Golden Branch

Chapter 56 And Me

Lou Jin was silent for a long time before he spoke: "You've said so much, it seems you've thought things through thoroughly!"

"If that's the case, you've probably already chosen your successor!"

Lou Jin knew that there was some truth in what Lou Yu said.

Lou Jin knew even more that this little beast had selfish motives, perhaps he wanted to have his cake and eat it too.

However, Lou Yu is his and Jiaojiao's son after all. He has loved him for seven or eight years, and Jiaojiao is also full of guilt towards him. In terms of status, he and his wife have indeed wronged him.

Well, this time, let him get what he wants.

"Tell me, who do you want to adopt?"

Lou Jin said lightly.

In his mind, he began to quickly screen among the members of the Lou family.

The Lou family prospered for nearly two hundred years, with many descendants, including direct and collateral branches.

There are also many families suitable for adoption.

But... Lou Jin glanced at Lou Yu. This kid was full of calculations. He might not look down on a family that others thought was suitable.

Lou Jin knew his son too well. Although Lou Yu had behaved well in the past few months, his nature was not so easily changed.

This kid is extremely overbearing and proud. He doesn't care about those poor tribesmen, even if they are loving couples or kind elders.

What he wants is benefits, not a bunch of ancestors.

Sure enough, Lou Yu slowly said, "Father, I heard that my father-in-law had a brother who died young—"

Lou Yu’s grandfather, Lou Jin’s father, Lou Lian, the previous patriarch of the Lou family, was not the eldest son.

He was the second legitimate son, and he had an elder brother, Lou Hu, who was extremely talented and famous throughout the world.

However, Lou Hu was born with congenital deficiencies and was in poor health. Although he was intelligent, he was unable to practice martial arts.

He was one of the very few children in the Lou family who studied literature, but he was also the best and most outstanding one.

At the age of fourteen, he amazed the whole capital with his "Winter Fu". The poem was written in gorgeous language and ingenious ideas. He was a young genius and was admired by everyone.

At the age of seventeen, he was appointed as the Prince's Secretary, nominally an official, but in fact he was the teacher of the previous emperor.

The emperor and his ministers were both teachers and friends, and their relationship was very close.

If Lou Hu were still alive, he would definitely become the most powerful minister favored by the late emperor.

The Grand Chancellor, who once held great power and could depose and enthrone emperors at will, was just a child at that time and was not even qualified to worship Lou Hu as his teacher.

Unfortunately, God is jealous of talented people.

Lou Hu lived up to the saying "early wisdom comes with risk". He died of illness at the age of nineteen, leaving behind no wife or children.

Lou Lian respected and loved his elder brother and once thought of choosing one of his own children and grandchildren to adopt him, but he was worried that these children were too stupid and would tarnish his elder brother's reputation.

Until Lou Lian passed away, he still felt a little regretful and felt that he had let down his parents and his brother.

"You want to be your great-uncle's grandson?"

Lou Jin smiled playfully. This guy really knows how to choose people and picked the most suitable candidate.

Lou Hu is the true eldest descendant of the Lou family, and his status is actually higher than Lou Lian.

The best part is that Lou Hu has passed away.

If Lou Yu was adopted by Lou Hu, he would only get a grandfather's tablet, but he would not have a grandfather to strictly discipline him.

However, Lou Yu was able to obtain the identity of the eldest direct heir of the Lou family and all of Lou Hu's inheritance.

This legacy includes not only tangible land, gold, silver, etc., but also Lou Hu's network of contacts.

Although Lou Hu has been dead for forty years, some of his old friends are still alive.

Not to mention that Lou Hu also has students.

The most famous one among them is now a famous figure in China.

Although he did not enter the officialdom, he enjoyed considerable prestige among officials.

In the newly established Dayu Dynasty, the new emperor Yang Ji was eager to seek talented people and summoned this famous scholar to serve as an official in the court more than once.

Once he entered the court, he would at least be the Minister of three ministries, or even directly be appointed as the Prime Minister.

Of course, the famous scholar might not necessarily treat Lou Yu, an adopted grandson, in any way just because of the teacher-student relationship they had forty years ago.

However, connections are something that cannot be seen or touched, but they can play an unexpected role at critical moments.

When Lou Yu heard the words "become XX's grandson", a dark light flashed in his eyes.

He bet his father said that on purpose.

He was laughing at himself.

But it didn't matter. If he could really be adopted by Lou Hu, what would it matter if he became Lou Hu's grandson?!

Feeling unhappy, Lou Yu didn't want to continue playing the role of a considerate and good son.

Lou Yu did not answer Lou Jin's sarcastic question, but instead asked a stiff question: "Father, do you think it's not good?"

Lou Yucai didn't believe that Lou Jin would agree with him. Lou Yu respected other people as father and mother.

Dugu is back, and Lou Yu is indeed no longer Lou Jin's only child, but he is still the first child born to Lou Yu and his beloved woman.

