Chapter 5: The Decision of Wang Xiaoguan

At this point, even if things go awry, it is still my own fault. Song Bo, you were merely chatting casually, and that has already been a great help to me. I am immensely grateful.

Every morning, he would begin his walk outside with the assistance of Jinbao. Along the paths and fields, whenever he encountered others who greeted him, he would respond with a smile. Over time, the image of Wang Xiaoxiu, the scholar who was somewhat aloof, gradually faded from the villagers' minds, replaced by that of Lin Ge'er, who respected the elderly and cared for the young, treating everyone with kindness. Although some wealthy and prosperous clansmen would merely nod at him without considering this precarious little scholar worthy of attention, he did not take it to heart. In his view, the best progress was reflected in the attitude of the ordinary farmers in Songming Mountain Village towards him. Although some wealthy and prosperous clansmen would merely nod at him without considering this precarious little scholar worthy of attention, he did not take it to heart. In his view, the best progress was reflected in the attitude of the ordinary farmers in Songming Mountain Village towards him.

Such a sensible child, yet unfortunately encounters such a cruel and heartless elder brother. It seems that the matter he entrusted to Song Bo previously was indeed the right decision

Ah?

What pretense is this? If it weren't for the fact that your family still has some cheap goods, with just this leverage I hold, your scholarly gentleman would be finished!

Wang Fulins father was stubborn in temperament, and the incident back then offended several close relatives. Wang Fulin himself was also reclusive and lacked understanding of social customs, making it difficult for him to feel close to his own family. Therefore, although he had heard certain rumors, he considered them merely gossip. Since the wealthiest families in the clan had not spoken up, he, as the clan leader, chose to treat the matter as if it had not occurred.

After leaving the chief's house with the treasures, Wang Fulin felt quite pleased with the two items he was holding. Since he had successfully passed this hurdle with Wang Daohan, the next thing to do was simply to wait

Sometimes, after Wang Fulian has finished his walk and is seen performing various peculiar movements under the tree at the village entrance, farmers will approach him and inquire with concern.

Until his elder brother disappeared, Jin Bao immediately felt a sense of relief, yet he lowered his head, lost in thought. Suddenly, he heard a voice beside him: "Your brother has money to host a full-month celebration for your nephew, yet he wants to sell you. Have you never thought of seeking justice from the elders of the clan or even the clan leader?"

As for the remaining time, Wang Fulian was in his study, perusing the Four Books and Five Classics, to avoid revealing any flaws should the Grand Master return unexpectedly. He practiced writing for an hour each day, taking precautions against the dangers of demon-slaying. He had previously studied calligraphy with books, but had abandoned it for too long. Initially, he burned all the characters he wrote, not daring to let his two younger sisters see them. However, soon, as if it were a bodily instinct, he gradually regained his sense of writing. Comparing the characters he practiced before with those he wrote now, there was a striking resemblance. According to his estimation, after practicing for another month or two, he would be nearly there. During this period, he could use the pretext of the aftereffects of being injured by the sedan chair bearers to cover it up.

Rest assured, my word is my bond

Since you keep calling me father, then speak the truth to me. How many characters do you know, how many passages of the Analects can you recite, and how many characters can you write?

Since the time he heard Jin Baomeng reciting the Analects in his sleep, Wang Fulian has been paying close attention. As he was still recovering from his injuries, every night, Jin Bao would sleep fully clothed on a bamboo couch beside him, ready to respond should he call out in the middle of the night. Therefore, he had not only once awakened from dreams to hear the little fellow's murmurs, some of which expressed longing for his mother, while most were recitations of the Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Great Learning, occasionally interspersed with a few lines from Mencius. However, the meaning of a few lines is entirely different from that of the whole text. To be able to recite all Four Books just by eavesdropping in class and picking up scraps of paper, what kind of extraordinary talent is this!

Wang Fulian's visit was unexpected, and the clan leader, Wang Daohan, was quite surprised. This branch of the Wang family migrated from Xiuning County to Songming Mountain many generations ago, with over ten generations thriving and multiplying. Today, in this village, nine out of ten surnames are Wang, with over a hundred members of the Wang clan. Even though he is the clan leader, he cannot name every individual, especially among the younger generation. However, Wang Fulian has been dedicated to his studies since childhood and is a student who entered school this year, so he would certainly recognize him.

What surprised Wang Fulian was that the patriarch's home was not the grand courtyards he had seen from a distance when he first left his house, but rather a somewhat aged Huizhou-style building located in the western part of the village

I appreciate your kindness, but my injuries have not yet healed, and I dare not drink alcohol in accordance with medical advice

Wang Qiu is a notorious figure known for his cruel treatment, and it is said that he has had dealings with several minor officials in the county office. Now, with the Southern Ming scholar in the family idling at home, the Wang clan of Songming Mountain is naturally living a low-profile life, hoping to avoid unnecessary troubles. Moreover, since Wang Qiu is a branch of the family, in the past, even when it was heard that he was harsh to his younger brother, he would at most receive reminders and reprimands; after all, these are family matters, and one cannot help but turn a blind eye. However, this time it has truly gone too far! Furthermore, since Wang Qiu is a branch of the family, in the past, even when it was heard that he was harsh to his younger brother, he would at most receive reminders and reprimands; after all, these are family matters, and one cannot help but turn a blind eye. However, this time it has truly gone too far!

