Chapter 25: Father (Second Update)

Chapter 25: Father (Second Update)

The next day, the distribution of livestock was not based on the number of people, but each branch received a fixed number of geese, ducks, chickens, wild boars, sheep, rabbits, deer, etc. The main branch had more, while the remaining thirty-two offshoot branches had less. Some offshoot branches had only a mother and child living in the wing of the main house, so the quantity was even smaller. Rare delicacies like sea cucumbers, bear paws, lobsters, and crabs were only available to members of the main branch.

Cheng Mingyu was known for his fairness, and no one dared to challenge his decisions, especially the poorer dependent households, who were deeply grateful.

On the third day, miscellaneous grains, charcoal, writing supplies, and other items were distributed, mainly to aid the poorer households. Not all members of the Cheng family were prosperous; some had a single heir over three generations, and their numbers dwindled over time. Children who wanted to learn to read often didn’t even have a pen. These needs were reported to the family’s central administration, and after verification by the stewards, they could receive some year-end allowances.

The Cheng family’s central administration had seven chief stewards, each overseeing seven junior stewards. Some family members would privately offer money to seek favor and gain benefits. To prevent corruption, Cheng Mingyu allowed the disciplinary board to supervise, creating a system of checks and balances. If bribery was discovered, all assets would be confiscated, the chief steward would be dismissed and expelled from the family, and the involved family members would also be punished.

The seven chief stewards received generous allowances from Cheng Mingyu, including year-end rewards. Occasionally, their children were even allowed to attend the clan school. If they excelled, they could be released from their bonded status and become officials. Who would be foolish enough to focus on petty gains? Even if there were such foolish people, Cheng Mingyu and his son would not hesitate to deal with them.

Thus, the stewards of the Cheng family, unlike those of other families, dared not cheat their superiors and performed their duties honestly.

On the fourth day, Cheng Yiyan presided over the distribution of year-end bonuses. In the morning, allowances were given to the clan school, visiting scholars, and other hired personnel. In the afternoon, allowances were distributed to all stewards, housekeepers, maids, and servants. Initially, the stewards collected the allowances for their subordinates, but soon it was discovered that some stewards were skimming off the top. To prevent such loopholes, everyone had to come to Cheng Yiyan to receive their monetary gifts.

Different levels received different amounts, from top-tier stewards to the lowest-ranking maids. Ten boxes were prepared, each containing equal monetary gifts. Each person received their gift in turn, and everything was recorded to ensure fairness. Everyone was pleased.

For those who were particularly favored or had special merits, the family head might give additional rewards, but that was a separate matter.

The maids of married daughters received only five hundred copper coins, but Cheng Yian’s maids were different. Cheng Yiyan and his wife decided to grant them additional bonuses. At night, Lu Shi sent a female steward over, and Ru Hui and Ru Lan each received five taels of silver, while the other four maids received one tael each. They were ecstatic.

Why did everyone strive to become the personal maids of the young ladies? Not only did they receive higher allowances, but the master might also give them old clothes or jewelry as gifts. For example, Cheng Yian had given Ru Hui and Ru Lan some of her old mink coats. In times of need, they could sell these items for money.

For three days, Lu Xusheng came every day.

He arrived punctually at the beginning of the hour of Xu each day. Once, he was late, and the matriarch asked about it, causing Cheng Yian to feel embarrassed. One day he brought a lotus leaf-wrapped chicken, another day scallion pancakes, offering a different flavor from the Cheng family’s delicacies.

Cheng Yian accompanied him in the carriage, eating snacks.

“Won’t you come in?”

“No.”

Lu Xusheng was also stubborn.

Cheng Yian said sarcastically, “Ah, the main branch of the Cheng family is not like the fourth branch. The fourth branch treats you like a treasure, and you enjoy it. But in the main branch, they treat you like an ordinary son-in-law, and you’re not happy, are you?”

Lu Xusheng didn’t respond.

He knew his brother-in-law was trying to discipline him, to temper his temper, and disliked him for not being as obedient and gentle as other sons-in-law.

Did he really like the main branch of the Cheng family?

They treated the young lady so well that she didn’t want to return home.

Cheng Yian’s complexion these days showed that she was doing well in the Cheng family.

