TTTQF Chapter 108

Transfer Schools

"When a person...is born, his nature...is good..." A slightly stuttering voice comes from the study, reading aloud from The Three Character Classic, an introductory primer for young children. Although the material is very simple, the listener doesn’t seem to think so at all.

After finishing the reading, Pei Mu lifts his head. His small face flushes, and his bright eyes fill with anticipation as he looks at Jiang Miao and Pei Che.

"That’s really good! You recognize all the characters now, right? What do you think?" Jiang Miao praises him generously, also asking Pei Che for his opinion.

"Mu’er does great, but... do you know what those words mean?" Pei Che compliments him too, but the latter part of his sentence leaves Pei Mu a little confused.

Pei Che calls him over, points at the words "When a person is born" in the book, and begins explaining their meaning. Jiang Miao listens alongside them. He knows the first few lines well, as they are familiar to him, but the ones that follow are only something he memorizes while helping Xiao Shitou with his schoolwork. Whenever Xiao Shitou recites or practices his writing, Jiang Miao sits by his side. Sometimes, Jiang Miao even feels like he is going through school again.

Thinking about it like this makes him feel a little smug. Paying one tuition fee for two people to learn? Such a deal! Actually, it isn’t just the two of them learning, since Pei Mu has also learned most of his characters while studying with Xiao Shitou.

Unlike Xiao Shitou, who simply repeats what his teacher says, Pei Che not only explains the meaning of each sentence but also elaborates on related anecdotes and interesting stories. Both Jiang Miao and Pei Mu listen attentively, until Steward Wu comes knocking to remind Pei Che that it’s time to take his medicine.

As he looks at the steaming, pitch-black medicine, a trace of helplessness flashes in Pei Che’s eyes. He actually feels like he is already better, but no one seems to agree with him. To Jiang Miao, someone who still coughs occasionally can hardly claim to be fully recovered.

Pei Che takes the medicine bowl and drinks it all in one go, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He sets the bowl down, and a piece of candied fruit is offered in front of him. After thinking for a moment, he leans down and takes the fruit directly into his mouth.

Jiang Miao pauses for a moment when his fingers brush against Pei Che’s soft lips before retracting his hand. Pei Che smiles, just about to say something, when Pei Mu suddenly tugs at Jiang Miao’s sleeve and says, "I... want one too."

Jiang Miao lowers his head, takes a piece of candied fruit from the jar, and pops it directly into Pei Mu's mouth. Watching one side of his cheek puff up, he can’t help but laugh.

Pei Che looks at the two of them, feeling a little frustrated as he chews the candied fruit and swallows it.

After finishing the candied fruit, Jiang Miao and Pei Mu sit together again, ready to listen to Pei Che continue explaining the stories in The Three Character Classic. But Pei Che puts the book down and says, "You can't bite off more than you can chew—what I’ve taught today is enough. Mu’er, copy the few sentences I explained today twice."

Pei Mu is a little disappointed, but obediently prepares paper and ink to start writing.

"Ah Miao, come with me for a moment," Pei Che says.

Jiang Miao, puzzled, follows him out of the study and to a nearby corridor. Pei Che’s expression seems serious, which makes Jiang Miao feel a bit tense too.

As Jiang Miao’s dark, bright eyes stare at him, Pei Che can't help but feel nervous. He opens his mouth to speak, but the words are swallowed back down into his stomach.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Miao asks cautiously.

"Ah Miao, I think it's time to send Mu’er to a private school. What do you think?" Pei Che clears his throat and speaks solemnly.

Jiang Miao's tense nerves relax immediately.

"Is that all you wanted to say?" He looks at Pei Che, half amused and half exasperated.

Pei Che's expression is a little awkward, and he hums in response, afraid that he might say something he shouldn't say in a moment of impulse.

"What's there to ask? You're his actual brother. If you want to send him, just send him." Pei Mu has already learned a lot of characters. Although the boy still speaks slowly, his mind is sharp, and he will definitely be able to keep up in school.

"Mu’er is very attached to you. I’m afraid he won’t be too willing to go study," Pei Che says. Even though he is the actual brother, it’s clear that Mu’er prefers Jiang Miao. If Mu’er has to choose who to follow, he would probably pick Jiang Miao without hesitation.

Jiang Miao smiles and says, "Well, I do spend all day with him. But don’t worry, as long as you talk to him properly, he’ll definitely listen."

"I hope so." Pei Che feels this process won’t be easy.

"Where are you planning to send Mu’er to study? Does the Imperial Academy even accept young children?" Jiang Miao asks.

"Let him study with Xiao Shitou," Pei Mu suggests. Having a companion to study with might make Mu’er more willing.

"That works. Xiao Shitou's teacher, Master Yu, is gentle and knowledgeable. All the children really like him," Jiang Miao says. Every time he speaks with Master Yu, he feels like he’s basking in a spring breeze.

"What about you?" Pei Che suddenly asks.

"Huh?" Jiang Miao doesn’t quite catch on at first.

"I mean, do you also prefer people who are gentle and approachable?" Pei Che asks, a bit nervously.

"Haha, I suppose so. After all, who would like someone who's always harsh and fierce with them?" Jiang Miao finds the question amusing. But after a moment, he realizes what Pei Che is really asking. "Wait, are you asking about the type of person I like?"

"Yeah." Pei Che nods, feeling a bit anxious.

