I Am William Wang Jinling, A Gentleman Like Jade

How could a golden-scaled fish remain in a pond? Once it meets wind and cloud, it transforms into a dragon.

When a healthy, flawless second legitimate son was born, those in the Wang Clan who had always objected to William Wang Jinling's blindness began to reappear...

It wasn't that William Wang Jinling was unworthy, but if there was someone better, shouldn't the clan cultivate a more suitable future Grand Heir?

This group began to suggest giving up on William Wang Jinling and raising the healthy second son as heir. Even William's own father and mother started to favor the newborn child...

So, William Wang Jinling's position in the Wang Clan became awkward once again. Everyone in the family watched him closely, curious how the 'little prodigy' would respond. But...

To everyone's astonishment, William Wang Jinling was completely unaffected. Though still a child, his mind was more mature than most adults. Facing the hot-and-cold treatment from his parents and the entire clan, William remained calm, unmoved by either favor or slight, focusing only on his own pursuits and never letting the outside world disturb him.

“Such steadfast resolve is rare in this world; his future is limitless.” William's conduct won the praise of the Wang Clan's elders, who unanimously agreed: for a child so young to face such a blow with such composure, untouched by others' opinions, was truly extraordinary.

Those of William's parents' generation still wanted to raise the second legitimate son as heir, but the older generation—Old Master Wang and his peers—clearly had sharper vision. They believed William was the one truly worth cultivating.

So what if he couldn't see?

With the Wang Clan's resources, what great doctor couldn't they find? As long as they didn't give up, the Grand Heir would surely see again one day.

Even if he never regained his sight, it didn't matter. William Wang Jinling couldn't see, but the Wang Clan had plenty who could—all of them were the Grand Heir's eyes...

Old Master Wang had already decided: no matter the cost, William Wang Jinling would be cultivated. When the second legitimate son turned one, the patriarch personally named him 'Han.'

Wang Jinhan—just that single character, 'Han,' made it clear that the patriarch had no expectations for this child, even warning William's parents not to dote on him too much or give him unrealistic hopes.

For this second legitimate son, Old Master Wang's plan was to raise him as a noble gentleman. If he could become William's assistant and eyes, all the better; if not, it didn't matter—the Wang Clan had no shortage of talent. If the second son couldn't support the Grand Heir, the patriarch could always cultivate another.

Within the Wang Clan, Old Master Wang's authority was absolute. Yet he was usually open-minded, seldom forcing his children to do anything. This was one of the rare times he insisted, demanding the entire clan nurture William Wang Jinling as the future Head of House.

Once the patriarch made his decision, no matter what anyone thought, everyone had to show support. So the Wang Clan began pouring its best resources into William Wang Jinling—everything he received was always the finest...

The Wang Clan's most honored Grand Heir, in every sense of the word!

Most children, in such circumstances, would easily become arrogant or conceited. The Wang Clan's approach to raising William Wang Jinling was, in many ways, also a test of character.

Everyone watched, waiting to see how William Wang Jinling would react. Yet they found he showed no reaction at all. William did not live in his own little world, but the outside could not touch him; he had his own goals and pursued them steadfastly, never swayed by others' opinions.

Time and again, William Wang Jinling's conduct amazed the Wang Clan, reinforcing their conviction that even blind, the Grand Heir was fully capable of bearing the responsibilities of Head of House.

The Wang Clan valued William Wang Jinling more and more. Seeing this, his father and mother gave up on raising the second son as heir and worked to restore their relationship with William, making sure the brothers grew close from a young age so they could support each other in the future.

William understood his parents' intentions. Worried that William might feel estranged from his family, Old Master Wang chose a special moment to sound him out.

Before the patriarch could even speak, William said exactly what his grandfather hoped to hear: "Grandfather, I know Father and Mother love me too. Everything they've done is for the good of the Wang Clan—they have no selfish motives. My younger brother is my brother; I will take care of him, please don't worry."

At just seven years old, William already showed the bearing of a true gentleman—warm and gentle as a spring breeze, conducting himself and treating others with sincere kindness. Most importantly, William's words matched his actions; he truly understood his parents' choices.

"Good child," Old Master Wang said, both gratified and heart-sore.

He was gratified by William's understanding, but pained that one so young already lived like an adult, missing out on a normal childhood...

But such things are like drinking water—only the drinker knows if it's warm or cold.

To Old Master Wang, William had been forced to grow up. He hoped William would be clever and outstanding, but also wished he could be an ordinary child with a child's innocence. Yet William didn't see it that way...

In William's view, seeing things clearly was happier than clinging to unrealistic hopes. He was very satisfied with his situation; by not wishing for the impossible, he would never be disappointed. He believed he would live a happy life, untroubled by mundane worries.

At age ten, William Wang Jinling won the full recognition of the Wang Clan. Old Master Wang judged that there was nothing more the clan could teach him, and that William's attachment to his family was deep—no matter what happened, his heart would always belong to the Wang Clan. So...

Old Master Wang decided to send William Wang Jinling to Jixia Academy.

Not every Wang Clan Head had attended Jixia Academy, but every heir, upon turning fifteen, would go to a renowned school.

It was to broaden their horizons, to see the world, and above all, to make friends among their classmates.

Birds of a feather flock together. Those who could thrive at such an elite academy, regardless of background, generally possessed fine character and talent. In this circle, William would easily find like-minded friends.

People are social creatures, and even the Head of the Wang Clan needs friends. For him, friendship was about genuine connection—not about interests or profit.

With this in mind, Old Master Wang sent William to Jixia Academy, hoping he would find true companions there and never be lonely.

Of everyone in the Wang Clan, no one cared for William more than Old Master Wang. Though William treated everyone much the same, his feelings for the patriarch were different.

Although the patriarch arranged William's life, his motives were not solely for the clan's benefit—much was for William's own sake.

William himself didn't think he needed friends, but he accepted his grandfather's kindness without protest. After brief consideration, he agreed to attend Jixia Academy.

That year, William was ten—leaving home earlier than any previous clan heir. Yet he showed no fear or anxiety, nor any curiosity or excitement about the unknown Jixia Academy. To him, it was simply a change of scenery for his studies.

Grand Heir!

He couldn't be judged by the standards of ordinary children—the Grand Heir was different...