Lu Xusheng was also worried. The current situation of the Lu family couldn’t compare to the main branch of the Cheng family. He was afraid that Cheng Yian would grow accustomed to living here and not want to return.

“I heard your father prepared a very comfortable courtyard for you? With a hot spring?”

Cheng Yian obediently nibbled on a duck leg and nodded vaguely, “Mmm…”

Lu Xusheng laughed, “Your father has too much free time.”

During Cheng Yian’s three days at the estate, Cheng Mingyu didn’t attend court for three days.

Although the court was on holiday, it didn’t mean there was no work. Like him, he spent half the day at the Military Governor's Office and half at the military camp, busy to the point of not having a moment to rest.

"Tomorrow I'll file a complaint against your father."

Cheng Yian was instantly annoyed, glaring at him fiercely, "How dare you! Don’t stir up trouble!"

Lu Xusheng tilted his head and smiled, "Your father has filed plenty of complaints against me before."

Cheng Yian, furious, punched him, and Lu Xusheng simply pulled her into his arms, stealing a kiss before reluctantly letting her go.

As Lu Xusheng headed back, he thought to himself, having such a tough father-in-law really pushes me to work harder. He couldn’t compete with his father-in-law in wealth or jewels, but when it came to titles, Cheng Yian would have to rely on him. After all, there was no precedent for a daughter to receive a noble title. Once he made Cheng Yian the youngest Your Grace in the Great Jin Dynasty, he’d surely hold his head high.

Lu Xusheng decided to brush off Cheng Yiyan’s petty schemes, driving back resolutely, refusing to yield to the Cheng family.

Cheng Yian wasn’t sure if Lu Xusheng was serious about filing a complaint against Cheng Mingyu or just bluffing. As they approached the Chuihua Gate, she felt uneasy and decided to head over to Cheng Mingyu’s study.

The last time she came to this courtyard, it had been quiet and secluded, but today was different. There were crowds gathered both inside and out.

"Why so many people?" Cheng Yian slowed her steps along the corridor.

Ru Hui, who was accompanying her today, seemed to understand what was going on.

"Isn’t tomorrow the day for dividends? In the past, once the family head made a decision, it was final, and no one was allowed to object. So, it’s likely that people from each branch are trying to make their case before the list is finalized, hoping to squeeze out some extra silver."

Basically, the past few days were just warm-ups; tomorrow was the real battle over the core interests of each branch.

Cheng Yian, accompanied by Ru Hui, reached the previous hall and saw the lords of each branch standing outside the study. She even spotted her uncle from the fourth branch. The situation was simple: every year on the eve of this day, people would come to Cheng Mingyu to gauge his stance. Once one came, others, fearing they might miss out, would follow, and soon enough, almost everyone would gather.

From a distance, she saw several stewards standing beside Cheng Mingyu, blocking the corridor.

"Gentlemen, please go back. The family head is not in the study. The amounts were decided long ago, and you all know that. The family head has said that it depends on the prosperity of the family's descendants, the achievements of the younger generation, and whether there are any scandals or crimes. As long as each branch behaves properly, doesn’t bring shame to the family, and works together, you won’t be shorted."

Everyone knew that with Cheng Mingyu's style, there was no room for manipulation. But since others weren't leaving, they couldn't bring themselves to leave either, leading to a stalemate.

Seeing the stewards shooing people away, Cheng Yian naturally didn't proceed further.

Just as she was about to leave, Old Chen spotted her and called out excitedly,

"Third young lady?"

He could hardly believe that Cheng Yian would appear here, especially since she hadn't yet acknowledged her father.

Cheng Yian, called out, had no choice but to stop, "Old Chen."

Old Chen left the gathered lords and rushed over to her along the stone path. Reaching the hall, he immediately smiled and bowed respectfully, "Third young lady, are you here to see the family head?"

Having overheard the earlier conversation, Cheng Yian naturally couldn't undermine him, "Ahem, yes, I have something to discuss..."

She almost said "uncle," but that was no longer appropriate. The word "father" was still difficult, so after a moment's hesitation, she said to the steward,

"I was planning to see my father, but since he's not here..."

"He is, he is..." Old Chen, hearing the word "father," was almost overwhelmed with joy, fearing Cheng Yian might change her mind, and hurriedly invited her in,

"The family head just returned. Please follow me to the study and wait. He’ll be here any minute."

At this point, whether he was there or not, he had to be.

