AD (QT) Chapter 102

These past two days, Zheng Shi felt that her eldest brother-in-law had been looking at her strangely, as if she were a child trafficker.

She wasn’t mistaken. Han Ze truly thought his second sister-in-law was far too idle—her hands stretched too long. It was one thing for her to meddle in the affairs of his household, but what really made him angry was that she actually had the audacity to play matchmaker for his eight-year-old daughter—and even to her own natal family’s nephew, no less. That was simply outrageous.

Still, since she was only his sister-in-law, it wasn’t convenient for him to say much. As a man, he could not stoop to quarrel with a woman. But just because he couldn’t argue with his brother’s wife didn’t mean he couldn’t settle accounts with his brother. In his view, the reason the second sister-in-law meddled so much was entirely because Second Brother indulged her. So, naturally, Han Erlang suffered the consequences.

These days, Han Erlang often found himself on the receiving end of his elder brother’s cold stares. He was utterly baffled, wondering when he had possibly offended him. Yet no matter how hard he searched his memory, he couldn’t find a reason. He could only endure those cold looks in silence, trembling slightly, without daring to complain.

After a few more days, the excitement over Han Ze passing the county exam had gradually faded, and fewer people came to visit. The county academy was set to open on the sixth day of the sixth month. Now it was late April, a little more than a month away. It was the busiest season for farm work. Except for Han Ze and the children, everyone else in the Han family was working in the fields.

With nothing much to do, Han Ze had originally wanted to help with the weeding in the fields, but the whole family objected. So he gave up and decided he could at least spend his time copying books.

Since the New Year, he had been copying the Four Books and Five Classics, and he was halfway done. Another month or so should see it completed. That way, he could earn ten taels of silver, which would cover his expenses for the academy.

During the day, he copied texts; at night, he taught the children to read and write. Jinxiu was eight years old, Jinye six—both already at the age to begin learning.

Back when his health was still good, the original body had already taught Jinxiu quite a few characters. According to the memories left behind, she was quick-witted and bright, a fast learner—often remembering a new character after only two or three lessons. The original Han Ze had often sighed, wishing she had been born a boy; if she were, she could have taken the imperial examinations.

As for Han Jinye, the original body had fallen ill before he had time to teach him, so he didn’t know the boy’s aptitude. Regardless, in Han Ze’s eyes, children of six or seven should already be learning to read.

He went to town to buy paper and brushes, letting them start by practicing brushstrokes and learning five characters each day.

After a few days of teaching, Han Ze found both children clever in their own way. Jinxiu, being older, had patience. She could sit quietly for an hour, writing character after character, without complaint. Only when he reminded her to rest would she stretch her limbs and move about.

Jinye, on the other hand, was completely different. After half an hour of writing, he would start to fidget—either running to the outhouse, fetching water, or finding other excuses to get up.

One child couldn’t be pulled away from her seat; the other couldn’t stay seated for long. That would not do. So Han Ze made a rule: each child must fill three sheets within half an hour; only then could they rest.

After several days, the children got used to their daily lessons, and Han Ze increased their workload to six new characters a day.

Jinxiu made no complaint. In her eyes, spending her days doing a bit of embroidery and studying characters with her father—without having to gather pigweed or do chores like the other village children—was comfortable enough.

Jinye, however, felt the pressure and pouted. “Father, can I write a little less?”

Han Ze looked at him calmly and nodded. “You can.”

Jinye’s face lit up with joy. But Han Ze smiled faintly and added slowly, “At noon, we’ll be making dumplings. You won’t eat any. You may have an extra half steamed bun instead.”

Jinye’s cheerful face instantly fell. “Why not?”

It wasn’t often their family made dumplings—only recently, since his father passed the county exam. He loved dumplings. On normal days, he wouldn’t even think to ask, but now that they were making them, being told he couldn’t have any felt worse than being beaten.

Han Ze narrowed his eyes slightly and said, “Everyone in this house, aside from your younger siblings and grandparents, has work to do. They all complete their tasks on time, and so they can eat their dumplings with an easy heart. But the task Father gave you—you didn’t finish it. How can you eat with peace of mind?”

Jinye wanted to say that he could eat with peace of mind, but under his sister’s watchful gaze, he mumbled reluctantly, “Fine, I’ll write.”

Han Ze smiled. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll write two more sheets than your sister each day.”

Jinye cried out, “Why? I’m younger than Sister—I should write less!”

Why did being younger mean more work? That wasn’t fair at all.

Jinxiu nudged him with her foot and said, “I’m a girl. Girls can’t take the imperial exams. You’re a boy. Do you mean to say you don’t want to take them or become an official? You really have no ambition. Father’s a scholar—don’t you dare fail even to pass the first exam and shame him.”

