Zhang Laotou opened his mouth wide, his eyes bulging in shock, feeling as if his heart was being torn apart.
After a long while, he regained his voice and stammered, “N-no, you must be mistaken. My Shilang is particularly clever; Scholar Wu said he will definitely pass the exams in the future!”
The guard outside sighed and said helplessly, “I am not lying to you. There is no need for me to deceive you. You are a suffering man, and supporting your son in his studies is not easy. I’m telling you the truth because I feel sorry for you. If you don’t believe me, you can go in and see Zhang Fang’s teacher.”
“No! You are lying to me! My Shilang is the most obedient, understanding, and clever! I won’t believe you!” Zhang Laotou shook his head vigorously, his expression agitated and clearly resisting the truth.
As he spoke, he turned and ran away, his back appearing disheveled and even somewhat staggering, nearly tripping.
The gatekeeper looked on with a sympathetic gaze, and after Zhang Laotou disappeared, he closed the door.
When he reached the city gate, Zhang Laotou was panting heavily; he had exhausted himself to the limit and had to stop, collapsing directly onto the ground.
People around quickly avoided him, fearing he might blame them.
Some kind-hearted souls inquired, “What happened? Are you alright?”
Zhang Laotou propped himself up, half-sitting, and shook his head at the strangers. His mind was filled with the words of the man earlier. He murmured to himself, “No, Shilang wouldn’t deceive me. He is the most filial and understanding…”
Seeing him muttering, the passersby dispersed, ignoring Zhang Laotou.
Returning to the village in a daze, Zhang Laotou ignored the greetings of others.
“What happened to Old Zhang? He looks like he has lost his soul; he doesn’t even respond when called.”
“I heard something happened to his son, Shilang!”
“What happened? Isn’t Zhang Shilang studying in the city? The Zhang family always boasts that he will pass the exams!”
“He got into trouble and ended up in jail!”
“Oh no! How serious! What did he do?”
“It seems he assaulted a girl and was sent to jail. They say he’ll be sentenced soon! Haven’t you noticed how the Zhang family has looked downcast these past few days? Even Old Zhang’s three married daughters returned to their maternal home.”
“Assault! How could Zhang Shilang dare to do that! If he liked a girl, he could have asked for her hand properly! To think he’s supposed to be a student, yet does something so despicable and shameless! What a disgrace!”
The two women thought they were speaking softly, but to their surprise, Zhang Laotou suddenly turned around, his face fierce, and shouted, “What nonsense are you talking about! My Shilang was invited by the authorities as a guest! This year, he will definitely pass the exams! Even the county magistrate praises Shilang’s talents! What assault! I think your son is the one who would do something despicable!”
The two women were taken aback by Zhang Laotou’s outburst. The one who had spread rumors about Zhang Fang was just about to retort when Zhang Laotou continued, “When Shilang returns, I will have him write an essay condemning your disgraceful nature! He is a scholar who cares about his reputation; you vile woman, how dare you slander him! Our Zhang family won’t let this go!”
Aunt Niu’s face froze, the words she wanted to say swallowed back painfully. She initially thought Zhang Shilang had fallen into misfortune, and that the Zhang family would lose their boasting rights, but little did she know the situation was like this. In any case, whether the truth was as it seemed or not, Aunt Niu still feared retribution from Zhang Jian. After all, their family was no match for the Zhangs. If a fight broke out, they would undoubtedly suffer losses.
Zhang Laotou returned home with a stern expression. Zhang Laotai, who was blind in one eye, was desperately trying to separate the millet from the mud.
This was millet grown by the river, picked up from Liu Yuanwai’s fields. Every year after the harvest, there’s always some grain and millet that drops from Liu Yuanwai’s fields. Zhang’s family never had enough food and relied on picking up the overlooked grain and millet from Liu Yuanwai’s fields to fill their stomachs.
Hearing footsteps, Zhang Laotai looked outside the window. Upon seeing her husband return, she immediately put down her things and went out to ask, “Dear, did you see Shilang?”
Zhang Laotou ignored his wife, entered the house with a grim face, took off his straw sandals, and lay down directly on the bed, covering his head with the blanket.
Zhang Laotai was stunned and, feeling anxious, reached out to pat the person under the blanket, asking quietly, “Is Shilang not doing well in jail?”
No matter how Zhang Laotai asked, Zhang Laotou remained silent. Worried, she rummaged through the house for their savings. After counting repeatedly, she realized they were still far from twenty taels of silver, and she covered her face quietly weeping.
“Shilang… I’m sorry for you… endure a little more… ”
Hearing his wife’s sobs, Zhang Laotou’s frustration peaked, and he threw off the blanket, scolding, “What are you crying about! Shilang is not dead! He’s still alive!”
After being scolded by her husband, Zhang Laotai quickly wiped away her tears, holding the money close to Zhang Laotou, and softly asked, “Then what is Shilang’s current situation? Is he alright?”
“Very well!” This phrase was squeezed out between Zhang Laotou’s teeth.
Zhang Laotou worked hard, tightening the family’s belts to support his youngest son’s education. His hope was that his son could pass the exams in the future, change their fate, and bring glory to the family, allowing them all to live better lives!
Yet he never expected that his youngest son would waste his studies, lacking discipline in the city, and even dare to deceive the family!
Every time Zhang Shilang returned to ask for money, he would always say that the teachers at the academy valued him highly. He thought he would certainly pass the examinations and become a good official! Zhang Shilang even claimed that his exceptional grades made him a target of jealousy among his classmates, who ostracized him. He created a persona of a diligent student striving for success, leading the Zhang family to believe it wholeheartedly, without any doubts.
The beloved son turned out to be like this, taking advantage of his family’s trust, deceitfully manipulating them, treating them like fools!
Zhang Laotou’s heart ached!
He could not understand why his son, who had been so well-behaved and understanding in his youth, had turned into someone like this today.
Instead of studying diligently at the academy, he frequented the brothel in search of entertainment, ultimately landing himself in jail and burdening the Zhang family with a debt of twenty taels of silver! It was humiliating just to say it!
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