Chapter 377: A More Impressive Name

This devastating news seemed to have finally crushed the Zhang family, who had been drowning in the sorrow of Zhang Xiaohua’s disappearance. Once again, Guo Sufei took to her bed.

Fortunately, at this time, Liu Qian’s belly had already started to show a slight bulge—the third generation of the Zhang family was undoubtedly the spiritual pillar of the household. Meanwhile, Li Yinfeng found herself in an exceptionally awkward situation. She wasn’t officially Zhang Xiaohu’s wife; in fact, even Zhang Xiaohu himself was unaware of this. Yet, given the current circumstances, how could she possibly leave?

Moreover, she had lived in Guo Village for quite some time, and everyone there referred to her as the Zhang family’s daughter-in-law. How could she possibly marry someone else now? Even if she did find someone suitable, how could she ever explain her situation to them?

And it was precisely at this moment that her true destined one, Liu Kai, appeared.

Liu Kai had only come with Butcher Liu to visit the Zhang family, but he was instantly captivated by the faint sorrow lingering between Li Yinfeng’s brows. Upon hearing about her situation, he felt deep sympathy and pleaded with his younger sister to find an opportunity to express his broad-minded intentions to her.

Liu Qian, upon receiving this difficult task, was quite troubled. Li Yinfeng was a good girl, pure and virtuous. She would certainly be happy to have her as a sister-in-law, but after all, Li Yinfeng was now known as the second daughter-in-law of Zhang Xiaolong’s family. She couldn’t possibly undermine her own husband’s household.

Left with no choice, she discussed it with Zhang Xiaolong. Zhang Xiaolong was at a loss as well, and could only consult his mother. Though Guo Sufei was still bedridden, her mind remained clear. Li Yinfeng had cared for the Zhang family for a long time, and now, with no word from Zhang Xiaohu—no one knew when or if he would return, even if he was still alive. Besides, they didn’t know Zhang Xiaohu’s wishes, or whether he would even agree. So, Guo Sufei, being reasonable and understanding, gave her consent.

Yet, the sorrowful Li Yinfeng showed no reaction to this news. Of course—after staying with the Zhang family for so long, how could a single sentence change a girl’s heart? Wouldn’t others also find it inappropriate?

Fortunately, didn’t Mr. Liu have a house in Guo Village?

So Liu Kai stayed, under the pretext of taking care of his father.

Mr. Liu just curled his lips—how could he not know his son’s intentions? Though he curled his lips, he still supported him. Thus, Liu Kai now had the advantage of being close at hand.

Liu Kai was gentle and refined, a true scholar, quite similar to Li Jinfeng. It’s often said that a woman’s first impression when seeking a husband is shaped by her father and brothers, and Liu Kai and Li Yinfeng shared similar interests; in fact, he was indeed more suitable for her than Zhang Xiaohu. So, after some time, their feelings naturally blossomed, and the two became deeply attached.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua burst out laughing, causing Liu Kai’s face to flush bright red. Yet Zhang Xiaohua cupped his fists and said: “Here, I must thank Brother Kai on behalf of my second brother.”

Liu Kai hurriedly returned the gesture, replying: “And why is that?”

Zhang Xiaohua recounted some matters between Zhang Xiaohu and Chang Ge from a few years ago, then added: “I think I understand sister-in-law’s situation. Even if my second brother were here, he’d feel the same. We never expected anything in return for saving others, especially when it concerns Young Master Li’s family. We could never stand by and do nothing. If, because of this, my sister-in-law misunderstood or her youth was wasted, neither my second brother nor I would wish to see that. Besides, as you can see, my second brother already has someone in his heart. Brother Kai, your understanding of the sister-in-law’s hardships and rescuing her from distress is a great favor to my second brother. If I don’t thank you, who should I thank?”

Liu Kai’s face grew even redder—this had always been a knot in his heart, but now, with Zhang Xiaohua’s words, it was suddenly untied, and he felt an immense relief. Smiling, he cupped his fists again and dashed out of the small courtyard. That speed—well, as Li Jinfeng would say, it was rather lacking in scholarly composure!

Not long after, Liu Kai returned, pulling along a blushing Li Yinfeng. The couple bowed to Zhang Xiaohua again, leaving him at a loss, unsure what they were up to.

Then Li Yinfeng, shy and gentle, said: “Xiaohua, if you ever see Xiaohu, please convey my feelings to him. Liu Kai and I pray at home that he and Chang Ge may become ‘a couple destined by fate.’”

“A couple destined by fate?!” A bitter smile appeared on Zhang Xiaohua’s face.

The Piaomiao Sect had been destroyed, and both his second brother and Chang Ge were missing, their fates unknown. Whether his second brother could find Chang Ge, or whether their feelings could be realized, was all uncertain.

Nevertheless, Zhang Xiaohua quickly returned the bow and said: “On behalf of my second brother, I congratulate you both—may you live in harmony and be blessed with children soon.”

Li Yinfeng’s face turned an even deeper shade of red.

While the younger generation was discussing matters of the heart, the elders were also paying close attention. However, affairs of love are always the most complicated—sometimes, even the slightest interference can cause endless twists and turns. Zhang Cai himself couldn’t figure out Zhang Xiaohu’s feelings, so he had always refrained from saying anything. It was only when he heard Zhang Xiaohua mention that his own son already had someone he cared for out in the world that he felt a mix of sorrow and joy, his heart aching for his missing second son.

