Chapter 4: I Heard You Went With Xiao Si To Beat Someone Up Yesterday?

Lu Shujin was indeed quite good-looking, but there was no trace of fragility in her features—rather, there was still a hint of youthful immaturity. So in the eyes of others, she was merely a fair-skinned, overly delicate-looking young man.

As long as she maintained a proper distance from those around her, she wasn’t too worried about anyone discovering her disguise as a man.

After Xiao Jin left, the few people cleaning the ancestral hall also departed shortly after. Lu Shujin walked around inside and found that most of the cleaning had already been done, so she just finished up the remaining bits. After locking the door to the hall, she stepped outside to find that night had fully fallen.

Fortunately, the food shops stayed open late and still served hot meals. After grabbing dinner, she returned to her dormitory, bathed, washed her clothes, and then lit a lamp to begin writing the essays Master Tang had assigned as punishment.

There was no word limit for the three essays, and Lu Shujin could easily complete them with a casual flip through her books.

As she put down her brush, she recalled what Xiao Jin had said in the ancestral hall and pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, intending to write the three essays for him as well.

Although he hadn’t fought for her sake specifically, he had still helped her out of a difficult situation. Moreover, the punishment of cleaning the ancestral hall had been lightened thanks to the people he brought, who barely lifted a finger. That was one reason.

The second was that the three petty-minded individuals who got beaten up again today were unlikely to let things go. Once they recovered, they would surely come looking for trouble again. She needed to find a way to resolve this matter.

Thinking of Xiao Jin’s rakish demeanor, she deliberately lowered the quality of the essays, but still included one or two references to classical texts to avoid making the entire piece seem like nonsense.

After finishing, Lu Shujin put down her brush and began tidying up the books on her desk. She also took the opportunity to organize the books she had brought from the rented house, placing them one by one on the shelf. Suddenly, something fell onto the desk.

Looking down, she saw a long, flat wooden lot tied with a red silk ribbon. The wood had an aged, weathered look, and two characters were written on it: Great Fortune (大吉).

Suddenly, a memory surfaced in her mind—of that young novice monk who once stood beside her, smiling as he said, “Congratulations, benefactor. This is the best of fortunes.”

Lu Shujin had never considered herself a fortunate person. From the moment she was born, she had never seen what her parents looked like.

It was said that the couple had gone up the mountain together to gather herbs, but were caught in a landslide and never returned, leaving behind a three-month-old Lu Shujin and her grandmother.

At that time, she hadn’t even been weaned, nor did she have a name.

Her grandmother wiped away her tears and fed her with a paste of flour, mouthful by mouthful, until she was four years old. She would often cradle her in her arms, sitting on the doorstep, murmuring in her aged voice, “May you be full of wealth, full of blessings. Our little Manman, when you grow up, you’ll surely be someone blessed with good fortune.”

The young Lu Shujin didn’t understand the meaning of those words, nor could she comprehend the deepening wrinkles and aging on her grandmother’s face—until the day her grandmother lay in a coffin, and Lu Shujin was taken to a weed-covered courtyard. A woman who claimed to be her aunt stood before her and coldly said, “From now on, you’ll live here.”

From that day on, she had a name: Lu Jin.

Jin (瑾)—a word that means “beautiful jade.”

But as she grew a little older, she came to understand that the “Jin” in her name was more likely meant to be the homophone for “caution” (谨)—a constant reminder to be obedient, to follow the rules, and to never forget that her life depended on the whims of others.

Though her clothing and food were meager, she managed to grow up safely. For ten years, she lived quietly in that household, always aware that it was not her home.

She never spared a second glance at the fine dresses and jewelry of her cousins. If she ever got into trouble, she would immediately bow her head and admit fault, or else she’d be punished by kneeling and going hungry. The more obedient she was, the less her aunt scolded her, and the fewer problems she faced.

