Chapter 135: A Tough Man’s Gentle Heart

Three elderly gentlemen entered the courtyard. As soon as they reached the living room, Old Master Fang shouted, “Old Lin, where did you loot all this from? So many things! Hey, don’t put them away yet! Let me have a look. Nice, it’s all meat—wild boar, too. Perfect for stewing so we can have some with our drinks.”

Seeing Lin Lishan greeting them, he smiled at her and said, “You must be happy this time, right? You’re a lucky child, and there’s even greater fortune waiting for you.”

Lin Lishan beamed and nodded repeatedly. “Uncle Fang, you all had time to come by today? Please, have a seat. Xiaofei is back, right? My son-in-law asked me to bring him some local specialties.”

“Wait, your son-in-law knows Xiaofei? Where’s he from?” Old Master Jiang asked curiously.

Old Master Fang grinned mysteriously. “You two don’t know why Old Lin invited us over, do you? You’ll find out soon. Xiaofei and Zhou Xiaozheng’s son-in-law have even become sworn brothers. How about that?” He finished with a proud raise of his eyebrows.

Old Master Cheng watched their conversation with a smile. He was Old Lin’s longtime partner and now the second-in-command of the Beijing Military District. He knew the Lin family’s affairs better than anyone. Judging by this trip back from the Northeast, things must have turned out well, and Old Lin wanted to brag a bit. Understandable—ever since the Lin family’s eldest and son-in-law had their accidents, it looked like there’d be no one to carry on. Now, not only had the children all returned, but even the granddaughter had brought back loads of local specialties as a gesture of forgiveness. How could they not be overjoyed?

Old Master Cheng, Cheng Lixun, was born into a prestigious family in Jiangnan, a clan that had produced many talents and still held great influence in politics. They valued moderation and discretion in all things. Both his sons were outstanding—already lieutenant colonels at a young age—and his grandsons were all capable, with bright futures ahead. His only daughter had married the son of a good friend, and her life was happy and fulfilling.

Madam Cheng, Liu Qinglian, had a mysterious background—rumored to be the adopted daughter of a wealthy family, with no contact with her birth family. She’d worked in confidential positions in her youth, and people were always a bit wary of her. When she reached marriageable age, she married Cheng Lixun, and their relationship was deep and affectionate. After the Liberation, she retired early to care for the younger generation. She was gentle and never quarreled with anyone—everyone in the compound called her a living Bodhisattva.

Old Master Cheng sat in his chair, holding a teacup, occasionally glancing at everyone’s expressions. Watching Old Lin animatedly recount his meeting with his granddaughter in the Northeast, he smiled knowingly. Seeing his old friend so excited, like a child, he was genuinely happy for him. As elders, their greatest hope was for their descendants to be accomplished. Having such a clever granddaughter was truly a blessing.

Listening to Old Master Fang’s teasing, he found it even more amusing. No wonder Old Lin had been in such high spirits at the military district all day. With Zhou Xiaozheng in the Lin family and now a third generation of talent emerging, how could he not be overjoyed?

Still, he tried to think positively. No matter what, the two children were broad-minded, and now that they were connected to the Lin family by blood, it was a source of strength. Just like Zhou Xiaozheng—he’d never relied on the Lin family, but he always carried that identity.

Less than an hour later, the housekeeper brought out food and wine. In the living room, the women had all gone to Lin Lishan’s bedroom to look at the furs she’d brought back and to hear her talk about her married life.

Old Master Lin happily poured the wine. After a moment’s thought, he ran inside and brought out a bottle of tiger bone wine he’d stashed away earlier. He opened the tin box and the bottle, fanned the mouth with his hand, and looked at them proudly. “Smell that? My grandson-in-law got this tiger bone wine for me. Just this one little bottle—must be rare, otherwise, with his personality, he wouldn’t have bothered with so little.”

Old Master Jiang protested, slapping the table. “So you were planning to drink it all yourself! If we see it, we get a share—come on, let me have a taste.”

Old Master Lin looked regretful, sighed, and waved his hand. “Fine, fine, just a taste. This wine is so strong, all medicinal—be careful.”

Everyone burst out laughing. They each took a small cup and tasted it, all full of praise. At their age, they didn’t dare drink much, especially since this wine had not only tiger bone but several other medicinal ingredients.