With everything laid out in the open, the atmosphere grew even livelier, and the three elders’ opinions gradually aligned. Zhang Cai called out: “Xiaolong, go and fetch your mother. And, the child…”

Mr. Liu quickly interjected: “Let’s just have your wife come over. The child caught a chill outside yesterday. Today, ah, before the full month, it’s best not to take him out.”

Zhang Cai laughed: “Alright then, Xiaolong, just bring your mother over.”

Zhang Xiaolong went out, and before long, Guo Sufei returned with a beaming smile. Although her second son Zhang Xiaohu was still missing, the return of her youngest son after so many years and the birth of her long-awaited grandson brought her immense comfort. Moreover, this little grandson seemed cleverer than any other child in the village—how could Guo Sufei not be overjoyed?

Today was the day her precious grandson would be named. For farming families, a name marks the first step into the world, and a good name could shape a child’s entire life. She thought back to when her own father named her three sons—Xiaolong, Xiaohu, Xiaohua—such wonderful names! And looking at their family’s current circumstances, it was something she had never dared dream of. All thanks to her farsighted father, who had chosen such spirited, auspicious names!

Once Guo Sufei was seated, Zhang Cai stroked his goatee, tapped his old pipe, and said: “Brother Liu, why don’t you do the honors? You’re a learned man, and my wife has great faith in you.”

Mr. Liu waved his hands repeatedly: “Brother Zhang, don’t tease me. This is your right, and no one else should take it.”

Guo Sufei chimed in: “Husband, hurry and say it! If it’s not quite right, we can always ask our in-laws to suggest something else.”

Zhang Cai narrowed his eyes and said: “The name I’ve chosen for the child is…”

Zhang Cai deliberately drew out his words: “He shall be called Zhang Jian!”

“This ‘Jian’ means solid and sturdy, symbolizing that the child will be as strong as a rock, growing up robust and healthy.”

Mr. Liu added: “It also means the child’s will shall be firm and unyielding, growing tall and strong like a towering tree.”

“Excellent!” Everyone applauded. The old truly are wise—the character ‘Jian’ perfectly expressed everyone’s heartfelt wishes.

Guo Sufei was delighted and was about to rise to share this good news with Liu Qian, but Mr. Liu said: “Old sister-in-law, don’t be in a hurry.”

Guo Sufei was puzzled. “What else is there, dear in-law?”

“Since we’re naming the child today, why not give him a courtesy name as well?”

“A courtesy name?”

Guo Sufei, Zhang Cai, Zhang Xiaolong, and Zhang Xiaohua were all taken aback.

Only Liu Kai and Li Jinfeng smiled knowingly. “Mr. Liu really extends his care far and wide. Zhang Jian has just been born, and you want to give him a courtesy name already?”

Mr. Liu chuckled, “Exactly. Since we are naming him, it’s best to do it all at once. Later, Old Sister-in-law, you’ll also need to think of a pet name for the child.”

“A courtesy name?” Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohua exchanged glances. After Li Jinfeng explained, they finally understood. In the big cities, scholars and literati not only had a given name but were also granted a courtesy name by their elders upon reaching adulthood—a symbol of status and identity.

Neither Liu Kai nor Li Jinfeng had courtesy names, so Mr. Liu giving Zhang Jian one now was a bit ahead of time. But since the courtesy name was used after coming of age, it was not inappropriate for the elders to bestow it early. After all, outsiders wouldn’t know anyway.

Old Shopkeeper Li smiled and said: “Mr. Liu, you kept this a secret until now. Please share it with us so we can all consider it.”

Mr. Liu sipped his tea and said with a smile: “I pondered long last night. I sensed unusual omens at Jian’s birth, indicating he would not be an ordinary person. Those extraordinary individuals tend to be aloof and proud, which is not good for life. So, I thought to give Jian a courtesy name: ‘You Ren’ (Friend). To treat others kindly and make friends—that is how one can achieve great things. What do you all think?”

“Zhang Youren?!” Li Jinfeng and Liu Kai considered it and both approved.

The name Zhang Jian already hinted at something special to the Zhang family, but the courtesy name Zhang Youren honestly left Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei feeling a bit odd. Yet, since courtesy names were a scholar’s tradition, they naturally deferred to the learned Mr. Liu and agreed.

When it came to giving the child a pet name, however, Guo Sufei frowned deeply. After much thought, she said: “Dear in-law, how about ‘Gousheng’ (Dog Leftover), ‘Erdan’ (Second Egg), ‘Erlengzi’ (Second Fool), or ‘Goubuli’ (Dog Ignored)?”

Mr. Liu’s expression changed, but he smiled and said: “Old sister-in-law, since the child already has such a refined courtesy name, it wouldn’t do to give him a rustic pet name. Please think it over again.”

Guo Sufei pondered for a long time and finally said: “Forget it. Let the in-laws choose the pet name. Or I’ll ask Qianqian to see what she thinks.”

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua, who had been silent all along, spoke up: “Father, Mother, Mr. Liu, I have a pet name in mind. Listen and tell me if it’s good.”

Zhang Cai was about to scold him, but Mr. Liu smiled: “No harm. Go ahead, Xiaohua. You’ve been out in the world for years and have gained insight. Your pet name might be good. If not, we’ll let Qianqian decide.”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “How about calling Jian’er ‘Bairen’ (One Hundred Endurances)?”

PS: The surname is Zhang, born on the ninth day of the first lunar month, an auspicious day symbolizing the union of dragon and phoenix. Surprised, aren’t you?