"Father, I've finished all my assignments," Lu Yuanyi replied without hesitation. While he could afford to be careless with schoolwork, his father's assignments demanded meticulous attention—after all, Father Lu wouldn't hesitate to use the ruler, and the mere thought of it made his backside ache.
Father Lu gave a rare nod. "After dinner, have someone deliver it to my study. I'll review it."
"Understood."
Stroking his beard, Father Lu turned his gaze to his third son, who was eating with unusual focus. "Lu Chao, you've been in school for a few days now. What have you learned?"
Lu Chao blinked, looking up at his stern father.
"We've covered some of the Three Character Classic, school rules, and basic laws."
Father Lu nodded. "Recite a few lines for me."
"People at birth are naturally good. Their natures are similar, but their habits diverge..." Lu Chao trailed off after a few lines, then added matter-of-factly, "That's all I know. The teacher hasn't taught us the rest yet."
Father Lu was momentarily speechless.
"Yuanyi is only half a year older than you and has already advanced to the advanced class. Since you've started school, you must apply yourself diligently. Your eldest brother, Yuanzhao, could recite the Three Character Classic backward by age four..."
As Father Lu droned on, Lu Chao zoned out, staring blankly. I thought the rule was 'no talking during meals,' but I guess it only applies until he finishes eating. Doesn’t he realize my food’s getting cold?
"Did you hear me?" Father Lu demanded.
Lu Chao snapped back to attention and nodded obediently. "Yes, I heard you."
Lu Yuanzhao shifted uncomfortably. Though his father often held him up as an example to his younger brothers, the constant comparisons had strained his relationship with Yuanyi. His recent trip to Suzhou had humbled him—there were always greater talents out there. What was his modest skill worth?
"Yuanyi, Chao'er, if you ever struggle with your studies, come to me. I’ll explain everything I can," Lu Yuanzhao offered earnestly.
Father Lu frowned. "They can seek help elsewhere. Don’t disturb Yuanzhao while he’s preparing for the exams. Lady Lu, ensure the servants don’t bother him either. The kitchen should prepare extra snacks, and take care he doesn’t catch a chill before the tests."
Lady Lu hurriedly agreed. "I lack experience in this, but you’ve thought of everything. I’ll have Nanny Mei oversee Yuanzhao’s quarters, and I’ll personally supervise his meals."
"Good. I appreciate your efforts."
Lu Yuanzhao stood and bowed to his parents, silently vowing to repay their care by securing a place on the merit list.
Lu Chao and Lu Yuanyi exchanged glances. Better lay low for now. With Father and Mother this anxious about exams, one misstep and our backsides are done for.
That night, the lamp in Lu Yuanzhao’s Qingfeng Courthouse burned late into the night.
Lu Chao slept soundly, waking only to stretch luxuriously before flopping back onto his bed. Ugh, I’m already sick of school. Do I really have to go today?
He burrowed deeper into his blankets, grumbling silently until Qingshan’s voice interrupted.
"Young Master, time to get up!"
"Third Young Master doesn’t want to get up. Third Young Master wants a holiday," Lu Chao muttered under his breath.
"What was that, Young Master?" Qingshan asked, entering with a basin of water.
"Nothing."
At breakfast, Lu Chao spotted a yawning Lu Yuanyi.
"Second Brother, didn’t sleep well?"
Yuanyi sighed. "Father said my handwriting was atrocious. Last night, he suddenly decided to teach me brush techniques. I dreamed about writing characters all night—terrifying."
Lu Chao gave him a sympathetic look. "No wonder you look exhausted."
"Your handwriting is worse than mine! Why doesn’t Father lecture you?" Yuanyi grumbled. His script might not be elegant, but at least it was legible. Lu Chao’s? Absolutely unreadable.
Silly child, you’re the legitimate heir. I’m just the spare, Lu Chao thought, shaking his head.
True to his word, Su Yunzheng arrived with a large bundle of pastries. Yet he hesitated, unsure how to approach his classmates, who still ignored him. His only hope was Lu Chao.
The moment Lu Chao entered the classroom, Su Yunzheng’s eyes lit up.
"Chao! Good morning!"
"Morning, Yunzheng."
Su Yunzheng eagerly shoved a handful of red bean cakes at him. "Here! My favorite—try some!"
Lu Chao eyed the massive bag and guessed Yunzheng had taken his advice but faltered at execution.
"I greeted everyone earlier, but no one responded. I didn’t dare offer these," Su Yunzheng admitted sheepishly.
Lu Chao suppressed a sigh. Am I here to babysit?
Before the teacher arrived, Lu Chao took the pastries and began distributing them desk by desk.
"Red bean cake? Here you go."
One classmate asked, "Lu Chao, did your family’s cook make these?"
"No," Lu Chao said firmly. "Su Yunzheng brought them. He feels bad about the punishment copies last week and wants to make it up to everyone. Yunzheng, come here."
Once the cakes were handed out, Lu Chao pulled the flustered Su Yunzheng forward, nudging him to speak.
"I—I’m sorry for getting everyone in trouble," Su Yunzheng stammered.
The old adage proved true: Guilt softens hearts, especially when sweets are involved.
The seven- and eight-year-olds, now munching on treats, found it harder to hold a grudge.
"Su Yunzheng, these cakes are delicious!"
"Just don’t pick fights again. My hand still hurts from copying."
"Honestly, Qin Li started it. His insults were vile."
"He’s been absent lately—probably grounded at home."
The ice broken, the classroom buzzed with chatter. Su Yunzheng finally relaxed.
"I’ll bring more next time!" he promised.
Raised by his grandmother with only servants for company, Su Yunzheng had struggled to connect with peers. Without Lu Chao, he’d have remained a loner.
Qin Li, the nephew of a Lu family branch’s wife, had targeted Su Yunzheng early—mocking his fine clothes, plump frame, and timid nature. What began as whispered taunts about his weight escalated into the cruel nickname "Su Yun-pig."
After stewing overnight, Su Yunzheng retaliated by dubbing Qin Li "Skinny Monkey Qin."
Their war of words culminated in their first physical fight.
"Chao, thank you!" Su Yunzheng gazed at him with heartfelt gratitude. Though a year older, he relied entirely on Lu Chao’s help. He’s the best. We’ll be brothers for life!
"Don’t mention it." Lu Chao chuckled at Yunzheng’s hero-worship, reminded of his college dorm’s "five dog sons." Unable to resist, he pinched Su Yunzheng’s chubby cheeks.
This kid really should watch his weight—he’s panting after a few steps.
A flash of memory surfaced—online warnings about childhood obesity affecting certain... developments. Lu Chao glanced downward thoughtfully.
"Su Yunzheng, you really should lose some weight."
