TTTQF Chapter 28

Dealing with Clan Rules

“Here we are, just up ahead! Big brother, could you please pull over?” Jiang Miao lifts the carriage curtain and stares at the small path between the two big mountains. There’s a stone by the roadside that looks like a tortoise shell lying on the ground. Last time he came out, he deliberately found a reference point so he wouldn’t forget the way home.

Pei Che looks out as well. “Are we not going further in?” He can’t see any houses, so there should be a long way to go.

“The carriage can’t go any further in. We’ll walk from here. Thank you so much for this trip, Young Master Pei!” Jiang Miao lifts his bundle onto the carriage rack, then jumps down and takes Xiao Shitou from the carriage.

Jiang Miao resumes his state of carrying bundles, politely bidding farewell to Pei Che and Pei Mu inside the carriage, then stands by the roadside, watching as the several carriages drive away into the distance.

“Brother, Young Master Pei is really a good person!” Xiao Shitou carries his small bundle, excitedly expressing, “This is my first time riding a carriage. I didn’t expect it to be so comfortable and warm inside.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect him to let us ride with him either.” Jiang Miao hadn’t expected Pei Che to be so approachable. He really is a good person!

“Why does that young master never talk?” Perhaps due to their similar ages, Xiao Shitou keeps stealing glances at the young master from time to time on the road. He notices that the boy never speaks, keeps his head down playing with his own things, and doesn’t even talk to his own brother.

“He just doesn’t like to talk. Remember when you first came, you didn’t like talking to people either,” Jiang Miao replies. He also notices that the child seems excessively quiet, giving off an impression of being isolated from the world.

“Oh!” Xiao Shitou nods and doesn’t ask any more questions.

The two continue walking forward, passing the path into the village, and before them appears the familiar dirt road winding into the distance.

Last time they left the village very early, so they didn’t meet many people on the road. Today, nearing noon, when everyone is preparing lunch at home, there aren’t many people on the road either, except for a group of children playing games at the village entrance.

“Xiao Wu!” Xiao Shitou, sharp-eyed, instantly recognizes a familiar playmate, instantly perking up and shouting loudly towards them.

If there’s one thing not good about the city, it’s the lack of playmates. When his big brother is busy, he can only stay indoors and play by himself. Although his big brother lets him play in the courtyard, he hears there are many kidnappers in the city, and he’s afraid he might be kidnapped and never come back.

“Xiao Shitou, you’re back!” Xiao Wu hears the familiar voice, turns around, and immediately runs over. “I thought you wouldn’t come back. Auntie Jiang San said that Brother Sanshui took you to the city to sell you!” He looks worried and sad.

Jiang Miao is utterly speechless. What’s wrong with that person? He squats down and asks, “Xiao Wu, what did Aunt Jiang San tell you?”

Xiao Wu thinks for a while. “First, Auntie Jiang San said you took Xiao Shitou away. Then another aunt came to scold her, saying they were paid five taels of silver, and they started arguing. Someone told them to stop fighting. Later, after that aunt left, Auntie Jiang San said you wanted to take Xiao Shitou to the city to sell him there because the price is higher.”

Xiao Wu is still young and not very articulate, but Jiang Miao understands the gist of it.

“Thank you, Xiao Wu. This package of snacks is a gift from Xiao Shitou to you. Take it back and share it with your family.” Jiang Miao unties the bundle and takes out a package of pastries, handing it to Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu hesitates and shakes his head, refusing to take it. Xiao Shitou speaks up, “Xiao Wu, please take it. My brother made these, and I helped. You always share your things with me, so I want to share something delicious with you!”

“Okay, thank you, Xiao Shitou, and thank you, Brother Sanshui!” Xiao Wu accepts the pastries and walks back with them. On the way, he keeps talking to Xiao Shitou, and their childish talk makes Jiang Miao laugh. Seeing Xiao Shitou more lively than usual, Jiang Miao feels he needs to inquire more about those academies after returning. How could he manage without companions?

When they reach Zhou’s courtyard, Xiao Wu tiptoes and looks ahead. Seeing the door open, he says, “Xiao Shitou, don’t pass by their house later. It won’t be good if they catch you again.” He feels it’s better for Xiao Shitou to stay with Brother Sanshui.

