Qingshui Town.
Chen Zhanshan got off the oxcart and headed towards the dock.
Chen Qingqing then led Lin Shi and Xiao Han on their way to the academy.
When she passed by the Fan family's soup kitchen, she took a few extra glances at it.
The porridge was thick and substantial, with absolutely no indication of skimping on ingredients.
As the disaster victims enjoyed the porridge, they praised Fan Tong highly, calling him a great philanthropist.
Chen Qingqing was very satisfied. She firmly believed that after this incident, Fan Tong would definitely restrain himself and would never dare to bully the villagers again.
Before long, we arrived at the Confucius Academy.
From afar, the entrance to the academy was already crowded with students who had come to register, and they were all lined up in an orderly fashion.
Several tables were set up in front of the academy gate, and a few men who looked like senior students were busy at their desks.
They were responsible for registering information and collecting tuition and meal fees.
Chen Qingqing jumped off the oxcart, picked up her belongings, and led Lin Shi and Chen Han to wait quietly at the back of the crowd to register.
Chen Han gazed at the solemn academy gate, his heart filled with anticipation, yet he couldn't hide his nervousness.
He secretly vowed to study hard, pass the imperial examinations, bring honor to his ancestors, and enable his family to live a good life.
Unbeknownst to him, his palms were already sweating. He took a deep breath and tried his best to calm himself down.
Chen Qingqing noticed Chen Han's unease, gently patted his shoulder, and said softly, "Xiao Han, don't be nervous, it will be our turn soon."
Chen Han smiled and shook his head, "Sister, I'm not nervous, I'm just too excited."
Still somewhat worried, Madam Lin began to repeatedly remind him, "Xiao Han, studying at the academy is not the same as at home. You must listen carefully to the teacher's teachings, take good care of yourself, remember to drink plenty of water in this hot weather, and don't get into conflicts with your classmates..."
"Mother, don't worry, I've kept all of this in mind and will take good care of myself."
"That's good. Your change of clothes are in this package, as are the snacks your sister prepared for you. Remember to share them with everyone."
Seeing Lin Shi nagging, Chen Qingqing couldn't help but laugh and said, "Mother, I'm tired of hearing you say these things. Don't worry, Xiao Han will take good care of himself."
Lin smiled slightly embarrassedly, "Xiao Han has never left my side since she was a child, and I always feel a little uneasy about her."
******
At this moment, Chen Zhancai was chatting with his classmates at the entrance of the academy.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of several familiar figures.
He looked again uncertainly. It was... the Lin family, Chen Han, and Chen Qingqing?
In his memory, Chen Han was dark-skinned and thin, like a stick of firewood. How come he had grown taller and stronger in just a few days?
Shouldn't Lin be pale and thin? How come she looks rosy-cheeked and full of energy now?
Chen Qingqing's changes were so drastic that he almost didn't recognize her.
Wearing an apricot-yellow dress, she looked like a flower blooming in spring, beautiful and charming.
That once youthful face now exudes maturity and confidence.
Seeing them lining up behind the students, Chen Zhancai's face immediately darkened.
When the family divided their property, that brat said she wanted Chen Han to come to town to study.
I thought she was just bragging, but I never expected she actually did it.
The thought that the money that should have been used to support him was spent on Chen Han made him feel a pang of jealousy.
However, out of consideration for the dignity of a scholar, he suppressed his displeasure and approached Madam Lin with a smile.
"Sister-in-law, what brings you to the academy?"
When Lin saw her brother-in-law, her eyes remained unmoved, and she said calmly, "I brought Xiaohan to town to study."
Chen Zhancai frowned. “Sister-in-law, studying is not as simple as farming, and it costs money. Have you thought it through about Xiaohan’s studies? If you pay the tuition and Xiaohan still can’t continue studying, the money will not be refunded.”
Upon hearing his words, a hint of disgust flashed in Madam Lin's eyes. "Whether Xiao Han can continue studying is none of your concern."
Lin's personality has always been gentle and mild, so Chen Zhan was confident that he could persuade her to give up Chen Han's idea of studying.
He put on an air of "I'm thinking of you," saying, "Sister-in-law, the children who come here to enroll all come from wealthy and influential families, and they wear and use the best of everything."
Your family's circumstances really don't justify sending Xiaohan to school.
I know Qingya got lucky and received a windfall, but what can you do with that little bit of money? It's barely enough to get by.
"Take my advice and go home now before you pay. Don't give up halfway and become a laughingstock."
Lin's face was full of anger. "Our family is not well-off, but since we chose to let Xiaohan study, we have the ability to support him. You don't need to worry about things that don't concern you. You should take care of yourself instead!"
Chen Zhancai's expression suddenly changed, but he still patiently said, "Sister-in-law, don't you know what's good for you? I'm doing this for your own good. Don't think that studying will make you successful. It also depends on whether you have the fate to succeed."
Besides, Chen Han is clearly not cut out for studying. You should save your money and go home instead of making a fool of yourselves here.”
Hearing him belittle himself, Chen Han's eyes were filled with defiance, and he couldn't help but retort loudly, "You're not cut out for studying. I'll definitely be better than you in the future."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhancai glared at him fiercely, "You disrespectful brat, believe me or not, I'll slap you!"
"You dare!" Madam Lin quickly pulled Chen Han into her arms. "Third brother, don't look down on me. My little Han won't let me down."
"Sister-in-law, why don't you understand my good intentions!"
I don't mean to look down on you, I just think you're oversimplifying things.
Not everyone can read; it also depends on talent.
Someone as clumsy and awkward as Chen Han is completely unsuitable for studying; he'd be better off spending his money wisely.
Chen Zhancai had made up his mind that he absolutely could not let Chen Han go to school. He was determined to save the money so his mother could find a way to get it. Thinking this, he quickly spoke again.
"On the other hand, isn't the purpose of studying to bring honor to one's ancestors?"
Since we already have a scholar like me in our family, there's no need to waste money on him.
If I pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, I will certainly not treat you unfairly.
I'll just arrange some work for Chen Han at the yamen gate.
And then there's Qingya; with my prestige, I can definitely find her a good husband."
......
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