After Han Ze finished his work, he stood outside the study and took a look inside. He saw that all the sisters were concentrating on reading, except Han Xiaodong, who looked a little unnatural, ashamed. He looked at Han Shubo unexpectedly. Han Shubo winked at him.
Han Ze raised his hand, motioning for him to come out and talk.
Han Shubo came out, and the father and son went to sit under the pavilion in the garden. Han Ze asked, "In the past, I always accepted your teachings. Now, how do you feel about teaching others to read?"
"not bad."
Han Shubo looked up and said with a smile, "They don't need to take the imperial examinations, and they have already finished studying the Four Books. There is no need to rush to learn other knowledge. Let them read some essays and travel notes first to broaden their horizons."
Han Ze said, "Yes, that's good. Otherwise, she will become like your aunt who loves to read dramas and stories and change her temperament."
Han Shubo nodded and said in agreement: "My aunt is reading "Instructions for Women". After she finishes reading it, I plan to let her read "The Book of Filial Piety for Women" and "Rules for Women" to help her change her temper."
Han Ze's mouth twitched slightly, and after a while he said, "What if she still doesn't change her temper after reading this?"
You have to know that some people can be educated, but some people are difficult to educate.
Han Shubo said in a deep voice: "If she can't change her temper, we don't need to care about her. We should just let her do what she wants. She will bear the consequences herself."
Han Ze did not express his opinion. Han Shubo knew that his father agreed with his decision, and he felt happy. He was already a scholar now, and even though he was still young, if he expressed his opinion on all matters at home, his father would consider his views. This was one of the benefits of having an official title.
After a while, Han Ze looked at Han Shubo and said, "A scholar can be exempted from taxes on 80 acres of land. If you pass the imperial examination in the future, you can be exempted from taxes on 300 acres of land. I plan to buy 500 acres of land and put it in your name, and make it your private property in the future. What do you think?"
How much silver would five hundred acres of land cost
Han Shubo was stunned for a moment and said, "Dad, no need?"
He studied for the imperial examinations, and used top-quality pens, ink, paper, and inkstone, spending countless silver ounces every year. How could he afford to acquire private property
Han Ze said, "After a while, when these flowers are sold, I will go to the county town to see if I can buy a smaller farm."
Han Shubo frowned: "Aren't there two villages in our county?"
Han Ze said: "I can't give you those two farms, so I'll buy you a smaller farm as a reward for passing the exam."
Seeing that his father was determined, Han Shubo said no more and went back to the study. Seeing that they were still immersed in the book, he sat on the desk, took out a book he bought in the county town, and began to read.
An hour later, Han Shubo asked, "Have you finished reading?"
Sister Han Shuxin shook her head, and Han Shubo looked at Han Xiaodong: "Aunt, what about you?"
Han Xiaodong nodded. The Book of Commandments for Women was not long, but she finished reading it.
Han Shubo was not surprised and asked, "Do you know what this means?"
Han Xiaodong stammered, "I know roughly."
Han Shubo asked again: "What do you think after reading it?"
Han Xiaodong was a little embarrassed and a little angry. Her nephew didn't give her face at all. He didn't give her any respect as an elder. How could her nieces respect her in the future? She clenched the book and paper tightly, pursed her lips, and said nothing.
Han Shubo didn't care. He took out two more books and placed them in front of her: "Since you don't have any ideas, then read these two books. If you still don't have any ideas after reading these two books, then memorize them. When you think of them in the future, you will be more cautious."
Han Xiaodong looked at the first book, "Female Rules"? She frowned, feeling a bad feeling, and then looked at the next one, "Female Filial Piety Classic"
She looked at Han Shubo suddenly: "Shubo, what do you mean? I'm here to learn to read from you, not to read these messy books."
Who is he insulting? If anyone is unfilial, it is this brat. She is his aunt, but he asked her to learn the Nüjie and the Filial Piety Classic. It is simply unfilial.
Han Shubo frowned: "My aunt thinks that 'Nu Ze' and 'Xiao Jing' are messy books?"
Han Xiaodong didn't say anything, but Han Shubo knew what he was thinking at a glance.
The second girl Han Shuqing said, "Shubo, can I read the Book of Filial Piety for Women?"