“This wine is at least eighty, maybe a hundred years old, and there are at least three precious herbs soaked in it. Old Lin, keep it safe. Once it’s gone, you won’t get any more. It’s probably an heirloom from someone’s family,” Old Master Cheng said, sniffing the tin carefully before handing it back.

“Haha, I knew it was rare. Otherwise, Xiao Wu wouldn’t have insisted his mother bring it for me. That wolf king pelt earlier—he got that for me, too. The kid’s observant—he saw me rubbing my knee and knew I had rheumatism. He shamelessly pestered an old hunter until he got it.”

Old Master Jiang looked on enviously. “You’re enjoying your grandchildren’s blessings early. Who knows what kind of husbands Xueli and her sister will find. Old Lin, since we’re in-laws, I’ll be blunt—when are you bringing my granddaughter back? Her younger sister’s already had a child—shouldn’t they be finding partners, too? You’d better keep an eye on them, don’t let them marry too far away.”

“That depends on what the second couple thinks. We’re old now, can’t really decide. How about I bring the sisters back and you find someone for them? See, you’re shaking your head—you know these kids don’t listen to us elders anymore.

That’s why I say our Jiao Jiao is really exceptional. Just standing there, she’s full of scholarly air—quiet, poised, smart, takes after her father, always low-key, keeps everything to herself. She could recite the Three Character Classic and Thousand Character Essay at three, do embroidery and practice medicine. She’s always respectful to elders—just like the classic image of a noble lady.

No one taught her—she just learned on her own. She speaks gently to her mother, carries herself with great poise. Old Jiang, it’s not that I’m putting down my own granddaughters, but there’s just no comparison. I wish the kids would spend more time with Jiao Jiao—just learning a bit from her would benefit them for life. But Jiao Jiao and her husband won’t come back—they say they want to make their own way, just like Zhou Xiaozheng, proud to the bone.” Old Master Lin shook his head.

Old Master Fang snorted and pointed at him. “You’re just too greedy—having one outstanding granddaughter is enough. You want all your granddaughters to be like her? Impossible. No offense, but it’s all in the blood. Zhou Xiaozheng is low-key, right? Smart, right? But anyone who sees him knows he’s not just some farm boy—he’s got the air of a nobleman. His children are bound to be exceptional. Like they say, dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and mice have children who dig holes. As for your granddaughter—look at Old Jiang’s daughter, your daughter-in-law—could she ever be low-key? She’s been a tomboy since she was little, running all over the compound. You expect her daughter to be quiet and demure?”

After he finished, Old Jiang and the others burst out laughing—it really was impossible.

Old Master Lin protested, “Who says Zhou Xiaozheng is a farm boy? He’s a proper Beijing native, from the Zhou family.”

“Oh, now you’re just arguing. I was making an analogy, you know? You say Zhou Xiaozheng is from the Zhou family, but I heard from Xiaofei that the Zhou family mistreated Zhou Xiaozheng’s daughter. If she was really their own, would the second wife’s only child be treated like that?”

Old Master Lin laughed heartily. “And you say I’m argumentative! But you might be right—maybe he isn’t their own. Zhou Xiaozheng doesn’t look a bit like those old folks. Some even say he looks like my wife. Look closely, he really does. Our Jiao Jiao looks like her grandmother, but if you look carefully, she also resembles her father. Maybe her father looks like her grandmother, too?”

He spoke without thinking, but Old Master Cheng’s eyebrows twitched. He pretended to ask casually, “Didn’t the entire Beijing Zhou family get wiped out by the Eight-Nation Alliance? Are there any left?”

Old Master Lin replied offhandedly, “At the time, Zhou Xiaozheng’s father was rescued by the Boxers, joined the army, and after several twists and turns, joined our side. Later, he retired and took his two sons, a daughter, and his wife back to their ancestral home in the Northeast.”

“No wonder Zhou Xiaozheng later joined the army—following in his father’s footsteps. Their relationship must have been good. So was the old man just biased toward the eldest, or what?” Old Master Cheng said casually, gripping his wine cup tightly and watching Old Master Lin closely.