Cheng Yian, feeling extremely awkward, still followed Old Chen to the corridor.

Chen Bo pushed the door open first, escorted Cheng Yian inside, then turned to the crowd outside and bowed.

"Gentlemen, the family head is certainly too busy to see you now. Please return."

The crowd then dispersed in small groups.

Chen Bo hadn’t lied to Cheng Yian. Cheng Yian entered Cheng Mingyu's main study to find it empty.

This was unlike the side room she had visited before. The side room had a casual, comfortable setup, while this room was meticulously organized, with every table, chair, and painting perfectly arranged. Clearly, this was his outer study, used for receiving guests.

A painting titled "Travelers in Streams and Mountains" hung behind the armchair on the west wall. The painting was grand and majestic in style, with towering rocks stretching from the valley to the mountain peak, dominating the large canvas. Though the rocks were imposing, the brushwork was remarkably delicate. Beneath the dense foliage, a few merchants carrying loads were vividly captured with minimal strokes.

Cheng Yian was absorbed in the painting when a slightly hoarse voice suddenly called from behind.

"An An..."

Startled, Cheng Yian turned to find Cheng Mingyu standing by the antique shelf, wearing a faded long robe and holding a scorched-tail qin. Unadorned, his tall, slender figure radiated refined elegance, reminiscent of a Wei-Jin era scholar.

Cheng Yian's lips trembled as she hesitated, then softly called out,

"Father..." trying to sound as casual as possible.

The sudden "Father" took Cheng Mingyu by surprise.

His mind buzzed, overwhelmed with joy, unsure where to place his hands. Afraid of startling her, he hesitated before replying with a shaky "Ah," revealing his emotions. Father and daughter were too awkward to meet each other's eyes.

Seventeen years of waiting had finally brought him her calling him "Father."

Though he had longed for her to call him "Daddy" and act playfully, he was deeply content with this moment.

Cheng Mingyu took a deep breath to steady himself.

"An An, have a seat..."

He kept his emotions in check, gently placed the jiaowei qin—a traditional Chinese zither—down, and moved to the armchair beside her, personally serving her a cup of tea.

Cheng Yian looked at him intently, accepted the tea, and sat down slowly.

Cheng Mingyu sat down opposite her, the father and daughter separated by a square table, closer than they had been last time.

Cheng Yian still felt uneasy being alone with him. Clutching the teacup, she came straight to the point, "I came to tell you that I just met Lu Xusheng. He's as stubborn as they come and said he wants to challenge you. I was concerned you might not be ready, so I thought I should give you a heads-up."

"Oh..."

Cheng Mingyu seemed unfazed by the matter, but Cheng Yian's late-night visit showed she was anxious about her husband and father clashing in court. He sought to comfort her.

"An An, don't fret. He's not acting on a whim."

It's unwise for civil and military officials to get too cozy. The emperor expects the Cheng family's loyalty but frowns upon any alliance with the Lu family. Lu Xusheng never acts without a clear goal.

Cheng Mingyu patiently laid out the reasoning to Cheng Yian.

"In short, don't trouble yourself with the dealings between your father and Lu Xusheng in court. Your father has it under control, alright?"

Cheng Yian gazed at him, puzzled, and let out a sudden sigh.

You see, this is what sets people apart.

Cheng Mingyu took the time to break it all down for her, putting her mind at ease.

Lu Xusheng either didn't realize, didn't care, or simply didn't take it seriously, but he overlooked the fact that the women at home would inevitably worry.

This guy definitely needs some more training.

"Alright, since you've got it all figured out, I won't bother you anymore."

Cheng Mingyu watched her stand up, feeling a pang of loss, but of course, he couldn't keep her. He followed her to Chuihua Gate, waiting until she was out of sight before turning back. Returning to his room, he recalled the moment she called him "father." He stood there for a long time, caressing the tail of the qin with a distant expression.

The next day was the big profit-sharing banquet. Cheng Mingyu took a day off from court to preside over the event in the meeting hall.

However, today was different from the previous two days.

Instead of handing out silver in public, the heads of each branch went one by one into a small warm pavilion on the west side of the meeting hall to get their share.

