Chapter Forty-One: Keeping Secrets

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“I married you at eighteen, not seeking wealth or glory, nor expecting much; I only wished for a peaceful life, to raise children and support my husband without turmoil. Yet I never imagined you would act on your own again and again, never regarding me at all…” Lady Yu spoke as tears streamed down her face.

Zhang Yue quickly said, “Sister-in-law, let’s talk about this later, let’s talk about it later. Brother still cares for Xi’er in his heart.”

Zhang Shi added, “Wife, it’s rare for Third Brother to come home; don’t bring these things up now.”

“I promised to buy sweets for Xi’er this year, and I will not let him go without. Even though times are tough for our family, we must still celebrate the New Year, no matter what.”

Hearing this, Lady Yu was utterly heartbroken; she sighed deeply and went upstairs without another word.

Zhang Shi turned to Zhang Yue, “Third Brother, sit down, I’ll make you some food!”

Zhang Yue forced a bitter smile, thinking, Brother, is your cooking even edible?

Zhang Yue and Zhang Qiu remained downstairs, Zhang Yue watching as Zhang Qiu licked his second portion of sugared sweets.

“Third Uncle, why do the sweets Father bought taste worse than yours?” Zhang Qiu asked as he licked them.

Zhang Yue understood well—the first sip of a three-yuan cola was worth two and a half yuan, after all.

“That’s because you’re eating two portions in one day. If you saved this one for tomorrow, it would taste just as sweet then as it does today.”

Zhang Qiu hesitated for a moment, but in the end continued licking his sweets.

“I knew it would be like this.”

Zhang Yue recalled the experiment about delayed gratification—children capable of delaying gratification often achieve more.

So Zhang Yue said to Zhang Qiu, “If you can resist eating it, I’ll buy you another portion tomorrow. How about that?”

Zhang Qiu thought for a moment, then immediately shook his head.

Zhang Yue asked, “Not even for two portions? What about three?”

Zhang Qiu carefully put away the sweets in his pocket and whispered, “Third Uncle, you just gave all your money to Mother. Besides, I already shared my sweets with you, and you said you tasted them. These are the ones Father bought for me.”

This child… He immediately wants to spit out what he ate from me!

“You think Third Uncle won’t let you eat? Or do you just want to sneak a taste yourself?”

Zhang Qiu thought about it, then nodded lightly, “Yes.”

Zhang Yue could only laugh awkwardly and look up at the sky, “Didn’t you see Third Uncle was joking with you?”

“Third Uncle, don’t treat Xi’er like a three- or four-year-old child.”

Just then, someone knocked at the door from outside, asking, “May I ask if this is the Zhang family? Is Zhang the eldest son at home?”

Zhang Shi came downstairs to open the door, exclaiming, “Isn’t this Teacher Zhuang? How could you trouble yourself to come here, especially at New Year’s? I should have visited you myself.”

Zhang Yue realized this was Mr. Zhuang, Zhang Qiu’s teacher at the private school. He wondered why the teacher had come to the student’s home, when customarily students visited teachers during New Year’s.

Just as Zhang Yue was about to greet him, Zhang Qiu tugged at his sleeve.

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“What’s wrong?”

“Third Uncle, I forgot to tell you—Teacher Zhuang asked you to visit him when you came home.”

“Teacher Zhuang? What for?”

Zhang Qiu replied, “It’s about that ‘Three-Character Poem’.”

“Three-Character Poem? The ‘Three-Character Classic’?” Zhang Yue was surprised. “Did you tell your teacher about it?”

Zhang Qiu nodded.

Zhang Yue immediately put his hands on his hips and made a stern face, while Zhang Qiu lowered his head, “Third Uncle, please don’t be angry…”

Zhang Yue snorted and tapped him on the forehead, “I’ll deal with you later.”

“So the teacher is here for Third Brother,” Zhang Shi laughed. “Third Brother? Third Brother?”

Zhang Yue reluctantly went to the door, seeing beside Zhang Shi a man in his forties, a teacher with half-black, half-white beard and somewhat poor eyesight. As he looked at Zhang Yue, he habitually stepped closer and scrutinized him.

“This must be the third son! I’ve heard much about you from your nephew, quite renowned indeed.”

“Teacher, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise.”

“Third son, might I have a word with you in private?” Teacher Zhuang smiled.

“Of course.”

Zhang Shi pointed upstairs, “The north room is suitable for conversation. Teacher Zhuang, you must stay for dinner today; let me prepare a few dishes to thank you properly.”

“Certainly, certainly.” Teacher Zhuang gave a polite bow, then went upstairs with Zhang Yue to the north room.

