"The Emotional Chapter" by Feng Yilang, Winter 1

Tomorrow... tomorrow there will definitely be someone who wants me

He is so afraid, clearly he is destined to be poor, so why does he have the body of the wealthy

"Miss is embarrassed," Fengchun said softly. "His name is Erdi, not 'this brother.' Even Erdi can recite the Three Character Classic; you have been studying for a year and still cannot recite two sentences, which is even worse than Erdi."

I will behave properly and in accordance with the rules

The old man is right! The old man is as smart as my brother, and I am utterly convinced.

Waiting is futile; I will go out later and return your household registration to you

His father said that the world is vast and there is always a place for him, but his hometown is too small to accommodate him. The capital is large enough, yet it still cannot hold him. He truly does not know if there is anywhere in the world larger than the capital that can accept someone like him.

I ... ... I ... ... am the second in my family. The sunburned cheeks are feeling hot

Unbeknownst to him, the evening glow enveloped the entire capital, and his heart began to tremble

Her mouth was wide open, and she looked at him in disbelief, asking:

Cannot leave, cannot leave, once he leaves he will become a beggar, he cannot leave

"I won't report to the officials, just burn all their household registration documents and see how they manage in the capital!" The merchant glared at him and scolded, "Those who should leave but don't, are just causing trouble for me!"

Suddenly, he recalled the phrase from last night, "One creates one's own destiny." He too wanted to create his own destiny! However, the heavens had already denied him that opportunity at the moment of his birth. He did not wish to be a beggar! He still had dreams, and still—

Who are you?

He also has hair, it's just a bit white. Why is he never given a chance? Why does he look like an old man as soon as he was born? He overheard the teacher in the school say: "In life, reaching seventy is rare." How old is he? Why has he aged so quickly?

In fact, his arrangement to work in the study is entirely due to Fengchun's grace

Heaven bless the people, make him a ruler, make him a teacher... Only by conquering and supporting the Supreme Deity, may he bring peace and tranquility to all directions...

Miss! Fengchun called softly

He also jumped up in surprise and hurried forward to help her up. She was a lady of noble status; if she were to fall and get injured, it would certainly be his misfortune!

Just... ? ... If it were just to teach Huaining, that would be one thing, but why would Fengchun force the young lady to study, especially at the age of six, and compel her to listen to such profound principles

As for reading, he never even considered it

However, his family has closed the front door, and he cannot return

He is merely a servant, and being able to listen to his master’s lectures is truly a blessing earned over three lifetimes. He cherishes it to the utmost, unlike others.

"Hey, what are you doing!" The attendant beside the young man tried to pull him away.

"At that time, if you wish to sign a lifelong contract, we can do it privately." Seeing him transition from extreme dejection to ecstatic joy, she showed a look of compassion. "Let me clarify first, you will not receive a salary in the first year, but thereafter you will receive a fixed salary each year. If you need someone to take it back to your hometown, as long as there are people passing by who collect the land rent from the estate, they can help you take it back."

Where have you been lost in thought? I have heard from the master that there are indeed such people. He is no different from a young lady, except that his hair is white... Is it possible that I applied the medicine too forcefully, causing him to shed tears?

Miss! Feng Chun hurriedly entered the study, with the second brother following closely behind. Master, my young lady is still very young and does not understand many things; I hope Master can forgive her

Elders should be respected and the virtuous honored according to my brother

The beautiful dream has come true too early

If this continues, he will be driven out of here. He hasn't even sent the money back yet! His back is aching faintly, and he feels a bit nauseous. Even though he applied the medicine, his body still feels as if it is about to split in two.

Oh..." Ruan Donggu looked at him. "Second brother, I take my leave."

He thought he could work in such a fine residence and under such a capable steward, only to later realize that he was no different from a dying old man

The white-haired boy gritted his teeth for a while, but ultimately said nothing more. After finishing his water, he silently walked back to the vicinity of the carriage and lay down on the ground.

Women in positions of authority ultimately tend to be too soft-hearted

Feng Chun glanced at him a little longer and said softly

He was taken aback again, meeting her bright and sparkling eyes

He remembers that she was only just about six years old

Because she is a woman! Because she misled your thoughts! Because she wants to be Empress Wu Zetian in the Ruan residence!

