After the Scholar Rejected Me, I Married the Rogue and Got Rich - Chapter 62

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback. Lin the Elder rubbed his rough hands together, somewhat hesitantly: “Studying is a good thing… but isn’t it a bit late for Song-ge’er to start elementary school at his age? Besides, tuition, writing materials, and paper are all expenses…”

Madam Wang sighed and patted Lin Miao’s head: “Miao is a girl. The private schools around here don’t accept female students.”

Lin Sang had clearly considered these issues. She explained, “Father, Song-ge’er is a bit older, but he has learned some characters on and off before, so he still has a basic foundation. I don’t expect him to pass the imperial examinations. I just hope he can read more books, understand things, and broaden his horizons no matter what he does in the future. He won’t be easily deceived when doing accounting or reading contracts. Tuition and writing materials will come from my share.”

She looked at Lin Song and encouraged him, “Song-ge, do you want to study?”

Lin Song was initially a little confused when he heard about studying, but seeing his sister’s serious expression and imagining himself holding a book like the other children in town, his eyes lit up with longing. He nodded vigorously, “Yes! Sister, I want to study! If I can read, I can help with the family accounts!”

Lin Sang smiled with relief and said to her parents, “As for Miao Miao, it is indeed a problem that the private school does not accept female students, but I think we can have Song Ge’er teach Miao Miao the words and principles he learned that day after school every day.”

Firstly, reviewing what we’ve learned will benefit Song Ge’er himself; secondly, Miao Miao can also learn to read and understand principles. We don’t expect her to become a literary genius, but for a girl, being literate and reasonable is never a bad thing. In the future… when she marries, she’ll be more secure in her family.”

Her words were reasonable and insightful, taking into account both the practicalities of the situation and her deep care and long-term plans for her younger siblings’ future.

Lin Laoda and Wang Shi exchanged a glance, both seeing emotion and agreement in each other’s eyes.

Wang held Lin Sang’s hand, her eyes slightly red: “Sang Sang, you’re so thoughtful! Your parents aren’t capable enough, and we’ve wronged you in the past… You’re right, studying and understanding principles is a good thing! We’ll do as you say!”

Lin the eldest nodded heavily: “Alright! We’ll send Song-ge to the private school in town in the spring! Miao-ya will study with her brother!”

Although Lin Miao didn’t quite understand, she clapped her hands happily when she heard that her brother had learned a skill and was going back to teach her.

Lin Song puffed out his chest, feeling that he had shouldered an important mission, and secretly resolved to study hard.

The charcoal fire crackled and popped inside, filling the room with warmth. Lin Sang felt a surge of satisfaction as she watched her family members’ joyful expressions after reaching a consensus.

She knows that changing one’s destiny is not just about how much money one makes, but more about opening one’s mind and having more choices.

Winter days slowed down, and the family members each found something to do to pass the time. The eldest son, Lin, led Lin Bai in repairing farm tools and organizing firewood; Lin Song and Lin Miao learned to read and played inside the house.

Wang then took Lin Sang’s hand and began preparing for her wedding.

Wang unfolded the red silk fabric with subtle floral patterns that Aunt Zhou had brought her. Its bright colors and smooth texture gave it a festive feel under the dim light.

“Sangsang, come here, let me help you take your measurements. Although the wedding date is set for next autumn, we need to start making the wedding dress as soon as possible. We can’t be careless with every stitch.” The mother and daughter huddled together, carefully measuring and drawing lines, discussing the style.

Madam Wang patiently and meticulously imparted the techniques and intricacies of sewing wedding gowns.

Besides the wedding dress, the dowry bedding also needs to be prepared. Madam Wang planned: “I’ll prepare four quilts and four blankets for you, to bring good luck and stability. The covers will be made of festive red silk, and the quilts will be filled with this year’s new cotton, so they’ll be sure to keep you warm!”

