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Chapter 44 Teaching Literacy

Zhou Silang squatted next to Man Bao and sighed repeatedly, “Youngest sister, did fourth brother offend you?”

Man Bao nodded, “You offended our whole family.”

Zhou Silang was silent for a long time, then said, “I said I really changed, do you believe it?”

Although she didn’t believe it in her heart, Man Bao still nodded, “I believe it, so fourth brother, you have to work hard to pay back the money you owe the family and sisters-in-law.”

Zhou Silang’s shoulders sagged, “Farming doesn’t make money.”

Man Bao disagreed, “Many people farm, my parents farm, elder brothers and sisters-in-law farm, the Bai family also farms.”

“That’s all good land.”

“Hundreds of years ago, thousands of years ago, tens of thousands of years ago, the land was the same. It wasn’t nurtured by people?” Man Bao had already asked Ke Ke, very confident, and comforted Zhou Silang, “Don’t worry fourth brother, first develop the land. In the future, I will bring fifth and sixth brother to help you nurture the land. In the future, I will tell my father that the land you opened up should be divided to you. You can earn money slowly, if you can’t pay it back, you still have your son.”

Zhou Silang: ……

Man Bao had already planned it all out, “Although your son has to repay your debts, but when he divides the family property he will get more land than Da Tou and the others. He will definitely be willing. Actually I also want Da Tou and the others to open up their own land, so that when they have descendants in the future it can be passed down.”

Zhou Silang: “……Man Bao, you think too much.”

Man Bao: “Of course, the teacher said that people should think far-sightedly, not just see what’s in front of them. Just now I was thinking, why is the Bai family so rich?”

Zhou Silang: “Because they have a lot of land.”

“That’s right, because they have a lot of land, enough to hire many, many people to help them farm. He only needs to lie at home and count money,” Man Bao said ambitiously, “If our family also had a lot, a lot of land, couldn’t we also become landowners like the Bais?”

Zhou Silang turned around and left.

Man Bao was still very enthusiastically asking him to stay, “Fourth brother, don’t go, I haven’t finished speaking yet.”

Zhou Silang didn’t want to pay attention to her anymore.

Land reclamation was tiring. It was almost all physical labor. Every day when Zhou Silang returned home, he just wanted to sit on the ground without moving. After eating, he would take a simple rinse bath. Before it was even dark he would lie in bed.

Zhou Silang touched his sore and painful shoulders and lower back. For the first time, tears of regret flowed down. He really knew he was wrong.

Zhou Silang wiped away tears in the room. Man Bao took the opportunity before it was dark to gather all her little friends to teach them literacy.

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang were also curiously squeezed in to watch.

Man Bao first taught them the names of their county, township and village, then their own names. She said, “This is what the teacher taught me, saying that I have to memorize it. If I accidentally get lost or get taken away, I can still remember where my home is and what my name is.”

Feng Shi couldn’t help but tsk tsk, “Children’s words are nonsense. Don’t talk nonsense, little girl. How could you possibly get lost?”

Xiao Qian Shi however said, “This method is good. Hurry up and let the children remember, fifth brother and sixth brother too. In the future when you go to the county town by yourselves, don’t get lost.”

“Sister-in-law, fifth and sixth brother are half grown up, who would still kidnap them?”

“You can’t say for sure,” said Xiao Qian Shi. “Nowadays it’s peaceful times, labor is needed everywhere. In case some shameless person kidnaps fifth and sixth brother to use them for hard labor. That kind of thing has happened before.”

Feng Shi was surprised, “That kind of thing has happened before?”

“Of course,” seeing the little girl jump in front of her with bright eyes looking at her, Xiao Qian Shi knew she liked to listen to these kinds of stories, so she smiled and said, “It was when I was little. Two brothers from our village, one in his twenties, one just an adult, went to the county town to find work. They got separated from fellow villagers and were kidnapped. Their family assumed they had died. After many years, the younger brother came back alive, he was no longer human shaped. He said they were locked in a stone quarry, only given one steamed bun a day. Many people were worked or starved to death. Otherwise why do you think every time people go to the county town they go in groups? It’s because of things that happened in the past.”

Man Bao looked at fifth and sixth brother, struggling over it, “Fifth brother, sixth brother, don’t go to the county town anymore, okay?”

Although Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang’s hearts shook a little, thinking of the generous profits, they couldn’t bear to agree.

Old Zhou smoked a pipe off to the side, “Second son, tomorrow you take fifth and sixth son to walk the route and teach them the rules.”

Zhou Er Lang acknowledged it.

Man Bao curiously asked her father, “Dad, there are rules for walking too?”

“Of course, tomorrow when your fifth brother gets back let him tell you.”

Man Bao looked forward to it.

It was everyone’s first time learning words, of course they couldn’t recognize too many. So Man Bao only taught them the three characters for Qili Village.

Everyone copied it in the dirt with sticks. Seeing the children diligently playing after dinner instead of running out to play, the three daughter-in-laws also smiled with satisfaction.

Xiao Qian Shi and Feng Shi were just about to call Da Ya and Er Ya to wash dishes, but seeing them earnestly drawing on the ground, they hesitated. Xiao Qian Shi still pulled Feng Shi saying, “Forget it, we’ll wash them. Let the nephews and nieces play together.”

Usually washing dishes and such chores were done by Da Ya and Er Ya. Although Feng Shi was a little unhappy there was another chore, seeing her happy daughter, she still nodded in agreement.

Oh well, learning a few words would at least prevent them from not even knowing where their home was.

Man Bao taught earnestly and the students studied earnestly. By the time the sky was dark and they couldn’t see clearly, Man Bao threw away the sticks and they started playing games.

Few people in the Zhou family would ask Man Bao what she learned at school, because even if she told them they wouldn’t understand. Every day when Man Bao came home, they would only ask if she was bullied or not. Knowing she wasn’t bullied they wouldn’t ask further.

As for how Man Bao was doing in her studies, was there any need to speak of it?

Of course it had to be very good. In the Zhou family young and old, who in Qili Village was smarter than their youngest sister (little aunt)?

The Zhou family was at ease, but the Bai family’s attitude towards Bai Shan Bao was different.

Bai Shan Bao had just returned home, his butt hadn’t even touched the chair before his mother Zheng Shi pulled him over to check him out, first asking if he had fought that day.

After getting a negative reply, she asked if he had bullied anyone. After another negative, she finally asked if anyone had bullied him. Only after finding out no one had, did Zheng Shi breathe a sigh of relief. As for her son deliberately stomping in puddles, soaking his shoes and pants, those were all minor things.

She had the servants take her son to bathe and change clothes, made him drink a bowl of ginger soup, before taking him to see his grandmother.

Chapter 43 Seeing Through Phenomena to Essence

It was still sunny at noon but by late afternoon, dark clouds already filled the sky.

Man Bao and Bai Shan Bao leaned over their desk to peer outside, both somewhat excited. Ants moving did mean rain was coming!

Teacher Zhuang also saw the weather. After class, he had the students stay in the classroom to wait for family pick up. Then he brought Man Bao and Shan Bao to the yard where he lived next door.

Leading the two children to the study, he said, “What you saw this morning were ants moving. What do you see now?”

Man Bao said, “It’s raining! Ants moving means rain.”

Teacher Zhuang smiled, “Silly children, you have the order reversed. It’s not ants moving that makes it rain but the sky is about to rain so the ants have to move home to a safe spot. Humans seeing this know rain is imminent.”

Teacher Zhuang spoke slowly. The two children counted on their fingers and realized he was right so they nodded.

Teacher Zhuang pointed at the rain curtain outside and continued asking, “What do you see now?”

The two children simultaneously said, “Rain!”

