Chapter 252

Several clan elders were startled, unable to help exchanging glances.

Translation: "Several clan elders were startled, unable to help exchanging glances."

Several clan elders were startled, unable to help exchanging glances.

With their age and standing, the only person in all of Longquan Village who would dare to speak to them in that tone is that one.

Translation: "Given their age and seniority, the only person in Dragon Spring Village who would dare shout at them like that is that one."

We need to keep "Dragon Spring Village" translation. So: "Given their age and seniority, the only person in Dragon Spring Village who would dare shout at them like that is that one."

Without time to think, several people hurriedly trembled out the door, lifted their eyes, and glanced into the courtyard.

Translation: "Without time to think, they hurriedly trembled out the door, lifted their eyes, and glanced into the courtyard."

Without time to think, several people hurriedly trembled out the door, lifted their eyes, and glanced into the courtyard.

Under the osmanthus tree stood an elderly man in his seventies, his beard flower-white, his face terrifyingly dark; at that moment he leaned on his cane, glaring at them with furrowed brows and glaring eyes.

Translation: "Under the osmanthus tree stood an elderly man in his seventies, his beard flower-white, his face terrifyingly dark; at that moment he leaned on his cane, glaring at them with furrowed brows and glaring eyes."

Under the osmanthus tree stood an elderly man in his seventies, his beard flower-white, his face terrifyingly dark; at that moment he leaned on his cane, glaring at them with furrowed brows and glaring eyes.

From that stance, it's clear he means no good.

Note there is double period at end? The line ends with "。." maybe a typo. We'll translate as: "Looking at his posture, it's clear the newcomer means no good."

We need to keep punctuation? We'll output single line with translation. Probably keep one period at end. We'll output: "Looking at his posture, it's clear the newcomer means no good."

Several people felt uneasy in their hearts; the sixth elder hurried forward, putting on a smiling face to greet, 'Chief Elder Brother, how did you come here?'

Translation: "Several people felt uneasy in their hearts; the sixth elder hurried forward, putting on a smiling face to greet, 'Chief Elder Brother, how did you come here?'"

Several people felt uneasy in their hearts; the sixth elder hurried forward, putting on a smiling face to greet, 'Chief Elder Brother, how did you come here?'

The clan chief struck the ground heavily with his cane, letting out a cold snort from his nose, 'How did I come? Could I not come? If I don't come, those few kids of the second branch will be eaten by you lot of old fogies!'

Translation: "The clan chief struck the ground heavily with his cane, letting out a cold snort from his nose, 'How did I come? Could I not come? If I don't come, those few kids of the second branch will be eaten by you lot of old fogies!'"

The clan chief struck the ground heavily with his cane, letting out a cold snort from his nose, 'How did I come? Could I not come? If I don't come, those few kids of the second branch will be eaten by you lot of old fogies!'

What do you mean by that?

Translation: "What, how do you say that?"

Better: "What, how can you say that?" We'll output: "What, how can you say that?"

Without time to think, several people hurriedly trembled out the door, lifted their eyes, and glanced into the courtyard.

Translation: "The sixth elder wore an innocent expression, 'Chief Elder Brother, you must have misunderstood; we just came to have a look, we didn't do anything…'"

The three elders kept nodding.

Translation: "The three elders also nodded repeatedly."

'Exactly, we're just taking a look, not doing anything bad.'

Translation: "'Exactly, exactly, we just came to look, not to do anything bad.'"

'Bullshit!' the clan chief spat at them, 'What good could you possibly do? Last time you stuffed a wanted criminal of the court into the second branch; if it weren't for the cleverness of those few kids, who knows what trouble would have ensued! Now that the scar's healed you forget the pain, and you're thinking of stuffing them with some junk again!'

Translation: "'Bullshit!' the clan chief spat at them, 'What good could you possibly do? Last time you stuffed a wanted criminal of the court into the second branch; if it weren't for the cleverness of those few kids, who knows what trouble would have ensued! Now that the scar's healed you forget the pain, and you're thinking of stuffing them with some junk again!'"