He was stunned. How old is this young lady? Why does she love to act so grown-up?

"So what if it is? So what if it isn't?" The old master, with a displeased expression, forgot that he was conversing with a mere six-year-old child

She blinked, looking at his white hair, then at his blue eyes. After that, she exclaimed, "Not an old man, not an old gentleman." She lowered her head to touch her own black hair, then looked up at him again. "Not an old gentleman. This brother, why have I never seen you before?"

Her brows furrowed deeper as she turned to her second brother and asked for guidance

He was born in a remote and impoverished area. From the moment he was born, his mother referred to him as "the poor child." As he grew older, he realized that he was very different from his siblings.

Upon hearing this, he quickly opened his blue eyes and called out softly, "Chief Steward Feng, I am fine, thank you..." In front of him stood two young ladies. He was momentarily taken aback, as it was clearly the voice of the young master just a moment ago.

He suppressed a laugh and said softly

"I am not an old man, I am not old at all," he said softly

Oh... she scratched her head

"Old man, old man," she called, and then turned and ran away

After entering the Ruan residence, he had not had the opportunity to meet the young lady. He assumed that wealthy families placed great importance on the distinction between men and women, not realizing that the young lady of the Ruan family was quite... quite casual, her attire completely unlike that of a noble family

Hello, old man, do you want to escape together?

If you do not want me, then no one will want me...

He does not understand why everyone says that it is a prosperous era for the dynasty, while his hometown is so impoverished, impoverished to the extent that... His parents decided that there would be one less person to feed in the family

Miss, do you not understand

The Ruan family truly does not lack for people, and besides, you are too young..." The young man lowered his voice, ensuring that the vendor could not hear. "Your physique is not suited for heavy labor, so it would be best for you to return home soon.

I... I have not read many books. Seeing her look of confusion, he replied softly: I only understand a few characters, I know a little of the Three Character Classic, and the principles I have shared with you, Miss, were only understood during these few days spent in the study

She furrowed her delicate brows and looked at him with a peculiar expression

Since there is no intention to bring disaster to the country and its people, it would be better for the young lady not to read

Second brother, are you perhaps a natural scholar? Do you love reading?

Students indeed should respect their teachers and value the way, but Fengchun is a member of my Ruan family. The heavens have granted me a master; they have also granted me a Fengchun. Since both are gifts from the heavens, why does the master scold Fengchun? Why does the master look down upon Fengchun?

In the study, he made every effort to wipe the tables and chairs silently; if the master felt thirsty, he would promptly present warm tea.

Hmph, what can you do? As soon as the sun comes out, you cower from the light. What is it, are you bought home to be a night thief?

I... I can speak a little.

With her hands on her hips and her chest held high, she exclaimed: "I will not change my name, nor will I change my surname; I am Ruan Woqiu!"

You must have the ability to work well in the residence, and in the future, you may also occupy this position. Alright, we will set off back to Yongchang tomorrow, but for now, let me introduce you to the masters. The family that has purchased you is surnamed Ruan. Your master is a businessman who often travels, and the young master holds an official position, so he is also not in Yongchang. Among the servants, you are the youngest, and you must understand the principles of seniority and order of arrival. " Seeing him nodding continuously, she did not say anything harsh, but gently added: Among the servants, you are the youngest, and you must understand the principles of seniority and order of arrival. " Seeing him nodding continuously, she did not say anything harsh, but gently added:

Little brother, what is your name?" Feng Chun smiled

The one who is said to be the "junior disciple" of the young lady, with his arms crossed over his chest, although his eyes are wide open as if he is attentively listening to the class, he always gives off a sense that this person named Huai Ning has already entered a state of sleep

Who exactly are you

"Wait, he is not a dwarf, he is still a child..." The young man in fine clothes smiled regretfully and said, "Little brother, I do not lack people in my household, so I cannot buy you. Moreover, my master is not in the capital, and I cannot make decisions on my own."

She nodded, her small face serious. "Elder brother has gone to seek welfare for the people, and in winter I think of him... I think of his ability to recite... so... I want to gain a little..."

Where is that young lady

The master has always hoped that you would study more, Miss. I will take you to freshen up, and today let us have a good meal first. We can discuss the lessons tomorrow, shall we

Ruan Dong opened his mouth wide. "This brother, are you also going to the capital to take the examination?"

