Chapter 126: Well, the Three Kids at Home Are Off to School

Shopkeeper Qiu had truly taken the Wen family's affairs to heart. Just two days later, the academy sent word for Wen Xiuyi to bring the children who were to enroll for their entrance assessment.

Though called an assessment, it was merely to determine their levels for class placement.

Datou was going too. While Shopkeeper Qiu was undoubtedly more capable than the tutors at the academy, Datou needed that kind of academic environment. Thus, for this enrollment, Datou would still join his two cousins.

As the three hopes of the Wen family's future, Mrs. Cai and Mrs. Li had dressed Wen Fa and Wen Jin in brand-new clothes early in the morning. The fabric was the very same that Doctor Jin had gifted them previously. Datou was even more splendidly dressed, new from head to toe, looking every bit like a young master from a wealthy family.

Shopkeeper Qiu drove the carriage himself to pick them up. Today, he was not only taking the three children to the academy but also planning to catch up with an old classmate.

"Are you all ready? What's taking so long? Don't make the tutors wait," Old Lady Luo called out. She was also wearing new clothes today, her hair combed so neatly that not a single stray strand could be seen.

The entire Wen family looked completely refreshed, everyone carrying a completely different air of vitality compared to before.

Mrs. Cai, usually the most tight-lipped, kept holding Wen Jin's hand, repeatedly instructing him to study hard at the academy and not to let down the family or disappoint Old Lady Luo's expectations.

Mrs. Li, on the other hand, held a wooden switch, keeping a fierce eye on Wen Fa. Wen Fa could only climb into the carriage dejectedly.

Shopkeeper Qiu rode in the carriage with Wen Xiuyi's family and the three hopes, while the rest of the Wen family followed in the ox cart. The grand procession set off.

As they passed the village entrance, many villagers saw them and began chatting with Old Man Wen and Old Lady Luo.

"Uncle Wen, Auntie Wen, where are you all heading?" Looking at the family in their new clothes and skirts, the rumors of the Wen family striking it rich were indeed true.

Sitting on the ox cart, Old Man Wen smoothed his clothes. Holding the whip in one hand and the rope tied to Dahuang in the other, he straightened his back. Forcing his most amiable smile, he replied, "Ah, we're just taking Datou, Wen Jin, and Wen Fa to register at the academy."

Everyone was startled.

"What? Datou, Wen Fa, and Wen Jin are going to study in the city?"

Old Man Wen was highly satisfied with their reaction. He gave a modest chuckle and said, "Well, it's all thanks to Datou's godfather. He happens to know the headmaster of the academy in the city, so he suggested sending the three kids to have a look. It's a pity Wen Jun and Wen Nong are already too old, otherwise, they would have gone along too. Anyway, I won't chat any longer. We must get going so we don't keep the master waiting. Make way, make way, please."

With that, Old Man Wen raised his whip, but after a moment's thought, he pulled back his strength and gently tapped Dahuang.

The ox cart slowly swayed and continued forward.

Once they cleared the village entrance, Old Lady Luo could no longer hold back. She smacked Old Man Wen on the back, nearly knocking him off the ox cart.

"Ow! You old hag, are you trying to kill me?" Old Man Wen cried out as he steadied himself.

Old Lady Luo snorted, the corners of her mouth curling into a cold smirk. "If you don't hurry up, you won't catch up to the eldest's carriage. If we get locked out of the academy gates, let's see how you'll show off then."

The others on the ox cart couldn't help but burst into laughter, quickly lowering their heads for fear of drawing the old couple's wrath.

Only Wen Yao, who hadn't joined the carriage ahead, showed no respect for Old Man Wen's dignity, doubling over with laughter.

Old Lady Luo gave her a playful swat, pulling her close to steady her. She adjusted Wen Yao's clothes and hair ornaments, frowning as she said, "I told you to ride in the carriage, but you insisted on taking the ox cart with us. The wind is going to mess up your hair."