“These are all phenomena,” Teacher Zhuang said. “Man Bao, since your parents told you ants moving means rain, you determined ants moving causes rain. Shan Bao, since you never heard this before, you only saw ants moving. But do you know what teacher thinks of upon seeing ants?”

The two children shook their heads.

“Teacher doesn’t just think rain is coming but also realizes there are so many ants under my house that I need to start preventing and eliminating pests at home. And I would think ants can destroy miles of dams…” Teacher Zhuang slowly told them about ants.

Man Bao and Shan Bao listened dumbly. Where would they know tiny ants could not only gnaw a large tree to death but even destroy buildings and dams.

After finishing about ants, Teacher Zhuang also spoke of the autumn rain outside – how they were currently only seeing rain but it held different meanings for different people.

For children like them, the autumn rain only temporarily trapped them at school. But for farmers, it meant they could start plowing fields and fertilizing grass in preparation for next year’s farming.

Yet for people wanting to head out, the rain brought more harm than good because no one knew how long it would delay them.

Teacher Zhuang patiently explained this to the two children. It seemed scattered and irrelevant but his next words circled back to the earlier issue with county magistrates.

“This morning I asked what a county magistrate does and what you told me was your direct superficial impressions from sight and sound. But actually, what you said isn’t the complete truth,” Teacher Zhuang said. “Sometimes what your eyes see and ears hear don’t necessarily match your thoughts. You need to look and listen more, think more. If there are too many emotions in your heart, then set them aside for the time being and refrain from conclusions first. Revisit these matters later when you’re calmer and perhaps there will be different gains.”

The two children understood a little but still didn’t completely grasp it. However Teacher Zhuang didn’t require them to understand right then. He only had them remember his words for future comprehension when the time came.

While talking, people from both Bai and Zhou families arrived to fetch the children. Man Bao and Shan Bao bade the teacher farewell. The two children held hands dashing out into the rain, soaked all over but extremely delighted. They intentionally splashed through puddles to wildly kick water, making themselves even happier.

Outside the yard, warnings and scoldings from both families’ elders rang out. While splashing water with loud patters, the two children ran towards their own families.

Teacher Zhuang watched from the door, repeatedly stroking his beard while pondering Man Bao’s words in his mind.

Why is the county magistrate increasing city entry fees again?

Teacher Zhuang naturally knew more than the Zhou family. Actually back when Prefect Fu first arrived at Luojiang County three years ago, he implemented a round of city entry fees already while also increasing corvée labor and taxes. Then within two years, Prefect Fu repaired a section of the official path and reinforced Luojiang’s dams. He even dug a canal for the county town.

The county magistrate term lasts three years. Since Prefect Fu wasn’t transferred out this year, it meant he had another term. But no one knew whether he planned some political affair this time or would do nothing at all.

Teacher Zhuang felt rather worried.

But clearly he couldn’t discuss these issues with the children.

After being carried home by Feng Shi, the first thing Man Bao did was go to the kitchen for hot bath water. It couldn’t be helped. The child went splashing so not only were her shoes wet but her pants were also quite damp.

While stroking her little hands, Qian Shi scolded her. “You’re really more and more of a headache! How come you seem more naughty after entering teaching hall?”

Man Bao said, “Bai Shan Bao also splashed water.”

“He’s him and you’re you. Who knows, maybe he learned it from you. You should go there to learn good things not bad things, and definitely not to lead other children astray!”

Man Bao sighed, “Alright, I won’t splash water from now on.”

A child’s promise was as reliable as July’s weather.

After having Feng Shi bathe her and feeding her a bowl of hot water, Qian Shi let her go play with only the warning. “Don’t go out splashing water and rain or else I won’t let you study tomorrow.”

Right now Man Bao dearly loved learning. How could she bear not going?

So she could only sit in the hall waiting for her elder brothers to return.

Zhou Si Lang hid from the rain with his two younger brothers under a tree. When the rain wasn’t heavy, they ran back. But they were still rather wet.

Zhou Wu Lang and the others helped with land reclamation today and also chopped quite a bit of bamboo. As soon as they came back, they made eyes at youngest sister.

Man Bao understood. After Zhou Er Lang returned, she would pester him for help making flower baskets.

Zhou Er Lang was just thinking that previously, Man Bao’s bamboo flower basket earned a lot. Although he didn’t say anything out loud, Zhou Er Lang was actually quite moved inside. But recently he also had many matters requiring attention so he couldn’t make time. Seeing Man Bao ask, he instantly knew it was Fifth and Sixth Son’s idea. He didn’t decline and said, “Have Fifth and Sixth Son strip the bamboo strips first. I’ll weave them when I get back.”

Even Elder Zhou said something rare. “When I come back from the fields, I’ll help weave as well.”

After pondering some more, he felt Fourth Son opening up wasteland was too unreliable, hesitatingly saying, “Why not have Fourth Son stop wasteland reclamation. That land below the hills opened up still might not be fertile after two years of cultivation. What’s the point? It’d be better for him to stay home and help out with some matters, much more practical.”

Zhou Si Lang’s spirits roused, wanting to nod.

But Man Bao didn’t agree. She said, “Father, it’s to punish Fourth Elder Brother’s disobedience. Teacher said, ‘Rash changes day to night’ is a major taboo. What if Fourth Elder Brother feels doing wrong things is no big deal in the future?”

“He wouldn’t dare or else I’d beat him to death!”

Man Bao looked down on her father. “You definitely can’t beat Fourth Elder Brother to death or else you’d be too sad.”

Elder Zhou was choked speechless. Waving his hand he said, “Alright, let your Fourth Brother continue land reclamation. Fifth and Sixth Son, consider if you can sustain this flower basket business long term.”

Chapter 42 Making Amends

Teacher Zhuang didn’t explain too much to them. He had a lot to say but needed the children to be able to understand and accept it.

The two children were still small with ample time. Teacher Zhuang wasn’t impatient.

Teacher Zhuang turned to test Bai Shan Bao’s progress since he had just arrived. He needed to figure out the boy’s level to arrange his curriculum.

Bai Shan Bao had memorized the Analects. He just hadn’t learned the latter half’s meanings yet.

After asking some questions, Teacher Zhuang was satisfied upon knowing Shan Bao learned from his previous teacher and Madam Liu. He nodded for the two children to return inside for class.

It was Man Bao’s first time feeling another child was more amazing than her. Following behind Shan Bao she said, “You read much faster than me. I started studying when I was one but only knew Thousand Word Text.”

Bai Shan Bao felt she was indeed dumber, saying, “I began studying at two. I memorized Thousand Word Text in just three months.”

Of course, Bai Shan Bao didn’t tell her he had only memorized without recognizing any words or writing until three years old when he finally learned the words from textbooks.

To avoid falling behind since there was such a smart deskmate, Man Bao listened especially attentively in class. She also loved racking her brains so she came up with many questions.

For example, after Teacher Zhuang briefly explained the meaning of gentle, kind, respectful, frugal and modest – gentle, upright, dignified attitude, thriftiness, and humility, Man Bao asked what type of conduct could be considered gentle, righteous, dignified, economical and modest.

Because she thought about it and felt she matched all five terms. Wasn’t she a sage already?

Seeing his shameless bragging disciple, Teacher Zhuang hadn’t gotten the chance to speak yet before Bai Shan Bao cut in, “Let’s not mention the rest. You don’t match upright, gentle, dignified, modest at all.”

Bai Shan Bao said, “You were biased helping your nephew yesterday so you’re not upright. You fought me so you’re not gentle or dignified. And you bit me too so that’s even less modest.”

Man Bao glared. “Then should I just let you bully my nephew and I? I want to become a sage like Teacher Confucius, not an idiot.”

