Chapter 19: Mental Preparation
“How did you manage it?” Zhang had originally thought that even if her son went to school, it would be at best no different from Wang Xuewen. She never expected that the boy’s father would find a way to send him to the city.
Wang Chengzhi, of course, wouldn’t admit it was by throwing tantrums and making a scene that he secured the opportunity. He only smiled mysteriously and said, “A coward never wins; if you want something, you have to fight for it yourself! I just mentioned how the parents favored others and talked about how making silk flowers could earn money, and Dad agreed.”
From the moment his eldest brother was sent to school, Wang Chengzhi understood clearly: the child who cries loudest gets the milk. In this family, passivity and meekness would never get him anywhere.
Zhang’s eyes sparkled. It was precisely because Wang Chengzhi was sharp and clear-headed that she had chosen to be with him.
“All right, stop with that look—you don’t have to adore me so much,” Wang Chengzhi teased, ruffling his hair proudly when he caught his wife’s admiring gaze.
“You cheeky devil...”
***
The matter was soon put into motion; after all, the family was about to begin sowing, and there was no time to waste.
Amidst Old Liu’s grumbling and cursing, Wang Chengzhi took the money, brought Wang Xuezhou, and boarded the ox cart bound for the city.
Upon arriving, they first bought dried meat, celery, and other customary gifts, then hurried to Shangshan Academy.
When they knocked, a gatekeeper appeared. He glanced at them and, guessing their purpose, invited them inside: “Our master is currently teaching. Please wait a moment.”
Following the gatekeeper down a long corridor, they heard the clear sound of reading.
Wang Xuezhou felt an inexplicable thrill. He finally held the ticket to learning.
Through the large, bright windows, he saw several students seated inside, books in hand, nodding and reading earnestly.
Sunlight bathed them, full of life and vigor.
“Right this way. The master will come after class,” the gatekeeper said before leaving them in the main hall.
After about fifteen minutes, a man entered.
Wang Xuezhou was momentarily stunned.
The man appeared about the same age as his father, refined and handsome, but a fierce scar ran through his right eyebrow, lending him an air of severity.
Sensing Wang Xuezhou’s gaze, the man looked over with eyes calm and unruffled, as if their arrival stirred not the slightest interest.
***
Wang Chengzhi, surprised, cautiously asked, “Are you Master Zhou?”
Zhou Mingli nodded slightly. “I am Zhou Mingli.”
Wang Chengzhi grew excited. “Master Zhou, this is my youngest son. He’s five this year. He’s been smart and quick since he was young. We hoped to find a teacher to give him a proper start. Do you think he’s suitable?”
Zhou Mingli had noticed the boy as soon as he entered, quite bold for his age. Most first-timers here were nervous; this was the first to meet his gaze unflinchingly.
Instead of answering immediately, Zhou turned to Wang Xuezhou: “What is your name?”
“Wang Xuezhou.”
“How many people in your family?”
“Sixteen.”
...
Zhou Mingli asked basic questions, and Wang Chengzhi was unperturbed.
After Wang Xuezhou answered them all, Zhou nodded with some satisfaction. “Good! Clear speech, logical.”
Wang Chengzhi’s heart lifted. “When can my son start attending?”
“Go home and prepare a copy of the Thousand Character Classic, along with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone. You may come the day after tomorrow. The academy provides lodging and meals, but you must bring your own supplies. Once school starts, you’ll have two days off every ten days. Only then can you return home. Be prepared for that.”
Relieved and joyful, Wang Xuezhou said, “Thank you, Master. I will come to pay respects the day after tomorrow.”
Wang Chengzhi tried to leave the customary gifts but was politely refused until the next visit.
Outside the gate, he felt a great weight lift from his heart. Clutching the silver coins from Old Liu, he boldly declared, “Let’s go! Today, Dad will treat you to something you like!”
They eagerly entered a bookstore.
Rows upon rows of shelves were packed with books, and brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were everywhere.
Wang Xuezhou eagerly listed his needs, but after the attendant’s introduction, both father and son deflated instantly.
The prices were exorbitant!
The cheapest chicken feather brush cost 80 wen! Not to mention goat, wolf, and purple brushes—all far beyond their reach.
Ink sticks started at 20 wen each.
Paper—cheapest was yellow bamboo paper—15 wen per sheet. A bundle contained 70 sheets; buying a bundle saved 50 wen, about one tael of silver.
The cheapest inkstone was over a hundred wen...
***
The father and son entered the shop proudly but left with drooped shoulders, holding their purchases.
Wang Chengzhi gritted his teeth. “Cheats!”
They had brushes from the Book King Wang Chengzu, so they did not buy those, but just picking up other supplies cost nearly a tael of silver, and they didn’t dare buy a full bundle of paper.
Wang Chengzhi sighed all the way home.
They hadn’t even started studying, yet they had already spent a huge sum. He had clearly underestimated the cost of education.
Besides the tuition gifts, consumables like brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were a major expense.
If no one at home had been to school before, it would have been even more expensive.
No wonder his mother had grown stingier ever since the eldest brother started schooling...
Back at home, Wang Chengzhi excitedly recounted the events. Old Wang and Old Liu were somewhat surprised.
They had thought the city master might reject the runt, which would have made sending him to the town school more reasonable.
Unexpectedly, he was accepted.
Though it went against their hopes, Old Wang was pleased that the city master took the runt in. He suppressed a smile, sternly looking at Wang Xuezhou: “Since the master accepted you, you must study hard and learn skills, understood?”
“Don’t worry, Grandfather! I know!”
***
On the day of enrollment, Old Wang rose early, combing his hair with water until it shone.
Mao Dan helped his younger brother dress, reminding him: “Don’t be afraid there. Once things at home settle down, I’ll have Dad take me to the city to see you. If anyone bullies you, tell me—I’ll beat them up!”
“Brother, you’re overthinking. I’m going to study, not fight. I’ve never lost out before—trust me.”
Mao Dan thought about it; his brother was always quick-witted and never got the short end of the stick.
Zhang was packing his things and, hearing this, couldn’t help but worry. “It’s different there, so be careful. Pay attention in class, eat well after school—it’s the growing season, you mustn’t skip meals, understand?”
“Right, Mother. I packed some pickles for you. If I get hungry later, I’ll eat them with some bread. I’ll come back early on breaks!”
“Got it!”
His siblings and Zhang fussed over him for a long while before finally letting him go.