Chapter 77

Chapter 77: The Seventy-Seventh Return

Lian Cheng, worried about Lian Pu, was distracted. He merely smiled at Lian Xiusheng, cradling half a bowl of tea for a full hour. Then, hearing Fifth Madam and Lian Yi sobbing softly in the back, he excused himself to relieve himself and stood under the eaves outside. Two old friends of Lian Pu hurried in from outside. Lian Cheng descended the steps to greet them with a junior's bow. One of them grabbed his hand and said, "Brother was fine this morning, sharing two cups of wine with us. How did he fall ill after escorting the funeral procession?"

The other asked if the bandits had been caught. Lian Cheng replied that two were captured alive but said no more. The two men then left Lian Cheng, each calling out "Brother" as they stepped into the house.

Alone, Lian Cheng hid outside and wept secretly.

Lian Xiusheng saw this clearly from the window inside. Knowing his third brother valued his pride, he refrained from disturbing him. He merely refilled the empty teacups in the room and sat quietly, saying little.

As dusk approached, Cai Pozi from Zhou Yaniang's courtyard came to ask if the evening meal should be prepared. Wu Huajie, already displeased, raised her voice and said, "With the master on the verge of death, who has the heart to eat dinner? I suspect some shameless woman is secretly hoping the master dies, so she can use her good son to stir up trouble among the brothers and become a titled lady herself."

Zhou Yaniang rarely left her courtyard, so only Cai Pozi heard this. She exclaimed loudly, "Second Madam, what kind of talk is that? Regardless, our Fourth Madam is still your sister-in-law in this household. Why speak so harshly of her?"

Wu Huajie resented that her brothers-in-law all had good fortune while her own son was unlucky. This was his fifth attempt at the imperial exams, and he had only hoped for a jinshi degree. Now, with his father dying, he would have to observe mourning for three years, wasting more time. Cai Pozi's retort ignited Wu Huajie's anger. She rose from the couch and rushed over, saying, "Who wants a former singer as a sister-in-law? It's all because we share the same man, and there's no other way!"

She continued, "Don't casually claim sisterhood. Every sister in this family comes from a respectable background. You..."

"Second Sister, your words are amusing. You're worried that the master's illness will delay Second Brother, so you're displeased with any brother who shows promise. But Tao Geer and Xiao Geer are only ten years old. Why drag their mothers into this?" Sixth Madam Tao, whose background was even less respectable than Zhou Yaniang's, and unlike Zhou Yaniang who rarely left her courtyard, was furious. Her face flushed red, and her voice trembled.

Wu Huajie, criticized, sat down calmly and snorted, "You always have to stick your nose into everything. If you meddled less in family affairs, you wouldn't be sitting here alone arguing with me."

Seeing Tao's face turn ashen, Wu Huajie pressed on, "With the master dying, this is your chance for a good day. You finally get to be a mother again."

Tao, unable to out-argue Wu Huajie, smashed a set of teacups in anger. Then Lian Biyun arrived, stepping over the threshold. Without warning anyone, she slapped Wu Huajie resoundingly across the face. Wu Huajie fell to the ground, wailing that after the third watch, she would follow the master in death.

"If you truly want to die, why make a scene here?" Lian Biyun said arrogantly and disdainfully. "My eldest brother hasn't even breathed his last yet. Even if he does, it's only proper for all children to observe mourning according to ritual. What makes you so defiant? If you truly feel you've suffered so much in the Lian family, pack your things and leave now!"

When Lian Cheng came back inside after composing himself, the main hall of Liufang Pavilion was in chaos—some crying, some cursing. He didn't join the elders' quarrel but went to ask Lian Xiusheng how the fight started.

Lian Xiusheng was drinking tea. He only noticed that his third brother's eyes were red and asked if he had been crying.

Lian Cheng admitted it openly, saying, "My own father might not survive the third watch. Can't I cry a little?"

