Chapter Eight: Zhao Dehai Stirs Up Trouble Again (Part One)

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On a late spring afternoon, sunlight filtered through layers of plane tree leaves, casting mottled shadows across the Lin family’s courtyard, paved with blue stone slabs.

Xiao Yan carried a half-worn book case on his back, his steps gentle as he passed through the moon gate. The fatigue of a long journey lingered between his brows, yet it could not mask the scholarly grace he bore.

He had just returned from visiting a friend at an academy a hundred miles away. Dust still clung to his robes, not yet brushed off, when a noisy commotion from the front courtyard caught his attention.

“Scholar Xiao, you’re finally back! I’ve been waiting for you half the day!”

A coarse voice shattered the serenity of the courtyard, like a stone breaking the calm surface of a lake.

Xiao Yan frowned slightly and looked up, spotting a burly man with his collar open, standing beside the shadow wall in the front courtyard. It was none other than Zhao Dehai, the notorious ruffian of the town.

Behind him stood two slovenly followers. The three blocked the inside of Lin family’s main gate, glaring and blowing their moustaches at Old Zhang, the gatekeeper.

Old Zhang was a long-serving member of the Lin household. Seeing Xiao Yan return, he hurried forward and spoke in a low voice, “Mr. Xiao, Zhao Dehai arrived at noon demanding to see you. We couldn’t keep him away.”

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, handed his book case to Spring Peach, the maid who stepped forward, and said in a deep voice, “Understood.” He straightened his collar and walked slowly toward Zhao Dehai, his gaze calm and steady. “Brother Zhao, you seek me—may I ask what guidance you wish to offer?”

Zhao Dehai looked at Xiao Yan askance, a mocking smile curling at his lips: “Mr. Xiao? Ha! A penniless scholar living off others—what right have you to be called ‘sir’? ‘Xiao the Pauper’ suits you better!” He spat deliberately on the ground. “Don’t think you’re safe hiding in the Lin household. Last time you ruined my plans—today, it’s time to settle the score!”

Xiao Yan’s eyes flickered. He recalled, half a month ago, stumbling upon Zhao Dehai harassing a flower-seller girl in an alley. Though Xiao Yan had little strength, he had rebuked Zhao Dehai with righteous words, attracting the attention of patrolling officers and thwarting Zhao’s intentions. Clearly, the ruffian bore a grudge.

“Brother Zhao jests,” Xiao Yan replied coolly. “That day, I simply acted against injustice. If accounts are to be settled, perhaps Brother Zhao should reflect on his own conduct.”

“Reflect? I’ll reflect on nothing!” Zhao Dehai, stung, bristled with rage and stepped forward to shove Xiao Yan. “Listen here, Xiao the Pauper—either you kneel and give me three loud kowtows to apologize, or don’t blame me for tearing down the Lin family’s threshold!”

“Outrageous!”

A stern voice rang from the direction of the main hall. Lin Zhong, the steward of the Lin household, strode out briskly in a blue robe, his face solemn. Though in his fifties, he carried an air of authority. “Zhao Dehai, this is Lin family property. How dare you act so brazenly?”

Zhao Dehai’s bravado waned at the sight of Lin Zhong, though his words remained sharp. “Steward Lin, this is a private matter between me and Xiao the Pauper—nothing to do with the Lin family. Best you stay out of it!”

“Mr. Xiao is an honored guest of the Lin household,” Lin Zhong replied coldly. “Causing trouble at our gate is to set yourself against us. Out of consideration for neighborly ties, leave at once—or I will report you to the authorities.”

Zhao Dehai’s face shifted from green to pale. Though he was unruly, he knew the Lin family was respected in town—if the authorities were involved, things would not go well for him. Yet to leave now was a bitter pill to swallow. His eyes darted to Xiao Yan, and he sneered, “Fine, very fine! Xiao the Pauper, you’ve got nerve! We’ll see about that!” He glared fiercely at Xiao Yan, then left with his two followers, cursing as they went.

The disturbance subsided. Lin Zhong turned to Xiao Yan, speaking gently, “Mr. Xiao, I apologize for the trouble. Zhao Dehai is a scoundrel; if he harasses you again, just let me know.”

Xiao Yan clasped his hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Steward Lin, for resolving the matter. I am undeserving of such kindness.” He glanced in the direction Zhao Dehai had gone, worry flickering in his eyes. He knew all too well the temperament of such men—today’s incident would not be easily forgotten.

