AD (QT) Chapter 101

On the day of the Han family’s gathering, Old Master Wang and Wang Sanlang arrived early at the Han household. Old Lady Han greeted them warmly, grabbing Wang Xushi’s arm with a smile, “Ah, my dear mother-in-law has come. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. How’s your health?”

Wang Xushi smiled and nodded, “I’m fine, eating well and sleeping soundly. Thank you for your concern.”

Old Lady Han led them into the main hall, saying, “Jinxiu, pour tea for your grandparents.”

Jinxiu let out a sigh.

Wang Xushi looked outside at the noisy crowd, a bit surprised.

Old Lady Han greeted a few people to sit down and rest, laughing as she explained, “Ever since we received the good news that Han Ze passed the scholar exam, the house has been full of visitors. Our village hasn’t had a scholar in many years, so everyone is coming to see the rare occasion.”

Thus, the house was bustling with activity, full of excitement.

Wang Xushi smiled and said, “Indeed, Han Ze’s success as a scholar is quite an achievement. Not only has your village not had a scholar in years, but even in the neighboring villages, there has only been one old scholar in recent years.”

Old Lady Han chuckled at her words, a stark contrast to her gloomy expression from a few days ago. These days, her face was filled with smiles, whether big or small.

“You are right. It’s also due to Han Ze’s good luck. He deserved to pass the scholar exam this year. Last year, he was nearly done for, and Caiwei cried countless times holding me. We stayed up countless nights, worrying about Han Ze’s health. Now that he’s finally better and passed the scholar exam, it’s good fortune, isn’t it?”

Wang Xushi also expressed her admiration, noting how once her son-in-law’s health improved, he was able to pass the exam, proving his talent.

Old Lady Han continued, “My dear mother-in-law, you raised a fine daughter. When my eldest son was ill, she took care of him day and night without complaint. She also follows our old couple’s wishes in everything. A daughter-in-law like that is hard to find. I must thank you.”

When it came to raising a fine daughter, her mood soured a little because she thought of the trouble her own daughter had caused. If it weren’t for that trouble, Han Ze wouldn’t have suffered so much and wouldn’t have had to wait until he was 26 to pass the scholar exam. Her son was meant to be an official, but that trouble had ruined it. Every time she thought of this, it made her heart ache.

Wang Xushi smiled at her praise of her daughter, saying, “It’s only right. A husband and wife should support each other, work together, and live a good life.”

Old Lady Han agreed with this sentiment.

As they were speaking, Zheng Shi Shi and Wu Shi’s relatives arrived, and Old Lady Han went out to greet them. The yard became even livelier.

Old Master Wang, feeling the relationship with his son-in-law had become distant, decided to speak with him to reconnect. However, with so many guests at Han family household, everyone wanted to speak with the scholar. His attempt was interrupted before he could say anything.

He felt a bit dissatisfied, thinking his son-in-law should have made time for him, but now that his son-in-law’s status had changed, he couldn’t act too overtly. All he could do was feel frustrated. His son-in-law didn’t treat him as closely as before.

Han Ze noticed Old Master Wang’s displeasure, but simply smiled. Old Master Wang viewed his son-in-law from the perspective of his status, which Han Ze didn’t mind. However, he also knew that it wasn’t possible to pretend nothing had happened.

Of course, he was not the original owner of this body and held no grudges against the old man. People’s behavior often depended on how high one climbed. Once he reached a certain height, he didn’t need to worry about being looked down upon.

Although their family had little money, Old Lady Han was still willing to spend it, and the meal was prepared lavishly with plenty of fish and meat. Both Old Master Wang and the relatives of Zheng Shi Shi and Wu Shi were very satisfied with the meal.

After eating, Wang Xushi waited for her daughter to finish tidying up before pulling her into her room. Wang Caiwei looked at her and asked, “Mother, what’s the matter?”

Wang Xushi held her hand, her eyes reddened as she said, “Caiwei, I feel guilty towards you.”

Wang Caiwei was stunned, slowly lowering her head, her lips tightly pressed together, remaining silent.

