Chapter Twenty-Five: The Return to the Rightful Owner, an Invitation to the Literary Gathering

Three copper coins lay quietly on the square table, two showing tails, one heads.

So it was about this matter, after all…

Faced with Zhou Yuanshan’s questioning, Han Fu was well prepared. He smiled calmly and replied, “Copper coins in this world are all the same, elder brother. Your question is rather difficult for me.”

“Don’t pretend ignorance when you know full well,” Zhou Yuanshan’s expression darkened, and he snorted, “Zhou Qing said you gave them to him. That’s why, at yesterday’s wedding banquet, trouble arose and the Zhou family lost face.”

“So it’s these three copper coins,” Han Fu feigned sudden enlightenment, then appeared vexed. “I've heard about yesterday’s incident. I was shocked. I never imagined that my good intentions would lead to such a result.”

“You call that good intentions?” Zhou Yuanshan sneered, casting a sidelong glance.

No, I truly meant it as revenge, to soothe my heart… Han Fu wondered aloud, “What else could it be?”

He sighed, continuing, “You may not know, brother, I come from humble origins and have only just entered the Zhou household. All my possessions amount to these three coins. I had them with me since the day the Qin family humiliated me…”

Unable to muster a truly grief-stricken expression, Han Fu could only grind his teeth awkwardly.

“From childhood to now, I’ve never suffered such humiliation. These three coins have always been with me, a constant reminder.”

“That day, my nephew came to visit me in my courtyard. As an elder, I should have given him a meeting gift. But…”

Han Fu sighed deeply, his manner helpless.

“I searched everywhere. Apart from those three coins, I had nothing else. Who could have guessed…”

“So, he spat at you, and instead of admonishing him, you gave him money…” Zhou Yuanshan let out a cold laugh, staring intently at Han Fu. “Your poetic talent is unmatched, and I truly admire you. But for wealth and honor, you agreed to become a son-in-law, and now you…”

He halted, then continued, “I didn’t expect you to be so cunning. I see you in a new light. But to use such schemes on a child—is that really right?”

What’s wrong with that? It’ll teach him a lesson…

“Brother, I had just entered the Zhou family. If I had truly scolded my nephew, would that have been right?” Han Fu composed himself and spoke sincerely, “Besides, as you said, he’s just a child. If I took offense, wouldn't that diminish my standing as an elder? Children speak without restraint, act without understanding. How could I blame him?”

Han Fu steadfastly refused to admit his true motive for giving the coins.

He knew that as long as he denied it, Zhou Yuanshan might be angered, but he would have no outlet and would be forced to let the matter drop.

Giving money to a younger relative—there’s nothing wrong with that anywhere.

Zhou Yuanshan was so furious he laughed, saying, “Enough. When I called you here, I knew this would lead nowhere. Take your shame with you; let it remind you always.”

“Thank you, brother.” Han Fu clasped his hands in salute, shaking his head. “It’s a meeting gift for my nephew…”

“He does not need it.”

“Very well.” Han Fu sighed in resignation, stepped forward, picked up the three coins, and tucked them away.

To have them returned was genuinely heartening.

Even the tiniest mosquito is still meat; Han Fu was quite pleased.

Zhou Yuanshan watched Han Fu put away the coins, lowered his gaze, and said in a neutral tone, “Qing’er was at fault first, so I can’t really blame you. But as a father, I can’t help being angry…”

Ah, a reasonable brother-in-law… Han Fu thought, giving him due credit.

“But…” Zhou Yuanshan’s tone shifted, his eyes fixed on Han Fu, delivering each word as a warning: “Don’t forget your status—son-in-law.”

He emphasized the term, but Han Fu remained unmoved, his expression calm as he awaited the rest.

Son-in-law—so what? It’s not forever. From the moment he agreed to enter the family, Han Fu was prepared for reproach.

All endurance was for the sake of rising from obscurity.

He intended to show the world, with results, that nobility was not a birthright, and even a son-in-law could become emperor.

“You need a clear understanding of what it means to be a son-in-law.”

Zhou Yuanshan paid no attention to Han Fu’s expression, speaking for himself.

“Throughout history, few men have entered another family.”

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“Because once you do, you lose dignity and character, become the target of scorn and contempt.”

“From the previous dynasty to now, the son-in-law stands alongside disgraced officials, fugitives, and merchants—considered lower class.”

“I say this not to insult you, but to make it clear: however unparalleled your poetic talent, the moment you chose to become a son-in-law, all your gifts were buried. No one will care for you anymore, as it brings shame to their status.”

“From now on, be proper. Within the household, a little display is tolerable; after all, behind closed doors, we are family.”

“But outside, if you use your cunning and bring trouble to the Zhou family… I hope that day never comes.”

“If you don’t believe me, feel free to go out and see who would associate with you.”

“Do you understand?” Zhou Yuanshan fixed his gaze on Han Fu.

What kind of brother-in-law is this… sharp-tongued but soft-hearted?

His words seemed harsh, but in truth, they were earnest admonitions based on reality.

Someone slow-witted might miss the deeper meaning, for his speech was certainly unpleasant.

Han Fu knew well that Zhou Yuanshan spoke the truth.

Since he became a son-in-law, a challenge awaited him.

Others looked down on his status, refused friendship, so he could not expand connections among the nobility.