She pulled out some embroidery patterns from the bottom of her trunk. “You have to learn to embroider these mandarin ducks playing in the water and twin lotus flowers yourself. A new bride’s skills are something to be proud of when she goes to her husband’s family.”

Lin Sang listened attentively and learned from her. “Our skills are both just average. Xiao Man has been learning embroidery from her master. Why don’t we ask her to come over and give us some pointers?” Wang said shyly.

“Hmm, I think that’s a good idea. I’ll go to her house and ask when the weather gets a bit better,” Lin Sang said seriously after thinking for a moment. She also wanted her wedding dress to look beautiful.

———

Meanwhile, a warm atmosphere permeated the Zhou family’s courtyard. By the light of the snow streaming through the window, Aunt Zhou was sewing a vest for her son using the dark brown wool fabric that Lin Sang had sent. The stitches were fine and even.

Zhou Han chopped firewood on the side, stacked the firewood neatly, and swept the snow out of the yard.

Looking at her son’s tall and steady figure, Aunt Zhou smiled contentedly and couldn’t help but sigh, “Han’er, I’ve never felt so at ease before. With your marriage to Sangsang settled, there’s so much to look forward to.”

She stopped sewing, her eyes filled with longing for the future. “By this time next year, our family will be three! Then you can have a baby, and it will be so lively and bustling. Unlike now, it’s just the two of us, it’s too lonely.”

As Zhou Han listened to his mother’s words, he paused in his chopping of firewood. A barely perceptible smile appeared on his hard lips as he gave a low “hmm,” and he began to look forward to the “lively” scene.

Winter snow-covered mountains and forests provide the perfect opportunity to track prey. Zhou Han occasionally ventures into the mountains, and thanks to his exceptional skills and experience, he never leaves empty-handed.

He hunted plump hares and badgers, and even a fox with good fur. Apart from keeping some for his own consumption, he cleaned up the valuable fox pelts and the surplus game, preparing to sell some when the weather was better and personally delivering the rest to the Lin family.

Upon receiving the goods, Wang and Lin Laoda were full of praise: “Han’er is really capable! He managed to get such good stuff in the dead of winter!”

Looking at his hands, roughened by the cold wind, Lin Sang felt both heartache and pride.

She took out the soft measuring tape she had prepared beforehand, blushed, and said softly to Zhou Han, “Brother Zhou, could you… lift your foot so I can measure your size?”

Zhou Han was taken aback for a moment, then understood. His ears burned slightly, and he obediently lifted his foot.

As Lin Sang carefully measured, she whispered, “Mother said… a new bride has to make new shoes for her husband… I’m preparing them in advance.”

Looking at her slender fingers and focused profile, Zhou Han felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and the winter seemed less cold.

Looking at the game, Lin Bai mustered up his courage and said to Zhou Han, “Brother Zhou, could you take me with you next time you go into the mountains? I want to learn how to hunt and ease the burden on my family.”

Zhou Han looked at the young man, his expression turned serious, and shook his head: “Brother Bai, going into the mountains is dangerous. Not only do you have to deal with wild animals, but you also have to be careful not to get lost or worry about the weather. It’s good that you have this intention, but it’s better to focus on doing a good job in the family business or learn a trade in the future. If the business is successful, money will make money, which is much more reliable than risking your life by hunting.”

His tone was calm and steady, carrying the experience of someone who had been there. Although Lin Bai was somewhat disappointed, he knew that Zhou Han was right and nodded seriously.

“Your brother Zhou is right. He had no choice but to go into the mountains to support his family before. Now that our family is better off, there’s no need to take that risk. Going into the deep mountains is really putting your life on the line. Our family’s life is getting better and better. We should focus on figuring out how to do business well,” said Boss Lin, who was sitting in the corner smoking his pipe.

“Yes, Dad, Brother Zhou, I’ll listen to you. You have more experience than me, and I know you’re all doing this for my own good.” Everyone smiled when they saw how cooperative he was. When the whole family is united and listens to advice, life can go well.