Upon entering the side hall and seeing Zhao He, Shao Yunan knew that something must have happened. As expected, as soon as Zhao He saw him, he hastily said, “Yunan, Wang Zhisong tried committing suicide by hanging.” Shao Yunan paused, frowning. “Is he dead?” 

Zhao He said, “Luckily Uncle Dali heard some noise. If it were a bit later, it would have been too late.” With a sigh, he continued. “Why did it have to come to this? It shouldn’t have reached this point. Wasn’t Dean Kang supposed to write a recommendation letter for him? He insisted on coming back and causing trouble. Now, his family has reached this state and he’s left. Wang Tianyan sold off the property he received after splitting from his family. He and Guo Zhaodi went back to Dashan Village, saying they won’t return.”

Shao Yunan asked, “After splitting from the family, don’t they have to support the elders? Isn’t he planning to take care of Wang Dali?”

Zhao He snorted. “He said that all the family’s money went into Wang Zhisong’s education and now that he’s lost his prospects, Wang Dali should rely on Wang Zhisong, not him. Wang Dali didn’t say anything and let them go.”

“Have they left?”

“They have. They’ve taken whatever they could, regardless of whether Wang Zhisong is dead or alive. They left the land and houses to my father, asking him to look for buyers. When is your family going to the capital? If possible, leave sooner. Wang Zhisong’s suicide has already made many people sympathize with him and Uncle Dali. Given enough time, people might also say unfavorable things about you.”

Shao Yunan replied, “Thank you for coming. We’re getting ready to leave as a family. Before June or July when the lambs are born, we’ll return. I still have to brew wine. Don’t forget to help me with the harvest.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t forget.”

“When I come back, I’ll teach you how to brew wine.” Zhao He was stunned, then ecstatic. “You… You’ll really teach me how to brew wine?!”

Shao Yunan smiled. “Absolutely. The red sour fruit milk wine sells well. I’m seriously short of manpower and I need some trustworthy individuals to help me brew. You can hand the jam to others and assist me.”

Ecstatic, Zhao He said, “Alright! Thank you so much, Yunan! I promise not to say anything to anyone, not even Yuande!”

“Hehe, I trust you. When you learn, each year, when it’s time to brew the red sour fruit milk wine, you’ll be in charge. In the future, Yongxiu County won’t just be known for tea production, but also as a winemaking center. By then, you’ll truly be the boss.”

“Does this mean you won’t interfere?”

“I’m occupied with other things. The Longjing Tea County Office has already started a tea-making facility. The red sour fruit milk wine will have a winery in the future and it will be the responsibility of a reliable person. After thinking it over, you’re the most suitable. How about it, do you dare?” Encouraged, Zhao He said, “If you ask me to do it, I’ll do it!”

“I knew you’d be fine. You can collect as many sheep’s milk fruit as you can this year. Before I return, I’ll leave you some money. If I’m not back, make jam first. When I return, I’ll use all the collected sheep’s milk fruit for brewing.”

“Alright! I’ll do as you say, I’ll listen to you!”

This attitude of Zhao He was what made Shao Yunan particularly relieved. He never asked too many questions and was incredibly serious about what he did, without calculation. Shao Yunan’s ultimate goal was wine and various high-end teas. The sheep’s milk wine was something that would eventually be handed over to a trustworthy person. 

Guo Zimu didn’t want to reveal himself, focusing on his pastries, which was fine. Guo Ziyu was cultured and had ideas suitable for the overarching role of a general manager. Tea was bound to be promoted nationwide, but winemaking was kept private, making Zhao He the most suitable person to manage it.

Leaving happily, Zhao He was full of confidence in his future. His son was sensible and becoming successful, and the future was boundless. He now had a skill of his own and in modern terms, he now had his own career. His life ahead looked nothing but happy.

After Zhao He left, Shao Yunan remained in the side hall without leaving. He pondered for a long while, then got up. He changed into outdoor clothing without informing anyone, then left. On the way, he met Zheng, saying he was going for a stroll. Leaving the house, when he encountered villagers, they all nodded or bowed to him respectfully. After knowing that Lord Rong lived in the Wang residence, Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan’s status had risen significantly. They were now the prominent figures that others looked up to.

Shao Yunan accepted all of this calmly. He hadn’t intended for it to happen, but with things having developed to this point, it was inevitable. Just as he once told Wang Shijing, one day they would be different from the locals. They wouldn’t be mud-stained peasants forever. They had a higher life to live. This wasn’t arrogance. It was confidence. He was confident and step by step, he was moving towards his plan.

Shao Yunan’s walk attracted the attention of the villagers. When they saw him stop at Wang Dali’s house, the villagers outside immediately speculated that he might have had another conflict with Wang Dali’s family.

At this time, Wang Shijing was already informed of Wang Zhisong’s suicide. He didn’t say anything, just nodded. Wang Wenhe also didn’t expect any particular response from him. As the patriarch of the Wang family, he also didn’t want to see his people reach this point. All the reasons behind these occurrences stemmed from Wang Zhu’s selfishness. But whether it was Wang Tianyan, Wang Zhisong, or even Wang Chunxiu, the current result was due to their own selfishness and greed. If anyone had to be considered innocent, apart from Wang Shijing, it was Wang Dali.

