Chapter 4 The Power of Privilege

Fang Qingtian, who is not well-versed in characters and has limited comprehension abilities, did not immediately understand his nephew's meaning. He impatiently said: "What exactly do you mean? Speak clearly and straightforwardly, without beating around the bush."

Everyone was taken aback; how could this person be so straightforward? How could such a seemingly intelligent young man make such a foolish mistake? How could he suffer such a loss so readily?

Just as he was thinking, Fang Qingtian saw his eldest nephew walk out of the room, appearing to be in a normal state, which eased his mind. He then stepped forward and urged, "Today’s tasks are pressing; do not dawdle in the house. Quickly follow me to the fields!"

After a night of silence, when dawn broke, Fang Yingwu got out of bed and stood at the door, looking outside for a few moments. The door of his uncle's house in the west wing was tightly shut, yet there were faint sounds coming from within.

However, Fang Yingwu did not expect anyone to respond, and he spoke confidently: "The court has shown favor to scholars, allowing each student to be exempt from two shi of grain and two corvée laborers each year. My father has been a successful candidate for eight years, and my uncle has always been exempt from taxes and corvée labor, hasn't he? This is the special consideration our branch has extended to the second branch! Now, I dare to declare on behalf of the first branch that since the second branch has reclaimed the four mu of land spent on academic pursuits, the first branch will also revoke this special consideration from now on! Not only will it be revoked going forward, but we will also seek to recover the previous considerations. Over the past eight years, how much grain and how many corvée laborers has my uncle's family been exempted from? I kindly ask my uncle to convert that into silver and return it to the first branch!"

Fang Yingwu does not believe in Buddhism and does not know what it feels like to achieve sudden enlightenment in the Buddhist sense, yet he now feels that he has experienced it. One can gaze at the starry sky, but one must also tread in the mud; both are indispensable.

Fang Qingtian felt a secret joy in his heart upon seeing this. Although his big nephew had become strong and decisive, he still lacked experience in the ways of the world and did not understand the subtleties involved. He dared to say that his second uncle's attitude would definitely lean in his favor

Fang Qingtian immediately argued passionately: "Initially, my father allowed my elder brother to pursue his studies while I stayed home to farm. The expenses for my brother's education and examinations were considerable, all of which came from our family's finances. A significant amount was spent to support him in passing the scholar's examination, yet I received nothing in return. Shouldn't all of this be taken into account?"

Is it necessary for a distinguished scholar like myself to bow down and submit to such insignificant individuals who can only calculate a few bowls of rice? This is simply a disgrace for a traveler from another world

It can be said that this is a muddled account that benefits their second branch. Once they separate, it will become a clear account among brothers, and it will no longer be easy to take advantage of the situation openly.

He certainly understands very well that the eight acres of land are nominally two public fields, but in reality, due to the elder brother being away for many years and being indifferent to family matters, they have been fully managed by the second branch, enjoying all the yields, while only considering the food needs of their nephew.

Having said that, he took out the "Power of Attorney" left by his father and passed it to the literate individuals in the crowd. After confirming its accuracy, it served as proof of his qualification to separate from his second uncle's family.

Fang Yingwu had made up his mind; how could he be intimidated by his uncle, who deliberately assumed a fierce and menacing demeanor? "My father left a letter entrusting the matters of the eldest branch to my younger cousin as an agent, so naturally, he can make a firm decision. As for whether the uncle agrees or not, it is of no consequence. It is akin to a business partnership; if one party is unwilling to continue, the partnership will naturally dissolve. There has never been a principle of being forced into a partnership."

Fang Yingwu calculated that allocating two mu of land for himself was absolutely unfeasible, as it would not allow him to disengage from work. In other words, if he rented out the two mu of land, the rental income would not be sufficient for his own sustenance, unless he personally went to the fields to farm.

In Shanghuaxi Village, all the residents share the surname Fang. Fang Yingwu, wishing to separate from his uncle, needed to seek out his second uncle, for he was the only one in the village capable of shouldering the important task of mediation

However, Fang Yingwu remained calm and composed, observing Uncle Er, the adjudicator, with a cold gaze

Did my elder brother leave this thing? Fang Qingtian did not expect that he usually would not go through those few tattered books in the main house, and being illiterate, he naturally knew nothing about the matter of the paper note

Although the village elder is not an official, he is an important member of the most basic organization of the Ming Dynasty, possessing simple judicial authority and the ability to meet with the county magistrate at any time

Immediately, his little abacus began to work rapidly again. If the division of the family is irreversible, then he must strive to obtain as many benefits as possible from the library.