Being looked down on by his sister, Jinye was indignant. He did have ambition—his hand just hurt after writing too long. Wasn’t it fine to rest a little? She was looking down on him too much.

“I’ll be better than Father! He’s a scholar, and I’ll be the zhuangyuan¹First Rank in the Palace Examination and a big official!” he declared loudly.

Han Ze chuckled and nodded. “Good, that’s the spirit. Father will wait for you to become zhuangyuan.”

Jinye’s cheeks turned red. Truth be told, though people in the village often talked about “passing as zhuangyuan,” he didn’t really know what that meant. He only knew it was very impressive—more impressive than being a scholar. Judging by Father’s tone, it wasn’t easy to achieve. Still, he was smart—smarter than Father—so he would definitely make it.

With that thought, his chest swelled with confidence. “I’ll definitely be zhuangyuan! I won’t let Father lose face!”

Jinxiu, watching his smug little face, couldn’t help but roll her eyes and kick him again. He jumped away, frowning. “Why do you keep kicking me?”

She didn’t answer, just bent her head and kept writing. What could she say—that she simply couldn’t stand his boastful face? Zhuangyuan, indeed! He’d be lucky to pass as a scholar. Still, thinking that Father was already a scholar, she supposed her brother should at least aim for juren. So she lifted her head and said, “Let’s lower the difficulty for you a bit. You can just pass as juren.”

At least juren was realistic.

Jinye refused, puffing out his chest. “Who are you looking down on? I don’t need to lower it! I’m going to be zhuangyuan!”

Jinxiu rolled her eyes again. She had only meant to make things easier for him, but he wouldn’t even accept that. “Fine,” she said, “I’ll wait for you to be zhuangyuan.”

Han Ze looked at the two children and smiled. “Jinxiu, we’ll remember your brother’s words.”

She grinned. “Of course we will.”

Jinye mumbled, “No need—you don’t have to remember. I’ll remember it myself.”

Han Ze said, “Since you want to be zhuangyuan, you’d better start practicing. A zhuangyuan can’t have messy handwriting.”

“Can I rest a bit first?” Jinye asked weakly.

Jinxiu sneered. “You’re the one who said you’d be zhuangyuan, yet you write less and worse than me. If that’s enough to pass, there’d be zhuangyuan everywhere.”

Jinye’s cheeks puffed up. “I’ll write seriously. I’ll write better than you!”

“Then let’s see it,” she challenged.

Jinye glared at her, grabbed his brush, and said, “Just you wait.”

Han Ze and Jinxiu exchanged a knowing glance. He smiled approvingly at his daughter, and she blushed, lowering her head to her own writing again.

…

Zheng Shi soon noticed that her eldest brother-in-law had recently begun teaching Jinxiu and Jinye to read. Thinking of the benefits of having a scholar in the family, she discussed it with her husband that night.

“Tomorrow,” she said, “go speak with Eldest Brother. Have him teach our Dabao too. Dabao’s cleverer than you were—perhaps he’ll become a scholar one day.”

Han Erlang turned over lazily. “You think becoming a scholar is like selling cabbages, that anyone can do it?”

Zheng-shi wasn’t convinced. She lightly thumped his shoulder. “Of course not everyone can, but Dabao has a scholar for an uncle. If his uncle teaches him, his chances will be better than other children’s.”

Han Erlang sat up. “That makes sense. Our father couldn’t recognize a single character, yet still raised a scholar. I may not be much of a reader, but at least I can recognize a few words. Between our two boys, one of them is bound to study well. And even if neither does, we’re still young. Maybe we’ll have another one who will!”

Zheng Shi agreed with this reasoning.

“Tomorrow then, I’ll talk to Eldest Brother,” said Han Erlang.

After a moment, Zheng Shi added, “Eldest Brother’s children all have names. Maybe it’s time we give Dabao a proper one too?”

Han Erlang thought for a moment. “What should we name him?”

“How should I know?” Zheng-shi replied, looking at him expectantly.

He tilted his head, thinking deeply. “We’re hoping he’ll become a scholar. How about calling him Han Caixue²Han Learning Talent?”

Zheng-shi shook her head. “Doesn’t sound good.”

“Then Han Boxue³Han Broad Learning?”

“This one sounds better.”

“Hmm, not quite right. How about Han Xuewen?”

“This one’s good,” she nodded.

“Then Han Xuewen it is,” he decided.

Three students or four—it made little difference. Since the child was his nephew, Han Ze naturally couldn’t refuse. He rummaged through the brush holder, found an old brush, cleaned and boiled it, and handed it to Dabao—now renamed Han Xuewen.

At first, the boy wasn’t used to being called that. When his family called him “Xuewen,” he’d look around blankly. After a few days, though, he got used to it, and soon everyone called him by his new name.

