Chapter 122: Even If We Have to Borrow Money, We’ll Still Support Their Education
After the family finished touring the lantern festival, if it hadn’t been for Old Man Wen muttering nonstop about Da Huang the whole way, they probably would have stayed out until late at night.
On the way back, Datou fell asleep directly in Wen Xiuyi’s arms.
Old Man Wen drove the cart up front. Luo Shi looked at the cart full of sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, thinking about what Shopkeeper Qiu had said earlier that day, and finally spoke. “About what Datou’s godfather mentioned today—what do you all think?”
The drowsy group instantly perked up.
That question was more bracing than the cold wind along the road.
Li Shi tugged at Wen Xiuzhu’s sleeve, giving him repeated meaningful looks. Left with no choice, Wen Xiuzhu braced himself and said, “Mother, we’ll listen to you and Father.”
Luo Shi glanced at the couple, not missing their little exchange, then turned to her youngest son and daughter-in-law. “And you?”
Wen Xiuqing hesitated and stammered. Instead, Cai Shi—usually quiet and barely noticeable—gritted her teeth and said, “Mother, Wen Jin likes studying.”
Wen Jin, sitting beside his parents, suddenly lifted his head at his mother’s words. He had never expected his usually reserved mother to speak up at such a moment. He had thought Second Aunt would be the first to say something.
Luo Shi didn’t comment and finally looked at Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, you’re the only one in the family who’s studied. What do you think?”
Without hesitation, Wen Xiuyi replied, “Of course I support sending them all to school.” As someone whose fate had once been changed by knowledge, he had never believed that being illiterate was acceptable. The children in this family—whether attending an academy or studying at home under him—must be educated. Including the girls.
Luo Shi then looked at the grandchildren.
Wen Jun was already apprenticed to Doctor Jin to study medicine, and at his age, attending a regular school was unrealistic.
She looked at Wen Yao, hesitated briefly, then turned her head away. Datou was asleep, and with his godfather backing him, she wasn’t worried about him at all.
That left Wen Nong, Wen Fa, and Wen Jin.
Wen Nong immediately sat up straight. “Grandma, I’m already older, and my stall at the docks is doing well. I can help earn money for the family. School… let the younger siblings go instead.”
Li Shi glanced at Wen Nong, her face full of conflict.
Luo Shi then looked at Wen Fa.
Wen Fa quickly said, “Grandma, I don’t want to study. I want to be like Second Cousin from the Cui family—to become a great general and defend the country.”
Before he even finished speaking, Li Shi smacked him hard on the head. The force nearly knocked him off the ox cart, and even the cart itself shook.
“A general, my foot! If you dare to join the army, I’ll kill you myself right now. Better that than you dying on some battlefield without even a body left!” Li Shi roared.
Luo Shi also frowned in disapproval and shot Wen Fa a glare before turning to Wen Jin. “And you?”
Wen Jin hesitated, looked at his brothers, then finally clenched his teeth. “Grandma, I want to study.”
The moment he said it, Cai Shi and Wen Xiuqing looked relieved. Li Shi grew even angrier, glaring fiercely at Wen Fa.
Everyone waited for Luo Shi’s response.
But she simply said, “Let’s wait and see,” and fell silent.
Expressions varied—some sighed in relief, others showed disappointment. Luo Shi saw it all but lowered her head without another word.
Wen Yao, sitting beside her, sensed the old woman’s mood. She slipped her arm through Luo Shi’s and rubbed her head gently against her shoulder like a kitten.
Feeling her granddaughter’s comfort, Luo Shi softly held her hand and let out a quiet sigh.
After they returned home, Old Man Wen briskly went to settle Da Huang. Before going into her room, Luo Shi looked at Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, come in with me.”
Wen Xiuyi handed Datou to Wen Jun and followed her inside. Wen Yao’s eyes rolled mischievously, and she slipped through the door before it closed.
Luo Shi glanced at her but said nothing, turning instead to Wen Xiuyi. “Eldest, Mother wants to borrow some money from you.”
That sentence nearly frightened Wen Xiuyi out of his wits.
“Mother, what are you talking about? Borrow what? How much do you need? Yaoyao, how much money do we have? Give it all to your grandma.”
Wen Yao moved closer. “Grandma, have you thought this through?”
Luo Shi nodded. “Datou’s godfather is right. We can’t delay these children any longer. Our family has finally come upon such an opportunity—we can’t miss it. So many people have chances placed right in front of them but fail to seize them, and regret it forever.
“But you know our current situation. Your grandfather and I have already taken out everything we had before. If we suddenly send so many children to school, I’m afraid we can’t afford it. Yaoyao, I know you can earn money. Could you lend it to Grandma for now? After next year’s harvest is sold, we’ll repay you.”
With a thud, Wen Xiuyi dropped to his knees.
“Mother, what are you saying? You’re making your son less than human! When the family supported my schooling back then, how much hardship did Second and Third Brother endure? How much money did you and Father spend on me? Just tell me how much you need. If I treat it as a loan, may I be struck by lightning!”
Luo Shi glared at him. “Get up! Why are you kneeling?
“We hadn’t divided the family back then. Supporting you was only right. Your father and I were biased, it’s true. But later we hardened our hearts and separated your family, giving you nothing. Now that you’ve changed and can earn money, your father and I are happy. As long as you live well, I’m satisfied.”
Wen Xiuyi didn’t stand up but stopped kneeling, plopping down on the ground instead and playing the rogue. “There’s no borrowing. If the children need schooling, it’s only right that I provide it. If you won’t agree, then I won’t give you any money at all.”
“You—” Luo Shi nearly raised her hand in frustration. But despite his shameless posture, his words deeply moved her. Her eyes reddened.
Wen Xiuyi panicked. “Mother, don’t cry. This is what I owe the family.”
Tears fell from Luo Shi’s eyes. “But this isn’t a small sum. Do you know how much silver the family spent supporting your studies back then?”
Wen Xiuyi felt a little guilty. That was because the original owner of this body hadn’t studied seriously at all—otherwise, how could he have squandered the family’s wealth?
But the past owner’s debts were now his to bear.
“What’s there to fear? Your granddaughter can earn money, right, Yaoyao?” Wen Xiuyi hurriedly winked at Wen Yao.
Wen Yao leaned close to the old woman’s ear and whispered a few words.
The old woman’s face filled with shock.
“Madam Xie agreed?” She had thought it was just her granddaughter’s nonsense, never imagining that Qiu Rongrong would truly agree.
Wen Yao nodded. “Just based on how popular today’s tasting at the restaurant was, she wouldn’t dare refuse. Grandma, in the past my father was foolish, and my brother and I were ignorant. We made you suffer. From now on, I won’t let you be burdened anymore. I’ll make sure you live a good life.”