The couple would indeed have more children, but the firstborn would always be different.

Especially the eldest son who is mistreated because of the selfishness of his wife.

Even if he had to give Lou Yu away for adoption, Lou Jin would most likely choose a family without parents and let Lou Yu become their grandson.

It would be best if that "grandfather" is very old and will not live long. Lou Yu will not be able to bear his discipline for a few years and will be able to take charge of the family on his own.

If we can achieve it in one go, without even having a living grandfather, that would be even more perfect!
On this point, Lou Jin and Lou Yu, the father and son, have the same idea. They just want a status, not real recognition of their relationship.

Lou Jin was choked.

This guy is so unfilial that he even disrespects his own father.

Unfortunately, the candidate proposed by Lou Yu was too perfect. If Lou Jin were to choose, he would probably choose Lou Hu.

Forget it, forget it. As an adult, is he really going to get angry with a child?

Jiaojiao gave birth smoothly, and Lou Jin was in a very good mood because of the auspicious sign of twins, a boy and a girl.

What Lou Yu said just now was part true and part false, but it still aroused Lou Jin's fatherly heart: Well, just fulfill his wish!

……

Things happening in the Lou family are one after another.

First, Lou Rang fell off his horse, broke his leg and became a cripple.

Then the daughter of the Lou family was frightened and gave birth prematurely. Fortunately, God protected her and Dugu was blessed with good fortune. She gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, without any danger.

Before the Lou family and the major families in Hedong could catch their breath and carefully eat some melons, another piece of heavy news came -

Lou Jin, the head of the Lou family, decided to adopt his eldest son as the adopted grandson of the late Lou Hu.

"General, you are too, too cruel. Even if you have a legitimate son, you can't just kick the illegitimate son out of the house right away!"

"Adopted? Lou Dalang was really adopted out!"

"Lou Hu? The great-uncle who died young in his teens?"

"...Oh my god, Dalang is only eight years old, and he's already been kicked out? He doesn't even have a proper elder, no one to discipline him, no one to take care of him. What is he going to do in the future?"

"Haha, you deserve it! Lou Dalang finally got his comeuppance!"

"I've known for a long time that the general dotes on the queen, but I never expected that he would even drive out his most precious son for the queen and her children!"

When the news came out, the Lou family was shocked.

Every branch of the Lou family was talking about it.

Some of them felt that Lou Jin was too cold-hearted, only caring about his beloved wife and son, and disregarding the father-son relationship.

Some people wondered who Lou Hu was. After all, he had been dead for decades and had no descendants, so many younger generations didn't even remember him.

Some were so happy about "revenge" that they laughed out loud and even wanted to beat drums and gongs.

Some people saw Lou Jin's "fatherly heart" - "After all, he is the eldest son. Even if he cannot acknowledge Lou Yu's identity for the sake of the Dugu family, he still has to make full plans for him."

"If Lou Yu is adopted out, he will no longer be the eldest son of a concubine with a unique status. There will no longer be conflicts of interest between mother and son, or between brothers, and there will be no fear or guard against him."

"If anyone else wants to maggot, they don't have a good excuse."

"On the surface, Lou Jin was doing this for Dugu and her two children, but in reality, he was doing it to protect Lou Yu!"

Without the status of a concubine's eldest son, the ambitions of Lou Yu and "others" were completely curbed.

Lou Yu himself would not have any false thoughts, and others would not have the opportunity to instigate him.

Lou Yu, Dugu and her son were all saved.

"Haha, Lou Jin, what a kind father! Then why are you so indifferent to Shiyilang?"

"An elder brother is like a father! Your father is gone, and Shiyilang is your younger brother. Shouldn't you take good care of him?"

"That little bastard Lou Yu harmed Shiyilang, and instead of punishing him severely, you even planned this for him?"

Mrs. Cui was sitting in the main room. When she heard the news, she almost lost control.

She cried and laughed, shouted and cursed.

She beat her chest and stamped her feet. She wished she could rush to Lou Jin to accuse him and question him.

Do you still remember your father’s last words to you before he died?

Are you worthy of your father and your brother?
"Madam! Be careful with your words! Be careful with your words, Madam!"

Aunt Li felt heartbroken, but even more frightened.

Now that Lou Jin is back, the inner courtyard of the Lou family is back under Lou Jin's surveillance.

Even in your own yard, every word and action may be detected.

If Lou Jin knew that Madam Cui held a grudge against him... Shiyilang was disabled, but he was still alive.

There is also Shisiniang, who is thirteen years old this year and is at the right age to get married.

If they offend Lou Jin, neither Shiyilang nor Shishiniang will have a good life.

Even if it's not for the sake of her children, the lady can't cause trouble for her own sake.

Hatred, when there is no chance of revenge, can only be hidden deep inside.