The other party, Qing Tian, was left speechless; he had indeed forgotten these things. Selfish individuals always tend to habitually forget the benefits they have received

My uncle continued, saying: "Initially, our family had twelve mu of rice paddies. In order for my elder brother to study and take exams, we sold four mu one after another. If we hadn't sold the land, I would have been entitled to six mu in the division of the family property. I have no other demands; I only ask that the four mu sold be borne by the eldest branch, allowing me to receive the six mu that I am entitled to."

In this world, certain matters require the agreement of both parties, such as partnerships; while other matters can proceed with the willingness of just one party, such as dissolution of a partnership

The so-called "village elder" refers to the civil dispute resolvers established by the government in rural areas, typically held by respected elderly individuals within the community, commonly known as "xianglao".

As a researcher of the Ming Dynasty, Fang Yingwu was undoubtedly well aware that the Ming was a society characterized by a strict hierarchy and rigid rules. Each level possessed its own privileges, with higher ranks enjoying greater advantages. The path to fame and success is, in essence, an unceasing journey of privileges, continuing until one can advance no further

The term "division of the family" can be said to strike at the very heart of the matter, causing Fang Qingtian's expression to change dramatically.

Fang Yingwu looked up in surprise at his uncle, realizing that he was not unprepared after all; there was likely some ulterior motive at play here.

The reasoning is clear; juniors should show deference to their elders. Otherwise, if they behave recklessly like the young Fang Yingwu, it would lead to chaos in the world. As long as there is no favoritism towards Fang Qingtian's excessive behavior, it can be considered fair. Even if Fang Qing's husband were to return, there would be nothing to say.

The meaning is very simple: division of the family!" Fang Yingwu said decisively

According to this plan, out of the existing eight acres of land, the second branch will take away six acres, leaving the first branch with only two acres.

Confronted with the harsh reality of being unable to eat or being forced to become a sweat farmer, Fang Yingwu finally set aside the pretense of "how can a sparrow understand the ambitions of a swan" and began to consider a very practical issue: how to deal with the immediate "sparrows" before him

The village elder in Huaxi resides in the neighboring village of Xiaohuaxi, but he is reluctant to seek his judgment regarding the division of property. He is not well acquainted with this elder and lacks confidence that the esteemed elder would favor him, thus he insists that Fang Zhili must preside over the matter.

Thus, Fang Zhi Li led Fang Qing Tian and Fang Ying Wu to the ancestral hall, while simultaneously calling upon a dozen key figures from the village to attend as witnesses, in order to share the burden of his own pressure

Fang Yingwu remained calm and composed, displaying great patience. However, Fang Qingtian was extremely dissatisfied, fearing that if the matter were decided in this manner, he quickly said to Fang Zhilin: "It cannot be split evenly; I have other details that I request my second uncle to adjudicate fairly."

In that case, Uncle Er knew that he had no choice but to agree. As for Fang Yingwu, he was quite indifferent; to him, it did not matter who made the decision.

What do you want to say?" Fang Qingtian furrowed his brows, unable to comprehend how his nephew had seemingly transformed overnight, making him feel extremely unfamiliar. Compared to yesterday's restlessness, the calm demeanor before him, tinged with a hint of indifference, was even more unsettling

This question left everyone puzzled, unsure of why Fang Ying suddenly brought this up.

You speak," Fang Zhi replied with a nod.

If one does not lower oneself to negotiate with the common people, even having a meal becomes a problem; what else can be discussed? As the saying goes, "When clothing and food are sufficient, one knows honor and disgrace; when granaries are full, one knows etiquette."

Someone exclaimed loudly: "This is very simple. All the houses and farmland will be divided equally between the two families, one half for each. Let us make a pact and swear to it! It is best to settle this quickly, as we still need to go to the fields to plant rice. We cannot afford to delay the farming season!"

Fang Yingwu secretly chuckled a few times, thinking that his uncle truly exemplified the essence of being overly calculating. This plan was likely premeditated, but unfortunately, it was merely a case of misplaced cleverness, a small wisdom that led to greater losses.

Upon realizing this, Fang Qingtian could no longer be bothered to go to the fields to work. He glared and said sternly: "You, young one, wish to act without regard for the law? The family estate was passed down to me and your father by our ancestors! My elder brother has never spoken a word about this, so what right do you have to propose a division of the family?"

