Chapter 100: 25,000 Gold! Yue E Unveils Her Fortune, Leaves Lu Qingshan Stunned!

Night fell, Shanwan village gradually grew quiet, but the new courtyard of Lu Qingshan's home was brightly lit, brimming with festive cheer.

Chen Zhiguo stayed behind, and Lin Yue'e deftly prepared a lavish spread, specially stewing the little rooster she had raised for over three months, its aroma filling the whole courtyard.

On the heated table, golden chicken broth steamed, along with a few refreshing homestyle stir-fries, and Lu Qingshan brought out his treasured fine wine.

"Brother Chen, tonight's meal is both a celebration and a thanks for your continual support!"

Lu Qingshan lifted his wine cup, his smile sincere.

"Saying that would be overstepping!"

Chen Zhiguo was in high spirits, clinked cups with Lu Qingshan, and the wine rippled out of the cup.

After a few cups, the atmosphere grew even more lively.

Chen Zhiguo's face flushed red; he set down his cup, eyes filled with unmistakable excitement and emotion, and slapped his thigh, saying: "Brother Qing Shan, not to hide it from you, this truly is a massive blessing! The Lu Jia Ying case shook the province and the city; solving it so cleanly and decisively, I… I also basked in the glory! The bureau will issue a document soon; I, Chen Zhiguo, am being promoted exceptionally to Deputy Chief of the County Public Security Bureau!"

"Oh my! That's truly a monumental joy!"

Lu Qingshan, hearing that, was both surprised and delighted, sincerely happy for him, quickly raised his cup again, "Brother Chen, congratulations! This is well deserved! I must toast you with this cup, wishing you continual promotion and a brilliant future!"

"Shared joy, shared joy! Hahaha!"

Chen Zhiguo, full of vigor, clanged cups heavily with him, drained it in one gulp, his gaze full of sincerity and gratitude.

"In the end, you, Lu Qingshan, deserve the primary credit for this! From now on, whenever there's anything, as long as it doesn't break principles, any help you can give, you must not be half‑hearted!"

Lu Qingshan felt a stir in his heart, sensing the moment was ripe, set down his cup, his expression a bit solemn, and after a pause said, "Brother Chen, now that we've come this far, I actually have a matter and would like to ask you, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Chen, for a big favor."

"Hey! Between the two of us, who's who! Speak straight!"

Chen Zhiguo pounded his chest, his spirit soaring.

"I want… I want to go to Beijing as soon as possible."

Lu Qingshan spoke slowly, his voice low, yet carrying an uncontainable yearning and a barely perceptible unease.

"My parents… were scattered because of background issues and have been out of touch. I want to use this moment to go there and look, even if only a thread of a clue, I want to try."

This has been his deepest, most urgent obsession since his rebirth, beyond providing a stable, happy life for his wife and daughter.

Hearing that, Chen Zhiguo's smile faded, his expression turning serious in an instant, and he nodded heavily: "Searching for relatives! That's a monumental matter, it must be handled, and quickly! Brother Qing Shan, rest assured, this is on me! The Introduction Letter, travel documents, and any conveniences you might need on the road—I'll arrange them! However, you may need to wait a few days; my work here has just been handed over, a tangled mess. Once I sort it out, I'll get everything ready for you at once!"

"That's truly thank you so much, Brother Chen! With those words, I feel at ease!"

Lu Qingshan was overjoyed, as if a massive stone in his heart had dropped to the ground.

Late at night, the world was silent; outside the window only occasional dog barks and insect chirps could be heard.

Xiao Xue had already been sleeping soundly on the heated brick bed, her little mouth slightly pursed, emitting a steady breathing sound.

Lin Yue'e, however, tossed and turned, burdened with heavy thoughts.

She gently tucked the corner of Lu Qingshan's blanket, hesitated for a long while, then could not help but lightly nudge him, her voice a soft nasal whisper, "Qing Shan, you… you're going to Beijing this time, the road is so far, could… could you take me and Xiao Xue with you?"