Wang Xushi, seeing her expression, knew her daughter still blamed her. She choked on her words, “You’re married now, and I have to think of myself. Please understand, daughter…”

Wang Caiwei pulled her hand away, looked up at her, and softly said, “Mother, I understand you. That’s why I never said anything.”

Her mother had said that once a daughter marries, she’s like water poured out. When she came back to borrow money from her mother, and her mother refused, she didn’t argue. Even when she was suffering, she kept it to herself, only feeling sad.

Wang Xushi wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, feeling comforted. “I’m glad you understand, daughter.”

She then took out ten liang of silver, handing it to her with a smile, “This money is from your father. Your husband is going to the county to study, and he needs money. Take this for his studies.”

Wang Caiwei pushed her hand away, saying seriously, “Mother, It’s unnecessary. We don’t lack silver.”

It really wasn’t necessary. Last night, her husband had told her not to accept money from her family, as they had enough now.

Wang Xushi, looking at her, asked in frustration, “You don’t want it? Are you still angry with me?”

Wang Caiwei frowned. “Mother, why do you say that? Back then, when my husband was in poor health, I went home to borrow some silver, but you told me that since I was already married, your money was meant for my younger brother. Now that my husband has recovered and even passed the scholar exam, our family doesn’t lack money. Why would we still need yours? How is this considered cutting ties with you?”

Wang Xushi choked on her words, glared at her, and said angrily, “You’re just trying to upset me.”

Wang Caiwei lowered her eyes and spoke gently. “Mother, I’m not trying to upset you. I’m just telling the truth. I don’t understand why you’re angry.”

Wang Xushi choked again. It was precisely because it was the truth that it was infuriating. Thinking about it, back when they were struggling and came to borrow money, she hadn’t lent them a single coin. But now that they were doing well and had no shortage of money, she was rushing to offer them silver. Any person with dignity wouldn’t accept it.

She had taken it for granted, believing that since Wang Caiwei was her daughter, she wouldn’t hold a grudge against her mother. However, she failed to realize that her daughter was now married, had a new family, and her thoughts and concerns revolved entirely around her husband’s household.

…

While Wang Xushi was pulling her daughter aside for a private conversation, on the other side, Zheng Shi Shi was also being taken into the house by her mother for a talk.

Zheng Shi Shi’s mother, Old Lady Zheng, looked at her daughter and asked, “What are your plans?”

Zheng Shi Shi looked at her strangely. “What plans?”

Old Lady Zheng tapped her forehead and said irritably, “The eldest of the Han family passed the scholar exam. Do you have no thoughts about that?”

Zheng Shi Shi chuckled. “Big Brother passing the exam is beneficial to our family. What thoughts could I possibly have? Do you expect Erlang to follow in his footsteps and take the exam as well? Not only is he too old now, but even when he was younger, he never had the aptitude for studying.”

Old Madam Zheng Shi glared at her. “You always know how to talk back. I’m asking—do you still want to separate the family?”

Zheng Shi Shi didn’t even hesitate before replying, “Of course not. Now that Big Brother is an official scholar, he can receive six dou of rice every month and four taels of silver per year. The family’s land will also be tax-exempt. Living together will be much more comfortable—why would we want to split up?”

She hadn’t understood before why the entire family had to scrimp and save just to support her eldest brother’s education, but now she got it—because passing the scholar exam came with so many benefits.

What she didn’t say was that her eldest brother and sister-in-law weren’t selfish. They prioritized the family, and now that her brother had recovered and was earning silver, he would surely continue to contribute to the household. In the future, when his life got even better, he wouldn’t forget his two younger brothers. Thinking of this, she was even more unwilling to separate the family.

Seeing this, Old Lady Zheng smiled and said, “At least you’re not entirely foolish. That’s right—you must not separate the family. But receiving grain and silver is secondary. The most important thing is that your family now has a scholar. In all the surrounding villages, no one will dare to look down on you, let alone bully you. Even when your children grow up and seek marriage prospects, they will have better options. As time goes on, you’ll come to understand all the benefits.”

Zheng Shi Shi did not think that far ahead. She had a narrow view and could only focus on the things right in front of her. “I only know that ever since my older brother’s health improved, I haven’t gone hungry. Occasionally, I even get to eat some meat to satisfy my cravings. Now that my older brother has passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, our family’s life has gotten better. My mother-in-law is not a stingy person, and the food will surely get more refined. I won’t be foolish enough to divide the family. While they eat meat, I won’t even get to drink the soup.”