Cheng Mingyu set the amounts for each branch, ranging from five thousand to fifteen thousand taels. In bad years, the amount was reduced; in good years, more was donated to the court. First, he considered the size of each branch. Second, he looked at the achievements of their descendants. For example, this year, the twelfth son of the second branch and the thirteenth son of the third branch both ranked in the top ten in the provincial exams and were sure to pass the metropolitan exam next spring. In such cases, they received extra rewards.

Third, if any descendants caused trouble, damaged the family's reputation, or bullied neighbors, the disciplinary committee would punish them and note it in the records. At year's end, their share would be cut based on these records.

Thanks to these methods, Cheng Mingyu kept the Cheng family in line, and they enjoyed a good reputation and pride in their name.

At first, the amounts were made public, and the branches made a fuss. Later, he switched to a quiet distribution method, banning any questions. With the disciplinary committee's records, no branch could argue.

The second and third branches had the most descendants. Most lived in the ancestral home in Hongnong, with only the scholarly young masters staying in the main branch under Cheng Mingyu's watch. Because the twelfth and thirteenth sons did so well, these branches got fifteen thousand taels this year, and the elders left smiling.

Next up was the fourth branch.

The elder master and the fourth mistress came in.

Cheng Mingyu got straight to the point, sliding the note with the amount over to them.

The elder master glanced at it and complained, while the mistress looked upset.

"Mingyu, this is way too little."

In the past, thanks to Cheng Yian, the fourth branch always got the full fifteen thousand taels, but this year Cheng Mingyu only gave them eight thousand.

The mistress sat across from him and said with a bitter smile, "You know our girls aren't married yet, and the kids are still in school. Next year, Qing'er will be married, and this amount just isn't enough."

Cheng Mingyu said expressionlessly,

"Firstly, the share for Cheng Mingyou's line has been reduced. Secondly, last time he caused such a scene, the disciplinary committee was very dissatisfied, and I must give them an explanation."

The elder master was not willing to give up, his eyes red,

"Mingyu, for An An's sake, at least give us a bit more."

Cheng Mingyu glanced at him indifferently, "If it weren't for An An, you wouldn't have received fifteen thousand taels all these years. Think about it, when you had silver to spend, why didn't you save some and start some business outside?"

The mistress knew that Cheng Mingyu was resolute, and arguing further would only make them lose more face. She tugged at Cheng Mingze's sleeve, and the mother and son left the warm pavilion one after another. Outside, they dared not show any signs of disappointment, fearing ridicule, and went straight back to the fourth branch with the silver notes.

In the mistress's main courtyard, all members of the fourth branch were sitting neatly, waiting for the profit-sharing.

After Cheng Mingyou and his wife were sent back to the old residence, only ten-year-old Cheng Yiqing remained in this line.

Entering their own courtyard, the disappointment on their faces was no longer concealed, and the mistress and the elder master sighed simultaneously.

Madam Jin, seeing this, knew something was wrong.

"How much was given?"

The elder master didn't hide it, showing the number "eight" with his fingers, which made the mistress slump into her chair. "What are we going to do? Our Qing'er is to be married next year, and our two sons are still unmarried."

The third mistress was less affected. She only had one daughter, Cheng Yimei, and the rest, like the eighteenth son, were the concerns of the old mistress and the third master. She was less concerned, as she never received extra even when more was given in the past, so her expression remained the calmest.

The old mistress sat down, sipped her tea to wet her lips, and then placed the banknotes she had just received in her palm.

"We shall divide it as follows: three thousand for the main branch, two thousand for the third branch, and the rest I'll keep, including a share for Qing'er here."

As soon as she finished speaking, a clear voice suddenly rang out from the doorway.

"Grandmother, what about my mother's share?"

At these words, the old mistress and the others paled.

Cheng Yian, with Ru Lan and Ru Hui in tow, strode into the west warm chamber. She first paid her respects to the old mistress, and Ru Hui brought her a brocade stool. She sat down at the southernmost end, facing everyone, and said,

"Grandmother, my mother's shop and the two thousand taels of silver that were her dowry were used by you to fill Cheng Mingyou's deficit. Today, I ask you to return them."

Facing a poor harvest and then debt collectors was like adding insult to injury.

The mistress was on the verge of tears,

"An An, we've been a family for over a decade. If not for the sake of propriety, then for the sake of family. As the youngest daughter of the main branch, you surely are not in need of money. Why must you press so hard?"

