Chapter 36

~32 min read 6,385 words

Holy Monk 2 (The Quick Fall of a Free-loader)

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The idle system in space wondered, 'What's happening?' Since arriving in this world, the host has lost all motivation to complete tasks and refuses to seek out a cheap son; when the son grows up, he certainly won't acknowledge his real father.

Translation: "The bored system, idly picking its toes in the space, asked, 'What's going on? After coming to this world, the host has stopped being proactive about missions; if he doesn't go look for a cheap son, the son, once grown up, will definitely not acknowledge his biological father.'" Need to keep meaning. Ensure we keep all clauses.

Let's produce: "The bored system, idly picking its toes in the space, asked, 'What's going on? After coming to this world, the host has stopped being proactive about missions; if he doesn't go look for a cheap son, the son, once grown up, will definitely not acknowledge his biological father.'"

Just like the young emperor Li Mingzhi from the previous world.

Translation: "Just like the little emperor Li Mingzhi from the previous world."

Jiang He held a gourd-shaped water ladle and poured spring water over an orchid dug from the back mountain; the orchid sprouted buds at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Translation: "Jiang He held a gourd-shaped water ladle and poured the spring water over an orchid dug from the back mountain; the orchid sprouted buds at a speed visible to the naked eye."

He held a gourd-shaped water ladle and poured spring water over an orchid dug from the back mountain; the orchid sprouted buds at a speed visible to the naked eye.

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The host spends all day either planting vegetables and flowers or firing tiles and doing infrastructure work; he must have overdone farming in the last mission, causing his farming instinct to act up.

Translation: "The host spends all day either planting vegetables and flowers or firing tiles and doing infrastructure work; he must have overdone farming in the last mission, causing his farming instinct to act up!"

After watering the flowers, Jiang straightened up and said, "I've been racking up points."

Firing tiles and bricks alone is exhausting, and he's not really a bricklayer—he needs to find a sucker.

Translation: "Firing tiles and bricks all by himself is really exhausting; he's not a real bricklayer, so he needs to find a sucker!"

No, he should find a charitable benefactor to donate a temple.

Translation: "No, I should say, find a charitable benefactor to donate a temple!"

Standing before the temple, Jiang He gazed down the mountain and thought, "I assumed this little mountain village wouldn't produce any notable figures, but I didn't expect it to have a little boss."

Translation: "Standing before the temple, Jiang He gazed down the mountain and said, 'I thought this little mountain village wouldn't produce any big shots, but unexpectedly it produced a little boss.'"

The little boss will commit many evil deeds in the future, just like the original host's son, and will be beheaded by the Child of Destiny.

Translation: "The little boss will do many bad things in the future, just like the original host's son, and be beheaded in one stroke by the Son of Heaven."

But that's the future; for now, the little boss is just a brat, being mistreated by his relatives, yet still full of hope and enthusiasm for life, and hasn't lost his humanity.

Translation: "But that's the future; for now, the little boss is just a brat, being mistreated by his relatives, yet still full of hope and enthusiasm for life, and hasn't lost his humanity."

In the future, this child's father and the mother pregnant with his sister will die unnatural deaths, leaving him utterly despairing; he eventually turns to darkness and commits every conceivable evil to exact revenge.

Translation: "In the future, this child's father and the mother pregnant with his sister will die unnatural deaths; he will fall into utter despair, finally turn dark, and commit every evil deed to avenge them."

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When he put on the half-worn gray monk's robe, he felt slightly dissatisfied; given the original host's stunning looks, he should be wearing a spotless white robe instead.

Translation: "When he put on the half-old gray monk's robe, he was slightly dissatisfied; like the original host's peerless beauty, he should wear a white, spotless monk's robe that would suit him best."

People need fine clothes, Buddhas need golden adornments—this is an timeless truth.

Translation: "People need fine clothes, Buddhas need golden adornments—this is an unchanging truth."

But for now, let's forget it; it's all because he's broke. Once he finds a sucker to solicit donations—no, wait, a charitable benefactor to offer incense oil money—then we'll talk.

Translation: "But for now, let's drop it; it's all because he's penniless. Wait until he finds a sucker to ask for alms—no, wait for a charitable benefactor to come up with incense-oil money before we talk."

As long as his gift of gab is strong enough, he'll surely be able to swindle… I mean, attract donations.

