Chapter 141: Nightmare
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
In the heart of the capital, a disturbing scene unfolded as an old beggar, raving madly, was pinned to the ground. The sight sent a chill through Lu Zheng Yue.
[Is that Uncle? Granny’s younger brother?]
This man was from Clear Creek Village, just like the old Marquis and Granny, whose maiden name was Pei. She had three sisters and a brother, the youngest son, spoiled and beloved. Drawn into petty crime and idleness by his pampered upbringing, he was once brought to the capital by Granny and placed under Madam Xu’s care as if he were a legitimate master. Despite the opportunities, his misdeeds in the capital had caused endless worry.
[Could he be linked to the attempt on my elder brother’s life?] Compelled by his troubling thoughts, Lu Zheng Yue ordered the man to be taken to the Lu residence without delay.
Upon hearing the news, Madam Xu paced anxiously at the door, a storm of emotions visible on her face.
[It was him! My elder brother had just saved Jiang Yun Jin and was climbing ashore when this man tried to drown him!]
“Mommy, he hurt big brother! He hurt big brother!” Chao Chao wailed, her tiny face wet with tears.
“Mommy believes you,” Madam Xu reassured her, embracing the distraught child. Chao Chao’s innocence was her testament; she never lied.
A maid forcibly held back the beggar’s hair, giving Madam Xu a clear view to confirm his identity.
“It’s him, Pei Yaozu! Granny’s younger brother!” she exclaimed, remembering the days she had to respectfully call him ‘Uncle.’
The Pei family, originally peasants, had three daughters before finally having Pei Yaozu, their only son. He married but was notorious for his lecherous behavior, driving his despairing wife to suicide. Blaming the sister-in-law, the old granny, heartbroken, had abruptly moved him to the capital.
[He even dared to peep on me while I was bathing. I had to tighten security at Listening Wind Courtyard after that.]
Madam Xu’s face darkened with fury. “Was it you who harmed Yan Shu?” she demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
The old beggar recoiled in terror, vehemently shaking his head.
“How dare you harm Yan Shu! How could you!” Slap after slap landed on Pei Yaozu’s face as Madam Xu’s anger overflowed.
“He called you Grand Uncle! How could you bring yourself to hurt a child?!” she yelled, her voice echoing with betrayal and pain.
“Did I ever mistreat you? And yet you harmed my Yan Shu!” She cursed herself for her naivety that had endangered her son.
“You deceived and extorted others, and I humiliated myself to save you. You gambled and couldn’t pay, and it was me, your nephew’s wife, who ransomed you! How could you harm my son?”
[Lu Jing Huai, Pei Yaozu, how could you do this?! You ate my food, drank my wine, and tried to kill my eldest son! You have no conscience!]
[How old was Lu Jing Huai back then? To think he dared to hire a killer!]
Madam Xu’s body shivered as she pieced together the past events.
[I thought Yan Shu’s drowning was a tragic accident. Now, it all seems like a plot. I brought this upon my son.]
When Lu Yan Shu completed his examination, Madam Xu, struggling to maintain composure, urged, “Have the doctor check him, is there anything unusual?”
“Mother, I’m fine,” reassured Lu Yan Shu, a six-foot-tall young man, though exhaustion was evident.
Lu Yuan Xiao couldn’t help but laugh, “I saw Lu Jing Huai being carried out. He was stuck in the worst exam cell, and it’s been sweltering. He even vomited once,” he shared with a hint of schadenfreude.
Madam Xu, grasping Lu Yan Shu’s hand, searched his face with worry, quickly averting her eyes to hide her tears.
“Where’s Chao Chao?” inquired Lu Yan Shu.
“Chao Chao is playing in the outer courtyard. You should rest; you have another exam tomorrow,” Madam Xu responded, keeping her daughter distant, aware that the family could overhear Chao Chao’s thoughts.
Lu Yan Shu rested at home before facing the crucial third exam on policy essays.
Days passed, and Chao Chao hadn’t seen her brother.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Why won’t you let me see Big Brother?” Chao Chao demanded, stamping her foot.
“After his exams tomorrow, you can see him as much as you want,” chuckled Lu Yuan Xiao, aware of the family’s secret listening.
Xuan Jichuan, who had been unwell but quickly returned to his duties, stood quietly behind Chao Chao, her faithful attendant.
As they waited near the examination hall, the bustling crowd hinted at the end of the exams. Pei Jiao Jiao, among the spectators with the old granny, was visibly proud.
“Mom, Jing Huai said his exam went well, and he will surely take first place. Our house is going to have a bright future. He’ll definitely bring back a top scholar title and bring glory to the Lu family,” Madam Pei supported the old lady, her face radiant with anticipation.
The old granny, too, was all smiles but shared a harsh whisper, “Yan Shu is just a cripple. How can he compete with Jing Huai? Losing to Jing Huai after all this commotion will be even more embarrassing. It’s not that I’m biased, it’s just that Jing Huai is so well-behaved and sensible.”
“They’re coming out, the examination hall is opening!” The crowd surged forward as the candidates emerged, pale and weary from their ordeal.
“I see the eldest young master…” A servant assisted Lu Yan Shu, helping him navigate through the throng. Despite his pallor, Lu Yan Shu’s spirit was indomitable, his eyes bright with resolve.
Facing the curious and tentative looks, he smiled faintly, “I did my best and have given the perfect answer.”
After a decade of silence, the scholars of the capital would once again be eclipsed by his brilliance.
[Lu Jing Huai is out.] Chao Chao noted as she watched the examination hall’s entrance.
Pei Jiao Jiao, spotting her son’s pale face, was overcome with worry. “Has the doctor arrived?”
Lu Jing Huai looked up, catching sight of Lu Yan Shu from afar, even managing a smile. But the fear of his cousin overwhelmed him, and he collapsed.
Granny left in tears, ignoring Lu Yan Shu completely.
[So much for not being biased?] Chao Chao muttered to herself.
The family returned home elated, except for Madam Xu, who could no longer hide her illness. Pulling Lu Yan Shu close, she wept openly.
“Yan Shu, it’s all my fault. It’s all my fault! You were held underwater by your grand uncle!”
Holding her son tightly, Madam Xu sobbed uncontrollably, wishing she could confront Lu Yuan Ze herself.
Lu Yan Shu clutched his head, a heavy realization striking him. His vision blurred, and he was plunged back into his nightmare. The forgotten memories surged forward, the sound of rushing water in his ears, the ground beneath him slippery and treacherous as he tried to climb out, only to be forcibly held down. Through the blurry water, he saw a pair of sinister, ruthless eyes staring back at him.
It was his Grand Uncle!