Chapter Sixty-Six: Academic Pursuits Must Take Precedence

In a year when grain harvests had generally failed, acquiring more estates might help alleviate such pressure. Thus, during a leisurely conversation after supper, Lady Yun shared her thoughts with Wei Ruo.

“Ru’er, I heard that the Xie family has purchased some farmland outside the city. Perhaps our family should do the same.”

Wei Ruo calmly sipped her tea and replied, “Of course, Mother. If you wish to purchase land, you need only register at the Dao County office.”

“What I mean,” Lady Yun explained, “is that I hope you’ll take charge of improving the production. Reclaiming wastelands is what you do best, and those officials learned their techniques from you.”

“Mother, I shouldn’t refuse your suggestion,” Wei Ruo responded, “but lately my tutor has assigned me much work. The little spare time I have is spent discussing upcoming tasks with the county office and Nanny Qin. I truly have no energy left.”

Once, Lady Yun had pressed Wei Ruo to focus on her studies and not meddle in the fields; now, the situation was reversed—she wanted Wei Ruo to handle the land, but Wei Ruo was too busy with lessons.

With a sigh, Wei Ruo continued, “Studying truly demands all my attention and effort. Master Wang’s lectures are extensive and profound; I came to this late, so keeping up is very hard. Most of my energy goes into this every day. If I weren’t so drained, and Mother asked, I would surely do my best to ease your burdens.”

Her words were sincere and reasonable, giving no grounds for reproach.

Lady Yun found herself at a loss for how to argue further.

While she was still contemplating, Wei Yichen spoke up. “Mother, Ru’er’s studies must come first. If you wish to reclaim and farm the wasteland south of the city, you can simply hire people to do it. With the support of the officials, you can always consult them if any issues arise.”

With the matter thus settled, Lady Yun could only nod. “Yichen is right. Ru’er’s studies must indeed take priority.”

Then Lady Yun changed the subject, turning to Wei Yichen. “Yichen, how goes your search for a tutor?”

This had troubled the Wei family for over half a year.

For years, Wei Yichen had studied at the county academy, but last year his teacher informed him there was nothing more he could teach. He advised that, to make further progress before the imperial examinations, Yichen should either attend a better academy or apprentice under a more renowned mentor.

Xingshan County was remote. There were none nearby, nor even further afield.

As for the prestigious academies, they were not places an ordinary family could enter at will. The Wei family had only the inherited title to their name—no connections, no wealth—making it extremely hard to gain admittance to such institutions.

By comparison, finding a good teacher was somewhat easier. If they found one who could recognize Yichen’s talent, things would be much simpler.

Having a reputable teacher would also greatly help Yichen when he went to the capital for the examinations.

Yichen frowned. “I’m sorry, Mother. There has not been much progress.”

“Yichen, if you truly can’t find the perfect teacher, perhaps you should lower your expectations a little,” Lady Yun advised. “Time waits for no one. If you delay much longer, I fear it will affect your studies.”

“Mother, this is not a trivial matter. Once you acknowledge a teacher, it is for life—you cannot take it back. I think I must be cautious,” Yichen replied.

“So be it. You know your own mind, and I am only worried. In the end, the choice is yours,” Lady Yun said.

Listening to their conversation as she sipped her tea, Wei Ruo suddenly realized that her second brother had spent these years secluded in his own courtyard, neither attending school nor seeking a tutor.

He had mentioned wanting to pursue an official career—shouldn’t she try to help him too?

Her elder brother’s affairs were handled by the whole family, but only she could help her second brother.

After leaving Cangyun Court and returning to Tingsong Court, Wei Ruo asked Xiuying, “Meimei, do you know which is the best academy in Taizhou Prefecture?”

“Miss, why do you ask about academies? They’re places for men to study. I’ve never heard of an academy that admits women.”

“It’s not for me—it’s for my second brother.”

“Then please wait a moment, Miss. I’ll ask around!”

Xiuying herself had no idea; she’d never paid attention to such things. But since her mistress had asked, she’d certainly find out.

There was bound to be someone in the Commandant’s residence who knew, since the young master was studying there and the household had some scholarly air.

Soon, Xiuying returned with the answer: the three most renowned academies in Taizhou Prefecture were Fangyan Academy, Tongjiang Academy, and Anzhou Academy.

But all three posed two problems: they were far away, and they set a high bar for admission.

Xingshan County was a remote backwater, far from the bustling parts of Taizhou. Worse, the academies’ requirements for students were very strict—gaining entry would be difficult for any ordinary scholar.

“Miss, these three academies are all excellent. It’s not a matter of choosing which one Second Young Master should attend, but rather which one would accept someone from our family,” Xiuying said.

“If the academy route won’t work, then perhaps finding a teacher is still possible…” Wei Ruo mused, and an idea took shape in her mind.

June passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the seventh lunar month.

Xingshan County had been relatively peaceful these days. Imperial reinforcements had marched through en route to the east of the city, leading people to wonder if the fighting on the eastern coast had intensified.

The land reclamation in the south of the city was proceeding methodically. Since the harvest would belong to them, the workers were vigorous; many even slept beside the newly cleared fields.

The seventh day of the seventh lunar month was the Festival of Weaving Skills—a rare day when young women were allowed to go out together without the company of elders.

Wei Ruo had arranged to spend the festival with Xie Ying.

Before setting out, Xiuying made a variety of delicate pastries and packed them in a fine box for Wei Ruo and Xie Ying.

Just as she was about to leave, Wei Qingwan suddenly appeared.

“Sister, I heard you’re going to spend the festival with Miss Xie. May I join you?” she asked cautiously.

Wei Qingwan also wished to join her, so she came to find Wei Ruo just as she was leaving.

“No,” Wei Ruo answered firmly.

“Why not? Are you still angry with me? I know I was wrong about some things before. I apologize, and I beg you to give me a chance to make amends,” Wei Qingwan pleaded, biting her lip.