Chapter 52: Deceiving the Father
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Madam Liu nodded and said nothing more.
On this side, Chu Heng and Chu Zhiwen were together.
They first arrived at the clan leader Chu Yonghua’s house.
Chu Yonghua was both the clan leader of the Chu Clan and Chu Zhiwen’s elder brother.
Chu Yonghua was not surprised by Chu Zhiwen’s arrival, but when he saw Chu Heng with him, his first reaction was that something big had happened.
“Old woman, get me some tea.”
Chu Yonghua instructed his old wife, Madam Cao.
Madam Cao was also curious about what was going on. Hearing this, she went out and made a pot of tea. Then, she came in and did not leave.
Following her was the youngest son, Chu Zikun.
“Third Brother, Heng, why are you here today?”
Chu Zhiwen was still a little agitated. After all, this was great news.
At his age, he liked crowds.
“It’s like this…” Chu Zhiwen told her about the Female Arts Competition that Chu Heng had mentioned.
“Needlework, tea art, cooking, and paper-cutting?” Chu Zikun repeated the same thing. He touched his chin and smiled. “Interesting.” In the next second, his head was slapped by Maddam Cao.
“Don’t talk.”
Chu Yonghua secretly glared at Chu Zikun.
Chu Zikun shrunk his neck, but his heart was overjoyed. He thought to himself,
‘Wouldn’t I be able to see a lot of beautiful girls now?’
“Heng, is this information accurate?” Chu Yonghua asked Chu Heng.”
“In theory, there shouldn’t be any problems. We can let the girls in the clan prepare first. When the county government comes out with the specific documents, we can inform our distant relatives, neighbors, and friends.”
“That’s right. Our own clan can make preparations first.”
“I’m sure you know about it, Heng, and so do the rich and powerful people in the county.”
“If we say it out loud, we might be suspected of spreading false news. After all, the county magistrate hasn’t really announced it yet.”
All these years, ever since Chu Heng became a scholar, the entire Chu clan followed the rules and read more books when they had time.
As the clan leader, Chu Yonghua had learned a lot of rules. He was afraid that the clan would not have the foresight to do something wrong. No one could bear the consequences.
Therefore, in Chu Yonghua’s heart, the person he could not afford to offend the most was the county magistrate. The other scholars were second only to the village gentry.
“Heng, you’re going back to the county school in the afternoon?” Chu Yonghua thought of this and asked with concern.
“Yeah.” Chu Heng nodded.
“Then stay for lunch. Coincidentally, your Brother Zikun caught a few frogs in the field.” Chu Yonghua smiled and asked him to stay.
Chu Heng did not speak, but looked at his father.
Chu Zhiwen was originally smiling and in a good mood. When he saw his son’s eyes, he said without thinking, “Eldest Brother, your frog is fragrant, but Third
Brother has only been back for a few days. His wife and children have only seen each other for two or three days before they separate. I reckon that any delicious food won’t smell good in front of him.”
Chu Heng’s face instantly darkened, and the corners of his mouth twitched. Was his father sure he was not trying to trick him?
“Father.” Chu Heng reminded.
Chu Zhiwen smiled. “Big Brother, look. He’s even shy. We’re two old fellows. It’s better not to keep him. Young people don’t like to be with us old men.”
Chu Zhiwen laughed at him even more as if he did not understand his hint.
Chu Yonghua thought about it and nodded. “Ah Heng, your father is right. Then I won’t keep you. The next time you come back, you have to come to my place and we’ll cook delicious food for you.”
“Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I will.” Chu Heng stood up and bowed..