Chapter Fifty-Four: Such a Fool

Zhou Linqing heard the supervisor’s words and felt a surge of worry. Even his own father would not dare provoke Elder Kong in the slightest; up to this point, all his own arrogance rested solely on the power his father wielded.

Though Zhou Linqing was often brash and domineering, he had a clear sense of the social hierarchy. Anyone whose status surpassed his father’s, or who might be of use to him, was someone he treated with the utmost caution.

Thus, Zhou Linqing now concealed all his usual bad habits, looking incredibly meek and cautious—far more restrained than before.

Witnessing the troublemaker's sudden change in demeanor, the supervisor knew his words had hit home, yet he also wondered why Elder Kong had summoned Zhou Linqing. What could be the reason?

“Elder Kong, Zhou Linqing has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

By then, the stalwart general had already left, and only Kong Zhichong, the supervisor, and Zhou Linqing remained in the room.

Elder Kong stood in the main hall for a long while, silent, gazing at the painting of a pine tree hanging above the hall.

The supervisor, familiar with Elder Kong’s habits, knew he was deep in thought; but Zhou Linqing, unfamiliar with Kong Zhichong, grew increasingly anxious. He assumed the silence was meant for him, and panic overwhelmed him—cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He thought back to his own past arrogance—could it be that Elder Kong intended to punish him for some previous transgression? Had he offended one of Kong’s descendants or relatives? In the past, those he bullied were all from poor families, without influence or power. The only notable exception was Li Zisheng, but hadn’t he already humbled himself and shown extreme forbearance?

Was it possible that Elder Kong thought highly of Li Zisheng and wanted to avenge him, to teach Zhou Linqing a lesson?

With this thought, terror flooded Zhou Linqing’s heart. Recently, after using the medicine Li Zisheng provided, his health had obviously improved. He had planned, in a few months, to indulge himself again at the House of Red Fragrance. But now, it seemed that chance might be lost forever.

With a loud thud, Zhou Linqing dropped to his knees, startling the supervisor.

Yet Elder Kong remained unmoved, as if he had expected this, his gaze still fixed calmly on the painting.

“What are you doing? Get up, don’t disturb Elder Kong,” the supervisor said, hurrying forward to intervene. He had not expected Zhou Linqing’s resolve to crumble so easily and hoped desperately that Elder Kong would not take offense. Otherwise, he would be in a very difficult position himself.

“So, you’re the Zhou family’s young master everyone talks about? Do you know why I have a painting of a pine tree hanging here?”

The supervisor, quick to read the room, quietly returned to his seat, affecting an air of indifference. By now, the matter was beyond his control; he had done all that could be expected of him. If anything further happened, it would be his own head on the block.

“My name is Zhou Linqing...” Zhou Linqing didn’t catch the latter part of the question, but hearing himself called the Zhou family’s young master struck him like a nail hammered into his heart, the cold sweat on his brow growing heavier.

Could his suspicions be correct after all?

“Do you know why I keep a painting of a pine tree here?” Elder Kong’s slow, measured voice sounded again. Zhou Linqing, utterly bewildered, had no idea what Elder Kong meant, but, tense as he was, he pondered the question.

“Hurry up,” the supervisor prompted in a low voice.

“Because the pine is resilient and undying.”

“And why is it undying?” Elder Kong’s voice betrayed no emotion.

“Because, Master, whether in bitter cold or scorching heat, the pine remains ever green and lush. That is why I say it never dies.”

“And do you know why it remains so lush and green?”

This stumped Zhou Linqing completely. He truly did not know the answer.

“I do not know.” Zhou Linqing now realized that Elder Kong had not mentioned any of his past deeds, nor did his abrupt questioning seem intended to make things difficult for him. This was enough to assure Zhou Linqing that Elder Kong bore him no ill will.

In this, Zhou Linqing was very perceptive. Since childhood, his father had exposed him to all manner of people, and he had become adept at reading intentions, especially hostility. He recalled his previous encounter with Li Zisheng—even when he had gone out of his way to bully and humiliate him, he had never sensed hostility from the boy. That was why he’d come to respect Li Zisheng, leading to further interactions and eventually accepting Li’s medicinal advice and treatment.

“Whether on a sheer cliff or in barren soil, as long as a single seed finds purchase, it can grow strong and tall. In the course of its growth, it fears neither harsh environments nor daunting challenges—no fierce wind can topple it, no flood can drown it, no bitter cold can kill it, no drought can wither it.”

After Elder Kong finished, the supervisor was rather surprised. Whenever Elder Kong spoke of the pine tree, he would usually recite poetry, but this time his words were plain and direct, unlike his usual style.

Zhou Linqing, hearing this, only grew more confused and could not discern Elder Kong’s meaning.

“I understand now. Master’s words are a warning—to urge the younger generation to be like the pine, steadfast through countless trials.”

Internally, Zhou Linqing connected Elder Kong’s words to Li Zisheng. In his view, Elder Kong was subtly advising him not to casually bully a young man—time and fate shift like the river’s course, and no one can predict the future.

Though Li Zisheng was only eight years old, the current situation suggested his future was boundless. Elder Kong, unable to lower himself to deal with Zhou Linqing directly, had chosen to deliver this hint instead.

He realized the message was clear: one must learn restraint. In one sense, Elder Kong was helping Li Zisheng out of trouble; in another, he was warning Zhou Linqing that Li Zisheng’s future would be bright, and he would do well to keep his eyes open and his actions measured. Otherwise, the consequences would fall upon himself.

With this realization, Zhou Linqing’s expression grew more resolute.

The supervisor, unaware of Zhou Linqing’s thoughts, would have dearly liked to kick him had he known—how could anyone be so foolish?