Since Lu Yuanzhao passed the child scholar examination, the Lu Family had been bustling with celebrations for several days, and Lu Chao also got to meet many relatives from the family.
From the elderly maids, he learned that Father Lu was the only legitimate son in the family, with two elder sisters—one married to the Second Son of the Guo Family in Xiangyang, and the other to the eldest son of the Ji Family in the capital. When Lu's Grandfather fell ill and was bedridden, he gathered the clan elders to divide the family property. The two illegitimate uncles lived off the income from farmland and estates, while one served as a Chief Clerk in a county under their jurisdiction.
Lu Chao’s two illegitimate uncles only visited during festivals, and otherwise had little contact with the main family. As for his aunts, they only exchanged letters, sending gifts during the New Year. Lu Chao had never even met them.
This time, however, Second Master Lu surprisingly brought gifts to congratulate them. Watching the family members behind him, including two chubby children who kept curiously eyeing their surroundings, Father Lu stiffly forced a smile.
"Elder Brother and Sister-in-law, congratulations! We just heard that Yuanzhao topped the prefectural exam, so Second Master couldn’t wait to bring everyone here to share in the joy! Ah, why didn’t you send word? People might think we lack manners!" Second Aunt Lu’s shrill voice made Lu Chao’s ears itch, and he couldn’t help but take a step back.
"You’re too kind, Sister-in-law. We thought child scholars were common in the Lu Family, so it wasn’t worth announcing. It’s our fault for making you come all this way," Lady Lu replied gently, leaving Second Aunt Lu momentarily speechless.
The Lu Family was known for its scholarly reputation—countless members had passed the provincial exams, so a child scholar was hardly noteworthy. Second Master Lu himself was a child scholar, though he’d never admit that his title had been bought by his concubine mother.
"Greet your elders properly! You must learn from your cousins, understand? Where’s Yuanzhao?"
Second Aunt Lu tugged at the two chubby boys behind her, signaling them to speak.
"Greetings, Uncle and Aunt. I’m Lu Chengyin."
"And I’m Lu Chengxian."
The two boys looked eagerly at Father Lu and Lady Lu. Their mother had instructed them to please their uncle and aunt—if they succeeded, they might get to stay in the Lu household!
The Lu Family’s residence was far grander than theirs. If only their father hadn’t been driven out by his elder brother, they wouldn’t have to live in such a cramped house!
"Yuanzhao went out with his classmates."
The children exchanged greetings. Lu Chengyin was nine, and Lu Chengxian six—around the same age as the Lu children.
"Ah, what well-raised children," Lu's mother remarked. Setting aside her opinion of Second Aunt Lu, the boys were indeed plump and sturdy, unlike her own three children, who were rather thin.
"They eat a lot! And they’re always running around the estate—no wonder they’re so strong!" Second Aunt Lu proudly lifted her chin at the praise.
"Yuanyi, Chaochao, take your cousins to the courtyard to play. No fighting, alright?" Seeing the children fidgeting, Lady Lu waved them off, instructing the servants to keep a close watch.
Lu Chengyin’s eyes lit up, and he dashed out the door, his heavy footsteps making the ground tremble slightly.
Lu Chao: Flat feet confirmed.
Suppressing a sigh, he followed.
"Brother! Look! There are fish in the pond!" Lu Chengxian squatted by the lotus pond, staring intently at the water. A maid gripped his clothes tightly, afraid he might slip in.
"These fish are so pretty! I wonder if they taste good!"
Lu Yuanyi shook his head. "They’re ornamental fish—not for eating. I’ll have someone bring feed so you can feed them."
Lu Chengxian nodded eagerly. "Okay! I want to feed them! Brother Yuanyi, can I take some home to raise?"
Lu Yuanyi hesitated. "Uh… these aren’t mine to give away."
Splash!
Lu Chao flinched as water sprayed onto the shore, soaking their clothes and sending the maids into shrieks.
"Ha! Look how dumb these fish are! They can’t even dodge a rock!" Lu Chengyin laughed, hands on his hips.
Lu Chao’s temple twitched. What an insufferable brat!
"Cousin! Why did you hit our fish?!" Lu Yuanyi stood up angrily.
"I was just testing their intelligence! They’re so stupid—I wouldn’t eat them even if I could!" Lu Chengyin scoffed, entirely unrepentant.
Lu Yuanyi, unused to such rudeness, frowned. "No one said you could eat them! And you splashed us—you should apologize!"
Sticking out his tongue, Lu Chengyin turned and ran. Why apologize? No one got hurt!
"Young Master, slow down!" A maid chased after him nervously.
Lu Chengyin only ran faster, thrilled. Back at their estate, people avoided him after his pranks—he hadn’t had this much fun in ages.
Near the garden entrance, Shishu approached with tea. Seeing Lu Chengyin’s mischievous smirk, Lu Chao quickly called out.
"Watch out—someone’s coming!"
Shishu paused, spotting Lu Chengyin by the rockery, and curtsied.
"The tea is hot, Young Master. Please go ahead."
Lu Chengyin nodded obediently and walked past. Relieved, Shishu continued toward the hall—
Thud!
A sudden impact sent her stumbling forward.
Crash!
The teacups shattered on the ground.
Lu Chao and Lu Yuanyi rushed over to help Shishu up. She had always been kind to them, remembering their favorite dishes and serving them thoughtfully.
"Aunt Shishu, are you hurt?!"
Shishu paled. This tea set was Lady Lu’s recent favorite—now ruined. What should she do?
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to! I just turned to warn you about a rock and bumped into you," Lu Chengyin mumbled, pouting.
But Lu Chao had seen it clearly—that smirk as he deliberately knocked into her.
"Aunt Shishu, go change into dry clothes and bring fresh tea. I’ll explain to Mother—this wasn’t your fault."
Shishu curtsied and hurried off, head bowed.
Lu Chao glared at the brothers. I’d love to toss them out right now.
"Cousin, let’s sit in the pavilion. The shards haven’t been cleared yet."
Lu Chengyin glanced down at Lu Chao, picked up a broken piece, and sneered. "Mind your own business, bastard."
"Young Master, don’t play with that—you’ll cut yourself!" A maid reached out to stop him.
Slice!
A red line bloomed on her hand, and she recoiled in pain.
"Oh? So you look down on your father? Should I tell Second Uncle that?" Lu Chao smiled sweetly at Lu Chengyin’s furious expression. "Your mother’s a concubine’s daughter too, isn’t she? Ah, so you’re the product of two illegitimate lines! Tsk tsk, how disrespectful—how could you scorn your own parents’ origins?"
From a distance, Lu Yuanyi could hear the two of them arguing. At first, he had been worried that Lu Chao might be at a disadvantage, but now it seemed unclear who was actually losing out.
