20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 857 Aiming [Part 1]

Yuan Gang will be nineteen years old by the New Year. Like his father, he has a caramel-colored face and is also very tall, but he is not as muscular as his father, nor as taciturn.

When he was a child, Yuan Gang often came to play in the Jiang family's courtyard and became somewhat familiar with Jiang Ya and her brother.

As they grew older, they realized the disparity in their social status and stopped coming often, only coming to lend a hand during holidays. Eventually, the younger generation gradually drifted apart.

Starting last year, he went to study in another province, attending the Jilin Provincial Public Law and Political College.

That was the first institution of higher learning in Jilin Province, established during the Qing Dynasty. It had a one-year preparatory course and a three-year regular course. Because it was a specialized school, the campus was not large and the number of students was not many. Since the three northeastern provinces were in dire need of talent, graduates could basically get a government job.

Although Yuan Xinfa was illiterate, he knew that those who excelled in their studies could become officials. Since his family was not short of tuition fees, he sent his son to study, hoping that one day he could bring honor to his ancestors.

Education, apart from a very few exceptionally gifted individuals, is mostly built on money; the academic elites and gentry have remained unchanged since ancient times.

Do not believe?

If you don't believe me, just look at the history of China. How many truly outstanding individuals have come from humble backgrounds?

The saying "the poor study literature, the rich study martial arts" has some truth to it, but it is relative.

Writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, classics, histories, philosophical works—all these require money to buy.

A grown man like him, staying at home doing nothing but practicing calligraphy and paying for tuition—only a moderately well-off family could afford that.

Poor people, who toil every day for food and clothing, have exhausted all their energy. They have no time to read and can only barely survive like animals. Even so, they are still criticized by scholars and literati who say that they are numb, stupid, muddle-headed, and have bad habits.

With the backing of a powerful family, the Yuan family gradually improved their lives by working as a gatekeeper for the Jiang family. They also built up some connections, which naturally made it easy for them to support their son's education.

Unfortunately, Yuan Gang had not finished his studies and rushed home, only to find his parents in distress. He did not even have the opportunity to observe the mourning period and fulfill his filial duties. How could he not be heartbroken?
Having no relatives or friends in Fengtian, he thought it over and decided that he had no choice but to come to the Jiang family to ask for help.

Upon entering the mansion, he immediately inquired about his parents' murder from Hu Xiaoyan.

After listening carefully, Yuan Gang's eyes turned red, and he remained silent for a long time without crying.

Hu Xiaoyan wanted to say a few words of advice to him, but he said, "Grandma, there's no need to persuade me. My father already told me that the Yuan family's good life is all thanks to Master Jiang. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Since we've eaten the Jiang family's food, we should know what's going on. This life belongs to Master Jiang; it's only right and proper. My father also said..."

At this point, Yuan Gang suddenly choked up: "My father also said that he knew what he was doing, and if one day he died at the Jiang family's doorstep, he told me not to blame my parents-in-law. He was earning this money, and it was his duty."

Hu Xiaoyan was quite moved upon hearing this and quickly said, "Yuan Gang, although your parents are gone, the relationship between our two families is still there. Have you received your resettlement allowance and funeral expenses?"

Yuan Gang nodded and said, "I received it. Second Master just gave it to me."

"That's good," Hu Xiaoyan continued. "Don't worry, just focus on your studies. If you need money or have any difficulties, come to me anytime. The Jiang family will definitely support you to complete your studies."

Unexpectedly, Yuan Gang suddenly knelt down and said, "Grandma, I don't want to study anymore."

"what?"

"I'm not going to study anymore! Please, Grandma, give me a gun. I want to avenge my parents!"

Hu Xiaoyan looked troubled. After thinking about it carefully, she immediately rejected Yuan Gang's request, shaking her head and saying, "No."

Yuan Gang was taken aback for a moment, then looked up at his grandmother, then at Nanfeng, and asked in confusion, "Why not?"

Wang Zhengnan leaned over to persuade him, saying, "Kid, stand up and talk first. Don't you think about why your father sent you to study law and politics? Isn't it so that you won't do this kind of work in the future, and that you can find a job in the government after graduation?"

"If I don't avenge the murder of my father, I will be letting down my parents who raised me!"

"You're wrong, you're wrong! If you insist on seeking revenge, that would be letting down your parents who raised you!"

"Are we just going to let this go?"

"How could we just let it go?"

Wang Zhengnan kindly advised, "Young man, the Jiang family will avenge your parents. It's not that they won't, it's just that the time hasn't come yet."

Yuan Gang said, "I want to do it myself. If Madam doesn't agree, I won't get up."

Doesn't he even consider who the eldest mistress of the Jiang family is?

