Chеng Wеn grеw аnхious, grabbing Chеng Сhi's arm to рull him outside fоr а tаlk.
Just thеn, а уoung servаnt rushed in and announced lоudlу, "Thе Pаtriаrсh is hеre!"
Аll thе nоisе in thе roоm abruptly сеasеd as everуone rustlеd to their fееt.
Сhеng Хu еntеred, surroundеd bу sevеrаl аttendаnts, beаming with еnergy аnd vitаlity.
"Рatriarch!" Sоmehow, Geng'еr brоkе freе from Cheng Shi's grаsр аnd toddlеd оvеr tо Сhеng Xu with quiсk littlе steрs.
His сlear, bright vоicе rаng оut distinctlу in thе silеnt Listеning-to-Rain Pаvilion.
Cheng Xu showеd no displeаsure, haрpilу sсoоping Geng'er up and asking gently, "Did Geng'er finish the homework Great-Grandfather assigned yesterday?"
Geng'er nodded repeatedly, his voice still childishly soft: "'Choose the good and follow it; correct what is not good.' It means: 'Those who love their own parents dare not dislike others' parents; those who respect their own parents dare not slight others' parents. By serving one's parents with utmost love and reverence, one extends virtue and teachings to the common people, setting an example for all under heaven. This is the filial piety of the Son of Heaven! As the Punishments of Fu says: "When the Son of Heaven acts virtuously, the myriad people rely on him."'"
After finishing, he opened his round, wide eyes and asked Cheng Xu, "Patriarch, did I get it right?"
This was a passage from the Classic of Filial Piety.
Cheng Chi listened, a flicker of disapproval flashing in his eyes.
Always hinting like this, reminding him to be filial to his parents—didn't Cheng Xu ever get tired of it?
Cheng Lu fell into thoughtful silence.
Although he didn't involve himself in family affairs, he had sensed the growing wariness of the second branch toward the main branch in recent years.
Was the Patriarch having Geng'er recite this passage from the Classic of Filial Piety unintentionally or deliberately?
He glanced at Cheng Chi.
Cheng Chi stood casually to the side, as if none of this concerned him.
Cheng Lu sighed inwardly.
It was impressive how Cheng Zichuan could endure it. If it were him, he would have long since jumped out to argue with Cheng Xu! It wasn't as if he lacked scholarly honors or couldn't earn money—why should he put up with Cheng Xu's insufferable attitude? Every meeting was filled with those insinuating remarks that left one feeling uncomfortable.
Zi Chuan truly had a remarkable temperament!
Meanwhile, Cheng Xu's face blossomed into a wide smile.
"Yes, yes, yes," he praised repeatedly. "Our Geng'er is so clever."
Geng'er lifted his little face and grinned triumphantly at his father, Cheng Shi.
Though unmistakable joy shone in Cheng Shi's eyes, he kept a stern expression and said, "Don't get a big head—the Patriarch is only praising you so specially because you're young. There are plenty in this room who are more studious than you! Hurry and thank the Patriarch."
Geng'er then thanked Cheng Xu.
Cheng Xu gave a slight nod and handed Geng'er back to Cheng Shi, who had followed.
Seeing the atmosphere was pleasant and Cheng Xu in high spirits, Cheng Wen eagerly stepped forward, patted Geng'er's head, and fawned with a flattering smile, "No wonder they say, 'The emperor loves his eldest son; common folk love their youngest.' The Patriarch truly dotes on you! He even personally teaches you to read the Classic of Filial Piety. Filial piety comes before all else! You must take good care of the Patriarch in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Shi felt as if he had been slapped across the face. He nearly rushed forward to cover Cheng Wen's mouth.If you don't know how to speak properly, then don't speak at all.
Wanting to praise Geng-ge, couldn't he have said anything else? Why did he have to use that analogy about "the emperor loves his eldest son, the common people love their youngest"? Is Cheng Wen some illiterate old woman from the countryside?
And then saying that after Geng-ge reads the Classic of Filial Piety, he should properly admonish the Patriarch.