“Don’t worry, Xiao Wu. Big brother won’t let me get caught!” Xiao Shitou’s eyes sparkle with trust in Jiang Miao. His brother is tall and handsome, cooks delicious food, and is really good at making money!

Jiang Miao had originally planned to settle the old account after returning, but now he has a change of heart.

Taking a detour with Xiao Shitou, they return to his second uncle’s house. He knocks on the door of the yard, and it’s still his cousin Jiang Yu who comes to open the door. She makes a vague sound in her throat and exudes a joyful atmosphere. Jiang Miao and Xiao Shitou call her “Sister Xiaoyu”. She smiles and takes Jiang Miao’s arm, leading him into the house.

In the house, dinner isn’t served yet. A slightly weathered middle-aged man sits on a bench in the main room, holding a pipe. He squints his eyes and takes a puff, savoring the rare leisurely moment.

“Second Uncle?” Jiang Miao calls tentatively. The man suddenly hears the voice, forgets to exhale the smoke, and chokes, coughing a few times.

“Miao Ge’er, Xiao Shitou, you’re back?” Jiang Maolin stands up. “Xiao Yu, go ask your aunt to make some noodles and add another dish. You guys sit down quickly.”

“Second Uncle, don’t let Second Aunt be busy. I brought some food back, we can have it later!” Jiang Miao takes out a bundle and hands it to Jiang Yu. Inside are braised pig’s head meat wrapped in oil paper and fried peanuts, both bought from a small shop popular on Yifeng Street. Manager Wang had recommended them to Jiang Miao several times.

In addition, he brings a small jar of wine, though he doesn’t know Second Uncle smokes dry tobacco; otherwise, he would have bought some tobacco too.

“Why did you buy these things? Is there not enough food at home without you? It’s not easy to earn money outside; don’t be so loose with it. People say ‘poor family, rich road’; save up when you have money, for marrying a wife…” Jiang Maolin nags and lectures his nephew.

He actually feels a bit guilty towards Jiang Miao and Xiao Shitou. With his older brother and sister-in-law gone, he couldn’t help raise the two children, leaving Jiang Laosan to take one away. Later, his eldest nephew went to the city to find work and hasn’t returned in half a year. If something happens to him, how will he face his brother and sister-in-law?

Jiang Miao sits with Xiao Shitou, patiently listening to him talk. It’s been a long time since he’s heard such caring criticism from an elder. Before experiencing things himself, he used to find it annoying, but later realized it was a valuable treasure that would be lost forever once gone.

While they talk, Jiang Yu leaves with the things in her hand. After a while, she comes back carrying dishes. The pig’s head meat is sliced and marinated in dipping sauce, while the oily peanuts are placed in a large coarse pottery bowl. There’s also a bowl of dried vegetables and a pot of stewed radishes. Finally, scrambled eggs are brought to the table by Second Aunt Jiang. She greets Jiang Miao and Xiao Shitou, then asks Jiang Yu to call the others for dinner.

Apart from Jiang Yu, Jiang Miao has three female cousins and one male cousin. It’s rare to see such a large family these days. Jiang Miao remembers the features of his three female cousins from their last meeting. The boy who comes out afterward is presumably Jiang Xin.

This boy looks smart and lively. As soon as he sees Jiang Miao, he rushes over. “Brother Miao, last time when you came back, I was out playing and didn’t see you. They said you went to the city. Is it fun in the city? Are there many people? And this must be Xiao Shitou. Finally, someone younger than me. Xiao Shitou, just call me Brother Xin.”

Xiao Shitou is wary facing Brother Xin, who is clinging to his brother. He calls out “Brother Xin” and then squeezes into Jiang Miao’s arms, subtly trying to monopolize Jiang Miao’s embrace.

“What do you mean ‘Brother Xin’! You little rascal!” Second Uncle Jiang lightly slaps him. “Xiao Shitou was born in the first month, he’s over eight months older than you!”

“Huh?” Jiang Xin looks as if the sky is falling. “I’m still the youngest? So should I call him Brother Shitou?”

Laughter fills the room. Xiao Shitou has experienced a change in status, and his feelings towards Jiang Xin have improved somewhat. After all, Jiang Xin is his little brother.

They have a lively meal. Although the Jiang family is poor, they teach their children well. There is no fighting over food, and even Jiang Xin, as a boy, doesn’t receive any special treatment compared to his sisters—he eats as much as they do.

