Chapter Five: Debts Owed
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Holding onto Lin Junhao as he rushed forward, Lin Shize gently patted his younger brother’s head and asked, “Where’s Father?”
An elderly man, limping and hunched over, emerged from the house, coughing incessantly.
This was Lin Shize’s father, Lin Qing. Once a soldier on the frontier, he had been severely wounded in battle, leaving him disabled for life. Eventually, the army had sent him back, abandoned to fend for himself in Qing Village.
“Xiao Ze is back! Quickly, let your father see if there have been any battles recently, and if you’re injured.”
Lin Qing anxiously gripped Lin Shize’s arm, only relaxing after hearing that his son was unharmed.
Not wanting to worry them, Lin Shize changed the subject. “Father, Xiao Hao, look, I brought food this time, and some silver too. Yesterday was lucky—Old Liu and the others caught two wild chickens. I brought them back to help you regain your strength.”
Lin Junhao let out a joyful cheer—they hadn’t eaten meat in a long time.
Using the cracked black pottery pot they had at home, Lin Shize stewed one of the chickens and cooked a pot of rice porridge. The dimly lit room soon filled with a rich, inviting aroma.
Lin Junhao drooled, his eyes fixed on the feast laid out before him.
Lin Shize served two large bowls of porridge to his father and brother, then shredded the chicken meat and placed it in their bowls.
He prepared some broth for himself and was about to eat.
Lin Qing hurriedly picked the meat out of his bowl and said, “Xiao Ze, why aren’t you eating the meat? I’m an old man now; as long as I have something to eat, I’m fine.”
Lin Shize quickly stopped him. “Father, you eat it. I have food at the beacon tower. Although it’s plain fare, this meal is the most delicious I’ve had in a long time.”
Just as the family happily enjoyed their meal, an unexpected visitor shattered the peace.
“Ah, not bad, even chicken,” sneered a middle-aged man as he barged in, his tone dripping with mockery.
Two burly men with fierce expressions followed closely behind him.
Lin Shize’s face darkened as he stared at them. “What business do you have here?”
The middle-aged man smiled. “Xiao Ze, I’m just here about that debt you owe. Isn’t it time to settle up?”
“Your father borrowed one tael of silver three months ago. By now, you should owe ten taels. Delaying any longer won’t do.”
He pulled out an IOU from his pocket as he spoke.
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Lin Qing’s face paled. “Steward Lin, is this a mistake? How could the debt have ballooned so much so fast?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s all in black and white here, with your seal,” the steward said with a malicious grin.
Lin Shize calmly swallowed the last mouthful of porridge.
“You’re Lin Feng’s old steward, right?”
“Boy, watch your tongue—that’s still your second uncle,” the steward warned with a hostile glare.
Lin Shize snorted coldly. “I wouldn’t stoop that low. Never heard of siblings charging each other extortionate interest.”
“When my father was in the army, he tried coming here eight times a day. Now that he’s disabled, this man won’t let up, using such ruthless methods to drain him dry. Does he have any conscience left?”
Lin Shize’s righteous words failed to move the steward.
“Debts must be repaid. That’s the natural order. No matter what, your father has to pay.”
Faced with the steward’s aggressive stance, Lin Shize laughed bitterly.
“If even family demands strict accounts, then I’ll repay the money.”
The steward’s smile returned. “In that case, Xiao Ze, hand over the money now. I have other debts to collect.”
Lin Shize replied, “I didn’t bring that much silver with me today. Once I return to the beacon tower, I’ll have someone deliver it.”
The steward withdrew his hand, his tone turning cold. “Lin Shize, don’t toy with me.”
“I’ve heard you’re now the leader at the beacon tower, but it’s just a small post.”
“Don’t think you can bully us with your petty rank. My master and several officers at the main camp are acquainted.”
“Today, either you pay up or you hand over this dilapidated house and your brother as collateral.”
Lin Junhao clung to Lin Shize’s waist in terror, sobbing, “Brother, I won’t go with them. Many children taken by them never returned!”
Lin Shize hadn’t expected Lin Feng to be involved in human trafficking—this bastard was profiting from cruelty.
He gently comforted Lin Junhao, then looked at the steward. “My family lives here. We’re not going anywhere. I’ll have the silver sent tomorrow. Why not give me just a little time?”
The steward replied, “Don’t blame me. My master gave orders. As steward, I must comply.”
“If there’s no resolution today, these two guards behind me won’t be idle.”
Lin Shize laughed. “Fine. You all come with me to the beacon tower. I’ll pay you there. That sound alright?”
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The steward hesitated but finally agreed.
Lin Shize patted Lin Junhao’s head. “Take good care of Father. I’ll be back in a few days.”
With that, he mounted his horse and, accompanied by the steward and the two guards, rode straight to the beacon tower.
No one saw the cold gleam in Lin Shize’s eyes—his family’s actions at the Lin estate had ignited a deadly resolve within him.
Soon, the four arrived at the beacon tower. Gou Dan was on guard duty and immediately lowered the drawbridge upon seeing Lin Shize. He saluted. “Chief, you’re back.”
Lin Shize said, “Hmm. Your injury isn’t healed yet. Don’t overwork yourself—don’t want a lingering illness.”
Gou Dan chuckled. “Don’t worry, Chief. Staying idle drives me crazy.”
Lin Shize patted his shoulder and said nothing more, turning to enter the tower.
The steward tried to follow but was stopped by Gou Dan.
“Hold! Who goes there?”
The steward’s face changed. “I came to collect a debt. Lin Shize owes ten taels. The money must be paid today!”
“I know Liu Wu, the small flag leader, and you’d better not be ungrateful.”
Gou Dan showed no mercy, drawing his battle knife. “This is Chief’s domain now. Even if your father comes, he’ll have to wait.”
Seeing he couldn’t reason with Gou Dan, the steward shouted at Lin Shize, “What tricks are you playing?”
Lin Shize said calmly, “Gou Dan, let them in.”
Only then did Gou Dan step aside and allow them entrance, though his stern gaze never left the three men as he stood beside Lin Shize.
Lin Shize stretched lazily and lay down on the bed with a deep sigh—the horseback ride had tired him.
The steward impatiently said, “Hurry up and give me the silver. I have to get back.”
“No money, and damn sure no lives,” Lin Shize answered defiantly.
The steward exploded with rage. “Lin Shize! You must want to die!”
The two burly men behind him drew their knives, ready to attack.
Gou Dan brandished his long blade, the tension thickening like a drawn bowstring.
Just then, Liu Wu pushed the door open and stepped inside...