Chapter 5: The Heart's Thoughts of Filial Piety and Gratitude (Part 1)
Perhaps influenced by the original owner's disposition, or perhaps due to the insights gained over the past few days, Han Gang harbored no goodwill towards Li Laizi. For a piece of land, one would go so far as to commit murder and arson; such individuals have always existed, regardless of the era. If it were not for the fact that this had befallen him, Han Gang would not have cared. However, Li Laizi, through nearly fraudulent means, had gradually siphoned off the Han family's properties into his own hands. Han Gang had already vowed in his heart that he would surely repay this in kind in the future. Yet, Li Laizi, through nearly fraudulent means, had gradually siphoned off the Han family's properties into his own hands. Han Gang had already vowed in his heart that he would surely repay this in kind in the future
In the evening, Han Gang's parents, Han Qianliu and Han Ali, returned home, weary and carrying empty baskets. Han Qianliu held a jar in his hand, which had the scent of wine, but it contained only the dregs; Han Ali's basket held half a leg of lamb, wrapped in lotus leaves, which she handed to the little maid who came to greet them for cooking. Listening to the clear sound of their son's reading coming from his room, the couple exchanged smiles, feeling that all their hardships and exhaustion were worthwhile.
From then on, no subsequent officials such as the county magistrate or the chief clerk of Chengji County dared to provoke Chen Ju. Chen Ju also understood that as long as the officials above him behaved honestly, he would not excessively bully his superiors, thus allowing both parties to coexist peacefully
Han Qianliu and Han Ali are both in their forties. Perhaps due to years of hard work, both appear somewhat aged, looking older than their actual age. Han Qianliu is about the same height as Han Gang, both standing around six feet tall, which is considered tall in the Kansai region. Their facial features are quite similar as well, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and square, strong faces, making them quite handsome.
Chen Ju is a well-known figure in the Jianghu of the Guansi region, renowned for his generosity and willingness to part with his wealth—though the wealth he dispenses is entirely derived from the exploitation of the common people of Chengji County
Han Gang sincerely cupped his hands in front of Li Laizi, presenting a demeanor of genuine sincerity: "My nephew has been ill for half a year, during which time our family has greatly benefited from your care, Sir. When the day comes that I have leisure, I will certainly host a banquet to express my gratitude. I hope you will not decline at that time."
"Han... Han's third brother! Good, good, all is well," Li Laizi replied somewhat awkwardly. His voice was hoarse and unpleasant, resembling that of a drake, yet the gaze directed at him was inexplicably filled with resentment.
The expression on Li Laizi's face was noted by Han Gang. He felt somewhat puzzled; Li Laizi had already successfully scraped away all the land and property from his family. It was natural for his family to hate him, but where did his self-hatred stem from? Could it really be due to the concern that his family might redeem the land?
Han Gang picked up his chopsticks and lowered his head to eat his hospital meal, which was the same as usual: mutton porridge and side dishes. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, the variety remained unchanged, and Han Gang had no complaints. He understood the hardships of his parents and knew how difficult it was to provide these meals.
In front of his adversary, Han Gang appeared even more refined and courteous. He cupped his hands towards Li Laizi, greeting him with respect: "Li Lijzheng, it has been a while since we last met. How have you been?"
In his eyes, the third son of the Han family appeared emaciated from a long illness, his body clad in a plain blue robe with a round collar and wide sleeves, leaving him looking hollow and frail. Yet, his broad frame remained, and his height of six feet still imposed a significant sense of oppression on Li Laizi. His skin was pale from lack of sunlight, and his cheeks had almost been worn away by suffering, with prominent cheekbones casting deep shadows on his face. Only his deeply sunken eyes, framed by thick, black eyebrows that were long and sharp as blades, seemed even more profound and inscrutable, making Li Laizi feel utterly uncomfortable.
... ...
Staring at the receding figure of Li Laizi, Han Gang let out a cold snort. He had also seen the fierce light in Li Laizi's eyes, but he had already recovered from his illness. No matter what tricks Li Laizi could play, he had the ability to deal with them.
If he had not integrated the original owner's memories, Han Gang might have been quite surprised by this. However, since he has already assimilated the memories, he finds it only natural. Neo-Confucianism is still not a prominent school of thought, and there is no saying in the world that it is a minor issue to starve to death while losing one's integrity is a major one. It is very common for widows of childbearing age to remarry after their husbands die, and even if they are unwilling, their families will pressure them to do so.
"The village chief, that piece of vegetable field by the river bend..." Han Gang got straight to the point, and he immediately noticed the fierce glint in Li Laizi's eyes intensify by three points. He understood that he had clearly hit the nail on the head.
Han Yunniang prepared dinner quickly, skillfully handling the leg of lamb, cutting the meat to make porridge, and simmering the bones for soup. She set the table and called Han Gang to come out, and the family gathered around the table.
If any widow were to remarry with a substantial fortune, suitors would even break down her door in pursuit. During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, there were two chancellors, Zhang Xianqi and Xiang Minzhong, who, in their competition to marry a widow with a dowry of one hundred thousand guan, brought their case before the emperor, causing a great uproar in the court. With such societal norms, the commitment to chastity is utterly nonexistent
Note 1: In ancient China, the customs dictated that the names of respectable women from proper families were not publicly disclosed. Outsiders often referred to them by their maiden family name, prefixed with "A" or suffixed with "Shi" after marriage, adopting their husband's surname thereafter. Generally, common families used the former method of address, while official households employed the latter. For instance, in the text, Han Gang's mother, whose maiden name was Li and married surname was Han, was referred to as "A Li of Han." When Han Gang attained an official position and could bestow titles upon his parents, she became known as Han Li Shi. Similarly, He Xian Gu from the Eight Immortals legend was a person from the Northern Song dynasty. At that time, a memorial mentioned her, referring to her as "A He, a woman from Yongzhou."