"Tomorrow you will be abandoned outside the city." The black-haired boy declared emphatically, "The capital is the most prosperous city within the imperial territory; no one here will want you. Even if you cling desperately to the trafficker and follow him to the next town, no one will want you! My surname is Cheng, what is your name? I will be the leader, and you can follow me. From now on, we will find a way to survive in the capital!" At such a young age, he already displayed the aura of a future leader.

The trafficker urged anxiously, and his mind was a blank. In a state of panic, he summoned the greatest courage of his life, forcefully grabbing hold of a passing young man, and hoarsely cried out: "Young master, will you buy me? I can work! I am not old, truly! I can work!"

At once, the master craftsman was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body

He was rendered speechless upon hearing those words. After a long while, he finally murmured:

"What are you doing, you dwarf? If you don't let go, I will take you to see the authorities!" the attendant scolded.

The white-haired boy hesitated for a moment and said softly

Feng Chun exchanged a glance with the maid beside her and smiled, saying, "I almost forgot, tomorrow I need to take your household registration to register, and it also contains your date of birth."

Well, it's a child. If we were to say, they should only be a few years older than our young lady, right? Alas, this child is so sunburned, it must be very painful; go fetch some medicine.

Her voice is soft and carries a strong childlike quality, yet she prefers to speak like an adult

He will not have a short life... His eyes dare not close, the fourth watch of the night has arrived, and his heart beats so fast...

"Miss!" he exclaimed, quickly raising the umbrella to shield her.

"Pack up and leave Beijing before it gets dark," said the merchant

The bitter melon-like face was instantly flattened. She responded in the same volume as him

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and saw him. Just as she was about to open her mouth to call out, he quickly raised his index finger to his lips, gesturing towards the master outside the curtain

Going home? Going home? He wants to go home, he really wants to. He has an older brother, a younger brother, and a younger sister, he misses them so much, he wants to go home, he truly wants to.

Look at how sunburned you are. You should go stand in the shade for a while; I have something to discuss with you later

He murmured:

"Why does the master puff his beard and glare?" she asked, puzzled

She was so frightened that she jumped up, and her small body fell to the ground along with the chair

He was completely baffled. Did she want to take advantage of the young master's ability to help her with her studies

"You, you, you..." The master craftsman, with a flushed face, angrily scolded: "This is disrespecting the teacher!"

He finds it somewhat amusing yet perplexing. Fengchun once said that the Miss of the Ruan family is too easily deceived; she truly has a tendency to trust others too readily

"Miss!" The approaching Fengchun was taken aback and joyfully said, "You have returned! Where is Huaining?"

"Wait a moment, uncle, just a little longer..." Please, someone buy him! He can work! He can do it!

In an instant, her entire small face wrinkled. It was evident that the respect for teachers and the way of the Dao had created a significant conflict within her heart. Finally, she spoke loudly:

Furthermore, I believe that the dealer, being shrewd and calculating, will not leave much money for your parents. Therefore, I only purchased your contract for three years from him, and after three years, he is unlikely to come specifically to take you away...

He pretended not to hear, standing tall under the scorching sun, displaying his most vigorous demeanor

He secretly glanced at the master who was speaking passionately, quietly slipping behind the bamboo curtain and gently shaking her small shoulder

Ruan Dong smiled with squinted eyes, continuously rubbing her cheek against Feng Chun's face

He noticed that as soon as Ruan Dong heard about studying, he shrank into an old man.

I am capable of doing many things

"...I have met the young master, his name is Ruan Woqiu." He never knew that the young master was disguised as a man.

With a clap of her hands, she exclaimed

Last night, a group of children escaped under the cover of darkness, taking with them a bag of food and a box of clothing

I am a long-term worker in the manor, called Erdi. Miss, on such a hot day, where are you going? Let me escort you there.

