Chapter 22: Old Liu’s Rival in Love

The visitor was someone Liu Yitiao did not recognize, but judging from the way he addressed people and Old Liu's reaction, it was clear he was here to see Liu Laoshi. Moreover, Liu Laoshi did not seem particularly pleased to welcome him.

Even so, a guest is a guest, and Liu Yitiao dared not be neglectful. He stepped outside and called out loudly, “Please wait a moment, gentlemen, I’ll be right there.”

With that, he strode briskly to open the door for the guests. As he drew closer, he realized that the stout man had actually arrived by carriage. Liu Yitiao observed carefully: though the horses were of poor quality, with unremarkable hooves and dull coats, having any horses at all in a place as undeveloped as this was a mark of status and privilege. Ordinary folk could hardly afford a horse, much less a carriage.

He opened the door and greeted them with a bow. “My apologies for keeping you waiting, gentlemen. May I ask who you are?”

“You must be Yitiao, my worthy nephew?” The portly elder leading the group clasped his hands behind his back and spoke in a kindly tone, “I am Liu Sanwu. You were at my residence just yesterday morning—surely you remember?”

“Oh! So it’s you, Great-Uncle!” Liu Yitiao suddenly understood, bowing and apologizing, “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you last time. That was most discourteous of me. Please, Great-Uncle, come in. My parents are all inside the house.”

“Good, good,” Liu Sanwu nodded with a smile. He turned to the two men behind him and instructed, “Bring the gifts inside and wait outside for me.”

“Yes, Master!” the two servants replied respectfully.

“Great-Uncle, it’s bitterly cold out—why not let them come inside and sit?” It was the middle of winter, and the biting wind outside could freeze a person solid.

“No need, Yitiao. Don’t worry about them—they are used to it. Let’s hurry inside, I’m already half frozen from the journey.” Liu Sanwu seemed unconcerned. Since ancient times, there was always a clear boundary between master and servant; servants should behave as such, and propriety must not be disturbed. Taking Liu Yitiao’s hand, he walked straight toward the main hall, leaving Liu Yitiao feeling rather uneasy. No wonder Old Liu disliked this Liu Sanwu—such self-important and egotistical people rarely win anyone’s favor.

Inside, seeing Liu Laoshi seated in the main hall, Liu Sanwu approached with a broad smile. “Dear Fengkai, it’s been over a decade, but you look just the same—full of spirit as ever!”

“Fengkai?” Liu Yitiao glanced at Liu Laoshi. Was that his real name? Liu Fengkai—such a fine name. How had he never heard it before?

Liu Laoshi did not move, casting a cold glance at Liu Sanwu. “What are you doing here? Our Liu family is poor and our home humble—hardly a place fit to host someone as grand as you. Please, go back!”

“Fengkai, what’s this you’re saying? Your family may be poor, but certainly not so poor as to be unable to receive guests. Besides, our families are relatives—how could you turn me away so coldly?” Liu Sanwu craned his neck to peer into the inner rooms. “Where’s Fangmei? Is she not here today?”

“Enough!” Liu Laoshi, as if his tail had been stepped on, snapped, “Afang is now part of the Liu family and has nothing more to do with you. From now on, refer to her as Madam Liu. If you keep calling her by her name, don’t blame me for throwing you out!”

“Afang? Could that be my mother?” Liu Yitiao looked at Old Liu, whose face was flushed with anger, and a waft of jealousy seemed to fill the air. There was no need to guess—this Liu Sanwu must have been Old Liu’s rival for affection in years past.

“Great-Uncle, please have a seat.” Liu Yitiao stepped forward and led the still-standing Liu Sanwu to the seat of honor beside Liu Laoshi, then sat himself at the lower seat.

Liu Sanwu gave Liu Yitiao a satisfied look and turned to Liu Laoshi. “All these years have passed, the children have grown, and yet you still can’t let go? We’re brothers—I’m your elder brother. Would I compete with you for a wife? Tell me, since Fangmei married into your family, have I ever troubled you?”

“This time, I came not only to visit you and your wife but also with another purpose—to thank my worthy nephew, Yitiao. If not for him yesterday morning, my entire family might have met a terrible fate.”

“Oh?” Liu Laoshi glanced at Liu Yitiao. “Is that so? Why didn’t you mention it?”

“Father, the assassin sent by Wang Kui was caught at Great-Uncle’s house,” Liu Yitiao whispered. He hadn’t told his parents the details, partly to avoid worrying them, and partly because he didn’t know what unresolved grievances lay between Old Liu and Liu Sanwu.

“I see,” Old Liu’s expression softened. Having a capable son was something to be proud of, especially in front of a former rival.

“Bring the gifts in!” Seeing Liu Laoshi’s face relax, Liu Sanwu ordered his servants to carry in the presents. “Fengkai, the year’s end is approaching, so I’ve brought some New Year’s provisions for your family. There’s not much, but it’s a token of my gratitude to Yitiao for saving my family.”

With a wave, he had the servants remove the red cloth covering the gift boxes.

Inside were two bolts of fine silk and a row of gleaming new coins. These were practical gifts—giving silver directly was something only a wealthy, brazen man like Liu Sanwu would do. Yet, perhaps he was also trying to aggravate Liu Laoshi.

“Great-Uncle, you’re too generous. Our families are relatives, after all—helping each other in times of need is only right. And besides, the trouble began because of me; dragging your family into it is my fault. How could I accept so generous a gift?” Liu Yitiao spoke up before Liu Laoshi could reply. “We appreciate your kindness, but please, take these things back.”

Liu Laoshi, his face dark, added, “Yitiao is right. Take the gifts back—we’re just a humble household, not fit to accept such things. And our fare is plain and our table poor—we can’t host your noble palate. I won’t keep you for a meal today. Yitiao, see our guest out.”

With that, Liu Laoshi rose and went into the inner rooms, leaving Liu Sanwu standing awkwardly in the hall.

“Fengkai, after all these years you’re still as stubborn as ever. I may be a proud man, but when have I ever looked down on your family for being poor? Was it not always you who looked down on yourself?” Liu Sanwu stood and called toward the doorway, “Since you’re not willing to receive me, I’ll take my leave. But these gifts stay. What I’ve given, I won’t take back!”

He turned to go but was stopped by Liu Yitiao, who apologized quietly, “Great-Uncle, please don’t take it to heart. My father’s always had this temper. He’ll calm down in a few days—please forgive him. But do take the gifts back. Otherwise, knowing my father, he’ll throw them out on the street as soon as you’re gone. This is your hard-earned money—it shouldn’t be wasted.”

“Ah, well, I know your father’s temper. I’ll take the gifts back for now—perhaps another time I’ll have a chance to thank you properly.” Liu Sanwu sighed, instructing his servants to carry everything out.

Then, taking Liu Yitiao aside as they left the main hall, he glanced around to make sure no one was near and asked, a little awkwardly and in a low voice, “Worthy nephew Yitiao, um, your mother—is she well?”