Without connections, he could not build a rebellion’s base.

There are always more solutions than difficulties; there will be a way.

For now, he must win back ground here. After all, Zhou Yuanshan’s words were not pleasant.

With this in mind, Han Fu clasped his hands and smiled, “Brother, you worry too much. A son-in-law is still a man, and I am the Zhou family’s son-in-law. There will be those willing to befriend me.”

“Heh…” Zhou Yuanshan scoffed, shaking his head, about to speak when Cui’e entered.

“Master, Young Lord Lu Ziyuan has arrived.”

“Ziyuan has returned?” At her words, Zhou Yuanshan’s face lit up, and he hurried out.

“Go on back,” he said casually as he passed Han Fu.

Without Cui’e to guide him, Han Fu returned alone. After crossing the central courtyard and reaching the western area, two hearty laughs echoed.

In the room, brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were neatly arranged; Bin’er was nowhere to be seen.

The events in the eastern courtyard, Han Fu treated as if they hadn’t happened, focusing on grinding ink and practicing calligraphy.

The first three characters he wrote were “Zhou Yuanshan.”

“This brother-in-law is interesting…” Han Fu chuckled, but quickly crossed it out, not wanting others to misinterpret.

He began again, this time writing “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.”

Meanwhile, in the east courtyard’s main house.

Zhou Yuanshan entertained his distinguished guest with fragrant tea, smiling broadly.

“When did you return to the capital?” Zhou Yuanshan asked.

Lu Ziyuan, eldest son of Lu Ming, Governor of Linjiang, was a handsome, courteous, and amiable young man, twenty-three years old, who had lived in Linjiang until recently. He and Zhou Yuanshan were close friends.

Well… not perfect, he still had some flaws.

Lu Ziyuan replied, “Arrived outside the city last night, entered this morning, but missed your wedding banquet.”

He looked genuinely regretful.

“No matter,” Zhou Yuanshan waved his hand, smiling. “Tonight, I’ll host and make up for it, brother.”

Another meal saved for the family… Lu Ziyuan was delighted, rising to salute, “Then I must thank you, brother.”

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“You’re too polite, brother, haha…”

Zhou Yuanshan laughed, watching as Lu Ziyuan took out an invitation and handed it to him.

“What’s this?” Zhou Yuanshan asked, puzzled.

Lu Ziyuan explained, “In recent days, three great scholars have arrived one after another in Dingxing. Master Wen has taken the lead and is hosting a grand literary gathering in He Garden three days from now. This is the invitation; without it, entry is forbidden.”

So that's it.

Zhou Yuanshan advocated practical governance, never much interested in pure literary pursuits, but such an event was rare. Lu Ziyuan thought of him and delivered the invitation personally; he felt honored.

He smiled even more, pondering, “Since you’ve brought me this invitation, I’ll attend…”

“It’s for Han Fu, your son-in-law,” Lu Ziyuan said, freezing Zhou Yuanshan’s smile. He continued, “I’ve never met Han Fu. Approaching him directly would be abrupt, so I ask you to hand it over.”

Zhou Yuanshan’s mouth twitched, especially recalling the conversation with Han Fu earlier—it felt as if he’d swallowed a fly.

He took a deep breath to steady himself and managed a strained smile, “All right, I’ll have someone deliver it to him shortly.”

“Thank you, brother.” Lu Ziyuan saluted, then added, “To be honest, this invitation cost me two strings of coins.”

Zhou Yuanshan knew Lu Ziyuan’s character; unwillingly, he called for Cui’e, instructing her to fetch two strings of coins from the treasury and handed them personally to Lu Ziyuan.

Lu Ziyuan accepted cheerfully, saying, “That’s all, brother. I won’t trouble you further.”

“I’ll see you out.”

Zhou Yuanshan felt his legs grow heavy as he escorted Lu Ziyuan to the gate.

“By the way, brother, where shall we drink tonight?” Lu Ziyuan asked as he left.

I won’t host you—drink by yourself… Zhou Yuanshan swallowed the words, forcing a smile, “Hidden Fragrance Tavern.”

Hidden Fragrance Tavern, grand in name but, in reality, a dingy little place in a narrow alley of Dingxing—the cheapest tavern in town, frequented by laborers and all sorts.

This showed Zhou Yuanshan had no intention of hosting.

Unexpectedly, Lu Ziyuan didn’t mind, pondered a moment, and said, “Hidden Fragrance Tavern is a fine place. See you tonight, brother.”

With that, he turned and left, his steps light, almost dancing.

Zhou Yuanshan looked up and sighed, frustrated, returning to the house.

Lu Residence—the Lu family’s estate in Dingxing.

Returning home, Lu Ziyuan went straight to the rear courtyard.

Passing through the garden, he reached a refined and quiet little courtyard.

Knock knock knock…

He rapped on the door, calling, “Sister, the invitation is delivered.”

“Thank you, brother.” A gentle, melodious voice answered from within.

Lu Ziyuan said, “We’re siblings, but accounts must be clear. I won’t cheat you—the invitation cost me five hundred coins.”

“Put it on the ledger,” the girl replied.

“You now owe me thirty-six thousand seven hundred forty-two coins, which is thirty-six strings and seven hundred forty-two coins.”

“I know.”

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