Chapter 3

The Maternal Dowry

    After the family meal, Chen Luxian moved back into the original residence that Chen Lu had once occupied. Thanks to General Chen’s orders, everything had been restored and arranged properly. The residence was clean, beautifully furnished, and appropriately decorated to reflect the status of the eldest son of the General’s household.

    The bedroom was far more spacious than the quarters at the back of the estate, with a private kitchen and a significantly larger bathroom. Four beautiful maidservants had also been assigned to serve him.

    It seemed the General was serious about this arrangement. But sorry, my new dad, people from my time believe in monogamy. You can keep these maids for yourself. I’ll just have them clean, cook, and do household chores.

    “What are your names?” Luxian asked, lounging comfortably with one leg crossed over the other, his left hand propping up his head while his right hand held a teacup. Though his demeanor appeared casual, it exuded just enough pressure to keep the four maidservants on their toes.

    Despite never having killed indiscriminately like other members of his mafia family, Luxian was still raised as a mafia heir. While his warm, caring side reflected his experience as a doctor, his ruthless side as a mafia scion remained. It all depended on which part of himself he chose to reveal in any given situation.

    Now, with the ambitious goal of fulfilling his dreams of becoming a martial artist and a divine doctor before he died, Luxian displayed the situational adaptability instilled in him by Chen Mu. Even if his inner thoughts didn’t match his outward behavior, he knew how to carry himself appropriately.

    “This servant’s name is Li Hong, sir.”

    “This servant is Qing Hai, sir.”

    “This servant is Lu Lu, sir.”

    “This servant is Bai Li, sir.”

    The four maidservants introduced themselves with charming smiles. To them, even if the eldest son was rumored to be ugly, he was still the eldest son. Winning his favor could mean a lifetime of comfort and security.

    “Where do I go to get my clothing, essentials, and monthly allowances?” Luxian asked, aware that Chen Lu’s memories were lacking in such details.

    “Normally, Servant Zhu handles the monthly allowances for the young masters, young ladies, the furens, and the concubines. He distributes them himself on the 30th of each month, sir. As for clothing and other necessities, each person purchases them as needed,” Li Hong explained.

    Ah, so it’s a monthly allowance system. At least the funds aren’t managed by that wicked stepmother; otherwise, I’d be eating dirt by now. But wait… what about before?

    “And why have I never received even a single coin before?” Luxian asked, his expression grew serious.

    “You never received anything, sir?” Li Hong exclaimed in shock. “Perhaps Servant Zhu delivered it to your quarters without your knowledge, or… you’d need to ask him directly, sir.”

    The maidservants understood why the eldest son had been sent to the back of the estate, but they couldn’t fathom why Servant Zhu hadn’t provided him with his rightful allowance.

    “Where is Servant Zhu? Summon him here.”

    “Yes, sir,” Lu Lu replied, bowing before leaving the room. She soon returned with a middle-aged man of solid build.

    “Greetings, Young Master,” Servant Zhu said respectfully. Unlike the servants under Fang Meihua’s influence, he was one of the few in the household who still held the eldest son in proper regard. As an old retainer of the elder matron, Servant Zhu was known for his fairness and had not been swayed by the second furen.

    General Chen seemed to understand the jealousies and rivalries of the women in his household and had wisely refrained from giving Fang Meihua control over the estate’s treasury.

    “You may all leave,” Luxian said, dismissing the four maidservants.

    The maids, knowing their place, bowed gracefully and left the room, closing the door behind them without needing further instructions.

    “Servant Zhu, I have a question for you,” Luxian said, still holding a teacup in his hand. He swirled the tea gently, took a small sip, and glanced at the middle-aged man bowing before him.

    “Yes, sir…”

    “Why is it that, ever since I was moved to the back residence, I haven’t received a single coin from my monthly allowance? Not even one,” Luxian said, emphasizing the last sentence firmly.

    Servant Zhu lifted his head briefly to meet Luxian’s eyes before quickly lowering it again. In his heart, he marveled at how much the young master’s demeanor had changed—it was as if he had transformed from a mouse into a lion, or a rabbit into a wolf.

    “Sir… years ago, when the incident occurred… um, when you were sent to the back residence, you were still very young. I did not give the allowance to you directly but entrusted it to your servant instead. However, after that servant passed away, as you know, I refrained from sending it, fearing it would end up in someone else’s pocket. Your mother’s treasures were also taken away by others. I was worried that if I handed it over to you, it would not only be of no benefit to you but could even cause you harm…” Though nervous and sweating, Servant Zhu maintained his composure and explained carefully.

    “I have kept your monthly allowances in a hidden compartment in this residence. If the day came that you returned, the funds would still be available for your use. Only I, as the Servant, and your mother were aware of this hidden compartment.”

    “It’s beneath the second floorboard under the rug in your bedroom, sir. By rights, your monthly allowance was fifty taels of gold. Seven years have passed since then… so there should now be approximately 4,200 taels,” Servant Zhu explained quickly, he wouldn’t dare steal the money from his masters.

    Luxian stared at him for a long moment before setting the teacup down on the table with a soft clink.

    Servant Zhu flinched.

    “You’re very thorough, Servant Zhu,” Luxian said with a faint smile. “Thank you for safeguarding my property so diligently. Now, regarding my mother’s treasures… What would you suggest I do to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me? Can you assist me with this?”

    “Sir, when your mother fell gravely ill… before the elder matron passed away, she entrusted me to look after you and your mother. After your mother’s passing, the third concubine gained dominance in the household, and as a mere Servant, I couldn’t do much. Fortunately, I was able to secure and preserve most of Furen Fu’s treasures, intending to return it to its rightful owner. As for what was taken by others… While it was a considerable amount, it consisted mainly of women’s jewelry, which isn’t of much use to you. I thought it best for you to handle reclaiming it yourself when the time comes,” Servant Zhu explained earnestly.