Old Lady Zheng glared at her and said, “Why do you only think about food?”

Zheng Shi pouted and said dismissively, “What else is there to talk about if not food? If your stomach isn’t full, how can you have the energy to live?”

The Old Lady Zheng knew she couldn’t reason with her and quietly asked, “Your older brother’s son, Da Hu, is ten this year. He’s quick-witted and does well in his studies. He might even pass the imperial exam one day. Do you think he’s a good match for Jinxiu?”

What?

Zheng Shi widened her eyes and stared at her. After a long while, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes and exclaimed, “How old is Jinxiu? You’re thinking way too far ahead.”

Old Lady Zheng nearly wanted to knock her on the head. “Da Hu is not that much older, just two or three years older than Jinxiu. Even if he were five years older, it would still be a good match.”

Zheng Shi frowned and asked, “Why are you thinking about this? Who came up with the idea? Don’t tell me it was your daughter-in-law?”

It wasn’t that she looked down on her nephew, but her older brother was a scholar, and she could tell that he had very high standards. With Da Hu’s rough, boisterous appearance, he certainly wouldn’t be interested, especially now that her older brother had become a scholar.

Her husband had told her that her older brother planned to continue taking the provincial exams, so if her older brother became a higher-ranked scholar, would a scholar want to marry his daughter off to a farming family? She thought it was impossible. Her family really was dreaming too big.

Old Lady Zheng coughed and said, “I don’t think your sister-in-law is wrong. Our two families are related, and if Jinxiu marries into our family, we definitely won’t mistreat her.”

Zheng Shi rolled her eyes and thought to herself, “You might think that’s a good idea, but whether she’ll even marry Da Hu is still unknown. Mom, this idea isn’t practical. You all shouldn’t be thinking about it” she said seriously.

Old Lady Zheng also said seriously, “If it were Er Hu, it wouldn’t be practical, but Da Hu is good at his studies. If he passes the imperial exam in the future, he will be worthy of Jinxiu. Otherwise, why would I agree with your sister-in-law’s suggestion?”

Every elder who loved their child firmly believed in their child, just like Old Lady Han believed her son Han Ze would pass the imperial exams.

Zheng Shi still felt it was impractical: “Let’s wait until Da Hu becomes a scholar before discussing this.”

Who can pass the imperial exam, after all? Even her older brother, who studied for many years, only managed to pass the exam recently.

Old Lady Zheng tugged at her arm. “You child, we need to act while Jinxiu is still young. Others haven’t thought of this yet, so we should settle the marriage now. If we wait until Da Hu passes the imperial exam, it will be too late. I’m bringing this up for your sake.”

Zheng Shi looked at her. “How is this for my sake?”

To her, it didn’t seem to have anything to do with her.

Old Lady Zheng slowly said, “Think about it. If Han Ze becomes a scholar, he and Erlang will be even closer, don’t you think? If Jinxiu marries into our family, it would be like we are even more closely related. Doesn’t that make their relationship even stronger?”

Zheng Shi lowered her head, thought for a while, and felt that it wasn’t quite right. Erlang and her older brother were already close brothers. How could their relationship get any closer?

She reluctantly said, “Mom, I still don’t think this is practical. If you really can’t give it up, you can talk to them yourself and see if they agree.

Old Lady Zheng was upset. “How could I bring it up? Your sister-in-law is gentle and easy to talk to. I’m sure she’s someone you can speak to. Why don’t you ask her for me, and see if she agrees? I hardly ask you to do anything for me. Why can’t you help me with this?”

Zheng Shi felt awkward. If it had been before, she would have asked without hesitation, but now that her older brother was a scholar, the whole family was relying on him. It would be awkward to say these things. She feared offending her older brother. Moreover, although her sister-in-law was gentle, she wasn’t necessarily easy to talk to.

She couldn’t help but complain, “Mom, you’re really making this hard for me.”

