Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 14: This Uncut Jade Seems a Little Off

Morning mist had not yet cleared when Su Ming stepped through the dew toward the schoolhouse, the edge of his worn cloth shoes fraying a little more. Master Lin Yu’s “earnest counsel” still echoed in his mind.

“Remember your persona: poor family background, average talent, but suddenly awakened, determined to be the hardworking, slow-but-steady kid. Your eyes must look pure, your answers sincere, even the sting of poverty on you must radiate the glow of striving. If you play this part well today, the spot is yours; if you botch it, all is lost. Understand?”

Su Ming didn’t reply. He only gripped the corner-worn Analects in his arms a little tighter.

The atmosphere in the schoolhouse was heavier than usual. Even the most restless kid, the one nicknamed Monkey, held a book, but kept glancing toward the door and at Teacher Zhou who sat upright.

Everyone knew the moment had come to decide who would go to town to compete for the Child Scholar exam spots.

Zhao Rui sat in the front row, wearing a brand-new indigo tunic, his hair slicked properly with hair oil. He lifted his chin slightly, a smile of confident entitlement at his mouth, as if the spot was already his to claim.

When he saw Su Ming enter, his gaze swept over Su Ming’s faded clothing and scuffed shoes. He snorted, not loud but perfectly audible: “Tch, some people just can’t see their place. Think a little grit will flip their fate? They don’t even see if they’re made of the right stuff.”

A few students who usually followed his lead let out low, muffled laughs.

Su Ming’s step faltered; his knuckles went pale.

“Ignore him.” Lin Yu’s voice sounded lazy and drawling, “Your stage isn’t here, it’s up there.” He was pointing at the empty space in front of Teacher Zhou.Su Ming lowered his eyes, took his seat, and took out his book, pretending not to have heard. That silent defiance hit Zhao Rui like a fist on cotton; his face tightened.

“Quiet.” Teacher Zhou tapped the ruler on the desk, then swept a calm gaze across the room, lingering slightly on Su Ming and Zhao Rui.

“Only two spots are available for the town exam.” Teacher Zhou spoke slowly and clearly, “This will affect your future. We will not test recitation or dictation today; I’ll ask one question.”

the dark wooden board behind him with white

Why.

his eyes steady, “Come forward one by one, write your

“Zhao Rui, you first.”

straightened, smoothed his collar, strode forward, and after a brief hesitation put pen to board. His

propriety and righteousness, to understand changes through time, to bring honor to the family and not disappoint one’s parents’ hopes.” He read

The answer was steady, unimpeachable, and very

slight nod, neither approving nor dismissive. “Mm, you

pride at Su Ming and

by one, the other students

will exempt you from

to the city and be

study… I can

were all sorts of things, honest and sometimes comical, and

Teacher Zhou called the last

“Su Ming.”

walked to the board. He did not start writing immediately. He

father at night on the threshold, puffing dry tobacco, his face carved by worry and hardship by firelight; his mother touching the one, two, three

money was heavy, pressing pain against

opened his eyes, inhaled deeply, and began to write. His handwriting remained crooked, even clumsy from pressing too hard, yet every

only a

he set down the pen, turned to face everyone, his cheeks a little flushed but his eyes unusually clear as he looked straight at Teacher

it cut clearly into every ear, “so that my