By the time she turned sixteen, her aunt was eager to marry her off. Without consulting her, she arranged a marriage with the illegitimate eldest son of the wealthy Wang family, who had made their fortune selling jade. He was over thirty, lame, ugly, and lecherous, with a terrible reputation in the city. But the Wang family had promised a dowry of two shops and a hundred taels of silver.

With such a generous betrothal gift, the marriage was practically set in stone.

Lu Shujin knew in her heart that no matter how much she protested, it wouldn’t change her aunt’s decision. So when her aunt came to inform her, she didn’t utter a single word of refusal—just as obedient and compliant as always.

The two families began comparing the couple’s birth charts, selecting an auspicious wedding date, and preparing for the ceremony. Just as everything was bustling with excitement, Lu Shujin quietly packed her small bundle and slipped away unnoticed.

She fled far—just the carriage ride alone took five days. After several transfers, she arrived in Yuncheng, the bustling capital of the Yan Kingdom.

Lu Shujin had been to Yuncheng before. Her uncle had business dealings there and once brought his family along for a trip. Lu Shujin had been brought along as an afterthought.

She once drew a fortune stick at the city’s most famous temple. The red stick that fell to the ground had neat calligraphy on it. When she picked it up and turned it over, she saw the words: “Great Fortune” (大吉).

Lu Shujin didn’t believe that this auspicious fortune could change her fate. But after leaving Yangzhen, she changed her clothes, adopted a new name, and discarded everything from her past—except for that one fortune stick.

At the very least, it was proof that she had once been lucky.

Moonlight spilled through the window, casting a soft glow beside her bed.

Lu Shujin held the yellowed wooden stick in her hand for a long time, gently rubbing it. At last, she tucked it under her pillow and went to sleep.

The next morning, Lu Shujin woke up as usual, got dressed, washed up, went out for breakfast, and then headed to the academy.

“These six essays—did you write them all?”

Master Tang wasn’t present, so he had entrusted Master Zhou to collect the essays. As soon as Master Zhou flipped through the six pages Lu Shujin handed over, he could tell they were all written by the same person.

Lu Shujin showed a hint of apology on her face. “Young Master Xiao gave me his essays yesterday,” she explained. “He said he was afraid Master Tang would scold him again, so he asked me to submit them on his behalf. But I accidentally spilled water on them and smudged the writing, so I had no choice but to copy them over.”

Master Zhou was half-skeptical. He read the essays signed with Xiao Jin’s name, then compared them to Lu Shujin’s. The difference in quality was stark—the two sets were worlds apart. Relieved, he said, “This does seem like something he could’ve written. He’s made some progress. You may go. Be more disciplined in the future and study hard, so as not to disappoint Dean Qiao’s expectations.”

Lu Shujin left with a head full of questions.

She truly couldn’t understand how such a rambling, meaningless essay could be considered an improvement for Xiao Jin. What on earth had he been writing before?

After submitting the essays, she hurried toJiazi Hall. Most of the students were already seated. Since there was still some time before the teacher arrived, the room was noisy with chatter and laughter.

As soon as Lu Shujin entered, the noise in the room quieted slightly. Many turned to look at her with strange expressions, making her feel a bit uneasy.

She quickly made her way to her seat. Just as she sat down, Wu Chengyun leaned over and whispered, “Brother Lu, I heard you went with Xiao Si to beat someone up yesterday?”

Lu Shujin’s eyes widened in shock. “What kind of rumor is that?”

No wonder everyone had been giving her odd looks when she walked in.

“That’s what I heard,” Wu Chengyun said. “They say you and Xiao Si beat up the Liu family’s legitimate son after school yesterday, and that Master Tang scolded you both and punished you with cleaning the ancestral hall.”

“It’s true that something happened,” Lu Shujin admitted, “but I wasn’t involved in the fight. Xiao Si did it. A few days ago, that Liu fellow was badmouthing Xiao Si at the academy gate and got caught. They ran into each other again yesterday, and that’s when it happened. I just got dragged into it.”

