As firecrackers faded, the old year passed. Though the Chen Village still carried the lingering atmosphere of the New Year, Chen Zhiwei had already begun planning for the year ahead.
Just after the eighth day of the first lunar month, she brought along a slab of well-layered pork belly and two packets of freshly made braised dried tofu to the village head’s home to pay a New Year visit—and to discuss business.
“Grandpa Village Head, Grandma Mei, Happy New Year. Please accept my belated greetings,” Chen Zhiwei said with a smile as she handed over the gifts.
Village head Chen Fugen greeted her with a genuine smile. “Zhiwei girl, come, sit! I heard you gave the old house quite a lesson before the New Year?” The news had clearly spread.
Chen Zhiwei nodded calmly. “If others don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them. But they went too far, so I had no choice. I came today to discuss something serious.”
Getting straight to the point, she said, “I want to buy three fen of wasteland by the riverbank in the east of the village, build a few new houses, and set up a workshop specifically for making soybean products. If the business grows, I’ll need a large supply of beans. Our village has good land and many households grow soybeans—I plan to buy directly from them at a fairer price than the grain merchants offer.”
The village head and Madam Mei exchanged a glance, both seeing approval and surprise in each other’s eyes.
They admired her boldness and her loyalty to the village—but were also surprised at how quickly she was expanding, planning to build a house and workshop so soon after stabilizing her business.
“The riverbank land is poor and usually unwanted, but it’s close to water—suitable for a workshop,” the village head mused, quickly calculating the benefits for the village. “The price is negotiable—I’ll give it to you at the lowest rate for wasteland. But building houses and a workshop will cost quite a bit. You…”
“I’ve saved some silver—enough to get started,” Chen Zhiwei said steadily. “I’ll take it step by step. The workshop comes first; we can make do with living conditions for now. The key is to get things running. Later, when more workers are needed, there are plenty of hardworking people in the village who can earn extra income.”
Her words struck a chord with the village head. Who wouldn’t want someone capable in their village, leading everyone toward a better life?
“Alright! This is a good thing for the village!” he decided immediately. “Tomorrow I’ll consult the local headman and clan elders to finalize the land deed!”
..
The news spread through the village like wildfire.
At first, people were simply envious that Chen Zhiwei was building a new house. But when they heard about the “workshop” and her plan to “buy soybeans,” excitement surged.
“A workshop? That girl is really expanding her business!”
“She’s buying beans? That’s great! My two mu of soybeans won’t go unsold this year!”
“The Zhang family already made money helping her collect beans. Once the workshop opens, she’ll definitely need workers!”
“She’s capable—and she doesn’t forget her roots. Much better than some black-hearted people!”
Voices of envy, anticipation, and praise filled the village. Even those who had once been sour now dropped their resentment and began thinking about how to build a good relationship with her. Families like Aunt Zhao’s and Zhang Meng’s, who had helped her before, felt especially proud.
With the village head’s support, the land deed was settled quickly.
Chen Zhiwei used her savings to hire the best masons and carpenters in the village, paying them generously and choosing sturdy, cost-effective materials. Drawing on knowledge from her past life, she created a detailed plan: three main rooms facing south, solid and spacious; next to them, a large open workshop with wide windows for good lighting, brick flooring for easy cleaning, and clearly designated areas for soaking beans, grinding, braising, and drying.
On the day construction began, nearly half the village came to watch. As craftsmen dug foundations and built solid brick walls, villagers marveled:
“What a grand house!”
“This workshop is even more elaborate than shops in town!”
Chen Zhiwei spent most of her time—aside from going to town to sell goods—at the construction site. She paid close attention to details, such as drainage design and ventilation, offering precise ideas that impressed the craftsmen.
Many idle villagers volunteered to help mix mortar and carry bricks, hoping she would consider them when hiring workers. Their efforts did not go unnoticed—after evaluation, as long as they weren’t lazy or deceitful, Chen Zhiwei was more than willing to give opportunities to those who were diligent and perceptive.