"This..." He instinctively glanced at Huaining. Huaining was awake, but after looking up here for a moment, he closed his eyelids again and continued to pretend to sleep

"Then I shall call you Second Brother. How old are you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he not only earned her admiring gaze, but even Fengchun looked at him in surprise

You must remember, in the residence, you can never deceive those above or below you, especially with regard to the young lady... If you lie to her, she will absolutely believe it, and I will not allow anyone to deceive her, do you understand

"Old man, you can't possibly not know this, right?" The black-haired boy shrugged, pointing to the shabby little boys behind him. "Those human traffickers have been in the capital for almost half a month, and they have sold off most of the people. Only a few of us are left. We are either too young or have disabilities that make us undesirable, and you..." He glanced at the old man with white hair and blue eyes. "No one would buy a nearly dead old man to take home as a servant, did you overhear that? If no one buys us tomorrow, we will be discarded as soon as we leave the capital, and it will be difficult to return. It is better to escape first and figure things out later"

He also wants to pretend to be asleep

Miss, I am preparing the food you love to eat, waiting for you to come home in the next couple of days

"Feng Chun should not have bought him; he can't even do half a day's work and just eats and drinks for free in the residence. Who would be convinced by that?"

Not seeking to profit from selling my son, only hoping to have one less person competing for food

"No, miss, how could I possibly take the exam?"

If the master did not scold Fengchun, then the student must apologize for misunderstanding the master; if the master truly scolded Fengchun, the student hopes the master will give Fengchun a fair treatment, otherwise the student will not accept it

What is the old age of a person

"What is it that is the same as your elder brother?" the master asked angrily in front of the bamboo curtain

He is eleven years old this year, with fair skin and white hair, small in stature, and without a name. Every time his parents see him, they call him the poor child, while others refer to him as—

He was stunned and blurted out

Second brother, the student's aptitude is dull, and he has gained nothing.

"Wait, I am not a young lady." Feng Chun quickly suppressed him. "The Ruan residence is in Yongchang, not in the capital. There is a master in the house, a young master, and a young lady. My surname is Feng, and I am only responsible for the internal affairs of the residence. The household servants respect me and call me Manager Feng."

"Feng Chun once said that one should ask about things they do not understand. Did I ask the wrong question?" A head full of confusion.

I am... fifteen years old

"I..." he avoided mentioning his own name and advised, "The capital has always been strictly regulated; without being registered, no one will use us even if we stay in the capital." In the end, we can only become beggars. Following the human traffickers to the capital, he was not seeking his own future, but rather, rather...

"My family’s Steward Feng has purchased you. Little brat, are you really fifteen? You look just like my family’s young lady, probably not even six years old yet. What can you do?"

He calls him his little brother... Can anyone tell that this person is just a child? Only this person can see it!

That little rascal is born with a life of wealth and privilege, frequently collapsing in bed and unable to work. If this continues, it will be quite difficult for Fengchun as well

"Elder brother said, to care for the elderly as well as..." The small face was troubled, holding his head in recollection

"How strange... Chief Feng, is this child... are you sure he is a child?"

"It turns out that Heaven has bestowed upon the students a servant. Second brother, you are well-versed in knowledge; why do you not go to the capital to take the examination and serve the people?"

I wish to care for the elderly as I would for my own elders. Elder, I do not need an umbrella; you are the one who needs it.

I think it should be, right? His smile carried a hint of bitterness

"Fengchun, what wrong have I committed?"

He gently dusted the vase and walked behind the bamboo curtain, where he indeed saw the same scene that unfolded every day

"Fengchun, Huaining can recite the Three Character Classic, there is no need to study anymore"

"Little brother... Little brother! Ning'er, quickly hold him! He has fainted"

"Miss..." Feng Chun gritted her teeth, momentarily setting aside the need for clarity in right and wrong. She turned to the master craftsman and said flatteringly, "Master, my young lady has a bit of a temper and is inexperienced in worldly matters. She has offended you, and I sincerely hope you will not hold it against a child. How about this? Please go to the hall and have some tea to calm down. This afternoon, you need not teach; I will hire a sedan chair to take you home to rest."

In my hometown, there is a school. Once, as I passed by, I heard the teacher recite something, and I remembered it...

Ruan Dong frowned slightly and said unhappily

Ruan Dong, upon hearing this, had a face full of anger and shouted

"No, no, your time to return is limited, I must quickly arrange for the master to teach you to read." Fengchun happily set her down.

