Chapter 001 The people of Taoyuan Village are truly very kind
As for the matter of breaking off the engagement, Chang Xile is also unwilling to pursue it further. Everyone, aside from shaking their heads in sighs, has no other actions. At most, they exclaim: the people of Taoyuan Village are truly very kind-hearted
Old Master Chang sighed deeply, saying, "This young man has always been principled. He says that since there is no fate, one should not force it; a forcibly twisted melon is not sweet."
Indeed, Third Brother, this marriage is a significant matter; how can one simply call it off at the first sign of trouble? Their daughter may not care about her reputation, but our Chang family cannot be bullied! This issue is not just about your family; it concerns our entire Chang family and even the whole Taoyuan Village! When Xile passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, how many young women in our village wanted to marry him? If it weren't for the sincerity shown by the Qian family, how would Xile have taken a liking to them? Now the Qian family says they want to break off the engagement; although Xile is a boy and does not react as dramatically as a girl would when an engagement is called off, it is still not something to be taken lightly. When Xile passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, how many young women in our village wanted to marry him? If it weren't for the sincerity shown by the Qian family, how would Xile have taken a liking to them? Now the Qian family says they want to break off the engagement; although Xile is a boy and does not react as dramatically as a girl would when an engagement is called off, it is still not something to be taken lightly
If it weren't for this, how could the people in our village muster the strength to send him out to study and take exams? We originally thought that once this child succeeded, he could help improve our village, but now he has encountered such a situation
At this moment, the usually silent Boss Chang spoke up, "Third Brother, we are all here today, so you should say something. Tell us what your side is thinking. If you can't make up your mind, as the eldest brother, I will take charge of this matter. Since our Chang family settled in this Taoyuan Village, we have never suffered such a great loss; we cannot let this go unaddressed."
First, let us speak of the person known as Chang Xile, who is a renowned prodigy. At the age of twelve, he passed the examination for the title of Tongsheng, and at thirteen, he achieved the rank of Xiucai, even securing the top position that year. In a village like Taoyuan, where nine and a half out of ten people are illiterate, this accomplishment is indeed something to be praised even in the county.
Upon hearing these words, those who were originally indignant, including Yi and Tu, felt deflated. Since the parties involved had said so, what could they do? Although Chang Xile was not very old, he was a scholar, and no one would dismiss his words as childish nonsense. Previously, they had wanted to stand up for Chang Xile because they were upset to hear that he had fallen ill due to the broken engagement. Now that they learned of Chang Xile's attitude, they felt it was inappropriate to go against him, lest it provoke further distress. They had initially wanted to support Chang Xile for the same reason, but now, understanding his stance, they deemed it unwise to oppose him, to avoid causing any more trouble.
The second child in the Sanfang family often noticed that his parents remained silent, while several uncles became increasingly agitated in their discussions. Outside the house, a group of onlookers occasionally chimed in, expressing their willingness to help. Unable to contain himself, he finally spoke up: "Uncle, Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle, it's not that my father doesn't want to support Xile, but rather that Xile previously said this matter should be considered settled."
Ah, this child is truly loyal and affectionate, " sighed Old Master Chang, shaking his head.
Except for the members of the Chang family's third household, everyone else stared at each other in confusion. Elder Chang asked, "Did Xile really say that?"
Do not say that the third house of the Chang family has collapsed; the entire Taoyuan Village is left dumbfounded
The voices of people outside the room were very loud, with every sentence and every word clearly piercing into Chang Le's ears
The two brothers, Chang Lao Er and Chang Lao Si, bombarded the silent Chang Lao San with questions as soon as they entered the door, their mouths never stopping. They are no longer young, with grandchildren of their own, yet they could not remain calm in the face of such matters. Chang Xi Le is the most accomplished member of the Chang family and even the most successful in Tao Yuan Village, and now that he has encountered a serious misfortune, they are all deeply pained. Although they have long since separated their households and should not interfere in each other's affairs, when a major incident occurs, no one can stand by idly.
This matter cannot be dismissed like this! The Qian family cannot be so heartless. Oh, back then, they shamelessly approached us when they saw that our family had potential with Xile, but now that Xile is not doing well, they just kick him out. There is no such way to treat people!
In Taoyuan Village, there is no such precious thing. The horse belonging to the Qian family threw Chang Xile off. What exactly happened that day remains unknown to anyone. The Qian family claims that Chang Xile was curious about the horse and insisted on riding it, but the horse was unwilling and threw him off. Upon hearing this, it seems that Chang Xile was overconfident and brought this upon himself. However, everyone in Taoyuan Village knows that Chang Xile is the most honest and well-behaved person; how could he possibly be so reckless? Yet, when Chang Xile woke up, he did not refute this statement at all, nor did he explain what actually happened that day, leaving the people of Taoyuan Village at a loss.