Then Lian Xiusheng explained how the elders had argued. Lian Cheng listened and said, "Second Madam's worries are understandable, but she shouldn't have insulted the other mothers' backgrounds. And the young aunt hitting someone in the face was wrong. I'll go check on Father first."

Lian Pu's bedchamber was much quieter. Only Zhang Ailian, two maids, a servant boy, and the two old friends who had just arrived were there. Seeing Lian Cheng enter, Zhang Ailian gestured for him to come closer and whispered, asking what the commotion outside was about.

Lian Cheng didn't answer honestly, fearing it would hurt the elders' feelings. He only said that the mothers were all crying sadly.

"Tell them to relax. Even if the master dies, the family still has Eldest Brother and you to take charge. With Second Brother and Sixth Brother helping, the sky won't fall." Zhang Ailian then sent Qing Zhu to announce the evening meal, saying the whole family would eat together in Liufang Pavilion.

After she spoke, Lian Pu's two old friends said they would leave and visit again early tomorrow. Zhang Ailian stood to see them out, leaving Lian Cheng alone in the room.

Lian Cheng sat cross-legged by the bed, staring blankly at Lian Pu's pallid face.

In truth, Lian Pu wasn't much of a father figure. In modern terms, his love was utterly silent. From his youth spent cockfighting and dog-walking to later storytelling and tea-tasting, and now in his old age, he tended to plants and trees.

Great courage seems timid; great wisdom seems foolish. Lian Cheng understood him. With the Lian family's prosperity, as the head of the household, the more ignorant and incompetent he appeared, the better it was for the family.

But Lian Pu hadn't lived in fear or anxiety. Though he was past fifty, he looked barely over forty. Even his eldest brother appeared older. No matter how much scheming he did, he never let it torment himself.

Lian Cheng lay watching him for a while, growing drowsy. Suddenly, Lian Pu's eyelids fluttered, and he half-awoke.

"You're awake?" Lian Cheng's drowsiness vanished. He was about to go call the others when Lian Pu grabbed his sleeve, preventing him from leaving.

"Son, listen to me. I might not get another chance to speak," Lian Pu murmured indistinctly. "The people I've wronged most in life are my teacher and countless classmates and colleagues. Fortunately, I saved Jiao'er's life. I can die without regret."

Lian Cheng was annoyed that he still called him Jiao'er at a time like this. No wonder ancient brothers fought bitterly—the old man's favoritism was extreme. So Lian Cheng shook off his sleeve and said, "When you're gone, I'll divide the family property. I won't give Sixth Brother a thing—not even a bedroll. I'll drive him and Fourth Madam to sleep on the street."

Unexpectedly, Lian Pu closed his eyes and said, "You don't need to divide it. I've already divided the estate among you."

He then pulled a letter from under his bedding, glanced at Lian Cheng, and tucked it back, pressing it down firmly.

"I won't give it to you yet. You're not steady enough," Lian Pu paused, then continued, "As for the Lian family's properties—manors and shops—you'll get the best manor, a forest farm, and a good shop. Your eldest brother will get one too. His mother died early, and he's not clever by nature..."

"The Lian family still has dozens of fine residences. Two have excellent feng shui, said to be on a dragon vein. After I'm gone, present these two to the emperor. If you want to frame a colleague, don't do it yourself. If you're like your eldest brother and can't manage framing, then just keep yourself safe. That's enough."

Lian Cheng lay beside him, listening to his faint voice. "How is the family so wealthy? Did Grandfather or Father embezzle it?"

"The times favor powerful families and officials, making the rich richer and the poor poorer. It's not exactly corruption, but it's still evil."

Lian Pu breathed heavily. After another pause, he fixed his gaze on Lian Cheng and said, "If you have the heart, you can secretly help the common people. But don't openly distribute family wealth. If you become a target, you'll surely end up ruined."

Lian Cheng nodded, saying he understood. Throughout history, even emperors who tried to move against the interests of powerful families rarely succeeded. If his family tried to undermine their foundations, they'd be ground to dust.