Seeing the two children about to argue again, Teacher Zhuang rapped the desk saying, “Are you two still listening to class or not?”

Only then did Bai Shan Bao and Man Bao sit properly upright, obediently resting their hands on their knees and raising their heads to listen to Teacher Zhuang’s lecture.

This time Teacher Zhuang gave concrete examples of Confucius’s conduct that demonstrated his gentleness, kindness, respectfulness, frugality and humility.

They only had one morning class that day. Teacher Zhuang had them self-study word recognition and recitation before going to teach his senior students.

Although having seen this many times already, the System still couldn’t help praising the ancients’ wisdom. Judging from education resources, ancient times were far more backwards than the future.

Yet it was in such a backwards era that a teacher’s profound knowledge and individualized teaching surpassed many eras far into the future.

Especially after the prevalence of eight-legged essays that directly standardized literary conventions, education started becoming standardized and monotonous.

Naturally the System didn’t tell Man Bao any of this. It only silently watched her brag to Bai Shan Bao about already memorizing the lecture portion and also remembering Teacher’s explanations.

Bai Shan Bao disdainfully said, “I already memorized it long ago and understood it already too. I memorized the whole text.”

Sensing Bai Shan Bao’s arrogance, Man Bao felt greatly motivated. “I’ll surpass you in the future.”

She didn’t just spout big talk. She really did it. Man Bao reopened the folded textbook and started reading the subsequent Q&A portion.

Having recognized many words already, she could read it herself. Moreover, Teacher Zhuang had formatted breaks between sentences when transcribing the book for her so she didn’t need to figure out sentences herself. She just shook her head while reading aloud fluently.

The first read was obscure. The second read became much smoother without stumbling. By the third read it made more sense. After one more read, Man Bao could shakily recite it from memory.

Man Bao was brimming with confidence. Feeling she memorized it, she opened the next portion to continue reciting. In just a short while, Man Bao memorized three to four textbook portions.

Bai Shan Bao was shocked with wide eyes. He also didn’t have time to play sneakily anymore and hurriedly opened his book to memorize as well.

He absolutely could not lose to her.

When the noon bell sounded, the children flocked out noisily to run and grab their large bowls to line up for food at the kitchen.

With shorter legs, Man Bao ended up in the back while Bai Shan Bao didn’t react since it was his first day, still not used to things. It was the Man Bao who ran up to the door and noticed something wrong. She turned back to grab his bowl and pull him to line up together.

So the two youngest ended up last in line.

But Man Bao wasn’t worried at all. She even proudly told Bai Shan Bao, “My sister-in-law cooks. Stick with me and you’ll definitely get more to eat.”

Originally Bai Shan Bao didn’t feel there was anything to brag about it. But hearing Man Bao speak so proudly, he also unavoidably felt some admiration.

Indeed, when it was their turn, Xiao Qian Shi smiled at them before ladling them a lot of dishes.

Students could return to eat in the classroom but most students didn’t care to. They preferred standing or sitting in the yard to eat instead while some even ran over the grass across the street to play and eat.

So Bai Shan Bao also squatted beside Man Bao to gobble down his meal. He felt the teaching hall food was quite delicious and ate with great relish.

After the meal, students could play around the teaching hall vicinity but of course couldn’t go near the river. At this time everyday, Teacher Zhuang would sit by the entrance watching. Anyone who neared the riverside would not only get hit on their palms but also assigned lines to copy and memorize.

So although everyone eyed the nearby river longingly, up till now no student dared run wildly to play by the river.

Of course Man Bao wouldn’t go either. She ran back to grab the box of bugs wanting to practice courage together with Bai Shan Bao. She already decided that after the bugs lost use to her, she would give them to Ke Ke.

Ke Ke: ……

Then Man Bao and Shan Bao played those dozen or so bugs to death.

Man Bao felt somewhat apologetic and decided to bring the bugs home to feed the chickens for more eggs. She told herself she’d catch more for Ke Ke later.

That was what Man Bao thought and told Ke Ke.

What could the System do? It could only agree. It certainly couldn’t force Man Bao to catch bugs for it!

Thus, Shan Bao and Man Bao agreed to catch bugs together tomorrow.

The two children unanimously felt they weren’t afraid of bugs anymore. If that was so then of course they should go catch bugs. Most importantly, with the bugs tossed away, how could they not toss some back?

The two seemed to forget about yesterday’s fight already as they planned what to do tomorrow. They subtly glanced at Bai Er Lang holding court inside the classroom.

Bai Shan Bao also tattled to Man Bao. “He’s especially bad. As soon as I arrived, he wanted to snatch my hobbyhorse. I didn’t give it to him so he threw a tantrum and rolled on the ground.”

Man Bao was curious. “What happened after? Did your mother give it to him?”

“She didn’t,” Bai Shan Bao arrogantly lifted his little head. “Grandmother was going to give it to him but I threw a tantrum too. Then he got beaten by uncle. Hmph!”

Chapter 41 Ants Moving Home

Bai Shan Bao said, “Then you have to be as impressive as Confucius. Zigong said Teacher Confucius was gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest so everyone was willing to share stories with him.”

Man Bao was very confident. “I can definitely do it too. Right, what does gentle, kind, respectful, frugal and modest mean? It means humble, right?”

Bai Shan Bao looked down on her. “You don’t even know what they mean yet say you can do it. Bragging children aren’t good children.”

“What do you know. Ke Ke said to set a goal first before doing something. That’s how to make plans. Of course the bigger the goal the better!”

System: “……”

Bai Shan Bao’s eyes spun as he doubted her words. “Really?”

Man Bao firmly nodded. “Of course it’s true.”

“Then, then when I grow up, I want to do bigger official positions than my father. I don’t want to do the same job as him.”

Man Bao exclaimed in great interest, “What position does your father have?”

Bai Shan Bao said somewhat arrogantly yet also humbly, “My father is the county magistrate.”

Man Bao didn’t have good feelings towards county magistrates. She said, “County magistrates aren’t good people. They always take our money.”

Bai Shan Bao became unhappy. “My father is a good official. He even received praise from the imperial court.”

Teacher Zhuang had just entered the classroom and overheard the children’s conversation. He wrinkled his brows. They were still so young yet were already rashly discussing politics?

What did those brats know about what a county magistrate does?

Teacher Zhuang brought the two children out to the yard to speak.

From his experience, Bai Shan Bao felt nervous since being called out alone by the teacher was never for a good thing.

But it was different for Man Bao. Compared to sitting in the classroom to listen to lectures, she was more used to sitting in the yard and reading books with Teacher Zhuang. So she very happily followed along.

Seeing Man Bao so cheerful, Bai Shan Bao felt it shouldn’t be a bad thing and also relaxed while going over.

Teacher Zhuang sat down on the stone bench and beckoned the two children over to ask, “What were you two talking about just now?”

Shan Bao lowered his head. In his view, the teacher asking this meant reprimanding them for talking during class.

But Man Bao didn’t think that way. Hearing Teacher ask, she happily recounted everything they said just now and even asked, “Teacher, are there also good county magistrates?”

Teacher Zhuang couldn’t help asking her, “Why do you feel county magistrates are bad?”

Man Bao told him about what happened when she went to the county town the day before yesterday. How they had to pay an extra wen to enter and what her Fifth Elder Brother heard in town that eventually even pedestrians entering the city would need to pay fees.

So she felt county magistrates were bad because they only took money from the common folk like them.

Teacher Zhuang silently pondered for a bit before asking, “Do you know what a county magistrate does?”

Shan Bao looked at Man Bao then at Teacher Zhuang. Feeling this Teacher Zhuang differed from previous ones, he stopped cowering and rushed to answer, “The county magistrate is the parent official for a county responsible for the common folk.”

