Lu Yuan = Younger Brother

Proofreader/Editor: Nene Yashiro

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When Madam Xiao and Tang Jiwei got off the carriage, the cold wind immediately hit their faces. Tang Jiwei’s health wasn’t very good, and he immediately sneezed several times.

Looking at the streets and houses much worse than the Zhuangyuan Mansion, Madam Xiao couldn’t help but reminisce about her own past life, living in such poverty not long ago. She couldn’t avoid feeling a little emotional. She didn’t want to bring up her past grievances with Second Uncle, but she couldn’t help but feel that since she could now live in a grand house thanks to her son, she should stop complaining.

The coachman knocked on the door, and Madam Xiao and Tang Jiwei exchanged a glance, both understanding each other’s thoughts.

It seemed that the people inside had been waiting for a long time, as the door was opened quickly without much knocking.

Tang Jiwei saw his Second Uncle’s temples, realizing that overnight, his hair had turned white, just like in the stories. Every silver strand was a sign of his worries and care for his son.

His Second Uncle awkwardly rubbed his cold, red hands and looked at Tang Jiwei, saying in a hesitant tone, “Come in quickly!”

The coachman parked the carriage to the side, and Tang Jiwei signaled for him to come in as well, unwilling to let the coachman stay outside in such cold weather. The coachman nodded and awkwardly followed them inside, while Madam Xiao sighed lightly and tightened her cloak as she went in.

Although it was a humble house, Tang De had probably improved it somewhat recently, as the house still felt warm. The Second Aunt was diligent, so the place was clean and bright.

Madam Xiao didn’t sit in the main seat, choosing a random place to sit down. Tang Jiwei took Madam Xiao’s cloak, shook off the snowflakes, and then placed it along with his own on a nearby rack.

Second Aunt, perhaps feeling embarrassed, sat quietly by the side, not saying anything. Second Uncle briefly explained the situation to Tang Jiwei, his eyes filled with a pleading look that made Tang Jiwei, as a younger generation, feel a little burdened.

Since his rebirth, he had always respected his Second Uncle as an elder. In his heart, a simple, honest farmer should act this way, and he was somewhat touched by his Second Uncle’s silent care. Now, seeing his Second Uncle lower himself in front of him, Tang Jiwei couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

“Jiwei, your second uncle has never begged anyone in his life, but this time, Tang De has indeed fallen into a big pit. I can’t think of any relatives or friends who can help us. You are an official now; I beg you to think of a way!” His Second Uncle pleaded with a red face.

Tang Jiwei looked at his Second Aunt, who remained silent, and at Madam Xiao, whose face was already turning unpleasant. He spoke, “Second uncle, this isn’t a crime. As long as you pay back the money, it will be fine. Tang De still has the inn…”

Before Tang Jiwei could finish, Second Auntie immediately stood up, her neck flushed with anger, and said fiercely, “The inn is our lifeline! No one can make us sell it!”

Madam Xiao slapped the table, coldly saying, “Then what do you plan to do? If you can’t touch the inn, you’ll have to come up with a proper plan to repay the money!”

Second Auntie was stumped by Madam Xiao’s words, but she still wasn’t satisfied, muttering, “Tang Mi has already entered the palace. She’ll have money to repay you in the future. You just need to lend us some money to tide us over for a while!”

Second Uncle, already furious about Tang Mi entering the palace, was even more upset after hearing this. He had been kept in the dark when his wife secretly paid to send Tang Mi into the palace. Now that she brought it up again, how could he not be angry?

“Stop talking nonsense! You’ve ruined Mi’er’s life, and you still have the nerve to talk about it!” Second Uncle yelled angrily.

Second Auntiehad never been scolded like this after being married for so many years, and she couldn’t take it. She immediately retorted, “Why can’t I say it? My daughter is as beautiful as a fairy. Why can’t she become a consort? If Tang Mi returns one day in glory, don’t regret what you said today!”