'Bullshit!' the clan chief spat at them, 'What good could you possibly do? Last time you stuffed a wanted criminal of the court into the second branch; if it weren't for the cleverness of those few kids, who knows what trouble would have ensued! Now that the scar's healed you forget the pain, and you're thinking of stuffing them with some junk again!'

Several clan elders were momentarily speechless.

Translation: "Several clan elders were momentarily speechless."

Let alone, this time what they stuffed is truly that good-for-nothing Jiang Zongbao.

Translation: "Let alone, this time what they stuffed is truly that good-for-nothing Jiang Zongbao."

Let alone, this time what they stuffed is truly that good-for-nothing Jiang Zongbao.

Yan Pozi, who had come out with them, couldn't take it anymore, displeased, saying, 'Chief Elder Brother, aren't you going too far with that?'

Translation: "Yan Pozi, who had come out with them, couldn't bear to listen any longer, displeased she said, 'Chief Elder Brother, aren't you going too far with those words?'"

'What the hell are you talking about? I'm not a latrine for you to dump your shit on.' The clan chief, fuming, launched an indiscriminate attack: 'Men speak, women keep quiet!'

Translation: "'What the hell are you talking about? I'm not a latrine to be talked over.' The clan chief, in his anger, launched an indiscriminate attack, 'Men speak, women should keep quiet!'"

'What the hell are you talking about? I'm not a latrine for you to dump your shit on.'

Yan Pozi: '...'

Translation: "Yan Pozi: '……'"

We need to keep the ellipsis. So: "Yan Pozi: '……'"

The clan chief didn't even glance at her, directly firing at those old-timers: 'I ask you, what are you doing running over here?'

Translation: "The clan chief didn't even give her a glance, directly aiming his barrage at those old fellows, 'I ask you, what are you doing running here?'"

The few old brothers glanced at each other, eyes darting, speaking hesitantly.

Translation: "Several old brothers looked at each other, their eyes darting, they hemmed and hawed."

Nobody wanted to be the one to stick their neck out.

Translation: "Nobody wanted to be the one to stick his neck out."

'Grandfather Chief, Third Uncle and the others said to have me and Ah Zhan bring our cousin together to Phoenix Yang Prefecture!' Du Ruo 'helpfully' lent them a hand.

Translation: "'Grandfather Chief, Third Uncle and the others said to have me and Ah Zhan bring our cousin together to Phoenix Yang Prefecture!' Du Ruo 'helpfully' lent them a hand."

'Grandfather Chief, Third Uncle and the others said to have me and Ah Zhan bring our cousin together to Phoenix Yang Prefecture!' Du Ruo 'helpfully' lent them a hand.

'What?' the clan chief exploded in rage, incredulously staring at those clueless ones: 'You really did this?'

Translation: "'What?' the clan chief exploded with rage, incredulously staring at those foolish fellows, 'You actually went and did this?'"

Several clan elders instinctively lowered their white-haired heads, their already stooped frames sinking a bit further, looking guilty.

Translation: "Several clan elders simultaneously lowered their white-haired heads, their already shrunken frames stooping a bit more, looking guilty."

The sixth elder, quickest of mind, hurriedly spoke up: 'Chief Elder Brother, hear me out—things are actually like this…'

Translation: "The sixth elder, quickest-witted, hurriedly spoke up, 'Chief Elder Brother, hear me out—actually, things are like this……'"

He went on and on with his explanation.

Translation: "He rattled off a lengthy explanation."

Anyway, no matter how you say it, the central idea is just one: the main branch cannot be cut off here, and Jiang Changhe also cannot die with his eyes unclosed!

Translation: "Anyway, no matter how you say it, the central idea is just one: the main branch cannot be cut off here, and Jiang Changhe also cannot die with his eyes unclosed!"

Anyway, no matter how you say it, the central idea is just one: the main branch cannot be cut off here, and Jiang Changhe also cannot die with his eyes unclosed!

After hearing that, the clan chief nearly fainted from anger.