Hu Xiaoyan, who was known for her savvy but disdainful attitude, immediately replied coldly upon hearing this: "Then you can continue kneeling! Of course, if you insist on taking revenge yourself, I can't stop you, but there's one thing: if you're clumsy and get caught by the authorities, don't expect the Jiang family to bail you out."

Yuan Gang simply couldn't understand it.

He couldn't understand why the Jiang family, who would make it so easy for him to get away with murder, wouldn't help him take revenge.
Hu Xiaoyan explained, “Yuan Gang, your father guarded the Jiang family’s gate for over ten years, and your mother worked as a farmhand for them for over ten years. You are their only son, and now they’ve found me… It’s easy to go up the mountain but hard to come down. In the past, when they were fighting, they wouldn’t even take an only son when conscripting men. I can’t let your Yuan family line die out. If you continue your studies, you’ll eventually have a good future. Your parents will be pleased if they can see you in the afterlife.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Gang slowly lowered his gaze and hurriedly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

Hu Xiaoyan continued, "Anyway, I've already explained everything to you, whether it's good or bad. How much you take in depends on yourself. You're not a child anymore. I understand you're angry right now, but as for your future plans, I advise you to go back first, think it through, and then come back to me."

After saying that, he suddenly sighed and quickly rubbed his temples with his fingertips.

Seeing this, Wang Zhengnan took the opportunity to help Yuan Gang up, saying, "Alright, I think you should go back and think it over carefully. You've already studied for a year, it would be such a waste to give up now. After you graduate and get into the government, the Jiang family might still need your help! You have a bright future ahead of you, don't be impulsive. Your parents' revenge will definitely not be left like this..."

Yuan Gang stood up blankly, seemingly wanting to say something, but not knowing where to begin.

He knew that the eldest mistress of the Jiang family meant well for him, and he could also tell that she was unwell, so he had no choice but to bow and take his leave. Accompanied by Nanfeng, he went home.

Not long after Yuan Gang left, Hu Xiaoyan felt exhausted and was about to go back to her bedroom to rest when Dongfeng pushed the door open and came in again.

"Sister-in-law, Xiao Cui'er is here."

"Who?" "Xiao Cui'er," Zhang Zhengdong looked around at the door, "the girl who takes care of Sixth Master in Dongcheng."

Hu Xiaoyan certainly remembered Xiao Cui'er, the maid she had bought for Sixth Master, though she was no longer a "maid" now.

Over the years, Xiao Cui'er has always taken care of Sixth Master's daily life in Dongcheng. Dongfeng also sends her daily expenses every month without fail. Because Jiang Lianheng does not want to know anything about Sixth Master, Xiao Cui'er almost never comes over on her own initiative.

Hu Xiaoyan was inevitably a little surprised by his sudden arrival today.

"What is she here for?"

"I don't know. I asked her but she wouldn't say. She just said she wanted to see you, and she seemed quite anxious."

Hu Xiaoyan sighed, then turned her wheelchair around and returned to the table, saying, "Then let her come up!"

Xiao Cui'er was cheerful and talkative. She hadn't been to the Jiang family for many years, and the mansion had been furnished with brand new furniture. As soon as she entered the house, she couldn't help but look around, finding everything new and interesting. When she went upstairs and saw Hu Xiaoyan, she quickly greeted her and chatted on and on about auspicious things.

Hu Xiaoyan was getting a headache from the noise, but she didn't know what to say. Xiao Cui'er's personality was something she had deliberately chosen, because she was afraid that Uncle Liu would feel lonely in Dongcheng, so she picked such a lively and active person to serve him.

During the conversation, Xiao Cui'er naturally couldn't help but ask a few more questions about the Jiang family's recent situation.

Hu Xiaoyan was exhausted and didn't want to say much, so she simply interrupted and asked, "Cui'er, stop rambling and just say what you want to say. Has something happened to Sixth Master?"

"Him?" Xiao Cui'er pouted. "He's fine, in fact, he's become more lively lately, eating a lot. I'm starting to suspect—"

She suddenly stopped, turned around and closed the door, leaned close to Hu Xiaoyan and whispered, "I'm starting to suspect that we've been robbed. The rice and flour are disappearing really fast. Didn't you tell me before that if Sixth Master came into contact with anyone, I should come and tell you right away? But I only suspect it; I have no evidence."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaoyan immediately understood—Sixth Uncle and Seventh Uncle had already met.

After all, getting free meals and drinks has always been Uncle Seven's favorite thing, especially for Uncle Six.

If Gong Baonan could squeeze a single coin out of Guan Wei, he would be happier than if he had earned a silver ingot elsewhere.

