Ch. 21That's What I'll Try
Key Plot Points and Events
- Lin Fan publicly beats Yuan Jiang, the Hall Master of the Fierce Tiger Gang, to the point of unconsciousness, demonstrating his martial prowess.
- Lin Fan takes in Zhao Er (Little Fatty) and his sick mother, making Zhao Er his steward.
- Sun Yaozu, Sun Xiao's son, wants to avenge Yuan Jiang, but Sun Xiao reprimands him and orders Steward Li to try and recruit Lin Fan.
- Lin Fan continues his daily life, training and studying law, while also refusing Steward Li's invitation to meet.
- A wine shop owner is arrested by constables for refusing to hand over his recipe to the Hu Family, highlighting the power dynamics in the city.
Character Developments
- Lin Fan solidifies his reputation and status in the city, earning respect and awe from the townspeople and his peers.
- Zhao Er becomes loyal to Lin Fan, vowing to protect him.
- Sun Yaozu shows his ambition and desire for power, but also his deference to his father's authority.
- The wine shop owner's plight shows the vulnerability of the common folk against the powerful.
Significant Themes
- Power dynamics and corruption: The Hu Family's abuse of power to seize the wine shop owner's recipe illustrates the corruption and power imbalances in society.
- Loyalty and brotherhood: Zhao Er's loyalty to Lin Fan and the respect Lin Fan earns from his peers highlight the importance of these bonds in their world.
- The path to martial prowess: Lin Fan's desire to learn martial arts from Yuan Jiang's master, despite the high cost, underscores his dedication to this path.
Character Interactions
- Lin Fan and Zhao Er: Their relationship deepens as Lin Fan takes care of Zhao Er and his mother, and Zhao Er becomes Lin Fan's steward and expresses his loyalty.
- Sun Xiao and Sun Yaozu: Their interaction shows the complex father-son relationship, with Sun Xiao reprimanding Sun Yaozu for his ambition and ordering him to stand down.
- Lin Fan and Steward Li: Their interactions show Lin Fan's refusal to be easily swayed by Steward Li's attempts to recruit him, maintaining his composure and dignity.
- The wine shop owner and the Hu Family: Their interaction highlights the power imbalance and the vulnerability of the common folk against the powerful.