The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

"Son, why are you so confused? That Scholar Master is a student at Changqing Academy. You mentioned that today the academy’s Dragon Boat Race won first place again. As long as that Scholar Master doesn’t act recklessly, what future could be bad? Have you forgotten how many graduates have come out of Changqing Academy?"

"Usually, our family wants to establish a connection with such a Scholar Master, and we can’t even find a way even if we offer silver for free. Isn’t today an opportunity given by heaven? That Scholar Master saved our Er Gouzi; we should sincerely thank the Scholar Master. If he is easy to talk to, we can even have Er Gouzi take him as a teacher. With such interactions, wouldn’t we be able to establish a connection?"

"If that Scholar Master is talented and can eventually become a Graduate or a Scholar, what would Er Gouzi have to worry about in the future? As for our family, as long as Er Gouzi is the Scholar Master’s disciple, we would be people with backing. Previously, there was no way; we had to keep a low profile. But if we establish this connection, what would we need to be afraid of?"

"Think for yourself, isn’t this the truth? A great opportunity is right in front of you, yet you pushed it away, offending the Scholar Master! If we encounter someone petty, looking to cause trouble for our family, wouldn’t it just be a matter of lifting a finger?"

At this point, Old Madam Cao was so angry that she hammered Cao Jian twice before slumping into a chair, tears streaming down her face.

Cao Jian finally realized, and couldn’t help turning pale, regretting so much that he slapped himself several times: "Mother, it’s my fault! It’s because I’m brainless! I’m useless!"

After all, Old Madam Cao cared for her son, let out a long sigh: "It’s still our Cao family’s fate. Forget it, let’s accept it! Say no more; this afternoon, prepare a thank-you gift, find out where Scholar Song lives, and we’ll send it over tonight. Let’s not think about establishing connections anymore; just hope he doesn’t hold a grudge against us!"

Saying this, Old Madam Cao supported herself with a cane, hunching her back, and returned to her room.

Leaving Cao Jian regretting, pounding the ground with his fists, hating himself for not realizing sooner.

Cao Jian’s wife brewed ginger soup and forced Er Gouzi to drink it. Er Gouzi, still young and startled, drank the soup and could barely keep his eyes open.