Chapter 48: Building the School

Since Xiang Laosan was a young scholar, the villagers, when they saw him, would not dare to be overly familiar, but at least they would show the respect that a scholar deserves. It was rare for him to be looked down upon and mocked like a dog, as he was now.

His face flushed with anger, he said, “Insulting a scholar goes against the teachings of the sages. You all—this is simply too much!”

One of the villagers sneered, “Xiang Laosan, since you’re so well-versed in the classics, tell us—didn’t the sage say that if a family has a soldier to serve, it’s fine to swap the duty with someone else’s child? Didn’t the sage also say that if one doesn’t want to serve, they can just harm themselves, and since there’s a son to take the place, it’s all settled?”

Xiang Laosan gritted his teeth and replied, “I’ve already said, my leg was broken in an accident, it wasn’t self-inflicted! And as for the child swap, I wasn’t even born yet, it has nothing to do with me!”

Someone immediately retorted, “How can you say it has nothing to do with you? The money that Dagen earned from serving in the army was squandered by you in the city. You still think it has nothing to do with you?”

“Studying costs money. How can you call it squandering? Besides, the county magistrate has already ruled, and now the best land in our family is his. What more do you want?”

“Your mouth is really stubborn! In just a few words, you’ve managed to completely absolve yourself. Tell me, it was your idea to send Daniu to serve at just thirteen, wasn’t it? I heard that the small official in the yamen only charges five taels of silver to alter a household registry, and the ten taels of silver meant for me as compensation you took half to bribe him, and the rest went straight into your own pocket. Have you completely forgotten this?” Dagen had somehow approached and spoke with a dark tone.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Laosan’s face turned pale in an instant. His lips quivered, but he couldn’t say a word.

His face was already losing its dignity, and staying any longer would only bring more shame. Dagen, standing before him with a disdainful look, was no longer the simple, easily manipulated figure he used to be. His eyes, as big as copper bells, sent a chill through him, and Xiang Laosan dared not confront him. Without a word, he leaned on his cane and walked toward his home.

Just as he left the drying ground, he turned back and shouted, “Hehua, Taohua, don’t stand there. Get home now!”

Hearing their father call them, the two sisters reluctantly stepped out of the crowd.

Once the two girls caught up, Xiang Laosan muttered, “Who told you to argue with others? You can’t control your mouths. Don’t come back here again.”

If it weren’t for these two daughters arguing with the likes of Erniu and Xinghua, the matter of the broken leg would never have been exposed. Even if the villagers had their doubts, they wouldn’t have dared to speak so openly about it. He wouldn’t have to endure such humiliation tonight.

The two girls, scolded by their father, lowered their heads and followed silently behind him.

Seeing the Xiang family leave, the villagers paid no further attention and continued their conversations.

Dagen, recalling the taunts from Xiang Taohua earlier and the way the Xiang family had been spreading rumors about Daniu and Erniu’s failure in studies over the years, felt extremely aggrieved. He turned to the village head and said, “Third Uncle, we still need to find a way to address the children’s education.”

The village head sighed, “I’ve been trying, but there are only a few literate people in our village. One doesn’t want to teach, and one can’t. What can we do? Sigh…”

Pear Blossom suddenly spoke up, “Third Uncle, if no one here can teach, we can invite someone from outside. As long as everyone can contribute to the teacher’s salary, I believe someone will be willing to come.”

Pear Blossom was no longer the same girl she once was. After seeking help from powerful families, the villagers now listened intently to her words.The village head shook his head. “We are poor, and the ancestral hall is falling apart. Anyone who hears that we’re teaching in the ancestral hall won’t want to come.”

Pear Blossom said, “Third Uncle, why not build a school? Once we have a proper place, people will naturally come to teach.”

The villagers were stunned. Pear Blossom, who couldn’t even read, was speaking such profound words.”

Teachers need to make a living and support their families. If we build a decent school with a courtyard and a place to stay, someone will be willing to come.”

Once Pear Blossom finished speaking, several voices immediately chimed in, agreeing with her.

Dong Yun, sitting among the women, couldn’t help but turn her head when she heard the young girl’s not-so-clear voice. Her gaze landed on the tall figure standing with his back to her.

The village head, deeply moved, still looked troubled and said, “It’s easy to talk about, but building a house and a courtyard will cost a lot of money. Everyone in the village is struggling, who can afford to pay for this?”

Someone immediately suggested, “The Liu family is wealthy. Let them contribute more.”

“The Liu family’s children have their own teachers. They won’t want to join us,” came another voice.

“Isn’t Dagen from the Liu family? Let him go talk to Old Man Liu. Building a school is a virtuous thing. A few dozen taels of silver is not a big deal for the Liu family.”

