Leaving the village head's house, Shen Xiaoyan and the other two went straight to Madam Liang's home, which was very close by.
As they approached Madam Liang's doorstep, they discovered her main door was tightly shut, suggesting no one was home.
Shen Xiaoyan exchanged a glance with Zheng Wei. They changed direction, preparing to go to Madam Pan's house.
Unexpectedly, as they turned, Madam Liang's family of three was walking towards them.
Madam Liang had already seen Shen Xiaoyan and immediately put on a smile. "Xiaoyan, you're here. Xiao Yi just returned and told me you went to the village head's house."
Shen Xiaoyan returned a gentle smile. "Yes, we just left the village head's. Thinking it was close to Auntie's, we came to pay our New Year's respects."
Madam Liang's smile grew brighter. "That's wonderful. Come inside and sit for a while."
While the two were talking, Bai Zhong had already opened the main door and was walking inside with Zheng Wei. Shen Xiaoming was also pulled aside by Bai Yan, engaged in conversation.
Shen Xiaoming would be going to school after the New Year, and Bai Yan happened to be there too. It was good for them to get along better; he would have a playmate at school.
As the group entered, they were greeted by a large courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard stood a tree, though all its leaves had fallen, making it impossible to identify.
Madam Liang's husband, Bai Zhong, was the second child in his family. His parents had passed away, and he had already separated from his elder brother. The courtyard he lived in now was built by himself.
Perhaps because their finances were not abundant, although the courtyard was quite large, there weren't many rooms, and they weren't built with black bricks. Over time, it looked a bit worn.
Facing south were three rooms. On the west side of the courtyard were two rooms, which appeared to be the kitchen and storage area.
Despite the rooms being somewhat dilapidated, they were very clean, just like Madam Liang herself. They seemed like a tidy and capable family.
Madam Liang and Bai Zhong had three children. The eldest was a daughter, Bai Mei, who was 17 and had already married into the Wu family in Wujialing, near Tongling Town.
The second child was Bai Yan, who was only one year older than Shen Xiaoming, turning 12 this year. He was currently attending the village school.
The third child was Bai Yu, who would also be 7 this year. By age, he should also be attending school.
However, given Madam Liang's family's financial situation, it was uncertain if they could afford to send him.
Shen Xiaoyan followed Madam Liang into the house and sat on the kang. She looked around the room and asked, "Auntie, why don't I see Xiao Li?"
Shen Xiaoyan remembered that when they hosted a banquet last time, Madam Liang and Bai Zhong had only brought Bai Yan, and Bai Yu was not present. Therefore, it was strange not to see Bai Yu now.
Madam Liang smiled helplessly at the question. "Don't let his young age fool you; that boy's words are so sweet. He dotes on his maternal grandfather, who loves him dearly. He spends half the year at his maternal grandfather's house. He went this morning on his own."
Shen Xiaoyan smiled in understanding and didn't press the matter further.
Madam Liang's maternal family lived in Baiyun Village, and her family were also newcomers, so it was convenient for her to visit her maternal home.
Bai Zhong's parents had died early. Under such circumstances, it was understandable that Bai Yu would be close to his maternal relatives.
However, as far as Shen Xiaoyan knew, Madam Liang's siblings-in-law had unpleasant temperaments and were rather feisty. They likely wouldn't appreciate their sister-in-law's child constantly hanging around their home.
This was likely Madam Liang's predicament. But these were other people's affairs, and Shen Xiaoyan didn't want to pry.
Madam Liang clearly didn't want to dwell on it either, and the two women turned to other topics.
After some idle chat, Shen Xiaoyan and her companions stood up to leave. Madam Liang and Bai Zhong strongly urged them to stay for a meal.
Shen Xiaoyan thanked them and added apologetically, "Don't laugh at me, Auntie. I dislike going out in the cold. We haven't visited Aunt Wu's yet. Since it's not yet noon, we'll go see her, saving us another trip."
Madam Liang laughed heartily, pointing at Shen Xiaoyan's head. "Oh my, you girl, you're not even embarrassed to say that. Alright, Auntie won't keep you. You may go."
The three of them left Madam Liang's house. It was only mid-morning. They figured Madam Pan and others might have already returned from their New Year visits, so they went directly to Madam Pan's home.