That week, rain fell often, so no one could go out to the fields. The whole family stayed home. The three daughters-in-law sat by the main hall doors doing needlework, while the children practiced their characters at the table.

Just then, Aunt Yan arrived with her son, Yan Hong.

Jinye and Xuewen raised their heads curiously at the sound, but Jinxiu kept writing steadily, stroke after stroke, not moving an inch.

Han Ze glanced at them. At once, Jinye and Xuewen straightened up, picked up their brushes, and bent over their papers again.

Aunt Yan gave the children a discreet look, then withdrew her gaze. Her son, however, stared at them with envy in his eyes. He was already ten years old and had finished the basic primers long ago. By right, he should have gone to the school in town, but the family couldn’t afford the tuition. So he could only read his few old books again and again.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Wang Shi, Aunt Yan explained her purpose in coming. She hoped Han Ze would accept Yan Hong as a student.

Han Ze was not surprised. In the original storyline, Jinxiu was the heroine, and Yan Hong not only the male lead, but also the original Han Ze’s student. He glanced at the boy, thinking that this was the very brat who, in another life, had stolen away his little cabbage.

Even if he didn’t know whether fate would bind them again in this life, he still felt irritated. He truly didn’t want to take him as a disciple. But looking at the boy’s earnest, expectant face, he couldn’t bear to harden his heart.

Raising an eyebrow, he said, “Jinye, lend him paper and brush. Let me see how he writes.”

Jinye was secretly delighted—finally, an excuse to rest. But at Han Ze’s faint glance, he quickly restrained his glee and handed the brush carefully to Yan Hong.

Yan Hong took it, sat at the table, and began writing seriously: “When a person is born, their nature is good…”

As he wrote each word, Jinye read each word aloud beside him. When he finished, Yan Hong presented the page to Han Ze, standing nervously before him, fists clenched.

Han Ze glanced casually at the writing. Though a bit childish, it was quite good for his age. Still, he didn’t want to agree too easily, lest the boy grow proud. So he frowned slightly, pretending to hesitate. Yan Hong’s heart tightened, but he dared not speak.

After a pause, Han Ze smiled. “In a few days I’ll be leaving for the county academy. I may not have much time to teach you. Knowing that, do you still wish to take me as your teacher?”

It was the truth. Even if he accepted him, he wouldn’t have much time for lessons. The boy would be better off studying at a school in town.

Yan Hong looked at his mother. Mrs. Yan hesitated. “Perhaps we should… go back and think about it?”

But Yan Hong quickly interrupted her. “I want to take Teacher as my master.”

If the teacher was willing to accept him, how could he refuse? What was there to consider?

Han Ze understood the mother’s hesitation and didn’t take offense. “You should think it through and come again once you’ve decided.”

After seeing the Yan mother and son off, Jinxiu put down her brush and looked at her father. “Father, you actually want to take Yan Hong as your disciple, don’t you?”

Han Ze raised his brows with a smile. “Why do you say that?”

“Because,” she said softly, “if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have asked him to write. But you also said you’ll be going to the county academy soon, so how would you have time to teach him?”

Han Ze chuckled. This daughter was truly clever. “I plan to rent a house in the county and move there with you three. That way, I can still teach you.”

He had only thought of this idea so far and hadn’t yet discussed it with Han Youtian, but he knew his father would support the children’s studies.

Jinxiu tilted her head, frowning slightly. “But Father, I still have to learn embroidery from Granny Lü. How can I move to the county?”

Han Ze had considered that. He planned for Jinxiu to spend half a month at home learning embroidery, and half in the county studying with him.

When Jinye heard that, his face fell. He had been secretly hoping that once Father left for the academy, he’d be free from daily lessons. He hadn’t expected Father to plan to take them along. He muttered, “Father, can we not move to the county?”

Han Ze placed Yan Hong’s writing in front of him. “Look at his handwriting. This is how a future zhuangyuan writes. And you—your messy scrawl, and you dare to be lazy?”

He wasn’t wrong. In the original tale, Yan Hong would indeed become a zhuangyuan.

Jinxiu leaned over curiously. “It really is neat. Very good writing.”

Han Ze smiled. “He’s probably practiced for three years. If you both work hard, you can reach that level too. It just depends on whether you can endure the hardship.”

Jinxiu’s competitive spirit was sparked. “I can definitely endure hardship!” she said, glancing at her brother.

Jinye pursed his lips. What was she looking at him for? It wasn’t as if he’d said he couldn’t! Puffing out his chest, he said, “I can too. I’m going to be zhuangyuan!”

Han Ze chuckled, patting his head. “Then our future zhuangyuan lang should get back to practice. Talking alone won’t win you the title.”

Jinye’s face drooped. Why, oh why, had he bragged about becoming zhuangyuan?

