Although they wouldn’t be tested on interpersonal matters in the short term, it was still beneficial to practice early to stimulate their minds. So, Xu Wan kept the two curious little ones hanging, asking them to think of possible solutions.
The little troublemaker, Zong Jincheng, was certainly not the first to cooperate.
It was the well-behaved and obedient Zong Wenxiu who broke the deadlock: “I think the academy would choose the first option. No matter how bad Lin Yu’s father is, he’s still his father. The dean and teachers can only advise; they can’t interfere in family matters.”
Zong Jincheng initially didn’t want to participate in the guessing, but hearing what Zong Wenxiu said, he immediately retorted, “But didn’t you see that Lin Yu has already fallen out with him? If he goes home with his father, he’ll definitely be beaten to death! I think the latter is more likely—Lin Yu would rather stay with the dean than go home.”
Zong Wenxiu countered, “But Lin Yu needs money for his studies and living expenses. The dean has no relation to him—why would he be willing to support him?”
Zong Jincheng was left speechless: “But we can’t let him go home and be beaten to death…”
Zong Wenxiu replied, “He won’t be beaten to death, though it might be severe. There’s no lasting enmity between father and son; they might reconcile in a few days.”
Zong Jincheng pouted, “I still don’t agree with this decision. That father doesn’t seem like he’ll change in a few days, and Lin Yu will still suffer. If I were the dean, I’d take Lin Yu home. It’s just an extra pair of chopsticks, and our Marquis Manor isn’t short of money.”
Zong Wenxiu reminded him, “Not everyone lives as comfortably as you do. Have you forgotten Jing Zhe?”
The image of the slums flashed in the little troublemaker’s mind, and he instantly had no rebuttal.
After a while, he blinked his big, dark eyes and asked, “So if the dean and teachers don’t intervene, can we take Lin Yu home?”
Zong Wenxiu looked at Xu Wan; it was up to her.
Xu Wan raised an eyebrow and smiled, “So the solution you two came up with is to take responsibility yourselves? What if, in the future, it’s not just one Lin Yu but thousands of them? What would you do then? Use your own money to save everyone from hardship?”
Zong Jincheng, full of impulsive bravery, blurted out, “Why not?”
Zong Wenxiu tugged at him and reluctantly reminded him, “Brother, I know you want to help others, but if it’s thousands of people, we don’t have that much money.”
Zong Jincheng didn’t believe it: “Impossible. My grandmother is as rich as a country.”
Zong Wenxiu sighed, “That’s just an expression. It doesn’t mean she can actually support the entire nation.”
“Huh?” Zong Jincheng was confused. Is that so?
Zong Wenxiu said, “We need to think of more practical solutions, ways to help them become self-reliant rather than taking everything on ourselves. Otherwise, even if we’re crushed, we can’t save thousands of people.”
Xu Wan nodded in approval, “Exactly. It’s better to teach someone to fish than to give them a fish.”
Zong Wenxiu, praised by Xu Wan, shyly nodded.
Zong Jincheng’s expression immediately darkened.
This bad woman, always praising others.
She’s so biased!
Zong Jincheng angrily said, “What fish? I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Xu Wan explained, “It means that giving someone a fish is less effective than teaching them how to fish. It’s a more sustainable and efficient approach.”
“But Lin Yu is so young. How can he learn to fish?” Zong Jincheng still didn’t get it. “How much money can fishing even make?”
Zong Wenxiu pondered, “Fishing doesn’t earn much, and Lin Yu might not know how to fish. But I think, since he’s a diligent student with excellent grades, his handwriting must be good. He could earn money by copying books—35 coins per book, enough for his living expenses.”
“35… coins?” Hearing the unit “coins” again, Zong Jincheng was still puzzled. “Can he really survive on that? Where would he live?”
Zong Wenxiu nodded, “Yes, it’s been common for poor students to earn a living by copying books since ancient times. And Qingbo Academy has dormitories for students. He can live there without going home and still manage well.”
Zong Jincheng’s mind was suddenly opened.
So even a child his age, if talented enough, could survive without relying on family.
Self-reliance…
A child his age could truly be self-reliant.
Xu Wan also nodded and revealed the answer: “Lin Yu didn’t want to go home, so that’s how the dean handled it. He didn’t give Lin Yu money but instead connected him with someone who buys hand-copied books, giving Lin Yu a way to earn income.”
Zong Wenxiu smiled, pleased that his reasoning had been correct.
The dean was just an ordinary person, doing what he could to help. If he only gave handouts, he might not even be able to support himself.
Zong Jincheng was unhappy again.
His eyes were filled with jealousy, jealous that Zong Wenxiu had guessed correctly, making his own suggestion seem so unrealistic.
“Hmph!” Zong Jincheng made a loud noise and turned to climb into the carriage.
Zong Wenxiu, unsure what was wrong, wanted to follow him.
Xu Wan called from behind, “That kid’s pride is hurt again. He can’t stand losing and blames others for being too good. Such a tsundere. If you comfort him, it’ll never end.”
Zong Wenxiu thought for a moment and said, “Brother just hasn’t been exposed to these things, so he doesn’t understand. He’s learning gradually, and with his intelligence, he’ll probably surpass me soon.”
He spoke sincerely, then ran toward the carriage.
Xu Wan smiled at his words and complained to Cui Zhi, “That child is such a selfless altruist.”
“An altruist?” Cui Zhi didn’t fully understand but managed to respond, “Young Master Wenxiu would rather fail the imperial exam himself than see Young Master Jincheng fail. Even though they’re only cousins, their bond is stronger than many biological brothers.”
Xu Wan chuckled softly and sighed, “Growing up in a place like the slums and still being raised so well—Auntie Hong is an excellent mother.”
Cui Zhi nodded in agreement, “Since Auntie Hong found out that Young Master Wenxiu is studying with Young Master Jincheng under Master Baili in the study, she’s told him not to visit her often and to focus on his studies. She’s even instructed him to listen to you, Madam. It seems like she regards you as the mistress of their branch of the family.”
Auntie Hong had once planned for Zong Wenxiu to be raised in the old madam’s courtyard after her death. Now that her health had improved, she saw hope in Xu Wan.
Like a sensible concubine, she wasn’t interested in power struggles or rising above her station. She only wanted her child to be guided and cared for by the legitimate wife, ensuring a bright future for him.
A parent’s love for their child is measured by their foresight.
Xu Wan understood.
She replied, “A few days ago, the family doctor told me that Auntie Hong has almost fully recovered. She should come out and bask in the sun more often; there’s no need for her to be so reserved.”
“Yes, Madam.”
In the carriage, Zong Jincheng was still sulking.
“Jincheng?” Zong Wenxiu called out.
Zong Jincheng turned his head away and let out another loud huff.
Zong Wenxiu smiled, “Guess what I just said to Madam?”
