Chapter 26

Liu Qiming was instantly consumed with rage when he heard that his father had given twenty taels of silver to Mrs. Xiang. He slammed the book he was holding onto the ground with force.

Liu Youcai hurriedly picked up the book, clearly distressed. “These are the sacred texts of the sages. Your future success in the imperial examinations depends on them.”

“Success in the imperial examinations?” Liu Qiming let out a cold laugh as he took the book from his father’s hands. Through gritted teeth, he said, “If that old hag from the Xiang family keeps pestering us every day, won’t these books end up being read for their sake? This is utterly preposterous! It’s just a bite mark on the backside. If they think they can use this to coerce us into submission, they’re completely delusional!”

Liu Youcai knew full well his son was blaming him, but what choice did he have? With a helpless sigh, he explained, “I originally didn’t want to pay them any attention either. 

But she threatened that if I didn’t believe her, she’d take it to your grandfather and demand a blood test for paternity. Imagine if the blood mixed—then everything would truly be over. She also said that the members of our Liu family’s main branch are short in stature, just like Xiang Erlang and Xiang Sanlang. On the other hand, Xiang Dagen is tall, and upon closer inspection, he bears a certain resemblance to your Fourth Uncle.”

Upon hearing this, he grew increasingly worried. “What I’m afraid of is that she’ll go to your uncles and spread rumors, making them suspicious. Second Uncle and Third Uncle are just waiting for an excuse to catch us in a mistake so they can grab a bigger share of the family estate. That’s why I had no choice but to give her twenty taels to keep her quiet.”

Hearing this, Liu Qiming was so furious that his chest heaved, and his face turned bright red.

It was precisely because the three uncles were watching them like hawks that he had to tread so carefully. Otherwise, why would he endure this humiliation in front of that Mrs. Xiang?

As for that shrew from the Xiang family, she had clearly picked this moment to cause trouble, knowing full well that neither father nor son would dare make a fuss.

He stood up with his hands behind his back, his face dark. “That old hag has come probing again and again—it must be the work of that sly fox behind her. He always pretends to be reserved and taciturn, but he’s the most scheming of the Xiang family. 

If it weren’t for him, how would that old crone know about things like blood recognition rituals? Those two—one cunning, the other shameless—once they latch on, we’ll never shake them off in this lifetime.”

“In that case, we might as well—”

Over at the Xiang household, Mrs. Xiang clutched the twenty taels of silver joyfully, praising her son, who was being raised outside, in front of Xiang Laotou. Though Xiang Laotou scolded her for gossiping too loudly, worried someone might overhear, the corners of his mustache couldn’t help but curl upward in satisfaction.

“Truly, the bloodline of the Xiang family doesn’t disappoint! All of them are naturally gifted scholars—if not budding talents, then budding prodigies. In our entire Daliushu Village, except for the second son of the Zeng family who knows a few words, who else isn’t just an illiterate farmer?” Mrs. Xiang declared proudly. 

“Luckily, you came up with this idea back then. Not only did it save our children from conscription, but it also brought money into the household.”

Hearing footsteps outside, Xiang Laotou turned and shot her a glare, signaling her to shut up.

It was Xiang Laosan who entered. After complaining for a while about the hardships of studying, he finally revealed his true purpose—asking his parents to request Liu Qiming’s help in recommending him and his son to enroll in Xiaoru Academy.

Xiang Laotou asked, “Isn’t it just a matter of money to get into an academy?”

Xiang Laosan frowned. “This academy is the best in the county. The fees are reasonable, but it values talent more than wealth. Admission requires the recommendation of a scholar or an official. If Erlang can get in, he’ll surely pass the entry exams next year.”

Hearing this, Xiang Laoer snorted derisively. “If the fees are low, why not send Sanlang too?”

“I just told you, it requires a scholar’s recommendation. When I asked Liu Qiming for help last time, that arrogant fool wouldn’t even give me the time of day! He acted like being a scholar was so impressive—what’s the big deal?”