Han Xiaodong looked up at Han Shuqing, who smiled brightly and said, "Dad said that girls from aristocratic families need to memorize the female commandments and rules from a young age. We are farm girls, and our family is relatively well-off. Girls of noble families also need to memorize what they learn. Even if they don't know it by heart, they should recite it a few times."
Han Xiaodong's cheeks flushed. She knew that what Shu Qing said was true, but in this situation, Shu Bo asked her to read these books but her nieces didn't have to read them. It seemed like he had ulterior motives, as if he was saying that she was unruly and even unfilial through teaching her, and that was why she needed to read these books.
Han Shuxin and her sisters listened to Han Shuqing's words and thought carefully. Although their family is a farmer, they are different from ordinary farmers. They have a deep financial background and their choices in marriage in the future will be different.
Daddy didn't let them learn the Rules for Girls. It shouldn't be because he thought they shouldn't learn it, but he thought they hadn't learned it yet. Since the daughters of aristocratic families all need to memorize the Rules for Girls, it would be fine if they didn't know how to read and write, but since they can read and write, but can't recite the Rules for Girls when asked by others, wouldn't that make people doubt their education
Han Shubo didn't expect that his sister-in-law was unwilling to learn something, but his sisters were scrambling to learn it. He was stunned for a moment. Han Ze came in from outside and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
Han Shubo smiled bitterly: "Sisters, you should learn the female commandments and female rules..."
Han Ze paused, picked up the Women's Commandments in front of Han Xiaodong, read it, and then said, "You can learn it."
Han Shubo looked at him in surprise. He knew his father. He might not like women who followed the three obediences and four virtues and strictly followed the rules and regulations for women. So why did he let his sisters learn these things
Han Ze thought for a moment and said, "I'm not asking you to learn these female precepts and rules, but to make you understand them, master them, and make them your tools for your use."
The sisters opened their mouths in surprise and stared at their father in a daze, but Han Shubo seemed to understand something.
Han Ze added: "You are girls, you don't need to take the imperial examination. Reading and learning are to let you know how to survive better and make your own judgments instead of blindly following others..."
Among the sisters, only Han Shuqing understood what her father meant. The others seemed to understand but not quite. Han Xiaodong felt that she also understood what her eldest brother meant, and said proudly: "Brother, what you mean is that if we master the female commandments, we can use them to deal with those who provoke us when the time is right. Say that they are uneducated?"
Han Ze: “…”
I have to say, among all the students who studied with him, only this sister was taught the wrong way, and there was a reason for it, this sister was born with a rebellious nature.
Seeing that Han Ze didn't say anything, Han Xiaodong said proudly: "Brother, am I right?"
Han Ze looked at her speechlessly and said, "Okay, whatever you think is right."
Han Xiaodong looked at the books in her hands and no longer felt disgusted. Thinking of the embarrassment when Shubo asked her to read the books, she could imagine how she would deal with those unreasonable people when she met them after getting married. She said as if she had found a treasure: "Brother, give me the books in your hands. I will go back and recite them, and then memorize them."
Han Ze handed her the book, looked at Han Shuqing, and asked, "What do you think, Shuqing?"
Han Shuqing thought about it. Although she had never read the Rules for Women, she knew roughly what was written in it. She said carefully, "Since the Rules for Women are something that the daughters of aristocratic families must learn, I think those daughters should follow them in their social activities. In the eyes of those nobles, this is a sign of a daughter's good upbringing and courtesy, and it is the key to measuring a daughter..."
Having said this, she paused and looked at her father embarrassedly.
Han Ze encouraged: "Go on!"
Han Shuqing blushed slightly and said, "Dad said that by learning to read and write, we can learn to survive and have our own opinions on things, and not just follow the crowd. The powerful and wealthy have to learn these things, and we can't fight against them. I think we should learn the Women's Commandments and Rules, and we should remember the content in our hearts. As for whether we should act according to them, it depends on where we are."
Han Ze nodded, "Not bad, you have your own opinions."
Han Shuqing smiled slightly, while Han Xiaodong was extremely embarrassed. Compared with Shuqing, her statement was obviously inferior and seemed extremely utilitarian. She was a little embarrassed and annoyed, and said in defense: "Here is a book of filial piety. Do you also need to measure your filial piety?"
Han Ze frowned, looking somewhat displeased.