Translation: "As long as his gift of gab is strong enough, he'll definitely be able to con… I mean, obtain alms!"

Jiang He smoothed his monk's robe and then leisurely went down the mountain.

Translation: "Jiang He straightened his monk's robe and then leisurely went down the mountain."

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Down the mountain, a young teenager gathering wild vegetables straightened up to take a break.

Translation: "Down the mountain, the teenage boy who had been gathering wild greens straightened his waist to rest a bit."

His forehead was beaded with sweat; not far off was a group of young women and married ladies gathering wild vegetables, where the greens grew well, and he felt a bit shy about joining them.

Translation: "His forehead was beaded with sweat; not far away was a group of girls and married women gathering wild greens, where the greens grew well, so he felt a little embarrassed to approach."

Gathering wild vegetables was originally his mother's chore, but since she was feeling unwell today and his grandmother kept scolding nonstop, he volunteered to take her place.

Translation: "Originally gathering wild greens was his mother's chore, but his mother was feeling unwell today, and his grandmother kept nagging nonstop, so he volunteered to take her place and gather wild greens."

"Shitou, there aren't many wild greens over there; come over here." An older woman waved him over and made space beside her.

Translation: "\"Shitou, there aren't many wild greens over where you are; come over here. \" An older woman waved him over and made space beside her."

The dark-skinned child shyly said thanks and pulled his carrying basket over.

Translation: "The dark-skinned child shyly said thanks, then pulled his bamboo basket and walked over."

The older woman, seeing his silent demeanor, couldn't help but say, "Your grandmother really is…" After saying just a couple words she fell silent, merely sighing, "Your mother's nature is just too soft."

Translation: "The older woman looked at his silent demeanor and couldn't help but say, 'Your grandmother really is…' She said just two words then closed her mouth, merely sighing, 'Your mother's nature is just too soft.'"

That biased old hag just bullies Shitou's simple-minded parents; they clearly have sons, so why does the main branch get all the good food and spicy dishes?

Translation: "That biased old hag just bullies Shitou's simple-minded parents; they clearly both have sons, so why does the main branch get to enjoy the good stuff?!"

Shitou remained silent; being young, even if he had thoughts he couldn't act on them—once he tried to speak up, his parents beat him and accused him of being unfilial.

Translation: "Shitou remained silent; he's still young, so even if he had thoughts in his heart, there was nothing he could do. Once he tried to say something, the moment he spoke, his parents hit him and accused him of being unfilial."

Shitou lowered his head to gather wild vegetables, secretly thinking that once the family is split, things will improve.

Translation: "Shitou lowered his head to gather wild greens, secretly thinking, 'Once the family splits, things should get better.'"

Jiang He glanced from afar at the large group gathering wild vegetables.

Translation: "Jiang He glanced from afar at this crowd of wild-green gatherers."

Hardworking villagers never miss a chance to gather food; spring, even when busy, is a rare time to fill the stomach, while winter idleness without harvest leaves empty bellies and growing anxiety.

Translation: "Industrious villagers won't waste any chance to harvest food; spring, no matter how busy, is a rare season of full bellies, while winter is idle, but without harvest, the emptier the stomach, the more anxious the heart."

Approaching a farmhouse, Jiang He stopped and gave the elderly woman a smile befitting a monk who has renounced worldly life.

Translation: "Upon arriving at a farmhouse, Jiang He stopped his steps and gave the elderly woman in the courtyard a smile of an ascetic untouched by worldly fire."

This is a smile he's practiced for a long time on the mountain—like a heavenly deity glancing down at humanity, feeling compassion yet detached, embodying the air of an otherworldly sage.

Translation: "This is a smile he's practiced for a long time on the mountain, like a heavenly deity occasionally glancing down at mankind, feeling compassion yet devoid of joy or sorrow—it carries the flavor of a transcendent outsider."

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Only much later, when he wore official robes to attend court, would he sometimes recall this day.

Translation: "Only much later, when he wore official robes to attend court, would he sometimes recall this day."

As he headed home carrying a basket of wild vegetables that was smaller than what the other girls and women gathered, he had expected a storm, but instead the sky dropped a meat-filled pastry.

Translation: "As he headed home carrying a basket of wild greens that was pathetically small compared to what the other girls and women gathered, he had expected a torrential downpour, but who knew the sky would actually drop a filled pastry—and a meat-filled one at that."

