Chapter 8: Persuading to StudyLin Qinghe took the firewood knife and went to the back hill with Lin Qingsong.Lin Qingbai changed into dry clothes and came out holding a book, his gaze falling on Lin Qingmiao."Third Brother, why are you looking at me? If you want to study, just study!" She looked around, then brought out the vegetables from under the eaves and started sorting them.This way, she would have something to keep herself busy, and there would be no need to drag her into studying!Just as she thought this, Lin Qingbai brought a small stool and sat down beside her: "Elder Sister said that people who don’t study become foolish. You’re already not very smart. If you don’t study, let me think—you might end up like that fool from the neighboring village."That fool was quite famous in the village because he would often run out of his house, hit children when he saw them, and stuff mud into his mouth. He was so foolish it was unbearable to watch.Lin Qingmiao thought about it—if she became like that…She shuddered immediately. It was too terrifying.But upon further reflection, she sensed something was off: "Third Brother, don’t try to fool me. How many people in the village can’t read or study? I haven’t seen them all turn into fools.""They haven’t turned into fools, but they aren’t smart either." Lin Qingbai glanced at her and said, "Look at the people in the village who study—aren’t they more respected?"Zhao Family Village wasn’t particularly wealthy, but most people lived comfortably enough, so there were a few scholars. As for how well they studied, only they themselves knew. So far, none had achieved any scholarly honors.Lin Qingmiao thought about his words and felt there was some truth to it. Scholars did seem different. Even hot-tempered people would restrain themselves in their presence."They are indeed different, but if you’re talking about how smart they are, I don’t see where their intelligence lies?" she said, somewhat stubbornly."Being able to earn genuine respect from others—that’s where their intelligence lies."Lin Qingmiao felt there was something off about his words but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. After a moment, she looked up and asked, "If I study, can I make Wang Qiuhe behave more politely in front of me and stop scolding me all the time?"Lin Qingbai’s expression darkened. "She scolded you?""Not only scolded me, but she also pulled my hair. I can’t fight back either." She said gloomily, "Don’t tell Elder Sister. If Elder Sister gets angry and hits Wang Qiuhe, Butcher Wang will come looking for trouble with us later."She had already weighed the situation. Given Butcher Wang’s size and the ferocity he showed when slaughtering pigs, even if all four siblings fought together, they wouldn’t be a match for him. It was better to endure it."I know. I won’t tell Elder Sister." Lin Qingbai nodded. Elder Sister already had enough to worry about, supporting the family. There was no need to burden her with such matters."Have you told Mother about this?"Lin Qingmiao shook her head. "Mother is about to marry into the Wang family. From now on, she and Wang Qiuhe will be family. Earlier, she said she would take me with her and kept telling me to behave and not upset anyone. If I told her, would she scold Wang Qiuhe or hit her?"Since nothing could be done, why bother telling her?"If only Father were here, I wouldn’t have to be afraid of Wang Qiuhe anymore.""Father is gone, and from now on we have to rely on ourselves." Lin Qingbai's gaze drifted toward the courtyard gate, where nothing was in sight. The person he hoped would appear remained nowhere to be seen."I know, so I'll help with the household chores too. I won't be a freeloader."Lin Qingbai glanced at her and shook his head. "Don't take other people's words to heart. If you keep dwelling on them like this, it's as if you're giving them importance. She isn't someone significant to us. Just treat her words like a passing breeze.""I don't want to remember them either, but as soon as I close my eyes, I can see her glaring fiercely, scolding me, calling me a freeloader, saying I'm a burden. I don't want to be a burden either, but I'm just not grown up yet."If only she could grow up quickly, then she could handle any kind of work, and no one would look down on her as a burden."That's exactly why you're so easily affected—because your mind is empty. That's why you remember others' harsh words for so long. You should study more, fill your mind with knowledge. That way, not only will you become smarter, but those unpleasant words won't be able to squeeze into your thoughts."Hearing his words, she felt somewhat discouraged again. "What's so good about studying? Mother studied too, but she wasn't smart at all. She abandoned her own children to raise someone else's." Just thinking about it made her feel foolish.Besides, those children from the Wang family weren't even good-looking, and their tempers were terrible—always bullying the village kids.Listening to her words, Lin Qingbai's expression grew even gloomier. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "That was her choice, and we can't control it. It's better not to dwell on these things anymore. The more you think about them, the more it only hurts yourself."He didn't want to be separated from his mother; he wanted to follow her. But she refused. He knew it was because the Wang family wouldn't agree. Taking a girl along meant she could help with household chores and, when grown, fetch a dowry. A boy was different—he ate more, and when he grew up, there was the added burden of helping him find a wife.Deep down, he knew very well that going to the Wang family wasn't a good choice. Butcher Wang and his family were all ill-tempered. With his weak constitution, he couldn't do much work, and if he went along, he would only be bullied.Even so, he still wanted to follow his mother, but she wouldn't take him."Third Brother, now that Mother is gone, are you very sad?" Lin Qingmiao belatedly noticed that his mood seemed off."At first, yes. It felt like the sky was falling. But now it's fine. We still have Eldest Sister and Second Brother at home, and you're here too. In the end, it doesn't seem all that different." Lin Qingbai turned to her and smiled."Right, it really isn't all that different." After a moment's thought, she added, "Eldest Sister said if you miss Mother, you can go see her. We're all in the same village, and it's not far."Lin Qingbai shook his head. "I have things to do too, no time. If Mother truly cares, she'll come back to see us herself."What would be the point of going to the Wang family? To see their disdainful looks? If he went, they'd surely think he was there begging for food."What do you have to do?" Lin Qingmiao asked, puzzled."Study. The more I study, the smarter I'll become, and then I'll be able to understand everything clearly." And then he wouldn't hold onto these grievances anymore.Lin Qingmiao nodded. "Alright then, Third Brother, you start studying. I'll just listen from the side."Lin Qingbai reached out and patted her head: "Big Sister said I should teach you to read. Once you know how to read, you can read books on your own.""Wouldn't reading interfere with work? Third Brother, you should just read by yourself. Besides, only men can take the imperial exams—I can't go anyway, so reading isn't much use."Lin Qingbai looked at her somewhat helplessly. After saying so much, she hadn't taken in a single word. After a moment's thought, he spoke up: "Didn't you say Wang Qiuhe bullies you? As far as I know, she doesn't know a single character. If you can read, wouldn't that make you better than her?"Lin Qingmiao immediately lifted her head: "That makes sense!" She couldn't beat Wang Qiuhe in a fight, but if she could outdo her in some other way, it would still feel satisfying.

Eldest Sister of a Farming Family: Managing the Household, Farming and Opening Shops