Upon arriving at Madam Pan's house, Madam Pan was indeed home, but her husband, Wang Feng, was not. Wu Dagang was also absent.
"Auntie, why are you home alone?" Shen Xiaoyan asked curiously, sitting next to Madam Pan.
"Your uncle and Dagang went visiting and haven't returned yet," Madam Pan said with a smile. She then turned to Zheng Wei and Shen Xiaoming. "You two sit here and wait for a moment. I'll go find your uncle and Dagang."
Shen Xiaoyan quickly waved her hand. "No need, Auntie. We'll just sit for a while and then leave."
Madam Pan ignored Shen Xiaoyan's refusal, stood up, and walked outside, saying as she went, "What are you being polite about with your aunt? You'll eat lunch here today."
Before she finished speaking, Madam Pan had already reached the courtyard. Shen Xiaoyan quickly stood up and hurried after her.
However, as soon as she entered the courtyard, Shen Xiaoyan saw someone she really didn't want to see: Shen Cheng.
"You unfilial daughter, everyone else is going home to pay respects to their elders, but only you. You went to the village head's, then to Bai Zhong's, and now you're at Wang Feng's. Don't you know to go back and see your own parents?"
Zheng Wei and Shen Xiaoming hadn't stood up or come out, but upon hearing Shen Cheng's voice from the courtyard, they were startled and immediately stood up.
They walked into the courtyard and saw Shen Cheng standing by the main gate, hands behind his back, looking at Shen Xiaoyan with a furious expression.
At this moment, Shen Xiaoyan also spoke. "Are you forgetful? You're not that old. You just had a daughter, how can your brain be so useless?"
As Shen Xiaoyan spoke, she shook her head with a look of pity.
Hearing this, Shen Cheng became even angrier and roared, "What nonsense are you spouting?"
Shen Xiaoyan let out a mocking laugh. "If you've forgotten, I'll remind you one more time: neither I nor Xiaoming have any relation to you."
Shen Cheng opened his mouth to retort, but then he heard Shen Xiaoyan continue, "Technically, this year's money shouldn't be given yet. But today is the first day of the new year. Since you've come, I'll give it to you. From now on, don't come looking for us. Let's not make things awkward for everyone."
Shen Xiaoyan said this, took out two taels of silver from her sleeve, and walked forward quickly, placing the money into Shen Cheng's hand.
"Auntie, you're busy. We won't stay for lunch." Shen Xiaoyan smiled apologetically at Madam Pan, then said to Zheng Wei and Shen Xiaoming, "Let's go back."
Zheng Wei and Shen Xiaoming both had expressionless faces. As they passed Madam Pan, they smiled apologetically, then strode past Shen Cheng and left with Shen Xiaoyan.
Madam Pan watched the three of them leave, her heart filled with apprehension. From now on, Shen Xiaoyan and her companions would not easily come to her home.
It wasn't unreasonable for Madam Pan to think this way. Every time Shen Xiaoyan visited, she encountered Shen Cheng's family. This was certainly not a pleasant experience for Shen Xiaoyan.
It was also unavoidable, as she lived next door to the Shen family.
Madam Pan sighed, ignored Shen Cheng, and turned back into the house.
Shen Cheng stood in place, stunned for a long while. His hand holding the money clenched into a fist, and his face was filled with anger. After a long moment, he released his fist and turned to go home.
Madam Pan's thoughts were not wrong. On their way home, Shen Xiaoyan and her companions discussed it. From now on, they would try their best to avoid coming to Madam Pan's home. As for the Shen family, they would stay as far away as possible.
This wasn't because they feared the Shen family, but because they truly didn't want these matters to interfere with their lives.
As they walked home, there were fewer people on the road, likely because everyone was preparing lunch.
However, many children were gathered together playing and chasing each other.
Some bolder boys picked up unlit firecrackers from those that had been set off and lit them one by one.
Although the sound was very small, it still made these children laugh with joy, as it was the only time they could have firecrackers.
Shen Xiaoyan looked at Shen Xiaoming. "Xiaoming, do you want to go play with them?"
Shen Xiaoming shook his head. "I don't."
Shen Xiaoyan said nothing further. The three of them walked directly out of the village towards home.
Upon returning home, it was indeed time for lunch. There were still many dishes left from yesterday. They just needed to heat them up for the three of them to eat.