Teacher Zhuang stroked his beard with a smile, asking “What else?”

Bai Shan Bao originally wasn’t a docile child. If he was docile, he wouldn’t have often been called out in ancestral school before. Not to mention making faces at Man Bao yesterday right in front of the teacher and his elders.

Thus with Teacher Zhuang’s encouragement and Man Bao’s example beside him, Shan Bao rushed to answer together with her.

Man Bao said, “They collect entry fees!”

Shan Bao said, “They’re judges.”

Man Bao said, “They collect grain taxes. My family just handed over taxes not long ago.”

That was the time Zhou Si Lang accompanied the village to escort the grain. Then he picked up gambling.

Shan Bao said, “They also catch thieves and uphold justice for the common people.”

Shan Bao tilted his head and thought for a bit. Scratching his head, he said, “They also must urge the people to farm grains and plant mulberries to raise silkworms.”

Man Bao retorted him, “How dumb. Our family farms so of course we know what to plant when it’s time. Why would the county magistrate urge us?”

“They have to urge it. Don’t believe me, ask Teacher. Grandmother said county magistrates have to encourage agriculture and sericulture. It was because Father went to urge planting that he encountered bandits and died.”

Teacher Zhuang didn’t expect Shan Bao was the descendant of a martyr. His expression became even gentler. He reached out and stroked Shan Bao’s head, saying “What you both determine are merely superficial impressions and that’s wrong.”

The two children were baffled.

Seeing the children’s bewildered gazes, Teacher Zhuang had thousands of words stuck in his throat. The children were still small so even if he explained, they might not understand.

Teacher Zhuang fell into contemplation, hanging his head seemingly thinking of something unknown.

The two children quietly waited. After a long while without Teacher speaking, Man Bao scratched her head then swayed left and right. She accidentally bumped into Shan Bao.

Shan Bao glanced at Teacher before using his little body to bump her back.

Man Bao nearly fell down. Blinking her eyes, she also bumped him back.

It seemed the two children found it fun to compete in strength. While Teacher Zhuang wasn’t paying attention, their little bodies squeezed together, forcefully pushing back and forth.

Still sunk in thought, Teacher Zhuang’s gaze fell onto the nearby anthill. Instantly getting an idea, he raised his head and saw the children squeezing and shoving each other. Helplessly coughing lightly,

The two children instantly stood properly. But since Shan Bao retracted his strength faster, Man Bao was a little slow and directly crashed into him, knocking him onto the ground.

The two children tussled into a ball. Teacher Zhuang feared they would cry but surprisingly, they crawled up after rolling once.

Teacher Zhuang felt amused yet irritated. He waved them over. “Come here.”

The two children walked over so Teacher Zhuang pointed at the ants on the ground. “What’s this?”

The children rushed to say, “Ants!”

“Right. They’re ants. So are they good or bad?”

The two children were stunned. “Even ants can be divided into good and bad?”

“You categorized the county magistrate as good or bad so why can’t ants be good or bad too?”

Man Bao said, “Then it’s bad because they snatch food from us. See how they’re transporting rice. It must be stolen.”

Shan Bao nodded.

Teacher Zhuang burst into loud laughter and asked, “Then I won’t ask if the ants are good or bad now. I’ll just ask what you see.”

Shan Bao said, “They’re lining up to transport things.”

Having played with ants before, Man Bao knew a bit more to say, “When ants move, it’ll rain soon.”

Teacher Zhuang asked her, “How do you know ants moving means it’ll rain soon? Do you see rain coming?”

The two children raised their heads to look at the blazing sun in the sky, shaking their heads simultaneously. But Man Bao insisted, “Mother said so. Ants moving means it’ll rain.”

Teacher Zhuang nodded. “Then let’s see if it rains today.”

Shan Bao whispered to her, “The sun is so strong. How can it rain?”

Man Bao also started feeling doubtful. It was something oft said between mother and them so she remembered it. But she never carefully paid attention before on whether ants moving really meant imminent rain.

Chapter 40 Jealousy

“Just look if you dare. Who’s afraid?” Although Bai Shan Bao’s little face was pale, in order to not lose face in front of Man Bao, he steeled himself to open the box and took a look before turning away. Still acting tough, he said, “It’s not that I’m afraid. That thing is just too ugly. I don’t like looking at it.”

Man Bao felt he was very right and repeatedly nodded. “That’s right, that’s right. I also feel it’s too ugly. Looking more will hurt the eyes.”

The two children glanced at each other, mutually acknowledging each other’s words. Then they turned together to peek inside the bug box before quickly looking away again, repeating this several times.

Outside the window, Elder Master Bai watched this scene, then looked at his son pretending to be very well-behaved with lowered head. His foot moved but seeing Teacher Zhuang in front, he endured the urge to kick out.

Although Teacher Zhuang also hit students’ palms, he didn’t agree with parents hitting children, especially Elder Master Bai’s way of doing it. Seeing his gaze on Bai Er Lang becoming more and more unpleasant, Teacher Zhuang signaled the parents to leave. He was going to start class.

Elder Master Bai darkly glared at his little son, lowly warning him before asking Madam Liu Shi and Lady Zheng to leave together.

Although hard to access within a mountain valley, Qi Li Village had excellent scenery.

Elder Master Bai was also a scholar. When first building the teaching hall, he specially selected this location with wonderful scenery, facing water and overlooking the mountains, extremely beautiful.

Although it was dreary autumn scenery, dense woods still surrounded this place with many wildflowers decorating the roadside splendidly.

Liu Shi slowly walked alongside the riverbank towards Bais’ large residence, her mood exceptionally joyful. She turned her head saying to Elder Master Bai, “This place truly has outstanding people because of outstanding geography.”

Elder Master Bai knew Mother-in-Law was referring to Man Bao. Stroking his beard, he smiled. “Mother-in-Law, don’t underestimate this poor mountain valley. It actually has many fine things and people that you can look forward to seeing.”

Liu Shi nodded. “That child is so young yet already advances courageously. She was clearly afraid yet still tried overcoming her fear. I only hope Shan Bao can learn from her in the future.”

Liu Shi said with some regret, “Too bad she’s a girl. Oh right, with so many brothers and nephews in her family, how come Teacher Zhuang hasn’t taken a fancy to any of them?”

Elder Master Bai didn’t often go to the village but he was still knowledgeable about the village’s affairs. He laughed. “Looks like all the Zhou family’s talents went to this child.”

Liu Shi thought back to the Zhou family she met yesterday, nodding with a laugh. “That Zhou Madam from yesterday resembled a wise and capable person.”

Elder Master Bai recalled what the steward told him about the Zhou family, unsurely saying, “Maybe so. Though there’s talk her eldest and third sons work very diligently while her second son has some cunning wit, often going to fairs to do some small business.”

While talking, the two walked home.

On the teaching hall side, Man Bao and Shan Bao already put away the bugs and took out their books to read along with Teacher.

Bai Shan Bao originally wanted to dominate over the opponent in studying so he started out by loudly reciting. Despite still carrying a hint of milk voice, he was the loudest in class.

Man Bao loved lively bustle the most. Seeing her tablemate reading loudly, she also tore at her throat to read as well. The two children cutely shook their heads while reading, extremely adorable.

At least Teacher Zhuang standing at the podium was very satisfied. His eyes brimmed with laughter as he repeatedly stroked his beard, nodding along as he read with gratification.

Urged by the two children, the other students also opened their throats to read much more earnestly than before. Even the senior students who finished the Analects couldn’t help turning back to recite along.

Bai Er Lang enduring his punishment outside couldn’t help twisting back to take a glance. His nose snorted as if breathing fire.

His two similarly punished classmates also curiously snuck a look inside. Then they squeezed next to the boss, asking “Er Lang brother, how does your cousin also know how to read the Analects already? Didn’t he just enroll?”

