One hundred and nine.

The courtyard had been tidied up, the reward money collected, and the coachman no longer wished to disturb the Wang family’s reunion. He gave a subtle nod to the servants to leave first, then bowed respectfully to Wang Bo and said, “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave now.”

“Mm. Then go ahead and return. When you get back, please convey my regards to my elder brother,” Wang Bo nodded.

“Understood, Second Master,” the coachman replied with a nod before turning and stepping outside.

Wang Bo followed him to the gate. The coachman calmly climbed into the carriage, cracked the whip, and the horses turned the corner. Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Wang Bo turned back inside.

Meanwhile, at the home of Wang Cai in the small village, Wang Cai and his wife were discussing something in the Fifth Middle School.

Wang Cai had been in high spirits, for the New Year approached, and his filial son had sent some meat as a gift, bringing a rosy glow to his complexion these days. Lying alone in his room, feeling proud for having devised a clever strategy against Wang Hu, he was pleased with himself—when suddenly his wife entered, carrying the meat but with a face twisted in anger.

Seeing his wife return in such a state, Wang Cai hurriedly stood up and asked, “What happened?”

“How could it be anything else? I nearly died of fury out there!” Meng’s face was full of rage. Thinking of the humiliation she had suffered outside, while Wang Cai enjoyed comfort at home, her tone was far from friendly.

Seeing his wife’s expression, Wang Cai guessed something serious had happened. “You woman, stop babbling nonsense. Tell me quickly—what’s the matter?”

Feeling wronged by Wang Cai’s manner, Meng burst into tears without restraint. “You heartless man, I was almost beaten to death by that little punk Wang Bo, and now I come home only to suffer your anger as well!”

Seeing his wife sobbing so bitterly, Wang Cai guessed she must have endured great humiliation outside. He hurried to comfort her. Once Meng’s emotions calmed, Wang Cai continued questioning.

This time, Meng embellished the story, recounting the events she had endured.

Upon hearing that his wife had nearly been driven out by Wang Bo’s men, Wang Cai’s anger flared. He slammed the table and declared, “That bastard! I’m going to confront Wang Hu and demand an explanation.” With that, Wang Cai stood up, ready to leave.

But Meng grabbed his arm. She recalled Wang Bo’s piercing gaze and icy tone, and her heart tightened. She hastily stopped Wang Cai.

“Why are you stopping me?” Wang Cai asked, puzzled.

“You better not go,” Meng said.

“Why not?” Wang Cai sat back down, eager to hear her reasoning.

“That kid isn’t like Wang Hu—he’s not so easily fooled. Besides, now that he’s gained power, if you rashly go to stir up trouble, won’t you be asking for trouble? You might even get beaten badly,” Meng explained carefully.

“That brat really dares to act this way?” Wang Cai had thought Wang Bo lacked such courage. Then he reassured himself, “It’s nothing. My son holds an official post in the city—Wang Bo wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me.”

Meng’s expression darkened as she shook her head. “You haven’t seen it. Even the coachman’s servant looks down on our son’s rank. That servant calls Wang Bo ‘Second Master Wang,’ and I heard that even the Prefect treats that master with great respect. Yet the servant still calls him ‘Second Master Wang.’”

Hearing this, Wang Cai drew a sharp breath. The Prefect was a high official—Wang Bo’s family had indeed climbed to a formidable height.

“What are we to do now? What can we do?” Hearing of Wang Bo’s rising power, Wang Cai’s mind grew restless. The son he had once counted on seemed insignificant beside Wang Bo.

“There’s no use talking about it now. That little bastard is ruthless.” Having been humiliated by Wang Bo, Meng spoke ill of him, trying to paint him in a bad light.

“Stop adding fuel to the fire,” Wang Cai waved his hand. He knew his wife’s nature well. She was only venting her anger. Then a thought struck him, and he asked, “Didn’t Wang Hu say anything about how Wang Bo treated you?”

Meng looked awkward and shook her head, saying nothing. How could she admit that she had insulted Wang Hu out of anger, provoking Wang Bo’s hostile reaction?