His mother's illness seemed to be cured by the good news; overjoyed, she tearfully told him, "Shitou, your grandmother says she'll send you to school!"

Translation: "His mother's illness seemed to be healed by the shock of the good news; she burst into tears of joy and told him, 'Shitou, your grandmother said she'll send you to study!'"

His father, rubbing his eyes, exclaimed, "Sniffle, sniffle, sniffle—mother really isn't biased at all!"

Translation: "His father also rubbed his eyes, sniffling, 'Mother really isn't biased at all!'"

Shitou, who always feared his fierce, biased grandmother, who remained harsh, shouted, "When have I ever been favored? I treat everyone equally… whatever! Anyway, whatever the big tree has, I'll have too!"

Translation: "Shitou, who always feared and thought his grandmother was invariably fierce and partial, still found her harsh‑mouthed, and he snapped, 'When have I ever been partial? I treat everyone equally… that… whatever! In short, whatever the eldest son has, I'll have too!'"

Big Tree is the eldest son of Shitou's uncle's family and the eldest grandson of the old Zhang household, always held in high regard at home.

Translation: "Dashu is the eldest son of Shitou's paternal uncle's household and also the eldest grandson of the Old Zhang family, and he has always been highly regarded at home."

As the eldest grandson, he has been cherished by his grandparents since birth and sent to school early, becoming an enviable scholar who never has to work in the fields.

Translation: "Because he is the eldest grandson, since birth he has not only been valued by his grandparents but also been sent to study early, becoming an enviable scholar who need not work in the fields."

As the eldest son of the Zhang family's second branch, and because his parents are foolishly filial and simple-minded, he has never been favored by his grandparents, let alone given a chance to study.

Translation: "As the eldest son of the Zhang family's second branch, and because his parents are foolishly filial and simple‑minded, Shitou has never been esteemed by his grandparents, and studying is certainly not his lot."

"Grandma!" Shitou, finally unafraid of her fierce face, lunged forward and knelt, declaring, "I will study hard and someday earn you an imperial decree!"

Translation: "\"Grandma! \" Shitou, finally unafraid of his grandmother's fierce face, lunged forward and knelt, declaring, 'I will study hard and someday earn you an imperial edict!'"

Villagers may not know official ranks, but they understand that an imperial decree is the highest honor for a woman.

Translation: "Villagers may not know how many ranks officials have, but they understand that an imperial edict is the highest honor for a woman!"

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Villagers gathered to watch the drama: the Zhang family's main branch caused a scene, the second branch wept, and the elderly matriarch was furious—making for quite entertaining spectacle.

Translation: "The villagers gathered to watch the spectacle; the Zhang family's main branch was making a fuss, the second branch was weeping, and the old lady was furious— the villagers truly relished it."

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When Jiang He came down the mountain again, the villagers warmly greeted him and asked what he needed.

Translation: "When Jiang He went down the mountain again, the villagers warmly greeted him and casually asked what he needed."

They had heard that earlier, a monk named Xuanji had ordered many items from the village carpenter Zhang, being quite generous—apparently a wealthy monk.

Translation: "They had heard that earlier, the monk called Xuanji had ordered many things from the village carpenter Zhang, being very generous— he seemed to be a wealthy monk."

The elderly lady of the Zhang family was delighted; the family had been worrying about how to pay for the children's tuition.

Translation: "The elderly lady of the Zhang family was very pleased; the whole family had been worrying about lacking funds for their children's studies."

The villagers listened with great envy; even the most valuable items were just those two wooden tubs, yet this monk who didn't know rice prices gave so much silver it could make a dozen more tubs.

Translation: "The villagers listened, feeling extremely envious; even the most valuable items were just those two wooden tubs, and this monk who didn't know rice prices actually gave that much silver— enough to make a dozen or so wooden tubs."

"Amitabha," said the young monk in his early twenties, his gaze calm and expression gentle, "I am a penniless monastic."

Translation: "\"Amitabha. \" The young monk in his twenties had eyes like water and a gentle expression; he said, 'I am a poor monk, an ascetic with no worldly wealth.'"

The villagers' faces showed doubt, having heard from the village head that this young monk had bought a mountain—though the barren land isn't worth much, a mountain is still no small sum.

Translation: "The villagers' faces involuntarily showed doubt; they had heard the village chief say this young monk had bought a mountain— although the barren land isn't worth much, a mountain is still no small sum."