If he didn't know that Cheng Wen was an unlearned, straightforward person, he would almost have thought Cheng Wen was subtly mocking Geng-ge for not admonishing the Patriarch. So the Patriarch had to personally tell Geng-ge to read the Classic of Filial Piety... If such a reputation were to spread, could Geng-ge still establish himself among the literati? No, could he even stand in the world?
Truly someone who can't accomplish anything but is more than capable of ruining things!
No wonder no matter how much Cheng Wen tries to get close to the Patriarch, the Patriarch looks down on him.
Cheng Xu acted as if he hadn't heard anything. With a warm expression, he said to his grandnephews and juniors, "Everyone, please sit and speak!"
Everyone respectfully complied and took their seats.
Cheng Wen's face flushed red then turned pale. He felt very wronged.
What had he done wrong this time?
Could it be wrong to praise Geng-ge?
Wasn't it just that he kept a mistress outside and disciplined his wife at home? The Patriarch shouldn't keep giving him such looks over that, should he?
His tolerance is just too narrow!
Cheng Wen couldn't help but feel awkward, murmuring "Patriarch" in a voice that sounded like a resentful woman from the inner chambers.
Someone in the room let out a "pfft" of laughter.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the sound and saw the smile that hadn't yet faded from Cheng Chi's lips.
Cheng Xu couldn't help but frown.
When Cheng Chi first took over the family's affairs, he would still hold different opinions from him. But gradually, Cheng Chi began wearing a mask in front of him, always smiling and agreeing with "good." If their opinions aligned, it was fine, but if they differed, Cheng Chi would treat his words as empty air—just smiling and saying "good," then turning around and doing whatever he wanted anyway...
Over this matter, he had warned Cheng Chi several times, both openly and subtly.
But Cheng Chi's influence had grown, especially with Cheng Jing. He hadn't expected Yuan Weichang not to support Cheng Jing, yet Cheng Jing still managed to find a way into the cabinet. Now, he no longer had strong means to control the eldest branch or Cheng Chi. Being verbally aggressive wasn't a long-term solution. But Cheng Chi had never challenged his authority like this before, actually laughing at him in front of the clan members.
This kind of behavior must not be allowed to grow.
Otherwise, who in Nine Prosperities Lane would still respect him or the second branch?
"Zi Chuan," Cheng Xu fixed his gaze on Cheng Chi and said, "Do you find your cousin Wen very amusing?"
With these words, he redirected the matter to Cheng Wen.
Cheng Wen trembled in fear, about to say "it's nothing," but Cheng Chi had already smiled and said, "Patriarch, you exaggerate! We were just looking at you and Cousin Wen like this and suddenly thought of my late father." He sighed deeply, his expression turning somewhat wistful. "Speaking of which, my father has been gone for twenty years. If he were alive today, he would have reached the age of 'doing as one pleases without overstepping the rules'..."
For a moment, the room fell silent.
When Cheng Xun died, he had already attained the rank of Minor Nine Ministers.
If Cheng Xun were still alive, he would certainly have become a Grand Secretary and entered the cabinet.
Then the eldest branch would have had two Grand Secretaries.
What room would there have been for Cheng Xu to boss people around in Nine Prosperities Lane?Cheng Xu knew he should remain more composed than usual at this moment, but Cheng Chi's words felt like a direct stab to his heart, causing his expression to shift involuntarily.
The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense.
Cheng Lu feared that Cheng Chi and Cheng Xu’s discussion might break down.
If that happened, it would be a case of gods fighting while lesser beings suffered.
He hurriedly said, “If not for Chi’s mention, I would have forgotten that Uncle Xun has been gone for twenty years. The Ghost Festival is approaching soon. Why don’t we arrange a proper ceremony for Uncle Xun?”