Xiang Laotou snapped, “Shut your mouth! Always running wild. Why should he help you?”

Xiang Laosan protested, “Father, how can you side with outsiders? I’m doing this for the Xiang family! If Erlang and Sanlang get into that academy, and I’m included, we might produce three scholars in no time. Then we’d be even more prestigious than the Liu family. You and Mother would finally hold your heads high.”

“Liu Qiming became a scholar because he attended that academy. Without it, he’d be nothing now.”

It must be said—no one in the village could paint a better picture than Xiang Laosan.

Mrs. Xiang was immediately swayed, her heart swelling with pride, while Xiang Laotou couldn’t help but puff out his chest. After all, the only scholar in the village was his grandson, though he couldn’t bear the Xiang family name. 

Still, if they produced another scholar, that would truly be a blessing from their ancestors.

Once the sons left, Mrs. Xiang couldn’t resist suggesting to Xiang Laotou, “Why don’t we talk to Qiming and ask him to put in a good word with the academy for Erlang and Sanlang? They’re all family—just a simple request.”

Xiang Laotou smoked his pipe, the room filling with a hazy cloud. After a long pause, he hesitated. “What if Qiming doesn’t want to be associated with us?”

“What would he have to object to?” Mrs. Xiang interrupted. “No matter what, he’s still our grandson, our flesh and blood. If he won’t help his own family, who else would he help?”

Xiang Laotou thought it over and found her words reasonable. “Fine, but keep it quiet. Don’t let anyone see. And tell him to guide Erlang and Sanlang when he has time. Whichever one succeeds, it’ll bring glory to the Xiang family.”

Delighted by his agreement, Mrs. Xiang wasted no time in setting out to find Liu Qiming. Her capable and successful eldest grandson brought her so much pride that she couldn’t wait to chat with him more.

Little did she know, Liu Qiming nearly exploded when he heard her request from Liu Youcai.

“Father, didn’t I say this would happen? One thing leads to another—first, they demand gratitude for giving birth to me, then they ask for silver, and now they want me to recommend their two idiotic grandsons to the academy and even mentor them! How dare they? 

Those two are utter fools. If they get into Xiaoru Academy and fail, it’ll be my reputation that suffers! Besides, I’ve already promised my recommendation to his son in the city. We only get one recommendation each. There’s no way I’m wasting mine on them!”

Liu Youcai was equally troubled, furrowing his brows.

At that moment, Mrs. Cao entered the room, and father and son immediately fell silent.

Seeing her displeased expression, Liu Qiming quickly asked, “Mother, what’s troubling you?”

Mrs. Cao sighed deeply before replying, “It’s your grandmother—always favoring your fourth uncle. He’s so spoiled now that he’s starting to plot against the family assets, demanding half the farmland. Your grandparents are still alive, yet he’s already behaving this way. I dread to think what he’ll do in the future.”

Liu Qiming glanced at his father subtly upon hearing this, keeping his expression neutral.

Mrs. Cao, sensing the tense atmosphere in the room and unable to get any answers, sighed deeply and left.

Liu Qiming frowned and said, “Father, do you still feel torn? If Fourth Uncle uncovers evidence against that woman in the future and uses it to threaten our family, what will we do?”

Liu Youcai sighed heavily. “Fine, do as you plan, but make sure to handle it cautiously.”

Liu Qiming acknowledged the order and left.

Meanwhile, the Xiang family’s matriarch doted on Erlang and Sanlang. Unable to bear seeing her grandsons sulk day after day, she secretly told them about asking Liu Xiucai to recommend them to Xiaoru Academy. The news made both boys ecstatic.

“Grandma, is this really true?”

“Of course, it is. Just wait for the good news.”

The two boys, who loved to boast, couldn’t help but brag to their former schoolmates that they were set to join Xiaoru Academy. Soon, everyone knew about it.

When this news reached Liu Qiming, he was furious.

That day, as he returned from the bookshop, he ran into Erlang and Sanlang. The two, buoyed by their grandmother’s promise but uneasy after days without hearing from the academy, confronted Liu Qiming.