They'd heard that the big temple's incense offerings were so plentiful that the oil money could gild the Buddha statues; claiming to be penniless must be a lie.

Translation: "They had heard that in large temples the incense offerings are abundant, the oil money enough to gild Buddha statues; claiming to have no money must be a lie, right?"

At that moment, a sharp-eyed villager muttered, "He might be telling the truth—look how worn his clothes are."

Translation: "At that moment, a sharp-eyed villager muttered, 'He seems to be telling the truth— look at how old his clothes are.'"

Those around heard this and then noticed the young monk's robe: though it had no patches, it indeed looked quite old, but being clean it gave him an otherworldly, refined air that made people hesitate to disrespect it.

Translation: "Those around heard it, and then they noticed the young monk's robe: although it had no patches, it indeed looked quite old, but being clean, when worn by the young monk it gave an air of transcendent unworldliness that made people dare not treat it irreverently."

"That's true," they replied, "I went up the mountain and saw that the temple had only been repaired in one corner—looks like they lacked the funds to finish."

Translation: "\"That's right, \" I went up the mountain and saw— the temple had only repaired a corner, as if it lacked funds to continue renovations."

"The money given to the Zhang family is definitely his last bit of pocket money." Other villagers continued to mutter, "This monk's hands are too loose, no wonder he has no money."

When the villagers were discussing heatedly, Zhang Erlang's voice rang out from the carpenter Zhang's household.

"You've misunderstood, it's not true! My mother said we will serve Master Xuanzhi to repay that silver." The inarticulate Zhang Erlang struggled to explain.

He stood on tiptoe, trying to squeeze in, but his face turned red from strain; after several attempts he still couldn't get in.

"Zhang Erlang." A sturdy man turned his head, finally noticing the thin Zhang Erlang, and asked, "Is your mother's illness better?"

The man was asking about Old Lady Zhang, who is Stone's grandmother.

"My mother isn't sick at all." Zhang Erlang scratched his head and said innocently.

Someone nearby said, "Your family is so lucky, the master gave you so much silver." To actually spend it sending two children to study—what family has such means?

Zhang Erlang finally squeezed in; he ignored everyone else and respectfully approached Jiang He, bringing his parents' message.

"Master, the meal is ready; my parents invite you to come dine at our home." Jiang He shook his head and refused, saying, "This humble monk is going into town today."

Zhang Erlang opened his mouth but, being inarticulate, didn't know what to say; he could only watch Jiang He leave with longing eyes.

The surrounding villagers, however, found it strange—Old Lady Zhang, who is usually so tightfisted, actually dared to treat someone to a meal.

"I heard Old Lady Zhang isn't sick; she was frightened." The woman living next door to the Zhang family whispered, watching the departing monk.

"Frightened? Could it possibly be related to Master Xuanzhi?"

The villagers were now all energized.

The village had little in the way of diversion or entertainment; whenever something happened in a household, it would draw the whole village's attention, and they'd gossip about it for ten days or half a month without stopping.

These days, the liveliest household in the village has been the carpenter Zhang's; since Old Lady Zhang decided to let the second branch's grandson Stone go to study, the Zhang household has been in constant uproar, and it's said that even the usually formidable Old Lady Zhang has fallen ill from the commotion.

The Old Lady Zhang waiting at home had already cooked the rice; she had specially prepared white rice today, since she was inviting the master to eat, and she wanted to offer the family's best to entertain him.

Seeing her second son return alone, the old lady let her face droop and asked, "Where is the master?"

Zhang Erlang scratched his head and said, "The master is going into town."

The old lady immediately flew into a rage, scolding Zhang Erlang for being inarticulate and failing to invite the master inside.

"Mother, this rice..." the second son's wife of the Zhang family swallowed, drooling, for this was white rice—she hadn't had any since New Year's.

Old Lady Zhang snapped angrily, "What are you eating? This is reserved for Datu and Stone!"

The Zhang family's second daughter-in-law immediately shut her mouth, not daring to say she wanted to eat the white rice.

Stone is her child, and she too hopes for her son's well-being.

In the past, Old Man Zhang and his wife focused only on the eldest branch, their bias total. The eldest branch's Datu couldn't study, being as mischievous as a monkey, yet the old lady doted on him alone and insisted on sending him to school.