Three people sat around the large table, making it appear empty and desolate. Originally, there was a sister-in-law connected to Han Gang, making it a family of seven. When Han Gang had not yet gone abroad for studies, and his second brother was still at home, the three sons of the Han family, along with their parents, crowded around one side of the table, while the sister-in-law and Han Yunniang served beside them, making the meal quite lively.
Li Laizi climbed up to the esteemed figure of Chen Ju, and since four years ago, he has served as the village head of Xiaolong Bay. Relying on Chen Ju and his in-laws, he shifted many duties and taxes onto others, causing harm to numerous families in the village. However, if it were not for the urgent need for money due to the serious illness of Han family's third son, the Han family, with their wealth, would not have been deceived by Li Laizi.
In contrast to Han Qianliu's tall stature, Han Gang's mother is somewhat shorter and does not possess striking features; however, she is exceptionally capable both inside and out, serving as the backbone of the Han family. Han Gang's maternal grandfather once held the position of a district chief, and his uncle currently serves as a district chief in Fengxiang Prefecture, over a hundred miles away. A large axe, which has been used to slay dozens of bandits, hangs on the wall of their home year-round. Han Ali, coming from a martial family, has a temperament that is much tougher than the always cheerful Han Qianliu. When she raises the rolling pin in her hand, no one in Xiaolongwan Village dares to breathe heavily.
However, just three months after the simultaneous deaths of Han Gang's elder brother and second brother, his sister-in-law was called back by her natal family, taking with her twenty acres of dowry land. According to customary law, there should be a three-year mourning period after a husband's death, but in the northwestern border regions, such rigid customs are not strictly observed. Han Gang only heard from Yun Niang that his former sister-in-law was to remarry after the New Year.
The person's face was covered in bumps, with bulging eyes and a protruding mouth, and a brown, translucent silk robe could not conceal the prominently protruding belly. At first glance, he resembled a fat toad preparing to hibernate after autumn. It is indeed rare for a person to have such a visage. Han Gang recognized him through the memories of his previous life; he was none other than Li Laizi, who had been incessantly urging the Han family to sell their land.
Han Qianliu and Han Ali eat much simpler than their son. Like the ordinary farmers of this era, the Han family's daily menu is quite plain and monotonous, consisting of a bowl full of vegetable soup with hardly a drop of oil—essentially just noodles, although during the Song Dynasty, any food related to flour products had to be appended with the character "饼" (bǐng)—along with a few steamed buns.
Chen Ju inherited the family business and held the administrative power of Chengji County for thirty years. He had caused two county magistrates, along with seven or eight chief clerks and the county constable, to be dismissed from their positions due to crimes committed in Chengji County. One unfortunate magistrate even had his official status stripped away, with a decree stating that his official records were to be "annulled since his birth"—in other words, this unfortunate magistrate was stripped of his official title and removed from the lists of the Official Decree Office and the Examination Office. This was more fearsome for officials than merely losing their positions, as there was still a chance for reinstatement after being dismissed. Another even more unfortunate chief clerk was sent to Qiongzhou (present-day Haikou, Hainan) for life, never to return across the sea.
Li Laizi is the wealthiest household in the village, with a face covered in bumps resembling the skin of a turned-over pomegranate, much like a toad, which is how he earned this nickname. After many years, few people even know his real name. His reputation in the village is not good, yet he has become relatives by marriage with Huang Deyong, the head of the county office, who is nicknamed Huang Daliu. Through Huang Deyong, he also became acquainted with Chen Ju, the bailiff in the Chengji County office, who has been passed down through three generations.
As the two individuals had just arrived at the village entrance, a person approached from the ferry landing downstream. Upon seeing him, Han Gang's footsteps involuntarily came to a halt, while the young girl, for reasons unknown, suddenly timidly hid behind him
"Well said, well said!" Li Laizi frowned. The third son of the Han family was originally a talented individual, skilled in both literature and martial arts, but he was somewhat arrogant and not very sociable. Unexpectedly, after studying abroad for two years, he has now become quite eloquent.
After wandering by the riverbank for a while, Han Gang, having made up his mind, decided to return home to continue his studies. Han Yunniang also intended to go back to take care of household chores, so she supported Han Gang and walked towards the village.
Li Laizi's impatient demeanor was clearly observed by Han Gang. He has always been willing to do things that would upset his enemies, and there is also something he wants to clarify.
Han Qianliu was seated at the east end, while Han Ali sat opposite him. Han Gang occupied a position at the lower end, and the young girl could only stand to the side to serve. After everyone had finished eating, she would go to the kitchen to fill her own stomach. Although the Han family was of humble means, they still adhered to the customs of the world. If there were guests visiting, even Han Ali would have to retreat to the kitchen to eat.
Note 2: During the Song Dynasty, women's property rights were protected by law, and the dowry could be taken with them when leaving their husband's family.
"Let's talk about this in a few days!" The village chief of Ha Long Bay shouted explosively, turning his head and walking back into the village. He secretly resented that this illness had recovered so quickly. If it had lasted another half month, the Han family would have spent all the money for the land lease, and he would have no more worries.