SFL Chapter 40

Several half-grown boys arrived in the county, overwhelmed by the sights. Mei Mingxuan’s resources were tight, and the purchased courtyard wasn’t large, but his meticulous arrangement left Mei’s nephews with little space to tread.

Helpers from the Liu family were busy moving Liu Jinniang’s dowry to Mei Mingxuan’s residence. While Mei Mingxuan settled his nephews, he went to the Liu family to accompany Liu Jinniang in returning to her new home.

While Liu Jinniang had a private conversation with her mother in the backyard, Mei Mingxuan stayed at the Liu residence, accompanied by Liu Jinniang’s elder brother. Standing beside him was a child only up to the elder brother’s thigh. “Liucheng, hurry up and greet your uncle,” Mei Mingxuan urged.

Liucheng, a few years old and fair-skinned, obediently called out, “Uncle.”

Mei Mingxuan smiled and gave the little one two pieces of candy, and the child couldn’t help but be delighted, adding a sweet tone when calling Mei Mingxuan “uncle.”

Liu Jinniang’s elder brother, Mei Mingxuan’s brother-in-law, hesitated and asked, “Brother-in-law, what do you think of this kid?”

“The little one is smart, and besides, he doesn’t need to take the imperial examination. He is much lighter and more agile than ordinary children,” Mei Mingxuan replied with a smile, accepting Liucheng as his student.

The brother-in-law quickly presented Mei Mingxuan with a generous gift, and Mei Mingxuan accepted it, instructing Liucheng to bring the child to the school on the specified day.

Mei Mingxuan had chosen a convenient location for the school, not far from the purchased residence, all within the county, requiring minimal travel.

Once everything at home was arranged, the school could commence.

On the opening day of Mei Mingxuan’s school, apart from a few pre-determined students, there were not many visitors. People were mostly focused on securing their livelihoods, considering education a luxury.

However, fellow businessmen heard that Li family’s grandson had joined the school and inquired about it. Teaching the children of merchants was a rare opportunity.

The Li family mentioned that their son-in-law Mei Mingxuan managed the school, and many well-off families couldn’t resist the temptation, offering generous gifts to secure a spot for their children.

As Mei Mingxuan’s school gained momentum, Liu Jinniang proposed venturing into business.

After boldly stating her intention, Liu Jinniang observed Mei Mingxuan’s reaction without revealing her own emotions.

“Where do you plan to do business, Jinniang? Are you thinking of travelling like your father did when he was young?” Mei Mingxuan asked.

“No, it’s too dangerous for a woman outside. I just want to manage the accounts for the shops,” Liu Jinniang replied confidently.

“Can you handle accounting?” Mei Mingxuan inquired.

“Of course,” Liu Jinniang confidently raised her eyebrows. As a merchant’s daughter, she was adept at accounting.

“Then, calculate this for me. If you can’t, join Liucheng and attend my classes. Once you’ve mastered the skills, you can pursue business with greater efficiency,” Mei Mingxuan said, presenting Liu Jinniang with a series of progressively challenging problems.

Initially, Liujinniang could provide answers, but as the difficulty increased, she became perplexed and struggled to continue.

Unhappy, Liu Jinniang exclaimed, “If you don’t want me to go out, just say it directly. No need to play games and test me.” She felt hurt, realizing that Mei Mingxuan was treating her like any other man from the outside.

“Jinniang, you misunderstood. I didn’t intend to hinder you, but I feel your knowledge is limited, and going out might lead to disadvantages,” Mei Mingxuan quickly reassured his wife. He took the problems to the school, and in front of Jinniang, the group of children, including Liu Cheng, swiftly solved them.

Liu Jinniang felt a series of slaps on her face, surprised that she was outperformed by a group of children.

“See, you haven’t mastered professional knowledge. How can you compete with those shrewd business people outside? Follow me in class for a bit; it’ll help you avoid losses in the future, and I, as your husband, can feel more at ease,” Mei Mingxuan advised Jinniang.

Despite Jinniang’s capabilities, her unconventional background limits her, and Mei Mingxuan is opening new doors for her.

Persuaded by Mei Mingxuan, Jinniang reluctantly attended the class with her young nephew. As the only ‘mature student,’ she faced curious gazes, blushing with embarrassment.

Mei Mingxuan’s diverse curriculum impressed even Liu Jinniang, who had never attended school before. She couldn’t help but marvel at the importance of scholars in society.

During the class break, Mei Mingxuan noticed Jinniang’s distraction and questioned her. Jinniang, blushing, realized her status as a student and pondered how to address her husband without disrespect.

