Chapter 13: CH 12

Early in the morning, Wu Junru was washing up and changing clothes with the assistance of Wet Nurse Wei.

“I heard that the old madam invited a failed imperial examination candidate to be the tutor for Xiao Jinghu, and Xiao Jingduo went along? Didn’t the Marquis arrange lessons for him? Why didn’t he go to the Marquis?”

“This old servant doesn’t know either. I heard from the old madam’s maids that it seems the old madam thought the second young master couldn’t settle down, so she asked the eldest young master to go to the study room to keep an eye on him. Perhaps the tutor invited by the Marquis hasn’t arrived yet, so the eldest young master went to accompany his younger brother in studying first.” Wet Nurse Wei didn’t take this to heart and casually speculated.

“No, something’s not right here.” Wu Junru, however, sensed something unusual. “The Marquis isn’t such an indecisive person. It’s just a tutor, how could it take so long? Could it be that the relationship between father and son isn’t as I assumed?”

Wu Junru felt uneasy. If her guess was correct and the relationship between Xiao Ying and Xiao Jingduo was very distant, then why did she still write a letter asking the Wu family to put pressure on them? If Xiao Ying had no intention of passing the title to Xiao Jingduo in the first place, then Wu Junru could have just gone along with it. Why did she have to step forward and be the villain?

“This is terrible!” Wu Junru grew increasingly anxious, afraid she might have done something foolish in her haste. She no longer had the patience to let her maid fuss with her hair ornaments and hurriedly instructed Wet Nurse Wei, “Nanny, where was that letter from last time sent? Quickly, go and retrieve it!”

“Oh my.” Wet Nurse Wei responded in a flustered manner, but before she could leave the room, a dowry maid ran in cheerfully: “Madam, a letter has arrived from the Wu family!”

“What?” Wu Junru stood up abruptly, waving away the maid who was doing her hair, and quickly opened the letter, skimming through it rapidly.

After she finished reading, Wu Junru’s expression became even more grim: “It’s too late. Father has already brought this matter up with the Marquis, threatening that he must not allow Xiao Jingduo to become the legitimate eldest son under any circumstances…”

[The scene appears to shift here to Xiao Jingduo]

Xiao Jingduo, unable to bear it any longer, said: “Qiuju, Mother was just calling for you.”

“Huh?” Qiuju was bewildered, “Really? How come I didn’t hear?”

“She definitely did. You must not have heard because you’re hard of hearing. Quickly, go and check.”

“Oh, alright.” Qiuju actually turned and went to investigate in Zhao Xiulan’s room.

Xiao Jingduo’s ears were finally at peace. He quickly gathered his books and slipped out of the room silently.

Xiao Jingduo arrived early, and the study room was empty. He sat in the quiet room, peacefully reviewing the content he had memorized yesterday, his hands unconsciously mimicking the motions of writing.

Since childhood, Xiao Jingduo had been forced by Doctor Zhao to memorize medical prescriptions. If he could memorize those dull prescriptions word for word, the Thousand Character Classic was much more interesting in comparison. Xiao Jingduo simply wet his finger and began to write silently on the desk.

After an unknown amount of time, a sigh came from behind him: “One shouldn’t be so careless when practicing writing.”

Xiao Jingduo was startled and immediately stood up. “Teacher Chu.”

Chu Shuxin still had his indifferent and cold demeanor, but this time, he asked Xiao Jingduo to pick up the brush. “Write two characters on the paper for me to see.”

In truth, Xiao Jingduo had never formally learned calligraphy. His private practice last night was one thing, but to actually write in front of others was entirely unacceptable. However, since the teacher had asked, Xiao Jingduo had no choice but to steel himself, pick up the brush, and write the characters for “heaven” and “earth” on the paper.

Chu Shuxin’s expression was hard to describe. He sighed, “I don’t know why you’re so eager to study and practice writing, but you must remember, too much is as bad as too little. If you don’t lay a good foundation at the beginning, you’ll be the one to suffer in the end.”

Xiao Jingduo’s expression became serious, realizing he had been too impatient lately, and that the teacher had seen right through him. He lowered his head and sincerely thanked him, “Thank you for your guidance, teacher.”

Chu Shuxin waved his hand, seemingly impatient with such pleasantries. He took the brush from Xiao Jingduo and, next to Xiao Jingduo’s scrawl-like writing, wrote two large, perfectly formed characters:

天 (Heaven), 地 (Earth).

