Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 119 Part 2

    Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He exchanged glances, feeling an indescribable warmth in their hearts. "Alright, we'll follow your lead. Once things settle at home, we'll take you and Little Ruili back to the village during the autumn harvest to catch some fat fish."  

    The family entered the house in good spirits. Xu He instructed the servants to buy some quality meat, even if they had little appetite, a celebratory meal was still necessary.  

    "Ruijin, since you passed Tongsheng exam today, you should personally inform Teacher Luo."  

    "I know. I was just about to go."  

    Ruijin responded, tidied his appearance in his room, and headed to the neighboring house with his book boy. At the gate, he noticed a small sedan parked outside. Glancing at the visitor, he found the man familiar, it was the steward from his great-grandfather's family, the same one he had seen in the market that day.  

[书童 (shū tóng): lit. Book child/book boy, a scholar's assistant or literary attendant]

    Remembering how displeased his father had been with that encounter, Ruijin wondered why the man had come again. Suspicious, he glanced at the Luo family's gate, then turned back and re-entered his own home through the side door.  

    "To what do we owe this sudden visit, Steward Pei?"  

    The family had been in high spirits over Ruijin's success, but the unexpected arrival from the Zeng family dampened Zhang Fangyuan's mood. Still, as guests and relatives they couldn't be turned away, so he received the steward in the side hall.  

    "Master Zeng was deeply impressed by Young Master Ruijin during their last meeting and has been concerned about his exam. Today, upon the results' release, he sent someone to check. Young Master Ruijin, inheriting his grandmother's lineage, passed on his first attempt, a remarkable achievement. I'm here on Master Zeng's behalf to offer congratulations."  

    Steward Pei waved his hand, and a servant stepped forward with two boxes. "These are gifts for the young master, with hopes that he continues his diligent studies for a bright future."  

    Zhang Fangyuan didn't even glance at the gifts. His mother had been scorned by the Zeng family for her merchant blood, yet now, generations later, they sought to reconnect simply because a child showed academic promise. The hypocrisy was laughable.  

    Steward Pei, seemingly anticipating this reaction, remained unruffled. When the gifts were refused, he calmly signaled for them to be withdrawn.  

    "I hear the Zhang family is currently embroiled in a lawsuit, a complicated matter, no doubt."  

    Zhang Fangyuan's brow furrowed. "I didn’t realize my grandfather had such interest in our affairs. How thoughtful."  

    "It’s only natural to care for family." Steward Pei continued, "Master Zhang, you must know that a loss in court would tarnish your record. For commoners, mistakes are forgivable, but merchants are scrutinized closely. Young Master Ruijin shows exceptional promise, it would be a shame if his future were hindered by his father's legal troubles."  

    "Even if you disdain your mother’s family, would you let pride jeopardize your son’s prospects? If your mother were alive, she would not support this. Why let past grievances burden the next generation?"  

    Zhang Fangyuan understood the logic, that was precisely why the situation infuriated him. "What exactly are you proposing?"  

    "Master Zeng is willing to overlook past discourtesies and extend his protection to the Zhang family henceforth."  

    Steward Pei paused, then smiled. "He is particularly fond of Young Master Ruijin. Hearing that the boy’s early education was under an ordinary scholar rather than a renowned teacher, Master Zeng wishes to invite him to the Zeng family’s school, where he himself will oversee his studies."  

    Zhang Fangyuan nearly laughed aloud. When the litigation master mentioned needing official connections, he had briefly considered the Zeng family, but their opportunism repelled him. Now, before he could approach them, they had come demanding Ruijin as a student. Given their mercenary nature, he feared what they might mold his son into.  

    Ruijin had thrived under Luo Yan’s guidance, his success was as much the teacher’s credit as his own diligence. To remove him now would be ungrateful. "Does my grandfather mean to brand me as one who dismantles the bridge after crossing the river?" 

[过河拆桥 (guò hé chāi qiáo): lit. To dismantle the bridge after crossing the river; fig. To abandon those who helped you after achieving success.]  

    "You exaggerate, Master Zhang. A scholar’s journey involves many teachers. An initial mentor is but a stepping stone, most students eventually move on to academies. The Luo family, as educated people, will understand. Generous gifts can express your gratitude, and Master Zeng will also send tokens of appreciation. It’s a fitting arrangement."  

    When Zhang Fangyuan remained silent, Steward Pei pressed on: "Transferring Ruijin would allow Master Zeng to host a celebration banquet, to which the magistrate could be invited. This would smooth the path for your lawsuit."  

    "My grandfather’s influence is indeed vast."  

    "Not at all. This lawsuit is unjust, curbing local bullies benefits the people as much as your family."  

    Outside the door, Ruijin had been listening intently. Spotting Xu He approaching with tea, he retreated into the shadows before slipping away to the Luo residence.  

    As he turned, he collided with Little Ruili, who rubbed his forehead. "Couldn’t you watch where you’re going?"  

    "What are you doing here?"  

    "I saw you lurking and came to eavesdrop too!"  

    Ruijin frowned, dragging his younger brother to the garden.  

    "Are you really going to agree? Study with that great-grandfather?"  

    Ruijin sighed. Little Ruili, despite his antics, always sensed his thoughts, a twin’s intuition.  

    "Commoners can’t fight merchants; merchants can’t fight officials." Ruijin said quietly. "Losing this case wouldn’t just hurt my future, it would brand Dad as a troublemaker, damaging our business. The Qin family aims to destroy us both academically and commercially. One misstep risks everything."  

    "But Teacher Luo has been so kind to us. Leaving now would hurt him. And Dad hates the Zeng family!"  

    "That’s the dilemma. I’ll speak with Teacher Luo when I report my results. Maybe he’ll have a solution."  

    Little Ruili sighed, uncharacteristically solemn as he nodded.