Regardless of the Qin family’s situation, Fu Shen always respected this third uncle. Whether he was truly detached from worldly affairs or intentionally keeping a low profile, the Ying Guo Gong mansion’s low-key approach in recent years had reduced many of Fu Shen’s concerns.
He signaled Yan Xiaohan to push him in front of Fu Tingyi, raised his hand in salute, and said, “Third Uncle.”
On his nephew’s joyous day, Fu Tingyi was still wearing a Taoist robe. In recent years, he often fasted and practiced vegetarianism, looking thin and frail, with a wisp of long beard under his chin, truly resembling an immortal. Despite the previous major disturbance, he remained indifferent, closing his eyes and reciting Taoist scriptures until Fu Shen called out to him, whereupon he slightly opened his eyes.
Fu Tingyi’s eyes gleamed with spirit, his tone ethereal: “No need to bow to me. Your parents’ memorial tablets are in the family ancestral hall. If you wish, you may go pay respects.”
It was unclear who he was speaking to, and without waiting for a response, he rose and, with a sweep of his robe, floated away.
Even the Flying Dragon Guards looked at Fu Shen with sympathy: their chief investigator had been orphaned since childhood, without family, which was already tragic enough.
Fortunately, Fu Shen didn’t mind. He had already met the elders at the Golden Terrace with Yan Xiaohan, and the rest was inconsequential. Now that everyone had left, he was ready to depart.
The wedding feast continued until late at night. After sending off the last batch of guests, Yan Xiaohan said to Fu Shen, “Leave the cleanup to the servants. Come stay at my residence first.”
He knew Fu Shen had no attachment to the Hou mansion and wouldn’t refuse his invitation. Unexpectedly, Fu Shen hesitated and declined: “No need. I should have told you earlier, but I was too busy: after the wedding, I plan to move to the countryside villa to recuperate. I’ll write you the address later; if you have anything, you can find me there.”
Yan Xiaohan’s pupils contracted slightly, though his voice remained calm: “Leaving right after marriage? Did I not treat you well?”