After leaving the Lin household, Zhao Dehai did not go far. He sat at a tea stall at the corner, slurping coarse tea, his expression growing darker.

“Boss, are we just going to let it go?” one follower asked, unwilling.

“Let it go? Impossible!” Zhao Dehai slammed his tea bowl, spilling tea. “That pauper, relying on the Lin family’s backing, dares to challenge me. If I don’t teach him a lesson, how will I keep my reputation in town?”

Another follower flattered, “Boss, brilliant idea! We could ambush him tonight—catch him alone and give him a good beating, see if he still acts so high and mighty!”

Zhao Dehai shook his head. “Fool! The Lin household’s guards aren’t tight, but acting at night is risky—if caught, that old steward will definitely call the authorities.” He stroked his chin, a sly glint in his eyes. “Force won’t work; we’ll use cunning. That pauper likes to play the part of the upright scholar? Let’s ruin his reputation—then see if the Lin family still keeps him!”

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The two followers exchanged puzzled looks. “Ruin his reputation? How?”

“Think about it,” Zhao Dehai lowered his voice. “He’s a penniless scholar, staying alone in the Lin household—who knows what his intentions are? We’ll spread rumors among the neighbors, say he’s involved with one of the Lin family’s young ladies, scheming for their fortune. Once the talk spreads, let’s see how he faces anyone!”

The two followers applauded, “Boss, that’s a clever plan! That scholar seems refined—maybe he really does have such intentions!”

Zhao Dehai grinned smugly, “Whether he does or not, we start the rumor! Three men make a tiger—once it spreads, he’ll have no choice but to admit it!”

In the days that followed, rumors about Xiao Yan started circulating in town. At first, it was just scattered comments about him being an outsider, living in the Lin household too long, which was improper. Gradually, the gossip grew wilder, just as Zhao Dehai intended—some even claimed to have seen Xiao Yan sneaking into Miss Lin Wanqing’s quarters at night, acting intimately.

Lin Wanqing was the Lin family’s cherished daughter, sixteen years old, beautiful and bright, known for her virtue in town. The rumors sparked an uproar. The Lin household was incensed; Master Lin was so furious he nearly stormed out to punish the gossipmongers.

Lin Zhong advised, “Master, rage now only fuels the rumors further. The priority is to trace the source and expose it publicly, to clear Mr. Xiao and Miss Wanqing’s names.”

Master Lin took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. “You’re right. Lin Zhong, I leave this matter to you—get to the bottom of it!”

“Yes, Master.”

Lin Zhong, experienced in handling affairs, did not make a show of investigating. Instead, he quietly sent a few capable servants to discreetly inquire in town. Soon, clues emerged—the rumors had originated from Zhao Dehai’s two followers.

Lin Zhong reported this to Master Lin, who slammed the table in anger. “Zhao Dehai again! We let him off last time, and now he’s worse—outrageous!”

“Master,” Lin Zhong said, “Zhao Dehai’s actions are clearly aimed at Mr. Xiao. I suggest we bring him in and force him to clarify matters publicly.”

Master Lin pondered, then shook his head. “That’s unwise. Zhao Dehai is slippery—if brought in, he’ll only muddle things and escalate the situation. Mr. Xiao is talented and upright; we cannot let him be sullied. Lin Zhong, inform Mr. Xiao that the Lin household will clear his name—he need not worry.”

“Yes, Master.”

Lin Zhong went to Xiao Yan’s study and relayed Master Lin’s message. Xiao Yan, reading by lamplight, set aside his book and rose to thank him. “I am grateful for the trust of Master Lin and Steward Lin. Yet this matter arose because of me—it has implicated the Lin household and Miss Wanqing, and I’m deeply unsettled.”

Lin Zhong replied gently, “Mr. Xiao need not blame himself. The innocent remain unstained; the wicked, tainted. Zhao Dehai’s tricks are beneath contempt.”

Xiao Yan nodded, though he knew the matter was not so simple. If Zhao Dehai dared to risk spreading rumors, there might be deeper schemes behind it. He turned to Lin Zhong, suddenly asking, “Steward Lin, does Zhao Dehai have any grudges with other families in town?”