Her family's Stone could settle his mind, eager to study, with a good memory and talent, yet the old lady turned a blind eye.

Had it not been for the master saying that Stone would have a great future, just as promising as Datu, the old lady would not have hardened her heart to send both of them.

Old Lady Zhang divided the rice into two portions, saving them for Datu and Stone to eat when they returned in the evening.

Previously, the second branch's Stone never received such treatment; the whole family revolved around the eldest branch's Datu—Datu ate dry rice, the main branch ate congee, leaving only rice soup for the second branch, and sometimes Stone couldn't even get that.

Old Lady Zhang admitted her partiality, saying that every family relies on the eldest son of the main branch, and thus natural resources go to him as well.

She still remembered that noon, the sun blazing, a young monk in a faded white robe appeared at her doorstep, his presence as dazzling as the golden crow deity.

At that time, Master Xuanzhi was merely begging for a bowl of water; the usually stingy Old Lady Zhang stared at his face for a while, then on a whim gave him not only a bowl of water but also a wild-vegetable steamed bun.

She watched the master's manner of eating the bun for quite a while.

After the master finished eating, he set down the bowl, pressed his palms together, and said, "I have drunk the donor's water and eaten the donor's food; I have nothing to repay. Observing your appearance, your later years will be fraught; let me divine a fortune for you, donor."

Old Lady Zhang finally made up her mind and said, "Datu, starting tomorrow you too must work."

"Granny, I'm back." Datu flung himself into his grandmother's arms and immediately tattled, "Granny, let me tell you, Stone is really stupid—he can't even write the Three Character Classic."

The middle-aged man turned his head, saw the approaching great monk, and couldn't help exclaiming.

Ostensibly it's furniture money, but secretly it's silver for Stone's studies, right? Even such a remarkable master has taken notice of Stone…

Datu's mother, anxious, quickly shot her son a look; she was angry that her in-laws had sent Stone to study, and she had told her son countless times to comport himself like a scholar.

Having grown up, Stone raised his orchid finger, his gaze cold as ice, and said, "Your favoritism caused my father's early death and my mother's demise with child; I would be fine not seeking revenge, yet you expect me to repay you? I will never forgive you in my lifetime! I won't kill you, but I will make you poor for life, never to know peace."

Old Lady Zhang clenched the silver in her hand, having resolved to treat the main and second branches as fairly as possible from now on.

That day, the two children returned home from school.

The future Stone will be so handsome!

The young monk's face bore a practiced, all‑beings‑salvating smile, giving no hint that he actually refused to sit alongside the piglet and the chickens and ducks.

The future Stone already looked like a man in his twenties; the people flanking him, fawning over her, she didn't know, but the outfit she recognized—it was the magistrate's official robe, and she heard the magistrate, with an obsequious smile, address Stone as "Supervisor."

At the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, the wine is fragrant, the dishes excellent, the tea pricey—only the rich or noble can gain entry.

Old Lady Zhang is a bit clever, thinking she has understood the master's intention.

Never mind the money; monastics deserve respect, not because the monk is overly handsome and lures many young ladies and wives into the teahouse to spend.

Datu merely pretended not to see; after all, he was simply unhappy, spoiled by his family, and he vented his displeasure wantonly.

Not just the village—probably the whole town lacks a young man as handsome as he.

If the old lady pondered, in the future she "saw," Stone would be extremely handsome, his face as white as a steamed bun, even more handsome than the actors on stage by a third.

"I heard that today Dr. Zhang of Jimin Hall is seeing patients again, and something has happened at the Yuanzhai household."

Everyone perked up their ears, interestedly asking, "What misfortune has befallen the Yuanzhai household again?"

Although she dotes on her eldest grandson, Stone will have a great future and may even need to support the eldest grandson; but we must not chill his heart, lest the brothers' feelings turn sour.

Remarkably, this monk is exceptionally handsome, even worthy of being called flawless.

"In short, Datu, as the eldest son and heir, must bear the burden of supporting the household, so he must work harder." Old Lady Zhang turned away, not looking at Datu's fair‑skinned face, and said, "Granny isn't partial; Stone can both farm and study, and so can Datu."

The monk is nothing unusual; since the founding emperor of this dynasty, with the aid of Master Liaoyuan of the State Temple, seized the realm, Buddhism has flourished, and monks can be seen throughout the Great Qing.

"Amitabha."

That day, a monk arrived in Wutong County.