Jiang Miao thinks about it for a long time, but his mind suddenly goes blank. He realizes that the image of a future partner, which he had once imagined during idle moments, has completely disappeared. It’s as if he has never considered this question before.

After a while, Jiang Miao shakes his head. "I can’t say for sure. I think it’s something I’d only know when I meet them. But..."

At this, Jiang Miao smiles and gives Pei Che a playful pat. "For now, I don’t really need to think about that, do I? I’m already tied to you, and I can't untie myself just yet. It’s more practical to focus on other things."

After spending so much time together, Pei Che has grown accustomed to Jiang Miao's way of speaking. With just a little thought, he understands what Jiang Miao means. Though he hasn't learned Jiang Miao’s ideal type, he’s no longer as nervous. As Jiang Miao said, for now, there is no chance of them being separated.

...

"Brother!" Xiao Shitou steps outside and, seeing Jiang Miao, rushes over excitedly. "Why did you come to pick me up today?" Since moving to Jiang's residence, the private school is very close to their home. Xiao Shitou usually walks with his classmates and no longer needs someone to pick him up, but he’s still happy that Jiang Miao has come.

Jiang Miao hugs him and says, "I came to talk to your teacher about something."

Xiao Shitou sighs, "Brother, you really don't know how to coax people."

Jiang Miao laughs at his old-fashioned complaint and asks, "Then tell me, what should I have said?"

"You should say, ‘I came to pick you up because I missed you, and by the way, I have some business with your teacher.’ If you say it like that, I’d be even happier," Xiao Shitou says seriously.

Jiang Miao is stunned for a moment. After a while, he reaches out to pat Xiao Shitou on the head and mutters, "You little rascal, where did you learn all this?"

As they walk inside, Master Yu is tidying up his desk. When he sees Jiang Miao, he looks a bit puzzled and asks, "Manager Jiang, is there something you need?"

Jiang Miao replies, "Master Yu, I came today to ask if you're still accepting students. I have another younger brother, the one who came with Xiao Shitou last time. He also wants to go to the private school to study. I wonder if it's possible?"

A faintly bitter smile appears on Master Yu’s face as he says, "Manager Jiang, if you hadn’t come to me today, I would’ve sought you out in a few days."

"Master Yu, is something wrong?" Jiang Miao senses that something is off.

Master Yu explains, "I am not talented. I’ve studied for many years, and two years ago, I finally earned the rank of xiucai (scholar), giving me a chance to pursue an official position. This year happens to be an important examination year. Initially, I feel my knowledge is still lacking and consider waiting another three years. But a few days ago, my mentor reviewed my essays and encouraged me to take the exam. Even if I don’t succeed, it will be a valuable experience."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Miao understands that Master Yu will likely be too busy preparing for his own exams to continue teaching students.

"I’ve thought about it and realized my mentor is right. Though I’ve been busy teaching these past two years, I’ve never neglected my studies during my spare time. But with the exams fast approaching, I fear that if I split my attention, it would undermine all the years of effort I’ve put in. Therefore, in a few days, this private school will close," Master Yu says, his expression apologetic but also resolute in his decision.

Who can stand in the way of someone's future? Although Jiang Miao feels reluctant, he can only wish him the best.

"Then let me wish you success in the exams, Master Yu," Jiang Miao says, cupping his hands in respect. "Xiao Shitou has always liked you very much. When the school closes, everyone will surely miss you."

Master Yu smiles. "All good things must come to an end. Who knows? Maybe I’ll see them again somewhere else. By the way, Manager Jiang, you might want to start looking into other private schools for Xiao Shitou. Although this one will close, Jiang Lei's studies cannot be interrupted."

Jiang Miao says, "Thank you, Master Yu. I’ll look into it. I won’t keep you any longer."

Jiang Miao, holding Xiao Shitou's hand, who is now staring blankly in shock, sighs inwardly. The familiar and beloved teacher isn’t going to teach them anymore—Xiao Shitou must be feeling heartbroken.

The two return to the Jiang residence, looking downcast. Pei Che finds it odd, as it is rare to see both of them so unhappy. After learning what has happened, Pei Che tries to console them, "Don’t worry. You’ll find the right teacher eventually."

"I hope so." Jiang Miao sighs, recalling the effort he has put into finding a school for Xiao Shitou before. He had thought it would be a one-time effort, but now, just six months later, he has to start the search all over again.

Pei Che initially thinks about suggesting that they attend the Pei family school, but then he reconsiders. The Pei family school is filled with Pei family members, and some of them hold prejudices against Mu’er. That isn’t an option.

Where could they go?

Suddenly, an idea comes to Pei Che. "Why not have them come study with me at the Imperial Academy?"

Jiang Miao looks puzzled. "But when I asked you earlier, you didn’t seem to agree."

"I didn’t say no either. There’s a children’s learning hall behind the Imperial Academy, run by an elder scholar who’s highly respected for his knowledge. The only reason I hesitated before is because I was worried they’d be studying in different places without a playmate. Now that they can study together, there’s no reason to worry," Pei Che says, growing more excited the more he thinks about it. If Mu’er and Xiao Shitou study at the same place, Jiang Miao will also feel more reassured.

And if he can get a small courtyard to live in near the back of the Imperial Academy, wouldn’t daily life be both leisurely and pleasant?

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Table of Contents