After saying that, Lin Feng stared at Fifth Uncle, as though trying to find some telltale clue on his face.
Fifth Uncle stared back at Lin Feng and slowly revealed a bloodthirsty smile.
His faint smile grew into wild laughter, until tears streamed from his eyes and he rocked back and forth as though he had heard the funniest joke in the world.
His smile was as brazen as the midday sun, scorching and oppressive—a conceit born of absolute confidence.
When he finished laughing, he wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his thumbs and waved a hand. "The clan head is making fun of me again. If I'm not of Li Family stock, whose stock could I be?
"Even if he is the clan head, he shouldn't make jokes like that.
"There's no question about the Li Family blood in my veins. In life, I belong to the Li Family; in death, I'll be its ghost. There's no disputing that. The clan head is a fine man in every respect but one: he's too indecisive and suspicious.
"As people get old, they naturally become more cautious. It's understandable that they grow more Zhong, too.
"But that doesn't matter, A-Feng. Once we've brought glory to our ancestors, we'll return to Fukou. I'll build the biggest, tallest ancestral hall for everyone to see. I, a man of the Li Family, will have brought honor to the Li Family of Fukou!
"I'll build a clan school and look after the clan's elderly. I want everyone in the family, young and old, to sing my praises whenever they mention me!
"Here's what we'll do, A-Feng. First, get familiar with my plantation. I'll have Stink show you around.
"Once you know the place, I'll make you a steward. You'll manage the