Bai Er Lang grumbled, “That’s why I dislike him the most. He started learning when he was only two. Grandmother said not only can he recite Three Hundred Poems, he also memorized Thousand Word Text and the Analects. As soon as he arrived, Grandmother gave him my favorite braised pork dish to eat. In summary, he’s as annoying as Man Bao! Hmph, so what if he can read? We’re better at fighting.”

“Right, right! We’re stronger at fighting than him. How about after school in the afternoon, we intercept and beat him up to vent your anger?”

Bai Er Lang hesitated a bit. “If Father finds out he’ll surely hit me.”

“We’ll sneak attack him. I heard from elder brother that if you don’t want the victim to know who beat him, just stuff him into a sack.”

Bai Er Lang’s eyes spun as he whispered, “Where do we find a sack?”

“My family has one but I can’t run home to grab it either. Your place is closer than mine.”

“Then tomorrow.” Another person said, “We’ll bring a sack tomorrow. It’d be best to stuff Man Bao in too.”

“That doesn’t seem right.” Bai Er Lang frowned. “She’s a girl. Just frightening her with bugs is fine. How can real men hit girls?”

The other also felt hitting girls was too shameful so he didn’t agree either, shelving that proposal.

Bai Shan Bao and Man Bao competed on who could read more loudly. Whoever’s voice suppressed the other’s, the next line had to suppress back even louder.

Smiling, Teacher Zhuang watched for a good while before knocking on their desk to warn, “Read a little softer. There’s skill in reading too or else you’ll damage your voice and become hoarse tomorrow.”

Teacher Zhuang signaled everyone to stop and had the primary students take out their books. He taught them how to read the new lesson, having them read it repeatedly to familiarize themselves first before explaining the meaning during class later.

After finishing with the young students, Teacher Zhuang went to see his five senior students.

Bai Shan Bao glanced at Man Bao and silently read to himself at the side.

Man Bao read very attentively. She always had great memory, memorizing it after reading two to three times. But she didn’t know the meaning so she looked left and right.

If it was before, she would have directly asked Ke Ke. But now someone sat right beside her. She felt it was better to speak out loud than converse silently with Ke Ke in her mind.

Words spoken out loud with the mouth went pah-boo pah-boo, sounding extremely nice.

So she started pushing the hand-copied book before Shan Bao, asking him, “Do you know what this sentence means?”

Bai Shan Bao took a look. It happened to be teaching he once followed from Grandmother so he arrogantly said, “Of course I know. You don’t?”

“I don’t. Teacher hasn’t explained yet,” Man Bao reasonably said. “But I want to know now. Can you tell me?”

Bai Shan Bao turned to look at her, feeling very comforted being watched by her eyes. So he reluctantly told her, “It’s actually two of Confucius’s disciples talking. Ziqin asks Zigong if every place the teacher visits, does he inquire about that country’s politics himself or do others take initiative to tell him…”

This was from Xue Er Zhong. Bai Shan Bao had long memorized it fluently and Grandmother also explained its meaning that he remembered.

Man Bao listened engrossed. She said, “I never heard this story before. It’s really nice to listen to. If I could also travel to different countries like Confucius in the future and have people take initiative to tell me stories, that would be wonderful.”

Chapter 39 Cabbageworms

Not to mention the two children Man Bao and Shan Bao, even Liu Shi(Mrs.) and Zheng Shi(Mrs.) were startled seeing the dozen or so bugs in the box. They couldn’t help retreating a step before quickly pulling the children into their arms to comfort them.

Teacher Zhuang’s face was very ugly as he stared at the classroom, angrily asking, “Who did this?”

Three students lowered their heads together. With one look, Teacher Zhuang knew.

Elder Master Bai also saw. He glared at his unlucky son, feeling smoke pouring from his nose. Exhaling heavily, he rolled up his sleeves and went forward to grab his son.

With an “ah!”, Bai Er Lang was so frightened he cried while running away.

Although Liu Shi also felt he was naughty, she feared Elder Master Bai would accidentally harm the child. She quickly blocked him, “It’s not a big deal. Just teach him a lesson. Don’t get physical.”

After a moment of chaos, the three students were chased out of the classroom together to stand in punishment.

After crying for a while, Man Bao didn’t feel as scared anymore. Plus Ke Ke constantly said in her mind, “I searched it. This bug should be the legendary cabbageworm. Encyclopedia Hall has no recordings of original gene cabbageworms yet so I recommend Host collect them.”

Thinking these bugs had to be collected by herself, Man Bao seemed not as afraid. So she opened her eyes to stealthily peer at them again.

Seeing the child’s eyes shine like black obsidian after rain, Liu Shi felt some fondness in her heart. Hugging her, she smiled and asked, “Not afraid anymore?”

Only then did Man Bao notice she was being held by Liu Shi. She embarrassedly exited Liu Shi’s embrace, shaking her head. “I’m not afraid now.”

Hearing this, the still somewhat afraid Bai Shan Bao also came out from his mother’s arms, forcing himself to call out as well, “I’m not afraid either.”

The adults faintly smiled.

Elder Master Bai had already quickly closed the box and held it behind his back so the children wouldn’t see it and get frightened again.

Man Bao’s gaze longingly followed its movement.

Her expression was too vivid that Elder Master Bai hesitated for a moment. “Do you want it?”

He assumed the child would be afraid. Unexpectedly, without thinking she nodded. “Uncle, give me the bugs. I’ll look more so I won’t be scared later.”

Elder Master Bai looked at her in surprise. Even Teacher Zhuang couldn’t help becoming excited, looking upon his only disciple with pride and gratification on his face.

Teacher Zhuang tugged his beard, smiling in his eyes, unable to help repeatedly praising her with several “good!”. Then he looked towards Elder Master Bai with a laugh. “Elder Master Bai, just give it to her.”

Looking at this little girl clearly several years younger than his second son, Elder Master Bai was so jealous that his eyes nearly turned red. What a wonderful child!

Too bad she’s a girl.

Even more regrettable that she isn’t his child.

Liu Shi also couldn’t help being shocked again, glancing once more at her and grandson’s shared desk, feeling satisfied.

Originally she still felt it wasn’t good to have her grandson share a desk with a little girl. But considering he was the youngest and a late arrival, if he shared with the bigger children he might get bullied. So she agreed with Teacher Zhuang’s arrangement.

But now it was different. She was very satisfied with her grandson’s deskmate.

Thus, she placed the two children’s little hands together and instructed them, “Since you’re classmates and deskmates, your relationship should be even better than regular classmates. Classmates are like siblings or even closer since you’re deskmates. From now on, you should learn from and encourage each other, treating others with kindness and humility. No more fighting, understand?”

Liu Shi spoke gently like her own mother. Man Bao didn’t hesitate to nod and promise her as well, “Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll take care of him and not let others bully him.”

Bai Shan Bao became unhappy. “I’m older than you so I should be the one looking after you.”

Liu Shi was stunned for a moment before laughing. “Very good, this is how it should be. But Man Bao, you should call me Grandmother together with Shan Bao while his mother is your auntie since that’s proper.”

Man Bao looked at Zheng Shi and shook her head. “She doesn’t look like an auntie but sister-in-law.”

Zheng Shi couldn’t help smiling with pursed lips. What woman didn’t feel happy hearing a little girl call her young?

Liu Shi already knew Man Bao had many elder brothers. She also met her mother and sisters-in-law yesterday. Indeed her mother was about the same age.

But seniority wasn’t determined this way.

Liu Shi smiled and said, “Since you and Shan Bao are deskmates, you’re of the same generation. Naturally you call elders the same as him. His mother is your auntie while I’m also your grandmother. Don’t believe me? Ask teacher if that’s right.”