Translation: "After hearing that, the clan chief nearly fainted from anger."

'What, is Jiang Changhe's only grandson Jiang Zongbao? If the main branch can't bear children, does Jiang Changhe's line end? Where did you put Jiang Li and Jiang Zhan? Is the second branch not also Jiang Changhe's direct grandchildren?'

Translation: "'What, is Jiang Changhe's only grandson Jiang Zongbao? If the main branch can't have children, does Jiang Changhe's line end? Where did you put Jiang Li and Jiang Zhan? Is the second branch not also Jiang Changhe's direct grandchildren?'"

'What, is Jiang Changhe's only grandson Jiang Zongbao? If the main branch can't bear children, does Jiang Changhe's line end? Where did you put Jiang Li and Jiang Zhan? Is the second branch not also Jiang Changhe's direct grandchildren?'

The clan chief was utterly speechless, impatiently waving his hand: 'Get out, get out, get out—hurry back home and take care of the kids, and stop meddling in the younger generation's affairs.'

Translation: "The clan chief was simply speechless, impatiently waving his hand, 'Scram, scram, scram—hurry back home and take care of the kids, and from now on stay out of the younger generation's affairs.'"

Good grief, all those years of grain have gone to the dogs' bellies; the older they get, the less sense they make.

Translation: "Good grief, all those years of grain have gone to the dogs' bellies; the older they get, the less they make sense."

The sixth elder, still sensing the mood, dared not say more, responding with a listless grunt.

Translation: "The sixth elder, still knowing his place, dared not say more, responding with a listless grunt."

The other three weren't as sharp as he was.

Translation: "The other three weren't as clever as he was."

Especially the old one, stubborn as ever, still wanted to object: 'But Zongbao…'

Translation: "Especially the eldest, stubborn as a mule, still wanted to object, 'But Zongbao he……'"

That really made the clan chief furious.

Translation: "That really made the clan chief furious."

Without a word, the clan chief raised his cane, stepped forward with his creaky old legs, and thumped those four rusty noggins one after another, just like knocking on a winter melon.

Translation: "Without a word, the clan chief raised his cane, stepped forward with his creaky old legs, and thumped those four rusty noggins one after another, just like knocking on a winter melon."

Without a word, the clan chief raised his cane, stepped forward with his creaky old legs, and thumped those four rusty noggins one after another, just like knocking on a winter melon.

'Still going on about Zongbao, Zongbao—is he your father? Get lost! Say another word and I'll beat you to death!'

Translation: "'Still going on about Zongbao, Zongbao—is Zongbao your father? Get lost! Utter another word and I'll beat you to death!'"

The clan elders yelped in pain, covering their faces and hunching their backs as they fled in disgrace.

Translation: "Several clan elders, beaten, cried out 'aiyo', covering their faces and hunching their backs, fleeing in disgrace."

The eldest of the three elders, slow on his legs, nearly took a tumble.

Translation: "The eldest of the three elders, slow on his legs, nearly fell flat."

Watching the sorry sight of those elders fleeing, Du Ruo's mouth twitched.

Translation: "Watching the sorry sight of those old folks fleeing, Du Ruo's mouth twitched."

He was both angry and amused.

Translation: "She was both angry and amused."

Then he gave the clan chief a big mental thumbs-up: 'Chief Grandfather, you're awesome!'

Translation: "Then she gave the clan chief a big thumbs-up in her heart, 'Grandfather Chief, you're awesome!'"

The clan chief still wouldn't let up, turning his cloudy yet sharp gaze toward Yan Pozi.

Translation: "The clan chief still wouldn't let up, turning his body, his murky yet sharp gaze shot toward Yan Pozi."

Yan Pozi stood at the doorway with a grim expression.

Translation: "Yan Pozi stood at the doorway with an unsightly expression."

The clan chief gave her a sideways glance: 'Sister-in-law, do you want the two kids from the second branch to take Jiang Zongbao to Phoenix Yang Prefecture?'