After the meal, Jiang Miao hands over pastries and neatly folded coarse cloth to Second Aunt. Second Aunt is somewhat surprised; a piece of coarse cloth alone would cost a few hundred coins.

“Uncle and aunt, you’ve both taken care of us for many years. Now that I’ve made a little money, I naturally have to buy something to show my respect.” After finishing his sentence, Jiang Miao endures another lecture before Second Aunt accepts the gifts.

While the others go inside to enjoy the pastries, Jiang Miao doesn’t join them. He says to Jiang Maolin, “Second Uncle, could you accompany me to Third Uncle’s house? I still owe him five coins of silver.”

At the mention of Third Uncle’s family, Jiang Maolin’s expression turns grim. A few days ago, his wife had argued with the woman from that family. That woman was truly unbearable; how could she take money and still slander people everywhere? She claimed his nephew secretly took away the little nephew, implying all along that they had raised a little ingrate. Upon hearing this, not only was his wife furious, but he too, after learning about it later, wanted to give that woman a good beating.

“Not giving it to him is also fine. I believe he wouldn’t dare do anything!”

“Second Uncle, this money must be given. Only by giving it can we truly separate Xiao Shitou from their family,” Jiang Miao says. “After all, they’ve raised Xiao Shitou for a while. If we don’t give them the money, the label of ‘adopted parents’ will always hang over Xiao Shitou. Maybe people in the village pity him now, but if Xiao Shitou succeeds in the future, they’ll say he doesn’t remember the kindness of his adoptive parents and is an ingrate. It’ll be even more troublesome to cut ties with them then.”

In modern times, Jiang Miao has also seen similar news. People’s sympathy always inclines towards the weaker party. They don’t investigate who is right or wrong; they only care about having a place to vent their critical desires, to judge others from a moral high ground.

Jiang Maolin ponders for a moment. “You are right. How about this, let’s invite the Clan Leader over. With the Clan Leader presiding, let’s see if Jiang Lao San’s family dares to speak nonsense again!”

This indeed sounds better. Jiang Miao had previously thought of inviting a respected elder to preside over the matter, but since he didn’t know anyone well, he could only rely on Second Uncle.

The two carry their things and go to find the Clan Leader. The current Clan Leader is slightly older than Jiang Maolin. He is the eldest son of the former Clan Leader and took over the position after his father’s passing.

Upon hearing Jiang Miao’s intentions, the Clan Leader hesitates. He is aware of this matter as well. A few days ago, two women from the clan had quarreled, and his wife had gone to mediate. She had returned and told him about it, criticizing Jiang Lao San’s family for taking money and still spreading rumors.

The issue is that the original document of recognition is written by his father. Now, as his son, he is being asked to help sever the family ties. This doesn’t sit well with him.

Seeing the Clan Leader remaining silent, Second Uncle Jiang becomes anxious. “Clan Leader, what are you still thinking about? Jiang Lao San’s family is truly unreasonable. They have been beating and scolding my little nephew since he was recognized as their son. Not long ago, they even said they wanted to adopt him out to another family, everyone knows they wanted to sell my nephew for money. Now my nephew has raised money and is waiting for you to bear witness.”

“Maolin, it’s not that simple. They’ve gone too far, but after all, Xiao Shitou wasn’t officially adopted by them, right?” the clan leader chuckles, not taking a stance.

“Clan Leader, let me say a few words. Do you know what Jiang San’s wife said about me outside? She said I was a kidnapper and wanted to take my own younger brother to sell.” Jiang Miao timely expresses the indignation of a young man wrongfully accused, “To put it simply, this is slander against me as an individual. On a larger scale, it tarnishes the reputation of the entire Jiang family!”

“What do you mean by that?” asks the Clan Leader, he values the reputation of the clan the most.

“Everyone knows that kidnapping is a serious crime punishable by death once caught by the authorities. If she tells others I’m a kidnapper, people in the village naturally won’t believe it. But what if outsiders hear it? Rumors spread quickly, and before you know it, the whole region might hear about a kidnapper from Jiangjiawan. Who will dare to associate with our village in the future? If it spreads further and catches the attention of a magistrate keen on making an example, they might accuse our whole clan of kidnapping. What will we do then?”

