Several of the men from the Liu family had gone off to buy an ox, and all the goods at the stall had already been sold. With nothing else to do, Xiao Chen, Xiao Cuihua, and Xiao Sun stayed behind at the stall chatting idly.
Xiao Chen sighed with emotion and said, “I never imagined our family would buy an ox so soon. Yesterday when An’er said we should get one, I thought the child was just talking nonsense.”
Hearing this, Xiao Cuihua couldn’t help but sigh as well. “Our An’er is truly remarkable. A few years ago, our family could barely get enough to eat. But in just a few months, we’ve bought a mule and now an ox. Our lives will only get better and better. With An’er supporting the family in the future, we won’t be inferior to anyone.”
Xiao Sun nodded in agreement. “I’ve noticed that An’er is very talented in his studies. Maybe one day he’ll really pass the imperial exams and earn an official title. As his aunt, I might even share in the glory.” She laughed heartily after saying that, and Xiao Chen and Xiao Cuihua joined in the laughter.
Xiao Cuihua added jokingly, “Then I, as his aunt, will benefit from it too.”
Hearing the two sisters-in-law speak this way, Xiao Chen quickly replied, “Oh, please don’t say that. If it weren’t for the two of you, An’er wouldn’t be where he is today. He’s been weak since childhood, and that serious illness nearly drained all the money in the family. Yet neither of you ever complained. You even saved the best food for him—more than you gave your own daughters. We will always remember that, and An’er will never forget either. If he ever grows up and dares to treat you unfilially, I, as his mother, will be the first not to forgive him.”
Hearing Xiao Chen sincere words, Xiao Cuihua and Xiao Sun were deeply moved. Over the years, both of their families had done their best to care for An’er, hoping that in old age they would have someone to rely on. With a younger brother in the family, their daughters would also have better prospects for marriage. Hearing Xiao Chen make such a solemn promise satisfied them greatly.
Xiao Cuihua smiled and said gently, “Look at you, Xiao Chen. It’s not as serious as you say. An’er is such a good child. Xiao Sun and I were only joking. We don’t expect him to repay us with anything grand. As long as An’er grows up safe and healthy, that’s our greatest wish.”
Xiao Sun chimed in, “Exactly. Xiao Chen, although we dote on An’er, ever since he came into the family our lives have felt more hopeful. No one dares to mock our branch of the family for having no sons anymore. Not to mention anything else—even marrying off our daughters has become much easier than before.”
Hearing the words of her two sisters-in-law, Xiao Chen felt even more fortunate to have married into such a good family. Her parents-in-law were reasonable, her husband was gentle and considerate, and her sisters-in-law were easy to get along with. The entire family shared one goal: to raise the boy up healthy and strong. She felt that in the whole Liu Village, there probably wasn’t anyone happier than her.
“When An’er grows up, the three of us will enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life together,” Xiao Chen said happily, imagining his future. “By then we’ll have him marry several wives, and each of us can help raise a grandson.”
Xiao Cuihua and Xiao Sun burst out laughing, happily picturing the bright future she described.
“Father, that ox over there looks pretty good,” Liu Dazhuang said, pointing to a yellow ox ahead.
“It does look decent,” Liu Dahai replied seriously, “but buying cattle requires knowledge. Let’s go take a closer look before deciding. We don’t want to be tricked into buying a sick animal.”
With that, the group headed deeper into the livestock market.
“Looking to buy an ox?” a middle-aged man called out with a smile. “Mine is strong and healthy—take it away for sixteen taels of silver.”
Before Liu Dahai could respond, another man nearby spoke up eagerly. “Wang San, your ox is healthy? Didn’t it just get sick recently? Who knows if it’s really recovered! Sir, if you’re buying an ox, take a look at mine instead. Strong and sturdy—fifteen taels and it’s yours.”
“Bah! Your ox was the sick one, Li Si!” Wang San snapped angrily. “Don’t listen to his nonsense. That man is the most dishonest person around. For all you know, his ox is the one with problems.”
The two men quickly rolled up their sleeves and started fighting.
Seeing this, Old Master Liu said calmly to his three sons, “Let’s go look further ahead.”
Understanding his meaning—that they would not buy from either man—the three brothers nodded and followed their father away.
Meanwhile, Wang San and Li Si were still grappling and punching each other, faces bloodied, completely unaware that the potential buyers had already left.
