Chapter 4: Blessing for Third

It was still the same room as during the day, unlocked now, with the same people present—only with the addition of Yu Ping.

Yu Ping, far more amiable than the main lady, lifted the cloth to peek and sighed several times before covering his cousin's face again. He then turned and gave a formal bow to Zhang Xian’gu and Third, saying, “I apologize for dragging you into this matter. Thank you, young brother, for your righteous assistance today. Had I not arrived in time, it might have been too late.”

Zhang Xian’gu, startled by his grand gesture, hurriedly responded, “No, no, it’s nothing.” She was not keen on confronting someone from the officialdom.

“Today, you’ve certainly made some enemies. They won’t let you off easily for trying to protect my aunt,” Yu Ping continued, “Both of you, being outsiders and a widow, it's not easy. Meeting is fate, and helping each other is right. Should you need my help, I’ll not shirk. I can’t keep my men here for long as they must return to their duties. Moreover, my cousin's body cannot be kept for long and must be buried soon. It’s best to settle matters tonight so both families can be at peace. We can’t wait for the senior’s decision from your family. Fortunately, with the lady here, a mother can certainly decide on her children’s marriage.”

He had clearly thought this through, speaking logically: “My aunt will distribute some family wealth to the clan as clan property, and with the remaining wealth, take you as a son-in-law for Sister Hua, moving the entire family to live with me in the county. Given the circumstances, my cousin’s funeral cannot be elaborate; early burial is necessary to avoid prolonging their stay here. The clan, benefiting from this, will overlook today’s ‘impudence.’ They fear my influence in the office, and we must be cautious of their extensive local influence. This arrangement suits everyone best.”

After explaining, he directly asked Third, “Brother, what do you say?”

Third simply said, “Yes.”

Zhang Xian’gu scolded, “Are you out of your mind! When adults are talking, where do you get off interjecting and showing off? Since when is it your turn?”

The main lady initially agreed with Zhang Xian’gu, having only “consulted” with her from the beginning. Regardless of whether Third was twelve or thirteen, or even twenty or thirty, children had no say in marriages arranged by their parents. But now, it seemed Third had her own opinions, which didn’t match the main lady's initial plans, yet there was no time to consider that now!

The main lady asked softly, “Third, what did you want to say?”

Third said, “What Yu Ping said makes sense. The main lady wants to live well, and we also want to live well. We can’t just stick to one side.”

“You…”

'The third child' continued, "Human nature is the same everywhere. Self-interest first, righteousness second. I'm clarifying this to the lady of the house, who, facing hardship, seeks help but shouldn't bully someone else's mother. Is this about forming a kinship or creating an enemy? Even if I agree now and we write a contract, as I grow stronger with age and you weaken, if I were to seek revenge, what could you do? The longer the resentment festers, the colder and crueler the heart and hand become. Spare Flower Sister from being caught in the middle!"

Initially nodding along, Madam Zhang, sensing the conversation taking an unexpected turn, hastily interjected, "You can't agree to this!"

'The third child' glanced at her, then addressed the lady, "I also remember the year I fell ill, the whole village gossiped about how the child raised by the witch and wizard needed medicine instead of invoking spirits or consuming talismans, mocking us. My mother sought the lady's help, and with Flower Sister and your son vouching for me, it was your kindness in spending money for my treatment that saved my life. I owe you for that kindness."

With everyone's intentions kept close to their chests, Zhang Xian Gu couldn't contain her anxiety, exclaiming, "You're all too ready to remember the good others have done for you, yet seem to forget the sacrifices your own mother has made!"

"Old Three" responded, "Lady, I truly wanted to repay your kindness, but it's no longer possible—my father has been imprisoned. Agreeing to your request would only bring you harm."

Yu Ping, having listened with a smile, interjected, "I've heard nothing of such troubles. Were that the case, I certainly wouldn't advise proceeding with this arrangement."

Zhang Xian Gu and her daughter breathed a sigh of relief.

Yu Ping continued, "Since no such misfortune exists, I would still ask this favor of you."

Zhang Xian Gu's anxiety returned.

After a moment of thought, "Old Three" said, "Both the Lady and Hua Jie must observe mourning, and I am yet to come of age. The Lady's choice in me is merely out of necessity, not preference. Whether it's signing a contract or making a pledge, if it serves to deceive outsiders, I'm indifferent. I'm willing to acknowledge the Lady as my godmother and Hua Jie as my sister. To the outside world, I may be the son-in-law, but behind closed doors, we remain siblings."

The Lady, finding this perfectly aligned with her thoughts, had initially chosen "Old Three" for being young, alone, and seemingly gentle. Now somewhat fearful of "Old Three's" direct and potentially violent approach, quickly agreed, "Excellent! I acknowledge my mistake in misjudging you before. I won't let your efforts go unrewarded. I'll give you two hundred taels of silver, and as for land..."

"Old Three" interrupted, "No need for such grand promises; I don't take advantage of widows. I'm merely returning a favor. Just lend us two rooms for my family to live for a couple of years. Once your period of mourning is over, we will move out."