Tang Jiwei didn’t understand the direction of his Second Aunt’s thinking but still voiced his opinion, “What I mean is that Tang De’s inn business is doing well, and he can slowly make money back. Let’s see if he can borrow money from his friends for now. With the inn as collateral, others will feel more at ease.”

Madam Shi nodded in agreement, and Second Uncle also felt that this was the best option for now. It would be a temporary fix, but the family savings weren’t much, and they would have to manage for a few more years. Tang De was still young, and he would eventually pay it off.

Second Auntie felt that this would harm her son. Tang De was still young, and he was already burdened with such heavy debts. How could he stand tall among the neighbors and friends in the future? She wasn’t happy about it.

“Isn’t there a better way, Nephew? Even if it’s not yours, you should be worried. Who knows when you might need others’ help?”

Madam Xiao saw that Second Auntie had completely lost her temper, so she naturally didn’t want to argue with her. Although Tang Jiwei was helpless at how quickly his second aunt had turned bitter and sharp-tongued, being the gentleman that he was, a scholar of virtue, he didn’t want to argue with a woman. He simply smiled and said nothing.

Second Uncle furrowed his brows, his patience with Second Auntue words at its limit. He impatiently urged her to leave. “Go on, stop making trouble here. Isn’t it enough already? Jiwei’s future will surely be far better than your son’s or daughter’s. Stop being so sour!”**

Tang Jiwei saw that Second Aunt was about to retort, so he quickly changed the topic.

“Second Uncle, I think it’s better to wait for Tang De to return before we discuss this further. No one knows better than him how to repay his debts. My family doesn’t have much savings, but we can gather some when the time comes and see how much we can help. The big part of it still needs to be handled by Tang De himself.”

Second Uncle nodded repeatedly. Second Auntie, however, turned her head disdainfully, thinking to herself, “Who would believe that a top scholar like you wouldn’t have any benefit to gain!”

Tang Jiwei thought that he could no longer sit down and chat as calmly as before, so he and Madam Xiao left together.

Second Aunt only grumbled after hearing the sound of the carriage leaving, saying, “I thought you would have the heart to help us more, but what use is it to involve our family’s Tang De when you’re not giving us anything?”

Second Uncle was furious. He shouted, “When did you become so narrow-minded and selfish? Ever since Jiwei passed the imperial exam, you’ve been so upset! Who are you trying to impress? Jiwei’s success is something our whole family should celebrate, but as an elder, you don’t feel proud of him, and instead, you’re just stirring up trouble. I really don’t understand you anymore. You weren’t like this before! Yes, Muer is handsome, but you shouldn’t keep dreaming about it. There are many beautiful and virtuous women in this world. How could you send your own daughter to become someone’s servant? What kind of mother are you?”

Second Aunt was shocked by her husband’s long speech. Her usually quiet husband suddenly confronted her like this, and she was left speechless.

“I’m thinking about Mi’er and the future of our son. He passed the imperial exam, so why can’t Muer become a consort? Tang De is talented in business, and maybe one day our family will be even wealthier than Xiao Gu’s!”

Second Uncle frowned, his anger boiling. He couldn’t understand her thoughts. In the past, when everyone lived in poverty, she was kind and concerned for Jiwei, but now that he became an official, not only was she not respectful, she spoke rudely, losing her composure. He truly didn’t understand anymore.

“Did Xiao Mei persuade you to send Tang Muer to the palace?” Second Uncle asked, suddenly realizing something.

Second Aunt replied, “Xiao Gu has a good eye and excellent means. I trust her completely!”

Second Aunt was enraged, glaring at her, his anger rising. He threw open the curtain and stormed out the door, unable to speak any further.

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When Tang Jiwei and Madam Xiao arrived home, they saw a small figure crouching in the corner by the door. When the carriage’s hooves clattered, the figure immediately looked up with bright, shining eyes.

