Call Me Daddy

At this time, most of the villagers had gathered at the small courtyard Su Aobai rented. Many hadn’t actually helped him and his grandfather, but they showed up anyway, since they were all from the same village. It would be awkward to turn them away, with only the relatives from the old house not making an appearance.

He returned home, pushing his cart loaded with goods and carrying the very conspicuous candied hawthorn staff, naturally drawing everyone’s attention.

The children running around the small courtyard were the happiest. They ignored the pork stew bubbling away on the stove and gathered around Su Aobai, staring at the staff full of candied hawthorns with their mouths watering.

“Here, Er Niang, this is from your father. How you divide it is up to you.” With that, Su Aobai handed the large stand to his daughter.

“Don’t you kids bully my Er Niang. She’s the softest-hearted, so be nice to her. Say some flattering words and play with her, and she might even share the candied hawthorns with you.”

Su Aobai reminded the group of children, especially the few who were usually the most unruly and difficult.

Though he was speaking with a smile, the kids he had warned couldn’t help but shiver. They remembered that this man had smashed a wild boar’s head to bits.

They dared not snatch any, and the greedy children fidgeted, trying to think of ways to convince Er Niang to share some of the sweet and sour treats with them.

“Dad, there’s too much. Why don’t you return some of it?”

Er Niang, the little housekeeper, was genuinely upset. She had never thought her father was wasteful before.

Indeed, her father used to have no money; all the silver was with her grandmother.

The little girl’s eyes fixed on the pouch tied to Su Aobai’s waist, thinking the old saying must be true; Men shouldn’t handle the money.

Though it was somewhat rebellious, Er Niang couldn’t help but entertain the thought that maybe she should manage the household finances from now on.

Previously, she would never have thought of such a thing, but now, with the idea in her mind, she felt confident that if she proposed it, her father would undoubtedly hand over all the household silver to her.

With this thought, Er Niang pursed her lips and a smile appeared on her face.

She felt that her father truly cared for her.

“No need to return any. This is to make up for all the candied hawthorns you missed out on over the years.”

Su Aobai waved his hand, directing his daughter and the drooling kids to the side to share the candy. He then called a few people to help unload the wine jars from the cart. He tidied up the other scattered items, carried them, and placed them in the bedroom.

Others couldn’t see exactly what he had bought, but just from the visible candied hawthorns, several jars of rice wine, and fabric, it was clear that he must have spent quite a few taels.

Had he really spent all the money from selling the wild boar?

The pragmatic villagers looked on with disapproval.

***

“Village chief Uncle, don’t worry, I didn’t spend the silver recklessly.”

As Su Aobai came out after unloading his things, he hurried to explain.

He briefly described what had happened on the way to the county town, mentioning only that he had encountered bandits attacking a distant relative of the County Magistrate and had intervened to help, which led to a reward from the Magistrate.

He downplayed the reward, stating it was only 50 taels. This amount alone was enough to make everyone present widen their eyes in envy and regret not having gone to the county town that day.

However, thinking it over, if they had encountered the bandits without Su Aobai’s strength to deal with the wild boar, they might have lost their lives. With no life left, more silver would be of no use.

So, in the end, it was Su Aobai’s opportunity.

It seemed that since the division of the family, Su Aobai, who had previously been the most bullied, had suddenly had a stroke of good luck. First, his previously incurable leg injury had inexplicably improved, then he had killed a valuable wild boar, and now he had saved the County Magistrate’s distant relative on the road.

The fact that he received 50 taels in one go indicated that the relative had a good relationship with the County Magistrate. This meant that Su Aobai had established a connection with the Magistrate. In the future, if he encountered any trouble, he might even find a way through Su Aobai.

With that in mind, who would dare offend Su Aobai in the future? Even if they thought he was honest, they wouldn’t dare take advantage of him.

Indeed, those who had shamelessly come over to mooch food and drink were now somewhat uncomfortable.

“Are there bandits around here?” The village chief was puzzled, as he hadn’t heard of any village or convoy being robbed on the way. He wondered where these bandits might be hiding.

“It’s nothing. The County Magistrate said he would send people to eradicate the bandits soon and ensure they don’t affect the nearby villages.” Su Aobai quickly reassured everyone, calming their anxiety.

There were no actual bandits; however, since they wanted to label it as such, he went along with it.

“That’s good.”

The village chief felt reassured. He thought that the bandits, if they were to flee, were likely not very significant.

Because of this minor incident, Su Aobai’s status in the village subtly increased. Previously, the villagers’ kindness towards him was mostly out of sympathy. Now, the respect he received was entirely due to his demonstrated abilities.

The steaming, fragrant dishes were soon laid out on the table. Combined with the wine Su Aobai had brought back, everyone opened up their appetites. The rented small courtyard was as lively as a New Year’s celebration.

***

The next day, news about Su Youniu reached Tang Shengzong’s hands, revealing that Su Youniu was the son of the first wife who had been oppressed for over 20 years.

Honest and kind-hearted; these were the most common labels associated with him. The investigation detailed everything about the Su family’s separation, including the exact terms of the separation agreement.