“Liu Xiucai, my grandma said you agreed to recommend us to Xiaoru Academy. Why haven’t we received any word yet?”

Liu Qiming, already seething over the matter, snapped, “When did I ever agree to recommend you?”

“But—my grandma said so! You’re going back on your word!”

Liu Qiming glared at Erlang. “I never agreed to it!”

“You—you just wait. I’ll talk to my grandma!”

Erlang pulled Sanlang along to leave, but Sanlang glared at Liu Qiming and said, “Liu Xiucai, are you afraid we’ll surpass you in the academy? Is that why you’re so unwilling?”

Liu Qiming was so enraged he nearly exploded. “Two mere children dare speak such nonsense in front of me!”

The Xiang brothers, seeing his fury, fled in a panic.

Unable to hold back his anger, Liu Qiming hurled the two books in his hand to the ground.

The next day, Liu Youcai discreetly approached the Mrs. Xiang, asking her and her husband to meet him at the Sifang Teahouse in the city. He claimed there were matters to discuss about supporting the second and third households in the future and urged them not to tell anyone else in the family.

The Mrs. Xiang was overjoyed. In the village, despite frequent encounters with the Liu family father and son, their familial relationship had never been explicitly acknowledged. Even after their identities were revealed, there hadn’t been a proper heart-to-heart. 

Now, with her eldest son showing such thoughtfulness, how could she not be thrilled? She hurried home to tell her husband, the Xiang Laotou.

The Xiang Laotou, equally delighted, agreed. They didn’t inform their children or grandchildren, only saying they wanted to take a trip to the city for some fresh air, as the eldest son at home had been in a foul mood lately.

Their sons didn’t think much of it, though some of the grandchildren wanted to tag along. 

However, the Xiang Laotou scolded them into staying home.

Meanwhile, Pear Blossom had already received news from the system. She knew Liu Qiming had bribed two local thugs, Cai Qian and Cai Kun, to act the following evening.

During the day, to lower Mr. and Mrs. Xiang’s guard, Liu Qiming and his father pretended to warmly host the Xiang Laotou and matriarch, taking them to the teahouse and treating them to a meal.

At the dinner table, Liu Qiming couldn’t hide the contempt in his eyes as he watched Mr. and Mrs. Xiang’s coarse manners. In the future, he planned to sit for the provincial exams and become a scholar. 

How could he acknowledge such ignorant and greedy grandparents? The current old man Liu might be a villager, but at least he had some wealth and a veneer of refinement. These two, however, were embarrassments. The more Liu Qiming thought about it, the more resistant he became.

Oblivious to the father and son’s true feelings, the elderly couple indulged themselves, even insisting on taking leftovers for their other grandchildren back home. Since the Liu family had money, they saw no reason to pity outsiders.

Liu Youcai, initially uneasy about his son’s plan, found his doubts melting away as he watched this scene.

The Mrs. Xiang added, “Cai’er, you’re now the eldest of the Xiang family. Life with the Liu family has been smooth for you, but you can’t forget your younger siblings. Your son has become a xiucai, while the second and third sons in our family are useless. You should lend them a hand.”

The Liu father and son exchanged a glance, and Liu Qiming asked, “How do you want my father to help them?”

The Mrs. Xiang shamelessly replied, “If you have the money, lend us 100 or 200 taels. Erlang and Sanlang are at marriageable age, but the house is old and dilapidated, and all the money has gone to your third uncle’s studies. It needs renovating.”

The Xiang Laotou, tipsy on wine better than he’d ever had, felt a wave of euphoria. But seeing the unpleasant expressions on the father and son’s faces, he discreetly nudged his wife.

Realizing she might have overstepped, the Mrs. Xiang quickly added, “Whatever you can spare is fine. We wouldn’t want you to shortchange yourselves.”

In truth, the Mrs. Xiang and Xiang Laotou had already discussed taking as much as possible from the Liu family. After all, this son bore another family’s name. Who knew if he would acknowledge them in the future? 