..
At the same time, another major matter was underway.
Using newly purchased fine cotton cloth, Chen Zhiwei made her younger brother a well-fitted spring outfit, washed and pressed it neatly, and sewed him a sturdy blue cloth school bag by hand. She carefully prepared the tuition and gifts for the teacher, and on a clear day, personally took Chen Zhiyi to the “Chongwen Hall” private school in town.
The school was located in a quiet alley, with grey bricks and black tiles, exuding a calm scholarly atmosphere.
Chen Zhiyi clutched his sister’s clothes tightly, his palms sweaty. It was his first time in such a place.
They were received by Teacher Zhou, an elderly scholar with a lean face and gentle yet discerning eyes.
“Though starting late, do you know any characters? Can you count?” he asked.
Chen Zhiyi’s face flushed red, his head nearly buried in his chest. “R-Replying to Teacher… I… I don’t know any characters… I can count… to ten…” His voice grew softer with each word, overwhelmed by shame.
Chen Zhiwei felt a pang of pain but kept her composure. She gently patted her brother’s tense back and said calmly, “Teacher, our family circumstances were poor before, so we couldn’t afford his education. Now that things have improved, I’ve brought him here as soon as possible. Though he starts late, he is steady and hardworking. I hope you can accept him.”
Teacher Zhou observed them thoughtfully. While it was rare for a child his age to begin learning so late, the sister was composed and respectful, and the boy, though embarrassed, stood upright with determination.
“Very well, he may stay,” he said after a pause. “But he must begin with the basics—Three Character Classic and Hundred Family Surnames—studying alongside much younger children. He must be patient and not mind others’ opinions. The sea of learning has no end; diligence is the only path.”
“I will remember your teachings!” Chen Zhiyi said, bowing quickly, both nervous and excited.
..
After paying the tuition, Chen Zhiyi was led into the beginner’s class.
The moment he entered, dozens of bright eyes turned toward him—all belonging to six- or seven-year-old children. Seeing this “giant” among them, they stared curiously, some whispering:
“Look, he’s so big!”
“Why is he coming to school?”
Chen Zhiyi’s face burned. He didn’t know where to put his hands or feet, feeling as though every gaze pierced him like needles. Biting his lip, he forced himself to ignore the whispers, lowered his head, and quickly took the seat assigned to him in the back row, sitting stiffly upright.
The lesson began with the opening of the Three Character Classic: “At the beginning of man, nature is inherently good…”
The children recited in clear, childish voices.
Chen Zhiyi opened his mouth but couldn’t make a sound. He didn’t recognize a single character. All he could do was stare at the unfamiliar symbols, straining to remember the teacher’s pronunciation, sweat forming on his forehead.
The others recited fluently, making him feel even more out of place. Sneaking a glance, he saw a child in front pointing at the text and reading word by word. He fixed his gaze on it, silently following along, tracing the shapes with his finger under the desk.
When the teacher called on that child, the boy stood and recited perfectly. The teacher nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping the room—seemingly landing briefly on Chen Zhiyi.
Chen Zhiyi’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his head. But the teacher did not call on him and continued teaching.
Relief washed over him—followed by an even stronger determination. He had to learn as quickly as possible. He couldn’t let his sister down.
..
After school, Chen Zhiyi lingered until nearly everyone had left.
When he saw his sister waiting outside, his nose stung and tears nearly fell, but he held them back. Running up to her, he said softly, “Sis… I… I don’t understand most of it…”
Chen Zhiwei saw his tense face and reddened eyes and understood everything. Taking his bag and his cold little hand, she said firmly and calmly:
“It’s normal not to understand. No one is born knowing everything. When I first learned to cook, I burned plenty of pots. Don’t be afraid. We’ll learn a little each day, and one day you’ll catch up. Being able to sit in that classroom today is already the biggest step. I believe in you.”