Cheng Yian, her eyes red with emotion, retorted, "Because of my mother, because of me, you've lived in luxury for over a decade, adorned in gold and silver, while my mother was driven to jump off a cliff, enjoying nothing. You don't remember her, yet you swallowed her dowry money. How can your conscience be at ease?"

This rendered the mistress speechless. After a while, she murmured,

"If Second Brother was the one who expended Second Sister-in-law's dowry, then he should be the one to repay it. But today's distribution clearly excludes Cheng Mingyou's branch entirely. An An, if you want to seek, you should seek from your father of the past."

Cheng Yian disregarded her and fixed her gaze directly on the old mistress,

"Grandmother, it was you who filled the deficit. I only seek from you."

To seek from the old mistress was to claim from today's distribution.

The mistress's eyes were locked on the old mistress.

At this moment, her daughter Cheng Yiqing suddenly spoke up,

"An An, how can you be sure that Second Uncle took so much of Second Aunt's money?"

Cheng Yian coldly replied, "Cousin, are you asking me if I have the dowry list?"

Cheng Yiqing remained silent. Only the old mistress had Cheng Yian's mother's dowry list.

Cheng Yian smiled, "Thanks to the Cheng family's rules, the disciplinary committee has a copy of every bride's dowry to prevent it from being embezzled. There's still a copy there. Cousin, do you need me to fetch it?"

Involving the disciplinary committee would inevitably draw Cheng Mingyu's attention, risking public exposure.

Cheng Yiqing had previously clashed with Cheng Yian over a marital dispute, and now the two cousins hardly spoke.

Then, Cheng Yimei from the third branch unexpectedly chimed in,

"If evidence exists, then it ought to be returned to An An. After all, it's not ours to keep; holding onto it doesn't sit right, does it?"

The third mistress, alarmed at the potential to provoke the old mistress, hastily silenced her daughter.

At this moment, the Matriarch's knack for assessing the situation became clear. She always made decisions that favored the fourth branch the most. Offending Cheng Yian now wouldn’t do them any good, and she truly felt guilty about Xia Fu.

"An An, you’ve got a point. I’ll give you two thousand taels. As for the shop, I’ll give you one thousand taels instead. Is that okay?"

Truthfully, the amount didn’t matter to Cheng Yian; she just wanted to give her mother closure.

"Agreed!"

When the mistress heard the Matriarch was giving away three thousand taels, her heart ached.

"Mother..."

The Matriarch rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming. "Alright, each of your branches will reduce by one thousand taels."

This meant the elder master would get two thousand taels at year’s end, and the third master would get one thousand.

The usually mild-mannered third mistress snapped angrily, "When An An was here, we didn’t get any extra benefits. Our third branch should pay what we owe. Why should we have to pay extra now? No, I won’t agree to this."

The mistress refused, and so did the third mistress. The two sides started arguing.

Amid the commotion, the Matriarch’s eyes met Cheng Yian’s.

"An An, what will you do with this money?"

"I’ll do good deeds in my mother’s name, helping her earn merit, so she can be reborn as a man in her next life... If not a man, at least into a good family, married to a decent husband who’ll cherish, love, and respect her..." Cheng Yian said.

Hearing this, the Matriarch was overcome with sadness. She finally decided to give the elder master two thousand taels, the third master two thousand, keep one thousand for herself, and give the remaining three thousand to Cheng Yian.

"I regret not taking better care of your mother, but I’d never regret this, because otherwise, you wouldn’t be here." The old lady leaned on the doorway, reluctant to let her go.

"An An, visit often."

Cheng Yian trembled, tears streaming down her face as she left.

Back at the main branch with three thousand taels, she thought about how long she’d stayed and decided to pack up and leave. Out of the blue, the old matron from the Matriarch’s quarters came and asked her to the upper house.

"Why are you leaving?" The Matriarch frowned. "The outside business is done, now it’s our turn, and at this crucial moment, you’re trying to sneak off?"

Cheng Yian felt very embarrassed, "I’ve already eaten and drunk here, shouldn’t I also take something with me?"

The Matriarch laughed and pulled her into her arms, "Silly girl, if you don’t take from here, where else would you go? What is a natal home? This is your natal home. Why do you think there’s a saying that it’s best to be born a daughter of the Cheng family? This is the confidence our Cheng family gives to our daughters!"