Of course, Miao Chu He achieving Juren was great news! It was something worth celebrating, but how should they deal with Madame Xia and Miao Tian Bao?
Being a Juren was a lot more different than being just a scholar. Even if a person was a poor and lowly scholar who did not need to kneel to a county magistrate, they might still be laughed at and looked down upon. However, a county magistrate would have to be polite and make way for a Juren, while the villagers would have to greet and address him by ‘Sir’.
Becoming a Juren would be equivalent to winning a lottery. There would be squires, landlords, and other rich men gifting houses, farms, lands, riches, maids, etc. There would also be women from poorer families coming up to volunteer as maids and a lot more other people who would come to leave their farms in his hands to avoid being taxed.
Anyway, there were countless advantages, and the last person who had become a Juren in Gu Xi Village was about ten years ago. It was obvious how precious the position of a Juren was. How many people would come fawn over him this time? It was like an unspoken rule here, and Miao Chu He would not break it and simply comply. As long as it was not someone who was up to no good, it was impossible that he would turn them away if they came bearing gifts to make ties.
However, Madame Xia was his stepmother. Wouldn’t she want to take advantage of him? Not to mention Miao Tian Bao and his wife, could he simply let them take advantage of his situation?
Undoubtedly, they would unceremoniously do so!
“This is such a dilemma! Gosh, why is our family so unlucky? When things were tough, it was such a challenge. We made it through those days, but who knew that life would become even more challenging than before?” Miao Cui Lan was distraught.
“I know right?” Miao Chu He sighed. He had never liked his late father, and now he hated him ever more. When he was alive, he never stopped Madame Xia from scolding or hitting his son. He also never cared whether his son was dead or alive. Now that he was dead, he left his son with a problem which made his life harder. If Miao Chu He was given the choice, he would have broken ties with his family without hesitation, but he knew that it was impossible.
If it was impossible back then, it would be even more impossible now!
“Don’t be a pessimist,” Lu Zhong smiled, “At least no one would look down at you now. They wouldn’t dare to bully you anymore.”
Suddenly, Tong Yu Er’s eyes lit up as she thought of her parents: Perhaps my parents would forgive me now and be willing to accept this marriage. I’ll bring it up to Chu He in a moment. It would be great if I could mend our relationship with the good news…
“Father, mother, uncle! Why are you worrying so much? Just ask Mr Wu what we should do. He would definitely have an idea anyway.” Lu Xiao Shu had come back to the dining table and she spoke after eating a mouthful.
Mr Wu even knew how to make wine. What was there that he could not do? Mr Wu and her father had recently gone into the forest to pick wild grapes to brew wine…
“Oh? I would definitely have an idea for what?” As soon as Lu Xiao Shu’s words fell, Mr Wu’s laughter could be heard from outside as he opened the door and came in.
“Mr Wu!” Everyone burst into laughter. “It’s such a coincidence that you’re here! Xiao Shu is right, but we don’t want to trouble you.”
“Oh! Chu He is back?” Mr Wu waved at him with a grin. Everyone could not wait any longer as they ushered him to the side, sat down, and started discussing their master plan.
Mr Wu was merely bored after dinner, so he dropped by while he was on a stroll. Unexpectedly, it was such a coincidence as the Lu family was facing a problem. They continued their discussion for a while before finally relaxing their furrowed brows. It looked like they had somewhat come up with a solution.
“All of you probably haven’t eaten yet. I shouldn’t be disturbing anymore, go on and have your dinner! Even if you have a big problem at hand, you still need to eat!” Mr Wu stood up and said his farewell with a smile. Only then did the adults realize that they were famished.
At least they were happy as they saw him out. Since the dishes were cold after they returned, Tong Yu Er carried them back to the kitchen to heat them up. The three children had long finished their portion. So, Lu Xiao Shu curiously asked Miao Cui Lan, “Mother, what idea did Mr Wu come up with? Please tell me about it!”
“Go away. Quickly go take a wash and go to bed. Why are you so curious? Huh?” Miao Cui Lan glared at her. Of course, she could not tell her daughter something that was classified.
Lu Xiao Shu was genuinely curious because she had spent several years with them after her time traveling, and she had gotten used to the culture and etiquette. She knew a lot about how things work and what rules people had to follow in this century. No matter what Madame Xia did, she is still legally Miao Chu He’s mother. Could Mr Wu really come up with a solution without breaking the rules of society? Did he want uncle to independently build a new family clan? Uncle is still the eldest son, making him the head of the family. It would be impossible for him to do so. Then, what other ideas did they have?
It really was a test for her brain. Lu Xiao Shu was puzzled and very curious, so she grumbled, “Mother, you’re so petty. I’m not an outsider, why can’t you tell me about it? Not to mention that it was me who reminded you to ask Mr Wu.”