Her voice was full of anxiety and hope.

These days, her husband's change had given her a renewed reliance, accustomed to his solid presence.

The thought of him traveling alone left her heart feeling hollow, empty, full of unease.

Lu Qingshan opened his eyes; in the hazy moonlight, he saw his wife's slightly reddened eye circles.

He reached out, clasping her soft, slightly cool hand in his palm, silent for a moment, a wave of tenderness rising within him.

He never lacked the desire to keep mother and daughter by his side at all times, but the Beijing trip carries too many variables.

"Yue E," his voice low and gentle, tinged with a hint of guilt, "I know you worry about me and want the family together. But this trip to Beijing is far, I'm going to search for my parents, I've been away from Beijing for eight years, I don't know how long it will take, nor what obstacles may arise. Xiao Xue is still young, she can't endure such travel. If… if things go poorly, I don't want you and our daughter to suffer alongside me, fearing danger."

He paused, pulled his wife into his arms, his chin resting against her forehead, his tone resolute: "Trust me. Let me go first, scout the road, settle in. If I can successfully find my parents, or establish a foothold there, I swear I'll return at once to bring you both over! Then we'll buy a big courtyard in Beijing, have Xiao Xue attend school there, our family never separated again, okay?"

Lin Yue'e listened quietly, feeling the warmth of her husband's embrace and the sincerity and undeniable truth in his words.

Though her heart still brimmed with deep reluctance and an indescribable sense of loss, she understood her husband's concerns and determination.

She rested her head gently on his chest, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat; after a long while, she gave a slightly choked "mm" and said, "Whatever you say. You needn't worry about home; I'll take good care of Xiao Xue, guard our household, and wait for your return."

After a while, Lin Yue'e seemed to recall something and said softly, "By the way, Qing Shan, I've been carefully accounting for the recent sales of ginseng, deer antlers, and this bonus you received. Building a new house, buying cattle and sheep, purchasing seedlings, and everyday expenses—I've logged every entry." She pulled a cloth‑wrapped notebook and a bunch of keys from under the pillow, "I recalculated this afternoon; after subtracting all expenses under twenty thousand, our family now… still has twenty‑five thousand three hundred twenty‑one yuan and five jiao left."

"How much?"

Lu Qingshan sat up abruptly, scarcely believing his ears.

Over twenty‑five thousand!

In this era where even ten‑thousand‑yuan households are rare, this sum is practically astronomical!

He knew the household had recent income, but never expected Lin Yue'e to manage the home so meticulously and stash such a huge amount!

His heart pounded, a surge of immense joy and pride flooding him.

Lin Yue'e was startled by his sudden movement, then shyly whispered, "Is it… a lot? I'm afraid that you'll spend it recklessly, so I kept it all saved…"

Lu Qingshan felt an indescribable warmth and moved, lay back down, gripping his wife's hand tightly, his voice a touch hoarse, "Yue E, my good daughter‑in‑law, you've worked hard! With you running the house, I can rest easy all my life!" This money not only secures their future life, but also gives him solid confidence for venturing to Beijing and searching for his parents!

He said softly, "Keep the money safe; the family farm is just starting, there will be many future expenses. I won't need that much for Beijing; just set aside three hundred yuan for travel expenses, and keep the rest at home."

"Mm."

Lin Yue'e replied softly, but in her heart silently calculated, determined to prepare extra money and supplies for her husband so he wouldn't suffer hardship while away, maintaining dignity.

Outside the window, the moon was bright and stars sparse; the towering mountain silhouette reflected in the dry rice bowl loomed in the cold moonlight like a silent giant, guarding the land.

Lu Qingshan gently embraced his wife, his heart already roiling with waves.

Beijing, that name both familiar and foreign, bears too many regrets and hopes from his past and present lives.

The parents, separated for nearly ten years, where are they now?

Are they doing well?

This journey, no matter how arduous, he must undertake!