Chapter 44: Everyone Must Study

Because Wen Nong’s arrangement was already settled, he arrived early the next morning and even took the initiative to help Wen Yao and Wen Jun with their chores.

Wen Xiu Yi sat in the courtyard with Da Tou, reading aloud, waiting for Wen Yao to tell him everything was ready. Just then, Wen Xiu Yi said, “When you return after finishing your errands, stop by the study shop and buy some brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.”

Da Tou paused, gripping his stick, and looked up at Wen Xiu Yi in confusion.

Wen Xiu Yi patted his head and said, “Writing with a stick isn’t proper. Eventually, it’ll affect your handwriting.”

No matter what others thought of his son, Wen Xiu Yi believed Da Tou was the smartest child in the world, and he mustn’t be held back.

As for the imperial examination, he’d given up hope. Even in his previous life, he was an academic prodigy, but he’d been in his sixties. Now, though his body was young, his mind was still that of an old man. How could he start all over, cramming books like a youth? Best to let it go.

Moreover, he could see that the elders at the old house now pinned their hopes on Da Tou and Wen Jun. With Wen Jun set to study medicine, only Da Tou remained, and he needed careful nurturing.

Da Tou was delighted, wrapping his arms around Wen Xiu Yi’s neck and rubbing against him like a kitten.

Over the past two months, Da Tou had gained some flesh and was no longer so thin, and he had some heft when embraced. He was heavier now.

“Be good. Go to the old house and wait for us to return. Don’t cause trouble for your grandparents, alright?” Wen Xiu Yi instructed.

Da Tou nodded eagerly. He would behave and wait for his brother and sister to return, and then he could write on paper.

Wen Nong still wasn’t used to seeing Wen Xiu Yi act this way.

“Uncle, I’m clumsy. If I mess things up, please don’t get angry,” Wen Nong said cautiously.

After soothing Da Tou, Wen Xiu Yi stood up and replied directly, “Stand up straight. No one is born knowing everything. Just learn properly. By the way—” He turned to his youngest son, “Da Tou, bring your copy of the Primer. You’ve finished reading it, so let Wen Nong take it with him. When it’s not busy at the stall, I’ll teach him to read.”

Wen Nong was astonished, pointing to himself. “Uncle, me?”

Had he heard correctly? His uncle wanted to teach him to read? Was he mad? Before, when they wanted to learn, their uncle found them too stupid and refused. Now, he was offering to teach?

But he was past the age for schooling and had no desire to learn now!

“Uncle, I’m not bright. Better let it be,” Wen Nong said hastily, hoping Wen Xiu Yi would change his mind.

But Wen Xiu Yi was resolute, giving him no chance to object. “Reading broadens one’s horizons. Not just you—every child in the family must learn. It’s not about future achievements; I just don’t want anyone to be illiterate.”

Last night, Wen Xiu Yi had pondered much—about his parents’ hardships, about the family’s tolerance and accommodation, and about how rare and respected it was here to be literate.

He’d been muddleheaded before—or rather, the original Wen Xiu Yi had. But things would be different now. If a child of the Wen family couldn’t read or write, it was unworthy of the name.

Wen Xiu Yi’s sudden declaration stunned not only Wen Nong, but also Wen Yao and Wen Jun.

What had gotten into old Wen?

All the children must learn to read and write? He couldn’t mean them—they were both already scholars. So it must refer to those at the old house.

Still, it was a sound notion. Literacy could only help, never harm. Otherwise, they’d be unable to read contracts or official notices and would suffer losses.

Wen Nong struggled in vain and could only accept the book Da Tou reluctantly handed him.

Da Tou cried out twice, pointing to the book.

Wen Nong was bewildered.

Wen Yao spoke for him, “Da Tou wants you to take good care of it and keep it safe.”

“Oh, oh, oh,” Wen Nong nodded, promising Da Tou, “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

Da Tou was finally satisfied and stood beside Wen Xiu Yi, taking his hand.

With everything ready, Wen Xiu Yi waved his hand grandly, “Let’s go!”

Another day, another step toward a brighter future.

After dropping Da Tou at the old house, the four set off. At the city gate, they parted ways: Wen Xiu Yi took Wen Nong to the dock, Wen Jun and Wen Yao headed to Jishi Hall.

The attendant was the same as before and recognized the siblings at a glance.

Wen Yao couldn’t help but admire these errand runners. So many people came and went every day, yet they could remember them all.

“What would you like to buy today?” the attendant asked.

Wen Yao glanced around. The physician’s seat was empty; Doctor Jin hadn’t arrived yet.

She took a packet of pastries from her basket and handed it to the attendant. “Big brother, these are pastries I made at home. Please try them.”

The attendant’s eyes lit up, but he didn’t take them immediately. Instead, he asked, “We’re not supposed to accept gifts from patients without reason; the manager doesn’t allow it.”

Though these two weren’t patients, they were still guests of Jishi Hall.

Wen Yao secretly approved; the manager was a good one, the attendant was diligent, and the doctor was excellent. She just didn’t know if he accepted apprentices.

Wen Yao didn’t put the pastries down; she went straight to the point. “Big brother, actually, we came today to ask you something. If you take them, I won’t feel awkward.”

“This…” The attendant hesitated, but in the end succumbed to the tempting aroma. He placed the pastries on the counter, intending to show them to the manager later and share them among the staff. Then he led the siblings aside and said, “My name is Hong Hai. Just call me Hong Hai. What do you want to ask?”

Wen Jun and Wen Yao called him Brother Hong, and Wen Yao finally asked, “Brother Hong, I wanted to know—does Doctor Jin have any hobbies or interests?”

To win favor, one must first know what the other likes.

Hong Hai was taken aback. “You want to know about Doctor Jin?”

The siblings nodded. Hong Hai stared at them for a moment, then asked, “Is someone in your family ill? If so, you needn’t worry about Doctor Jin’s preferences. Just bring the patient in; Doctor Jin is kind and sees anyone who comes.”

Wen Yao waved her hands repeatedly. “No, no, it’s not that. We want to ask Doctor Jin for something else.”

Hong Hai was even more confused. If it wasn’t for medical treatment, what else could it be?

Although he had a good impression of the siblings, this involved Doctor Jin and the clinic, so he grew cautious, his tone cooling somewhat. “If you’re not here for medical advice, it’s best not to pry into others’ affairs. You should take your pastries back.”

He knew it. The pastries weren’t so easily earned. The manager was right—they shouldn’t accept others’ things carelessly.

Hong Hai reached for the pastries to return them to Wen Yao.

Wen Yao grew anxious and quickly grabbed his arm. “Brother Hong, please, let’s talk. We mean no harm. We just want to ask if Doctor Jin accepts apprentices.”