Chapter 51: Bad Kids
As long as there was a scholar preparing for his studies in a household, no one could guarantee that he wouldn’t become an official or achieve a similar high rank in the future. Thus, shopkeepers treated every customer who came to buy pens, ink, paper, and inkstones with great courtesy and kindness.
At this moment, seeing Zhao Dong specifically asking for the cheapest items, the shopkeeper didn’t look down on him. He smiled and turned to retrieve them, saying, "Yes, I have some. Just wait a moment."
Soon, the shopkeeper brought out a pen and an inkstick, smiling as he said, "This Lingnan Pen is very cheap, only 10 coins a piece. This one, Rongzhou Pine Soot Ink, costs 100 coins. These are the cheapest ones I have."
Since the price was already the lowest, Zhao Dong gritted his teeth and bought them all.
After leaving the shop, he couldn’t help but lament. No wonder many farming families couldn’t afford to support a scholar! The cost of books, pens, ink, paper, inkstones, and gifts for the teacher during festivals alone would be immense. This could truly crush a family relying solely on farming for their livelihood.A sense of crisis welled up in him; he realized he needed to find a new way to make money. Although selling tofu was profitable now, people weren’t stupid, especially the skilled cooks at the restaurants. After tasting the tofu, it wouldn’t take them long to figure out how to make it. Then, it would no longer be profitable.
So, making a mental note of this, Zhao Dong carefully stored the stationery, placed it in the cart, and then the three of them went to buy some fabric and leather goods before starting their journey home.
「...」
As it turned out, Zhao Zhitong was actually late for school on the very second day after becoming a disciple!
The reason was that when Zhao Zhitong woke up, she discovered her father and two uncles had gone to the county town without her. She immediately became upset, refusing to get out of bed and crying.
Zhao Zhitong declared, "I won’t get up! I just won’t!"