“I was thinking the same,” Cheng Chi replied. “When I visited my father’s grave during Qingming Festival, my mother mentioned this to me. I hesitated, thinking there were still elders in the family. Just now, hearing Geng reciting the Classic of Filial Piety and mentioning the Fu Punishments, it reminded me of how I’ve neglected my father. I was planning to discuss this with the ancestors when I had the chance, but Brother Wen’s commotion made me forget.” He chuckled at the end of his words.
Cheng Yi and the others, however, could not bring themselves to laugh.
They were all scholars.
Well-versed in citing classics and allusions.
The Fu Punishments were legal proclamations from the reign of King Mu of Zhou, issued at the request of Lü Hou. Later, because Lü Hou’s descendants were enfeoffed as the Marquis of Fu, they came to be known as the Fu Punishments. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, a case arose where someone, enraged by the humiliation of their parents, killed the offender in violation of the Fu Punishments. When the case was brought before the emperor, he pardoned the offender on the grounds that “filial piety comes before all else.” This principle has been upheld to this day.
Cheng Chi was not Cheng Wen.
He would not bring up the Fu Punishments without reason, nor would he casually speak of neglecting his father.
Cheng Xu’s eyes narrowed slightly, sharp as blades.
What did Cheng Chi mean by this?
Did he suspect Cheng Xun’s death was related to him? Was he seeking revenge for his father?
Or did he think the eldest branch was now in power, hinting to everyone that he was old and no longer needed to be taken seriously? Was he trying to seize the moment to make a move?
Cheng Xu sneered inwardly, but his expression remained calm. He said lightly, “Although this gathering is to welcome Youyi and Jiashan, it’s also an opportunity for everyone to come together and talk. Zi Chuan’s suggestion is a good one. The Cheng family ancestral graves haven’t been repaired in years, as Lu’s grandson mentioned. With the Ghost Festival approaching soon, when we’ll all be paying our respects, why not take advantage of this quiet period? Zi Chuan, arrange for the ancestral graves to be properly repaired. It would be a gesture of filial piety to our ancestors.”
If graves were to be repaired, then all the Cheng family’s ancestral graves should be repaired together. There was no chance of repairing only Cheng Xun’s grave.
Cheng Xu felt as though a heavy stone were pressing on his chest.
Cheng Chi smiled but did not comment.
Cheng Xu’s heart skipped a beat.
Seeing the situation turning sour, Cheng Yi stepped forward with a smile, positioning himself between Cheng Xu and Cheng Chi. “Today is about welcoming Youyi and Jiashan, especially Jiashan, who will take the provincial examination in August. We’re all counting on him to achieve the top rank! Jiashan is the first in our Cheng family to earn the top spot in the prefectural examination! So, I think repairing the ancestral graves isn’t urgent. For now, let’s focus on Jiashan’s provincial examination. Once Jiashan’s name appears on the honor roll, repairing the graves and honoring our ancestors will be the true act of filial piety! Mian, don’t you agree?”
Cheng Mian found himself unable to avoid the question. He forced a smile and said, “Brother Yi knows me—I’ve never been one for strong opinions. Whatever the rest of you decide, I’ll follow. Whether it’s contributing money or effort, I’ll be ready whenever called upon.”Cheng Yi chuckled a few times and invited everyone to take their seats: "Everyone is here now. Whatever matters there are, we can discuss them after the meal."
Cheng Wen, who was still breaking out in a cold sweat from the earlier scene, quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes! Let's eat first and talk later. No matter how big the world is, eating is the most important thing."
Cheng Mian laughed, "Cousin Wen truly has a broad heart!"
"That's why I'm the fattest!" Cheng Wen joked self-deprecatingly, beckoning Cheng Shi and the other juniors to join the table.
Cheng Gao secretly clenched his fist.
Fourth Uncle Chi and the Old Ancestor were arguing—what did that have to do with their fourth branch? Yet Cheng Yi dragged his father into it. In the end, it was all because they looked down on the fourth branch for having no one of influence!
He must pass the imperial examination, he must rise to become one of the Nine Ministers, and let everyone in Nine Prosperities Lane see that their fourth branch was not to be trifled with.
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