Wen Yao stopped laughing and nuzzled against Old Lady Luo. "Hehe, I wanted to keep Grandma company."

Old Lady Luo's face flushed slightly, and she glared at her, though the smile at the corners of her lips could not be suppressed.

Old Man Wen was also terrified of arriving late and being shut out of the academy. Muttering an apology to Dahuang, he cracked the whip.

Dahuang seemed to feel the sting and quickened its pace, nearly jolting everyone off the cart, which earned Old Man Wen another scolding from Old Lady Luo.

Old Man Wen grumbled under his breath, "You're the one telling me to hurry, and you're the one scolding me when I do."

This earned him another glare from Old Lady Luo. If Wen Yao hadn't held her back, Old Man Wen would surely have taken another beating.

Still, neither spared the other. All along the way, they traded jabs back and forth, leaving the others holding in their laughter so hard they almost suffered internal injuries.

By the time they finally reached the academy gates, Shopkeeper Qiu and the others were already waiting.

Shopkeeper Qiu stood with the three children and Wen Xiuyi. Beside them stood a middle-aged man in a long scholar's robe, talking to them with a warm smile.

Old Man Wen parked the ox cart, suddenly feeling a bit hesitant to approach.

"What are you dazing off for?" Old Lady Luo gave him a nudge.

Old Man Wen peeked over and waved his hand. "What are you doing? We're at the academy gates. Mind your manners, lest someone sees us."

Old Lady Luo rolled her eyes in disdain. She pulled Wen Yao close, tucking the girl's arm under her own, and the grandmother-granddaughter duo walked over.

Old Man Wen quickly straightened his clothes and followed.

"Father, Uncle Qiu," Wen Yao called out, drawing everyone's attention.

Shopkeeper Qiu and the middle-aged man stopped their conversation and looked over.

"Mother, you're here," Wen Xiuyi greeted them, introducing the middle-aged man beside Shopkeeper Qiu. "Headmaster Wu, this is my mother, and this is my daughter, Wen Yao. Yao'yao, Mother, this is Headmaster Wu of Breeze Academy."

Wen Yao curtsied, and Old Lady Luo also bowed slightly. "Headmaster Wu, we will be troubling you with these three children from now on."

Seeing that Old Lady Luo had already struck up a conversation, Old Man Wen eagerly quickened his pace and joined them.

"Father. Headmaster Wu, this is my father," Wen Xiuyi continued the introductions.

Headmaster Wu nodded at Old Man Wen. Hearing the title, Old Man Wen knew exactly who the man was. He opened his mouth, but was so nervous that he couldn't squeeze out a single word for the longest time.

Old Lady Luo glanced at him, raised her head triumphantly, and calmly addressed Headmaster Wu. "Headmaster Wu, when can these three children start their classes?"

Headmaster Wu smiled faintly. "Anytime. Shall we head inside now? Let's first assess the children's current foundations."

Old Lady Luo nodded. "Very well, we shall trouble you then."

"Not at all. Please." Headmaster Wu stepped aside and made a welcoming gesture.

Wen Xiuyi quickly bowed slightly. "After you, Headmaster."

Headmaster Wu did not stand on ceremony. He walked through the gates side-by-side with Shopkeeper Qiu. Wen Xiuyi followed closely with the three boys, while Wen Yao and Old Lady Luo led the other two little girls inside.

Old Man Wen, who had repeatedly rehearsed what he wanted to say, was left standing dazed on the spot, staring at their retreating backs.

"..."

"Father? What about us?" The remaining two sons and daughters-in-law could only look to Old Man Wen for guidance.

Having failed to speak to Headmaster Wu, Old Man Wen could only glare at them. "What do you mean, 'what about us'? Hurry up and follow them in!"

With that, he angrily tucked his hands behind his back and stomped through the academy gates. If the ground hadn't been paved with brick, he probably would have left deep footprints with every step.

Shrinking their necks in intimidation, the remaining four followed him inside.