Chapter 44: Everyone Has to Study
Since everything had already been settled with Wen Nong, he came over early the next morning and even took the initiative to help Wen Yao and Wen Jun with the chores.
Wen Xiuyi sat in the courtyard with Da Tou, reading aloud. When Wen Yao came over to say they were ready to head out, Wen Xiuyi suddenly said, “On your way back, stop by the study shop and pick up some brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone.”
Da Tou’s hand froze mid-stroke with his writing stick, and he looked up at Wen Xiuyi in confusion.
Wen Xiuyi patted his head and said, “You can’t keep using a stick to write. It’ll affect your handwriting down the line.”
No matter what others thought of his son, in Wen Xiuyi’s eyes, Da Tou was the smartest child in the world. He couldn’t afford to let that talent go to waste.
As for the imperial exams, that ship had sailed. Even if he had been a top student in his previous life, he was already over sixty years old back then. Sure, he was physically young again here, but his mental age hadn’t changed. Asking him to study like a teenager again? No thanks.
Besides, it was clear that the two elders at the old house had pinned their hopes on Da Tou and Wen Jun now.
With Wen Jun heading off to study medicine, that left only Da Tou. He had to be nurtured properly.
Da Tou was overjoyed. He wrapped his arms around Wen Xiuyi’s neck and nuzzled him like a little kitten.
Over the past two months, Da Tou had filled out a bit. He wasn’t as skinny anymore, and he had some heft to him now—just a bit heavy.
“Be good now. Go to the old house and wait for us to get back. Don’t cause trouble for your grandparents, alright?” Wen Xiuyi reminded him.
Da Tou nodded earnestly. He would be good. Once his brother and sister came back, he’d finally be able to write on real paper.
Wen Nong was still not used to seeing Wen Xiuyi act like this.
“Uncle, I’m clumsy. If I mess something up, please don’t get mad,” Wen Nong said cautiously.
Wen Xiuyi finished settling Da Tou down and stood up. Seeing how nervous Wen Nong was, he said directly, “Stand up straight. No one’s born knowing everything. Just learn. Oh, right.”
He turned to his youngest son. “Da Tou, bring me your Three Character Classic. Since you’ve finished reading it, give it to your cousin Wen Nong to take with him. When things are slow at the stall, I’ll teach him how to read.”
Wen Nong was stunned and pointed to himself. “Me?”
Did he hear that right? Uncle was going to teach him to read? Was he out of his mind? Back when they wanted to study, Uncle had said they were too dumb and flat-out refused. And now, he was volunteering to teach him?
But he was past the age for studying! He didn’t want to read at all now!
“Uncle, I’m dumb. Let’s not,” Wen Nong quickly said, hoping Wen Xiuyi would drop the idea.
But Wen Xiuyi had made up his mind and didn’t give him the chance to decline. “Studying broadens your horizons. Not just you—from now on, all the kids in the family will have to study. I don’t expect greatness, just that none of you grow up illiterate.”
He’d thought about it a lot the night before—how hard his parents had worked all these years, how much the family had endured to support him, how much they had tolerated. In this world, being literate was rare and respected.
He used to be foolish—no, the original owner had been—but that wouldn’t continue. From now on, the children of the Wen family wouldn’t carry the Wen name without knowing how to read.
This sudden change left not only Wen Nong but even Wen Yao and Wen Jun momentarily stunned.
What was going on with Comrade Wen today?
All the kids in the family had to learn to read and write? That couldn’t possibly be directed at the two of them—they were both top students. It had to be about the rest of the Wen children at the old house.
Still, it was a good idea. Being literate never hurt anyone. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even be able to read a deed or a posted notice and would get taken advantage of.
With no room to argue, Wen Nong dejectedly took the book Da Tou reluctantly handed him.
Da Tou let out two little “ah”s and pointed at the book.
Wen Nong was confused.
Wen Yao, the designated mouthpiece, said, “Da Tou says to take good care of it and not to damage it.”
“Oh, oh, right,” Wen Nong nodded and promised Da Tou, “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
Only then did Da Tou contentedly return to Wen Xiuyi’s side and take his hand.
With everything ready, Wen Xiuyi waved a hand. “Let’s go!”
Another day, another step toward a brighter future.
After dropping Da Tou off at the old house, the four of them set off. At the city gate, they split up—Wen Xiuyi took Wen Nong to the docks, and Wen Jun and Wen Yao headed to Jishitang pharmacy.
The clerk from last time was still there and recognized the siblings immediately.
Wen Yao was honestly impressed—these shop clerks saw hundreds of people a day, yet he still remembered them.
“Looking for something today?” the clerk asked.
Wen Yao glanced around and saw that the doctor’s seat was empty. Doctor Jin hadn’t arrived yet.
She pulled a small bundle of pastries from her basket and handed it to the clerk. “Big brother, these are pastries I made myself at home. Please try some.”
The clerk’s eyes lit up, but he didn’t immediately accept them. “I appreciate it, but we’re not supposed to accept gifts. The boss doesn’t allow us to take things from patients.”
Though these two weren’t patients per se, they were still customers of Jishitang.
Wen Yao mentally approved. A good boss, a good clerk, and hopefully, a good doctor—she just didn’t know if he took disciples.
Still holding the pastries, she decided to get to the point. “Big brother, we actually came today to ask you something. Please take these; otherwise, I’ll feel bad.”
The clerk hesitated but ultimately gave in to the delicious aroma.
He placed the pastries on the counter—planning to let the boss try them first and share them later—then took the siblings aside. “I’m Hong Hai. You can just call me that. What do you want to know?”
The siblings greeted him respectfully with “Brother Hong” before Wen Yao asked, “Brother Hong, we want to know—what kinds of things does Doctor Jin like?”
To cater to someone’s interests, you had to know their interests first.
Hong Hai blinked. “You’re asking about Doctor Jin?”
They nodded. He studied them for a moment, then asked, “Is someone sick in your family? If so, there’s no need to figure out his likes and dislikes. Just bring the patient here. Doctor Jin treats anyone who walks through the door.”
Wen Yao shook her head quickly. “No, no, it’s not for that. We want to ask Doctor Jin something else.”
Hong Hai was even more confused. Why would you approach a doctor if not for a medical issue?
Though he had a good impression of the siblings, this involved Doctor Jin and the pharmacy, so he became a little more guarded. “If it’s not about illness, you really shouldn’t pry into people’s business. You should take these pastries back.”
So it wasn’t going to be that easy to earn those pastries. The boss had been right—you shouldn’t casually accept gifts.
He reached to return the pastries to Wen Yao.
Wen Yao panicked and grabbed his arm. “Brother Hong! Please, don’t misunderstand. We don’t mean any harm—we just want to ask if Doctor Jin takes on apprentices.”