Seeing Meng’s hesitant expression, Wang Cai understood roughly what had happened. Having lived with his wife for so many years, he knew her little ways too well.

“You, you…” Wang Cai pointed at Meng and sighed helplessly.

---

“What's wrong with me?” Meng retorted stubbornly. “I only cursed Wang Hu because I was angry.” Realizing she was in the wrong, her voice grew softer, and she lowered her head under Wang Cai’s gaze.

“You actually dared to insult Wang Hu?” Wang Cai was shocked. Then he slammed the table again and scolded her, “How dare you insult Wang Hu in public! Not even Wang Bo would tolerate that. If it were me, I’d have kicked you out. That boy is known in the village for his filial piety—remember when he helped Wang Hu work the fields despite his illness, almost losing his life? And now you insult his father in front of him. The fact that he didn’t throw you out is already you being spared. I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

Wang Cai’s furious yelling left Meng even more powerless. She lowered her head and said nothing. What could she say? Even her husband didn’t stand by her; she was outmatched by family status.

“No, I’m going with you to apologize to Wang Hu,” Wang Cai said, steadying himself as an idea came to him. He realized Wang Hu’s family was not one to offend lightly, especially since he was in the wrong. The only way to resolve this was to apologize in person.

“I won’t go,” Meng lifted her head, fear plain on her face. Thinking of Wang Bo’s cold, piercing gaze, she trembled. She was truly frightened of him. No matter how much Wang Cai persuaded her, she refused to agree.

“If you won’t go, then I will,” Wang Cai sighed in resignation and turned to leave.

“Husband, be careful,” Meng called out, worry lacing her voice.

“Don’t worry. I’m going to apologize, not to argue. With Wang Hu there, that kid wouldn’t dare make things difficult for me.” Wang Cai was confident and stepped out.

At Wang Hu’s doorstep, Wang Cai hesitated before knocking. Inside, Wang Bo and his father were arranging the goods Wang Bo had brought back. Hearing the knock, Wang Bo set down what he was carrying and went to open the door.

“What do you want?” Wang Bo’s tone was cold and somewhat hostile when he saw Wang Cai outside.

Seeing Wang Bo open the door, Wang Cai muttered hesitantly, “I came to see your father.”

“My father’s not here,” Wang Bo said, starting to close the door.

At that moment, Wang Hu’s voice called out, “Xiao Bo, who’s there?”

Hearing Wang Hu’s voice was like grasping a lifeline for Wang Cai. He quickly called out, “Brother Wang Hu, it’s me.”

Wang Hu recognized the voice and hurried out of the courtyard. At the door, he saw Wang Cai with a submissive look and glared at Wang Bo before inviting Wang Cai inside.

Following Wang Hu into the yard, Wang Cai’s eyes flickered at the sight of the goods but quickly masked his feelings. Wang Bo noticed and his displeasure grew stronger, letting out a cold snort.

Startled by Wang Bo’s cold snort, Wang Cai shrank back. Wang Hu glanced at his son and then asked, “Brother, what brings you here?”

“It’s because of my wayward wife,” Wang Cai sighed deeply, then said angrily, “I’ve figured out what happened and given her a good scolding. I’m here to personally apologize to you, brother. Please forgive me for my lack of discipline.” He bowed deeply.

“That’s nothing to worry about,” Wang Hu said quickly, helping Wang Cai up.

However, Wang Bo’s cold snort showed no sign of forgiveness. To him, nothing Wang Cai did could appease his anger. He wondered inwardly, “If I weren’t so strong today, would Wang Cai still act like this?” For the first time, he felt the power of strength. “Once I can create a distillation apparatus, endless wealth will be mine.” The more he thought, the stronger his conviction.

Sensing Wang Bo’s hostile attitude, Wang Cai’s face turned bitter. “This kid is clever and hard to deal with. I’d better settle things with Wang Hu first.” He quickly put on an apologetic expression and said, “Brother, I was negligent in managing my household and caused you such trouble. If you don’t accept my apology, how will I live in the village? I have wronged you.” He even forced a few tears.

Seeing this, Wang Hu grew anxious and quickly said, “Brother, you flatter me. I forgive you.”

