Ger, So Proud

Chapter 68

“Uncle Zhang, you two…”

He Ze briskly walked up to the two of them, glanced again at the neatly wrapped package in Lin Yu’s hands, and had a dawning realization— Uncle Zhang and he seemed to have had the same idea, but his had come to naught.

Patting Lin Yu’s shoulder, “Wait for me outside for a moment, I’ll be out soon.”

“Huh?”

“Remember, wait for me.”

Repeated once more, He Ze then turned to Zhang Su, “Uncle Zhang, Father heard that the clan leader’s cousin’s child is celebrating their full moon today, and specifically asked me to bring something over. I’ll just go in first.”

“Go ahead, don’t delay too long,” Zhang Su forced a smile.

He Ze nodded, glanced at Lin Yu again, then entered through the courtyard gate.

The clan leader’s courtyard was larger than the average household in the village. When he entered, the whole family was gathered there, exchanging pleasantries for a while. Only then did He Hong lead him into the main hall alone.

“Is your injury better? How has the family been lately?”

He Hong walked ahead with his hands clasped behind his back, slightly hunched over. He was nearing seventy, but his health was still robust.

“It’s been fine for a while now, and we’ve gotten through our difficulties at home. Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader.”

He Ze bowed respectfully as they sat down.

“That’s good to hear. I’ve watched you grow up, we’re family, no need to be so formal. Just call me Third Grandfather.” He Hong smoothed his already whitening beard, the wrinkles on his face relaxing. “Your father used to come by during festivals, but you were nowhere to be seen. Last time I saw you, you were still bedridden, but you’ve come through. Your father can rest easy now that you’re doing well.”

“Third Grandfather, I was immature before, so…”

“You’re still young, bound to be rash at times. But facing such a setback has made you more spirited, a lesson learned. It’s nothing serious.”

“Yes.”

“Besides coming to see your cousin’s full moon celebration today, I’m sure you also have other matters in mind, right?” There was a moment of silence between them, then He Hong suddenly spoke up. “Your fiancée was here just now as well. I suppose you’ve come to discuss the same matter.”

“Third Grandfather guessed right. I’ve come this time to ask for your help. Third Grandfather must have heard about the situation at Lin Yu’s house. I’ve already been promised to Lin Yu, but Lin Tiangui keeps causing trouble and even wants to force Lin Yu into another marriage. Third Grandfather, this is happening right here in our He Family Village.”

He Ze hinted with intention.

“I know about the trouble, but do they really want to ruin this marriage?” He Hong raised his voice, picking up the tea cup from the table. “The Lin family didn’t mention this to me just now.”

After these words, the room fell silent for a good while.

He Hong finished the tea in one gulp and sighed, “This matter is a bit difficult. Although I am the clan leader, they are ultimately surnamed Lin. Their family’s conduct has been criticized by many, and the clan hasn’t truly accepted them apart from the few acres of land assigned by the headman. If I suddenly intervene in their family affairs…”

“Third Grandfather, you’re mistaken. Since Lin Yu and I are promised to each other, he is now a member of our He family. Moreover, didn’t Uncle Zhang and Lin Yu drive Lin Tiangui out before? Although there’s no written proof, everyone saw it happen. As long as you and a few other elders speak up, the Lin family won’t dare to object.”

“Well… what you say makes sense. Any son-in-law who marries into our clan should naturally bear the He surname… But young man, is this the sole reason you’ve come today?” He Hong seemed to have thought of something, his gaze suddenly sharper.

“Third Grandfather, this concerns a major decision in my life. I can only ask for your help.” He Ze acted oblivious and bowed again. “Moreover, because of what happened with Lin Er-lang back then, our He Family Village’s reputation suffered greatly. If they don’t change their ways, and keep eyeing my future wife, I can’t just sit back. Also, recently, Wu Cui caused a lot of trouble in the village, which has angered many clan members. Third Grandfather, why…”

Why not expel the Lin family from He Family Village? He Ze vaguely understood the reasons behind it, but since He Hong didn’t bring it up first, he couldn’t press further.

“You do see things clearly!” He Hong chuckled, then lowered his gaze again. “It’s just that this matter…”

This matter had been brought up once in the clan when He Er-lang passed away, but due to the headman’s insistence, they had held back.

He Family Village wasn’t large, but its population was prosperous. The village’s land was already insufficient, and if not for the headman’s repeated requests, they wouldn’t have allowed the Lin family to occupy it for nothing.

From this perspective, the Lin family still had some status with the clan head.

The He Family Village has been farming for generations, not like noble households. The clan head indeed wields considerable power over them—land distribution, taxes, conscription… all closely related to every household in the village.

Recently, due to the troubles caused by the Lin family, He Hong did consider taking advantage of the situation to drive them out. However, it was too rash to pin a crime on the Lin family for something without evidence.

But now, trying to break off a marriage among the younger generation in the clan has added another layer of complexity, especially since Lin Yu is originally from the Lin family.

It’s truly difficult!

“But would adding fuel to the fire make it any better?”

At least it would shut up the headman in public.

With these words from He Ze, He Hong looked deeply at him and took a sip of tea before saying, “It seems the idea of sending you to study was not wrong. You’re a clever lad! It’s not that Third Grandfather doesn’t want to intervene for you; it’s just that the timing isn’t right yet. Because of this, I dare not accept the gift your future bride sent. In the end, I can’t help them. The Lin family is like a fly in the ointment; it really troubles me.”

He Hong sighed again, his forehead furrowing deeply.