Lin Zhong thought for a moment. “Zhao Dehai has antagonized many, but no deep enmities. However…” He paused. “Lately, he’s been close to Master Wang from the south of town—a stingy, unscrupulous man. The two are birds of a feather—trouble may be brewing.”

Xiao Yan’s interest was piqued. “Master Wang? Does he have a feud with the Lin household?”

“Not directly,” Lin Zhong replied. “But Master Wang has been coveting a piece of land in the west of town, which the Lin household also wishes to buy. There have been several disputes over it.”

Xiao Yan pondered. Could Zhao Dehai’s rumors be instigated by Master Wang, aiming to disrupt the Lin household and seize the land? If so, the situation was more complicated.

“Thank you for the information, Steward Lin,” Xiao Yan said. “I understand.”

After Lin Zhong left, Xiao Yan sat again, but could no longer concentrate on his reading. He knew he could not wait passively—he must take action to uncover the truth and clear his name, lest he betray the Lin family’s trust.

In the following days, the rumors intensified. Some even pointed fingers at the Lin household’s gate. Miss Wanqing, an unmarried girl, suffered greatly. She hid indoors, weeping daily. Master Lin watched in anguish, helpless.

Xiao Yan saw this and resolved not to wait any longer.

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That day, Xiao Yan donned a faded blue robe and walked out of the Lin household alone. He went straight to the bustling town market.

It was market day, and the streets were crowded. Xiao Yan found a prominent spot, took a deep breath, and called out, “Fellow townsfolk, please quiet down and hear me out!”

His voice was clear, carrying the dignity of a scholar, and it spread across the noisy marketplace. Many gathered out of curiosity, eager to see what the Lin family’s guest would say.

Xiao Yan surveyed the crowd, his gaze steady. “I am Xiao Yan. Recently, I’ve heard rumors in town about myself and Miss Lin Wanqing, claiming we are involved and that I covet the Lin family’s fortune. Today, I stand here to clarify—these are baseless lies!”

A wave of murmurs rose among the crowd.

“Mr. Xiao, mere words aren’t proof—who will believe you?” a sharp voice called out, one of Zhao Dehai’s followers.

Xiao Yan turned to him, speaking calmly, “Well said—words alone are insufficient. But I ask you, those claiming I’m involved with Miss Wanqing—do you have evidence? Did you see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears?”

The man faltered, stammering, “I… I just heard it from others…”

“Heard from others?” Xiao Yan raised his voice. “Repeating hearsay, spreading it everywhere, ruining someone’s reputation—is that the conduct of a gentleman? Miss Wanqing is a lady of virtue, pure and upright—how can you defame her so?”

His words were forceful, and many nodded in agreement.

Xiao Yan continued, “I am a guest in the Lin household, grateful for their kindness. Their generosity is as a mountain—I can only repay them by studying diligently and, one day, attaining honor. How could I harbor such vile intentions? As for coveting their fortune, that’s sheer nonsense! The Lin family is wealthy, I am but a scholar with nothing—how could I even hope to scheme for their property?”

“Well said!” someone shouted. “Mr. Xiao is an honest man—I think those rumors are all lies!”

“Exactly! That Zhao Dehai and his gang are no good—probably made it all up!”

Xiao Yan pressed on, “I thank you all for your discernment. Rumors cease before the wise—let us not believe or spread them further. If anyone maliciously slanders again, I will report to the authorities to protect my and the Lin family’s reputation!”

He bowed deeply to the crowd and left the market.

Xiao Yan’s words caused quite a stir in town. Many who had believed the rumors began to doubt; those who had never believed became firmer in their views. The spread of gossip slowed noticeably.

At the tea stall, Zhao Dehai heard the news and flew into a rage. “That pauper dares to ruin my plans in public! If I don’t show him some real trouble, he’ll never know the wrath of the King of Hell!”

He immediately decided to escalate matters.

A few mornings later, the Lin household’s servants discovered that the stone lions at the gate had been splattered with filth. Beside them, a note was pasted, scrawled with crooked characters: “Xiao Yan, leave the Lin household or your fate will be worse than these stone lions!”

Lin Zhong, seeing this, trembled with anger and was about to send men to seize Zhao Dehai.

Xiao Yan stopped him. “Steward Lin, stay calm. This is clearly Zhao Dehai’s attempt to provoke us—if we act rashly now, we’ll fall right into his trap.”

“So we just let it go?” Lin Zhong said angrily. “This is simply intolerable!”