“A thousand-story building rises from level ground. I know you’re a person with great ambitions. When you achieve your goals in the future, I hope you won’t forget the first character you wrote. Look up without shame to heaven, look down without disgrace to earth. I hope you’ll conduct yourself well.”

Xiao Jingduo’s expression had become completely serious. “This student will remember carefully,” he said.

Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s proper attitude, Chu Shuxin’s expression softened. He turned his brush and wrote down a list of book titles on the paper. “These tracing copybooks are quite good, with proper calligraphy techniques. They’re most suitable for beginners. When you have time, go to the East and West markets to buy them,” he said.

“Thank you, teacher,” Xiao Jingduo hurriedly expressed his gratitude. This was not part of Chu Shuxin’s duties, and his willingness to guide him was already a great fortune. Chu Shuxin was deeply knowledgeable and wrote excellent calligraphy. Getting book recommendations from him was far better than fumbling around on his own.

Chu Shuxin asked a few more questions and found that Xiao Jingduo answered fluently, obviously having put in effort after returning home. Although Chu Shuxin’s expression didn’t change, he was very satisfied inside. At first, he had been unwilling to teach these noble children, but once one becomes a teacher, it’s hard to avoid falling into conventional patterns. Seeing his student so diligent and hardworking, Chu Shuxin couldn’t hide his happiness.

With his improved mood, Chu Shuxin became even more attentive in guiding Xiao Jingduo. The two engaged in a lengthy question-and-answer session until Xiao Jinghu arrived, at which point they began the day’s lesson.

Xiao Jingduo was excited to have gained Chu Shuxin’s approval. Even though he was mature for his age, he was still a child at heart. His grandmother was indifferent, his father cruel, and his new stepmother was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Everyone around him was self-interested. Having been in such an environment for so long, even Xiao Jingduo couldn’t help but doubt himself. Perhaps the harsh treatment from his relatives was his own fault? But today’s praise from the teacher was extremely precious to Xiao Jingduo, who had long been in a desperate situation, and it made him more confident in himself.

It wasn’t that he had a problem; it was that his luck was truly bad, and there wasn’t a single good person around him.

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However, Xiao Jingduo’s good mood didn’t last long before it was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

As class was dismissed, just as Xiao Jingduo was about to try to get closer to Teacher Chu – no, to seek his advice on life principles – he saw an officer walking around the corner. His target was very clear: Xiao Jingduo and Chu Shuxin.

“Teacher Chu, Young Master,” Xiang An bowed and greeted the two.

Xiao Jingduo also recognized him as one of Xiao Ying’s trusted aides. His expression immediately turned cold, with no trace of the earlier smiling and pleasant demeanor.

Chu Shuxin returned the greeting, “Officer Xiang. What brings you to the study today? Does the Marquis have any instructions?”

“Not at all, Teacher Chu is too kind,” Xiang An said with an ambiguous smile, his gaze seeming to sweep over Xiao Jingduo. “I’ve come today regarding the household’s eldest young master.”

“Oh?” Chu Shuxin glanced at Xiao Jingduo and said, “The eldest young master is intelligent and studious, clearly the result of the Marquis’s excellent guidance. For the Marquis to specially send someone to inquire about the young master’s studies shows great care indeed.”

Xiao Jingduo scoffed lightly, knowing that Xiao Ying sending someone could mean nothing good. He just didn’t know what Xiao Ying intended to do this time.

Xiao Jingduo scoffed lightly, knowing that Xiao Ying sending someone could mean nothing good. He just didn’t know what Xiao Ying intended to do this time.

Xiang An glanced at Xiao Jingduo and continued, “The eldest young master was raised in the old hometown since childhood, and the Marquis, busy with military affairs, was unable to look after him. Now that things have finally settled down, the Marquis wishes to make some amends to the eldest young master. Our Marquis’s intention is that regardless of their origin, as long as they are children of the Xiao family, all should be carefully nurtured and taught to become upright men. This is the Marquis’s sincere wish as an elder. Teacher Chu, the eldest young master will rely heavily on you in the future. I’m here to thank you on behalf of the Marquis.”

Chu Shuxin gave Xiao Jingduo a strange look and bowed in return, “The officer is too kind.”

