Font Size:
Even though agriculture is listed first, how many people still look down on those who work the land?
Scholars disdain merchants for their money-grubbing ways, while merchants look down on scholars for their lack of practical skills. But is this really fair?
Today, after hearing Wang Jinhe’s words, they felt that it would be difficult for anyone to survive without each position.
Looking at Wang Jinhe, they might understand why the young master had developed an affection for someone who enjoyed working with the land. She had a clear understanding of things, while they, despite their extensive learning, couldn’t see through such simple truths. They didn’t deserve to be called “scholars.”
“Thank you, County Princess. Your words have been very enlightening,” they said, bowing to Wang Jinhe in gratitude.
Wang Jinhe had simply shared her thoughts, but they unexpectedly showed such respect.
“I was just speaking casually. If I said something wrong, please don’t mind. I just feel that studying is not the only path, but there are many other paths. After all, there are many paths to success, aren’t there?” she remarked.
In every field, there are exceptionally talented individuals. Can it be said that only being an official can bring honor to one’s ancestors?
Clearly not. When something is done to perfection, it can bring pride just the same.
The children looked at Wang Jinhe with a somewhat puzzled expression, but her expectations of them were not that high. For now, it was enough that they had such thoughts in their hearts. As for the future, it would depend on them.
As long as the teachers didn’t think she was talking nonsense, that was good enough.
After spending ten days in Linjiang Town, Wang Jinhe and Su Yu took the children back.
The entire town was immersed in joy as they departed.
Upon returning to the academy, the teachers noticed that the students seemed to be more focused and dedicated to their studies. This brought them great comfort.
It seemed that the trip had not been in vain. Even Xiao Bao, who usually played while studying, seemed to be taking things more seriously under their guidance.
That day, while Wang Jinhe was reviewing the cotton accounting, Xiao Zhi and the others returned. However, she noticed that Xiao Bao, who was usually cheerful, seemed unusually downcast.
Puzzled, she looked at Xiao Bao and asked, “Xiao Bao, can you tell me what’s wrong?”
Xiao Bao remained silent, and Xiao Zhi spoke up, “Recently, a few students joined the academy. In their previous school, they were always praised by the teachers and were among the top students.”
“And then?”
“Today, there was a small test, and Xiao Bao achieved the highest score, earning the first place. Those students felt resentful, believing that Xiao Bao’s achievement was due to his status as the County Princess’s son,” Xiao Zhi explained with a furrowed brow.
This was because Xiao Bao had always played while studying at the academy, and somehow managed to learn through play. Those who had been in the same class as him knew his study habits, but the new students couldn’t believe that someone so young could have such knowledge. They thought he only achieved his success because of his mother.
This had been making Xiao Bao very unhappy.
Surprised, Wang Jinhe looked at Xiao Bao and pulled him close, asking, “Is this why you’re feeling down?”
Xiao Bao, feeling embarrassed, nodded slightly. “I am a little upset,” he admitted.
“Xiao Bao, you have inherited your father’s exceptional talent. You have your own way of learning. Is it worth making yourself uncomfortable just to gain their approval?” Wang Jinhe had not expected such a thing to happen to Xiao Bao at the academy.
She had always heard from Chang Le and the others that Xiao Bao was very popular at the academy, and many children were willing to play with him. If there was something he didn’t understand, he would share it with his classmates.
She had always thought that Xiao Bao would grow up in such a friendly environment, but she never expected that a few new students would cause such trouble.
“We shouldn’t be too concerned about others’ opinions. As long as we have a clear conscience, that’s enough, right?” Wang Jinhe asked Xiao Bao.
Xiao Bao pondered over Wang Jinhe’s words and nodded earnestly in agreement. “You’re right, Mommy. They’re just acting out of jealousy. They were praised too highly at their previous school, and now that they’ve suddenly lost, they feel resentful. They’re just sore losers.”
After considering this, Xiao Bao decided that he wouldn’t have to struggle to pay attention in class anymore. He could easily grasp the content without having to study diligently. He would continue to learn while playing.
Observing Xiao Bao’s response, Wang Jinhe knew that he must be up to something mischievous. After all, this little guy was as mischievous as Su Yu.
“Indeed,” she agreed.
“It’s not wonderful to focus too much on the results and not on the process,” Xiao Bao added.
“You’re right, Mommy. I want to eat roast duck,” Xiao Bao suddenly said.
“Alright, I’ll make it for you,” Wang Jinhe replied.
In the evening, Wang Jinhe discussed the matter with Su Yu. Su Yu, unsurprised, remarked, “Geniuses often feel lonely. Xiao Bao’s situation is quite normal. I’ve been through the same thing before.”
“You’ve experienced this too?” Wang Jinhe asked, surprised.
Su Yu nodded matter-of-factly. “Of course. The situation I faced was even more difficult to accept than Xiao Bao’s. My friends were those I made after I left the academy. Xiao Bao already has some friends, which is actually enough for him.”
“It’s rare to make like-minded friends at the academy. Once people leave, they may not have the chance to meet again, unless they live in the same area.”
“Even though this place is relatively small, in reality, it’s not that small,” Su Yu continued. “We are in Xie Family Village, while those people are in the town or the county. Without us, Xiao Bao wouldn’t go there, and the chance of meeting privately is close to zero. Moreover, we will go to the capital in the future, which will further reduce the opportunities.”
Su Yu’s explanation put Wang Jinhe at ease. Since he said so, there must be no problem.
“Do you want to comfort our son tomorrow?” Wang Jinhe asked.
“Sure.”
The next day, Su Yu planned to comfort their son, but found that he seemed to have already moved on.
Observing Xiao Bao happily heading to the academy with snacks in hand, Su Yu turned to Wang Jinhe and said, “It seems like he doesn’t need my comfort anymore.”
Wang Jinhe was also surprised to see Xiao Bao fully recovered after a good night’s sleep.
“I thought he would be upset for at least two days, but it seems I was overthinking. There’s no such problem at all,” Wang Jinhe remarked.
Su Yu put an arm around Wang Jinhe’s shoulder. “With Xiao Zhi around, everything will be fine.”
For Xiao Bao, Xiao Zhi had always been the only friend he truly acknowledged. Chang Le was not just a friend to Xiao Bao, but also a sister. With them around, Xiao Bao could quickly recover from any negative influence.
As Xiao Bao and his friends entered the classroom, an untimely voice rang out, “Zhiqin, I thought you were at home crying and too scared to come.”