Even though Zhang Dalu was only looking at Zhang Fang’s back at this moment, he felt that Zhang Fang spoke with a serious expression. He sighed, “Fourth brother, after this experience, you’ve matured.”
“Mm. Eldest brother, let’s not talk about the past anymore. From now on, let’s unite as a family and live better lives,” Zhang Fang said as he set down the inkstone and turned to face Zhang Dalu.
Zhang Dalu was deeply moved and replied earnestly, “Good! No more talk about the past! From now on, let’s live well!”
Zhang Laotou changed into his clothes and saw that Zhang Fang was not at the door. He immediately went to look for him.
Seeing Zhang Dalu with Zhang Fang, he worried that his honest eldest son might share what had happened at home, so he asked warily, “Dalu, why aren’t you boiling hot water? What are you doing here?”
Zhang Dalu explained, “I’m here to return these things to Fourth Brother. Second Brother’s wife is boiling water.”
Zhang Laotou walked over and reached for the items. He looked displeased, thinking about how much money it would cost!
“Fourth Brother, take all these items back!” Zhang Laotou asserted with the authority of the head of the family.
“Father, we can’t return them. If they aren’t suitable, we can only exchange them. I’m still a scholar, and if I buy something and then immediately try to return it, people will laugh at me!” Zhang Fang put forth this reasoning, knowing that Zhang Laotou would fall for it.
Sure enough, Zhang Laotou went silent.
Staring at the items with a pained expression, Zhang Laotou felt a pang of regret!
Zhang Fang looked down at Zhang Laotou’s feet, which were now in straw sandals again. With a helpless sigh, he said, “Father, these straw sandals should be thrown away.”
Zhang Laotou:!!!
“Throw away what? They can still be worn!”
How come he never noticed that his youngest son had a tendency to waste money before?
As soon as there was a bit of silver, he started being extravagant! Fortunately, Zhang Fang had handed over the remaining money to Zhang Laotou! Otherwise, who knows how he would spend it!
While Zhang Fang was taking a shower, Zhang Laotou warned the whole family about the recent events, which passed just like that.
Zhang Laotai was somewhat dissatisfied and muttered, “Those ungrateful folks don’t deserve to enjoy Fourth Brother’s kindness!”
Zhang Laotou, feeling a bit impatient, interrupted her, “Alright. A family should be harmonious and united! Besides, if this matter spreads, it will affect Fourth Brother’s reputation.”
If word got out, others would definitely ridicule them. Zhang Laotai pouted and fell silent.
As the sun set, the weary birds returned to their nests; the sky turned darker. Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang carried back over a hundred pounds of grain to the village.
Zhang Dage and his family had already returned home, bringing back their daughter.
Several girls, upon seeing Zhang Fang, looked fearful and tried to avoid him.
Zhang Fang didn’t force any interaction since the children must be carrying emotional scars from such a big event.
“Fourth Brother, we’re back!” Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang pushed open the door and placed the two bags of grain in the yard.
Only Zhang Fang’s room was lit in the Zhang household, and upon hearing the commotion, the others came out from their rooms.
Zhang Laotou walked over with a stern face, first checking the grain his two sons had brought back while quickly calculating the cost in his mind before asking them for the remaining money.
“Father, here are the remaining two hundred thirty-eight wen,” Zhang Erlang said as he honestly pulled out the money.
“Wait for Fourth Brother to come out, then we can eat!” Zhang Laotou ordered his two sons to move the grain into his room.
Once the door was shut, Zhang Laotai smiled holding the grain, unable to suppress her joy. Although the clothes and shoes Zhang Fang bought for her were nice, having grain was more practical. It is said that eating well comes before dressing warmly.
Immediately, Zhang Laotai wore a heartbroken expression as she remarked, “This child, Fourth Brother, is too filial! I wish he hadn’t bought us clothes and shoes. That money could have fed the whole family for at least six months!”
Zhang Laotou felt the same pain in his heart. However, recalling Zhang Fang’s words, he sighed and said, “Fourth Brother is a scholar; scholars care the most about their reputation. In the past, the family couldn’t afford it, so he was the only one who could wear nice clothes. Now that he has the ability to buy new clothes and shoes for the entire family, we must wear them out so others can see! Let them know how filial Fourth Brother is!”
Previously, only Zhang Silang had been the one in fine clothes and shoes, while the others wore patched-up old clothes and straw sandals. If the son was dressed well while the father was in rags, people would naturally gossip. They would accuse Zhang Silang of being unfilial.
Zhang Laotou had certainly heard such sly remarks, but the family’s financial situation was what it was. He must prioritize the best for the son he loves most, who has the greatest potential to succeed academically!
“I’ll tell the outside world how filial Fourth Brother is tomorrow!” Zhang Laotai, who loved to boast about her son, couldn’t help but declare. Fourth Brother was so wonderful! Everyone must know!
The elderly couple talked privately behind closed doors.
Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang stood at Zhang Silang’s door, noticing him concentrating on his writing. They felt it was impolite to disturb him, so they squatted outside waiting.
Zhang Fang suddenly stopped writing, turned his head to look at the door, and spoke, “Second Brother, Third Brother, you’re back.”
“Fourth Brother, did we disturb you?” Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang entered the room.
“No, I’m just taking a break after writing for a while. Thank you for fetching the grain,” Zhang Fang invited them to sit down.
Noticing Zhang Fang’s polite demeanor made both Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang feel a bit awkward.
Zhang Erlang informed Zhang Fang about the expenses for buying the grain, then clarified that the remaining money was handed over to Zhang Laotou.
Distracted, Zhang Fang suddenly asked, “Do you both know how to kill chickens?”
Zhang Erlang and Zhang Sanlang instinctively nodded, unsure why Zhang Fang would ask that.
“I brought back too much today. The cart is small, and I couldn’t bring any vegetables. I forgot to ask you two to buy some good vegetables when you went to get the grain. What do you think about killing a chicken first? Then we can buy a few to raise later.” Zhang Fang hadn’t eaten much in days and lacked energy, both physically and mentally, making it hard for him to focus on writing or studying.