despite Yang Dong’s outwardly refined demeanor, his actions were ruthless and despicable, leaving her thoroughly disdainful.

After a brief silence, she said to Manager Feng, “I understand you’re being pressured by the association, but my stance remains unchanged. There’s always justice to be upheld. Can the association truly overturn everything? If you trust me, we’ll carry on as usual and ignore their threats. Though I don’t possess extraordinary influence, I’ll do everything in my power to protect everyone.”

Manager Feng broke into tears, gazing at Shen Xiling, unable to speak. He was torn, unsure whether to trust the fragile-looking young woman before him.

In truth, whether he trusted her or not, he had no other options. Without Shen Xiling’s protection, his cloth shop would be doomed. How could he possibly endure the coming New Year under the association’s relentless pressure? Rather than being driven to despair, he decided to take another gamble on Miss Fang, hoping she would honor her promise and truly safeguard them.

After much deliberation, Manager Feng ultimately chose not to leave. He continued collaborating with Shen Xiling and even actively helped persuade other pressured merchants to persist. The results were encouraging—though a few withdrew, the majority stayed.

Shen Xiling was deeply grateful for their loyalty and allocated extra funds to assist Manager Feng in repairing his shop and preparing for the New Year. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Manager Feng tearfully praised Shen Xiling’s compassion, solidifying his trust in her even further.

With this matter resolved, it was now late in the twelfth lunar month.

The anniversary of Shen Xiling’s parents’ passing drew near, yet Qi Ying had still not returned to Fengheyuan from the main household. Counting carefully, they had been apart for nearly a month—a long separation, especially since Qi Ying usually accompanied her during this time, knowing she would feel melancholic. Perhaps this year’s prolonged absence was due to his exceptional busyness. Unable to visit Fengheyuan for so many consecutive days, she felt increasingly lonely.

She tried hard to suppress her longing, but eventually couldn’t bear it any longer. After much deliberation, she sent him a letter. Beyond formal greetings, she inquired if they might see each other before the year’s end.

She missed him dearly.

After sending the letter, she waited anxiously. The once-beloved Fengheyuan now seemed less appealing without him.

Strangely, though Qi Ying was a man of few words and aloof demeanor, his absence left Shen Xiling feeling that the familiar estate suddenly felt hollow.

Even somewhat desolate.

In stark contrast to Fengheyuan, the main household was bustling with activity—the liveliest time of the year.

From the middle of the twelfth lunar month, visitors streamed in, including distant relatives who began visiting early since they wouldn’t have the chance to call during the New Year festivities.

Qi Ying was undoubtedly busy, but with no wars this year, he was relatively freer than in previous years.

Qingzhu, who served closely by his side, couldn’t help but feel puzzled. In past years, despite his heavy workload, Master Qi always found time to return to Fengheyuan to check on Shen Xiling. This year, though less burdened, he hadn’t returned for nearly a month—an unprecedented occurrence in three years.

As a loyal servant, Qingzhu prioritized his master’s well-being above all else. Worried that Qi Ying’s unusual behavior stemmed from some unresolved issue, he observed him closely for several days but found nothing amiss. Confusion deepened within him.

Little did he know, greater bewilderment awaited.

One day, a letter arrived from Fengheyuan, personally penned by Shen Xiling. When Qingzhu delivered it to the master’s study, he fully expected to see a pleased expression. To his surprise, Qi Ying merely set the letter aside, continuing to review documents without even opening it.

Startled, Qingzhu thought perhaps his master hadn’t heard whom the letter was from. Clearing his throat, he repeated, “Master, a letter has arrived from Fengheyuan—it’s from Miss Fang herself.”

Yet even after this clarification, the master didn’t lift his head, only giving a nonchalant “Mm” while continuing to work. Qingzhu’s sense of unease intensified, hearing his master dismissively say, “If there’s nothing urgent, you may leave.”

Speechless, Qingzhu complied, retreating from the study.

But stepping outside didn’t alleviate his growing unease.

Having served Qi Ying since childhood, Qingzhu knew his master’s temperament best. Qi Ying adored Shen Xiling deeply, a fact evident since three years ago. Lately, their bond had grown even closer—so much so that even someone oblivious to romance like Qingzhu could sense the palpable intimacy, separated only by a thin veil. Yet inexplicably, his master suddenly distanced himself from her.

Without warning. Without reason.

No matter how much Qingzhu pondered, he couldn’t fathom the change. Frowning deeply, he exited the study, only to encounter Bai Song standing by the courtyard gate, sword in hand.

Seeing Qingzhu emerge with a troubled expression, Bai Song assumed something was wrong and inquired further. To his surprise, Qingzhu, visibly distressed, countered with a question: “Don’t you find Master’s recent behavior odd?”

Bai Song raised an eyebrow, reflected for a moment, then shook his head. “No.”

Qingzhu’s frown deepened. “But Master hasn’t returned to Fengheyuan in a long time. And just now, when a letter arrived from there, he didn’t even glance at it.”

Qingzhu’s evident worry puzzled Bai Song, who remarked, “I thought you disliked her. Why are you concerned now?”

It took Qingzhu a moment to realize Bai Song was referring to Shen Xiling.

A hint of discomfort crossed his face as he coughed lightly and replied, “Who said I’m concerned for her? I’m worried about Master. Unusual behavior often signals trouble—you understand, right?”

Bai Song shrugged indifferently, but before he could respond, a voice called from inside the room.

“Bai Song.”

The master rarely summoned Bai Song alone, and whenever he did, it invariably meant something significant.

Bai Song straightened his posture and promptly entered the study, leaving Qingzhu to ponder alone. Not long after, Bai Song emerged from the room. As he approached, Qingzhu, visibly concerned, asked, “What did Master call you in for?”

Without breaking stride, Bai Song headed toward the gate, tossing over his shoulder, “Handling important matters.”

The “important matter” Bai Song referred to was accompanying Shen Xiling to pay respects to her deceased parents.

Author’s Note:

Alright, the male lead has officially started digging his own grave.