The people around them were stunned.

This man was Leng Yuan’s maternal uncle.

’Leng Yuan’s maternal uncle is a high-ranking official?’

"Isn’t Xia Qiuming dead?"

Perhaps out of sheer shock, someone blurted out the question.

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was so quiet by the entrance that quite a few people heard him.

The county magistrate quickly spoke up.

"I know everyone is very curious about this, and it just so happens I need to explain the situation..."

"The news of his death back then was a necessary expedient. It was all for the peace of our nation. From now on, I hope no one spreads false rumors..."

With the county magistrate himself making a statement, who would dare say another word?

Although the explanation was rather official, everyone understood. This really was Xia Qiuming, Leng Yuan’s maternal uncle.

’Then Leng Yuan’s future is going to be incredible.’

They were filled with regret! 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Back when Leng Yuan’s parents both passed away, even though there were no specific rumors, everyone felt he was born under an unlucky star and wouldn’t let their children play with him.

In the entire Qingshan Team, only Chen Jianshe had stuck by Leng Yuan’s side.

The auntie who had mocked Mrs. Chen earlier was now green with envy.

With an uncle like that, why would Leng Yuan ever need to borrow money from Mrs. Chen? Forget borrowing money—by sticking with Leng Yuan, Chen Jianshe’s future was set to benefit from the connection.

Many people felt the same way as that auntie, their stomachs churning with regret.

The county magistrate announced the clarification and also told Team Leader Chen Beiguo and Village Chief Xu to hurry up and spread the word.

Chen Beiguo and Village Chief Xu understood the gravity of the situation. They immediately agreed, promising to carry out the task properly.

This wasn’t just for the Qingshan Team; it was a way to pay tribute to a hero.

When Xia Qiuming had his "accident" back then, those black-hearted relatives from the Xia family had spread no small number of rumors. Now, it was time to make them sweat.

"Alright, it’s enough that you all know about this. Isn’t today young Leng Yuan’s wedding feast? Eating is what’s important now."

They had been delayed outside for some time. By the time everyone returned to their tables, the food had grown cold.

Mrs. Chen and a few other aunties immediately took the plates away to be reheated.

The eight tables from before were already full.

Seeing there weren’t enough tables and stools, the team leader immediately sent his son to quickly borrow two more tables from the village.

Before long, they had managed to gather enough for ten tables.

The courtyard definitely wasn’t big enough, so they simply moved the tables outside the gate.

Ten tables packed with people, over a hundred guests in total—it was quite a magnificent sight.

Someone looked at Liu Xiqing and teased, "Someone was hoping to see the Leng Family become a laughingstock earlier. Well, so much for that. I remember the Liu Family only had three tables for their event, right? But look at this—ten tables, all packed!"

Liu Xiqing pressed her lips together and didn’t argue back. The Leng Yuan of today was not the same as before; how could she dare to mock him now?

Although the other villagers hadn’t been invited, they didn’t leave right away. Instead, they stood outside chatting, drawn to the lively scene inside.

People just love a good spectacle.

The food was served again, and Leng Yuan led Gu Jiaojiao to make the rounds and toast the guests.

The first table was Xia Qiuming’s.

Xia Qiuming was seated with the county magistrate, the team leader, and the village chief—all the local cadres.

When Leng Yuan offered a toast, everyone immediately drained their cups. But when it was Gu Jiaojiao’s turn, Xia Qiuming directly stuffed a red envelope into her hand.

"I came in such a hurry that I wasn’t sure what gift you’d like, so your uncle just prepared a few extra red envelopes."

He had someone investigate the situation here before he came.

He knew about Leng Yuan’s marriage.

Later, through some inquiries, he found out that Leng Yuan was hosting the feast today.

According to his original schedule, he wasn’t supposed to arrive until the day after tomorrow.

But he pushed himself, staying up for several nights to finish his work so he could rush back.

He had felt guilty enough about this nephew over the years; he absolutely had to be here for his wedding feast.

Gu Jiaojiao held the red envelope, a little embarrassed. "Thank you, Uncle."

A smile appeared on Xia Qiuming’s face.

"Good girl."

After saying that, he stuffed another one into her hand.

Gu Jiaojiao: ...

"Thank you, Uncle."

Without another word, Xia Qiuming stuffed a second one into her hand.

Gu Jiaojiao: ...

"Th-thank you, Uncle."

Again, Xia Qiuming stuffed a red envelope into her hand.

Gu Jiaojiao: ...

She was already holding seven or eight red envelopes.

And every single one was thick and heavy.

The onlookers: ...