Chapter 3: Everyday Life 2

The oil lamp in the West Wing was dim, casting the sorrow in Wang Caiyu's brows. She squeezed the prayer beads in her hand, her knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure, and her gaze out the window was full of helplessness. Mao Fumei just brought a bowl of lotus seed soup; seeing her mother-in-law like that, she sighed softly: "Mother, are you thinking about Ruiyuan again?"

Wang Caiyu withdrew her gaze, took the porcelain bowl, but had no appetite for drinking; she only gently stirred the lotus seeds in the bowl: "Alas, how could I not think about it? I originally thought that after he got married, with you by his side to supervise, he could be more honest, settle his mind. But look at him now, he's still wildly uncontrolled all day—either sneaking to the river to catch fish, or taking little Yuxuan up the trees to pull out bird nests. The teacher's assignments are left unfinished eight out of ten times. If this continues, what will become of his future?"

Her voice carried a desperate urgency, like iron that refuses to become steel. The Jiang family had only a few children; her husband Jiang Zhaocong died early, and she kept the family business while raising the sons, hoping they would achieve success and bring honor to the household. Yet this child was born with a rebellious nature, unable to stay calm at all.

Mao Fumei lowered her eyes and gently advised: "Mother, Ruiyuan is still young; a lively temperament is normal. In a few years, when he grows up, he will naturally become sensible."

"Sensible? I think he's getting wilder!" Wang Caiyu set the porcelain bowl down, her tone a bit harsher. The private school teachers have mentioned to me many times that they can't control him; in class he either dozes off or quarrels with his classmates. If this continues, not only will he fail at studying, he'll probably turn the school upside down.

As the two were speaking, a soft footstep sounded outside the door. Zhou Guixiang carried a basin of freshly washed clothes past, and upon hearing the words inside, she paused. Having worked for the Jiang family for many years, she knew the mistress was worried about the Young Master's affairs. After a moment's hesitation, she mustered courage and stood at the doorway, speaking softly: "Madam, if you don't mind, I have something to say."

Wang Caiyu looked up at her, nodded, and said: "Come in, speak your mind."

Zhou Guixiang entered, placed the wooden basin in the corner, and fidgeted with her hands: "Madam, a few days ago I went to town to buy needles and thread, and the neighbors said that our Fenghua County has opened a new Xinshi Xuetang. I heard that this school differs from private schools; it not only teaches the Analects and Mencius, but also arithmetic, natural philosophy, and even foreign language classes. The discipline is strict; students must wear a uniform, attend classes on time, and are not allowed to skip lessons at will."

She said this, then furtively glanced at Wang Caiyu; seeing that she showed no sign of impatience, she continued: "Since the private school can't manage the Young Master, perhaps the Xinshi Xuetang, with its many rules, could? I heard the teachers there have studied abroad and know how to handle mischievous students."

Wang Caiyu's eyes lit up, and the prayer beads in her hand paused: "Xinshi Xuetang? Is what you say true?"

It is true; many families in town are talking about it, saying the school is grand, even more refined than the County School. Zhou Guixiang nodded quickly. I heard from the needle-and‑thread seller Zhang Shen that her maternal nephew is studying there; he used to be a troublemaker, but after less than two months, he became much more disciplined and can even recite foreign language passages.

Wang Caiyu fell into thought, her fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the table. Though she clings to old customs, she also knows the times have changed; merely studying the Four Books and Five Classics may not be enough. A new‑style school… perhaps could truly give Ruiyuan a different environment and temper his temperament.

"Guixiang, that's a good suggestion." She made up her mind; the sorrow in her eyes eased a bit. "I'll have someone inquire right away; if it's really as you say, I'll send Ruiyuan to that Xinshi Xuetang."

Having said that, she seemed to recall something and asked: "By the way, how is Yuxuan now? He was punished this afternoon to go to the accounting room to fetch a plank; did he not cry?"

Zhou Guixiang quickly replied: "In response, Madam, that child is sturdy; even after being beaten he says nothing. Right now he's in his room, copying texts with the Young Master."