Hu Xiaoyan nodded weakly and said, "I understand, but you don't need to come to me if there's no evidence. Let's talk about it when you see it!"

Xiao Cui'er showed no sign of leaving. While rummaging in her pocket for something, she smiled and said, "Grandma, I didn't come to see you about this. Sixth Master asked me to deliver a letter to you."

"letter?"

"Yes, isn't it strange? I used to always ask him if he had anything to say to the Jiang family so I could bring it over when I went out to buy groceries. But he always said he had nothing to say and was too ashamed to say anything. I don't know what's wrong with him today. Maybe he's worried about the situation at home. He insisted that I come and deliver the message. He wouldn't let me do it during the day. It's dark here, so he made me come here late at night."

"Stop talking now, where's the letter?"

"Oh, please wait a moment, where should I put it..."

Xiao Cui fumbled around for a moment and finally pulled out a beige envelope. It looked very thin, even making one suspect that it was actually empty, but the letter was sealed with wax, proving that the contents were extremely precious.

Xiao Cui handed over the letter, smiling as she said, "Look, he's making it quite mysterious. Before he left, he spent ages telling me that no one could see it, not even Uncle Dong, and that I had to give it to you personally..."

Hu Xiaoyan didn't listen to what she was saying at all. She carefully tore open the envelope, and inside was only a small note with a short line of text. However, it wasn't written by Sixth Master; the handwriting was the same as the note Jiang Lianheng had brought back not long ago.

Qin Huaimeng's hiding place has been found!

Hu Xiaoyan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly put away the note. However, her face did not show any ripples. Instead, she calmly called Dongfeng over and said, "Dongfeng, prices have been rising lately. Go to the warehouse and get some cash for Sixth Master. Also, take Xiaocui back with you."

Zhang Zhengdong responded and waved to Xiao Cui'er, saying, "Then you come downstairs with me and wait here!"

Xiao Cui'er naturally thanked him without hesitation, then turned and followed Dongfeng downstairs.

Just as the door closed, Zhao Zhengbei pushed it open and walked in again.

Upon seeing the north wind, Hu Xiaoyan seemed to immediately regain her energy and asked with concern, "How is it? Have you packed everything?"

“Okay!” Zhao Zhengbei walked to the desk and sat down. “Sister-in-law, if things at home haven’t been resolved yet, I’ll ask the camp for a few more days of leave. I have the authority to do so now, and I’m sure it will be approved. There’s no need to rush.”

Beifeng's holiday is over, and he should be returning to his unit by now, but he is still a little worried and doesn't seem too keen on leaving.

Hu Xiaoyan said, "Let's go back! The Beidaying camp is being reorganized recently. You finally got promoted to colonel. Go back early and do some networking so that the vacancies won't be snatched up by others. Your family is waiting for you to become a brigade commander, division commander, or corps commander in the future!"

“Sister-in-law, you really dare to dream big. That’s probably a bit difficult.” Zhao Zhengbei scratched his head. “The substantive positions above regimental commander are not something you can get through connections. After this reorganization, the Marshal will probably be going back to the pass after the New Year. I don’t know when I’ll be able to come home again.”

"That's true."

"Besides, I'm also worried about the situation at home. After all, that Qin Huaimeng guy hasn't been dealt with yet, has he?"

"Soon!" Hu Xiaoyan said with a smile. "The most dangerous time has passed. Don't worry, he won't be able to cause trouble for long. Besides, as long as you have real power in the army, not much, just enough to become the commander of a mixed brigade, our family won't have too much trouble."

Zhao Zhengbei nodded, and although he was a little reluctant, he still sighed and said, "Sister-in-law, I'll be going back tomorrow morning!"

"Alright, then I'll have your brother Dong take you home tomorrow."

"Hey! No need, I'll make a call later, and the camp will send a car to pick me up first thing tomorrow morning. I'm all set now!"

Zhao Zhengbei patted his chest, wanting to show off in front of his sister-in-law, but he couldn't help but laugh first.

Seeing that he had completely shed his hooligan habits from head to toe, Hu Xiaoyan was genuinely happy for him and nodded and smiled along with him. Unexpectedly, while she was smiling, she suddenly started coughing violently. At first, she didn't think much of it, but she coughed more than a dozen times in a row and just couldn't stop.

Zhao Zhengbei's smile gradually froze. He quickly got up to pour his sister-in-law a cup of hot water and asked, "Sister-in-law, what's wrong? Should I find a doctor to take a look at you?"

Hu Xiaoyan took a sip of hot water, and sweat immediately beaded on her forehead. She waved her hand and said, "No need to trouble yourself. I've been to the doctor so many times, but they still can't figure out what's wrong with me. Just push me inside to rest for a while, and I'll feel better."

(End of this chapter)