When the others heard this, they all turned to look at Dagen.

Dagen shook his head and refused, “It was agreed before that we would each mind our own business. I can’t bring this up.”

“This is a good thing for the village, and it’s also a virtuous deed for you. It’s not like you’ll be spending your own money—”

Zhang Laowu immediately interrupted, “The agreement with the Liu family was clear from the start. No matter the reason, Dagen cannot speak on this matter. If anyone thinks they can persuade Old Man Liu, they can go ahead, but don’t drag Dagen’s name into it.”

Dagen sighed in relief, but the person who had spoken earlier couldn’t help but mumble, “We’re not even related to the Liu family, why would they listen to us…”

Pear Blossom couldn’t take it anymore and said, “Building a house doesn’t necessarily require silver. We already have soil and stones for the walls, we can go up the mountain for wood to make the beams and desks, and the grass for the roof is on the mountain. As long as the grass is tied tightly and looks decent, it’s no worse than a tiled roof!”

Zhang Laowu had a mysterious admiration for Pear Blossom. When he saw her speak up, he immediately stood up to express his support. “My Dog is two years old. In a couple of years, he can start learning. I support building the school. As long as it’s not during the busy farming season, I can help build the house.”

Upon hearing this, everyone began to discuss excitedly. Dagen naturally supported his daughter and said their family could also send someone to help.Some people didn’t speak up; they had no intention of sending their children to learn to read. After all, their ancestors had lived like this.

But many others supported the idea, since they could send someone to help without spending money.

The village chief saw this and finally felt reassured. He stood up and said, “Since everyone is saying this, I’ll go door to door after the busy farming season to tally how many people support building the school. We’ll decide whether or not to build it and how to build it then. But let me make something clear: if you don’t contribute money or labor now, when it comes time for your children to go to school, the fees won’t just be for tuition. You’ll have to pay for the construction of the school as well.”

Upon hearing this, the villagers began whispering to each other.

After all, who doesn’t have children? Even if someone is single now, who knows if they’ll get married next year? Right now, they only need to contribute some effort to help build the school, but if they don’t contribute money or labor, and later have to pay for the construction when sending their children to school, that would be a huge burden.

So someone stood up and said, “Third Grandpa, we’ll do as you said. As long as it’s not during the busy farming season, we can definitely send someone to help.”Others followed suit.

The village chief nodded, his previously furrowed brows easing a little. “Alright. If most of the village is willing to build the school, we’ll go ahead. We’ll send people and money. Our family’s financial situation is tight, as everyone knows, so we can only contribute two taels at most.”

Though he said “two taels” with his mouth, there was no hiding the pride in his eyes. After all, which family could donate that much silver?

When the village chief was the first to pledge money, the others who had been feeling uneasy were reassured. Soon, people began to announce their contributions, pledging three or five coins, and the mood was quickly lifted.

Even those who couldn’t contribute silver said they could send someone from their family to help.Dagen turned to look at Mrs. Xiong. She gave a slight nod, and when he turned back, he was met with his daughter’s bright, sparkling eyes.

Pear Blossom held up two fingers.

The family only had two taels of silver right now. Although Pear Blossom could earn two taels a month by accompanying a bodyguard at the escort agency, she hadn’t gone yet, and who knew what would happen later? They couldn’t promise to use future earnings now.

Moreover, they had just built a brick and tile house. If they contributed too much, it might make others jealous.

Another reason was that the village chief had pledged two taels. If they contributed too much, it would make him lose face.

But if they contributed too little, the materials might fall short. While building a thatched house was possible, how many teachers would want to live in a thatched house to teach? That would be a problem for the village chief.

Dagen understood and said loudly, “After the busy farming season, I’ll go to the city and find some work. With the money from Pear Blossom’s job, we can contribute two taels.”This statement stirred the crowd.

Zhang Laowu squeezed through and patted Dagen’s shoulder excitedly. “Good job, Dagen. You really did well!”

Dagen gritted his teeth and said, “Back then, my family told everyone that neither of my two sons was suited for studying. But I, Dagen, didn’t believe in this superstition. Even if no one else builds this school, we father and sons will still build it ourselves with mud and grass.”

Those who had been silent were suddenly inspired. They all shouted, “Count us in! Count us in!”

The village chief saw this scene and couldn’t help but feel stirred. The slight discomfort of Dagen and himself both pledging two taels was gone.

Putting aside his own sense of pride, as a village chief, who wouldn’t want more contributions?

“Good job! Good job! Our Daliushu village is full of good people. One day, our children will all be able to learn to read.”

