Chapter 127: Enrollment
Inside the academy, all the students wore uniform attire. In the courtyard, some sat while others stood in small groups, discussing the lessons that had been taught earlier in the day.
As they walked through, any student who passed by would pause to respectfully salute Headmaster Wu.
The members of the Wen family followed behind, curiously observing everything within the academy. Likewise, the students were equally curious, casting intrigued glances at this group of unfamiliar faces.
It was Wen Fa and Wen Jin’s first time stepping into a proper academy, and they were so nervous they didn’t even know where to put their hands as they walked. Only Wen Nong remained calm and composed, walking beside Wen Xiuyi and occasionally whispering a few words to Wen Jun.
The two older boys exchanged a glance and quickened their pace to keep up, as if walking next to Wen Nong and Wen Jun could give them a bit of psychological comfort.
Finally, after passing through the garden where students took breaks, they reached the study where the teachers worked.
“We’re here. Qiu, would you mind taking our guests to rest in the side hall? You three, come in with me,” said Headmaster Wu, turning his gaze to Wen Nong, Wen Fa, and Wen Jin.
Wen Fa instinctively grabbed Wen Jun’s hand. “Big Brother…”
Wen Jun gently patted his hand in reassurance. “It’s alright. Go on, Da Nong is with you.”
Wen Nong, not even as tall as their legs, confidently patted his chest. “Fourth Brother, don’t worry. I’m here.”
Wen Fa looked down at his younger brother, then silently let go of Wen Jun’s sleeve. He couldn’t believe he was actually more timid than a child—how embarrassing.
Wen Jin, though equally nervous, only bit his lip and clenched his fists tightly, not seeking comfort from others like his cousin had.
Headmaster Wu had already reached the door and, seeing that they hadn’t moved yet, glanced back at them. The three had no choice but to follow.
Once they were gone, Manager Qiu looked at the rest of the Wen family. “Come, let’s wait in the side room.”
Upon entering the side room, someone quickly brought tea and pastries.
But no one had the appetite for refreshments—except for Wen Xiuyi, who sat down, picked up a cup of tea, and even grabbed a pastry. He took a bite and leaned toward Wen Yao to whisper, “Not as good as yours.”
Wen Yao tried a piece too. Not bad—soft and sticky, not unpleasant. But after two bites, she started to find it cloying. It was overly sweet, probably made with a heavy hand on sugar to improve texture.
Seemed like next time she could add a dessert recipe to the ones she gave to Sister Qiu.
The two of them whispered to each other, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.
“Xiuyi, do you think they’ll be alright?” Old Man Wen finally couldn’t hold it in and turned to his eldest son, not even sparing a glance at the pastries on the table—his absolute favorite sweet treat. That alone showed how nervous he was.
Wen Xiuyi swallowed a mouthful of pastry and nearly choked, hastily washing it down with tea before mumbling, “Father, don’t worry. Headmaster Wu already said they’ll definitely be admitted. Today’s just to determine which class they’ll be in.”
Old Man Wen rubbed his hands together and glanced anxiously toward the door. Why did time feel like it was crawling today?
He was about to say more when Old Madam Luo shoved a pastry into his mouth. “Aren’t you the one who loves these? Eat and shut up for once.”
As the sweetness spread in his mouth, Old Man Wen’s eyes lit up. Forget the grandsons—first, he needed to enjoy this rare treat.
About half an hour passed before voices could be heard outside. The Wen family all stood in unison, looking toward the door.
Sure enough, Headmaster Wu soon entered with the “Three Hopes.”
“Qiu, your godson is quite something,” Headmaster Wu said with a broad grin the moment he stepped through the door.
Manager Qiu remained composed, but the pride in his eyes was about to overflow. He chuckled, “You flatter him, Wu. Da Nong, come here.”
Wen Nong respectfully bowed to Headmaster Wu, then ran over to stand before Wen Xiuyi and Manager Qiu and performed a deep bow. “Father, Godfather, I didn’t embarrass you.”
Headmaster Wu stroked his beard and nodded approvingly. “Indeed, this child is exceptionally bright. I think I’ll place him in my own class.”
The Wen family beamed with joy. Anyone could guess that the headmaster’s class was likely the best. Having Da Nong placed there was certainly the highest praise.
But they couldn’t overlook the other two boys.
At that moment, Old Madam Luo asked, “Headmaster, what about the other two children?”
Headmaster Wu glanced at Wen Fa and Wen Jin, slightly puzzled by how children from the same family could have such differing aptitudes. Still, he was not one to judge by appearances.
“Wen Fa and Wen Jin have similar foundations, but Wen Jin is a bit more agile in thinking. He’ll go into the intermediate class. Wen Fa is slightly weaker; he’ll start with the new student class. If he does well in the midyear assessment, we can consider moving him up.”
Lady Cai was so overwhelmed with joy she almost cried, hurriedly wiping her tears as she looked at her son. Her hand, still clutching Wen Xiuqing’s sleeve, trembled with excitement.
A flicker of disappointment flashed across Lady Li’s eyes, but it disappeared quickly. She understood her own son well—placing him in the beginner class was already an accomplishment.
“Thank you, Headmaster. Just being admitted is already a blessing. However you arrange them is perfectly fine,” Old Madam Luo said quickly, leading the Wen family to bow deeply.
Headmaster Wu stepped forward to help them up. “No need for such courtesy. I established this academy for the sake of educating students. But I do need to ask—our academy offers both day students and boarders. For families farther away, most choose boarding. It’s two hundred wen a month for room and board. Day students don’t need to pay, but they do have to supply their own writing materials. The academy’s library is open to all students for reading or copying texts at home. There’s not much else. Go back and discuss, and bring the children tomorrow to begin classes.”
The Wen family exchanged looks. Lady Cai’s earlier joy quickly turned to worry.
Two hundred wen a month—plus expenses for brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
She sneaked a glance at Old Madam Luo, lowered her head, and silently resolved to work harder once they returned. She’d make more embroidery to sell—no matter what, she’d earn that monthly fee.
Old Madam Luo also frowned but didn’t let it show. She nodded to Headmaster Wu, “Alright. We’ll discuss it and give you an answer when we bring the children tomorrow.”
“Very well. Someone will take you to pick up uniforms shortly. At my academy, whether a student is from a poor family or a wealthy one, they all wear the same clothing. That way they can focus on learning instead of comparing backgrounds,” Headmaster Wu explained.
Manager Qiu nodded with satisfaction. That was exactly why he had entrusted Wen family’s three children to Headmaster Wu.
