Chapter 59: Magnanimity

“Oh my, He Yuzhu’s gesture is truly manly and generous!” “That’s what having money and being willful means. When will we ever be as magnanimous as him? Alas, my pockets are empty.” “If you ask me, when He Yuzhu marries, we might get another free feast. Today’s meal was on the house. Thinking this way, I have to thank He Yuzhu’s unreliable old man, haha.”

In truth, He Yuzhu’s willingness to foot the bill for everyone’s grand feast was not to flaunt his wealth.

The main reason was that he was alone, with only a younger sister, He Yushui, at home—no one else.

As for him, he was quite well-off, earning more money than he could spend. Besides, the system occasionally rewarded him, and he often exchanged those rewards on the black market for cash—those side earnings were no small sum.

With money abundant, He Yuzhu naturally cared less about trivial amounts and became more generous toward others.

The banquet began, and everyone feasted heartily, yet He Yuzhu chewed as if on wax, unable to savor a single taste.

His mind was burdened with many worries, making it impossible for him to eat.

At times he brooded over how ruthless He Qing was; at others, he pondered how to pacify the Ran family.

He silently prayed to quickly tidy up this mess so he could finalize the marriage arrangements with Teacher Ran.

While He Yuzhu lay tossing and turning in bed, a knock came at the door.

He immediately recognized it was Elder Uncle.

Elder Uncle was known in the courtyard for his warm-heartedness and was also He Yuzhu’s senior.

Though exhausted, He Yuzhu struggled out of bed and opened the door for Elder Uncle, thinking that if he came at this hour, it must be important.

Upon opening, He Yuzhu was stunned.

Elder Uncle stood at the door, holding two bottles of fine wine and a hefty food container, smiling warmly at him.

“Zhuzi, what are you doing, blocking the door and not letting me in?” Elder Uncle teased.

He Yuzhu quickly stepped aside to let Elder Uncle in.

“I noticed you barely touched your food at the banquet today. I figured you must be hungry.

So, I brought over some freshly stewed pork head from home to help restore your strength and fill your stomach,” Elder Uncle said, shaking the food container, releasing an irresistible aroma that instantly filled the room.

“Come, Zhuzi, let’s sit down, eat some meat, and have an honest talk.

At my age, I want to hear more from young people like you,” Elder Uncle set the food and wine on the table, gesturing for He Yuzhu to sit.

Seeing this, He Yuzhu laughed and waved his hand, “Elder Uncle, you’re too kind, bringing such fine pork to satisfy my hunger—this is truly generous! I feel a bit embarrassed.”

“Come now, Zhuzi, don’t be so polite.

Your feast today, five tables filled with joyful people, my humble offering can’t compare to your generosity.”

“Please don’t joke with me; I’m rather troubled at heart,” He Yuzhu said with a wry smile.

Elder Uncle looked at the casually spread blanket on He Yuzhu’s bed and joked, “You don’t look like someone troubled. I came thinking to comfort you, but it seems I’ve disturbed your rest.”

He Yuzhu quickly shook his head, smiling, “Elder Uncle, please don’t say that.

Having you visit warms my heart.

I’m a rough-and-ready person; I forget worries after a good sleep.

Please, have a seat. I’ll fetch the wine glasses—we must have a proper drink tonight.”

Before he finished speaking, He Yuzhu swiftly retrieved two wine glasses and a packet of freshly roasted peanuts from the cabinet and placed them on the table.

He first poured a full glass of wine for Elder Uncle, then filled his own.

“Elder Uncle, I must toast to you first.

All these years, you have cared for me like a true elder, always looking after me.

My heart is filled with gratitude toward you,” He Yuzhu said, raising his glass and downing it in one go, his hearty demeanor prompting Elder Uncle to nod repeatedly.

Within the courtyard, He Yuzhu had always deeply respected Elder Uncle’s character and way of handling matters.

He regarded him as the leader of the courtyard—just, loyal, never calculating personal gain or loss, and always able to unite everyone’s hearts.

That day, as they shared some wine, a hesitant expression flickered across Elder Uncle’s face.

He Yuzhu, seeing this, grew suspicious, wondering what was really on the usually straightforward elder’s mind.

“Elder Uncle, if there’s something on your mind, just say it. Don’t keep it bottled up; it makes me uneasy,” He Yuzhu couldn’t help but speak.

Elder Uncle sighed deeply, finally resolving to speak, “Zhuzi, since you regard me as the elder brother of this courtyard, I’ll dare to speak frankly, even if my words aren’t pleasant.

Look, today’s betrothal banquet was witnessed by us all; the Ran family is truly cultured.

They are a family of scholars, with fine traditions and deep refinement. Ran Qiuye, the child in question, is outstanding in every way.

But, to be honest, a scholarly family like the Rans might not quite mesh with us rough folk.

You might not like hearing this, Zhuzi, but I mean no disrespect.

I just think our lifestyles and values may differ greatly from theirs.

I fear that once you enter such a family, you might feel restrained and uncomfortable.

Please don’t take this to heart; I speak only the truth.

We are straightforward people. I worry that in a household so particular about rules, you might not find it easy.”

Hearing this, He Yuzhu’s heart soured. “Elder Uncle, I don’t like hearing that.

In your eyes, am I really so unworthy? You think I don’t deserve Ran Qiuye?”

Elder Uncle hurriedly waved his hands, sweat beading on his forehead. “Zhuzi, you misunderstand. That’s not what I meant.

I’m saying the Ran family has many rules and many matters; your straightforward nature might make it hard for you to cope.”

He Yuzhu felt slightly relieved but still would not concede. “Elder Uncle, don’t underestimate me.

What of many rules? What of many matters?

I, He Yuzhu, may lack other skills, but handling these social situations is more than within my ability.”

Seeing He Yuzhu’s stubbornness, Elder Uncle continued persuading, “Zhuzi, you must marry a virtuous woman.

Look at Qin Huairu; though a widow, she’s truly a rare good woman.”