I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World
Chapter 22: Wei Tu's Refusal

As the room fell silent with Shan Wuju’s quietness, the atmosphere in the living room became increasingly still. Even the subtle rustling of birds in the courtyard could be heard through the window. Everyone’s gaze instinctively focused on Wei Tu, eager to hear how this disciple of Shan Wuju would respond.

Most people, or rather, eighty percent of them, had expressions of anticipation, hoping that Wei Tu would agree with Shan Wuju’s wishes.

This included Shan Yan Gong, the only son of the Shan family, who had previously been at odds with Shan Fang.

The Shan family could see that Shan Wuju’s silence was meant to avoid pressuring Wei Tu into a response that might harm the master-disciple relationship

The lack of a direct refusal to Shan Fang’s request implied a clear unspoken message. Even without this context, the Shan family could guess the old man’s thoughts.

As people age, they hope their achievements will continue and their proud skills will be inherited by their descendants.

Shan Yi Wu was the descendant Shan Wuju valued to carry on his martial arts within the family.

Everyone in the room understood that Shan Wuju’s acceptance of Wei Tu as a disciple was partly to ensure that Wei Tu would protect the Shan family’s legacy after achieving success.

Although Wei Tu’s agreement to teach Shan Yi Wu martial arts was not directly related to this, it could indicate whether Wei Tu was ‘truly filial.’

If he refused to help with this "small matter," then whether he would stand up in times of the Shan family’s survival or demise would be questionable.

“This matter…”

After a moment of silence, Wei Tu finally spoke. He slightly bowed and said, “This matter is entirely at the master’s command.”

With his words, the crowd frowned.

Over the past month, they had come to know that although Wei Tu was respectful, he was not a simpleton who could not read between the lines or understand people’s intentions.

They collectively thought that Wei Tu’s response could have been more tactful, more impressive, and more pleasing to Shan Wuju.

Even if it was a refusal…

For instance: "The master’s skills are greater and more suitable for teaching Yi Wu. The disciple does not wish to disrupt the master’s pleasure in teaching."

That would have been acceptable!

“Entirely at my discretion?” Shan Wuju raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Wei Tu.

As Wei Tu bowed his head, Shan Wuju’s gaze was directly aligned with Wei Tu’s eyes. However, the former was looking at Wei Tu, while the latter was looking at his toes and the floor. They did not make eye contact.

“I understand your thoughts now.” After a moment, Shan Wuju withdrew his gaze, allowing Wei Tu to stand up and no longer remain bent over.

Shan Wuju was confident in his ability to read people. Though he didn’t believe he had an extraordinary talent for it, he knew enough about Wei Tu’s character and could guess his thoughts.

Wei Tu did not want to be dependent on him or the Shan family forever.

Just as Wei Tu’s actions in the Shan family showed… he never demanded anything beyond knowledge.

Saying “entirely at the master’s command” implied that while he would return the favor, Wei Tu was not a servant of the Shan family and would not be subject to their orders.

Of course, this statement also had a hidden meaning: Wei Tu would only take orders from his master, not from other members of the Shan family.

“After I’m gone, Wei Tu should be someone the Shan family can rely on,” Shan Wuju thought to himself.

Having lived so long, he didn’t consider himself particularly skilled in reading people, but he could discern good from evil to some extent.

Moreover, even someone as miserly as Li Yaozu could see the value in Wei Tu and was willing to forgo personal favor to send Wei Tu to him for training.

Shan Wuju did not believe Li Yaozu was blind.

“If Yi Wu wants to learn martial arts, when you leave next year, leave Yi Wu with me, and I’ll personally teach him.”

“Wei Tu will be occupied with martial duties and will be unavailable. The county exam in February, the provincial exam in April, and the Daoist exam in September and October will keep him busy.” After a moment, Shan Wuju took a deep breath and spoke with an authoritative tone to Shan Fang.

“Father?” Shan Fang exclaimed in surprise, unable to hold back.

This time, Shan Fang’s intention to have the family’s martial arts manual passed down was genuine, and her desire for Shan Yi Wu to become Wei Tu’s disciple was also sincere.

True inheritance is worth more than any written work.

The Shan family’s martial arts manual is invaluable, not just any common merchandise. Whether sold or kept as a family heirloom, it is a worthwhile asset.

As for making Yi Wu Wei Tu’s disciple…

Shan Fang was not blind. During the past month or two at home, she had seen how much Shan Wuju valued Wei Tu.

If Wei Tu became a notable figure in Qingshan County, he could be a substantial asset to the Shan family, either as a protective shield or through his connections, which could greatly benefit the family’s revival. But the premise was that she needed to establish a relationship with Wei Tu, and Shan Yi Wu was a good intermediary for this.

However, her plan was thwarted at the most crucial point.

Shan Wuju had refused!

“Father, it’s not urgent. We can discuss this after Wei Ge’er finishes his exams and Yi Wu matures a bit…” Shan Fang’s voice grew softer again, pleading with Shan Wuju in a tone of near desperation.

She couldn’t believe Shan Wuju didn’t see the benefits of this arrangement.

Without a connection to Wei Tu, once Shan Wuju was gone, the Shan family and Wei Tu would inevitably drift further apart, and whether the old friendship would remain intact was uncertain.

“I’m not old yet. If Yi Wu truly wants to practice martial arts, he doesn’t need Wei Tu.”

In an unusual display, Shan Wuju firmly refused Shan Fang’s plea this time, showing no sign of being moved by the father-daughter relationship.

Hearing this, Shan Fang pursed her lips in silence. She searched her mind for a suitable rebuttal but couldn’t find one, so she turned to look at Shan Min Shi, who was seated beside Shan Wuju, hoping that Shan Min Shi might persuade Shan Wuju on her behalf.

She knew that Shan Wuju valued Shan Min Shi’s opinion highly and would not easily disregard it.

However—

What surprised Shan Fang once again was that Shan Min Shi did not follow the expected script. Instead, she gave a soft sigh, frowned, and said a conciliatory remark.

“Alright, my dear daughter, there’s still plenty of time. If Yi Wu and Wei Ge’er become close, it wouldn’t be too late to have Wei Ge’er teach him later…”

Although the words seemed soothing, Shan Fang knew in her heart that the idea of Shan Yi Wu becoming Wei Tu’s disciple was effectively rejected by the old couple.

“Why won’t they agree, especially after I’ve already received a horse…” Shan Fang stood in the living room, puzzled.

Even an old horse from the Shan family’s stable, if not gelded, was valuable. A single horse could fetch nearly a hundred taels of silver.

Her request seemed beneficial to the Shan family, and the cost involved was only the old couple’s words, not even reaching a hundred taels of silver.

“Also, forget about the martial arts manual. Unless Yi Wu can master the five basic stances or learn martial arts from me personally, this matter is off the table.” Shan Wuju added.

With that, Shan Wuju waved his hand, signaling Shan Fang and her husband to leave.

Notes from the author:

PS: The reason Shan Fang wants to divide the property is explained in the book. Shan Fang's husband is a son-in-law who married into the Shan family, and Shan Yi Wu carries the Shan surname.

Therefore, with a legitimate grandson, Shan Fang has the right to contend for the Shan family’s assets.