Liu Dahai and his sons looked at several more oxen, but none satisfied them. Just as they were about to give up, Liu Sanzhuang spotted an elderly man in clean clothes feeding grass to his ox.
“Father, look at that one over there,” Liu Sanzhuang said, pointing. “That ox seems pretty good.”
Liu Dahai also thought the animal looked promising, so he led his sons over.
“Old brother,” Liu Dahai said politely, “how much are you asking for this ox?”
The old man looked up and replied kindly, “This ox is three years old—right in its prime. I’m getting old, and my sons want to take me to the county town to live with them. I have no choice but to sell it. I only hope whoever buys it will treat it well.”
Hearing this, Liu Dahai felt a pang of sympathy. After all, when you raise an animal for years, you naturally grow attached to it—especially an ox, which was such a precious and rare possession for ordinary families. Anyone who bought one would surely have to care for it well.
Liu Dazhuang stepped forward and gently stroked the ox’s back. “Father, this ox is quite sturdy,” he said with a smile.
Liu Dahai circled the animal carefully, examining its eyes, nose, and hooves. He nodded with satisfaction but still crouched down to lift its tail and inspect it thoroughly.
Seeing Liu Dahai’s careful inspection—and the eager expressions of his sons—the old man realized they were people who truly valued cattle. Feeling reassured, he said,
“Brother, I can tell you love cattle as much as I do. If you like this one, I won’t ask for much—fourteen taels of silver. I’ll also include the ox cart. I only ask that you treat Da Huang well.”
Liu Dahai and his sons were very pleased. Along the way, they had heard that most oxen sold for fifteen or sixteen taels. This one was only three years old, strong and in its prime, yet the price was just fourteen taels—and it even came with a cart. It was truly a bargain.
“Thank you, old brother,” Liu Dahai said with a smile, handing over fourteen taels of silver. “We’ll take the ox. Don’t worry—we’ll treat Da Huang well.”
The old man accepted the money and patiently explained various tips for raising cattle. Liu Dahai and his sons listened attentively, afraid of missing even a single detail. Seeing this, the old man felt even more satisfied and shared all the experience he had accumulated over many years of caring for oxen.
Later, as Liu Dahai led the ox and cart back toward their stall with his sons, Liu Sanzhuang said in disbelief,
“Father… I’m not dreaming, right? Our family really has an ox now?”
Seeing his third son’s silly but excited expression, Old Master Liu laughed good-naturedly instead of scolding him.
“Yes,” he said with a smile. “Our family finally has an ox. From now on, the tofu business at home will do even better.”
After hearing Old Master Liu’s words, the three Liu brothers all showed satisfied smiles. Liu Dazhuang said, “Father, from now on after we finish selling the spicy mixed dishes, we can head home early to prepare tofu for the next day. Third Brother can drive the ox cart to pick An’er up from school.”
“That’s a good idea,” Old Master Liu nodded. “While you’re at it, check which households sell soybeans at a better price and buy some when it’s suitable. I’m worried the beans in the village won’t be enough. Oh, and we should buy another millstone as well—one isn’t enough for the house anymore.”
“Father, I think Uncle’s family has a millstone sitting unused,” Liu Erzhuang suggested. “Why don’t we buy that one? It’ll save us the trouble of purchasing one in town and hauling it back.”
“That works,” Old Master Liu agreed. “When we return, I’ll ask your uncle about it. Now it’s almost time for An’er to finish school. Let’s go pick him up, then pack up the stall together and head home.”
As he spoke, he looked proudly at the newly bought ox cart, feeling extremely pleased.
Liu Dazhuang and Liu Erzhuang went off to buy soybeans, while Liu Sanzhuang headed to the private school to pick up Liu An.
Recently, their family had been delivering braised eggs to the school, so Liu Sanzhuang had become quite familiar with the kitchen cook. Scholar Li would also often chat with him about Liu An’s studies. From these conversations, Liu Sanzhuang learned that his son was a very promising student. The thought filled him with immense pride.
As the end of class approached, Scholar Li called Liu An into his study alone and spoke earnestly.
“Liu An, you have already mastered the Thousand Character Classic. When you return home, ask your father to buy you a copy of the Analects. Starting tomorrow, you will move up to Class C. However, you still need to practice your handwriting diligently. If your writing remains like this, it may be difficult to pass the imperial examinations.”
