Chapter 122: Even If Borrowing Money, One Must Make Offerings

After the whole family finished strolling through the lantern festival, if it hadn’t been for Old Man Wen’s constant muttering about Da Huang along the way, they might have stayed out until midnight. On the way back, Da Tou fell asleep in Wen Xiuyi’s arms. Old Man Wen drove the cart up ahead. Madam Luo looked at her children and grandchildren packed into the cart, recalled what Manager Qiu had said earlier that day, and asked, “What do you all think about what Da Tou’s godfather suggested today?”

A drowsy crowd suddenly perked up. Her words were more effective than the chilly night wind.

Madam Li tugged at Wen Xiuzhu’s sleeve, giving him meaningful glances. With no other choice, Wen Xiuzhu spoke up, “Mother, we’ll listen to you and Father.”

Luo glanced at the couple, not missing their little exchange, then turned to her youngest son and his wife. “And you two?”

Wen Xiuqing hesitated, stumbling over his words, but it was his usually quiet and unassuming wife, Cai, who gritted her teeth and said, “Mother, Wen Jin likes to study.”

Wen Jin sat beside his parents. Hearing this, he looked up suddenly at his mother. He had never expected that his reticent mother would speak up at such a time. He’d thought his second aunt would be the first to say something.

Luo said little more and finally turned to Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, you’re the only one in this family who’s been to school. What’s your view?”

Wen Xiuyi answered without thinking, “Of course I hope they all go to school.” As someone whose life had been changed by education, Wen Xiuyi never thought being illiterate was a good thing. Whether the children went to the academy or he taught them at home, they all had to study—including the girls.

Luo then looked at the grandchildren.

Wen Jun was already apprenticed to Doctor Jin, and at his age, returning to school was no longer realistic. Luo hesitated when she looked at Wen Yao, then turned away. Da Tou was asleep, and with his godfather looking after him, she wasn’t worried.

That left Wen Nong, Wen Fa, and Wen Jin.

Wen Nong immediately sat up straight. “Grandma, I’m too old, and I’m doing well running a stall at the dock. I can help support the family. Leave the schooling to the younger ones.”

Madam Li glanced at Wen Nong, her face full of conflict.

Luo then looked at Wen Fa, who quickly said, “Grandma, I don’t want to go to school. I want to be a great general like Second Uncle Cui and defend the country.”

No sooner had he spoken than Madam Li smacked him on the head with such force he nearly tumbled off the ox cart, the whole cart rocking with the blow.

“Great general? If you dare join the army, I’d rather deal with you myself than see you die on the battlefield, never to return,” she shouted.

Luo frowned in disapproval, glared at Wen Fa, then looked at Wen Jin. “And you?”

Wen Jin hesitated, glanced at his brothers, then gritted his teeth. “Grandma, I want to go to school.”

Cai and Wen Xiuqing looked relieved. Madam Li glared even harder at Wen Fa, fuming.

Everyone waited for Luo to speak further, but she simply said, “Let’s see how it goes,” and fell silent.

Their expressions varied—some relieved, some disappointed. Luo noticed them all, lowered her head, and said nothing.

Wen Yao, sitting beside her, sensed the old lady’s mood and slipped her arm through hers, nuzzling her shoulder like a kitten.

Feeling her granddaughter’s comfort, Luo gently squeezed her hand and sighed softly.

When they got home, Old Man Wen hurried off to take care of Da Huang. Before heading inside, Luo looked at Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, come in with me for a moment.”

Wen Xiuyi handed Da Tou to Wen Jun and followed. Wen Yao’s eyes darted, and she slipped in before Wen Xiuyi could close the door.

Luo glanced at Wen Yao but said nothing, turning to Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, I want to borrow some money from you.”

Wen Xiuyi was taken aback. “Mother, what nonsense is this? Borrow what? How much do you need? Yao Yao, how much money do we have left? Give it all to your grandmother.”

Wen Yao sidled over as well. “Grandma, have you made up your mind?”

Luo nodded. “Da Tou’s godfather is right. We can’t delay the children’s education any longer. Now that our family finally has this opportunity, we can’t waste it. Many people miss their chances because they fail to seize the moment.”

“But you know our situation. Your grandfather and I have already spent all we could. If we suddenly have to support so many children in school, we won’t manage. Yao Yao, I know you can earn money, so could you lend some to me for now? I’ll repay you after we sell the harvest next year.”

With a thud, Wen Xiuyi knelt down. “Mother, what are you saying? If you ask me to lend you money, you’re treating me like an outsider. Didn’t the family support me through school? Didn’t my younger brothers endure hardship for me? Didn’t you and Father spend everything on me? Just tell me how much you need. If I call it a loan, may lightning strike me.”

Luo glared at him. “Get up. What are you kneeling for? Back when the family wasn’t divided, it was right to support you. Your father and I may have been partial, but then we set you out on your own and gave you nothing. But now you’ve changed, you can earn a living, and we’re glad. As long as you all live well, I’m content.”

Wen Xiuyi didn’t get up, but instead sat right on the floor, playing the scoundrel. “Well, I won’t lend you anything. If the children are going to school, it’s my duty to provide for them. If you don’t agree, then I won’t give you a penny.”

“You—” Luo was so exasperated she nearly struck him, but his words warmed her heart, and her eyes reddened.

Wen Xiuyi panicked. “Mother, don’t cry. This is what I owe the family.”

Luo’s tears fell, and she choked out, “But this is no small sum. Do you know how much silver we spent to support you back then?”

Wen Xiuyi felt guilty—because his predecessor had wasted the family fortune, not on proper schooling but on other things. The debt left behind was his to bear.

“What’s there to fear? Your granddaughter can earn money, right, Yao Yao?” Wen Xiuyi winked at Wen Yao.

Wen Yao leaned in and whispered a few words in the old lady’s ear.

The old lady’s face was one of shock. “Madam Xie agreed?” She’d thought her granddaughter was just fooling around, not expecting Qiu Rongrong to truly agree.

Wen Yao nodded. “After seeing how well the tasting at the restaurant went today, there’s no way she’d refuse. Grandma, Father was foolish in the past, and my brother and I were thoughtless. We made you suffer. But from now on, I won’t let you tire yourself anymore—I’ll make sure you live in comfort.”