By this time, Xiao Jingduo’s expression had become very unpleasant. Though Xiang An’s words sounded nice, they concealed daggers between the lines. What did he mean by “regardless of origin, all should be carefully nurtured”? This was clearly hinting that Xiao Jingduo was not born of the principal wife, that his status was not legitimate, and therefore he needed the teacher’s careful guidance. Xiao Jingduo’s fingers clenched tightly, his knuckles visibly whitening. What was Xiao Ying’s intention with this? To give him a warning, or was this just a signal, a signal that negotiations between Xiao Ying and the Wu family had broken down? Did the Wu family disagree to register Xiao Jingduo under Wu’s name, and Xiao Ying, not wanting to fall out with the Wu family, planned to acknowledge to outsiders that Xiao Jingduo was just an illegitimate son left in the old hometown, who wouldn’t obstruct the path of Wu’s legitimate sons in the future?

Previously, Xiao Jingduo’s status had been kept vague, with no one willing to discuss whether he was legitimate or illegitimate. Now, were Xiao Ying and the old madam planning to officially demote him to the status of an illegitimate son?

Xiao Jingduo’s heart tightened. Once such matters of status were settled, it would be difficult to rectify in the future. Xiao Jingduo absolutely couldn’t let Xiao Ying alter his identity as the legitimate eldest son like this. His expression remained unchanged, but his mind was racing, considering how he could assert his rightful status.

The more he thought about it, the colder Xiao Jingduo’s heart became. Xiao Ying and the old madam were the two highest authorities in the Dingyong Marquis’s household. Who could oppose their decisions?

Lost in his thoughts, Xiao Jingduo remained silent for a long time. Chu Shuxin glanced at this young master he quite admired, understanding dawning in his heart. No wonder he studied so diligently despite being the eldest son, and even inquired about the imperial examinations indirectly. So, he was merely an illegitimate child.

Chu Shuxin sighed. There were many dark secrets in noble families, and as an outsider, he really couldn’t say much. Having understood this, Chu Shuxin cupped his hands and bid farewell to Xiang An.

After Chu Shuxin left, Xiang An sighed to Xiao Jingduo, “Young Master, why must you be like this?”

Xiao Jingduo didn’t want to deal with this person and walked quickly ahead.

However, Xiang An followed behind, talking incessantly: “Why do you have to go against the Marquis? The Marquis arranged good tutors and martial arts masters for you, but you don’t go. Instead, you come to find such a down-and-out scholar. I really can’t understand what you’re doing. This is an opportunity others would beg for, it’s right in front of you, and you actually refuse?”

“My affairs are none of your concern,” Xiao Jingduo coldly replied.

“Ah, Young Master!” Xiang An called from behind, but Xiao Jingduo walked away without looking back. Feeling rebuffed, Xiang An rubbed his nose awkwardly. “I really can’t understand what these noble young masters are thinking. Their elders arrange official positions for them and they actually refuse? The Marquis holds a second-rank title, by law his descendants can enter the left and right guards. Such a great opportunity, and he not only doesn’t rush to please the Marquis, but actually discards it like worn-out shoes, fantastically thinking of relying on studying for the imperial examinations! Not taking the ready-made path to success, but insisting on exhausting himself on an impassable road…” At this point, Xiang An sighed in frustration, “I, as a poor man, really don’t understand the thoughts of these noble young masters.”

“Teacher Chu!” Xiao Jingduo, calculating Chu Shuxin’s pace, took a shortcut to catch up with the teacher. Standing before Chu Shuxin, he suddenly didn’t know what to say.

Chu Shuxin saw through Xiao Jingduo’s thoughts and smiled faintly, “Just be as usual in front of me. I’m not someone who judges people based on status.”

“I know,” Xiao Jingduo felt the irony. He was indeed the rightful legitimate eldest son, but even if he said so, the teacher wouldn’t believe him. Xiao Jingduo simply couldn’t be bothered to explain and asked the key question he most wanted to know today: “Teacher, to be honest with you, I want to participate in the future imperial examinations. Do you have any book recommendations?”

Chu Shuxin’s previously smiling face immediately darkened: “What did I tell you this morning? Have you forgotten so quickly? Haste makes waste. Your foundation is already shaky, you haven’t even mastered the basic Thousand Character Classic, yet you dare to think about reading texts for the imperial examination? There’s no need to speak of this again. I won’t tell you about the exam content.”

With that, Chu Shuxin left, his sleeves swinging. Xiao Jingduo knew Chu Shuxin’s words were for his own good. No matter how eager he was to change his current situation, he had to take it step by step. He sighed deeply, thinking, “Well, I’ll just honestly work on building my foundation for now.”

But compared to the imperial examination, Xiao Jingduo’s biggest problem now wasn’t the exam, but the crisis of his own identity.

He needed to find a way to protect his status as the legitimate eldest son.

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