Translation: "The clan chief glanced askance at her, 'Sister-in-law, do you want the two children of the second branch to take Jiang Zongbao to Phoenix Yang Prefecture?'"

Yan Pozi opened her mouth: 'Yes…'

Translation: "Yan Pozi opened her mouth, 'Yes……'"

'Yes what? It's amazing you could even say that! Letting the sister-in-law bring the elder brother-in-law along—what were you thinking?'

Translation: "'Yes what? It's amazing you could even say that! Letting the sister-in-law bring the elder brother-in-law along—what were you thinking?'"

'Yes what? It's amazing you could even say that! Letting the sister-in-law bring the elder brother-in-law along—what were you thinking?'

'What's wrong with that?' Yan Pozi, unwilling to concede, said, 'Er Lang is still the Du clan's legitimate younger brother-in-law; shouldn't he go along too? Why would you fear what others would say?'

Translation: "'What's wrong with that?' Yan Pozi, unwilling to concede, said, 'Er Lang is still the Du clan's legitimate younger brother-in-law; shouldn't he go along too? Why would you fear what others would say?'"

'What's wrong with that?' Yan Pozi, unwilling to concede, said, 'Er Lang is still the Du clan's legitimate younger brother-in-law; shouldn't he go along too? Why would you fear what others would say?'

Ha, the clan chief couldn't help but laugh angrily.

Translation: "Ha, the clan chief couldn't help but laugh angrily."

'How is Er Lang the same? Er Lang is the county's top scholar, from childhood he's read the sages' books, keeping himself pure and proper. You don't even know what kind of conduct your precious grandson has? Since the Qin clan was around, he's been no good—flirting, stealing people, visiting brothels, even committing those shameful acts in broad daylight.'

Translation: "'How is Er Lang the same? Er Lang is the county's top scholar, from childhood he's read the sages' books, keeping himself pure and proper. You don't even know what kind of conduct your precious grandson has? Since the Qin clan was around, he's been no good—flirting, stealing people, visiting brothels, even committing those shameful acts in broad daylight.'"

'How is Er Lang the same? Er Lang is the county's top scholar, from childhood he's read the sages' books, keeping himself pure and proper. You don't even know what kind of conduct your precious grandson has? Since the Qin clan was around, he's been no good—flirting, stealing people, visiting brothels, even committing those shameful acts in broad daylight.'

'Putting him next to Er Lang is like comparing a stone in a latrine to the moon in the sky—could they possibly be compared?'

Translation: "'Putting him side by side with Er Lang is like comparing a stone in a latrine to the moon in the sky—could they possibly be comparable?'"

'As his grandmother, do us a favor—by all means, don't let Jiang Zongbao ruin the reputation of the eldest son's wife!'

Translation: "'As his grandmother, do us a favor—by all means, don't let Jiang Zongbao ruin the reputation of the eldest son's wife!'"

'As his grandmother, do us a favor—by all means, don't let Jiang Zongbao ruin the reputation of the eldest son's wife!'

Du Ruo clapped her hands, saying, 'Right on, well said, spot on!'

Translation: "Du Ruo clapped her hands, 'Exactly right, well said, spot on!'"

The clan chief's pent-up fury nearly fizzled out; he raised his cane as if to strike her, gruffly saying, 'Go on, go on, don't cause trouble—I'm not a toad, still ribbiting.'

Translation: "The clan chief's pent-up fury nearly fizzled out; he raised his cane as if to strike her, gruffly saying, 'Go on, go on, don't cause trouble—I'm not a toad, still ribbiting.'"

The clan chief's pent-up fury nearly fizzled out; he raised his cane as if to strike her, gruffly saying, 'Go on, go on, don't cause trouble—I'm not a toad, still ribbiting.'

He looked fierce, but his tone held the indulgence and affection of an elder toward a younger.

Translation: "He looked fierce, but his tone carried the indulgence and affection of an elder toward a junior."

Watching this, Yan Pozi felt her hatred grow, her teeth itching.

Translation: "Watching this, Yan Pozi felt her hatred grow, her teeth itching."