Has someone already started spreading rumors? Such swift action; could it be that the matter concerning Jinbao is itself a trap

"Jinbao, I underestimated you!" Wang Fulian waved to signal the little one to come closer. As the person hesitated and finally approached, he suddenly flicked his finger gently on their forehead.

Wang Daohan, perplexed, simply replied: "It looks somewhat familiar..."

After the old vendor Song Bo finished selling candied hawthorns, he lingered for a little over half an hour at Wang's place before finally crossing the bridge back to Xixi South Village on the opposite side of Fengle River. This trivial matter did not attract any attention from the villagers.

Seeing Wang Fulian speak coldly, he called Jin Bao and continued to run outside. Before long, they stopped under the large locust tree at the village entrance in the distance, beginning to move their hands and feet in strange motions. Wang Qiu's expression immediately darkened. He stood in place for quite a while before letting out a cold laugh and turning to leave

This sound was akin to the buzzing of a mosquito, and Wang Fulian immediately felt a stir in his heart. Is this the ruthless Wang Qiu who sold his own brother into servitude?

Wang Fulian thought for a moment, then sincerely bowed deeply to the elder. Seeing the elder hurriedly return the gesture, he smiled and said: "Second sister and little sister anticipated that you, Uncle Song, would return today. Thinking of your candied hawthorn, they have been steaming lotus cakes in the kitchen since early morning. When you finish selling the candied hawthorn and return to the village, please take some back for the family to taste; it is also a small token of our family's goodwill."

Oh, it's you

Father, it is my elder brother

When asked why he did not seek justice from the elders or even the clan leader, Jin Bao fell silent. At that moment, seeing Wang Fu Lin suddenly heading to the clan leader's house, he was instantly frozen in place. However, thinking about how he had already been sold off by his elder brother through a death contract, with the master-servant relationship firmly established, he knew he could not go against his master. He could only bite his lip tightly and lead the way in silence.

It is not surprising for clan members to offer land to relatives with achievements; it is also not unusual to recommend oneself as a servant, running back and forth. However, after all, they are of the same lineage; when has there ever been a genuine contract of servitude written?

Previously, Song Bo had promised to help out; it was merely a moment of compassion that moved him. Moreover, seeing that Wang Xiaoxiu was a kind-hearted person, upon hearing that the second and third daughters of the Wang family had specially prepared a return gift, the old man felt a warm glow in his heart. The pride of being respected by a scholar was far more gratifying than the joy he felt when wealthy families, wanting to taste his candied hawthorn, offered him a few extra coins.

Jin Baodun suddenly shivered; when he raised his head, he found Wang Fulin performing that set of exercises in front of him without looking back. He bit his lip tightly and did not speak. After quite a while, he finally saw Wang Fulin finish the set of movements that seemed ridiculous to him, and turn around to look at him earnestly.

Upon hearing the name Wang Qiu, Wang Daohan immediately furrowed his brows tightly. Although he was the clan leader, he was not the wealthiest, nor could he be considered extremely noble; his family had only produced one scholar in recent years. It was solely because his branch descended from the ancestral house that he was able to take charge of clan affairs and the clan's genealogy and regulations. Unfolding the paper, he saw it was a contract. After quickly reading through its contents, he was instantly even more troubled.

After bidding farewell to Song Bo, Wang Fulian finally took Jin Bao and left under the big locust tree. If his initial request for Song Bo's assistance was merely a preliminary thought, it was now time for him to make a decision. Not having walked far, he stopped and said to Jin Bao: "You should know the clan leader's house, right? Take me there."

Jin Bao was momentarily stunned. He raised his head to look at Wang Fu Lin, shook his head vigorously, fearing that he was hearing things, and finally pinched his palm to confirm. Once he was certain that Wang Fu Lin was not joking at all, he steeled his heart and said honestly: "Whenever I had free time, I would quietly go to the school to eavesdrop. I listened intermittently for two years and could recite the Four Books. However, because I had no access to books, I had only seen the teacher teach writing, and I picked up some discarded writing paper to practice writing in the mud with a twig. I could only write a small portion of the characters. Later, my brother found out, gave me a few severe beatings, and starved me for two days, so I no longer dared to sneak into the school to learn."

Last time at the Wang family, I stayed for a little over half an hour. Under the firm request of Wang Fulian, Song Bo put away his usual address of "little official" and, like other elders in the village these days, changed his title. At this moment, he set down the burden filled with bright red candied hawthorns, wiped his sweat, looked around, and found only Jinbao present. He then said: "Regarding the matter you entrusted to me, I went into the city yesterday and tried to bring it up in front of others. However, it seems that someone had already spread the news about your nephew being sold into servitude before I did. I am concerned that if I continue to promote this as you instructed, it may further damage your reputation, and I would be doing you a disservice."

Seeing that Jin Bao remained silent, Wang Fu Lin spoke slowly, saying: "If you tell the truth, I will provide you with paper and pen in the future, allowing you to write and practice openly. You may also browse through the books in the study as you wish. If you do not tell the truth, I will send you back!"