Meanwhile, Wang Bo sneered disdainfully at Wang Cai’s clumsy act, seeing it as childish play.

When Wang Hu forgave him, Wang Cai wiped his tears and smiled. “My purpose today was to ask for your forgiveness. Since you have forgiven me, Brother Wang Hu, I shall take my leave.” He glanced meaningfully at the goods behind Wang Hu.

Seeing Wang Cai about to leave, Wang Hu urged, “It’s late; you should stay for dinner before going.”

“How can that be?” Wang Cai said, stepping back.

Wang Hu urged again but saw Wang Cai’s resolve and stopped. “In that case, Brother, take these things home. We can’t finish them all anyway,” he said, gesturing to the goods.

Wang Cai had been waiting for this and greed flashed in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, Wang Bo interrupted.

“No,” Wang Bo said firmly. Wang Cai held back his words and followed, “That is, how can I take my brother’s goods?”

“That’s right.” Wang Hu turned to the items.

Wang Bo quickly stopped him.

Seeing his son blocking his way, Wang Hu gave him a stern look. “What are you doing?”

“Father, listen to me. I divided these goods into three parts: one for the village chief, to repay his guidance; one for Yun Ge and Feng Ge, to thank them for their care; and the last part is for our family. So in reality, there’s not much left for us.” Wang Bo paused then added, “Besides, Uncle Cai’s family can’t even eat the meat they have. If we give them more, wouldn’t it be wasteful?”

Wang Cai was furious inside but dared not show it. He echoed Wang Bo’s words, “My son is filial and bought plenty. We have enough.”

Wang Hu, straightforward and without ulterior motives, agreed with their reasoning and stopped pressing the matter.

Seeing Wang Hu give up, Wang Cai knew he would gain nothing more and took his leave.

After Wang Cai left, Wang Bo grumbled to his father, “Father, why are you so polite to him? Look how he treated our family before. Now that we’re powerful, he comes crawling to apologize. Apologies are one thing, but he even wants to pilfer our goods.”

Hearing his son’s concern and dissatisfaction, Wang Hu shook his head helplessly. “They’re just fellow villagers.”

“But does he treat us like fellow villagers?” Wang Bo complained, sensing Wang Hu’s casual attitude.

“Ah…” Wang Hu sighed deeply, for reasons unknown.

Seeing his father’s melancholy, Wang Bo felt pity and said no more, going off to tidy the goods alone.

As night fell, Wang Bo lay on his straw bed, feeling restless. Used to a lofty, warm bed, sleeping on this wooden plank was uncomfortable and vexing.

“I must work harder and quickly buy a house in the city,” Wang Bo sighed, forcing himself to endure discomfort and drift into sleep.

At dawn, yawning, Wang Bo pushed open the door. His tired appearance suggested a poor night’s rest. Though he forced himself to sleep, the quality was lacking.

After practicing his fists and greeting his parents, Wang Bo set off toward the village chief’s house.

At the door, Wang Bo knocked lightly. Soon, the door opened to reveal the village chief, energetic and smiling, who said, “I knew it was you, boy.”

Seeing his teacher, Wang Bo hurriedly bowed. “Greetings, teacher. Your student pays respects.”

“Heh heh heh, no need for formalities. Come in,” the village chief said, clearly pleased. City life had helped Wang Bo shed some of his shyness, making him appear more mature. Yet recalling Wang Bo’s lack of ambition, the village chief sighed inwardly.

Entering the house, they sat facing each other. Wang Bo was the first to speak. “Teacher, it’s been months. You still look as well as ever.”

The village chief shook his head and smiled. “Old now, old now. After this New Year, I’ll be one step closer to death.”

“Teacher, you’re strong and surely will live long. I want to buy a house in the city and bring you there to enjoy your later years,” Wang Bo said eagerly. Looking at the elder who cared for him, he felt a pang of guilt.

“Your thoughtfulness is more than enough for me,” the village chief said kindly, nodding. Then he shifted the topic. “I heard you came back in a carriage yesterday. What’s the story?”

Hearing this, Wang Bo was not surprised. After all, he had caused quite a stir the previous day. Now, it seemed the entire village knew of his actions.