The Xiang family’s prospects still rested on their second and third sons. This was why the Mrs. Xiang had made such demands earlier.

But those words were enough to erase all the kindness and patience Liu Youcai and his son had.

First, when Liu Qiming brought good news home, they came knocking, reminding them to not forget their roots. Then they asked Liu Youcai for twenty liang of silver, followed by Liu Qiming recommending Xiang Sanlang and Wulang to the county’s filial scholars’ academy. Now, they were asking for one hundred and eighty liang of silver to marry off Erlang and Sanlang and build a house. One demand after another, who knew what the next one would be?

Taking advantage of a brief moment, Liu Qiming whispered to his father, “These two don’t even regard you as their true son; they’re treating you like an enemy.”

At this point, Liu Youcai was fuming. One hundred and twenty taels of silver—this couple really had lofty expectations. Although the Liu family was a small landlord, Liu’s four sons had always eyed the family’s wealth, and the land rents were not enough to divide among them. 

Over the years, his sons had spent plenty on their studies, and now this woman dared to ask for one or two hundred liang of silver. He was taken aback by the audacity.

These two must be eliminated!

After a meal, Liu Qiming smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Xiang, “It’s getting late. Let me find a place for you to rest. The Liu family has property in the city, but since someone is staying there, it’s not convenient to bring you both back. 

The inn is noisy at night, but I have a friend in the third alley whose house has been empty lately. You can stay there for the night.”

Mr. and Mrs. Xiang, who had never spent the night in the city, were delighted to hear this. “It’s no trouble at all, no trouble at all. As long as there’s a place to stay, we’re fine.”

A cold smile flashed across Liu Qiming’s face as he secretly signaled to the corner. Cai Qian and Cai Kun immediately appeared.

Liu Qiming smiled, “These are my two friends in the city. They will guide you. Tomorrow, my father and I will personally take you both on a tour of the city.”

Watching the four of them leave, Liu Qiming’s face darkened, the smile disappearing. “From today onward, you no longer have to endure the hanging sword.”

In the evening, the head constable of Qingyang County, Liu Yun, who was acquainted with the commander of the border military camp, Zuo Qi, had been entrusted by Zuo Qi to handle a premeditated murder case. That night, he and his men had been lying in ambush on the roof of the target’s residence.

In the evening, two young men brought an elderly couple into the room and left. When Mr. and Mrs. Xiang had fallen into a deep sleep, the two men quietly re-entered and stabbed them with a sharp knife under the covers.

At that moment, the constables on the roof jumped down and captured the two men.

The old couple, seeing five or six strong men in front of their bed, shrieked in fear, huddling together.

The constables quickly escorted Mr. and Mrs. Xiang and the two would-be murderers to the county office.

The next day, the county magistrate publicly tried the case.

Upon notification by the bailiff, the old couple’s sons, including Xiang Dagen, arrived at the county office to observe the trial. 

Villagers from Daliushu village, hearing that the old couple had almost been killed, couldn’t hold back their curiosity and left their work to see what had happened. The entrance to the court hall was soon crowded with spectators.

The bailiff shouted loudly, and the county magistrate struck the gavel, calling out, “Cai Qian, Cai Kun, why did you two attempt to murder the old couple from Daliushu Village?”

The Cai brothers, regulars in the jail, remained silent.

The old couple had not recovered from their shock since last night. They never imagined that their grandson’s two friends would want to take their lives.

There were generally three reasons for murder: money, grudges, or obstructing others’ paths.

Mr. and Mrs. Xiang had no wealth, so it wasn’t for money. As for grudges, their biggest enemy was their son, Xiang Dagen, but he didn’t know they weren’t his real parents. If he had known, why would he have obediently served in the military all these years?

That left only the third reason—they had obstructed someone else’s way.

Recalling their recent actions and the connection between the would-be killers and Liu Qiming, the old man now understood what had happened, but he dared not expose his own son. When the magistrate asked about any potential enemies, he remained silent on his knees.

