Chapter 11: Relatives

Lu Jinnian had already changed into his outdoor attire. Although he had just turned fifteen after the New Year, he had already grown to a height of seven feet.

With delicate and refined features, he inherited his mother’s peach blossom eyes, and his fair, translucent skin made him exceptionally handsome.

The Lu family’s sons were all born with good looks. The eldest was dignified, the second was flirtatious, and while the third might not be as striking as his elder brothers, he still had a clean and fresh appearance.

As for the fourth young master, his eyebrows and eyes resembled his mother, while his nose and ears took after his father—his appearance was truly outstanding.

If he came from a less privileged background, with such looks, even as a man, he would attract fierce competition from admirers.

There were quite a few men in Fengguo who were fond of other men, though they seldom spoke about it openly. Especially among the wealthy, many were indulgent playboys who, after tiring of women, sought out a few handsome young men for amusement.

Naturally, truly attractive young men were rare, but those skilled in certain bedroom arts and not picky about appearances could still find their place.

However, Zheng Qiao did not agree with such behavior—he still valued appearances.

That said, while he appreciated good looks, he was also clear on whom he could and could not provoke.

Take Lu Jinnian, for example. His family had a scholarly background, and though his father had passed away, they still had sufficient wealth. Not only could they afford to educate all their children, but they also had surplus funds for leisure and enjoyment.

Though Zheng Qiao had connections, they were mostly built through matchmaking, which was no match for the Lu family’s status.

So when it came to Lu Jinnian, Zheng Qiao only dared to admire him, never daring to treat him as a plaything.

After dressing up, Lu Jinnian went to see Wen Ruyu before heading out.

At that moment, Wen Ruyu was entertaining guests. A distant relative from the countryside—someone connected to her late husband—had come to visit, and she had to handle them.

Since it was still the holiday period, she only gave Lu Jinnian a few instructions before allowing him to leave.

However, she secretly noted down the name of Zheng Qiao, who was accompanying Lu Bainian. She planned to inquire about his character later.

To Wen Ruyu, friendships mattered, even if they weren’t marriages. While family background wasn’t everything, a person’s character was crucial.

Didn’t Mencius’ mother relocate three times just to provide a better environment for her child?

With several young men in the family growing up in a relatively good environment, there was no need for them to associate with disreputable friends.

If she could still guide Lu Bainian back onto the right path, Wen Ruyu intended to do so.

She didn’t know why she had transmigrated into this body, but since she had taken over the role of mother, she was willing to invest some effort in raising these children.

That said, she wouldn’t sacrifice too much of herself for them.

If things became unmanageable, she would split the family’s assets, move in with the eldest son, and enjoy her later years with a dutiful daughter-in-law—at least ensuring she had enough to eat and wear.

However, she wanted more than just food and clothing—she wanted a comfortable life. So, the idea of dividing the family’s assets would have to wait until they were wealthier.

Right now, she was already living in relative comfort, but she only had a few silk outfits in her wardrobe.

Their home lacked a grand garden, the porcelain they used wasn’t the finest, and their carriage was modest.

Even hiring an opera troupe to perform was something they could only afford once a year, during New Year celebrations.

Ideally, she wanted a bigger house with a garden, complete with rock formations, flowing water, and elegant pavilions.

She also wanted better-quality household items and a larger social circle.

Only when she reached that level would she be willing to divide the family’s wealth.

If they were to split now, she would have around 5,000 taels of silver. Each of her four sons would get 1,000 taels, and her daughter’s dowry would need at least 700-800 taels.

Since the eldest was the firstborn, he would receive an extra shop.

Wen Ruyu planned to set aside a shop worth a few hundred taels as part of her daughter’s dowry, and no one would object.

As for their farmland—since the three younger sons were not yet married, all the land would be divided among them. Any remaining money would also be shared among them for fairness.

Even if she favored the third son less, there wouldn’t be much left in her hands.

If the division was too unfair, Lu Ke could seek mediation from the family elders in their ancestral home.

Since Lu Ke was still a son—even if he was born to a concubine—he could not be completely excluded.

Wen Ruyu didn’t know how family inheritance worked in the Dragon Kingdom’s ancient times, but in her current dynasty, the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children wasn’t too significant.

This meant that if she divided the family assets, she would be left with only 1,000 taels and a shop.

The eldest son had an upcoming examination, meaning he would rely entirely on family support for the year.

That 1,000 taels would need to cover living expenses for herself, the eldest son’s family, and her daughter, as well as examination costs, household staff wages, social expenses, and even the purchase of additional farmland for long-term stability.

In short, if she wanted to start a business, she wouldn’t have the funds to take risks—she might not even have enough initial capital.

Though she had her own small dowry and jewelry, amounting to a few hundred taels, she wouldn’t touch that unless absolutely necessary.

For now, among all the children in the Lu family, only Lu Bainian stood out as the troublemaker. He had already been confined at home and stripped of his allowance, so he shouldn’t cause any more trouble.

Lu Si might seem restless, but he wasn’t as reckless as his second brother.

As long as she could still manage the household, there was no need to divide the assets just yet.

As for her daughter, the original Wen Ruyu had received an education but believed that girls shouldn’t study too much or know too many principles. So, after one year of basic literacy, she stopped her daughter’s education.

Instead, she hired a teacher to train Lu Mingzhu in embroidery, raising her to be quiet and obedient.

The original Wen Ruyu even considered this a virtue.

Wen Ruyu disagreed with this approach. Since she had taken over this body, she would raise her daughter properly.

Among the Lu children, only the eldest and the daughter were somewhat to her liking, so she naturally favored them more.

—

Qinghe County, Lihua Lane.

Lu Jinnian and Zheng Qiao arrived on horseback.

Lu Jinnian wore a red round-collared robe with a jade pendant tied at his waist, a gray squirrel fur cloak, and black boots.

His long, dark hair was neatly combed, and he stood tall and elegant. His upturned peach blossom eyes exuded charm and sophistication.

Although the Lu family wasn’t exceptionally wealthy, on him, this attire rivaled that of aristocratic young lords.

Zheng Qiao knocked on the door, and soon, a thin young servant opened it.

“Is Pei Xiao or Brother Gongren home?” Zheng Qiao asked.

The servant recognized him, nodded, and went inside to report.

Soon, a young scholar in a jade-green robe appeared, feeding birds on the veranda. His delicate, refined features caught Lu Jinnian’s attention instantly.

When their eyes met, both quickly looked away.

Zheng Qiao noticed this but didn’t comment. Instead, he introduced them.

Pei Xiao blushed. “Come in for some tea.”

And so, the four of them spent the evening together, dining and chatting until late.