Old Lady Zheng’s face darkened. “I’ve treated you with such kindness, and you can’t even ask one simple question. I won’t bother with you anymore. From now on, don’t come to me for anything.”

Zheng Shi panicked and hurriedly said, “Okay, okay, I’ll help you ask. I’ll help you ask.”

Old Lady Zheng smiled and urged, “Go ask now.”

Zheng Shi dragged her feet, not wanting to go. Old Lady Zheng glared at her, and Zheng Shi reluctantly went out. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Wang Caiwei and her mother coming out of their room. She stepped forward, smiling, and said, “Sister-in-law, I need to talk to you about something.”

Wang Caiwei glanced at Wang Xushi. “Mom, please sit for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Wang Xushi was not happy, but said, “Go ahead.”

Wang Caiwei turned to Zheng Shi. Zheng Shi took her aside into the yard, acting awkward and unsure of how to say it. She felt her mother-in-law was really making this difficult for her.

Wang Caiwei, seeing Zheng Shi acting unusually shy, smiled and asked, “What’s going on? We’re family, is there anything we can’t talk about?”

Zheng Shi hesitated. “Sister-in-law, can I ask you something?”

Wang Caiwei sighed, “Go ahead.”

Zheng Shi gritted her teeth and said, “Sister-in-law, Jinxiu is eight this year, right?”

Wang Caiwei smiled. “She turned eight last month.”

Zheng Shi said, “My older brother’s son, Da Hu, is ten this year. He’s quick-witted and does well in his studies. He might even become a scholar one day. Do you think he’s a good match for Jinxiu?”

Wang Caiwei was taken aback. She hadn’t expected this question. After a moment, she frowned. “You’re talking about your nephew?”

Zheng Shi nodded and smiled. “I’m just asking. It doesn’t matter whether it works out or not. I can understand if you’re not willing.”

Wang Caiwei took a deep breath and said, “This is something I can’t decide on. I need to ask your older brother’s opinion.”

Zheng Shi, of course, knew it needed her older brother’s approval. She quickly said, “Yes, ask him. If he agrees, I’ll tell my mom.”

Wang Caiwei frowned. “Does it need to be this urgent?”

She felt they should give it some time to consider.

Zheng Shi was caught off guard, but didn’t want to tell her that she thought her older brother wouldn’t agree and had quickly rejected the idea to prevent her mother from overthinking.

Inside the hall, Old Master Wang was saying goodbye to Han Ze. Wang Caiwei glanced apologetically at her sister-in-law and said, “I’ll go send my parents off.”

Zheng Shi said, “Alright.”

After sending off the Wang family, Wang Caiwei called Han Ze aside and quietly asked, “Erlang’s wife’s nephew is ten years old, smart, and good at his studies. She asked me if Jinxiu and her nephew would be a good match.”

Han Ze’s face immediately darkened. “A toad trying to eat a swans meat, dreaming.”

He couldn’t believe that Jinxiu, just eight years old, was already being considered for a match. He couldn’t tolerate it.

Wang Caiwei was stunned, not expecting her husband to be so angry. She wasn’t upset, though. In her opinion, while it was a bit early for children to be engaged at eight or nine, if there was a good match, it wasn’t entirely out of the question.

Han Ze saw she wasn’t speaking, and sternly warned her, “Tell Zheng Shi not to think about it. My daughter won’t marry until she’s twenty. It’s outrageous.”

He then stormed off into the room, feeling a little embarrassed. Upon hearing someone else considering a match for his daughter, he became enraged. He hadn’t even considered that early marriage was common in this era. Women who weren’t married by twenty were considered old maids.

Even so, he didn’t want Jinxiu to be married off so early. Everything would be decided after he passed the provincial exams. The Zheng family likely wanted Jinxiu to marry their son only because of his new status as a scholar.

Wang Caiwei stared at her husband’s angry back, both annoyed and amused.

Zheng Shi came over and asked, “How did it go? Older brother didn’t agree, right?”

Wang Caiwei shook her head. Not only did he disagree, he also scolded someone. She smiled wryly, thinking to herself that in all the years shed been married to him, this was the first time shed heard him scold anyone. It must be because he was really angry.

Zheng Shi sighed in relief. She had known her older brother wouldn’t agree.