Chapter 25: A Man Must Always Have Some Money on Him

Upon hearing Xu An’s words, Zhao Hong and Xu Panpan exchanged glances, each harboring their own thoughts.

Xu Panpan felt that Xu An must have been deeply provoked to utter such unrealistic nonsense. He had spent so many years studying; how could he simply say he was done with it?

As for Zhao Hong, he was convinced that Xu An was merely bragging. It was a classic case of someone with high aspirations but no real ability. A man who had relied on his brother-in-law for sustenance his entire life was now dreaming of becoming a wealthy merchant and lifting the entire village out of poverty? If he was going to brag, he might as well have gone all out and declared he would become the richest man in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Zhao Hong truly wanted to retort, but seeing his wife by his side, he feared a fierce scolding if he spoke his mind. Thus, he retracted his gaze and remained silent.

Seeing the look in their eyes, Xu An knew they didn't believe him. He didn't press the matter further, instead smiling and saying, "Sister, brother-in-law, let’s eat. I’ll show you something later."

It was a simple, unremarkable meal, yet everyone felt deeply satisfied. Xu Panpan glanced at Xu An and praised him sincerely, "Xiao An, I never expected your cooking to be this good. It’s even better than mine."

Her expression turned guilty as she continued, "Have you been cooking for yourself in secret all this time? You’ve really suffered. I asked you to come eat at my place so many times, but you were always so stubborn and refused."

Xu An laughed. "Sister, the books say that it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. I couldn't rely on you forever, could I? I have to grow up eventually. Look at me now—isn't things going quite well? If I had run to your place for every meal, I might never have discovered that I could cook like this."

"Enough, enough, Xiao An, don't talk to me about books. It gives me a headache." Xu Panpan shook her head and said matter-of-factly, "I only know that you are my own brother, and it is my duty to look after you."

Xu An smiled, then turned to Zhao Hong with a sincere expression. "Brother-in-law, I’ve caused you quite a bit of trouble over the years. I’m truly sorry, and I appreciate all the hard work you’ve done to help my sister."

Zhao Hong was taken aback. In the past, his brother-in-law had always looked down on him with disdain. Most of the time, he would spend Zhao Hong’s money while cursing him behind his back. Had the sun risen from the west today? Why would he say such things? The sudden change left Zhao Hong completely bewildered.

"Xiao An, why are you telling him all that? He’s your brother-in-law; it’s his job," Xu Panpan interjected dominantly. Before Zhao Hong could respond, she turned to him and asked, "You, tell me honestly, has it been hard for you to look after me?"

Zhao Hong shook his head frantically like a rattle-drum. "No... no, not at all."

"Of course it hasn't been hard! I’m the one doing all the serving. When have you ever served me?" Xu Panpan glared at him.

Zhao Hong dared not speak, though he thought to himself, *Wife, you are in the prime of your youth, and there is certainly plenty for me to attend to.*

Xu An shook his head with a wry smile. His sister’s temperament was indeed too fiery and domineering; most people would find it hard to endure. Yet, she possessed a truly kind heart.

"Xiao An, you must reconsider the matter of your studies. Don't give up so easily," Xu Panpan said, recalling his earlier words. "If you work hard, I believe you can become a top scholar and bring glory to the Xu family. Then, I can bask in your success, too."

Xu An felt helpless and said, "Sister, wait here for a moment. I have something to show you." He rose and left the room. Everyone, including Su Yan'er, looked at him with curious expressions.

A moment later, Xu An returned holding a bag. He set it on the table and tipped it over, spilling out a pile of silver. It was exactly forty-nine taels and five maces. The sight left everyone present stunned.

Xu Panpan covered her rosy mouth, staring at Xu An in shock, her voice stuttering. "Xiao... Xiao An, where... where did you get so much silver?"

"That's right, Xiao An, we cannot do anything illegal..." Zhao Hong began, but before he could finish, Xu Panpan snapped, "You! What do you mean by that? Can't you speak properly? Do you think my brother is the type to engage in criminal activities?"

Zhao Hong went silent again, though deep concern stirred in his heart. If Xu An had truly done something illicit, they, as his relatives, would be held collectively responsible.

"Sister, brother-in-law, please don't worry. This money was earned honestly through my own business," Xu An explained with a smile, sensing their anxiety.

"What kind of business could earn you so much money?" Xu Panpan asked, frowning. Fifty taels was several years' income for an ordinary family. Zhao Hong also looked at Xu An with intense curiosity.

"Sister, brother-in-law, it’s not convenient to explain the details right now, but I can guarantee that what I’m doing is legitimate and absolutely not against the law. When the time is right, I’ll tell you everything, and we can all work together to prosper," Xu An said, his face full of ambition. He trusted them both, so he wasn't intentionally hiding things.

"Well... alright then, Xiao An. Since you have your own plans, I won't say anything more," Xu Panpan replied. "But although I don't know much about business, I know that one doesn't always make a profit. Gains and losses are the norm, so you must act within your means. I support you. If it doesn't work out, don't force it; returning to your studies is still a good path."

"I know, Sister. I will."

"However, please don't spread the word about this yet. Before I save up enough capital, I don't want everyone knowing and causing a stir. It would lead to unnecessary trouble."

"Don't worry, Xiao An, your brother-in-law and I won't go around talking," Xu Panpan promised, and Zhao Hong nodded in agreement.

"Then thank you, Sister, Brother-in-law." Xu An pushed a ten-tael silver ingot toward them. "You have taken care of me for all these years. Please accept this. It cannot repay even a fraction of what you’ve done for me, but it is a small token of my gratitude. Please don't refuse."

"Xiao An, that makes us sound like strangers," Xu Panpan said quickly. "We treat you well because you are our family. We never expected anything in return."

"That’s right. We can't take this money," Zhao Hong added. "Don't you need capital for your business? You should keep it for yourself."

At this moment, Zhao Hong felt as though Xu An had changed. It wasn't just his attitude toward him, but his character and his way of speaking that seemed different—more refined, more graceful, and more appreciative of kindness.

"I have already figured out the capital," Xu An insisted. "Please take it, or I won't feel at ease."

"Very well, we will hold onto it for safekeeping for you. Whenever you need it, just come and get it," Zhao Hong said, picking up the silver and placing it in his wife’s hand, though she gave him a sharp pinch under the table.

A while later, the couple left. Xu An and the little girl began to lay out the bedding to sleep. Luckily, he hadn't chopped up all the beds earlier, or they would have been sleeping on the floor.

"Husband, was that money earned from selling white sugar?" the little girl asked suddenly.

"Smart girl, that's exactly how I earned it," Xu An said, patting her head.

Once the bed was made, he took out all the remaining silver. After deducting the fifteen taels for the cost of fifty catties of white sugar and the two taels for the high-interest loan, he had twelve taels and five maces left to spend. He split the money into two parts: five taels for his own pocket for incidental expenses—after all, a man always needs a little cash on hand—and seven taels and five maces which he placed into a purse and handed to the little girl.

"Yan'er, the rest is for business expenses, but this is our household's net profit—money we can spend freely. I’m putting you in charge of it. From now on, whenever you need money, you can take it from here!"

"You... you want me to keep it?" Su Yan'er was stunned. She looked up at Xu An, her bright eyes filled with astonishment.