“Lu Yuan? What are you doing crouching here? Aren’t you cold?” Tang Jiwei asked in surprise.

Lu Yuan smiled in a rare, innocent way and ran over. “That sir didn’t believe that we were friends. He thought I was trying to trick him!”

The old doorman immediately came over, trembling. “I didn’t know, indeed he’s a distinguished guest. I was rude and didn’t treat him properly. Please, master, punish me!”

Tang Jiwei noticed Xiao Shi staring at Lu Yuan in confusion, and said, “It’s okay, he didn’t know. Mother, this is the young man who lent me the horses to enter the palace!”

Madam Shi’s eyes lit up in realization, and she smiled gratefully. “So he’s our benefactor! Please, come in! Jiwei, what are you standing there for? Invite him in quickly! We can never forget such kindness!”

Lu Yuan felt a little embarrassed by the sudden attention. Madam Xiao, full of energy, quickly ushered him inside, leaving him flustered.

After talking in the study for a long time, Tang Jiwei and Lu Yuan finally finished their discussion. When they opened the door, they saw Madam Xiao smiling happily in the courtyard. Lu Yuan blushed, feeling a little awkward. Other than his mother and little sister, no other woman had ever looked at him so openly. He felt somewhat shy.

When Madam Xiao saw them come out, she immediately signaled for Qiao’er to bring over the homemade pastries. From Madam Xiao’s fondness for Zhang Ling, it was clear she had a soft spot for obedient and well-behaved people. Lu Yuan, looking so small and cute, made Madam Xiao fall into a wave of maternal affection, reminiscent of how she felt when Jiwei was a child.

“Oh my, you’re so handsome! You look just like Jiwei when he was young. I can tell you’re a good and obedient child!” Madam Xiao said, taking Lu Yuan’s hand and smiling, her eyes sparkling like winter flowers. Her affection for him was unhidden.

Lu Yuan, feeling a little uncomfortable, wasn’t used to being so close to a woman, even if she was his aunt.

Madam Xiao noticed Lu Yuan’s face turning red, and her enthusiasm grew. She smiled so broadly that Qiao’er had to steady her.

“Jiwei, I really like this child. He’s much more charming than you were when you were young!” Madam Xiao said.

Tang Jiwei, his expression calm, intervened. “Mother, Lu Yuan is still young, so don’t tease him. Let him be.”

Madam Xiao raised an eyebrow and said, “Tease? I really like this child. His shy look reminds me of how you were when you were young. You’ve grown up now, and don’t want me to get close to others, huh?”

Tang Jiwei smiled helplessly. “Since you two get along so well, why not let him call you ‘godmother’?”

Lu Yuan looked up in surprise, his eyes shining with disbelief. He nervously tugged on Tang Jiwei’s sleeve and whispered, “Don’t tease me!”

Madam Xiao clapped her hands in delight. “Why didn’t I think of that? Haha, my son is so thoughtful. Now that will make us even closer. Little Yuan, would you like to?”

Lu Yuan didn’t expect Madam Xiao to be serious. He froze, then looked at Tang Jiwei for help. Tang Jiwei gave him a reassuring smile and said, “Mother really likes you. She’s been a bit lonely at home, and having you as her godson would bring her a lot of joy.”

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Madam Xiao asked seriously, “Is Little Yuan unwilling?”

Lu Yuan, seeing that Tang Jiwei and Madam Xiao had already made up their minds, stammered and said, “It’s my great fortune to have such a godmother, how could I be unwilling?”

Madam Xiao smiled in satisfaction and patted his hand. “Good boy, I definitely recognize you as my godson. This matter isn’t entirely up to us, though. You should ask your parents if they’re willing. If they don’t object, come tomorrow to my house and bow in front of your and Jiwe’s father’s tablets. I’m sure the old man will be pleased to have such a good son, even in the afterlife!”