Uncle, I know you have been upset with me for not showing up for so many days. In fact, after I made the agreement with you in the city, I returned to the village first to deliver Jinbao to your home, and then I went back to the city. I truly did not know that you were injured; I have just returned from the city. " With a face full of apologetic smiles, Wang Qiuxiu saw that Wang Fulin remained silent, yet he did not lose heart. After bowing and making a respectful gesture, he earnestly said, "It is a blessing for Jinbao to be with you, Uncle. If he has made any mistakes, I kindly ask you to discipline him strictly! I have come today because your grandnephew is celebrating his full moon, and I plan to host two tables of wine. I sincerely hope you will honor us with your presence..." He did not lose heart, and after bowing and making a respectful gesture, he earnestly said, "It is a blessing for Jinbao to be with you, Uncle. If he has made any mistakes, I kindly ask you to discipline him strictly! I have come today because your grandnephew is celebrating his full moon, and I plan to host two tables of wine. I sincerely hope you will honor us with your presence..."

He is Wang Qiu's younger brother. Wang Fulian said as he took out a neatly folded piece of paper and pushed it towards Wang Daohan, saying, "Please take a look at this, Uncle."

In recent days, Wang Fulian has been practicing morning exercises for rehabilitation. He greets people and occasionally engages in small talk to gather information. He is already aware that it is currently the fourth year of the Longqing era. However, the common villagers use respectful titles for the upper-class members of the Wang family, and he cannot simply ask who the Southern Ming gentleman is, so he has not been able to gather much more information. The only gain is that he has become more integrated into Songming Mountain Village than the Wang Fulian who lived there for over ten years before. He understands the aloof demeanor that he and his father had in the past, so he does not mind the clan leader's distant and cold attitude. The only gain is that he has become more integrated into Songming Mountain Village than the Wang Fulian who lived there for over ten years before. He understands the aloof demeanor that he and his father had in the past, so he does not mind the clan leader's distant and cold attitude

Jin Baodeng was overjoyed and was about to kneel down to express his gratitude when he suddenly saw the smiling old vendor, Song Bo, striding swiftly towards him, which made him pause his actions.

Wang Fulian seemed completely unconcerned with the swirling rumors outside and began to engage in vigorous exercise

Brother Lin

Wang Fulian nodded slightly, neither warm nor cold, and thereafter ignored Wang Qiu, continuing to run ahead with Jin Bao. Jin Bao had been frightened by his elder brother since childhood and was eager to keep his distance, quickly starting to follow along. However, the master and servant had not run far when Wang Qiu caught up with them, stepping forward and blocking their path.

Early that morning, he and Jinbao were jogging in the village as usual, one in front and the other behind. After greeting two early-rising farmers and turning a corner, he heard someone call out "Uncle" from behind. Turning around, he saw a young man with a beaming smile, small eyes, and an elongated face, approximately twenty years old, whom he had never encountered during his previous morning exercises. As he pondered who this person might be, he noticed Jinbao hurriedly darting behind him as if startled.

Most of the time, Wang Fulin would respond this way. However, over the course of a few days, walking turned into brisk walking, and brisk walking turned into jogging, with Jin Bao closely following each time. The two of them became a beautiful sight in Songming Mountain Village. Taking advantage of their time alone, Wang Fulin told Jin Bao that after his serious injury, he could not clearly remember many past people and events, and he asked Jin Bao to remind him about people and matters he encountered, but he must not tell his two younger sisters. Jin Bao, without suspicion, naturally agreed wholeheartedly. Taking advantage of their time alone, Wang Fulin told Jin Bao that after his serious injury, he could not clearly remember many past people and events, and he asked Jin Bao to remind him about people and matters he encountered, but he must not tell his two younger sisters. Jin Bao, without suspicion, naturally agreed wholeheartedly.

This matter is not in accordance with etiquette and regulations, but... he is afraid he cannot control Wang Qiu. But must he really go and ask those higher-ups to intervene in such a trivial matter? Where would that leave his face as the clan leader

Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I am almost well now. I came today to ask you to make a decision on a matter. Wang Fulian turned to glance at Jin Bao, who immediately understood and hurriedly exited the room. Only then did he address the somewhat puzzled Wang Daohan, saying, "Do you recognize him, Uncle?"

At this moment, he casually asked, "Brother Lin, you were seriously injured before; are you better now?"

Thank you for your concern. Lying in bed for too long makes my body feel as if it has fallen apart. This is a method I read about in a book; practicing it will also help strengthen my body.

Before Wang Daohan could finish speaking, Wang Fulin earnestly said, "I also understand that dealing with someone like Wang Qiu is not easy, and as the clan leader, my uncle has his difficulties. At that time, I saw that Wang Qiu was determined to sell his brother. I thought that if I did not agree, our clan's bloodline would be scattered outside, and I could not bear it for a moment, so I signed the contract. However, the more I think about it these days, the more inappropriate it seems. Therefore, I came here today specifically to ask my uncle for another matter. Once this matter is settled, those hidden dangers will no longer exist."