"That's the youngest grandson of the Yuanzhai family—we went to see him at his full month, didn't we? He was white and chubby, all flesh and lovable to anyone." The middle‑aged man in blue silk, his belly protruding, showed a sympathetic look, but added, "Now that child is practically skin and bone; I hear he cries all day and simply refuses to nurse."

The elderly woman wept bitterly, regretting her earlier actions.

What is this? Could it be the future?

The master can foresee the future; in the future he sees, Stone will surely have a bright future, wanting to form a good karma early—otherwise buying some furniture wouldn't cost so much silver, right?

Big Tree's mother hurriedly smiled and said: "Mother, Big Tree has never done such work; his body isn't as sturdy as Stone's! Besides, if Big Tree gets tanned and ugly, it'll hinder his future official career—officials care about looks, and the ugly get dismissed…"

The bald, handsome monk had a compassionate look and replied in his mind: "System, you're not human, you don't understand the pleasure of getting something for free."

Stone didn't pay much attention to Big Tree's words; he smiled at the old woman, his eyes full of filial affection.

But they were just ordinary folks, unable to afford raising a young master.

Meanwhile, an ox cart stopped; its owner offered to take the great monk into the city for free, but the monk smiled and declined.

After a long while, the old woman's mind finally began to turn.

The more Old Lady Zhang thought, the happier she became, and she finally lost patience with Big Tree's complaints about not wanting to work.

The system couldn't help but ask: "Host, you have not a single coin on you—are you planning to eat and run?"

With both children studying together, how much silver will that cost?

All endeavors fail for a poor scholar; if Big Tree amounts to nothing and won't work the fields, who will support him in the future? Will they continue to favor the promising Stone?

Seeing the handsome monk approach, the waiter at the Drunken Immortal Tower immediately seated him without a word.

Although Stone looked ordinary as a child, he grew up handsome as a flower; he kicked Big Tree in the chest, shouting: "You've studied over ten years yet still haven't passed the licentiate exam—you're a good-for-nothing! For your sake, the second branch's family has died or been crippled, sucking dry the blood of relatives, yet you haven't become a proper person!" This sentence of Stone's expressed all his resentment and hatred toward the Zhang family, and left Old Lady Zhang feeling as if struck by lightning.

Old Lady Zhang wholeheartedly agreed; beauty doesn't fall from the sky—why would so many young ladies stay indoors? It's nothing but fear of wind and rain damaging their faces!

Old Lady Zhang wanted to say, opening the heavenly eye seems like a Daoist's affair, right?

Her family's Big Tree is sweet-talked and clever; how could Old Lady Zhang think of sending the second branch's Stone to study?

Just as the middle-aged man was speaking enthusiastically, a clear, melodious voice suddenly rang out.

Big Tree's father sat aside, seething with anger, feeling that the mountain monk was no good bird—surely a demonic monk who had bewitched his mother with sorcery; his mother used to say the second branch were foolish good-for-nothings, and in the future they could only rely on the main branch.

The Zhang family's decision to send both children to study attracted the villagers' attention, with many keeping an eye on the children's studies.

Jiang He walked at a leisurely pace; along the way he met several villagers carrying baskets of vegetables or firewood to sell in town, and upon seeing Jiang He they all stopped their steps to show respect.

In a corner of the hall, four richly dressed middle-aged men were engaged in lively discussion, and the surrounding people didn't even lower their chopsticks, listening to their talk of recent events.

Ten-year-old Big Tree was quite unhappy, having grown accustomed to the whole family revolving around him.

Seeing her disbelief, the monk smiled helplessly and said: "Since the patron doesn't believe, I will temporarily open the heavenly eye for the patron."

After Old Lady Zhang came to her senses, Master Xuanji had already left.

He wore white monk's robes, his face spotless and pure; though bald, it did not diminish his handsomeness but added an ethereal, unworldly air.

Old Lady Zhang had originally been skeptical, but this great monk was truly handsome; whatever he said, she decided to listen—of course, just listening was enough, for she was no ignorant country woman but a lady of experience.

Old Lady Zhang finally came to her senses.

What official is a "du zhu"? Surely a high-ranking one, since it can make the county magistrate kneel.

Oh my, what a handsome great monk— which mountain's male bodhisattva has descended to save all beings?

A child's illness is a major matter, let alone for Master Yu the wealthy— he is the richest person in their county.