Lu Yuan’s eyes were full of joy, his disbelief from the start now turned into pure happiness. It reflected his usual character—humble, but always genuine. Being able to become Tang Jiwei’s disciple had already been a great blessing for him, and now, unexpectedly, he was getting a godmother too. He smiled so broadly that he nearly tripped over the threshold.

Excited, Lu Yuan ran back home to share the news. To ensure his parents believed in the Tang family’s sincerity, Tang Jiwei even sent Ye Sheng along with him to explain the situation, making it easier for them to understand.

Tang Jiwei followed Madam into the flower hall and smiled, “Why are you in such high spirits today, mother? Even though Lu Yuan is a good boy, it’s not like you’ve just met him for you to be so emotional!”

Madam Xiao stopped smiling, took a sip of tea, and waved Qiao’er away before slowly speaking, “Your old mother isn’t so blind as to not see. You’re cold-hearted, and if someone is able to win your trust and help you, they are either a dragon among men or someone you genuinely like. I can still tell the difference.”

Tang Jiwei was a bit surprised. He hadn’t expected his mother to be so perceptive. He deeply bowed and said, “Thank you, Mother, for your support. Lu Yuan is someone I want to help. With your identity as his godmother, his future career will certainly be much smoother!”

Madam Xiao waved her hand. “You’re my son, no need for thanks. Moreover, I truly like this child. He’s exactly the kind of person I feel a connection with, and I’m happy to help.”

Tang Jiwei understood that his mother was wise, but he didn’t realize just how skilled she was in handling things. It seemed that he, the little fox, still had much to learn.

Having planned for Lu Yuan to become Madam Xiao’s godson long ago, Tang Jiwe knew that revenge would not be accomplished overnight. He had already sent word to the palace, hoping that Tang Mo could find out about the Gu family’s whereabouts. The inner workings of the court often heard more than the ministers did, and although he couldn’t find the files in the Ministry of War, he still hoped Tang Mo might gather some information. It would take time, but he hoped his parents could hold on for now.

After reading some unofficial histories of the previous dynasty, Tang Jiwei realized that killing Han Zhen or his underlings was not the solution. Although the Gu family had fallen from grace, he intended to clear their name. His goal was to become strong enough so that Han Zhen could no longer cover up his past mistakes. To clear the Gu family’s name, so that the people would no longer slander them, was his ultimate aim. Killing Han Zhen would only make him as despicable as the man he despised.

Tang Jiwei had already seen clearly that to get his revenge, he needed to overturn Han Zhen’s actions. It wasn’t about becoming an emperor who killed loyal ministers—such a man wouldn’t be remembered well in history either.

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Author’s note:

Ahem, I over procastinate this weekend, so the update is a bit slower. By the way, spicy hotpot is really delicious, but for those on a diet, please control yourselves or you might end up only hearing about a beautiful but mythical figure like “the slender, beautiful goddess”! Sigh, that’s the voice of an irresponsible author.

Thank you to all the readers who left comments. I appreciate you being with me. Amen!

PS: It would be nice if you could leave a collection! *Shy face~*

Another PS: I’ve seen a lot of comments below, and I’m here to clarify! The emperor did not kill the entire Gu family, instead… Hehe, if he had killed the whole family, how could the Prime Minister Song Ci, who was a close friend of the late Gu Prime Minister, have helped the emperor? (Those who didn’t pay attention to the text should be punished. I’ve hinted at this in the story!) The little observer will find out soon, so don’t get tangled up in this! The only person the emperor killed was the most disastrous one—Little Observer! Lan Lan isn’t trying to whitewash the emperor, but rather to show the emperor’s growth process. Everyone makes mistakes. Han Zhen made a huge mistake, but thankfully, there’s still time to correct it! This is the meaning of the Little Observer’s rebirth. For Zhenguan, it’s a lucky opportunity, and for the emperor, he should be extremely grateful! And what the emperor needs to do is use all kinds of means to make the Little Observer see his feelings and walk hand-in-hand with him towards the world!