Man Bao looked towards Teacher Zhuang.

Teacher Zhuang nodded.

It was still Man Bao’s first time seeing such young auntie and grandmother. Her own father’s seniority was high to begin with and she was a late-born child. The grannies she could call grandmother in the village were all those who could only walk with canes, around her mother’s age. Those around her sisters-in-laws’ age were either sisters-in-law or nieces-in-law.

Liu Shi and Zheng Shi lived carefreely and maintained themselves well, looking even younger than her own mother and sisters.

But Man Bao always thought openly. Seeing Teacher nod, she promptly changed how she addressed them, calling them “Grandmother, Auntie” for a round.

Then elatedly, she accepted the box from Elder Master Bai’s hands.

Although still a bit afraid inside, remembering Ke Ke’s explanations, she became less scared.

Ke Ke constantly repeated in her mind, “I searched it. Records in Encyclopedia Hall state cabbageworms are caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies. You know butterflies right? It’ll transform into a butterfly after growing up.”

Hearing it say this, Man Bao became much less afraid.

Sensing the Host’s heartbeat and adrenaline gradually stabilizing, Ke Ke then continued explaining. “Cabbageworms mainly eat vegetable leaves…”

The System recited it all whether Man Bao understood or not. Then it said, “Feeding it to chickens and ducks can supplement their protein and make them lay more eggs. These are factual records.”

Man Bao exclaimed, “Then if I feed them to the family hens, would they lay eggs everyday?”

System: “It’s possible.”

This increased Man Bao’s enthusiasm towards the worms.

Seeing Teacher wasn’t around, she secretly opened the box a crack to peek at them.

Bai Shan Bao at the side shivered but still couldn’t help looking towards her actions.

Man Bao snuck a peek then hurriedly closed the box again feeling her heart tremble.

Seeing this, Bai Shan Bao finally cheered up, his spirit rousing. He looked at her scornfully and said, “Scaredy-cat, yet you said you weren’t afraid.”

Man Bao pushed the box to him. “If you’ve guts, you look.”

Chapter 38 Tablemates

Early next morning, while the family was busy, Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang sneaked into the room to abduct Man Bao. Each holding one of her hands, they carried her to the backyard and secretly gave her the money earned from selling candy yesterday. “It was forty wen total, just right with the deposit. That Miss Fu quite liked them and said she’d buy from us again next time. Little Auntie, could you ask Teacher Zhuang where he buys his candy and if it’s expensive?”

Zhou Wu Lang had clearly thought of resale. Man Bao took twenty wen for herself and split the remaining money between the two brothers, saying, “I already asked Teacher. He introduced that person to me and we’re friends now. Don’t worry, I’ll buy lots and lots of candy for you guys later. We’re the only ones with this candy. Next time you sell, tell her it’s one wen per piece.”

Zhou Liu Lang felt it was too expensive. “What if it doesn’t sell?”

“It will definitely sell. Miss Fu’s father is the county magistrate. Look how many people enter the county town daily, how much has he earned already?”

Zhou Wu Lang felt Man Bao made sense and whispered, “When I left the city today, I chatted with the city guard soldiers for a bit. They said the county magistrate will release new rules again. From now on, anyone entering the city has to pay an entry fee of one wen, whether they’re carrying baskets or not.”

Man Bao clicked her tongue.

Her eyes spun as she said, “If we enter the city empty-handed, we’d be losing money. You guys should find some nice flowers in the mountains. Have Second Brother make you little bamboo baskets, then put a candy inside each one to sell for five wen each. They’ll definitely sell.”

Zhou Wu Lang felt this idea was great. From the twenty wen she gave, he counted ten wen to give back to her. “Man Bao, buy more candy to bring back. Consider this ten wen as mine and Sixth Brother’s share.”

Man Bao didn’t feel any pressure, generously accepting it while patting her little chest. “No problem!”

He Shi took the egg drop soup she beat out but couldn’t find Man Bao so she called out, “Man Bao, where did you run off to?”

Then Man Bao lifted both her little arms. Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang each held one side and swiftly carried her over.

Man Bao happily giggled and even called out, “Faster, higher!”

Seeing the two brothers carry Man Bao like this, He Shi couldn’t help slapping their backs for them to quickly put her down. “It’s still early morning with mist outside. Teasing her into big laughter, if she breathes in the cold air and gets sick, beware of Father beating you.”

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang dropped Man Bao and ran.

Man Bao thought it was great fun and spoke for them. “I actually really liked it. Third Sister-In-Law, stop scolding them.”

He Shi had her drink the egg soup and said, “Sister-In-Law went to make your breakfast. Go to teaching hall after eating. Bring the characters you wrote yesterday.”

Man Bao assented before running back to find last night’s masterpiece, a large piece of blackened paper.

It was Man Bao’s first time touching ink to paper to write words. Before this, she would use a stick to draw characters on the ground.

Since it was a stick, thick and long, of course she held it however was convenient. Man Bao saw people hold brushes many times so she knew how they were held. But it was still somewhat difficult holding it herself for the first time.

Most importantly, she didn’t grind the ink well last night. She fumbled with it for a long time before making ink.

But she still had full confidence in her words. She felt that being able to write words on the first day of school made her extremely talented, unmatched by others.

Man Bao admired her ink treasure then carefully tucked it between two hand copied books before going to eat breakfast.

By the time she got to teaching hall, the sun had risen quite a bit. Many students had arrived and were reading books in the classroom.

Man Bao trotted inside hugging her books. At first glance she saw someone sitting at her seat in front of her desk – Bai Shan Bao.

Man Bao planned to rush over to chase him away. But thinking back, it was her who was wrong yesterday. She had promised Mother and Ke Ke to apologize so she couldn’t chase him away either.

She could only walk over to greet him first.

Seeing Man Bao approach, Bai Shan Bao immediately straightened his back, placing his hands on his knees. After kneeling so much last night, his knees still ached a bit now.

Bai Shan Bao glared at Man Bao but he knew Grandmother and Mother must still be next door in Teacher’s yard. He didn’t dare hit her again nor argue verbally.

Unexpectedly, Man Bao trotted over saying to him, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have hit you yesterday.”

Bai Shan Bao: …Is this still the same nasty person from yesterday?

Seeing him glare without speaking, Man Bao thought he was still angry. So she took out a candy wrapped in oil paper from her pocket, lifting it to him, “Here, I’ll treat you to candy. Don’t be angry anymore, alright?”

Bai Shan Bao looked at the candy in her palm without speaking.

The scene appeared in the eyes of people outside the window as Bai Shan Bao lacking grace. The young girl took initiative to apologize yet he still wouldn’t accept.

Liu Shi’s face looked somewhat unpleasant. Zheng Shi watched her son in the classroom somewhat anxiously.

At the side, Elder Master Bai quietly explained for Bai Shan Bao, “Shan Bao is still young with a big temper. It’s also possible he’s too shy to speak to a little girl.”

Too shy to speak yet bold enough to fight. What nonsense!

Seeing him not speaking, Man Bao assumed he accepted. She unwrapped the oil paper and directly stuffed it into his mouth, saying, “This is my favorite candy. It’s not too sweet yet not cloying while also fragrant.”

Tasting the sweetness, Bai Shan Bao finally came back to his senses. He lowered his head to glance at the book before him then raised his head to look at Man Bao before lightly grunting out an “en”.

It took Man Bao a good while to react that he was answering her earlier question.

Man Bao couldn’t help sighing. “Your reactions are so slow!”

Bai Shan Bao just humphed.

Man Bao placed her book on the desk and looked at him.