He had just returned from school when he heard Granny say they also wanted to send Stone to study—not his saying, but her second uncle foolish and second aunt stupid, what hope could Stone have?

Big Tree's mother grabbed her son's arm, her face grim: "Son, Stone is so stupid he'll surely never match you; you must work harder to outshine him, so Granny will know only you can study, and then Stone will have to drop out!"

Oh my, she had been raising the wrong person—Big Tree would amount to nothing in the future, while Stone is the Zhang family's true hope! He should be the one sent to study.

Then the scenes that appeared before her eyes were so vivid they nearly frightened her out of her wits.

The main branch's family all knelt begging for mercy, while the Big Tree in whom she placed all hopes showed a dispirited, dejected appearance, lacking any ambition as he followed in begging.

Old Lady Zhang felt she was no ordinary old woman; she too was knowledgeable, and with Stone so handsome, surely a noble lady would take a fancy to him…

Stone's face instantly flushed red as he defended himself: "I can't write, but I can recite."

Then, as usual, he shouldered his basket and said: "Granny, I'm going to dig wild vegetables; you stay seated and don't move, wait for me to return and feed the chickens."

Previously, any good fortune in the family went entirely to the main branch; Stone absolutely must not amount to anything, otherwise Old Lady Zhang would surely favor the second branch.

Jiang He's eyes were sharp; as soon as he entered, he found the person who would let him eat and drink for free today… no, a fated connection.

Have they been raising Big Tree too high? Stone can study and still work the fields, filial to his elders—but Big Tree? They've raised him like a city young master, delicate and spoiled.

What kind of heavenly maiden must the future daughter-in-law be to be worthy of Stone?

Big Tree nodded arrogantly: "I've studied three years, while Stone has just begun—he certainly can't compare! He'll make Stone know that a mediocre talent ought to accept his fate as a farmer!"

But this time his grandmother was especially resolute; the household has always been run by her, for she is a woman of great insight, and even his grandfather listens to her.

The road from Zhang Village to the county seat is not far; with a carriage, it takes half an hour.

He truly resembled a celestial being banished from heaven.

In this story, the premise for the maiden's love of a poor scholar is not that poor scholars are handsome?

She slumped there, her heart pounding, her hands and feet trembling from fright; even the silver left by the master for buying furniture on the table couldn't make her happy.

After leaving home, Stone hopped toward the foot of the mountain, silently reciting today's lesson from his teacher. His family had little money, and paper, brush, and ink were expensive, so Stone decided to make a brush from reeds, dip it in water, and practice writing on a stone slab.

He used to be able to sneak a little money to buy pig's head meat and peanuts for himself, but now he fears that even that small sum will disappear, and his mother will surely become even more thrifty.

Then he gritted his teeth and refused outright: "I won't!" For a scholar to work the fields is most embarrassing.

Hey, it looks like whether the old Zhang family can change its fortunes depends on Stone.

So Old Lady Zhang made another decision: "Then let Stone not do too much work—let Big Tree handle it all!"

Old Lady Zhang couldn't help but frown: "Big Tree, Stone is your younger brother; if he doesn't know something, you should teach him—how can you mock him?"

Big Tree couldn't believe it, his eyes widening.

The master had said, the future is not set in stone; a person's choices are crucial, and one must also strive to succeed!

He had just begun studying; having never touched brush and ink before, how could he write?

Old Lady Zhang saw a handsome, elegantly dressed youth; though he was unfamiliar to her eyes, a voice in her heart told her this was Stone grown up.

Having Shitou who helps elders work when he returns home as a comparison, Granny Zhang finally realized the difference.

As it turned out, this Master was a divine being with magical powers; surely it was the Master's spell that let her see the future.

The common folk all love to gossip, especially about the rich; knowing that those wealthy people actually have the same worries as ordinary commoners makes people eager to listen.

No, no, no, the Master said not to show favoritism anymore; just favoring Shitou won't do! Maybe Dashu also has prospects? It's just that Dashu doesn't have as much potential as Shitou.

In the future she saw, Dashu had become stunted; where would Shitou be good-looking? Now Shitou has grown dark and ugly, surely from too much sun; when he returns, she will tell Shitou to do less field work in the future, and even if he works in the field, he must wear a sun hat; only by staying pale can he become handsome.

Even if unhappy, one must not show it in public.

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