Lian Pu was growing delirious, muttering nonsense. He said that none of the mothers were bad people. When Lian Cheng became the head of the household, he should treat his brothers with respect and love, and be filial to the mothers. He also said that if Biyun wanted to remarry, her dowry should be doubled.

Speaking of Lian Ying, he paused again, asking if there was a way to keep him alive just long enough to pass the spring exams.

Lian Cheng thought to himself, "Whether you die early or late, he won't pass anyway. Don't bother worrying."

Then he talked about the two unmarried daughters at home. He said he had prepared generous dowries and urged the brothers to work hard. If they succeeded in their careers and the sisters had money, they would surely live well in their husbands' families.

As for the married fourth sister, Lian Pu said that although the Ye family was powerful, they attracted trouble. Their rise wasn't clean either. Xia Dan was demoted to the auxiliary capital over imperial wood, and the young Xia son bore his father's guilt. In truth, Xia Dan took the blame for Ye Jie. He said the Ye family would eventually fall. When that happened, Lian Cheng must not abandon Fourth Sister but should help and support her.

He also said that Lian Jiao was now close to the Ye family, having become Ye Jie's student. Since Lian Cheng was closest to him, he must warn him repeatedly: the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Don't get carried away.

Finally, he mentioned Lian Tao and Lian Xiao. He sighed deeply and said, "Entrust them to Old Master Guan. I don't ask them to become accomplished, only that they don't bring trouble to the family."

Having spoken of his children, he said the one he loved most was Zhang Ailian. When he followed his father into the palace, he saw her once and never forgot her. Second was Fourth Madam. He saw her at his teacher's house, wearing a white silk jacket and a brocade skirt, and was captivated at first sight. Third was Third Madam—pure and proud, skilled in writing. He saw her once and was smitten.

Lian Cheng couldn't listen anymore. He thought, "Good thing none of the mothers are here. I thought my father was a loveless old strategist, but he's actually fickle, loving whoever he sees."

Lian Pu saw Third Brother's indifferent expression, took his hand, and said earnestly, "My son, your mother's heart is not with me. I know. I only accepted the imperial decree to help her out of trouble in the palace. Your fourth mother is full of resentment. Your third mother loves me but values her family's reputation more and looks down on the Lian family. When you marry, be sure to find a good match."

"Rest now. Worrying so much will only hasten your death," Lian Cheng said.

Lian Pu had said almost everything on his mind. He fell asleep peacefully. Lian Cheng tucked him in, wiped his mouth with a damp cloth, and sat by the bed.

In the book, Ye Jie's faction fell, but the reason wasn't clear. Now, hearing Lian Pu, it was probably because of the imperial wood from Xielu Hall.

But the specifics surely involved Lian Xiusheng's hand. No wonder Lian Xiusheng became Ye Jie's student. No wonder he had a bad reputation in the book—he learned from his teacher, inherited his legacy, but betrayed his kindness. Even if it was for the greater good, it was still a petty act, condemned for generations.

-

Night fell. The bright moon hung high. The garden was covered in pearls after the rain.

In Liufang Pavilion, only a few children, servants, and maids remained. The others had gone home, leaving word to send word quickly if anything happened.

Seventh Miss Lian Yi and the two youngest brothers lay on the couch, fully dressed under a quilt, already asleep. At the foot, Yun Jieer and Rui Geer were curled up. Hongshi and Fu sat separately, occasionally fanning them or adjusting their quilts. When someone complained of itching, the two women reached over to scratch.

Fu Guang had set up two beds in the side cabinet and came to ask if any young masters or misses wanted to sleep there. It was still early, and sitting idly wasn't a good idea. Zeng Yi and Lian Yu, unable to sit any longer, went with Fu Guang to rest in the cabinet.

