Chapter 20: Just When One Crisis Subsides, Another Arises

"Yes," Tong Chuxue couldn’t help but pinch Luo Huifeng’s chubby little cheek—it was so soft.

The shop assistant was quick to catch on and immediately handed over a brand-new copy of the Three Character Classic. "This is the one you wanted."

Luo Huian walked over, glanced at it, and gave Tong Chuxue a slight nod.

"Big sister wants to learn to read?" Luo Huifeng also nestled beside Tong Chuxue, clearly recognizing the characters.

Tong Chuxue replied affirmatively. The little boy’s eyes lit up instantly, eagerly volunteering, "Sister, I can read! I’ll teach you!"

In truth, she didn’t need anyone to teach her, but since the boy was so enthusiastic, she didn’t want to dampen his spirits. Luo Huian, however, was less approving. "You still have much to learn."

Hearing that there was still a lot of studying to do, Luo Huifeng looked disappointed. Being a little teacher would have been so grand, but unfortunately, there were no younger children in the family.

Tong Chuxue felt that every time she saw Luo Huifeng, his elder brother would discourage him. At such a young age, she didn’t want him to lose confidence. She suggested, "I’m usually busy too. You could consider teaching your sister; it would help you review what you’ve learned."

Luo Huifeng cast a plaintive look at Tong Chuxue and pouted softly, complaining, "Sister learns characters, but big brother teaches."

Upon hearing this, Tong Chuxue’s surprised gaze shifted to Luo Huian. It was understandable for him to teach his younger brother, but teaching his sister was rare indeed. In the entire Qingshan Village, no one else would allow a girl to learn to read.

Tong Chuxue’s complex expression left Luo Huian unsure of how to respond. He simply turned his head slightly and offered a casual explanation, "It’s beneficial for girls to recognize characters."

Tong Chuxue thought to herself that Luo Huian seemed a bit embarrassed.

"Brother, your words are mistaken."

A sudden voice interrupted their conversation.

Tong Chuxue turned toward the sound to see a scholar dressed in a dark robe standing not far away. He had apparently been there earlier, but none of them had paid him any attention.

The man approached Luo Huian and said, "As the saying goes, a woman’s virtue lies in ignorance. Their entire lives are spent managing household affairs in the backyard; why bother learning to read? Moreover, our dynasty does not permit women to take the imperial examinations. For a rural family, supporting one scholar is already difficult with limited resources; it should never be invested in a girl."

Luo Huian’s expression remained calm, not at all angered. "May I ask your name, sir?"

"I am Yao Tianyuan, a native of Qingshan Village," the man replied.

Yao Tianyuan!

If she remembered correctly, this was the very man to whom she had once been betrothed.

Tong Chuxue’s pupils contracted sharply. Beside her, Xu Jinniang clenched her fists, her eyes brimming with suppressed fury. Tong Chuxue caught her gaze and stepped forward, taking Xu Jinniang’s hand to offer comfort.

At the same time, Luo Huian’s expression changed. His face, usually calm and unruffled, now turned as cold as frost.

Only Luo Huifeng, unaware of all this, widened his eyes. "I know! You’re the only one in our village who passed the preliminary scholar’s exam, and everyone says you’ll become a licentiate!"

Though praised by a child, Yao Tianyuan’s lips curled into a slight smile of modesty. "I am but a preliminary scholar, not yet a licentiate. Please, do not say such things."

"Indeed, if someone like you can become a licentiate, we’re the unlucky ones," Tong Chuxue retorted disdainfully, her face stern.

Caught off guard by this young girl’s sharp reply, Yao Tianyuan’s surprise turned to anger, but he maintained the dignity of a scholar and suppressed his temper. "I believe I have not offended you, miss. Why do you speak so?"

"Offended?" Tong Chuxue met Yao Tianyuan’s eyes unflinchingly. "Sorry, but you have."

The phrase "a woman’s virtue lies in ignorance" had destroyed countless girls’ chances of education. The world was unjust to women, and prejudice ran deep around them. How could she not take offense?

Yao Tianyuan recalled the earlier exchange and suddenly realized. "What I said was not meant personally, miss. I was merely stating the facts. Please do not take it to heart."

Claiming it was just a factual statement, deep down he still believed women should not be educated.

"As far as I know, our dynasty does not forbid women from studying. The imperial palace even has female officials. Why then does Master Yao look down upon women who study and openly proclaim that women need not learn?" Tong Chuxue asked.

"True, there are some female official positions, but they are not formal court posts. These roles are filled by select women from prominent families, mainly to handle affairs unsuitable for men. They’re called female officials, but really, they’re just a way to occupy noblewomen’s time."

"Throughout a woman’s life, she obeys her father before marriage and her husband afterward. For rural girls, rather than fantasize about such things, it’s more practical to consider a good marriage. Everything I say is fact; perhaps you have been confined to household chores for so long that your perspective is limited."

"I also think a single book can cost one or two silver coins, a sum that ordinary farmers must save for a long time. Why waste money on something without return?"

Yao Tianyuan patiently rambled on, clearly convinced of the righteousness of his words. When he finished, his gaze fell on Tong Chuxue, as if waiting for her agreement.

"From what you say, a girl’s education is a waste of money. But what if the family is wealthy? Could a girl then be sent to study?" Tong Chuxue asked deliberately.

"Well—" Yao Tianyuan hesitated, then replied, "I truly do not understand why you are so persistent about reading and writing. A woman’s duty is to support her husband and teach her children well. That alone is enough."

"A woman’s duty is to support her husband and educate her children? Do you truly believe that?" Tong Chuxue fixed him with a determined gaze.

Her eyes were resolute. Yao Tianyuan, to his credit, was honest; he believed exactly that and had no reason to deny it.

"In that case, I’m quite fortunate," Tong Chuxue exhaled deeply and smiled—a smile of relief.

Thankfully, her family had broken off that engagement; had she been bound to a man who fundamentally despised women, she might well have done something to break the law.

Outside the Ink Treasure Studio.

Tong Yuer and Zou Hongping had just passed the door when sharp-eyed Tong Yuer spotted Tong Chuxue inside, along with the Luo brothers. She quickly pulled Zou Hongping inside the shop.

She had overheard the entire debate between Yao Tianyuan and Tong Chuxue.

She glanced secretly at Yao Tianyuan, her heart stirred. The young master Yao was fair-skinned, delicate-featured, and scholarly—a stark contrast to the men in their village.

"Tong Chuxue, you’re an unmarried woman, yet you argue openly with a man in broad daylight at the market entrance. Don’t you care about your reputation?" Tong Yuer said, raising an eyebrow at Tong Chuxue.

Luo Huian’s expression stiffened. "Miss, be cautious with your words!"

Tong Chuxue hadn’t expected trouble to arise again so soon. She and the Tong family truly were at odds; she couldn’t escape them anywhere.

Seeing Tong Yuer’s haughty manner amused her. She could ruin her reputation by simply speaking a few words to a man in public, but what could she expect when her own sister openly criticized her in front of everyone? She really did not want to admit having such a sister.