Chapter Forty-Two: Leaving Wealth Behind

The owner of the courtyard was Uncle Wang, a second-generation heir of considerable wealth. He had never needed to work, instead spending most of his life idly wandering the village, living off the fortune left by his ancestors.

“Rent it out? No, I won’t. I’m planning to sell this house,” Uncle Wang said, shaking his head.

“To whom? And for how much?” Lu Hao asked.

“I’m selling it to Sun Wenguo’s family. They’re planning some extensive renovations in the village—ancestral estate, clan hall, all of it. The Sun family is on the rise now.”

“Think about our Wang family. Over a hundred years ago, we too were local gentry. Who would have thought that each generation would fare worse than the last? Now we’ve fallen so low—honestly, I feel ashamed.”

At the mention of Sun Wenguo’s name, Lu Hao interjected, “Uncle Wang, all the more reason you shouldn’t sell it.”

“Times change. Years slip by. People grow old like trees—it’s all perfectly natural,” Uncle Wang sighed.

“But a house is different,” Lu Hao insisted. “When you’re gone, the house will remain. This is the last trace of your family, the final mark the Wang family leaves upon this world.”

“If Sun Wenguo buys it, he’s not going to live here. They’ll tear it down,” Lu Hao added.

Uncle Wang’s expression changed immediately. “Tear it down? Buy it only to demolish it?” He looked at Lu Hao, searching his face.

“Of course. Do you think he’s interested in the fine craftsmanship of your ancestral courtyard? Not at all. He just wants the land. Who knows? This place might be developed into a resort or a tourist attraction in the future.”

“All these places will be turned into luxury hotels and such.”

“The Sun family has already bought up plenty of houses and land, only to demolish them.”

Uncle Wang couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease at Lu Hao’s words. True, he hadn’t accomplished much in his life, but he still felt pride in the honor and glory passed down from his ancestors. His own grandfather had been a scholar of renown in his day.

If the only legacy left by his ancestors was this old home, and he sold it just to see it torn down—who would he turn to for justice then?

Seeing that his words had struck a chord, Lu Hao pressed on, “Uncle Wang, this ancestral home has witnessed your family's glory and sheltered you for nearly a century, hasn’t it?”

“If you let it be demolished, the loss would be immeasurable.”

Uncle Wang’s face grew solemn. “You’re right… You’re absolutely right,” he said, suddenly looking ashamed. “But I’ve already taken a deposit. The contract is ready to be signed. What now?” He looked at Lu Hao with genuine concern.

“That’s simple,” Lu Hao replied. “Just return the money. What, do you think they’d dare force you to sell?”

“But…” Uncle Wang’s face showed hesitation.

The truth was, the Wang family had long since declined. He’d spent most of his life alone, with no influence left in the clan. How could he possibly stand up to Sun Wenguo, whose family now controlled a business empire?

Would Sun Wenguo even accept the money back?

Uncle Wang voiced his worries, “I’m not sure if Sun Wenguo and his lot will let me…”

Lu Hao reached out, stopping him mid-sentence. “Don’t worry, Uncle Wang. You have nothing to fear. I’ll handle it. I’ll make sure they give up on buying this house.”

Uncle Wang was startled. “Lu, don’t do anything foolish. It’s just a house—bricks and mortar—while you’re flesh and blood. Going up against the Sun family will come to no good. Their methods are ruthless.”

At this, a shadow of fear passed across Uncle Wang’s eyes, as if some memory of the Sun family’s dealings chilled him to the bone.

Lu Hao merely shook his head and smiled. “Don’t worry, Uncle Wang. I actually have a score to settle with them myself.”

“Come, I’ll go with you and sort this out.”

“Is that a good idea? Should we…?” Uncle Wang hesitated. He’d heard about Lu Hao’s recent exploits—how he’d saved an important figure from the city, gaining powerful connections, and how he’d dealt with local thugs more than once. Lu Hao was no longer the weak university graduate who’d once been bullied.

“Trust me, Uncle Wang. I’ll guarantee your safety. Sun Wenguo wouldn’t dare touch you. You know me—I never make empty promises.”

After a moment’s thought, Uncle Wang finally nodded, steeling himself. He’d spent his whole life timid and unremarkable, never accomplishing much. But now, with his ancestral home on the brink of destruction, wasn’t it time to stand up for himself? If not now, would he wait until he was laid to rest to regret it?

He nodded resolutely. “All right, let’s go.”

Lu Hao immediately set off with Uncle Wang toward the Sun family estate in the village.

It was Lu Hao’s first time visiting Sun Wenguo’s home.

The Sun estate sat halfway up a hill in Peach Blossom Village, occupying the area with the best feng shui. The mansion was four stories tall, built entirely in the European style, designed inside and out by a renowned architect. It was said the design fee alone had cost several hundred thousand, perhaps close to a million.

As dusk fell, the Sun house shone bright with light, a vast expanse of golden glow illuminating the night, radiating opulence and making the wealth of its owners unmistakable.

Seeing the grandeur of the Sun mansion, Uncle Wang felt his confidence waver. He sighed.

“A hundred years ago, the Sun family were mere tenant farmers, unable to afford even trousers. Our Wang family then was already a household of scholars and gentlemen.”

“Now, everything’s changed. The Sun family has risen while the Wangs have declined. Fortune’s wheel turns, indeed.”

Lu Hao waved his hand dismissively. “Uncle Wang, you’re still from an old noble family, with a legacy spanning centuries and ancestors who were scholars. What is there to fear? Why be intimidated by a nouveau riche family with only a decade of wealth?”

“Come on!”

With that, Lu Hao strode toward the Sun house.

At the entrance, they were promptly stopped by the Sun family’s butler—a man in his forties who’d only been in the post for two or three years. Sun Wenguo had hired him to add a touch of Western affectation to the household.

“Who are you? Who are you here to see? What’s your business?” The butler eyed Lu Hao and Uncle Wang, immediately recognizing their shabby clothes and modest appearance. He wasn’t particularly capable, but his ability to size people up was second to none. He could smell money, or the lack thereof, from a mile away.

All he saw now were two paupers.

“We’re here to see Sun Wenguo. Is he home? I have business with him,” Lu Hao said.

“What business?” the butler asked, his face already twisted in disdain.

“I’m here to return his money. He wants to buy Uncle Wang’s house, but Uncle Wang has changed his mind,” Lu Hao replied.

“You think you can just say no and it’s done? Since when has the Sun family ever returned anything they’ve bought? Get lost!” The butler jabbed a finger at Lu Hao, shouting.