Chapter Nineteen: Sent Away to Study?

“Then see you in town tomorrow!” Sheng Chunhua, seeing her nod, knew the girl understood her meaning and urged her to head home.

Walking along the rural path, the night was as dark as ink, the sky draped in a deep, blue-black hue, speckled with countless stars.

The moon hung high, casting a gentle silver glow that lent the night an air of mystery.

The early spring breeze was still chilly, softly brushing past with the rustle of distant trees and a faint scent of fresh grass.

“Third Uncle, do you know if there’s a decent private school nearby? I want to send Huai’an and Huaimu to study,” Sheng Wanqiu opened the conversation, addressing her Third Uncle.

“You want to send them to school?” Sheng Dalin was surprised; he hadn’t expected his niece to be serious. He thought it was just talk.

“Yes, studying will broaden their horizons, so I want to send them to school,” Sheng Wanqiu responded calmly. Yet in Sheng Huai’an’s heart, her words were like a pebble cast into a still lake, sending ripples forth.

Third Uncle saw her in a new light—she wasn’t just a spoiled child who never conceded an argument; she had a composed side as well.

“There’s a good old scholar in Qiao Family Village who runs a private school at home. You can inquire there,” Sheng Dalin said after some thought.

“Bai Haoyu studies there. It takes about half an hour on foot from our village, not too far!” he added.

“All right, I’ll ask around tomorrow,” Sheng Wanqiu nodded.

“Second Brother, you must study hard then. Learn well during the day, and come back at night to teach me and Granny,” Sheng Wanqiu said, ruffling her younger brother’s fuzzy hair.

“Granny wants to learn too?” Sheng Huai’an asked in surprise.

“Of course! Otherwise, if you and Huaimu become high officials one day and earn Granny a noble title, when receiving the imperial edict, you’ll need to write your own names into the family records, right?”

“But if Granny can’t write, who will write for her?”

“Oh! Then I must learn well and come back to teach both you and Granny!” Sheng Huai’an nodded earnestly.

Sheng Wanqiu thought: Children are so easy to persuade!

Sheng Dalin muttered to himself: Mother, you’re on your own!

The next day, as Sheng Wanqiu hoisted her bamboo basket and boarded the ox cart, the village women were noticeably more enthusiastic.

Their compliments flowed freely, making her cheeks flush.

“Wanqiu, why didn’t Granny come with you to town?” Grandma Yang asked.

Yesterday, Sheng Wanqiu had brought her a piece of lamb, and the whole family had feasted heartily—Grandma Yang was truly grateful. These days, money was hard to earn, and with many mouths to feed, meat was a luxury.

“My Granny stayed home making schoolbags for my two little brothers. They’re going to study now,” Sheng Wanqiu didn’t try to hide it; it was only a matter of time before the village knew.

“Huai’an and the others are going to school? That’s wonderful! Maybe your family will produce a great official one day,” Grandma Yang praised sincerely.

“Heh, then I’ll take that as your blessing,” Sheng Wanqiu smiled.

Most of the passengers on the cart were from Qingshan Village and knew Sheng Wanqiu’s family situation. Hearing her plans, they were quietly surprised—sending two children to school was no small expense.

Plus, ink, brushes, paper, and inkstones were costly.

Sheng Wanqiu didn’t care what others thought. She would do what she wanted and didn’t need anyone’s judgment.

Soon they reached Sishui Town, following the usual routine of paying to enter.

First stop was to sell the lamb at a restaurant, as the basket was quite heavy.

Sheng Wanqiu arrived at the busiest street, looked around, and decided on the place.

Bravely carrying her basket, she entered a restaurant named Pine Crane Tavern.

“Hello, guest, we’re not open yet!” The waiter greeted her warmly upon seeing her enter.

“Young man, I’m not here to eat. I want to ask if you buy wild game?” Sheng Wanqiu explained calmly, her eyes sweeping the clean interior. The waiter showed no disdain; clearly, the owner was a respectable person.

“Oh, we do buy. Wait here, I’ll call the owner!” the waiter replied and went off.

Soon, a lean, sharp-eyed old man with a goatee appeared, his face bearing a faint smile.

“My name’s Jiang, everyone calls me Manager Jiang. May I see your lamb?”

“Hello, Manager Jiang, certainly. This was just hunted last night. For easier transport, I already butchered it at home,” Sheng Wanqiu said, setting the basket down and unveiling the floral cloth covering the fresh lamb.

“This is the head, and here’s the fresh meat!”

Manager Jiang was startled by the large lamb head, then inspected the meat below, feeling and smelling it.

“How much do you intend to sell it for?” he asked, raising a brow, a shrewd smile playing on his lips.

“To be honest, Manager Jiang, this is my first time selling wild game. I don’t know the going price.”

“Looking at you, with your graceful and dignified air, I believe you’re honest. You name your price, and I’ll take it!”

“The lamb head is just a bonus—I don’t want money for it!”

“Good! Young lady, you’ve got good taste coming to our Pine Crane Tavern.”

“Our tavern is famous for honest dealings. The lamb goes for thirty-five wen per jin. If you trust me, I’ll have the waiter weigh it for you!”

Manager Jiang admired Sheng Wanqiu greatly. Such a well-spoken, unpretentious, and efficient young lady was a rare encounter.

“Whatever you decide, Manager Jiang,” Sheng Wanqiu said, bowing slightly.

Soon, the waiter weighed the meat—ten liang and two qian of silver in total.

Sheng Wanqiu took the ten liang and returned the two qian.

“Thank you, Manager Jiang. Please enjoy some tea on me!”

“Goodbye!” Sheng Wanqiu bowed and left without further words, lifting her empty basket and walking away.

“Wait!” Manager Jiang called after her.

“If you have more wild game, remember to come here again, girl!”

“We buy wild pheasants, wild ducks, rabbits, wild boars—all preferably whole!”

“We also buy dried goods, mushrooms, anything of good quality!” Manager Jiang advised.

“Understood. Thank you for the information, Manager Jiang. If I catch any wild game, I’ll bring it to you first. Farewell!”

Watching her walk far away, Manager Jiang finally withdrew his gaze and pocketed the two qian.

“Next time this girl comes, notify me immediately!” he instructed the waiters, who all nodded in agreement.