To put it bluntly, Mrs. Cui's scolding had no effect other than making herself feel more aggrieved.

"...I'm in my own yard. Can't I even tell the truth?"

Mrs. Cui glared at Aunt Li.

"Madam, it's my fault!"

Li Ai quickly bowed her head and admitted her mistake.

However, she would still persuade him if necessary: ​​"Although Shiyilang's leg was injured, his life is not in danger, and he looks no different from a normal person. His marriage-"

Mrs. Cui was stunned. She had lived with Aunt Li for half her life and naturally understood this old servant.

She said this not to hurt her master's heart, but to remind her master.

"Ah Li, what do you mean?"

"Madam, you just said that the general is Shiyilang's elder brother, and an elder brother is like a father. The general should do his best to help Shiyilang's marriage!" As Li Ai said this, she pointed in the direction of Lou Yu's courtyard.

Mrs. Cui reacted instantly. Yes, Lou Jin was protecting his own people. In order to shield Lou Yu, he concluded that Shiyilang's fall from the horse was an accident.

But Madam Cui just didn't believe it, and Lou Jin didn't feel insecure.

Humph, he is not afraid that the old general will come looking for him in the middle of the night!

Lou Jin does favor Lou Yu more, but Lou Rang is also his younger brother.

He protected Lou Yu, so he couldn't give Lou justice. He should at least make some compensation.

Mrs. Cui did not ask for anything else, she only hoped that Lou Jin could help Shiyilang preserve his marriage with the Li family.

As long as Shiyilang marries Li's daughter, he will become a relative of Yang Chong.

If Yang Chong gets that position one day, Shiyilang's wealth will be further guaranteed.

"Yes! Ah Li, you are right! Lou Jin must be responsible for Shiyilang's marriage!"

……

"...Nine Mother, news has come from the Lou family that Lou Yu has been adopted by his great-uncle Lou Hu!"

"Lou Hu, courtesy name Boqian, rose to fame at a young age, rising to the rank of Imperial Attendant in the Eastern Palace. He was a strict mentor and close friend to Emperor Wu of the Great Zhou..."

When Zheng Yi received the news, he reported it to Wang Heng immediately.

She was very thorough. Not only did she know the family that Lou Yu would be adopted by, she also prepared Lou Hu's information in advance.

Zheng Yi is in her thirties this year. When she was born, Lou Hu had already passed away.

However, she had been in the harem for many years and had heard many stories about this lady in the palace.

It is said that he was nine years older than the late emperor.

It is said that the late emperor regarded him as his elder brother, teacher and partner.

It is said that if he had not died, he would have been the first person the late emperor entrusted his son to before his death.

It is said...

Unfortunately, Lou Hu had died without a wife or children, leaving behind only a piece of "Winter Fu" and several stories about him and the late emperor.

Zheng Yi never expected that Lou Yu would be adopted by Lou Hu as his grandson.

Tsk, this is the best candidate.

"General Lou is thoughtful. He has shown his full affection for Lou Yu!"

After Zheng Yi finished explaining Lou Hu's information, he sighed softly.

Wang Heng didn't understand. "Auntie, General Lou has already kicked my brother out and doesn't want him as his son anymore. How can he still be considered 'intentional'?"

These adults are all like this, they don’t take children seriously at all.

For the sake of Cui Shi and the so-called "family harmony", Wang Lin sent his biological daughter to the farm.

Although Wang Heng always told herself and others that she was not exiled, she was recuperating on her own farm.

In fact, Wang Heng knew in her heart that she was abandoned by her father.

Wang Heng used to be very envious of General Lou for doting on Lou Dalang.

She never expected that General Lou, who once loved Lou Dalang so much, would abandon him.

"My brother is so pitiful!"

"He, like me, has become a person without a father or mother!"

Wang Heng pursed her lips, showing some empathy.

Only those who have experienced it can understand how panicked and scared she, a child, felt when her mother left and her father abandoned her.

In order to live a good life, she even pretended to be stupid and obedient, and dared not resist when bullied.

...Now, the little bully is going to become a poor little thing like her.

"Brother must be very sad and scared!"

Sad to be abandoned, afraid that no one wants me.

Wang Heng once again judged others by her own standards. She stood up suddenly and slammed her chubby little palms on the stone table. "No, I have to go find my brother!"

Zheng Yi was slightly stunned. How did Jiu Niang decide that Lou Yu was pitiful?
Relying on his status as Lou Hu's grandson, Lou Yu was able to take away a large portion of the Lou family's property, and he could also become the "head of the family" more than ten years or even decades earlier.

As for Lou Jin, he couldn't really just ignore his own son.

Lou Yu has both the care of his biological father and the influence of his adoptive grandfather.

What's so pitiful about him?

Wang Heng continued, "I want to tell my brother not to be afraid. Even if General Lou doesn't want him anymore, I'm still here! I, I won't abandon him!"

(End of this chapter)