She nodded slightly, grinned, and laughed cheerfully: "I will not change my name, nor will I change my surname; I am Ruan Donggu!"

Lying on the cool grass, with his ten fingers clenched into fists, he silently prayed that tomorrow a kind-hearted benefactor would buy him, so that he could have a future, be able to send some money home every year, and that he was not an old man, truly not.

He has left. The vendor has finished packing up

If I return it to him, will I have to discard him?

After working under the sun for a day, he suffered from sunburn all over his body. Ignoring the redness and swelling of his injuries to continue working would only result in him lying in bed for more days

She regained her composure, immediately letting her small face droop, transforming once again into a little old man, her entire body shrinking down to a very thin state

He endured the searing pain throughout his body, his eyes nearly squinting into a straight line, yet he still desperately pulled at the wild grass.

He suddenly raised his head and glared at her, his small chest heaving violently, unable to produce any sound from his throat

His dream is quite simple, which is for the universally acknowledged era of peace and prosperity to one day also include his hometown, then when he returns home... his parents may be overjoyed...

"Fengchun, I have learned a set of martial arts; I will show it to you tomorrow"

Three years... that vendor would only think of him as short-lived, and would not turn back to take him along... Only three years, at that time he was only fourteen years old, not knowing if he could find a job to make a living in Yongchang

You you you

This morning, the human trafficker was furious and shouted loudly

The master is an old man. I heard Huaining say that sometimes the old man is unreasonable. I didn't notice Huaining sliding off the chair. The master is at fault, but it doesn't matter; the student must point it out so that the master can continue on the right path. Therefore, master, you are wrong; you have misunderstood Fengchun! Fengchun's surname is Feng, not Wu. I will call her over later, and you can apologize to her in person, and everything will be fine.

Is the young master in his room? The young master is not in the residence at the moment

The young lady of the Ruan family was dozing off at the small table, completely oblivious to the lesson.

Having studied under me for a few days, you may be considered my student. Do you not understand the meaning of respecting one's teacher and valuing the way of learning

He crouched down carefully to meet her gaze and asked in a lowered voice

In this vast world, where can he find a place to belong

Ruan Dong stepped out from behind the bamboo curtain, staring at Feng Chun with a face full of confusion

Second brother, as a student, I am still dull-witted. When the master speaks, I understand every word, but when it comes to forming a complete sentence, I cannot comprehend it. I asked him if he was scolding Fengchun. What was the master's answer, yes or no?

Ruan Dong listened very carefully. When the master mentioned Wu Zetian, she was filled with confusion, but she also understood that this was certainly not a good remark, so she unhappily said

Feng Chun's face turned pale with shock, and he repeatedly said, "No, no, of course not! The young lady is a woman; how could she enter the court to hold an official position?"

His worth is zero, as the traffickers who come to the countryside to buy children believe he will not survive for many years. No one in the city would want him; it is only because his parents stuffed a few coins into his hands that he was able to squeeze onto this cart

Second brother, if you speak this way, the students will understand. However, why is it that I and Huaining do not understand, yet you do? Could it be that you are the master bestowed upon the students by heaven?

After pulling out the surrounding weeds, he raised his head to move to the other end to continue pulling, when he suddenly noticed a little girl squatting on the ground, resting her chin on her hand, looking at him

I can truly be of service! Young master, please buy me, no amount is too much. Whatever you want me to do, I will certainly do it. I will not be lazy nor will I fall ill! Please buy me!

He was born with white hair and blue eyes, his skin was extremely pale, and he was sensitive to light. The sun was harsh, and he was easily sunburned. In such circumstances, helping his father in the fields was nothing short of a pipe dream, especially in recent years when the harvest had been poor

"Young Master Ruan is now serving the court, a true man of great stature." The master spoke with displeasure: "Miss is merely a young woman; since she has no intention of studying, why hire me? I have heard that Miss Feng oversees everything in the residence. When a woman rises to prominence, she inevitably leads the young lady astray; it would be better not to have such a steward at all"

Every day at dawn, he has to stand on the street until nightfall before he can return to the car for a brief sleep. During these days, his face, his hands, and even the skin hidden beneath his clothes are in excruciating pain, but he cannot utter a word, nor does he dare to.