    Luxian nodded slightly. “I see. I suppose I’ll have to thank my grandmother at the ancestral shrine every morning from now on. You’ve had a hard time all these years, Servant Zhu. Now, could you please bring me the account books? I’m very curious to know where my mother’s belongings have all ended up.”

    “It’s no trouble, sir. It’s my duty. What belongs to you should rightfully be yours. I’m overjoyed to see you taking charge. Now that you’re back, you mustn’t let her treat you this way again.”

    “Hmm. One more thing—I want to know how trustworthy the four maidservants are.”

    “Sir, when the master ordered maids to be assigned to you, the second furen initially intended to send her own people. However, I intervened to ensure that didn’t happen. Still, it’s wise to be cautious. While the four maids seem reliable, walls have ears, and doors have eyes. Whatever you plan to do, please proceed with care,” Servant Zhu advised.

    “I understand. Thank you, Servant Zhu. You may go now. As for the items, there’s no need to rush. Bring them to me tomorrow. For my mother’s treasures, just bring me the banknotes and a few pieces of jewelry suited for men. The rest, I trust you to continue safeguarding for now.”

    “Understood, Young Master,” Servant Zhu replied with a slight bow before leaving. He didn’t ask what Luxian planned to do with the information—he knew his place as a servant and refrained from prying unnecessarily. As far as he was concerned, he had done his utmost as a Servant. Whether the Young Master chose to reclaim what was his or let it be was entirely up to him.

    After Servant Zhu left, Li Hong and Qing Hai entered to prepare Luxian’s evening meal. Once he had finished eating, Luxian took a walk around the Eastern Residence, reflecting on his next steps in life.

    For Dr. Chen, his current goals were clear: to avenge the original owner of the body, fulfill his dream of becoming a divine doctor, and master the skills of a legendary martial artist. While these objectives seemed unrelated, Luxian was confident that, with determination, he could accomplish them all. He had the patience to prepare himself, just as he had done when he studied and worked his way into medical school before leaving home. All he needed now was time to grow stronger and exact his revenge.

    The first targets of his vengeance were the second furen, Fang Meihua, and her children, all of whom were driven by jealousy and greed. They couldn’t stand seeing anyone more capable or higher in status than themselves. Fang Meihua had raised her two daughters to be arrogant and haughty, looking down on others and using their noble status to trample on those they considered beneath them. The eldest daughter, now seventeen, had yet to marry.

    It was because she was overly selective. Unless she could become the consort of a prince or the wife of a Shizi[1] from one of the Guogong households, she wouldn’t even consider the match. As for her son, he sought only to trample over his elder brother, Chen Lu, and claim the position of family heir. Her youngest daughter was no different from her eldest—just as spoiled, if not more so.

    The best way to hurt such people, Luxian thought, was to deny them what they coveted most. He would place their desires just within reach yet keep them forever unattainable, tormenting them with frustration and envy.

    But first, Luxian needed to strengthen himself. He had to reclaim the position of family heir that rightfully belonged to the original owner of this body. If he failed to secure it, he would pass it to the young son of the fourth concubine, who was still impressionable enough to be taught gratitude and decency.

    Before anything else, Luxian needed to restore his reputation as the eldest son of a second-rank noble family. He refused to remain a pitiful “ugly outcast” for others to mock.

    The scars on his face, once strikingly beautiful, were something he could handle as a 21st-century surgeon. However, since he was no longer a practicing doctor, and the scars were old, it would take considerable time and effort to heal them. This tied into his dream of becoming a divine doctor—restoring his own face was the first step.

    Of course, he needed the proper medical tools. In this era, there were no synthetic drugs, only natural herbs. Fortunately, Luxian had studied herbal medicine and knew which herbs could substitute for modern pharmaceuticals. While he wasn’t as proficient in traditional medicine as he was in surgery, his many certifications and licenses ensured he had the knowledge to proceed confidently without fear of being labeled a quack.

    In a time of war and underdeveloped medical practices, opening a clinic to establish connections was a strategic move. It would allow him to pursue his passion for medicine while gaining influence and power.

    This was why he had asked about his mother’s wealth. It would provide him with the resources he needed. As for martial arts, they were equally important—both for personal ambition and practical necessity. Luxian had always been curious about the fantastical elements in novels: martial artists who defied gravity, glowing swords, immortality elixirs, and other mythical wonders. Were they real in this world?

    For now, his most immediate priority was to master light-footed techniques. If he wanted to act covertly, he needed to move without leaving a trace, scaling the walls of the General’s estate like a ghost.

    Luckily, in his previous life, Chen Mu had raised him like his siblings, training him extensively in martial arts. At least for now, he could easily take on the second son or fend off street thugs. However, achieving the gravity-defying agility of a martial arts master was still beyond his reach.

    The original owner of this body had once tried to cultivate martial arts, only to succumb to an internal imbalance that led to his death. Luxian wouldn’t repeat that mistake.

    With the intellect of Professor Dr. Chen, some of his knowledge could likely be adapted to his current situation. While it might not be enough to make him a renowned martial artist, it should suffice for sneaking out of the estate at night. With a bit more training, it seemed achievable.

    Lost in thought as he mulled over his plans, Luxian realized the sky had already grown dark. He eventually returned to his residence, heading to bed early to prepare for the tasks he intended to accomplish the following day.

[1] Shizi refers to the heir to a noble title, such as that of a Wang (Prince), Guogong (Duke), or Hou (Marquis).