…

That evening, Han Ze told Han Youtian and his wife about his plan to move to the county. The old couple did not object. But Zheng Shi felt reluctant. Thinking of her son Xuewen following his uncle to live in the county, so young and far from his parents, her heart ached.

Han Erlang also felt reluctant, but there was no other choice. He tried to comfort her. “Eldest Sister-in-law will treat Xuewen well.”

Zheng Shi knew that, given Eldest Sister-in-law’s temperament, she wouldn’t mistreat the boy. But Xuewen had never been away from them before. The thought of it made her eyes sting. After a long silence, she said, “Maybe we could send him to the school in town instead?”

Han Erlang frowned. “That costs too much silver.”

Zheng Shi thought it over and sighed. “Then forget it.”

For the sake of the child’s future, she would endure the pain.

Han Erlang was surprised by her consideration. “If you really miss him, we can go visit him in the county later.”

…

The next day, Mrs. Yan came again with her son, this time carrying gifts for the master. Since they had decided, Han Ze would not refuse.

“Soon I’ll be leaving for the county academy,” he said frankly. “Have you thought about what to do?”

Yan Hong replied, “If Teacher accepts me, then you must already have a plan. I’ll follow Teacher’s arrangements.”

Han Ze nodded with satisfaction. “After I rent a courtyard in the county and settle down, your teacher’s wife and the children will move there too. Then you can come as well.”

Mrs. Yan was relieved. “The child is still young. I’ll have to trouble you, Teacher.”

Han Ze waved his hand. “Since I’ve accepted him, it’s no trouble.”

Whether this boy would one day become his daughter’s destined match was up to fate. He would not interfere, but neither would he push it. If anyone wanted to marry Han Ze’s daughter, even his own disciple, he would have to earn it by his own ability.

Mrs. Yan smiled, knowing that “a teacher for a day is a father for life.” She no longer stood on ceremony.

Han Ze said, “For now, I won’t teach you anything new. Today, just practice writing here. Use my brush for now, but be sure to bring your own paper and brushes tomorrow.”

Their family wasn’t wealthy; with three children already learning, the cost of materials added up. He could lend books, but paper and ink they must provide.

Yan Hong’s eyes lit up. “Yes, Teacher.”

Taking the brush, he sat down and began to write, earnest and focused—more so even than Jinxiu. Han Ze nodded repeatedly. Truly a future zhuangyuan.

Watching him, Jinye compared himself secretly. No wonder Father said Yan Hong could be zhuangyuan—just look at that concentration. But how could the son of a scholar admit defeat? Straightening his back, he too bent over his work, determined not to be outdone.

As for Jinxiu, though normally diligent, she now lifted her head to watch them both, amusement flickering in her eyes. She realized how cunning her father truly was. Jinye was clever but lazy, always needing reminders. With Yan Hong as an example, his shortcomings stood out clearly—and his pride would drive him to improve.

Indeed, that morning Jinye never once ran off to play. Whenever Yan Hong finished a page, he hurried to finish one too, competing silently.

At noon, when Yan Hong left, Jinxiu smiled and said, “Father, I know why you accepted him as a student.”

Han Ze chuckled. “Oh? Tell me.”

“It’s to motivate my brother, isn’t it?”

Han Ze nearly laughed aloud. In truth, he had accepted Yan Hong on impulse. The fact that the boy spurred Jinye to study harder was just an unexpected bonus. But he couldn’t admit that. Instead, he asked, “Did you finish your morning writing?”

Jinxiu stuck out her tongue. She had been too busy watching the boys compete and had fallen behind.

Han Ze gave her a look. “You’re going to Granny Lu’s this afternoon, aren’t you?”

She nodded.

“Then there’s both gain and loss,” he said. “Taking Yan Hong as a student has its benefits—and its drawbacks.”

“What drawbacks?” she asked.

He raised a brow. “Your brother’s diligence was sparked, but you, who have never once fallen behind, delayed your own work because of his arrival. Isn’t that a drawback?”

Jinxiu gasped softly. Han Ze said mildly, “Finish the rest of your practice tonight before bed.”

“Yes, Father,” she murmured.

…

Just as Han Ze finished packing for the journey to the county, Doctor Wang and his brother-in-law arrived at the Han house. The two families had long fallen out, so the Han elders were puzzled as to their purpose.

Doctor Wang spoke directly: “The two want to divorce. I came to ask your opinion.”

Old Madam Han said plainly, “We already cut ties with Daya. Whatever she does now has nothing to do with us.”

Even if her eldest daughter divorced, she would never let her come back. And knowing what Daya had done to Han Ze, she felt no affection left. Divorce or not, it no longer mattered.

Doctor Wang sighed. He understood. Daya’s actions had been too vicious. It was only natural that the Han family disowned her. Still, since their marriage had originally been arranged with the Han family, it was only proper to inform them before the separation, lest they be unaware.