Everyone laughed at her little rant.
Miao Chu He had always loved her. He gently patted her back and chuckled, “That’s enough, Xiao Shu. Just be a good girl and listen to your mother. You’ll find out about it in a few days anyway.”
“I want to know now! Uncle, why don’t you tell me instead?” Lu Xiao Shu made an adorable face and begged Miao Chu He while not letting go of his arm.
Miao Cui Lan hastily said, “That’s enough, stop bothering your uncle. He had a long journey and he needs rest!” Seeing that Lu Xiao Shu still did not let go, she faked a cough, “I heard that you went to the river today and caught a crab that almost pinched off San Yuan’s finger. Was it true? San Yuan’s mother told me about it.”
Lu Xiao Shu lowered her head and explained, “No way! It was him who came disturbing us. Who knew that he was stupid enough not to avoid the crab? Uh, Xiao Xue, let’s go to bed.” Lu Xiao Shu felt guilty and did not dare to say anything else as she dragged her sister away.
Miao Cui Lan sighed in relief. The world around her was finally peaceful again.
Miao Chu He and Tong Yu Er returned to the Miao Family’s village. Meanwhile, the news of Miao Chu He achieving the position of a Juren spread quickly like wildfire. Their third great uncle and the rest of the villagers were over the moon. Their joy made the village as lively as if it was the New Year. The clan prepared three bottles of sacrificial wine, incense, paper money, and firecrackers to pay tribute to ancestors and to tell them that their grandson had succeeded by becoming a Juren! Since then, the reputation of Miao Family’s village was proudly known in its neighboring villages.
Miao Chu He suddenly became famous, and there was no one who did not respect him. He was even invited to sit with the elders during the banquet.
Madame Xia and Miao Tian Bao also became famous. Even though they hated that Miao Chu He made a breakthrough in life, they were surrounded by admiration and flattery from the public. Everyone treated them carefully and it was not an unpleasant feeling.
With that, they accepted everything with a contradiction nagging behind their heads.
On the contrary, Madame Zhao could not care less as she happily thought that her family was going to be rich. Her eyes shone brightly as she watched countless rich men and squires sending gifts to them. However, the gifts were yet to be sent back home and everything was placed in the ancestral hall as they said that it was for the ancestors to see and to make them happy. Nonetheless, everything was branded with their family’s stamp, and they would bring everything home sooner or later after a few days.
How would her brother-in-law dare to disrespect his mother? When he had to repay his mother, that would include her and her husband.
Madame Zhao was extremely happy at the thought of that. She could already imagine the grand houses and many lands with servants at her disposal. Besides, she would become the lady in satin, gold, and silver from a rich family.
Miao Chu He and his third great uncle were busy greeting and sending guests off. It kept them occupied for a few days before they could have any peace.
At the peak of the celebration, Miao Chu He suddenly suggested that he wanted to invite Lu Zhong, Miao Cui Lan, and their children to join them.
He had said it in front of everyone. Madame Xia and Miao Tian Bao’s expressions immediately turned dark. As if on cue, everyone’s eyes turned towards the two of them gloatingly.
Miao Chu He said, “Third great uncle, fifth great uncle, and all of the elders present here know that my success today would never be possible without Cui Lan and her husband’s help. As humans, we must repay them for their kindness, otherwise, that would make us no different from an animal. Therefore, I have decided to invite their family to celebrate this success today, which is why I am requesting for permission from my third great uncle, fifth great uncle, and the rest of the elders.”
Miao Chu He felt slightly uncomfortable and saddened. Cui Lan was evidently his sister and everyone knew that, but when speaking of her in front of the clan, he was not allowed to call her as his ‘sister’.
Madame Xia was waiting for him to call her ‘sister’ before calling him out. Unexpectedly, he did not make that mistake. His request made complete sense, forcing Madame Xia to keep her mouth shut unwillingly. She was cursing him in her mind as though she would have to bear a huge loss if Miao Cui Lan’s family was invited.
“What he said is right! All of you from the Miao Family must learn from Chu He. As a man, we must be grateful and repay other’s kindness.” His third and fifth great uncles both nodded their heads in approval.
Since the two elders had made it clear, how would anyone else dare to object? Instead, everyone fawned over Chu He and praised that he was indeed honorable.
Miao Chu He thanked and bowed to everyone gratefully as his third and fifth great uncles helped him up. Meanwhile, his third great uncle hurriedly sent his youngest son to personally invite Miao Cui Lan’s family over.
Soon, Miao Cui Lan and her family arrived. Miao Chu He was very grateful for them and his sister was in tears as she modestly denied any claims to his success. Their touching moment made everyone sigh adoringly.