Wang Caiyu heard this and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth: "The two really get along well; they've been attached since childhood. Ruiyuan's temperament can only be handled by Yuxuan." She thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Since we're sending Ruiyuan to the Xinshi Xuetang, why not send Yuxuan as well?"

When she said that, not only Zhou Guixiang was stunned, but Mao Fumei also raised her head in surprise.

Zhou Guixiang was even whiter with fear, quickly gesturing: "Madam, that's impossible! Absolutely impossible! Yuxuan is just a servant's child; what merit does he have to enter the Xinshi Xuetang alongside the Young Master? If this got out, wouldn't people mock the Jiang family for lacking propriety? Moreover, the school surely has high tuition; how could he take the Young Master's spot?"

She was so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead. In these times, a poor child's ability to attend a private school and learn a few characters is already a heavenly blessing; the Xinshi Xuetang is a place only for wealthy youths. How could her own son be considered equal to the Young Master?

Wang Caiyu waved her hand, her tone firm: "Guixiang, you can't say it like that. Besides, Yuxuan grew up with Ruiyuan; their bond is different. Moreover, if we threw Ruiyuan alone into the Xinshi Xuetang, I'd fear he wouldn't adapt and couldn't get along with his classmates. Sending both in, at least there's someone to look after him."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Zhou Guixiang's nervous face, and said softly: "You needn't worry about tuition. Though I'm not extremely wealthy, I'm not yet unable to support two scholars. I've raised Yuxuan; he's honest and sensible. Letting him stay with Ruiyuan eases my mind; perhaps he can even advise Ruiyuan to cause fewer troubles."

Zhou Guixiang looked at Wang Caiyu's serious expression, feeling both startled and delighted, at a loss for words. She knew the mistress always kept her promises, and sending her son to the new‑style school together with the Young Master was a blessing she could hardly even imagine.

"This… thank you so much, Madam!" she said, her voice trembling with emotion, nearly rushing to kneel and kowtow, but Wang Caiyu stopped her.

"No need for formalities," Wang Caiyu said, looking at her, her eyes now bearing a few more solemn notes. "Yuxuan's having this chance is his fate, but let me be clear: once in the school, he must follow the rules and study diligently. If he dares to rely on his bond with Ruiyuan to act recklessly, or forget his own duties, don't blame me for being unkind."

"Madam, rest assured! If Yuxuan dares to disobey, or even harbors a hint of betrayal toward the Young Master, you need not act yourself; I will personally clean up the matter, without any half measures!"

She spoke with unwavering certainty, her eyes already reddened. In these chaotic times, a poor child's chance to enter the Xinshi Xuetang is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity; this kindness, she will never forget in her lifetime.

Wang Caiyu nodded, said no more, and only asked Mao Fumei to fetch a few strings of cash, handing them to Zhou Guixiang: "This is money for Yuxuan's new clothes and for buying brushes and ink. The new‑style school has many rules; he must dress neatly so as not to be ridiculed."

Zhou Guixiang took the heavy string of money, her fingers trembling, and thanked profusely before stepping out. As she walked into the courtyard, the evening breeze blew, and she finally, belatedly, wiped the corner of her eye—she had been holding back tears moments ago, and now they finally spilled.

In the West Wing, Mao Fumei looked at her mother‑in‑law and said softly: "Mother, you have Yuxuan go to the school together with Ruiyuan—do you have another motive?"

Wang Caiyu smiled, picked up the prayer beads and slowly turned them: "Ruiyuan's temperament is wild; he needs a steady person watching over him. Yuxuan is honest and aware; he's close to Ruiyuan, so if Ruiyuan ever does something troublesome, having a trusted insider by his side is far better than being surrounded only by outsiders."

Her gaze turned toward the heavy night outside the window, as if it could pierce the eaves of Xikou and see farther places. These times, perhaps things must change; making more plans is always good.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ruiyuan and Li Yuxuan were still in the room, fretting over the Analects. Jiang Ruiyuan bit the brush handle, frowned and complained: "What's the point of copying this lousy book? Going fishing would be more fun."

Li Yuxuan was grinding ink for him; hearing that, he rolled his eyes: "Young Master, please stop complaining and copy quickly, or else we'll go hungry again tonight."