“That old fool was just stupid—didn’t love the younger son, mistreated his granddaughter. He must regret it now. His eldest son was nothing compared to Zhou Xiaozheng. You’d think, after fifteen years, finally having another son, he’d be overjoyed. The younger son was good-looking and smart, but he drove Zhou Xiaozheng away to join the army.

My Jiao Jiao keeps things to herself, and he called her dull. I’ve never seen such a muddle-headed fool. If the Beijing Zhou family had him in charge, no wonder they declined. Luckily, they went back to their hometown and spared their ancestors the shame.”

Old Master Cheng was silent for a moment, then said, “The surviving Zhou must be from a collateral branch, or an undistinguished son. You don’t know the Beijing Zhou family, but in Jiangnan, anyone who’s anyone and loves literature knows them. The Zhou family everyone talks about is the main branch. Before the fall of the Qing, the main branch withdrew from officialdom, disgusted with the authorities. They were upright, never currying favor.

During the Republic, the main branch had two outstanding sons. The elder was so talented that he was invited to serve but refused, earning universal respect among scholars. The younger was said to have a photographic memory, reciting poetry at age three or five, later studying abroad but never entering politics. His fiancée was the only heir of the main branch of the Gu family, the biggest clan in Jiangnan—your wife knows this.

Let me tell you, his fiancée was a true talent—a real noble lady, and fabulously wealthy.

Those so-called perfect couples today are nothing compared to them. I remember that year, everything was arranged for the wedding, but tragedy struck before it happened. The groom died first, then the bride—who knows what happened. Some say she ran away, others say she committed suicide for love.

Your wife and that Gu family lady are cousins within five generations. Your father-in-law claims to be from the Jiangnan Gu family, but he’s not from the main branch—just a collateral line.

The Zhou family’s younger son’s fiancée was from the main branch. They had no sons, didn’t adopt, and that branch either died out or disappeared. The Gu family had a huge dispute over the inheritance—what happened? Everyone fought over the main branch’s estate.

But in the end, except for the real estate, all the gold and valuables vanished. People said the young lady wasn’t dead and might return. The real estate was sealed up waiting for her to inherit, but when it was finally settled a few years ago, no one showed up, so it was confiscated.

The Beijing Zhou family was a true scholarly family—apart from ancient books and paintings, they had no real wealth. No wonder Zhou Xiaozheng’s father went back to his ancestral home. Even if he wanted to return to Beijing, the old house wasn’t his.”

Old Master Fang sighed. “Such a beauty, doomed to a short life—she’s probably long gone. Those were chaotic times, especially for a woman.”

Old Master Lin was absorbed in the story. After a while, he said softly, “So keeping a low profile is right. Too much attention brings disaster. What a pity. That photographic memory is real talent. Luckily, our Jiao Jiao is smart and knows how to keep things hidden. When Shanshan goes back to the Northeast, I’ll have her remind Jiao Jiao—these are lessons written in blood.”

Old Master Cheng’s heart tightened. He quickly asked, “Does Jiao Jiao have a photographic memory too?”

Old Master Lin shook his head, thought for a moment, then smiled. “I really don’t know. I just know that at three, she could recite the Three Character Classic and Thousand Character Essay. At five, she could recite all her grandmother’s family medical recipes. Before she was ten, she’d learned all her grandmother’s skills. Even if I suspect, I never asked—she wouldn’t tell me if she did.”

“That child is really exceptional. You should bring her over for us to meet.”

“Haha, she has to be at least three months old before she can go out. No rush. And let me tell you, don’t get any ideas about my granddaughter—she just wants a peaceful life.” Old Master Lin looked at him warily.

Old Master Cheng laughed and said to Old Master Jiang and Old Master Fang, “Look at him, telling us not to get ideas about his granddaughter. She’s already married—what, am I going to pair her with my grandson? Why would a little girl join the army? Her mother’s in charge of the arts troupe—what could she want? The lights-out bugle’s already sounded, I’m heading out. How about you?”

Seeing them get up to leave, Old Master Lin quickly called Lin Lishan, “Pack up three portions and send them over.”

He glared at them. “What’s the rush? At least finish the wine.”

Old Master Fang grinned, downed his cup in one go, and as the three of them prepared to leave, Old Master Lin personally saw them out, watching as they entered their own courtyard and waited at the door for Lin Lishan."