Hearing that he could advance to the next class, Liu An was overjoyed. He respectfully bowed to Scholar Li and said,
“Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I will work even harder to practice my handwriting and will not slack off in the slightest.”
“Good. You may go,” Scholar Li replied, smiling with satisfaction at Liu An’s respectful attitude as he watched the boy leave.
As soon as Liu An reached the courtyard gate, Wang Fugui rushed over.
“Liu An, why did the teacher call you? Did he ask you to bring more braised eggs? If so, you should bring extra! Everyone grabs them so quickly that sometimes I can’t even get enough,” Wang Fugui complained.
Liu An couldn’t help laughing at his friend’s ridiculous assumption. “The teacher said that starting tomorrow, I’ll be promoted to Class C.”
“What? Class C?!” Wang Fugui shouted in shock. “You’ve only been here three months and you’re already moving up? How are the rest of us supposed to survive?”
Nearby, Zhou Shen and Zhang Heng also heard the news and looked at Liu An with envy.
Zhang Heng sighed dramatically. “Liu An, you’re too impressive. You started school two months after us and yet you’re advancing ahead of us. That’s outrageous—you’re leaving us no chance!”
Recently, Zhou Shen had also begun studying much harder because of Liu An’s influence. But at this moment he felt the same frustration as Zhang Heng. No matter how hard he tried, he simply couldn’t keep up with Liu An’s pace. If he hadn’t personally witnessed Liu An’s remarkable memory, he might have suspected that Liu An had already received formal education before coming here.
Finally, Zhou Shen sighed helplessly. “Forget it, Zhang Heng. This kid is just naturally gifted. We can’t compete with him.”
Although the three boys felt a little envious, they had grown close friends with Liu An over the past few months. So more than anything, they were happy for him.
Suddenly Wang Fugui’s eyes lit up. “Liu An, since you’re moving up a class, shouldn’t we celebrate? Tell you what—tomorrow bring me two extra braised eggs.”
Seeing Wang Fugui’s shameless enthusiasm, Zhou Shen and Zhang Heng felt embarrassed and quickly turned away as if they hadn’t heard anything.
Liu An laughed and agreed. “Alright. Tomorrow I’ll bring a few extra braised eggs so we can celebrate together.”
Wang Fugui was thrilled to hear his request granted. Forgetting his earlier jealousy, he turned to Zhou Shen and Zhang Heng proudly.
“See? You two get to benefit because of me. You should thank me properly!”
“Thank you, Young Master Wang,” Zhou Shen and Zhang Heng replied sarcastically, clearly annoyed by his smug expression.
“You’re welcome, you’re welcome,” Wang Fugui said grandly. “Your Young Master Wang is a generous man. Tomorrow I’ll bring roast chicken too, and we’ll all share it at lunch.”
The two boys exchanged a synchronized eye roll while Wang Fugui pretended not to notice, happily imagining the feast they would have the next day.
After saying goodbye to his classmates, Liu An dashed out of the schoolyard like a rabbit, searching for his father who was waiting outside.
Liu Sanzhuang spotted him first and waved loudly. “An’er! Over here!”
Only then did Liu An notice his grandfather driving an ox cart while his father stood beside it waving. His eyes lit up with excitement as he ran over.
“Grandpa! Father! Our family bought an ox cart?”
“That’s right,” Old Master Liu said with a wide smile. “Thanks to you, the tofu business has been booming. The mule cart alone isn’t enough anymore, so we bought an ox cart too.”
“Come on, An’er,” Liu Sanzhuang said as he lifted his son onto the cart. “Today we’ll ride the ox cart home together.”
But Liu An quickly waved his hand. “Grandpa, Father, we can’t go home yet. I need to buy something first.”
“Oh? What does my good grandson want to buy? Your grandfather and father will go with you,” Old Master Liu said without hesitation, thinking the boy simply wanted a snack.
Liu An smiled and explained, “Grandpa, Father, Teacher asked me to buy a copy of the Analects. I’ve already memorized my previous books, and tomorrow I’ll be promoted to Class C.”
“Good! Good!” Old Master Liu exclaimed happily. “My An’er is amazing—already moving up a class so quickly! Buy it, of course! Sanzhuang, stop standing around. Hurry and take An’er to buy the book. We mustn’t delay his studies.”
Old Master Liu was so delighted that he kept urging his son to hurry.