The incident of Xiao Jin beating someone at the academy gate had already spread far and wide. Now that Wu Chengyun had the full story, he believed her and frowned. “Then this could be trouble.”

“How so?” Lu Shujin asked.

“Even if you were just caught up in it, you were present both times the Liu family’s heir got beaten up. He’s bound to hold a grudge against you,” Wu Chengyun said. “The Liu family isn’t a major household in Yuncheng, but they do have some connections in the officialdom. Plus, they’ve made a fortune recently. Not the most powerful, but certainly not weak either. If that guy decides to cause trouble for you, and you have no family or backing in Yuncheng…” He trailed off with a sigh.

Lu Shujin understood what he meant. Alone in Yuncheng, if she were to be dragged off by some thug and beaten to death in a remote alley, no one would report it or seek justice for her. Getting entangled with a wealthy, well-connected young master like Liu Quan was serious trouble.

But she didn’t seem too concerned. She even joked, “What’s there to be afraid of? That he’ll crush me with all his fat? Ha!”

“You can still laugh?” Wu Chengyun shook his head. He knew he couldn’t help her much, so he just reminded her to be careful.

Lu Shujin nodded and thanked him, then opened her book and began studying, ending the conversation.

In the days that followed, Liu Quan—presumably still recovering from his injuries—didn’t come looking for her. Wu Chengyun, however, remained anxious and frequently shared whatever gossip he could gather.

Liu Quan, the only son of the Liu family, was spoiled by his elders. He had a reputation for being a bully at his previous academy. Though he toned it down a bit after transferring to Haizhou Academy, he couldn’t stand Xiao Jin’s attitude. Cowardly and arrogant, he usually avoided Xiao Jin and picked on students from less influential families. The first time he clashed with Xiao Jin was on the academy’s opening day—and he got beaten up before he could even finish a sentence.

A few days later, he got beaten up again by Xiao Jin inside the academy.

He was carried home and spent several days recovering. The Liu family was both heartbroken and furious, but they didn’t dare confront the powerful Xiao family.

Having suffered such humiliation, Liu Quan wouldn’t dare go after Xiao Jin again. So once he returned to the academy, the first person he’d likely target was Lu Shujin.

Lu Shujin, however, didn’t seem to care. She continued attending classes, eating at the food stalls, and returning to her dorm as usual. She went nowhere else and kept to herself. Even when Wu Chengyun offered to accompany her for meals or walks back to the dorm out of concern, she politely declined with a smile.

One day after class, Lu Shujin remembered that the next day was a rest day and decided to visit the large courtyard she rented. She planned to buy a hairpin as a gift for Sister Peier.

She didn’t go far—just wandered around the streets near the academy. After picking out a velvet flower hairpin, she realized that half her silver was gone.

Despite all of Wu Chengyun’s warnings, Lu Shujin hadn’t frowned once. But now, staring at her nearly empty purse, she sighed deeply in frustration. Without money, it’s truly hard to take even a single step.

Lu Shujin’s aunt had always been harsh, so over the years, she hadn’t managed to save much money. Things in Yuncheng were expensive, and though she hadn’t even been there a full month, her silver was already running low. Haizhou Academy had waived her tuition and lodging fees, but she still had to pay for meals. She needed to find a way to earn some money.

Clutching the velvet flower hairpin, she walked back to her dorm deep in thought. Just as she reached the door, she saw Liu Quan.

A few days ago, he had still been hobbling around with a cane. Now he had two. His face was still swollen, looking like a pig’s head—utterly ridiculous. This time, he wasn’t accompanied by the two who had been beaten with him before, but by three unfamiliar faces around the same age.

Without changing her expression, Lu Shujin slipped the hairpin into her sleeve, stepped forward, and said, “I’ve been waiting for you, Brother Liu. You’ve finally come.”