Yu Ping, always considerate, assured, "I can't let you be at a disadvantage either! I admire your character! It's not just about offering land or a house; I'll also take care of your family's registry, ensuring you're not left vulnerable here under my watch. Who would dare trouble you then?"

Zhang Xian’gu coldly remarked, "Such is the way of wealthy families, manipulating others with their tactics!" She had indeed no intention of staying in Zhu's village any longer and, lacking any other options, had to accept the situation.

With a significant issue resolved, the main lady didn't bother to argue with a fortune-teller and pretended not to hear.

Yu Ping stood up and announced, "Then it's settled. I'll go have a chat with Old Dog."

He also brought up inviting Fourth Uncle for a drink, who, despite his frustration, had to act as a "witness" to the contract of Zhang Xian’gu and the main lady taking in a son-in-law.

Though gaining some benefits, it was far less than taking the main lady's entire fortune. Fourth Uncle sullenly remarked, "We're all family here; no grudges last overnight. Besides, the widow's room and my nephew's grave are here; how could we simply part ways?"

His complaints were more out of spite, knowing Yu Ping's influence in the county office made him a formidable opponent. It was a mutual checkmate that finally resolved the matter.

Third casually said, "Your family is here too. I know the way."

Silencing Fourth Uncle's bitter tirade.

The main lady began to mourn her son, "My poor child!" To prevent any complications, her son was hurriedly buried in the ancestral grave. The next morning, the main lady, Sister Hua, the little maid, along with Zhang Xian’gu and her daughter, took a mule cart to the county town with Yu Ping.

………………

Zhang Xian’gu and her daughter moved into a two-section courtyard house along with the main lady, living separately but under the same roof. Despite their differences, Zhang Xian’gu had to admit the main lady managed her household well and never mistreated them—it was the most comfortable home she had ever lived in.

The main lady not only provided new clothes for the mother and daughter but also bought household items, books, and stationery for Third to start school. They even held a feast at home, with Yu Ping as a witness, to formalize their foster relationship.

Matters like selling family property and land were handled by Yu Ping. Being an official in the county office, he was adept at legal documents and litigation. Tasks that were difficult for others were easily accomplished by him with just a lift of his hand and finding the right moment to present them to the county magistrate for approval.

The only issue turned out to be Third's name! Yu Ping specifically inquired about it, leaving Zhang Xian’gu and her daughter at a loss, as Third had never been given a formal name.

Third insisted, "Any surname but Zhu is fine." Zhang Xian’gu retorted, "Nonsense! Who changes their surname just like that? Your father is a Zhu, how can you not be?"

The main lady, knowledgeable about family histories, mentioned that Zhu Shenhan's family was originally surnamed Zhu but changed it to avoid bullying by the prominent Zhu clan. Zhang Xian’gu commented, "But that didn't stop the bullying," struggling to come up with a pleasing name.

Yu Ping suggested, "No rush. Since Third is the third child, let's temporarily name him Zhu Sanlang. Once he's educated and finds a name he prefers, we can change it again. Changing names and surnames twice will make it harder for others to trace his origins, distancing him from those sham spiritual practices. He'll be a respectable young official from now on. Congratulations."

A few days later, Yu Ping brought the finalized household registration, joking, "You weren't on the records before, now you'll have to pay taxes."

The main lady dismissed him, "Nonsense! I'll handle it, no need for your concern!" After settling down, she reconsidered Zhu San's character, acknowledging his potential beyond his aggressive moments with an axe. His principle of 'villains first, gentlemen later' made sense, showing his integrity.

Not wishing harm on others who treated her well, the main lady found Zhu San's cleaned-up appearance quite handsome and likable. Raising him might well be rewarding.

Zhang Xian’gu, however, was concerned about Zhu Shenhan's whereabouts. With the household registration completed and him missing, she implored Yu Ping to investigate, hoping Zhu Shenhan wouldn't unknowingly return to Zhu Village and stir trouble.

Yu Ping assured her, "Don't worry, it's easy. He must pass through Shili Pavilion to return to Zhu Village. We'll have someone there inform your husband to come here."

Zhang Xian’gu was deeply grateful. A family always needed a man to fend off bullies, even if he was a spiritual practitioner. She cursed Zhu Liu in her heart for his lies about Zhu Shenhan being imprisoned. After inquiring in the county jail, there was no sign of him, causing her undue anxiety.

Yu Ping was also pleased, a well-settled aunt with her own home was far less of a burden than one left destitute for him to support.

After joyfully consuming half a jin of liquor, Yu Ping dared not return home to face his wife's scolding for drunkenness and chose to stay in the office overnight. Thirsty at midnight and searching for water, he discovered a stack of new official documents on the desk. Flipping through them, his expression changed drastically—

Zhu Liu hadn't lied, but the "city" in question wasn't their county but the provincial capital! A case involving witchcraft and curses was halfway through its proceedings there, with a request sent to their county for assistance in investigating Zhu Shenhan's potential accomplices.

The liquor in Yu Ping’s system sobered up instantly!