Han Xiaodong looked at them stubbornly.
Han Shuqing said in confusion: "Filial piety is in the heart, why do we need to study?"
Han Ze smiled.
Han Shubo also laughed.
Han Xiaodong froze.
Han Shuqing added: "There is no need to measure. Filial piety comes completely from the heart. If you want to be filial, then you are filial. If you are not filial, of course you will think too much."
Han Xiaodong felt that studying here was simply a humiliation for her.
In fact, she was overthinking. She wanted to find a man she liked, which was nothing. They were farmers and didn't have so many rules. But she shouldn't have disobeyed her parents for a man, and even paid for him before getting married. This made them unhappy.
When she returned to the room, she lay down on the bed and started crying.
Wang Lanhua noticed her movements, frowned, went to her room, and asked angrily, "Why are you crying?"
Han Xiaodong just kept crying and ignored her. But when she heard her question, she cried even louder.
After what happened with Qian Hong, Wang Lanhua was quite impatient with her daughter Han Xiaodong. She was annoyed by her crying and shouted, "Why are you crying?"
Han Xiaodong was startled and stopped crying. Wang Lanhua yelled again: "Why don't you tell me?"
Han Xiaodong then took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears, her voice stumbling with tears: "Shu, Shubo, Shuqing and my elder brother, he, they all bullied me."
Wang Lanhua was speechless. She didn't know what had happened.
Han Xiaodong sobbed and said, "I won't study with them anymore."
Wang Lanhua said, "Those kids are sensible. They won't bully you for no reason."
Han Xiaodong looked at Wang Lanhua angrily: "Mom, I'm your daughter, why don't you believe me?"
"Then tell me how they bullied you. How dare you, an aunt, say that?"
Wang Lanhua thought to herself, you are my daughter, and Shubo and his siblings are my grandchildren. Although they are not my biological children, they are better than my biological children.
Han Xiaodong sniffed: "Han Shubo asked me to read the Book of Filial Piety for Women, and he also said that I am unfilial..."
Wang Lanhua smiled and said, "Shubo is right. You are unfilial. You should read those books. Although I don't know what the books are about, just from the names, I know they are the books you should read."
Han Xiaodong's eyes were red. Shubo was her nephew. She could ignore his words, but she had to listen to her mother. After all, her mother would not harm her. "Mom, do you really think I should read those books? Do you really think I am that bad?"
Wang Lanhua was angry and distressed. She sighed and said, "Xiaodong, you are already eighteen years old and you haven't decided on a marriage yet. In the past two years, people who proposed marriage to us almost broke down our doorstep, but in the past two years, every proposal was for Shu Xin and Shu Qing. If you keep being picky, Shu Xin and Shu Qing will get married, but you won't."
Han Xiaodong pursed her lips. Doesn't she want to get married? Aren't those who come to propose marriage all ugly? Isn't it embarrassing to marry them? When her sister and brother-in-law got married, her brother-in-law was a scholar after all. Even if he wasn't a scholar, he was handsome and handsome. If she married a poor man, she would be embarrassed when the sisters came to visit each other.
Wang Lanhua was so anxious that her mouth was covered with blisters. She said angrily, "If you continue like this, your father and I will arrange a marriage for you, and you won't be able to be picky." At this point, she tapped her forehead fiercely, "You really want to piss me off to death, you know."
Han Xiaodong's eyes were red.
Wang Lanhua asked in a deep voice: "What kind of family do you want to find? Can you tell me?"
Han Xiaodong pursed his lips and whispered, "At least, at least it can't be worse than my brother-in-law's family."
Wang Lanhua frowned and said unhappily, "Your brother-in-law is a scholar. There are not many scholars in our village, and they are all married. Where can I find such a suitable husband for you?"
Han Xiaodong lowered his head: "A scholar is fine, my brother-in-law was also a scholar at that time."
Wang Lanhua could only say, "Your brother has to step in on this matter."
Han Xiaodong felt a little uncomfortable. Her brother was so annoyed with her, and she didn't know whether he was willing to worry about her affairs.
If Wang Lanhua had not come forward, Han Ze might not have cared about Han Xiaodong's affairs. However, if not for Wang Lanhua's face, he had to consider the old man's face. Although the old man didn't say it, he must be worried about Han Xiaodong's marriage in his heart.