“I see…” He Ze pondered for a moment. “If this fire could be added soon…”

“That would indeed be the best solution, resolving the concerns of most people in the village!”

“Then Third Grandfather, please remember what I said today. Let me handle the matter of adding fuel to the fire. How about it?”

“…What do you mean?” He Hong’s eyes showed surprise and suspicion.

“Third Grandfather, where are you misunderstanding? I remember the clan rules of the He Family Village very clearly. I wouldn’t dare to do anything against them. You can rest assured,” He Ze assured him. “Let me keep this matter under wraps for now. In a few days, you’ll naturally understand.”

“…”

“Third Grandfather, I heard that the ancestral hall roof collapsed during the heavy snow last time?” He Ze changed the subject, taking out a silver ingot from his pocket. “We’ve just overcome difficulties at home and don’t have much money on hand. This five taels of silver is from Father, intended for the repairs of the ancestral hall, to contribute our share. We can’t keep disturbing our ancestors.”

The ancestral hall in the village wasn’t like an ordinary courtyard; it was a solemn place that required finer materials and more money for repairs. This sum was pooled together by the villagers, but it had been a couple of months and the repairs hadn’t started yet, probably due to financial issues.

Five taels of silver wasn’t a small amount. Once it was known that it was sent out, people in the village would inevitably gossip. Though not excessively, there would be murmurs. But what else could be done? Could we just let the earned money sit and gather dust?

The repair of the ancestral hall would cost about ten taels of silver. He had taken half of this sum, solving the urgent need for the clan. One reason was indeed that Father He wanted to contribute to the clan, and secondly, it was to impress He Hong.

Most of the peers in the village called He Hong “Grandfather,” so He Ze naturally didn’t think that relying on this distant kinship alone would convince He Hong to help him.

Adding fuel to the fire for the Lin family meant adding fuel to the fire for the clan as well.

“This…”

He Hong was clearly taken aback by He Ze’s bold move.

“Grandfather, rest assured. Recently, I found a job in town, so there are really no difficulties at home.”

“In that case, on behalf of the clan, I thank you and Father He for your kind intentions,” He Hong glanced at He Ze and finally gave a definite answer, “If you can indeed add fuel to this fire for the Lin family, then we old folks will naturally help you with the matter of severing ties between Lin Yu, Zhang Su, and the Lin family.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

With the matter satisfactorily resolved, He Ze chuckled lightly, replaced wine with tea, and offered He Hong another cup. After finishing the tea, He Hong looked at He Ze with a hint of regret, “I heard you were involved in that medicinal herb cultivation recently. How about it? Are you really not considering continuing your studies?”

“Grandfather, I really am not cut out for that.”

He had been idle recently, just familiarizing himself with the local characters. To relearn the knowledge system here, understand the examination rules, and then traverse the difficult path that was harder than the imperial examinations—these were not what he desired. Although he could cheat in terms of difficulty, he didn’t want to become an official, so why go through all that trouble?

“Are you really not reconsidering? If you’re worried about the academy, I had a few classmates in my youth. I can talk to them and get you accepted again; it shouldn’t be a big problem,” He Hong said earnestly.

The villagers were poor, and not many could earn enough money, let alone spare such a large sum for their children’s education. In over a century, the He Family Village had produced only one Jinshi. The ancestors had brought some glory to the village during their time, but unfortunately, they hadn’t managed to secure an official title.

Previously, he had not considered He Ze particularly clever, but today he seemed like a polished gemstone. If he could pass the imperial examinations, perhaps he could indeed secure a promising future for the He clan…

At the thought, He Hong’s eyes brightened as he stared at He Ze.

“Grandfather, you need not persuade me further on this matter. My decision is firm,” He Ze met He Hong’s gaze squarely, feeling immense pressure. He casually exchanged a few more words before taking his leave. Helpless, He Hong sighed and escorted him out.

When would their He Family finally have a good day and fulfill the hopes of these old bones!

However, He Ze was naturally unaware of He Hong’s thoughts. As soon as he stepped out of the house, he hurried away until something cold fell on his neck, making him realize it was snowing again.

Compared to the sudden heavy snow last time, this snow had been brewing for quite some time. Though the flakes were falling lightly, He Ze still noticed faint patches of white on his hair and shoulders as he sought out Lin Yu.

There he stood by the roadside. It was cold outside, yet He Ze felt warmth in his chest.

“Are you silly? Don’t you know to find a place to hide from the snow?” He swept the snow off Lin Yu’s shoulders, gently brushing off the flakes from his hair. Only then did He Ze continue, “Where’s Uncle Zhang?”

“Dad went home earlier. It’s alright, the snow isn’t heavy anyway.”

“You said the same thing the first time you sprained your ankle.”

“…That was an accident,” Lin Yu felt guilty. “By the way, what did you come to see the patriarch for? Is it settled?”

“Of course, in a few days, I’ll invite you to watch a good show.”

He Ze didn’t elaborate further. He rubbed Lin Yu’s hand in his palm to warm it up before pulling him away. Hand in hand, they walked away, their heads quickly becoming dusted with snow.

Could this be considered a promise of a lifetime together?

Lin Yu glanced at He Ze beside him. Judging by his tone earlier, he guessed the show was related to the Lin family. But what exactly was the show?

Along the way, Lin Yu tried to ask several times, but He Ze refused to say, which left him feeling a bit frustrated.

Well, for now, the Lin family was only worth his momentary frustration.

Lin Yu squeezed He Ze’s hand tighter in return.

Until three days later.