Following Shan Wuju’s silence.
The atmosphere in the living room gradually grew quiet; one could even hear the faint rustling of birds flapping their wings in the courtyard through the window. Everyone’s gaze subconsciously converged on Wei Tu, all wanting to hear how this disciple, taken in by Shan Wuju, would respond.
Most people—or rather, ninety-nine percent of them—wore expressions of anticipation, hoping that Wei Tu would follow Shan Wuju’s wishes and agree.
This included Shan Yengong, the only son of the Shan family, who had previously been somewhat at odds with Shan Fang.
The Shan family members could tell that the old man was remaining silent at this moment because he did not want to force Wei Tu to agree, lest it damage the bond between master and disciple.
—Since he did not explicitly refuse Shan Fang’s request, the implication was quite clear.
Even without this specific incident, the Shan family could guess the old man’s intentions.
When people grow old, they all hope that the family business they built will continue and that the skills they take pride in will be inherited by their descendants.
Shan Yiwu was the descendant whom Shan Wuju valued to inherit his martial arts within the family.
Everyone in the room knew that Shan Wuju taking Wei Tu as a disciple was certainly motivated by the idea of having him protect the Shan family’s foundation once he achieved official rank.
While Wei Tu agreeing to teach Shan Yiwu martial arts was not directly related to this, one could still discern from this action whether Wei Tu was "truly filial."
If he would not help with "small matters," then whether Wei Tu would step forward when the Shan family faced life-or-death crises was open to question.
"This matter..."
After a moment of silence, Wei Tu finally spoke. He bowed slightly and said, "This matter is entirely up to Master’s instructions."
As his voice fell.
The crowd frowned inwardly.
Having spent over a month with Wei Tu, they knew that although he was respectful, he was also a man of depth. This disciple, who had managed to win Shan Wuju’s favor, was certainly not some dullard who couldn't understand subtext or read people's minds.
They unanimously felt that Wei Tu’s answer could have been phrased more pleasantly, more brilliantly, and in a way that would have better pleased Shan Wuju.
Even if it were a refusal...
—For instance: "Master’s attainments are deeper; you are more suited to teach Yiwu than I am. I cannot be presumptuous and disturb the joy you find in playing with your grandson."
That would have been acceptable!
"Entirely up to my instructions?" Shan Wuju raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze fixed on Wei Tu.
As Wei Tu lowered his head while bowing, Shan Wuju’s gaze from his chair was perfectly level with Wei Tu’s eyes.
However, the former was looking at a person, while the latter was looking at his own toes and the floor.
The two did not meet each other's eyes.
"I know your thoughts now." A moment later, Shan Wuju withdrew his gaze and told Wei Tu to stand up, no longer needing to keep his back bent.
Judging people by their faces—Shan Wuju didn't flatter himself that he had that ability, but having spent so much time with Wei Tu, he knew what kind of character he had and could guess his thoughts to some extent.
—Wei Tu did not want to remain permanently dependent on him, his master, or the Shan family.
Just like his actions within the Shan household... he never asked for any extra wealth beyond knowledge.
The implication of saying "entirely up to Master’s instructions" was that while he would repay the kindness, he, Wei Tu, was not a servant of the Shan family and would not be ordered or commanded by the other members of the Shan family.
Of course, this sentence also had a hidden meaning: Wei Tu would only take orders from him, his master; the rest of the Shan family had no such qualification.
"After I die, Wei Tu should be someone the Shan family can rely on." After thinking this through, Shan Wuju mused to himself.
He had lived for so long, and while he didn't consider himself a master of reading people, he could still discern seven or eight parts of a person's character.
Besides, if someone as stingy as Li Yaozu could think highly of Wei Tu and not hesitate to use a favor to send him here to learn, then Shan Wuju did not believe Li Yaozu was blind either.
"If Yiwu wants to learn martial arts, leave him with me when you leave after the New Year. I will teach him personally."
"Wei Tu is busy with the military examinations and cannot spare the time. The county exam in February, the prefecture exam in April, and the circuit exam in September—he won't have any free time."
After waiting a moment, Shan Wuju took a deep breath and said to Shan Fang in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Father?" Shan Fang was surprised and couldn't help but call out.
This time, her plotting for the family’s fist manual was real, and her desire for Shan Yiwu to apprentice under Wei Tu was also real.
A single sentence of true instruction.
Is worth ten thousand scrolls of false books.
The Shan family’s ancestral fist manual was worth a thousand pieces of gold; it was not common merchandise. Whether sold or kept as an heirloom, it was a viable asset.
As for having Shan Yiwu apprentice under Wei Tu...
Shan Fang was not blind. Having stayed at home for the past month or two, she knew how high the hopes were that Shan Wuju placed on Wei Tu.
If Wei Tu succeeded in the military examinations, he would undoubtedly be a prominent figure in Qingshan County in the future. Whether used as a protective wing for her family or to revitalize the family business through his connections, it was a high-yield investment.
But the prerequisite was that she had to establish a connection with Wei Tu, and Shan Yiwu was a perfect medium.
However, her well-laid plans had broken at the most crucial link.
Shan Wuju had refused!
"Father, there is no need to rush. Let’s wait until Brother Wei finishes his exams, and Yiwu can grow for another two years..." Shan Fang’s voice softened again, pleading with Shan Wuju in a tone that bordered on begging.
She did not believe that Shan Wuju could not see the pros and cons of this.
If they couldn't establish a connection with Wei Tu.
Once Shan Wuju was gone, the Shan family and Wei Tu would inevitably drift further and further apart. Whether this old friendship could survive then was anyone's guess.
"I am not yet old. If Yiwu truly has the heart to practice martial arts, he doesn't need Wei Tu."
Contrary to his usual self, Shan Wuju righteously rejected Shan Fang’s plea this time, completely unmoved by the bond between father and daughter.
Hearing this.
Shan Fang pursed her lips and fell silent. She searched her mind but could find no suitable words to refute him, so she turned to look at Madam Shan, who was sitting beside Shan Wuju, hoping to use her to persuade him.
She knew that Shan Wuju always valued Madam Shan’s opinions and would not easily oppose her.
However—
Something that surprised Shan Fang again occurred.
Madam Shan did not follow the script she had envisioned; instead, she gave a light cough, frowned, and said a conciliatory word.
"Alright, daughter, there is still plenty of time. If Yiwu and Brother Wei get along, it won't be too late to have Brother Wei teach him then..."
This sounded like a mediation, but Shan Fang knew that the matter of her son, Shan Yiwu, apprenticing under Wei Tu was dead; it had been completely vetoed by the old couple.
"I even gave them a horse, so why won't they agree to this..." Standing in the living room, Shan Fang couldn't quite understand.
The horses in the Shan family stables, even the old ones, were fine steeds—uncastrated, high-quality horses of great value.
A single one could sell for nearly a hundred taels of silver.
And her request, no matter how one looked at it, was beneficial to the Shan family, costing the old couple nothing more than a few words—certainly not worth a hundred taels of silver.
"Also, stop thinking about the fist manual. Unless Yiwu can master five stance-training techniques, or learn from me—I will teach him personally—otherwise, don't even mention it."
Shan Wuju added.
After speaking, Shan Wuju waved his hand, signaling for Shan Fang and her husband to withdraw.
PS: To explain why Shan Fang wanted to divide the property: the book indicates that Shan Fang’s husband is a matrilocal son-in-law, and Shan Yiwu carries the Shan surname.
Therefore, with a legitimate grandson present, Shan Fang also has the right to compete for the Shan family’s assets.