Tang Dashan nodded at Tang Yunshu. Yunshu said, “Uncle, I still have some deer blood—would you like to buy it?”
The tavern owner’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Deer blood is valuable. I’ll give you eight taels for it.”
“Uncle, you’re so kind and generous. The total comes to 118 taels; how about rounding it to 120? I’m a bit reluctant to sell the blood anyway—it would fetch more at an apothecary.”
“You’re quite the business-minded girl! Alright, 120 taels it is. Next time you have something good, bring it to me.”
The owner had been worried Yunshu wouldn’t sell the deer blood, and now he was thrilled—they had brought him fresh deer, leopard, and blood. Perfect ingredients for a special dish. He couldn’t let them leave.
The Tang family held the 120 taels in their hands, grinning from ear to ear.
Yunshu said, “Father, now we have the money, let’s go buy a cart.”
“Good idea, daughter.”
“Father, do you know how to choose a good ox?”
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” Tang Dashan replied confidently.
At the livestock market, a cattle dealer shouted: “Want to buy an ox? Come take a look! These oxen have strong, sturdy legs—perfect for plowing or pulling carts!”
Tang Dashan examined one of the oxen. Though it looked strong, it was easily startled by noise.
Tang Erzhuang asked, “Father, what do you think?”
Tang Dashan whispered to his family: “See, the legs are strong, but it gets panicky easily. Even if it’s strong, it’s risky—could hurt someone. When choosing an ox, look for a big head, wide forehead, thick neck and shoulders, strong legs, bright eyes, and a calm temperament.”
The dealer tried to attract attention: “Gentlemen, look at this one! Bright eyes, strong legs, full of energy for work!”
Tang Dashan stepped closer, inspecting it carefully. “How old is this ox?”
“Only three years old, right in its prime,” the dealer replied hastily. Tang Dashan crouched down to check its teeth—indeed, it was three. The dealer hadn’t lied.
The dealer asked 29 taels. Tang Erzhuang bargained fiercely, finally buying the ox for 26 taels and getting a simple cart for 2 taels. The dealer almost cried from the deal, but Yunshu was impressed—Second Brother really had a knack for business. She mentally noted to let him handle future deals.
The four of them returned home with the two ox carts, laughing all the way. Villagers stopped to ask about the carts.
“Dashan, you got two ox carts? One from the village chief, the other…?”
“That’s our new one,” Tang Dashan smiled.
“Wow, new? Those oxen look so healthy, must have cost a lot.”
“Twenty-six taels,” he replied.
Villagers murmured admiringly. “I heard your daughter hunted a leopard and a deer yesterday. You used the money to buy this ox? Impressive!”
“Second in the village to buy a cart—your family’s going to prosper!” an elderly lady laughed.
Li Cuicui and Tang Dashu watched with envy.
At home, the family admired the new carts and oxen. Fourth and youngest brothers immediately wanted to go feed the oxen. Tang Dashan said, “Go ahead. Take the village chief’s ox too, feed them well, then return them.”
That evening, Yunshu spoke: “Father, Mother, brothers, I have an idea. If you only learn literacy from me at home, progress is slow. The way I teach has limits—it can’t match the system of a proper school. Now that we have money, I want to send you all to school. You can tell me what you think.”
Eldest brother spoke first: “Little sister, my leg isn’t fully healed. Even if it were, I wouldn’t go. At our age, starting with seven- or eight-year-olds would be embarrassing. I won’t go.”
Second brother agreed: “Same here, too old to join.”
Yunshu looked at Fourth and youngest brothers. Fourth hesitated. “I’m only one year younger than them. I don’t need school—I can learn from little sister at home.”
Yunshu immediately countered: “Fourth Brother, don’t use the older brothers as an excuse. You’re only fourteen—not old at all! You’re smart and quick with numbers. There’s no choice—you must go. School teaches you to understand the world and gain knowledge. As the saying goes, ‘In books there is beauty, in books there is treasure.’ Studying isn’t just for passing exams—it’s invaluable for life. The more you read, the more you understand, and you meet friends along the way. These are treasures for your future.”
Fourth brother looked troubled. “Little sister, I heard schooling costs a lot. Our family relies on you for income; I can’t let you support us all. The youngest brother is enough.”