The magistrate looked at the Cai brothers and said, “Let me remind you, there is a difference between premeditated murder and being hired to kill. Fortunately, the victim didn’t die. If you reveal who hired you, your punishment may be lighter. Think carefully before you respond, and don’t say I didn’t give you a chance.”

It was the Mrs. Xiang who couldn’t hold back first and yelled, “You two heartless wretches, I treated you like good people, and now you want to kill us!”

The magistrate, hearing this, asked, “So you know them. Who in your village is close to these two men? Speak the truth.”

The old man, hearing this, felt a pang of regret. If he implicated his own son, even though Mr. and Mrs. Xiang was still alive, this issue might be better delayed. He just couldn’t believe that his own son or grandson would resort to hiring killers.

Hearing the magistrate’s question, he quickly replied, “There’s no one in our village who associates with these two villains. It’s just that my wife was so frightened she spoke nonsense.”

The Mrs. Xiang also quickly echoed, “We don’t know them. I was just rambling earlier.”

But such poor acting couldn’t deceive the people in the hall. Without waiting for the advisor to remind him, the magistrate immediately pressed, “Why did you come to Qingyang County? Where did you go yesterday? Speak up, and don’t hide anything.”

The county magistrate asked a question, and the old man, not daring to refuse, had no choice but to mix truth and lies: “I came to the city to buy some things. I didn’t want to return too late, so I stayed overnight. I never expected to encounter such an incident.”

The magistrate responded sternly, “I am asking you when you entered the city, where you went, which shop you entered, what you ate, and how you found the place to stay. If you don’t tell the truth, I’ll consider it as covering up a crime, and you’ll be punished just the same.”

After finishing, the magistrate struck the wooden block and pointed to the Mrs. Xiang beside him, saying, “Mrs. Xiang, you speak.”

The Mrs. Xiang glanced at Xiang Laotou and nervously replied, “We arrived in the city at noon, went to the Sifang Tea House for tea, then went to Yishiju for dinner. After it got dark, we stayed overnight at a house in the Third Alley.”

The crowd couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

The magistrate sneered, “You two are just poor farmers scraping a living from the land. Yet, you went to the Sifang Tea House, then Yishiju, and even rented a room to sleep in. Tell me, how much money did you spend that day?”

The Mrs. Xiang hesitated, unable to answer. The money for the food and drinks had been paid by Liu’s father and son, so they had no idea.

“Tell the truth! Who took you there, or whom did you meet there?”

After a series of pressing questions, the Mrs. Xiang became flustered and was on the verge of breaking down. Just as she was about to continue denying, she didn’t expect that the assistant had already sent someone to bring the waiters from the Sifang Tea House and Yishiju.

When the old couple saw the familiar waiters, they instantly collapsed to the ground.

“Come forward and see if you recognize these two people.”

The two waiters quickly stepped forward, looked them over carefully, and one of them responded, “I recognize them. These two came to my tea house in the afternoon. They were with a father and son, and stayed for an hour before leaving. But I didn’t pay attention to what they said.”

A waiter from Yishiju added, “I remember now. I was puzzled by their clothes. The grandson was dressed well, but the grandparents were shabby. At first, I thought they weren’t from the same family, but I heard the Mrs. Xiang repeatedly call the young man her grandson, so I didn’t think further.”

The waiter pointed at Cai Qian and Cai Kun and said, “After the meal, the two old ones and the father and son separated and went off with these two. They seemed to be chatting happily. The grandson was familiar with these two.”

Upon hearing the testimony of Wang Wu and Li Si, the crowd couldn’t help but exclaim, “If they are indeed family, couldn’t we just ask the old man’s son?”

The magistrate struck the block again and shouted, “Silence! Am I judging the case or are you all?”

The people fell silent.

The magistrate then asked, “Has the old man’s son arrived? Let him step forward so the two waiters can recognize him. Was he with them at the tea house and restaurant yesterday?”