Su Aobai was not a spy planted by any of Tang Shengzong’s brothers. Tang Shengzong was very pleased with this conclusion, seeing Su Aobai as a piece of rough jade he had unexpectedly discovered.

However, Tang Shengzong was skeptical about Su Aobai’s reported perfect memory, as he thought Su Aobai didn’t seem very sharp.

On further reflection, Tang Shengzong realized that having a good memory was different from being clever. A good memory didn’t necessarily mean one would be resourceful, and being good at remembering things didn’t imply deep scheming.

This, in fact, was another advantage of Su Aobai’s.

Initially, Tang Shengzong had planned to assign Su Aobai as a bodyguard, but after reading the report, he had other ideas.

Over the years, he had recruited many civil officials, but his military power was somewhat lacking.

Su Aobai’s natural strength seemed perfect for warfare. If he was properly assigned and his abilities utilized, Su Aobai’s path to advancement should be smooth.

Moreover, the investigation revealed that Su Aobai had lost his ability to bear children and had only one daughter.

Tang Shengzong thought that if Su Aobai could serve him well after he ascended the throne, he would feel more secure. He would also generously reward Su Aobai’s daughter, making Su Aobai more loyal to him.

Now, he needed to figure out how to make use of this honest country man.

***

Su Aobai knew he was being watched, which was one of his intentions. He was like Grand Duke Jiang, waiting for the big fish to bite.

(T/N: Grand Duke Jiang = a.k.a Jiang Taigong, went fishing, but he only used a hook without any bait at all. He said; “If the fish wants to be caught, the fish will get itself hooked voluntarily.”)

In the following days, Tang Shengzong didn’t make an appearance, but Su Aobai was patient.

One day, a few unexpected guests arrived at his home.

It was Li Shi, accompanied by a matchmaker and a young woman who looked very shrewd.

At that moment, Su Aobai was discussing with the village chief about buying the rented courtyard when someone rushed in to deliver this news.

It was said that Li Shi had arranged a marriage proposal for him, and today the matchmaker and the prospective bride had come to see him, waiting for his approval.

Given Su Aobai’s current situation, it was unlikely that an unmarried young woman would be interested in him, as most people would prefer a widow who had already had children.

Since the news of Su Aobai receiving 50 taels from the County Magistrate had spread, there had been quite a few matchmakers coming to propose marriages.

They mostly wanted to match him with widows who had children. As long as he agreed to raise the widow’s children, the families were willing to change their sons’ surnames to his. This way, he wouldn’t have to establish a household for his daughter.

Perceptive people scoffed at that. These matchmakers were clearly after Su Aobai’s money. As long as Su Aobai wasn’t foolish, he shouldn’t agree to such a marriage.

However, some people advised Su Aobai to accept, believing that as long as the prospective bride had a son willing to change his surname, it was better than having a biological daughter.

According to the visitors, Li Shi had found a widow whose husband had died and who had four sons to support.

The widow was two years older than Su Aobai. She promised that if Su Aobai could raise her four children and build a house and marry a wife, she would be willing to change the surname of her youngest son to Su Aobai’s. This would ensure that Su Aobai’s family line was continued, and she would perform the ancestral rites for him after his death.

Li Shi had already agreed to this arrangement on Su Aobai’s behalf and had announced that the family would soon be handling the marriage arrangements.

The visitors hesitated to speak further. This wasn’t Li Shi’s goodwill. The widow she had chosen had a questionable reputation; it wasn’t even certain if her four sons had the same father. Marrying such a woman might result in constant troubles.

From the visitors’ expressions, Su Aobai guessed part of the truth. He realized why Li Shi had been so quiet recently; she had been plotting this big move.

According to traditional customs, even though they had separated households, Li Shi and Su Kuishan were still his parents, and it wasn’t unreasonable for them to arrange his marriage.

Su Aobai wasn’t afraid of Li Shi causing trouble; in fact, he was more concerned that she wouldn’t.

He suppressed his thoughts, and when he looked up again, his eyes were filled with sorrow and helplessness.

What should I do with a stepmother like this?

The village chief and the messengers understood Su Aobai’s frustration. Just as things seemed to be improving, Li Shi was causing endless trouble, like a rabid dog.

Li Shi, scowling at the courtyard where her stepson lived and looking disdainfully at the carefully chosen bride for her son, was enraged.

Why should a stepson, after being driven out, live a better life than before the family separation?

Seeing more and more villagers doubting the predictions of the old Taoist, Li Shi’s hatred for Su Aobai grew. She felt that, after the family separation, this stepson seemed to be beyond her control, which made her uneasy. She absolutely wouldn’t allow such a situation to continue.

Taking a few deep breaths, Li Shi’s mood calmed when she saw the young woman with frivolous and seductive eyes.

Today, she was determined to set things right. Once this woman married into the family, she was eager to see Su Aobai’s life become chaotic.

The one that the old Taoist said would be made a Marquis and a Minister could only be my son! It could only be my son!