Bai Shan Bao also looked at her. The two children stared with big eyes until those watching outside couldn’t stand it and prepared to intervene. Then Man Bao said, “Since you forgave me, shouldn’t you be leaving now?”

Bai Shan Bao was puzzled. “Leave for where? I came to study!”

“I also came to study! This is my seat!”

Bai Shan Bao became unhappy, putting his hand on the desk. “Clearly this is mine. Teacher told me to sit here.”

Man Bao also placed her hand on the desk, indignantly saying, “Teacher also said for me to sit here. I came first. This is my seat!”

A classmate at the side couldn’t stand it anymore and said, “There’s two people at each desk. One person per side. This is specially arranged by Teacher.”

Bai Shan Bao and Man Bao both looked at the other student. Only then did they realize every desk really sat two people. They said in unison, “I don’t want to sit with him/her!”

That student said, “There’s no helping it. You’re the shortest in class and the youngest. If you don’t sit together, who would be willing to sit with either of you?”

The two looked at each other again before reluctantly accepting with pouting mouths.

After Man Bao sat down, she placed the Analects on the desk then put Thousand Word Text and her homework to the side. Only then did she notice a box at the corner of the desk.

She said to Bai Shan Bao, “Move your box away. This side is my spot.”

Bai Shan Bao took a look before saying, “That’s not my box.”

Man Bao’s eyes instantly lit up. With an adventurous spirit, she dragged the box over and curiously opened it only to see over ten bugs heaped inside.

Man Bao was dumbfounded.

Bai Shan Bao also stretched his neck to take a curious look, then was also dumbfounded. The two children were stunned for a moment before both going “ah!” and closing their eyes to loudly cry.

The adults outside the classroom were shocked and rushed in at the same time.

Chapter 37: Teaching the Children

Mr. Zhuang allowed the Bai family to take Bai Erlang and Bai Shanbao home, keeping Man Bao behind.

He went into his room and brought out a stack of paper for Man Bao, saying, “Hand in the character writing punishments tomorrow. If you fight again, it won’t just be a simple matter of writing characters.”

Man Bao obediently agreed, not feeling writing was a punishment since they had to practice writing for their studies anyway.

The Qian family repeatedly bowed in apology to Mr. Zhuang before taking the two children home.

The Lius hadn’t gone far when they turned to see the Zhou family escorting Man Bao and Mrs. Qian back.

Mrs. Zheng also looked back, remarking, “Their family really has a lot of people.”

“Indeed,” said Mr. Bai. “With six sons, they may not have produced the most children in Qili Village, but they can field the most working hands, making their family’s population the most prosperous.”

Mrs. Liu glanced at Man Bao supporting Mrs. Qian and asked, “Why is it their daughter attending the school?”

Mr. Bai laughed, “Their family can’t afford tuition. But this little girl is smart, so Mr. Zhuang favors her as a disciple, allowing her into the school without the entrance bundled fee. He even hand-copied books for her, and I heard when she became his student, he gifted them a full set of ink, brush and inkstone – considered properly outfitted then.”

Mrs. Zheng commented, “It’s a difficult path for a peasant family.”

But Mrs. Liu said, “It shows this child is not just smart, but also well-behaved – a lovable child, otherwise Mr. Zhuang wouldn’t dote on her talent so.”

She turned to look at her grandson again, expression souring. “The young Miss Zhou is younger than you, just a little girl. How could you hit her?”

Bai Shanbao felt aggrieved, holding up his arm. “She hit me first, she even bit me!”

Mrs. Zheng hurriedly rolled up his sleeve but saw no marks on his smooth, white arm. Retracting her hand, she glanced at her mother-in-law.

Mrs. Liu’s face darkened further. “Where did she bite you?”

Though no marks on his arm, Bai Shanbao still felt that sensation, so he pointed at a spot. “Here!”

Mrs. Liu couldn’t help but lightly slap the table, rebuking, “Shanbao, your grandmother taught you from young never to lie!”

Bai Shanbao felt dazed before bursting into loud wails. “I didn’t lie, she really did bite me! You can ask her. She hit me first too, and ambushed me – she’s the bad one!”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Qian was also lecturing Man Bao. Having checked and found no injuries, she could scold her at ease now.

“You’re a girl – if there’s a disagreement, you should reason with people properly. Why did you hit someone?”

Man Bao: “He was hitting Er Tou.”

“You should have separated them first, then asked who was right or wrong. How could you hit him? He was a guest visiting our village – a stranger. Bullying a stranger is disrespectful.” Mrs. Qian’s face darkened. “How have I taught you from young? To be a courteous person. Just now before Mr. Zhuang you not only didn’t apologize, you even made faces at him. Is this how I’ve instructed you?”

Man Bao felt aggrieved, her eyes reddening.

Mrs. Qian turned away. “Don’t cry in front of me. Go think it over facing the wall – was what I said right or not?”

Mrs. Qian wiped her own tears. “I sent you to school to study propriety, not so a girl like you who can’t go make a living with talents or take the imperial exams would learn brawling instead. If that’s what you’ll learn there, come home – you’re no longer allowed to even audit classes.”

Man Bao’s tears streamed down as she felt terrible, rushing to hug her mother’s legs as she sobbed, “Mom, I know I was wrong. Don’t cry, don’t be angry.”

Mrs. Qian turned her head away, silent.

Man Bao cried until breathless. “I really know I was wrong, don’t ignore me. Tomorrow I’ll go apologize to him…”

Only then did Mrs. Qian’s expression ease slightly.

Outside, Feng Shi twisted Er Tou’s ear as she scolded him. “I told you to go get your little aunt. But instead you fought someone over a stupid rock – were you itching for a beating?”

Young Mrs. Qian was also hitting Da Tou. “I assigned you this task, but you slacked off, making your little brother do it instead. He’s just a child, you had him go get your little aunt? It’s lucky she wasn’t badly beaten today. What if it had been an older kid?”

Soon the air was filled with wails, as Da Tou and Er Tou were both soundly thrashed.

That evening, the three children who had erred knelt together in the kitchen boiling water.

As punishment, heating the hot water for tonight fell to them.

Of course, having never set foot in a kitchen before, Man Bao was clueless. So Da Tou tended the fire while Er Tou monitored it, leaving Man Bao to sit hugging her knees, deep in thought.

She was actually chatting with Ke Ke, verifying if she had truly done something wrong.

The system had reviewed many educational books, simulating Man Bao and Er Tou’s roles. As the elder dealing with the beaten Er Tou, Man Bao’s handling was indeed incorrect.

Hearing Ke Ke confirm this, Man Bao’s shoulders slumped. “Then I’ll apologize to him tomorrow. Do you think if I give him candy he’ll forgive me?”

The system replied, “Gifts should be something the recipient likes. Perhaps you can ask him about it tomorrow.”

Man Bao felt that made sense. Her consciousness returned to the real world to see Da Tou and Er Tou with glum faces.

Having come to terms with it, Man Bao had always been a child who corrected her mistakes. Since she had decided, there was no point dwelling on sadness anymore as her spirits rallied.

Seeing her despondent nephews, she fished out two candies and popped them into their mouths, consoling them. “It’s fine, sister-in-laws will forget all about this tomorrow. Don’t be sad.”

Unexpectedly receiving candy, Da Tou and Er Tou naturally perked up, quietly replying to Man Bao, “Little Aunt, don’t worry, we’ll find a private spot in a couple days to help you get revenge.”

Man Bao’s mood soured. “So you still haven’t recognized your mistake.” She held out her hands. “Give the candies back, I won’t let you have them anymore.”

Da Tou and Er Tou froze with the candies in their mouths before crunching down hard, telling Man Bao with full mouths, “Already ate them.”

Man Bao fumed, “Spit them out!”

The boys just kept chewing before opening their mouths wide for inspection, not even crumbs remaining.