Jiang Miao escalates the situation to a level that the Clan Leader cannot tolerate. Seeing the dark and dripping-with-ink face of the Clan Leader, Jiang Miao feels inwardly victorious.

…

At this moment, Jiang Lao San’s house is wide open. The husband and wife are teaching their child to walk in the courtyard when they suddenly see the Clan Leader approaching, both of them puzzled. As they recognize who is behind the Clan Leader, Jiang Lao San suddenly feels uneasy.

“Clan Leader, why have you come? Please sit down. Wife, quickly bring a bowl of hot water for the Clan Leader,” he says, showing great hospitality.

“No need. Let’s quickly settle this matter. I have other tasks to attend to later,” replies the Clan Leader, who usually likes such manners but seems rather cold today.

“Clan leader, can you tell me why you are here?” Jiang Laosan asks knowingly, with a hint of defiance in his tone.

“And why do you think I’m here?” the clan leader gives him a sidelong glance. “You, Jiang Laosan, insisted on adopting someone else’s child back then, even making my father come over to witness it. Now you’re not treating that child properly, taking five taels of silver and still scheming against them behind their back. Do you think you’re honoring the adoption document my father wrote for you? From now on, don’t go around saying you’re from the Jiang family; the clan can’t afford to have someone like you!”

The Clan Leader scolds Jiang Lao San mercilessly, who dares not reply, standing there with a flushed face, looking extremely embarrassed.

Jiang Lao San’s wife can’t bear it anymore. “Clan Leader, what are you saying? How are we mistreating the child? Isn’t this how everyone in the village teaches? And about the five taels of silver, it’s actually four taels and five qian. Moreover, he still owes us five qian!”

Already in a rage, the clan leader feels further provoked by her words, sensing his authority as clan leader challenged. “You, woman, if you keep silent, it would be better. Did you really say that San Shui’s boy deceived his brother and sold him in the city? A woman like you, meddling and stirring up trouble with your gossip, if my father were still alive, he would use clan rules to expel Jiang Laosan and divorce you! There’s no place for your arguments here!”

Jiang Laosan’s wife is somewhat afraid, but she still tries to appear strong, saying, “Who knows what he did in the six months he was away? How could an ordinary commoner manage to save up so much silver?”

Jiang Miao is speechless. Does earning more money always equate to engaging in illegal activities? Is she trying to justify her own ways of earning money?

“Ignorant woman! What benefit does our clan gain from having a kidnapper among us? If you dare to fabricate stories again and tarnish the reputation of the Jiang family, I’ll send you back to Qianjia Village and let their Clan Leader teach you some manners!” The Clan Leader glares fiercely at her. The reputation of the Jiang family must not be ruined by the words of one woman.

Jiang San’s wife is really scared now. If she is sent back to Qianjia Village, how can her parents face anyone? Her brothers and sisters-in-law would definitely skin her alive!

“Clan… Clan Leader, I have been ignorant. I will never dare to speak again!” She hugs her child and shrinks behind Jiang Lao San.

“San Shui, give them the money,” the Clan Leader finally says, satisfied.

Jiang Miao takes out the prepared five qian silver and places it on the table in Jiang Lao San’s house. Then he calls Xiao Shitou over and asks him to bid farewell to Jiang Lao San and his wife. Xiao Shitou obediently kneels down and kowtows three times to the couple.

After he finishes kowtowing, Jiang Miao helps him up, brushes off the dust from his clothes, and sees tears in his eyes. He knows Xiao Shitou is feeling sad, so he squats down and comforts him softly.

“He’s a good kid,” sighs the Clan Leader. Even a child can show such filial piety, yet these two adults remain unmoved and impatient.

“Watch closely. This is the recognition document my father wrote for you back then. Your copy is with San Shui. The one from the Jiang family and the one from the clan are also here.” The Clan Leader waves the three pieces of paper in his hand, then tears them into shreds and tosses them into the air.

The paper flutters down, symbolizing the breaking of the chains that bound Xiao Shitou.

The Clan Leader stares at the couple and says, “With the destruction of these recognition documents, from now on, you have no more obligation or relationship with Xiao Shitou. If you meet him on the road, he’s just an ordinary member of the clan. I advise you not to bring up this matter again or spread slander about others. If I find out, clan rules will be enforced! Do you understand?”

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Table of Contents