Chapter 18: Consent

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The matter concluded with Li Niang being sent away. Wang Chengzu was beaten to the point he couldn’t get out of bed, pinned down by Old Wang. Wang Xuewen was taken to the city’s medical clinic for treatment; when he returned, Mrs. Gao’s complexion had finally improved somewhat, as her son’s injuries were not too severe, though he still needed to rest in bed for two months to recover fully.

After this incident, the family returned to their usual calm, but an undercurrent of tension lingered. The eldest aunt not only had to care for her son but also tended to her bedridden husband, leaving her physically and mentally exhausted. The household often heard quarrels, cries, and the sounds of things being smashed coming from their room.

Wang Lanyue from the main branch bore visible slap marks on her face after several days of working at home, clearly absorbing Mrs. Gao’s frustration. Wang Xuezhou felt deep sympathy but understood family matters were not for outsiders to meddle in. Zhang and Ma, understanding Mrs. Gao’s state of mind, took over all the household chores.

Everyone knew about Wang Xuezhou’s plan to pursue schooling, but Mrs. Gao had no heart to argue, and the Wang Chengyao family was indifferent; thus, the decision was settled. However, when it came to choosing which school to attend, Wang Chengzhi clashed with the elder couple.

“I do not agree! That teacher is rigid and dull, having spent his life studying yet only passing the lowest-level civil exam once, and to this day hasn’t produced any accomplished students. Our ‘Ugly Duckling’ is smart and clever; he’s destined to become a scholar. Sending him there would only hold him back!” Wang Chengzhi leapt in excitement when he heard Old Wang intended to send the boy to the town school to keep company with Wang Xuewen.

“What’s wrong with the town school? The tuition is cheap, and the teacher, having taught for half a lifetime, is very experienced! Xuewen studies there, so why shouldn’t your ‘Ugly Duckling’ go?” Old Wang, displeased by his son’s opposition, patiently explained.

Wang Xuezhou had also heard of the town’s teacher, an old scholar known for his rigid, uninspiring nature, strictly adhering to the book. Every time Xuewen mentioned his studies, his face showed nothing but misery. At the thought, Wang Xuezhou shivered; he hoped the boy wouldn’t become disheartened before learning anything.

Moreover, if he studied in the city, might he have a chance to visit the Grey Pit?

“Grandfather, send me to the city to study! I promise I’ll become a scholar one day! Then our family genealogy will have a whole new page for me! I’ll be the first from our village to make it big!”

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Old Wang smiled faintly at Wang Xuezhou’s words but quickly sobered, nearly slapping himself! He had cajoled his eldest son his whole life, only to see no success and a stubborn attitude. Just now, he almost stumbled again.

Clearing his throat, he said, “You two stop talking nonsense. I have no great expectations for you or Xuewen. Just study for a few years, learn to read a bit, and maybe one day you can work in the city as a clerk or accountant to support the family.”

“Father, you can’t think the whole family is useless just because the eldest failed. As the saying goes, a child’s character is evident at three years old. Our ‘Ugly Duckling’ is only five but already considerate of the family, unlike his uncle. Please let him study in the city! I’ve already done some research.”

Wang Chengzhi’s trips to the city selling hairpins were not in vain; he had gathered information about the schools there and had a clear plan.

Old Wang glared at him. “So you’ve been waiting for me? You’ve wanted to send ‘Ugly Duckling’ to study all along, haven’t you?”

Wang Chengzhi waved his hand. “What does it matter? The important thing is there are two schools in the city. One is called Ruhai Academy, with a teacher who is a scholar, about your age, well-learned, teaching students preparing for the imperial exams, having produced several scholars. But tuition is expensive—five taels a year, no room or board. Let’s not consider that.”

“The other is Shangshan Academy, a young school open only two years, so its reputation is unclear. Tuition is cheap—three taels a year, including room and board.”

He held up three fingers, looking up at Old Wang appealingly.

Enraged, Old Wang bent down to take off his shoe, but Wang Chengzhi expertly stopped him with one hand. “Just three taels, Father! For a scholar teacher! Much cheaper than five taels without board. Please send ‘Ugly Duckling’ there!”

Wang Xuezhou nodded enthusiastically. “With a scholar teacher, I can become a scholar. If I have only a low-level teacher, I’d at best pass the lowest exam!”

Listening to the father and son in such harmony, Old Wang’s face twisted in anger. “Only three taels a year? Do you think our family mints money? Stop with the nonsense. Either send ‘Ugly Duckling’ to the town school or keep him home and let Chengzu teach him!”

Wang Chengzhi was shocked. “‘Ugly Duckling’ is your own grandson! How can you let the eldest teach him?”

Wang Chengzu, who had been sitting calmly, stood up in anger but sat back down sharply due to the pain on his backside, which only worsened.

“Ow!”

Wang Chengzhi pointed at him. “Look at him! Does he seem fit to teach? He’d only ruin the child! Not just your own grandson—if he taught anyone else’s child, I wouldn’t trust him either.”

Old Wang’s face darkened. “No discussion. It’s decided.”

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Seeing this, Wang Chengzhi flopped onto the ground, rolling about. “Nobody loves me~ Nobody cares for me~ I’m just a little cabbage in the field~~~ Father favors others, mother favors others, and the second child in the family gets no attention~~~~~”

Wang Xuezhou stared in amazement; with such talent, his father would surely be a star in the opera.

Old Wang’s face was ashen, his fists clenching and unclenching as he roared, “Shut your mouth!”

“You are biased! Our ‘Ugly Duckling’ came up with a money-making idea and earned six taels for the family in just a few days! Now he only needs three taels to study, and you’re unhappy. Don’t mention Xuewen; he doesn’t earn a cent and only spends the family’s money. His parents aren’t much either; they only let him study out of respect for me as their uncle!”

Wang Chengzhi was undeterred by Old Wang’s anger, standing tall and looking at his father with a mix of grievance and defiance.

Old Wang was taken aback, silent for a long moment before sighing deeply. “Fine, then do as you see fit.”

Wang Chengzhi’s face lit up, and he hurriedly got up, brushing the dust off himself. “Alright, then you should rest early. My eldest won’t trouble you anymore.”

With that, he grabbed Wang Chengzu to leave.

“Ow~ I still have things to say to Father. If you’re leaving, just go—don’t drag me along...”

“Enough! I doubt you have anything worthwhile to say. If you get Father angry, you’ll be the one to blame!”

“You...”

...

That night, Zhang lay awake, excited and unable to sleep.

“Father, is it really true that our ‘Ugly Duckling’ will study at the city school? Am I dreaming?”

“He’s really going! If I couldn’t pull it off, would you trust me?”

Wang Chengzhi beamed with pride.