“I won’t give you two candies ever again then,” Man Bao declared.

But sharp Da Tou quickly said, “Little Aunt, we know we were wrong. We won’t fight anymore or go settle scores with that kid.”

Only then did Man Bao begrudgingly forgive them.

Over at the Bai residence, Mrs. Liu had Bai Shanbao kneeling as she wiped away tears, rebuking him. “You’ve been so bright from young, I had hoped you could inherit your father’s ambitions and study to bring honor to our family. But you’ve lost your way chasing trifles, not even understanding basic courtesy. Fighting is wrong to begin with, let alone hitting a young lady. Not only did you not admit fault before your teacher, you even glared and made faces…”

Chapter 36: Punishment

It was Man Bao’s first day of school and her parents were already being summoned. Even the ailing Mrs. Qian hurriedly came out from her room, being supported by  Mrs. Xiao Qian to rush to the school building.

The Bai family also arrived quickly. Mr. Bai had been called about his son’s misdeeds at school frequently this year, aware his son was usually the instigator in fights. So he wasn’t in a rush when initially summoned.

However, upon hearing Bai Shanbao was also involved in fighting, he couldn’t sit still any longer. Bai Shanbao was different from his son – he was a precious treasure.

Mr. Bai didn’t dare delay, promptly notifying his sister-in-law and younger sister. So the entire Bai family came over in force.

The two families met at the school gate. One side in fine silks, the other in patched clothes, but the worried looks on their faces were the same.

Just by numbers, the two sides were evenly matched.

But neither had any interest in sizing the other up at the moment. Mrs. Qian and another elderly lady of similar age both hurried straight towards Mr. Zhuang’s residence.

Mrs. Xiao Qian, supporting Mrs. Qian, happened to meet the other’s daughter-in-law at the gate. Though anxious, Mrs. Qian still tugged her daughter-in-law to pause and let the other go first.

The other lady also hesitated, seeing Mrs. Qian’s courtesy, before ungraciously letting her daughter-in-law cross the threshold first, hastening inside.

In the courtyard, the four children stood in a row while an angry Mr. Zhuang sat silent on a chair.

Seeing their own children standing upright, occasionally still glaring at each other, the two families realized there was no major issue. Whether the first pair of mother and daughter-in-law or the second, they all let out relieved sighs.

Then ignoring their children’s yearning looks, they went together to apologize to Mr. Zhuang.

Their children fighting at school, even without knowing the reason, they felt ashamed.

Seeing they understood propriety, Mr. Zhuang’s expression eased slightly. Then pointing at the four kids he said, “Leaving aside Er Tou, the other three are my students. That they could come to blows outside of school means this old man’s teachings have not gone deep enough. I called you two families here today firstly to have you educate your children further, and secondly to inform you that going forward I will pay extra attention to these three. Regarding rewards and punishments, you parents should keep them in mind.”

Yesterday when Mr. Zhuang visited the Bai family, he had met Bai Shanbao. At that time, Mrs. Liu and her daughter-in-law had also met Mr. Zhuang and agreed to send Bai Shanbao to study at the school. So in the strict sense, Bai Shanbao was also Mr. Zhuang’s student.

Mrs. Liu glanced at the fair-skinned little girl beside her grandson, knowing she was Zhou Man, Mr. Zhuang’s disciple. Mr. Zhuang had visited the Bai family yesterday precisely for her enrollment.

Of course Mrs. Liu didn’t believe her grandson would fight with such a soft little girl, so she looked over at Bai Erlang and Er Tou before asking with a dip of her head, “Mr. Zhuang, may I ask what caused the children to come to blows?”

Mr. Zhuang had clearly already vented his anger, but bringing it up again still made him unable to contain his ire. Placing a rock on the stone table, he gravely said, “It was over this stone.”

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the rock, not seeing anything special about it – weren’t such stones strewn all over the roads?

Mr. Bai went after Bai Erlang first, slapping the back of his head as he angrily scolded, “I told you to study properly, what are you messing around with stones for? You fought with your cousin over a single rock?”

Bai Erlang cradled his head, retorting, “I didn’t fight him, I was helping him! I wouldn’t even look at such a smelly old rock, I have way better ones than that in my room!”

Mr. Bai then turned his glare to Er Tou – so this was the one who fought with Shanbao.

Seeing Er Tou was around the same age as Shanbao but surely stronger being a country boy, he couldn’t help worrying if Shanbao had truly been injured. His sister-in-law would likely cry endlessly over that.

Mrs. Liu felt a bit uneasy too, but with Mr. Zhuang present she couldn’t do anything. Her daughter-in-law Mrs. Zheng, however, couldn’t hold back, pulling Bai Shanbao over to feel him up and down before asking, “Shanbao, were you hurt anywhere?”

Standing off to the side, Man Bao made a face at him. Bai Shanbao had been about to cry, eyes already welling up with tears, but immediately stopped upon seeing her taunting look. He fiercely glared back, reassured by having his grandmother and mother’s support as he moved to push Man Bao.

But Mrs. Xiao Qian was quick, pulling Man Bao away and into her embrace as well.

So the adults of the two families were now face-to-face.

Off to the side, Er Tou felt terrified under Mr. Bai’s glare, rushing into his father’s arms crying “Dad, Dad, I didn’t hit him, he hit me first!”

Bai Shanbao turned to look over too, mimicking Man Bao by making a mocking face back at Er Tou, “Losing underling!”

He turned to tattle to his mother too, “Mom, it wasn’t him who hit me, it was her!”

Following his finger, everyone looked silently at Man Bao.

Mr. Zhuang supplemented, “Bai Shanbao hit Er Tou first, so Man Bao fought with Bai Shanbao. When Er Tou tried to help, Bai Erlang joined in fighting Er Tou. None of the four were uninvolved.”

Mr. Zhuang continued, “I think the children just have too much energy. Leaving Er Tou aside, you elders take the children home and educate them properly. Bai Erlang, you will write 20 large characters tonight. Bai Shanbao, Man Bao, you two will each write 10 large characters which I will inspect tomorrow.”

Bai Erlang protested, “Teacher, why do I have to write more than them?”

“Because you are older than them. Not only did you not dissuade them from fighting, you even fanned the flames from the sidelines and joined in. Tell me, do you not deserve punishment?”

“But it still shouldn’t be more than theirs.”

Mr. Zhuang said flatly, “Twenty-five large characters then.”

Mr. Bai just glared at his son, who could only shrink his neck and lower his head.

After learning it was Man Bao who fought with Bai Shanbao, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Zheng felt embarrassed. Looking at Man Bao, clearly shorter and thinner than Shanbao and still just a girl, they gave awkward smiles before hugging Bai Shanbao without mentioning injuries again.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Xiao Qian discreetly felt over Man Bao, who seemed ticklish and giggled while squirming a bit.

Observing closely, both Mrs. Qian and Mrs. Xiao Qian breathed internal sighs of relief that the child didn’t seem injured.

The parents from both families accepted the punishments for their respective children. The Bai family elders even made Bai Erlang and Bai Shanbao apologize to Er Tou and Man Bao.

They had no choice – Bai Erlang was older than Er Tou, while Bai Shanbao was not only older but also a boy hitting a girl. The Bai family felt their children were the ones in the wrong.

Moreover, the fight had been over something as trivial as grabbing a rock.

But not just Bai Erlang, even Bai Shanbao stubbornly refused to bow his head, even huffing disdainfully at Man Bao a couple times.

Man Bao refused to back down either, glaring right back at him. With neither child looking like they would admit fault, and not wanting to look worse before Mr. Zhuang, the Bai family hurriedly gave apologetic smiles to the Qian family before dragging their children away.

They planned to make the children properly apologize later.