He picked a young man from some families he had met in recent years who he thought was suitable for Han Xiaodong and said, "This family is in the county town and they are doing business. The man you are talking to Xiaodong about is the second son of the family. He has no achievements and cannot inherit the family business, but he can get a lot of property. He will live a rich life in the future and will not have to worry about food and drink. You talk to Xiaodong about it. If he agrees, let them meet each other."
Wang Lanhua thought it was a good idea. Although the man had no official title, his family was in business and they had no worries about food and drink. If Xiaodong married him, her life would not be hard. She smiled and said, "Let me tell you about her."
Han Ze nodded without commenting.
Under Wang Lanhua's persuasion, Han Xiaodong heard that the other party had no achievements. Although she was still dissatisfied, she was willing to give it a try.
After Han Ze discussed with the father of that family, they set a date for the meeting and took Han Maode, Liu Juhua and Han Xiaodong to the county town. After the meeting, Han Xiaodong's dissatisfaction disappeared. After all, the other party's appearance was indeed impeccable, even her brother-in-law could not compare to her. Besides, marrying to the county town was considered a high marriage for her as a peasant girl, and she had nothing to feel aggrieved about.
Han Ze: “…”
Han Ze was not surprised at all. Although the boy had no achievements, he had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and was handsome. Not only was his appearance far better than Qian Hong's, but he was also frank and generous. Han Xiaodong judged people by their appearance, so he was not surprised at all that he chose him. On the contrary, he felt that the boy was unworthy of Han Xiaodong.
Han Xiaodong's marriage was settled. Since he was the one who introduced them, Han Ze would not be stingy with the dowry. Otherwise, it would be a punishment for Han Xiaodong and an offense to the man. He would not do such a thing.
As for the original promise to buy a courtyard for Han Xiaodong in the town, it was a little inappropriate now that she was going to marry in the county. He thought about it and decided that he had to buy a farm for Shubo anyway, so he bought a small courtyard for Han Xiaodong in the county, spending five hundred taels of silver. As for the land, he did not buy it for her, but bought her a shop. Anyway, the man's family was in business, so there was no need to worry about the shop being useless.
Taking the deed from her brother, Han Xiaodong cried and said with red eyes: "Brother, I'm sorry. I was wrong."
"I'm giving you a dowry not for you, but because of my parents. I can't bear to see them worrying."
Han Ze didn't care about her apology. Seeing her embarrassed, he said, "It would be good if you really feel that you are wrong. It will be worth Shubo's efforts."
He didn't care whether Han Xiaodong knew her mistake or not. But Shubo really treated Xiaodong as a family member. Although he wanted to teach Han Xiaodong a lesson, after all, she was his aunt, and he was doing it for her own good, hoping that she could change her ways. If Han Xiaodong held a grudge, Shubo's efforts would be in vain.
Han Xiaodong was a little embarrassed, but he still said: "I really felt embarrassed at the time, and even wanted to beat the boy, but after reading the female commandment, there was a filial piety. Thinking about what the boy said was right. I was really frivolous.
Han Ze hummed and looked at her in surprise. Seeing that she was truly regretful, he felt relieved. At least Shu Bo's efforts were not in vain.
Han Xiaodong said seriously: "I will change it."
Han Ze nodded. Whether to change or not was not just talk. He would see it in the future.
...
Not long after Han Xiaodong got married, Han Shubo prepared to go to the official school in the county to study.
Although his grandson was a scholar, he was only ten years old. How could Han Maode feel at ease? He said to Han Ze, "I want to accompany Shubo to the county town to study."
Han Ze did not refuse, but said: "Okay, there is a yard in the county town, and there are servants in the yard, you can go if you want."
Wang Lanhua said beside her: "What about me?"
Han Maode waved his hand and said, "Xiaodong came back only once after she got married. Xiaochun also bought a yard in the county town. Both daughters are in the county town. You should go to the county town too. You can also visit them."
Wang Lanhua looked at Han Ze.
Han Ze nodded: "The yard in the county town is relatively large, you can go if you want. You can invite your two sisters to accompany you at home when you are free."
Ge Hongbu looked at her son reluctantly. She said shyly, "I, I also want to go and accompany Shubo."