Liu Quan gritted his teeth at the sight of her. In the half-year he’d been at Haizhou Academy, he had badmouthed Xiao Jin countless times behind his back. Yet both times he’d been caught and beaten, Lu Shujin had been present. In his mind, he blamed her for both incidents. He hadn’t even fully recovered before rushing over, eager to beat her until she begged for mercy.

Hearing her words, Liu Quan sneered. “So you knew I’d come for you? Then I hope you’re ready to cry and beg.”

Lu Shujin furrowed her brow and sighed heavily. “I’ve been waiting only to sincerely apologize. Just as you said, that Xiao Jin is nothing but an ignorant, cowardly scoundrel. I was blind to trust him and misjudge you. If you want to hit or scold me, I won’t complain. I only hope you’ll let me make it up to you.”

Liu Quan was stunned by her sudden change in attitude and didn’t know how to respond. “What did Xiao Jin do to you?” he asked.

Clenching her fists, Lu Shujin said angrily, “When we were taken to the repentance room, he blamed everything on me in front of the teacher. Said he only acted because I provoked him. The teacher nearly expelled me—I had to beg desperately just to stay. That’s when I saw Xiao Jin’s true colors.”

“I knew it!” Liu Quan was instantly riled up, wincing as his wounds flared with pain. He cursed, “He’s just a coward who bullies the weak and hides behind his family’s power. If it weren’t for the Xiao family, he’d have been beaten like a rat in the street long ago!”

Lu Shujin wiped the corners of her reddened eyes with her sleeve. “After that day, I regretted everything. I admire your courage and insight, Brother Liu. I’ve been wanting to apologize in person. But I couldn’t find out where you lived, so I waited here at the academy. Now that you’re here, forget the beating—I only ask that you let me write all your future essay assignments. It’s the least I can do to show my remorse.”

Liu Quan had come today fully intending to teach Lu Shujin a harsh lesson. But he was never the brightest, and the moment he heard her offer to write all his future essay assignments, he was overjoyed.

That idea hit him right in the sweet spot. Ever since his family had paid a hefty sum to transfer him to Haizhou Academy, he hadn’t had a single peaceful day. The teachers here were strict, the lessons difficult, and the amount of homework overwhelming. If his essays were sloppy or poorly written, he’d be publicly scolded in front of the entire class—utterly humiliating.

This had been a major source of stress for Liu Quan.

Lu Shujin, on the other hand, was known for her literary talent. If she could write his essays, his life would become much easier. Thinking of this, Liu Quan immediately gave up on the idea of beating her and instead grinned at her. “You really mean it?”

“A gentleman’s word is his bond,” Lu Shujin replied. Liu Quan’s swollen face made his grin look grotesque, and she had to suppress a laugh. “I’ll do as I said—as an apology to you.”

Liu Quan, still a bit hesitant, mulled it over.

Seeing this, Lu Shujin decided to give him another push. She glanced at the three unfamiliar boys behind him and added, “Since these gentlemen are your friends, they’re my friends too. I can write their essays as well.”

The three boys hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. They were only there because of Liu Quan’s family background. Now, hearing Lu Shujin’s offer to write all their essays, they were overjoyed. They immediately surrounded Liu Quan, urging him to accept, calling it a stroke of luck—a pie falling from the sky.

Liu Quan, not the sharpest tool in the shed, didn’t suspect a thing. He didn’t think Lu Shujin was sincerely apologizing—he just assumed she had been humiliated by Xiao Jin and was now afraid of him, yielding to his power and status. That made him even more smug. He grinned so wide his swollen eyes became slits and said nothing more about the beating. Instead, he clapped Lu Shujin on the shoulder like a buddy. “You said it yourself. From now on, we’ll leave the essays to you, Brother Lu.”

Lu Shujin looked at the pig-faced boy in front of her, lips curling into a smile. Her porcelain-like face lit up with amusement. “Of course.”

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