YBTGX 07

Chapter 07

Lu Lin Offers a Strategy

Lu Lin did not rush over. Instead, he called out to Lu Guan, who was playing with cow dung outside the gate, “Cousin Guan, Eldest Uncle has something to discuss with you.”

Lu Guan rose impatiently and jogged over, but just as he was about to head toward the side hall, Lu Lin grabbed him. “Cousin Guan, you don’t need to go over there. Eldest Uncle said there were some things that weren’t clear yet, so he wants you to go call Old Li from the east end of the village again; he is the most fair-minded person.”

Lu Guan’s gloomy face lit up at the mention of eggs. He nodded, turned on his heels, and sprinted out of the courtyard like a puff of smoke.

Old Li was the neighbor who had served as a guarantor for Lu Lin just moments ago; he held a high reputation in Xiahe Village. Steward Wang felt a bit perplexed. The contract matter was settled—what else could be unclear? And since Lu Lin had been right beside him the whole time, he hadn’t heard Lu An give any such instructions. Steward Wang didn’t say anything, but he became quite curious about what Lu Lin was up to. What could a six-year-old possibly accomplish?

This was the exact effect Lu Lin wanted. Before Steward Wang, he had to demonstrate a wisdom and sense of responsibility far beyond his years. Only a “prodigy” of early intelligence could break the shackles of his six-year-old status and win himself more attention and resources. More importantly, he needed to demonstrate “filial piety.” The Great Xia Dynasty governed the realm through filial piety; it was the core moral compass of this era and the quality most valued by the upper classes. A prodigy known for his filial piety would undoubtedly have a much smoother road ahead.

Today’s family dispute was both a crisis and the perfect stage to build his persona.

…

Lu Lin moved his short legs through the chaotic crowd and walked straight up to his mother, Li Shi. He said nothing but reached out his small, tender hand to gently pat her back, which was shaking from her sobbing. Li Shi stiffened, looking down into her son’s clear, calm eyes, feeling bewildered.

Lu Lin didn’t offer any explanation. He turned to face Old Man Lu, who was sitting at the head of the table with a livid expression. Without a shred of childish timidity, he straightened his patched clothes, knelt on both knees, and kowtowed respectfully.

“Grandfather.”

The crisp, childish voice instantly silenced the noisy room. All eyes were fixed on that tiny figure. Old Man Lu looked at his grandson kneeling on the ground with his back straight. His heart was a mix of emotions; the frustration he felt was largely diluted by that clear, bright greeting.

“Lin-er, get up and speak.”

“Grandson has a few words. I do not know if I should speak them or not.” Lu Lin did not rise; he remained kneeling. His voice was low but every word was clear. Seeing his grandson’s composure and dignified manner—and thinking of how he was about to leave home—Old Man Lu’s heart softened.

“Speak.”

“Eldest Uncle wishes to travel for his studies to pass the imperial examination. This is to bring honor to the Lu family; it is a magnificent opportunity. If our family could truly produce a Xiucai master, then two taels of silver—even twenty or two hundred—would be well worth the price.”

As soon as these words were out, the Eldest Uncle Lu An and his wife, who had been on the verge of a confrontation, suddenly looked delighted. Eldest Aunt even stopped her wailing, stealing a triumphant glance at Li Shi. Old Man Lu’s tightly furrowed brows also relaxed, and his clouded eyes filled with gratification. What a good grandson; he understands the big picture. It was a shame, though; such a fine seed was about to be sent off to someone else’s house.

Outside the door, Steward Wang, who had been listening with his ears pricked, remained expressionless. The child understands the big picture, but his temperament is a bit too soft. Once pressured by his elders, he only knows how to submit.

Li Shi was stunned. She was about to open her mouth to argue, but she saw Lu Lin shake his head gently at her. Lu Lin’s voice rose again, but the tone shifted sharply.

“However, my mother’s desire to keep this silver is also for the sake of this family. Father has a broken leg; not only have we lost a strong worker, but we have to spend money on medicine and healing everywhere we turn. Our family’s savings are already thin. Keeping these two taels is merely a precaution against the unexpected, so the family can live in peace. My mother’s heart is also for the good of this family.”

Lu Lin’s voice remained calm. He didn’t take sides, simply laying out the logic of both parties. Eldest Uncle was for the family’s future; Mother was for the family’s present. Neither was wrong. But there was only one set of silver.

Lu Lin looked up, his gaze clear as he faced Old Man Lu, and finally provided his solution:

“How about this? Old Li, who just acted as my guarantor, is the most fair-minded and holds a good reputation in the village. Let us ask Old Li to be the witness. These two taels of silver shall be kept in his custody for now. If Eldest Uncle truly goes to the county to study and attend the lectures of his mentor, then we shall trouble Old Li to accompany him and hand the money directly to his colleague or mentor, so it doesn’t get lost on the road. If… for some reason, Eldest Uncle does not go, then the money shall be returned by Old Li to my mother to treat Father’s leg, solving our immediate crisis. This way, we do not delay Eldest Uncle’s ambition, and my mother can have peace of mind. Grandfather, what do you think?”

…

The room went dead silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Li Shi stared blankly at her son kneeling before her. That small back, at this moment, appeared incredibly tall. And yet, it also felt completely foreign. Was this the same son who would follow her around begging for candy or be overjoyed by a single osmanthus cake? Those words were so clear, so balanced; they gave face to his elders while holding his own ground. How could a six-year-old child speak like this?

Father Lu Hou, who had been hanging his head, suddenly looked up. His bloodless lips parted slightly, and his gaze toward his son was filled with pure shock.

Old Man Lu, sitting at the head of the table, felt his hand holding the pipe tremble. Ash fell onto his patched lapel, yet he didn’t notice. His clouded eyes stared fixedly at his grandson.

This strategy… it’s good. It is excellent.

It preserved the dignity of the First Branch while soothing the grievances of the Second Branch; no one could find a single fault in it. But because it was so brilliant, Old Man Lu’s heart was wrenched with pain—pain so sharp he couldn’t breathe. Such brilliance, such reason. This is a ‘Kirin child’ who could bring glory to our house!

And yet, just moments ago, he had personally pressed his fingerprint onto the indenture contract of this Kirin child. Five taels of silver. He had sold his family’s greatest hope for a mere five taels of silver. Regret—I regret it more than words can say. Old Man Lu wanted to strike his eldest son with his pipe for being so eager to sell the grandson away. But the contract was signed, the silver was paid, and in the presence of the Liu family steward, everything was a done deal.

Steward Wang, who had been watching the play from outside the door, saw the smile on his lips fade away. He leaned against the doorframe, his shrewd eyes narrowing. He had expected this to be nothing more than the petty infighting of a common farming family, a bit of entertainment. But the child’s words had unveiled a completely different flavor.

These were not the words of a six-year-old child. This was a perfectly executed, brilliant scheme.