With a sigh, Wang Wenhe asked, “You… Are you going to the capital?” Wang Shijing nodded. Wang Wenhe hesitated before asking, “Will… will you come back?” Wang Shijing replied, “We’ll return. When the hawthorn fruit ripens in June or July, we’ll be back. Yunan still has to make wine. By then, we’ll trouble you and Shuping to help collect the hawthorn fruit.”

Saying so, Wang Wenhe felt relieved, revealing a smile, and Wang Shuping was also very pleased. They were genuinely worried that Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan might not return once they left. While they were talking, someone outside shouted, “Patriarch! Yunan has gone to Uncle Dali’s house! Please come and see!” Wang Wenhe immediately looked at Wang Shijing, who was equally surprised. Hurriedly, Wang Wenhe got up. “Let’s go! Let’s go see!”

In Wang Dali’s home, Wang Chunxiu was crying in a corner, while Wang Dali nervously stood in front of Shao Yunan, frightened but not backing down. Behind him was Wang Zhisong’s room. Without any exchange with Wang Dali, Shao Yunan pushed him aside and barged into the room. The person in bed saw him and cried out in fear, attempting to hide under the covers. Outside, Wang Chunxiu cried even louder. She couldn’t understand why this ‘evil spirit’ had come.

Wang Dali rushed in and saw Shao Yunan climb onto the bed, where the voiceless Wang Zhisong was grabbed from the messy sheets. He was petrified, making incomprehensible noises.

With a slap, Shao Yunan struck Wang Zhisong’s face. When Wang Dali tried to pull him away, Shao Yunan kicked him off the bed, and Wang Dali struggled to get up. Shao Yunan shouted at him, “A son doesn’t teach the father, look at what you’ve taught these two sons of yours, selfish, greedy, and willful, not a single good thing! Since you won’t teach, I’ll do it for you!”

Struggling to stand up, Wang Dali was stunned, looking foolishly at the stern-faced Shao Yunan. Shao Yunan turned back to Wang Zhisong, who was cowering, and slapped him again, grabbing his disheveled hair. “Oh, you’ve got the courage, daring to die. How’s death feeling? Enjoying it?” With his other hand gripping Wang Zhisong’s neck, Shao Yunan touched the bruised marks on his neck. Wang Zhisong was in tears.

“Does it hurt? Do you know what pain is? When you forced me to jump in the river and try to commit suicide, did you think about whether I’d feel pain? When you hit your nephews and nieces, did you think they’d feel pain? Now you’re in agony and don’t want to live. I’ll tell you, with your kind of self-interest, greed, and fear of death, even if you could participate in the imperial examinations, you won’t pass in a hundred years!”

Outside the door, someone about to enter was pulled back by Wang Shijing. Wang Wenhe shouted, “Shijing! Why did you pull me?!”

“Yunan is educating him. Let’s not go in. Let’s wait outside.”

“What?” Wang Wenhe was confused and the onlookers in the yard were also bewildered.

Wang Zhisong only cried and Wang Dali curled up and sat up, not getting back on the bed. Shao Yunan continued scolding. “Who do you think you are? You’ve only studied for a few years. Your head is slightly smarter than others, so you think you’re a top scholar? With your selfishness, greed, and cowardice, if you could be the top scholar, then even a sow could become a dragon!”

“How much do you know about astronomy and geography? How many classics have you read? How many poems and literary works can you create? You can’t carry a burden or provide a hand, you can’t even enter the provincial government’s college, let alone be a top scholar! When I scolded you at the county school, did you repent? Have you properly reflected on your mistakes? No! In your perception, you’re never wrong. The only one in the wrong is always someone else.”

“You instigated your dad to divorce your mom, thinking she would hold you back. You pushed for the family’s division, assuming your imprisoned brother and sister-in-law would obstruct your path. Before your elder brother split the family, you, your mom, and your second brother bullied him and his wife.” 

“Once your elder brother was wealthy, you shamelessly came over. Unsuccessful yourself, you made your sister-in-law take the lead. Wang Zhisong, a rotten person like you, still aims for scholarly success. Do you think the examiners are all blind? Your mom’s bad reputation spreads for miles, but your reputation will be worse than hers, because you’re even more hypocritical!”

While Shao Yunan continued, regardless of how much Wang Zhisong listened, he grabbed his hair and dragged him to the edge of the bed, pointing at the ground where Wang Dali was. “Look at your dad! Look at his face! He’s younger than Uncle Zhao Lizheng, but look at him! His face looks ten years older than Uncle Zhao Lizheng’s! You’ve lived so long, have you ever shared even a bit of his burden? How many acres of fields have you planted in the family’s land? How many grains have you harvested? How much income have you brought to the family? How many times have you tidied up in and around the house? Your death will be a relief for your dad. At least it’ll save some food!”