Han Ze: “…”
Wang Lanhua smiled and glanced at Han Ze, then said, "You can't leave. Shu Xin and Shu Qing are going to talk to their in-laws. What will they do if you, as their mother, are not at home?"
As soon as Wang Lanhua said this, Han Shuxin and Han Shuqing and their sisters hid in the house in shame.
Ge Hongbu was startled. She had actually forgotten about this. Han Ze said helplessly, "Go ahead. Let's all go to the county town. Let's all go and accompany Shubo to study."
Wang Lanhua thought about it and understood what Han Ze meant. It was obvious that the Shu Xin sisters would not be able to find a suitable match in the countryside, but maybe they could meet a suitable one in the county town.
Ge Hongbu was delighted and said, "I'll ask Shu Xin and the others to pack their luggage."
Han Maode said excitedly: "I have never been out of town in my life. I never thought that I would go to the county town when I am old."
Han Shubo smiled and said, "Grandpa, Dad has also bought a yard in the capital. When I become an official in the capital in the future, you all can go and live there."
Han Maode opened his eyes wide and frowned at Han Ze: "When did you buy the yard in Beijing?"
Han Ze patted his head. He forgot to tell the old man about this. "After selling flowers two years ago, I asked Yu Anzhi to help me buy a yard in Beijing."
Han Maode let out a long sigh, and then cursed: "You bastard, you didn't even tell me about this important matter. You are such a bastard."
Han Ze smiled bitterly. This father is just like that. He should give him some face in front of his child.
Han Shubo covered his mouth and laughed.
...
Liu Juhua finally became anxious when she knew that Han Ze's family was moving to the county town.
She had originally sprained her waist and later brought the matter to Han Ze, but Han Ze said that her illness was caused by Han Chengming's brother. As he was his mother, he could not ignore her. The money for hiring a doctor and getting medicine was shared equally by her four sons, and he did give her a few taels of silver.
But what can I do with that few taels of silver? I used it all to buy medicine. My body is much better now and I can walk around, but I am still very tired. I want to eat meat, but I can't bear to spend the money. I have to be careful with everything I buy.
Look at Wang Lanhua, who wears gold and silver jewelry and is ordered around by old women and servants. She is Han Ze's stepmother, but he is so filial to her. After all that has happened, her biological mother doesn't want to compete with Wang Lanhua anymore. Should she at least let her eat enough meat
Liu Juhua looked at Han Ze and said, "I don't have any other requests. I just want to eat meat every day. Is that too much? I heard that the maids you bought have meat to eat every day. Although I didn't care about you as your mother, you were born from my belly. Can't you agree to my small request?"
Han Ze saw that every word she said was sad. If someone didn't know him, he would think that his son was very unfilial. However, what Liu Juhua said was not wrong. She was the original body's son. But if he agreed to her like this and gave her money to buy meat, it would obviously be a bargain for Han Xingwang and his son. He didn't want to do that. He glanced at Liu Juhua, suddenly smiled, and said, "Okay, I will tell the maids at home to cook the meat and send you half a bowl every day. Is half a bowl of meat enough?"
He wouldn't do this to anyone else, but this family is so hateful.
Liu Juhua froze. It was certainly enough, but how could it be just enough for her to eat
She frowned and said, "This is too much trouble. Just give me the money and I'll go buy it and make it at home."
Han Ze smiled and said, "We have all gone to the county town, and the maids at home have nothing to do. If we don't find something for them to do, wouldn't it be a waste of money?"
Liu Juhua laughed dryly. In her eyes, Han Ze was a miser, always haggling over every penny. If she said more, this half bowl of meat might be gone. She had no choice but to agree. It was better to get something than nothing.
After Han Ze left, she realized that the half bowl of meat was not so delicious when she ate it alone. A few days later, everyone in the family complained about her, saying that she ate alone. Even her daughter-in-law did not listen to her and spoke to her in a sarcastic way. When she scolded her, her son still stood by her to protect her, which made her very angry.
The author has something to say: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated me with nutrient solution~
Thanks to the little angel who irrigated [nutrient solution]:
22 bottles of Hell Spirit; 5 bottles of Xie Da; 2 bottles of Andy and Chen Naonao; 1 bottle of Bing Xin Lian and Du Lian You Cao;
Thank you very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!