Dong Yun sat quietly among the crowd, watching these jubilant villagers. She was slightly moved. The poverty of wealth didn’t mean the heart was barren. While those above fought to the death for supreme interests, in this barren land, there were still people who held hope and worked hard.

Of course, this sudden surge of determination and unity was thanks to good guidance. The one who had proposed building the school and attracting talent was the silly girl in the villagers’ eyes.

Pear Blossom… she truly was a good girl.It was just a pity. This treasure of a girl, whom she had only just discovered, was already beginning to shine in front of others.

“This girl, Pear Blossom, if she hadn’t mentioned starting a school, I wonder when this matter would have been brought up.”

“I used to think she wasn’t very noticeable, but now that I look at her, she’s so graceful and tall. She’s grown up so well.”

“Back then, the Xiang family didn’t even have enough food to eat, but now they’ve divided up the work. Aunt Xiong cooks so much good food. You see, the siblings have all gotten stronger, even Xinghua’s face is fuller now.”

“This girl seems like she’s not that young anymore. Shouldn’t we start talking about her marriage?”

“She’s already sixteen; it should’ve been talked about long ago. People used to think she was a bit silly, but now she’s really clever.”

“Dagen and his wife dote on her so much, the whole family is capable. They just mentioned contributing two taels for the school, they don’t seem to be short of money. If Pear Blossom gets married, her dowry will definitely be generous.”

“Dowries and such are another matter, but my cousin’s child just turned seventeen this year, and she’s quite capable. I think she’d be a good match for Pear Blossom.”

“My older sister’s second child is also a good prospect—”

“I think Old Qin really likes Pear Blossom. Could she be thinking of making her Qin Dabao’s wife?”

“Even though the Qin family is poor, who knows? Old Qin has always helped Aunt Xiong. Their families are close, so it’s not impossible.”

At this moment, someone leaned over and quietly asked Dong Yun, “You’re close to Dagen’s family, have they said anything about this?”

Dong Yun pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and replied, “Aunt Xiong hasn’t said anything to me.” The woman sighed and sat back down.

Dong Yun looked up at Pear Blossom in the crowd. Even though many people were gathered, she stood out the most, as if the moonlight was shining only on her.

Her mind involuntarily flashed back to the conversation she had with Pear Blossom about marriage a few days ago. At that time, it seemed like a lighthearted matter, but now, hearing others talk about it, she couldn’t help but feel a subtle discomfort.

In the end, it was still loneliness. Over the years, no one had been around to talk to her. Only this little girl dared to come close.

Even a dog can form an attachment, let alone such a naive and capable young girl.Dong Yun thought to herself.

On the way back, Dagen and his two companions walked ahead, while Aunt Xiong, Dong Yun, and the others walked behind. As they reached the Zeng family’s courtyard, Aunt Xiong instructed, “Pear Blossom, it’s getting dark. You take Fubao’s mother back.”

Having such a capable daughter, Aunt Xiong had unconsciously placed her in the reliable category. Asking her to accompany Dong Yun seemed like the most natural thing.

Dong Yun wanted to refuse, after all, she could walk that short distance herself. But since she hadn’t had a chance to be alone with Pear Blossom the whole evening, she felt there were still things she wanted to say to her, even though she wasn’t sure exactly what. So, she didn’t refuse and smiled, saying, “Thank you, Aunt Xiufang, for always caring about me.”

Aunt Xiong frowned and said, “Don’t be so polite, it’s not like anyone else. This child is strong, let her walk a bit more.”

Pear Blossom had originally intended to send them, but when her mother offered, she felt relieved. However, the thought of being alone with Dong Yun stirred her previously calm emotions, making her uneasy.

She responded with an “Oh,” and, carrying the drowsy Fubao, walked ahead. The road was quiet, and for once, neither of them spoke.

As they entered the house, Dong Yun took Fubao and paused before saying, “You haven’t come over for several days. Do you not want to see me anymore?”

Pear Blossom’s heart skipped a beat. She had to face this question, but there was no reproach in Dong Yun’s words, nor was she being forceful. Instead, there seemed to be a touch of grievance, which softened Pear Blossom’s heart. She quickly responded, “How could I not want to see you? It’s just that I’ve been feeling unwell because of my period, and with all the rice harvesting, I’ve been too tired to come.”

Dong Yun believed her because Pear Blossom had never lied to her. The way the girl suddenly explained herself, unlike her usual clumsy self, eased the inexplicable emotions Dong Yun had been feeling.

A smile unconsciously tugged at the corner of her mouth as she said, “It’s getting late. You should go back.”

Pear Blossom gave her a steady look and nodded, then reluctantly left the courtyard.