In the courtyard, everyone looked at Zhao Lizheng, making him feel embarrassed yet secretly delighted, wondering, “Do I really look that young?”

“You want to die, right? Fine, let me tell you the easiest way to die.” Shao Yunan dragged Wang Zhisong off the bed. Wang Zhisong, weak and helpless, couldn’t break free and was forcibly taken to the kitchen by Shao Yunan. Wang Dali got up and followed them. Wang Chunxiu was still crying, but her voice had become much softer. When she saw Shao Yunan coming out, she hurried to hide against the wall. Shao Yunan, ignoring her, dragged Wang Zhisong out of the house.

Seeing so many people in the yard, Wang Zhisong felt dizzy and struggled to go back. Shao Yunan yelled at the onlookers. “What are you looking at?!” The yard instantly cleared out, leaving only Wang Shijing, Wang Wenhe, Wang Shuping, Zhao Lizheng, and Zhao Yuande. Except for Wang Shijing, the rest reluctantly stayed.

Shao Yunan dragged Wang Zhisong to the kitchen, handed him a vegetable to hold, and then grabbed his left hand, placing a knife against his wrist. “Come on, cut here. It’ll make you bleed to death. Don’t worry, I won’t let your dad save you again. You’re not afraid to die, so why fear a little pain? Come on! Cut!”

Wang Zhisong trembled all over, his face even paler than paper. “Cut! You want to die, right?! Hanging yourself at home is nothing, have the courage to cut yourself!” Wang Zhisong shook like a leaf in the wind, his face covered in tears and snot. At this moment, he was probably at the most pathetic point in his life.

The knife fell to the ground and Wang Zhisong collapsed weakly, covering his face and crying loudly. Shao Yunan kicked him, then scooped up a ladle of water from a tub and poured it over Wang Zhisong’s head. Wang Zhisong shuddered and his crying stopped.

“Stand up!” Wang Zhisong sobbed. “Get up!” With another kick. Wang Zhisong struggled and took a lot of effort to stand up, completely drenched.

“Wang Dali!” Wang Dali came in. “Boil some hot water for your son so he can take a good bath. After he’s clean, have him go and apologize to Shijing.” With these words, regardless of the distraught Wang Zhisong and bewildered Wang Dali, Shao Yunan left. Outside the kitchen, he saw Wang Shijing and directly went over to hold his hand.

Wang Shijing gestured to the others and walked away, leading Shao Yunan. The onlookers who were driven out by Shao Yunan automatically made way. They were all puzzled by Shao Yunan’s actions, unable to understand them.

They couldn’t comprehend it, and neither could Wang Dali or Wang Zhisong. Shao Yunan wanted them to enter the Wang family residence?! That seemed to be the implication! Wang Shuping and Zhao Yuande quickly regained their senses and hurried into the kitchen, shouting, “Uncle Dali, take Zhisong inside, we’ll heat water. Zhisong, go there later and sincerely apologize to your elder brother!”

Wang Zhisong was bewildered and Wang Dali was equally confused. Zhao Yuande, seeing their state, feared they wouldn’t regain their senses any time soon. He dragged Wang Zhisong and grabbed Wang Dali’s arm, dragging them back into the house. Wang Shuping heated the water.

Word had already spread in the Wang family that Shao Yunan had gone to Wang Dali’s place and Wang Zhisong had attempted suicide. When the two came back, King Rong, waiting in the main hall, asked, “What happened?”

Shao Yunan responded, “I gave Wang Zhisong a beating and asked him to reflect. Once he’s done, he’ll come to apologize to Shijing.” King Rong raised an eyebrow and looked at Wang Shijing, who said, “I don’t know what Yunan means.”

Shao Yunan sat down, sighed, and said, “Let’s see if that kid can be saved. If he’s still the same, even if he dies, don’t expect me to look at him with sympathy.”

“You’re getting soft again?” asked King Rong.

Shao Yunan rolled his eyes. “Am I being soft on him? At any time, people sympathize with the weaker side. Before, Shijing was the weaker one and everyone sympathized with him, criticizing the old lady. Now, Wang Zhisong has lost his position and attempted suicide; he’s the weaker one. Despite whatever wrongdoings he has done before, people will only feel he’s more pitiful. If I remain indifferent and Shijing doesn’t, I don’t mind, but Shijing will definitely be criticized. After putting in all this effort, in the end, it’ll be our loss. That would be unacceptable.”

King Rong smiled. “Your concerns are reasonable. So, what do you plan to do?”

“Let’s see how he performs. If he can still be saved, I’ll show him a clear path. If he tries to play me, he’d better leave early.”

“Heh,” King Rong pointed at Shao Yunan. “You, if it weren’t for Shijing, others wouldn’t tolerate your audacity.” Shao Yunan instantly showed affection. “Shijing loves me.”

“Cough cough cough…” King Rong almost choked to death on his own saliva. If King Rong knew modern terms, he would definitely reply. ‘Show affection and die quickly!’

 

Edited by: Jaisland

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