Suddenly, a small white object hit Jinniang’s forehead, bringing her back to reality. Mei Mingxuan disapproved, reminding her to focus. Liu Jinniang, chagrined, concentrated on the class.

After the lesson, Mei Mingxuan asked why she was distracted. Jinniang confessed her struggle with addressing him. Mei Mingxuan suggested calling him “Mei fuzi” during class and “Mei lang” afterward. He asked if she understood the previous lesson, and she affirmed she did.

“If you understand, quickly deepen your memory. If not reinforced, this knowledge will be easily forgotten,” Mei Mingxuan advised Liu Jinniang.

Due to her age, Jinniang’s memory wasn’t as sharp as the children’s, but being a family member made it convenient for Mei to give her extra lessons.

“M-Mei lang, I mean, do other scholars know as much as you do?” Jinniang asked.

“It varies among individuals, but very few in this world surpass my knowledge,” Mei Mingxuan smiled, his gentle demeanor captivating Liu Jinniang.

“Excuse me, is this the Mei Family School?” A visitor appeared at the school’s entrance.

Mei Mingxuan went to receive him; an elderly man with a stooped figure accompanied by a clean-faced, dirty child.

Seeing Mei Mingxuan in his scholarly robe, the elderly man, in awe, asked, “Are you the schoolmaster?”

“Yes, Mei Family School is mine. Sir, do you want your child to enroll?” Mei Mingxuan inquired.

“I wonder, Mr. Mei, how much are your fees?” The old man hesitated.

“Three bundles of green vegetables, excluding textbook and writing materials expenses, which the student’s family should handle.”

“Additionally, Mei Family School has two requirements for enrollment: a genuine desire to learn and good moral character. Without both, admission is not granted.”

“We have, we have! My grandson, Muhua, possesses both a desire to learn and good character,” the old man assured Mei Mingxuan without minding the surprisingly low fees.

Mei Mingxuan looked at the child and asked the last question, “Is this child planning to take the imperial examination route?”

“Ah, is there any other way to attend school?!” The old man was astonished, expressing confusion.

“Of course, there are many paths in this world. Take you, for instance, in the carpentry trade,” Mei Mingxuan chuckled.

Following Mei Mingxuan’s gaze, the old man examined his own hands – rough and dark, marked by the trials of a lifetime. It was the hands that accumulated wealth, allowing him to send his bright grandson to school, even if the boy didn’t achieve success in the imperial exams. Afterward, he could find a lighter job with his newfound literacy, avoiding a laborious life like the old man’s.

“Sir, compared to scholars, we craftsmen live a bitter life. That’s why I don’t want this child to follow my old path,” the old man’s voice trembled.

Does reading bring only sweetness? Every imperial examination sees thousands crossing a single-plank bridge, and it’s not easy for anyone.

However, the bitterness the old man spoke of wasn’t literal but the hardships of life.

Scholars, farmers, workers, and merchants – craftsmen’s status was only slightly better than that of merchants. While scholars could see hope after enduring ten years of studying in the cold, craftsmen like them couldn’t.

“Sir, come inside and see Mei Family School. After seeing it, if you’re willing, gather the fees and send your child here,” Mei Mingxuan said, leading the way.

Mei Family School is even larger than the house Mei Mingxuan purchased. The path is lined with lush flowers and trees, creating an elegant scenery. Despite the current scarcity of students, the teaching space prepared by Mei Mingxuan, the teacher, is quite spacious.

“Mr. Mei, why are there girls in the school? Girls can’t participate in the imperial examinations,” the old man puzzled.

“I welcome those eager for knowledge and with good character, regardless of gender or age. It’s not a problem,” Mei Mingxuan explained.

“Even if students can’t participate in the imperial examinations?” The old man unconsciously blurted out, surprising even himself.

“Yes, even if students can’t participate in the imperial examinations. Truth be told, your grandson will be the first student in my Mei Family School to follow the path of imperial examinations,” Mei Mingxuan stated.

Due to Mei Mingxuan admitting the son of a merchant, well-informed parents seeking education naturally bypassed Mei Family School, enrolling their children in other institutions.

“Can you teach my grandson, sir?” The old man asked nervously.

“I can,” Mei Mingxuan assured.

“In that case, I can rest easily. Please wait, sir. I’ll go back now to prepare the fees. Tomorrow, I’ll bring my grandson to be a student,” the old man said.

Although Mei Mingxuan mentioned three bundles of green vegetables, the old man wouldn’t come with just that. The next day, he arrived with two baskets of vegetables and a small amount of cured meat.

Inside the school, students instinctively leaned towards the windows, watching the lively scene outside.