Chapter 114: Time to Go to School

This Drunken Immortal Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation as the largest restaurant in Yunwu Town, boasting three entire floors. The first floor is a grand hall, bustling with endless streams of guests. The second floor offers private rooms, perfect for business discussions or gatherings on ordinary days. The third floor consists solely of spacious, elegant suites; inside, each is like a parlor, furnished with not only a large dining table but also cozy couches and tea tables, all manner of comforts. Each suite contains an ancient zither, and the walls are adorned with various calligraphy and paintings.

The waiter led the group into one such suite, then hurried about pouring tea and serving water.

“That’s enough, you may leave. We’ll handle things ourselves,” Doctor Jin spoke up.

The waiter immediately stopped what he was doing, bowed respectfully, and said, “Doctor Jin, I’ll step outside then. If you need anything, just call for me.”

Doctor Jin nodded. “It’s still early. When it’s time for the meal, we’ll summon you.”

“Very well, please enjoy your rest.” With that, the waiter withdrew, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

Once he was gone, the Wen family finally relaxed. Madam Li patted her chest and said, “Heavens, I never imagined we’d one day dine at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Did you notice how everyone downstairs kept staring at us?”

The young boys could hardly contain their excitement, eagerly exploring the room. Big Head and Jin Xiuyi had already dashed to the windows, craning their necks to peer down at the street, with Shopkeeper Qiu accompanying them. Wen Nong and Wen Fa followed closely, leaning at the window to gaze outside as well. Wen Jin glanced out once, then turned his attention to the calligraphy and paintings decorating the suite.

Wen Ying nestled beside Big Head; the three youngest exchanged whispers from time to time. Wen Di was intrigued by the ancient zither but too shy to approach it alone, so she pulled Wen Yao along.

Doctor Jin, Old Man Wen, and Madam Luo had already taken their seats, Wen Jun attending to them. Old Man Wen, though longing to join the children at the window, managed to keep his composure and remained seated.

Wen Xiuzhu and Wen Xiuqing could barely hide their excitement, pulling Wen Xiuyi aside to pepper him with questions, looking every bit the country bumpkins.

Seeing Doctor Jin’s smiling face, Madam Luo felt embarrassed.

“Doctor Jin, please forgive our lack of manners.”

Doctor Jin stroked his beard. “It’s lively, just as it should be. The more people, the merrier.”

It was obvious Old Man Wen wanted to look out the window too, so Doctor Jin suggested, “The view from these third-floor suites is splendid. Shall we take a look?”

Old Man Wen’s eyes lit up. “Yes, let’s have a look.”

A few others followed to the window. From there, one could take in nearly the entire town of Yunwu. The street below was dazzling, crowded with people, and hung with all manner of colorful lanterns—beautiful, though it was still daytime and their true beauty had yet to shine.

Wen Yao accompanied Wen Di to admire the zither, and it was clear she liked it very much.

Wen Yao had an idea. “Do you like it?”

Wen Di blushed, nodding. “I do.”

Wen Yao took her hand, surprised by its roughness—compared to her own, Wen Di’s hands were calloused from years of helping with household chores. Though Wen Yao was also a Wen daughter, Madam Liu had raised her as a sheltered young lady; she rarely did any work, hardly even entered the kitchen, and Madam Luo never forced her.

Looking at the stark difference between their hands, Wen Yao suddenly placed Wen Di’s hand on the zither. “If you like it, you should try it.”

Wen Di recoiled as soon as her fingers touched the instrument.

“My hands are rough—I might damage it.” She couldn’t afford to pay for it if she broke it.

Wen Yao, feeling sorry for her, gently placed her hand back on the strings. “A zither is meant to be played. Go ahead, don’t be afraid—it’s not so fragile.”

Wen Di was tempted; after a moment’s hesitation, she touched the strings.

A clear, melodious note rang out.

“So beautiful,” Wen Di sighed, full of yearning. But glancing at her own hands, a flicker of self-doubt crossed her eyes.

At the window, the elders lacked the energy of the children; after standing for a while, they returned just in time to hear Wen Yao encouraging Wen Di to play.

“What’s this? Do Wen Yao and Wen Di like the instrument?” Doctor Jin asked, smiling.

Wen Yao quickly waved her hand. “It’s not me, it’s my sister who likes it.”

Wen Di’s face went crimson, shaking her head repeatedly. “No, I don’t—” She glanced at Madam Luo, dropping her head like a child caught in the act.

Madam Luo: ???

“If you like it, just admit it. What are you afraid of?” Madam Luo spoke directly.

She looked at the zither—beautiful, and the sound was lovely. She could easily tell her granddaughter liked it, but such things, could families like theirs afford to learn them?

Madam Luo sighed inwardly, thinking how children were held back by being born into their family.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Shopkeeper Qiu broke in with a smile. “Uncle Wen, Aunt Wen, have you ever thought about sending the children to school?”

This question brought a range of reactions from everyone present.

Wen Nong and Wen Fa shrank, trying to make themselves less noticeable. Big Head blinked, not understanding why he couldn’t go to school, while Wen Jin’s eyes brightened for a moment before dimming again.

Old Man Wen coughed and said, “We’re ordinary farmers; we don’t expect much. Their uncle teaches them at home, so they know a few characters—enough not to be fooled when they go out.”

Their family truly couldn’t afford to send so many children to school. Wen Xiuyi alone had nearly emptied their resources, and now Big Head was so clever, they couldn’t let him miss out—but that meant the other children would have no chance.

“In the end, schooling is best. If you wish to send a few children, I know a good academy in the city. I can arrange for them to attend, and the tuition...” Shopkeeper Qiu paused, exchanging a glance with Doctor Jin. “I can cover it for you.”

“What? This—” The Wen family hadn’t expected this, and Old Man Wen hurriedly refused, thanking him.

“Shopkeeper Qiu, your kindness is appreciated. I know you and Doctor Jin wish to help us, but this is not something I can trouble you with. If the children are to go to school, we’ll sell what we must and support them ourselves. There’s no reason for you to pay.”

Wen Xiuyi agreed. “My father’s right. Old Qiu, we’ll find a way ourselves—we won’t let the children’s futures be wasted, don’t worry.”

Shopkeeper Qiu didn’t press further.

“All right then. If you need help, just let me know. We’re family, no need for formalities.”

Wen Xiuyi nodded. “Agreed. When the time comes, I’ll trouble you to help find a good academy for the children.”

Shopkeeper Qiu laughed heartily. “That’s no problem.”

Hearing this conversation, everyone present except Big Head and Wen Jin wore bitter expressions, hoping that after today, Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle would forget all about schooling.