Volume One: A Peasant in the Morning Chapter 52: Too Fragile to Bear

When in poverty, one should cultivate virtue alone; when accomplished, one should aid the world. Chuliu did not say this to please Zhao Nan—it was his lifelong aspiration, the motto that had guided his previous existence.

In his past life, he was filled with grand ambitions, vowing to use his knowledge to serve society and repay his homeland. Yet fate played a cruel trick: a single night of drunkenness ended his life, leaving behind nothing but regret.

But what of this life?

It is a timeless truth that studying can change one’s destiny. He was still young, and for now sought only to alter the course of his own fate through diligence, without thinking too far ahead. When Zhao Nan suddenly asked him, he blurted out the motto from his past life.

To take the imperial examination, to enter officialdom—while gaining personal honor, there remained a greater ambition to benefit all under heaven.

Chuliu’s answer left the three elders glancing at each other in astonishment. Many scholars possessed such aspirations, but to hear them spoken from the lips of a nine-year-old child was truly rare. At nine, they themselves had cared for little beyond reading and mischief, not grand ambitions.

The younger generation is indeed to be admired!

“Shuxian, to successfully implement the Clean Plate Campaign will require careful thought…” This question had been circling in Zhou Mo’s mind. Most students at the county academy came from wealthy families, accustomed from childhood to abundance and unaccustomed to thrift. Since they paid the full cost for their meals, forcing them to economize would only breed resentment and backlash. Yet, since Xie Shuxian raised the issue, he naturally had a solution.

“It must begin with advocacy, creating an atmosphere within the school where thrift is honored and waste is shameful,” Chuliu said slowly. “The methods can be varied: for example, teachers and elders can speak at assemblies, notices can be posted in the dining hall, and lessons can incorporate stories of the suffering endured by the people during times of famine…”

“Once this has taken effect, we can hold an essay competition themed on the Clean Plate Campaign, offering generous prizes to encourage students to share their insights and reflections on saving food.”

“With time, a culture of thrift will prevail in the county academy. The Clean Plate Campaign will become a virtue naturally practiced by every student; those who do not follow it will be scorned and condemned by others…”

After finishing, Chuliu also suggested reducing the variety of dishes served in the dining hall.

Every day the tables overflowed with an array of dishes—variety and abundance—so much that leftovers were inevitable. If the types of dishes were rotated on alternate days, there would be both variety and less waste. Why not do it?

Zhou Mo accepted the suggestion, adding that a meeting would be organized after classes resumed to discuss the matter thoroughly.

…

“A girl who spends her days climbing walls and mixing with the boys—if word gets out, how will she ever marry?” As she combed her daughter’s hair, Xiao Qingwan scolded her husband, “You’re her father, yet you let her run wild all day, just like a boy. If she embarrasses herself when she marries, won’t you be the one to lose face…”

Yuexi pouted stubbornly, “All you ever talk about is getting married, as if I’m a burden to this family. If I never marry, so be it! It’s not like I’ll lose a piece of myself…”

“You impudent girl, still talking back? Try being stubborn one more time and see how I deal with you!” Though her words were sharp, her eyes were filled with indulgent affection.

Zhao Nan watched the scene with a gentle smile. In the past, such moments would have irritated him, and he would have scolded his wife, turning their banter into real discord. Today, however, he felt uncommonly at peace, even amused. Perhaps his long conversation with Xie Shuxian had soothed his restlessness.

Whether it was wise mothers and filial daughters or household chaos, such was the flavor of ordinary life. This was how a family ought to be.

“Hongye, you were just as mischievous as Yuexi in your youth, but didn’t I fall in love with you all the same? Stop saying she won’t be able to marry. All children love to play,” Zhao Nan spoke softly and tenderly.

Xiao Qingwan was taken aback, then a flush rose swiftly to her cheeks as she replied with feigned annoyance, “You always spoil her. If she truly becomes unruly, let’s see what you’ll do then.”

Her given name was Xiao Hongye—a spirited woman of the martial world. Zhao Nan had fallen deeply for her after a chance encounter and, disregarding social convention, had insisted on marrying her as his equal.

When their daughter turned five, Zhao Nan renamed her Xiao Qingwan, claiming the name came from the Book of Odes, poetic and fitting for her. Yet, she preferred the name Xiao Hongye and especially loved hearing her husband call her by it.

For five years, he had never used that name—until this very moment.

“At her age, let her play to her heart’s content. Once she comes of age, she’ll have no more time for such things. Ah, the world is unpredictable; let us savor each peaceful day we have…” Zhao Nan sighed, as if burdened with unspoken grievances.

After a pause, he turned to his wife and said softly, “Hongye, haven’t you always objected to Yuexi teaching martial arts to the neighbor’s children? Today let me tell you about Xie Shuxian. He was the top scholar in both rounds of the county’s child student examination, exceptionally talented and of noble character…”

He recounted all he knew about Xie Shuxian and then added, “In my opinion, from now on, you should personally instruct them instead of Yuexi. Who knows, perhaps the Yan Dynasty will see a minister skilled in both civil and military arts…”

Seeing his wife’s glare, Zhao Nan hastily corrected himself, “Alright, perhaps I spoke too much. Let’s just say we’re letting Yuexi make a new friend.”

“I’m not blaming you, so why are you so nervous?” Xiao Qingwan rolled her eyes at him. “Very well, I’ll teach them for now and see how they do. If they’re not suited for martial arts, I’ll send them back early.”

“Don’t be too strict. They’re still growing—overtraining could harm them for life. And they must also study and learn to read; martial training shouldn’t take up too much time. If anything goes wrong with next year’s academy exam, I’ll be deeply at fault…”

Zhao Nan repeated his cautions, while Xiao Qingwan grumbled, “You want the horse to run but won’t let it eat grass. They say strict teachers produce exceptional students—without discipline, what can be learned? Never mind, I’ll just teach them a few moves; after all, I haven’t formally accepted any disciples, so my reputation won’t suffer…”

“I want Xie Shuxian to teach me how to grow vegetables—ouch!” Overjoyed that her mother agreed, Yuexi jumped up, only for the comb to snag in her hair.

After her daughter had finished her hair and run off to play, Zhao Nan said, “It’s been years since we visited. Let’s return to our hometown before the new year.”

In a low voice, Xiao Qingwan asked, “Aren’t we going back to the capital?”

“What would we do in the capital? Every meeting ends in arguments and heartache. Out of sight, out of mind—the world of rivers and lakes is far more pleasant than the court.”

Seeing her husband’s irritation return, Xiao Qingwan sighed softly, “Can’t you just apologize and work together in harmony? Must every parting be so bitter?”

Zhao Nan shook his head, “No one is at fault, so what’s the point of apologizing? Politics is struggle—apologies are useless. There will always be quarrels and conflict.”

“If no one is at fault, why argue at all?”

“Because our positions differ. Without arguments, how could it be?” Zhao Nan waved the matter away. “Enough, you wouldn’t understand. Talking about it just upsets me. We’ve left that behind—let them carry on as they will…”