Chapter 4

When Wang Kefan returned home, the whole family was waiting for him.

"Mother, today Uncle found me, it's news from Datong..." Wang Kefan recounted the entire meeting, observing Liu Shi's expression as he spoke.

Wang Rui's trouble was certainly a blow to Liu Shi, and moving and selling the land were major decisions. Although they were forced by circumstances, it was ultimately Wang Kefan's decision. If Liu Shi opposed, he would have to find another way.

However, no matter what, they had to leave Hengshi Village as soon as possible. The Manchus had already entered the pass and would soon advance south into Huguang. Time was running out.

Liu Shi, however, remained calm, listening to him patiently. She nodded and said, "My son has done well; we must not fall out with the elders of the clan."

Wang Kefan was relieved, the weight lifted from his heart. Fu Shihua, however, asked in surprise, "Mother, are you really willing to move to the county and sell the land to the Wang family?"

"Land and the old house are just material possessions; your father's reputation is the most important. We cannot let him be expelled from the clan," Liu Shi said. "Selling the land is for the best. If anything happens to your father, we can use the money to deal with emergencies."

Fu Shihua didn't dare to say more, but Xicui couldn't help but exclaim, "Uncle is clearly bullying us. He will definitely give us less money for the land!"

"Uncle has his own difficulties; children should not speak rashly!" Liu Shi scolded Xicui, then turned to Wang Kefan and said, "However, the family's property was hard-earned and should not be given away lightly. For such a major decision, it's best to have a reputable person help us."

Although Liu Shi was kind and forbearing, she was not timid or ignorant. She could see that Wang Min had ulterior motives, and land transactions were very complicated, with many opportunities for manipulation. It was always better to be cautious.

"Mother, rest assured. I will go to the county tomorrow to find a suitable house for the move and visit Magistrate Xu to ask him to help sell the land. We will leave Hengshi Village with our heads held high," Wang Kefan said. He knew nothing about the details of land transactions in the Ming Dynasty and had already decided to ask Xu Bingzhong for help on his way home.

"Fan, you have become more mature. We will do as you suggest," Liu Shi said, feeling greatly comforted by her son's thoroughness. She patted her hands and stood up, "Xicui, tell the kitchen to add two more dishes. We will have a good lunch today!"

...

After lunch, Liu Shi, concerned for her son, urged Wang Kefan to rest. After Wang Kefan got up and left, Fu Shihua followed him out.

Seeing her hurrying after him, her small feet making it difficult to walk, Wang Kefan stopped and waited.

"Is there something?" Wang Kefan asked casually.

"Oh... nothing," Fu Shihua stammered, feeling flustered. As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. How stupid! Why say nothing? If there's nothing, will he just turn and leave?

Wang Kefan, however, nodded and said nothing, naturally walking beside her. He not only slowed his pace but also let her go first at narrow spots like the corridor corner.

For Wang Kefan, respecting women was a matter of courtesy, but Fu Shihua felt a special sense of care and protection. Her small worries vanished, and she felt a sense of joy.

It seemed her husband had a broad and tolerant nature. Emboldened, Fu Shihua blurted out what she had been hiding in her heart.

"Since childhood, I have been taught by my elders that 'farming is the foundation, and reading brings honor.' You are a scholar, and your father is an official in Shanxi. There is no reason to sell the family's land! I think, today, you... you..."

Fu Shihua's face was tense, very serious and earnest, hoping Wang Kefan would take it seriously and fully understand the serious consequences of selling the land. However, Wang Kefan's expression didn't change; he just looked at her calmly, making her lower her head and her voice grow softer.

The "Nü Lun Yu" teaches: "When the husband has a problem, the wife should advise him earnestly." Fu Shihua believed she was giving golden advice. But perhaps she had been too harsh, as Wang Kefan looked at her as if she were a naive child.

"Are you done? There should be more, right?" Wang Kefan was very patient, having been a parent for many years in the old world, and patience was something he had in abundance.

"I think you were a bit rash today," Fu Shihua said, feeling flustered as she criticized her husband. Without thinking, she spoke rapidly, "Even if Uncle pressures us, we can ask Magistrate Xu (Xu Bingzhong) to protect us; we don't necessarily have to sell the land! Selling the land is easy, but buying it back is extremely difficult. When Father returns, how will you explain it to him? Moreover, without the land, the family will be reduced to living off our savings. How can you concentrate on your studies?"

With her worries off her chest, Fu Shihua felt much lighter but still didn't dare to look at Wang Kefan. He must be very angry; criticizing one's husband was at least a "woman's fault," and even if she was not at fault, she was still three parts wrong. But no matter what, she had fulfilled her duty as a wife, and she was prepared to be scolded.

"Hmm, what you said makes sense," Wang Kefan said, not angry.

Fu Shihua was delighted. Her husband was indeed reasonable. She seized the opportunity to persuade him further, "Yes, Mother didn't say much, but she is also worried about selling the land..."

Unexpectedly, Wang Kefan continued, "It seems I will have to trouble you to help me persuade her."

Fu Shihua was speechless, "You... you still want to sell the land?"

"Yes, it's best to sell the land. Besides, I don't plan to study anymore..." Wang Kefan dropped another bomb.

What will a scholar do if he doesn't study? Fu Shihua was confused. Wang Kefan continued, "The ancients said, 'rectify the mind, cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' My future goal is to bring peace to the world."

Wang Kefan smiled, and it was unclear whether he was joking or serious.

Fu Shihua was stunned and hesitantly asked, "Are you planning to become an official?"

"Well, I haven't decided yet," Wang Kefan answered honestly.

"You are just a scholar now; to become an official, you need at least a juren degree. Yes, you could donate to become a jiansheng, which is also a path, but it would make you look down upon..." Fu Shihua frowned, thinking hard about her husband's future. Wang Kefan smiled, shook his head, and walked away.

People in the Ming Dynasty married early, and Fu Shihua was not much older than Xicui. In the old world, a girl her age would still be playing with her parents, but Fu Shihua had already taken on family responsibilities and was doing her best to be a good wife.

However, her young age and thoroughly Ming Dynasty mindset made communication very difficult. Wang Kefan simply walked away, avoiding the confrontation.