Until he saw Zhang Fang, Old Man Zhang finally regained his senses. Remembering the things his younger son had done, he felt a surge of anger, his expression darkening as he stared at Zhang Fang.
Zhang Dalu did not notice the change in Old Man Zhang’s expression. After Zhao the Jailkeeper opened the cell door, he moved some books inside and then took Zhang Fang’s hand, asking excitedly, “Fourth Brother, how are you? Have you been bullied?”
From the moment Old Man Zhang appeared, Zhang Fang sensed his bad mood and felt a little wary. He smiled and replied to Zhang Dalu, “I’m eating well and sleeping well here. Brother Zhao takes good care of me!”
Zhao the Jailkeeper smiled and nodded, telling them, “You two continue your conversation! If you need anything, just call for me!”
“Thank you, Brother Zhao!” After Zhao the Jailkeeper left, Zhang Fang put away his smile and asked with concern, “Father, what’s wrong?”
Old Man Zhang did not immediately question his younger son because Zhang Dalu was still present. He had to hide these matters from his younger son, so he said to Zhang Dalu, “Dalu, wait outside.”
Zhang Dalu was astonished and asked in confusion, “I’m going outside?”
He still wanted to talk with Fourth Brother for a bit longer.
Old Man Zhang frowned and said unkindly, “Are you deaf?”
Seeing how stern Old Man Zhang was, Zhang Dalu had no choice but to obediently go out, especially telling Zhang Fang, “Fourth Brother, I’ll come back to see you later!”
Zhang Fang smiled and nodded.
Once Zhang Dalu’s figure disappeared from the prison, Old Man Zhang reached out to grab Zhang Fang, lowering his voice and speaking with pained sincerity, “Fourth Lang! You’ve disappointed me too much! I worked hard to support your education, but how does this reflect on me and the whole family?”
Zhang Fang’s expression was unnatural. Did the original owner do something else in the academy that made Old Man Zhang find out?
Old Man Zhang pointed at the pile of books and scolded, “A hundred wen! I have to save half a year’s worth of eggs to get that much money! How could you spend so much on this kind of book!”
Pulling his hand away from Old Man Zhang, Zhang Fang squatted down and rummaged through the pile of books, not knowing what the problem was.
It wasn’t until he flipped to the risqué images that Zhang Fang’s face turned pale, as if struck by lightning. He cursed inwardly: What a scoundrel this original character was!
Reading was considered the pinnacle of achievement in everyone’s eyes, and those who could read were regarded as noble individuals. Liu Mu curiously peered in to see what book Zhang Fang had looked at that could anger Old Man Zhang so much.
Old Man Zhang’s eyes were red from crying, looking at Zhang Fang with grief, choked with emotion, “Do you know how hard it is for a peasant family to raise a scholar? Every family member goes hungry to provide for your education, yet what have you done!”
Zhang Fang was also very angry, and faced with Old Man Zhang’s disappointed gaze, he could only kneel and say, “Father, I know I was wrong. I will correct my ways! I won’t look at this kind of book again! I will tear it up right now!”
Saying this, Zhang Fang reached to tear the book.
Old Man Zhang reacted quickly and snatched the book away, angrily saying, “That book’s deposit is one hundred wen!”
Zhang Fang maintained the awkward pose of tearing the book, looking at Old Man Zhang with embarrassment.
Liu Mu looked on, confused and curious about the book Old Man Zhang held, but unfortunately, the father and son closed the book, not giving him a glimpse.
Chapter 23: The Vanity of Peasant Households
In Zhang Fang’s series of actions—kneeling, crying, and slapping his own face—Old Man Zhang’s heart softened, and he forgave him. After all, this was his most beloved son; Old Man Zhang couldn’t bear to ignore him.
“Fourth Lang, you stay put in the jail for now. I’ll come up with the money to get you out as soon as I can,” Old Man Zhang said, pulling Zhang Fang up and looking at him with complex emotions.
Zhang Fang was surprised, fearing Old Man Zhang might sell his daughter to rescue him, he hurriedly said, “Father! I don’t want to go out! I’ll stay here! Don’t sell those few nieces!”
“If I can’t raise twenty taels of silver within a month, you will be sentenced! Do you want to be exiled?” Old Man Zhang said with a stern face, and despite trying to lower his voice, his tone revealed thick anger.
Zhang Fang slapped his forehead, having forgotten about that point. He quickly changed his tune, saying, “Father, I will be writing diligently during this time. Don’t worry about the money; I have a way.”
In the past, if his younger son had said this to him, Old Man Zhang would have believed it. However, now that he knew his younger son’s true character, Old Man Zhang did not trust that Zhang Fang could come up with money at all. Unable to contain himself, he scolded, “That’s twenty taels of silver! You’re locked up in jail; where will you get that much money?”
At such a critical time, Old Man Zhang couldn’t understand why his son was still boasting to him.
Zhang Fang explained, “Father, scholars have their ways to make money. Although I haven’t studied properly, I’ve read many stories. I’m planning to write a story and submit it for publication; it will definitely be a hit!”
Old Man Zhang stared deeply at Zhang Fang, unsure whether to trust him again.
Noticing Old Man Zhang’s doubt and disbelief, Zhang Fang assured him, “Father, just wait a few days. I will write a draft first, and you can help me submit it! If I can’t make money, then I will leave my future in your hands!”
Old Man Zhang was skeptical but suddenly darkened his face and lowered his voice, scolding, “You wouldn’t be writing that kind of filthy stuff, would you?”
Though he had only caught a glimpse, he had not forgotten the shock that the risqué book had given him. He feared that Zhang Fang might also create something like that to make money. How embarrassing! If people found out, it would ruin their reputation! How could he still pursue merit?
Zhang Fang helplessly shook his head, “Father, that’s an illustration. I can’t draw. I can only write some amusing stories.”
Old Man Zhang threatened, “Fourth Lang, if you dare to write filthy things and ruin your future, I will break your legs! Don’t you dare come home!”
“Father, I swear, I will absolutely not write that kind of content!” Zhang Fang said seriously, raising his hand to swear.
Only then did Old Man Zhang choose to believe him.
After Old Man Zhang left, Liu Mu immediately asked Zhang Fang, “Brother Zhang, what kind of book did you read that made your father so angry?”
Aren’t all the books filled with refined content? Liu Mu just couldn’t imagine what filthy content could be in the book, especially since he couldn’t read.
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