She clapped her hands and shouted loudly

Three months later

The master wore a serious expression and said: "Miss Feng, forgive this old man for his inability and lack of strength. Miss Ruan is merely a woman, and her talents are completely inferior to those of Young Master Ruan; teaching her would be a futile effort. I have heard that it is you who insists on having the young lady learn these things. Do you wish for her to follow in Young Master Ruan's footsteps?"

He is the only one left

He is snoring, Fengchun, embrace.

In the capital, it was the traders who contacted wealthy families to select children. As the number of children dwindled, to the point where several families returned empty-handed after multiple attempts, the traders simply resorted to hawking their wares on the streets

Miss, studying a bit of romance and poetry is sufficient; why must you listen to Miss Feng's arrangements, allowing me to teach you things you should not understand?

Ruan Donggu's head hung low, almost about to fall off

Since you like it, the study is quite spacious, so let's move in some desks and chairs to read. My younger brother will surely rise to prominence in the future, becoming a pillar of the court, working for the people's welfare, and creating a prosperous era once again. I proudly add, "Just like my elder brother."

The sudden question caused the boy, who was drinking water by the well, to stop his actions and look up at the "companions" who had been with him for the past few months yet remained unfamiliar.

Feng Chun happily embraced the soft little body, while Ruan Dong spread his arms wide open, showing no intention of returning the embrace

"Miss Feng, you should take care of yourself. Serving at the Ruan residence, having attained the position of Chief Steward, you have already exhausted your three lifetimes of good fortune. If you continue to be greedy, be careful that the Ruan family will eventually suffer because of you," the old master said.

How exalted this position of Chief Steward Feng is

The head throbbed with a dull roar, and the half-focused blue eyes reflected the bustling street. The capital is the most prosperous place of the Golden Splendor Dynasty; can it truly not accommodate him?

He is still a child and cannot even find a job! What should be done? What should be done?

I, I..." she stammered. "I... I want to go to my elder brother's room."

"What does it matter to be registered in the household registry! Rather than being discarded by others, it is better to escape first! One must forge their own destiny! We will leave at 4 o'clock, if you wish to come, meet us here; if you do not come, we will not wait for you!"

The utterly aggrieved expression almost made him laugh out loud

"Who says Fengchun will harm us? Why does the master repeatedly denigrate Fengchun?" After all, she is still young and unable to control her emotions. In her anger, she struck the bamboo curtain with a powerful punch, causing it to shatter immediately.

"No, I am eleven! I can work!" He shouted, disregarding the pain in his body, and hurriedly lifted the blanket to get out of bed. "I can start working right away! Miss, what should I do now?"

Ruan Dong looked back at the two of them, his small head filled with confusion.

The young man in brocade who was captured was frightened

If he is a child, how could he have white hair and white eyebrows? Look, even the hair on his body is white. Could he be a white ape monster?

"No, no, no, I am merely a servant of the Ruan family, not a master." He felt a bit panicked, as this young lady's thoughts seemed quite different from those of others, and he was truly afraid that she might suddenly kneel down and ask to be taught.

Is the master scolding Fengchun for the student's dullness

Can I also send money home? Can I also do it?

He... can no longer return home, can he

"Why did the master say that I bring disaster to the country and harm the people?" Ruan Dong, therefore, did not understand.

Feng Chun took her small hand and said softly

Ruan Donggu suddenly turned to him and asked seriously, "This brother, can you recite the Three Character Classic?"

Where did the little girl come from? Not long after, the little girl ran back and opened the paper umbrella to hold it over his head

"Miss, the master is speaking of 'Heaven bless the people, and grant us a ruler and a teacher.' This refers to the fact that Heaven protects us common folk, while also bestowing upon us an emperor and a teacher. Look, it is because we have the emperor that we have our land, that we have the Ruan family, and that we have you."

If you diligently perform your duties in the residence, no one will say anything about how you choose to use your salary

This time, it is the last opportunity. He is not an old man on the verge of death, truly not, so, dear heavens, please do not abandon him so soon

Students are not adversaries to their teachers. It is the duty of the teacher to impart knowledge and resolve doubts, and I kindly ask the teacher to help clarify the inner uncertainties of the students

He clung to the last glimmer of hope and cried out hoarsely

Fengchun was momentarily rendered speechless