Zhang Shi hurried to Zhang Qiu, “Stay home and behave. I’ll go to the tavern next door for some wine and pick up a few dishes.”

Zhang Qiu frowned, “Father, if you spend money again, Mother will be upset.”

“Nonsense. He’s your teacher—how could I not treat him to good food? No matter how much it costs, it’s worth it. I’m going out now, so be alert.” With that, Zhang Shi left quickly.

In the north room, Teacher Zhuang sat down first, taking the lead as he said to Zhang Yue, “Sit down, no need for formality. Once we’re more familiar, you’ll find I’m easy to talk to.”

“I dare not, I dare not.” Zhang Yue sneered inwardly—he’s already seizing the initiative.

Zhang Yue found a mat and sat.

“May I ask, where are you studying now?” Teacher Zhuang inquired.

Zhang Yue replied, “Just reading a little in the mountains.”

“Which mountain, and with which teacher?” Teacher Zhuang pressed.

Zhang Yue answered, “With Mr. Guo from Wuxi.”

“Oh? Mr. Guo?”

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Teacher Zhuang stroked his beard and smiled, the meaning behind his words clear.

Zhang Yue smiled back, “Teacher Zhuang, it seems you don’t know me well. Let me explain a bit more…”

Teacher Zhuang waved his hand, “No need, I know. Your second brother, Zhang Xu, is renowned in the county—one of the finest talents in our region, even in the whole province.”

Teacher Zhuang continued, “But after offending Registrar Zhao, his whereabouts became unknown. Such a gifted man, one misstep—truly a pity.”

“No, Teacher Zhuang, you know only half the story. My second brother is now elsewhere, has received his solution, and this spring will go to the capital for the provincial exam.”

Teacher Zhuang drew in a breath, then smiled, “So that’s it. But passing the local exam doesn’t guarantee success in the provincial one. Well, let’s get to the point. I came today because Zhang Qiu told me you wrote a ‘Three-Character Poem’. But you’re only a beginner—how could you compose such a work?”

Zhang Yue smiled and gestured, “Teacher Zhuang, I haven’t finished speaking. Otherwise, if there’s a misunderstanding, it will be hard to talk in the future.”

Teacher Zhuang was surprised—this boy’s words didn’t sound like those of a twelve- or thirteen-year-old. How could he be so composed?

“Please speak frankly, third son.”

Zhang Yue said calmly, “Teacher Zhuang, to be honest, my second brother passed the canal exam—and it was in Suzhou. Does that ring any bells?”

Teacher Zhuang pondered, “Suzhou? Your Zhang family in Suzhou…”

He thought hard—the Zhang family in Suzhou, though a branch, had many distinguished figures, such as Zhang Pin, Zhang Quan, Zhang Yu, all scholars and officials.

If the second son could qualify in Suzhou and pass the canal exam, it must have been arranged by the family…

No wonder the second son avoided marriage—the truth was here, now I understand.

Teacher Zhuang’s expression brightened, and he smiled warmly at Zhang Yue, “Third son, do you still have relatives in Suzhou? Don’t tell me—if word gets out, Registrar Zhao… You might think I said something.”

“I’m not afraid if Registrar Zhao finds out… But it’s better to avoid trouble. Most importantly, I feel an instant rapport with you, Teacher, and honesty is natural between us.”

“Hahaha, don’t worry, third son. I’ll keep this secret; what’s said today stays between us, not a third soul shall hear it,” Teacher Zhuang laughed. “In fact, your nephew is my favorite pupil. I’ve always looked after him at school, so naturally I care for you as well!”

Zhang Yue pondered. He never understood why internet novels always played out with dramatic reveals and confrontations—if you have good cards, why not show them right away? Confrontation might feel satisfying, but it breeds resentment.

“Third son, I have no other purpose today but to discuss your ‘Three-Character Poem’. You’re so young, yet talented enough to write such a primer—have you thought of reporting it to the authorities? Even if not the imperial court, the province would surely award you the title of child prodigy. It would greatly benefit your future!”

Teacher Zhuang’s tone shifted quickly—he had just been skeptical about Zhang Yue’s ability to compose the ‘Three-Character Classic’, and now he was eager to bestow the title of prodigy.

Zhang Yue smiled faintly, “Child prodigy… I’ve never considered such a thing.”

Teacher Zhuang slapped his thigh and gave a thumbs-up, “Third son, what composure! Anyone else would have been restless at this moment, but you remain calm and collected. Truly worthy of being the second son’s brother.”

ps: Sorry for the delay, second update—please vote for recommendations!