"You've got a good plan. I think you're just after her cooking. Besides, you're only guessing. She might not have such deep intentions. Maybe she's just grateful to Wen'er, which is why she was so generous."

"Just a simple thank you? Ten gold coins! Have you been spending money like water all these years? Don't you know how much that is? Our parents couldn't save that much even after most of their lives."

"They do offer a lot, but they might not be waiting for our Wen'er to grow up, as you say. They already have a daughter, don't they? Even if it's as you say, they're more likely to choose Wen'er as their son-in-law."

At this moment, Feng Zichuan realized what was happening, broke free from his wife's deliberate manipulation, and saw through her scheme at a glance.

"I don't think it's her having designs on our family, but rather that you've taken a fancy to her body."

Do you think she's not good enough?

"What do you mean, 'I think'? You're the only one in my eyes."

Feng Zichuan spoke with unwavering conviction and resolute tone. Would he really step into a trap like that? He was joking.

"Stop fooling around, I'm talking to you about serious matters."

Yu Huilian's voice was full of complaint, but there was a hint of laughter in her words.

"I still think the age gap is too big."

"Ha, men, all you want is to find Wen'er a mistress?"

“A few years older doesn’t matter, but this is too much.”

"What do you know? When Wen'er reaches marriageable age, Manager Wen will be in her prime, the best age for childbearing. There will be virtually no danger in getting pregnant and giving birth then."

"You want to emulate the powerful and wealthy families of the prefectural city?"

At this moment, Feng Zichuan finally understood his wife's thoughts. When he was studying in the prefectural city, he had heard many similar stories and made acquaintances with some related people.

For wealthy and powerful families, the continuation of their family line is of utmost importance. Even for the poor, the risks of having a child are no less than those of having a child; they face the very real danger of death, and the slightest mishap could result in the loss of both mother and child.

Therefore, some wealthy families sought out widows who had given birth, as their experience minimized the risks involved. If the woman was from a well-off family and was educated and reasonable, that was even better; even elaborate betrothal rites and formal marriage arrangements, along with the granting of a title, were negotiable.

"What? Those aristocratic families can do it, but our Feng family can't?"

"No, that's too early. Let's wait until Wen'er is of marriageable age before we talk about it!"

Feng Zichuan was both amused and exasperated, still finding it somewhat absurd, but he was also secretly tempted.

"Early? It's too late to start preparing when it's almost time! By the time Wen'er grows up, it'll be too late. What if Manager Wen really doesn't have the heart for her and marries someone else? Where will we find someone like her then?"

"Now you're worried that they're not interested anymore."

Feng Zichuan joked.

"You heartless wretch! If it works out, won't it be your Feng family line that's continuing?"

"I just think it's too early to say."

"Then you don't need to worry about it, I'll take care of it."

"Don't do anything reckless!"

"When have I ever acted recklessly?"

"That's true."

Feng Zichuan trusted his wife completely, but after a moment of silence, he couldn't help but bring up another matter that had been troubling him for a long time.

"Huilian, when are we going to talk things out with our parents and Wen'er? Why do we have to pretend to be poor every time we go home?"

“If you’re not afraid of your father breaking your legs, you can go and say it now.”

"My dad probably won't hit me, right?"

Feng Zichuan's tone was full of uncertainty, tinged with a hint of guilt.

"Your parents sold nearly half of their possessions to buy us a shop in the prefectural city, all so that you could study in the academy without worrying about your daily food, clothing, and other necessities. But you haven't even passed the imperial examination, yet you're rolling in money. What do you think your father is thinking?"

"Maybe he'll praise me?"

"Then go and tell your parents now!"

"Forget it, forget it, I'll confess after I pass the imperial examination."

Feng Zichuan recalled his father, who had never valued money much and despised merchants who pursued profit without regard for morality.

"You already know, why ask?"

Yu Huilian was somewhat unwilling to talk to her husband.

“We’re enjoying a comfortable life in the city, while my two elderly parents are living in this dilapidated house in the village. I really can’t rest easy about it!”

"If you're not at ease, study hard, pass the imperial examination, and then explain things to your parents. Then you can build a big house with three courtyards in this village."

"...Okay, I'll study hard when I get back after the New Year."

"You said it yourself. When the time comes, I will instruct all my managers that if anyone dares to let you touch any business matters again, I will break their legs."

"Fine, it's your decision anyway."

In the bedroom, which was separated from his room by only one wall, Feng Bingwen turned over. Although he had not learned any supernatural abilities related to hearing, with his current physique, the wall was no obstacle for him.

He listened intently to every word of his parents' conversation. As for his far-sighted mother, who was even planning to settle down and have a grandchild, Feng Bingwen could only wrap himself tightly in his blanket and go to sleep quietly.

What could he say?

Mother, I don't crave Sister Wen?

Bullshit!

Will his mother listen to him?

Judging from his parents' tone, it seems they used the money given to them by the two elders as start-up capital to build a great business in the prefectural city. The key is his father's attitude; it seems that everything was led by his mother.

It would be truly bizarre if someone with such a unique background, who has developed such a personality and perspective, were to listen to the opinions of a child.

"Go to sleep!"

Feng Bingwen held his breath, wanting nothing more than to sleep. Oh, wait, there was something he'd forgotten to do.

"A celestial book!"

Billions of rays of light burst forth, revealing a celestial book. The ancient pages were turned, and the ancient seal script, which was unfamiliar to everyone but somehow understandable, was displayed before their eyes.

Name: Feng Bingwen

Good deeds: 768

Misdeeds: 369

Over the past month, without any proactive action, his good deeds have increased by more than two hundred, all provided by the thugs he had taught. Due to the karmic connection, every good deed they did had a share of his karma.

As for the increase in misconduct, it was even less, only three points, a change of only single digits, which can basically be ignored. Humans are not saints; even if they intend to do good, they will unintentionally make some mistakes, which are harmless.

"With my current strength, I should be able to give it a try."

Feng Bingwen focused his mind on the Heavenly Book, silently contemplating the small amount of evil he had committed, which amounted to less than a fraction of the good merit he had expended.

"Heavenly Book, I am willing to bear the evil karma and suffer the calamity I deserve!"