That old fogey, his heart's all skewed toward his armpit—even the second branch's daughter-in-law is more precious than Zongbao.

Translation: "That old fogey, his heart's all skewed toward his armpit—even the second branch's daughter-in-law is more precious than Zongbao."

That old fogey, his heart's all skewed toward his armpit—even the second branch's daughter-in-law is more precious than Zongbao.

'Never mind, since the chief elder has spoken, we won't bring them if we don't want to.' Also saves the Du clan's little *** from secretly harming Zongbao.

Translation: "'Never mind, since the chief elder has spoken, we won't bring them if we don't want to.' Also saves the Du clan's little *** from secretly harming Zongbao."

'Never mind, since the chief elder has spoken, we won't bring them if we don't want to.' Also saves the Du clan's little *** from secretly harming Zongbao.

But this matter isn't over!

Translation: "But this matter isn't over yet!"

Yan Pozi's cold, sinister gaze swept over Du Ruo and Jiang Zhan one by one, like a venomous snake, then she turned and left the courtyard without looking back.

Translation: "Yan Pozi's cold, sinister gaze swept over Du Ruo and Jiang Zhan in turn, like a venomous snake, then she strode out of the courtyard without looking back."

"Don't bother with her, her brain got kicked by a donkey." Jiang Clan Head comforted.

Du Ruo looked pitiful, "Fortunately the Jiang Clan Head grandfather arrived in time, otherwise we would have been miserable!"

Although without the Jiang Clan Head's help, she could handle it herself.

But with the Jiang Clan Head's support, her confidence naturally grew stronger. And elders, just like children, are healthier when coaxed.

Upon hearing Du Ruo's words, the Jiang Clan Head was indeed pleased, lifting his chin and boldly taking charge, "If they dare to cause trouble again, just have Wan'er call me, and see how I deal with them."

Du Ruo hummed her agreement.

After saying a couple of sentences, the Jiang Clan Head turned his gaze to Jiang Zhan, solemnly asking, "Second Son, are you confident about the prefectural exam?"

Jiang Zhan's attitude was respectful, "Clan head grandfather, rest assured, I will do my best."

The Jiang Clan Head nodded in relief.

Actually, the question was moot; as long as no major mistake is made, the Prefectural Top Scholar is certain to pass the prefectural and academy exams, ultimately obtaining the scholar degree.

However, to match Jiang Mo Nian of the past—winning the minor triple crown, then taking the Prefectural Top Scholar and Academy Top Scholar positions—is no easy feat.

After all, there are always people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens; there may well be students even more outstanding than Jiang Zhan.

No matter what, being able to become a scholar is already good.

The Jiang Clan Head didn't dare hope too much either; after thinking, he told Du Ruo, "On this trip to Fengyang Prefecture, the journey is far, you're unfamiliar with the place; if you can't decide, ask your third uncle. Don't think his cold, quiet demeanor means anything—he's actually the craftiest, full of tricks."

Du Ruo actually knew a bit about that.

Master Jiang is not as stiff and pedantic as he appears; on the contrary, he's quite secretly mischievous.

"Okay, I've remembered that."

"Another matter." The Jiang Clan Head furrowed his brows, "You three may be smart, but you have no strength to truss a chicken; if you run into a bandit on the road, what then?"

After a pause, he said, "How about this: I'll have Jiang Tong accompany you; he's big-built, though he hasn't studied martial arts, he looks imposing enough to serve as a deterrent. What do you think?"

Du Ruo quickly laughed and refused, "No need, clan head grandfather; Jiang Tong is the village head, he can't travel far."

Besides, my husband has already found a good escort for us; I hear his martial arts are superb—he can kill two big beasts with a single punch, how impressive!

That impressive?

The Jiang Clan Head initially doubted it—killing two big beasts with one punch sounded too exaggerated—but then he thought, the people Jiang Li found for his wife and brother certainly wouldn't be subpar, and they're absolutely trustworthy.

Since that's the case, he finally put his mind at ease.

After giving a few more instructions, he went back to the neighboring room.