Chapter 26: Building Castles in the Air; The Boss Has Returned!

"Stop your hypocritical posturing! Don't think I don't know what you're plotting!"

"Over all these years, do you want me to break down exactly how much of the family's money has been spent on those useless books you read?"

"Now that Father and Mother are severely injured, instead of tending to them hand and foot, you actually took Father out of the house. You unfilial, good-for-nothing wretch, why don't you just drop dead?"

Li Feng’s cursing echoed, startling everyone outside.

Cheng Xiuyun, in particular, was horrified to see her husband kicked to the ground. She rushed over, gathered him into her arms, and checked him anxiously.

"Husband, are you alright?"

"Where does it hurt? Tell me!"

"We aren't staying here anymore. We’re leaving. I’ll find a doctor for you, and we’re never coming back to this house again!"

Cheng Xiuyun’s heart ached. Li Qingyun was indeed a failure, but he was handsome, just as described in books. He was refined, upright, and possessed a dashing appearance. He had a gentle, scholarly look that she adored, and she had always believed that, like his name, he would eventually soar to great heights and reach the peak of success.

Yet, how had he been kicked aside like that?

Outside, the clamor and weeping left Old Man Li feeling restless and annoyed. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. His second son, while filial, was a fierce spirit; as long as he was around, there would be no peace in this house. But the third son was unreliable, too. He realized he could only place his hopes on his eldest son now.

"Erniu, Dagou, come here and help me out!"

After some thought, Old Man Li decided to take the initiative. Over the years, thanks to the second son’s family slaving away like oxen and horses, he and the old woman had saved quite a bit of money. Even if they split the family, they wouldn't struggle too much. They should just divide the household now to avoid the constant irritation. After all, he still wanted to live a few more years.

Upon hearing his grandfather’s voice, Erniu was thrilled. It was happening—his father had succeeded!

"Coming!"

The two exchanged a look and walked out. They entered Old Man Li’s room and helped him out.

In the main hall, Old Man Li puffed on his dry tobacco pipe, glancing at the second son’s family with a flicker of regret in his heart.

What a pity. The second son was young and had several sons; if he could keep them at home, life would certainly be much easier.

However, the bone-chilling pain in his legs left Old Man Li afraid to gamble. If this were the past, in those days that seemed to stretch on without end, he might have just muddled through. But once a person has tasted comfort, how could they possibly go back to living a life of hardship? They say it is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury back to frugality—that was exactly Old Man Li. Having tasted the life of ease, the idea of returning to poverty was out of the question.

*Puff, puff.*

Old Man Li finished his pipe, looked up at Li Feng, and said, "Send Dagou or Erniu to town and bring your eldest brother’s family back."

"Understood!" Li Feng didn't hesitate. He looked at Erniu, who nodded and took off running.

"Go bring your grandmother out, too!" Old Man Li continued.

Li Feng didn't object. He had Dagou carry Li Wangshi out and place her on a lounge chair nearby. Perhaps because she ate well without having to work, Li Wangshi had visibly gained weight, looking quite plump and prosperous.

Cheng Xiuyun watched the old woman, her handkerchief nearly shredded in her grip. That damned old hag—her life was far too leisurely. She had actually put on so much weight; she looked even better off than she did!

"You miserable wretches, what in the world are you doing? Why split up a perfectly good family?" Li Wangshi couldn't understand. What good was there in splitting the family? If they did, would the second son’s family still serve her well? The third son’s family had no heir—what would happen to him in his old age? And the eldest son’s family! With two grandsons to educate, that was a huge expense. If the eldest son had to do carpentry all by himself, wouldn't that be exhausting? The second son’s family was truly thoughtless; could they not think of the family’s well-being instead of causing such a scene?

"Shut your mouth!" Old Man Li had made up his mind and would not allow anyone to interfere. He scanned the room and rolled another cigarette.

"You all know the state of this house," he began. "Third son, you have been studying for over twenty years; you know how much money that has cost!"

At the mention of this, Li Qingyun’s heart sank. He dropped to his knees with a thud. "Father, it is your son who is unfilial!"

Seeing him kneel, Cheng Xiuyun had no choice but to follow suit, bringing their two daughters down with her.

"Old man, what are you doing?" Li Wangshi cried, her heart aching for her youngest son. "You were the one who agreed to send him to the private school in the first place, so why bring this up now?"

"Qingyun has already passed the county exam and is about to take the prefectural exam. Once he passes that, he will be a scholar! There are nearly a hundred households in Li Family Village—a proper, large village of over a thousand people—and not a single one has produced a scholar. Our Qingyun is only one step away. Chengtai and Chengyou have taken the exams several times and haven't passed either. Qingyun has worked hard; please give him another chance!"

Li Wangshi truly doted on her youngest son. Unfortunately, her "precious heart" was just as selfish and cold-hearted as Old Man Li.

Hearing his mother speak for him, Li Qingyun hurriedly promised, "Father, please believe in your son one more time! This time, I will definitely pass the prefectural exam and secure my status as a scholar! The academy exam is this year; once I pass the prefectural, I will strike while the iron is hot and take the academy exam as well to earn a degree for you! My mentor says my foundations are solid. I will certainly rank highly this time—I might even earn a government stipend. Then, I will have the means to support you both!"

Old Man Li stopped smoking and looked up at Li Qingyun. He was clearly tempted, but only for a moment. He didn't know the intricacies of the exams, but he knew one thing: the third son’s family had only one person pursuing an official career, and after so many attempts without passing, it was likely a lost cause.

But the eldest son’s family was different. Chengtai and Chengyou were still young and studious. Two against one—the odds were much better there. He was clear on this: the family’s status could be elevated by the eldest just as well as the third. Furthermore, the eldest was his firstborn, and the eldest grandson belonged to him. Both for public reputation and private gain, he had to favor the eldest.

His resolve hardened again. As for Li Feng, he stood to the side, watching the show with a cynical, lazy air. *Tsk, tsk,* what a fine performance. Even if Li Qingyun’s acting was good, he wasn't the only one in the game. If he were the only one studying, Old Man Li would surely compromise, but the eldest brother was far too cunning. He had a keen eye; as soon as he had two sons, he began his calculations. Every time he came home, he played the part perfectly—working the fields, waiting on his parents—and in Li Family Village, everyone praised the eldest as a sensible, respectful man. Though he didn't study, he had the bearing of a scholar. His reputation was even better than the third son’s. Every time he left, he took a portion of the family’s money, returning for a week only to leave with his pockets full. That was a profitable deal indeed.