This uncle's name is Fang Zhi Li. Upon hearing about this matter, he couldn't help but sigh a few times, fully aware that this was a difficult situation to handle

As the initiator of the division of the family, Fang Yingwu spoke first. When everyone faced Fang Zhilai, he said: "Our family has now divided into two branches, making it difficult to distinguish between public and private property. Therefore, I wish to divide the family, and I ask my second uncle to make a clear judgment."

Although the scholar is at the lowest level of the privileged class, his privileges are sufficient to crush the villagers. With just this little self-righteous calculation from my uncle, he is destined to suffer a bloody defeat in the face of the rules of privilege

The matter of dividing a family, according to custom, requires the elders of the clan to mediate until all parties are satisfied and in agreement. If there is still disagreement, the only recourse left is to resort to legal action

Fang Yingwu, with a composed demeanor, was not angered or upset by the words he heard. He calmly clasped his hands and said: "Please wait, there is no need to rush this matter. I, as your nephew, have something to say. Since you, my elder uncle, have acted unjustly and unkindly first, I have no choice but to respond with injustice in turn."

In the ancestral hall, Fang Yingwu glanced at the crowd, all of whom were familiar faces from the village, except for one unfamiliar person. Most likely, they were a visitor from another village come to visit relatives, but Fang Yingwu paid no attention to it

The gazes of more than a dozen people in the ancestral hall turned towards Fang Yingwu, who unexpectedly broke into a bright smile upon hearing this. He gracefully bowed to Fang Zhilai and said, "Since the elders have made the decision, how could the younger generation have any objections? Let it be done as it should."

In comparison, Chang Fangqing's side is, after all, more scholarly and respectable. Fang Yingwu is still young and likely will not behave as shamelessly as Fang Qingtian, making him relatively easier to deal with. A little grievance should not be a problem

If that is truly the case, it would be difficult to explain... Although the elder brother, who has been missing for two years, is an easy-going bookworm and would not hold a grudge over minor advantages taken from him, the matter of a son becoming foolish is something that no one would overlook. What if one day the elder brother suddenly returns...

In terms of debate, even ten Fang Qingtian would not be a match for Fang Yingwu. He wanted to take action but was concerned about potential repercussions, so he could only feign anger and say: "Do as you wish! Just don't regret it later!"

Only then did Fang Zhi Li consider for a moment, weighing the situation between both sides. Such a division caused by internal conflicts will always have its share of losers. Fang Qing Tian, at times, is more stubborn than www.hetushu.com, and he is not broad-minded. If he becomes dissatisfied, it could lead to him causing trouble for his own family in the future, which would be quite a headache.

However, Fang Yingwu changed the subject and asked, "But I would like to confirm one thing: Uncle has received four more mu of land than I have, which can be considered as recovering the expenses spent on my father. So can it be inferred that my father's achievements have had nothing to do with Uncle since eight years ago?"

As an authorized privileged agent, if he cannot subdue villagers like his uncle and second uncle, then Fang should consider jumping into the river early, as remaining in this world will hold no prospects for him

He indeed has a great interest and motivation to pursue progress, experiencing firsthand the historical figures of emperors and generals that were once research materials from previous lives. However, if one cannot even afford to eat, then aspiring to such things is merely a joke

It is said that the second uncle, Fang Qingtian, was active in the courtyard and was just about to call Fang Yingwu to go down to the fields to farm when he suddenly heard a few inexplicable bursts of laughter coming from the east wing. This made him unable to suppress his suspicions; could it be that his eldest nephew had become foolish from hunger?

In other words, it is better to offend a gentleman than to offend a petty person. Only upon realizing this can one understand the principle of propriety: "What is said has some merit and can be acted upon accordingly. What does Brother Qiu think of this"

Perhaps they are secretly having breakfast behind closed doors? Fang Yingwu speculates with the utmost malice. He can even conclude that as long as he does not humbly beg for mercy, his uncle's family will certainly not invite him to eat. What kind of relatives possess such narrow-mindedness? It is truly distasteful.

Fang Zhili has indeed made up his mind, and according to the principles of seniority and respect for hierarchy, he intends to lean slightly in favor of Fang Qingtian

The reason it is difficult to handle is quite simple: the demands from both sides are bound to be contradictory, and in the end, one party will inevitably be dissatisfied, thus it is almost destined to result in a complaint. Upon realizing this, Fang Zhi-li declined, saying: "For the dispute over money and property, one can seek the wise judgment of the elders in the community. I, being a relative to you all, cannot show favoritism."

Once Fang Yingwu spoke, it was as if a magnificent peak had suddenly risen, and the entire hall fell into a profound silence. It was at that moment they realized that although they lived in the same village, Fang Yingwu's family was indeed different from theirs