News of the old man’s misfortune had spread to Daliushu Village, and several of his sons and daughters-in-law had rushed to the county. Now that the magistrate had spoken, they quickly emerged from the crowd and kneeled before the court.

“Wang Wu, Li Si, take a careful look. Are any of these people the father and son you saw last night?”

The two waiters examined the newcomers carefully and shook their heads.

The magistrate suddenly sneered, “Old man, it seems you have other sons.”

The old man’s face turned pale, but he dared not speak.

Wang Wu said, “The grandson was wearing a long robe, elegant and refined, looking like a scholar.”

Li Si slapped his head and said, “Yes, yes, not just a scholar but a xiucai (a degree holder). When I was serving tea, I heard the Mrs. Xiang say, ‘The grandson is now a xiucai and must help the nephews at home.'”

Upon hearing this, the crowd was in an uproar, and everyone in Daliushu Village was shocked and couldn’t believe their ears.

“This xiucai, isn’t he Liu’s grandson who passed the exam?”

“Since when did Liu Qiming become Old Man Xiang’s grandson? This doesn’t make sense.”

“How strange…”

“Maybe it’s not Liu Qiming. There are other xiucai in the county.”

The assistant also heard the crowd’s discussion and whispered in the magistrate’s ear. The magistrate nodded and immediately ordered that the newly appointed xiucai father and son from Daliushu Village be brought to the court.

While they waited, the magistrate took a break. Pear Blossom pulled her father aside and said, “Father, the truth will come out soon.”

Xiang Dagen’s fingers trembled, and his emotions stirred.
Mrs. Xiong said, “Even if the truth comes out, Liu’s family will surely be heartbroken over the loss of a Xiucai grandson. We’ll probably be unwelcome when we return.”

Xiang Dagen was silent. Liu’s family had four brothers, and the main family assets were the land and several properties in the city. In the past, the brothers had argued endlessly over these, each unwilling to give in. Only when Liu Qiming passed the Xiucai exam did Liu old master shift his focus to the eldest branch, but Liu old madam favored the youngest son more.

If Xiang Dagen truly returned without a Xiucai son to back him up, it would be hard to compete with the other three branches.
He sighed and said, “My greatest wish is to leave the Xiang family, to not spend my days in the military camp, separated from my family. I don’t want my wife to suffer from her in-laws’ mistreatment or the jealousy of her sisters-in-law. If I can fulfill these wishes, that would be enough. As for the rest, I don’t care.”

Mrs. Xiong tightened her grip on her husband’s sleeve, her eyes welling up with tears.

Pear Blossom nodded, half-understanding.

After more than an hour, Liu Youcai and his son were brought back by the officers. Old man Liu and several of his sons followed behind, not understanding what had happened.

In Liu Qiming’s plan, the county’s officials were too distracted by their own greed to focus on investigating the case or educating the people. They were all busy making money. The county’s archives were full of wrongful cases and paperwork. 

Furthermore, after the Cai brothers’ plan succeeded, they intended to leave Jinyang County for the north and never return. In this case, most likely it would either become a cold case or be hastily concluded, with no major issues.

“Moreover, by the time the people are dead, there will be no way to identify who did what. In such a large place like Jinyang County, with so many people, who would know who had eaten or drunk with them the day before?

Thinking this way, it felt foolproof.

But how could he have known that someone like Zuo Qi had inserted himself into the situation? This person had some connection with the county’s head constable, and thus, things had gone awry.

It wasn’t until he received word from the government office in the morning that he learned the assassination had failed. He had planned to escape, but with his wife, children, and the extended family of more than ten people, dragging them along would likely make them an easy target for capture, drawing even more attention. It was better to place his hopes on the old couple of the Xiang family; perhaps they could help cover things up a bit.

However, when he saw the officers arriving at his house, he knew it was over.

When the Cai brothers saw Liu Qiming and his son being taken away, they realized the case was beyond saving. Since the people were not dead yet and they were merely accomplices, it was better to confess honestly and hope for leniency. With that in mind, the two of them immediately gave a full confession.”