Lian Feng had taken on the role of eldest brother. He first ordered an extra thin mattress for those on the couch—the weather wasn't truly warm yet, and they shouldn't catch cold. He also had the maids add two more oil lamps for Lian Ying and Zeng Gui, who were still studying, to protect their eyes.

Then his gaze fell on the fine sandalwood armchair by the window. Two people were huddled there: the sixth brother sat below, holding a book in one hand, while the third brother lay coiled in his arms like a lazy snake, nearly asleep. The sixth brother held him with his other arm, keeping him from falling off.

"Oh dear," Lian Feng picked up a ruler and slapped it against the armchair's armrest. "You two, what kind of behavior is this? What kind of behavior!"

Lian Cheng wasn't asleep. He looked up lazily and said, "I was here first. Sixth brother insisted on squeezing in with me."

"You're the elder brother, what harm is there in giving in to him?" Lian Feng said.

"Why the hell should I?" Lian Cheng said.

Lian Feng then turned on Lian Xiusheng, "Since you're reading, why not go over and join those two? Letting him use you as a cushion, can you still read properly?"

Lian Xiusheng said flatly, "Just because you can't focus on reading, you think I can't either? Dad's room has the most comfortable chair. If Third Brother can sit here, so can I."

Lian Feng was so pissed he nearly keeled over, saying that Yun Jie'er and Rui Ge'er at home were more sensible than the two of them. "You're both court officials—one a Vice Minister of Works, the other an Assistant Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard—yet when Dad's life is on the line, you're fighting over a damn chair. Good thing there's no one else around. If there were, and word got out, you'd be the laughingstock of the whole city!"

After he finished speaking, Lian Cheng was still grumbling "I was here first," and Lian Xiusheng was still saying "I want to sit too." Seeing that he couldn't control these two younger brothers, Lian Feng put his hands behind his back and went to another room to look after Lian Pu.

Lian Cheng yawned and said to Lian Xiusheng, "You've angered Eldest Brother."

"Eldest Brother has too many rules. What's wrong with the two of us sharing a chair?" Lian Xiusheng said. "If we were to have another good chair made, it would cost a lot of silver. And if we spend too much, Eldest Brother would have something to say about that too."

Lian Cheng looked at the moon outside the window and asked what time it was.

"It should be around midnight."

Lian Cheng pondered for a moment, then asked as if casually, "Xiusheng, if Dad doesn't pull through tonight, would you be happy?"

Lian Xiusheng lowered his eyes. "Third Brother wants the truth?"

"Of course."

"Half happy, half sad," Lian Xiusheng admitted frankly.

Lian Cheng didn't know how to advise him, only murmured, "He still loves you, you know."

There was no response from behind. Lian Cheng didn't dare turn around to check Lian Xiusheng's face, and he started sweating all over. "If it were me on that day, would you also feel half happy and half sad?"

"Third Brother, you're different."

Lian Cheng wanted to ask how he was different, but for some reason, he couldn't make a sound. A vague, ominous premonition arose in his heart, but he couldn't articulate it. He instinctively felt it was better not to ask.

Lian Xiusheng received no response from behind. After a long while, he softly called out "Third Brother," but still got no answer. Thinking his brother was sulking, he pursed his lips and spoke to himself, "Third Brother, love and hate cannot cancel each other out, and they are never-ending until death. But how much love and how much hate—that is up to you, Third Brother."

Lian Xiusheng waited a long time without hearing a sound, then shifted his body. The other's soft neck leaned against him—he had fallen asleep.

He turned his head to gaze at his third brother. The moon shone bright, and his brother was stunning. His heart burned with an unbearable passion, and even clenching the book scroll in his fingers couldn't relieve it. After staring at that lovely face for a long time, he finally lost control and, lowering his head, placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his elder brother's lips.

But at that moment, his heart was filled only with affection, and he did not notice that beneath his third brother's thin robe, his muscles were tense.

Lian Cheng's skin was crawling, and he was about to piss his pants.