The main figure did not wish to cause trouble, and the others also ceased their concerns. After muttering a few more words, they each returned home. Before leaving, they did not forget to remind that if anything happened, they should not forget to call them. The once noisy courtyard finally quieted down. Ever since Chang Xile suffered an injury, the Chang family's third branch has been shrouded in gloom, and even the youngest child dared not make a sound.
Old Fourth Chang was the most hot-tempered, and he jumped up directly, "Third Brother, what do you mean by that? If this matter spreads, it is the Qian family who will lose face! If it weren't for seeking justice for our Xile, who would care about that girl! Our Xile is such a wonderful person, there are plenty of girls who want to marry him. Back then, the Qian family was so persistent in wanting to betroth their daughter to our Xile, and now that something has happened, they turn their backs on us. This is not how things are done. Xile was only thirteen at that time, and according to the rules of our Taoyuan Village, a boy must be at least sixteen to be betrothed."
Given the current situation, what can they do if they are unwilling to accept it? Everyone is harboring a sense of grievance and wants to seek out the misfortune of the Qian family. If it weren't for the Qian family's extreme actions, Chang Xile would not be in such a state. Moreover, the incident of Chang Xile falling from the horse has yet to be clarified
"Sister-in-law, you must persuade Brother San; we cannot let this child, Xile, suffer unjustly." Old Fourth's wife, Wu Pozi, noticed that Chang Laosan remained silent, so she shifted her attention to his wife, Sun Pozi, who was Chang Xile's mother. She held back a thought, believing that even with a new daughter-in-law, it should not lead to the severing of the lineage of Xile. Given Chang Xile's current condition, it seemed unlikely he would live much longer. However, this thought was indeed inauspicious and struck a deep chord. She held back a thought, believing that even with a new daughter-in-law, it should not lead to the severing of the lineage of Xile. Given Chang Xile's current condition, it seemed unlikely he would live much longer. However, this thought was indeed inauspicious and struck a deep chord.
Chang Lao Er: "Lao San, you must not shy away from seeking justice for Xi Le just because you are afraid. The Qian family may be wealthy and influential in the county, but our Chang family consists of dozens of people. Moreover, the villagers have all said that as long as you speak up, we will make a scene in the city! Xi Le is the treasure of our Taoyuan Village, and we cannot allow others to bully her at will. Furthermore, even if Xi Le can no longer take the imperial examinations in the future, she still holds a title, and she is not someone who can be easily trampled upon by just anyone!"
Chang Xile was able to have the opportunity to pass the examination and become a scholar, not only relying on the three houses of the Chang family, nor solely on the Chang clan, but rather on the entire Taoyuan Village, where everyone contributed, whether it was a single egg or a load of firewood. The hope was that the village could produce someone capable, so that they too could benefit from it. Although the name Taoyuan Village sounds quite poetic, in reality, it is a well-known poor village
"Lao San, you must not be confused about this matter. If it weren't for the Qian family's withdrawal from the engagement, Xi Le wouldn't be so seriously ill. Since the Qian family dares to be so heartless, we cannot let them live in peace! Now that Xi Le is in this condition, it would be just right to marry the Qian family's girl to bring some joy; perhaps everything will turn out well!"
The entire Chang family, both young and old, huddled silently to the side, at this moment, it was not their place to speak.
At this moment, Chang Le's mind gradually became clear; the original Chang Xi Le was no longer present, replaced by Chang Le. Although hetushu.com and .com differ by just one character, they represent two entirely different individuals
Chang Le was awakened, his head feeling as if it were being pricked by countless needles, rendering him unable to think, as he stared blankly at the top of the mosquito net.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present became displeased
It is precisely for this reason that the Qian family would go to great lengths to marry their daughter to Chang Xile. Being young was not a problem; securing the match would ensure they would not suffer losses in the future. However, who would have thought that fate would be unkind to the talented? Chang Xile fell from his horse, landing face-first. Although he survived, a deep scar now runs from his forehead to the base of his right ear, and his face is marred by numerous other scars resembling a spider web, completely ruining his appearance. Moreover, his right hand was rendered useless; while it was not entirely disabled, he would no longer be able to lift heavy objects or perform delicate tasks, and even writing would likely be a challenge.
Oh heavens, this is not something that allows our Taoyuan Village to thrive
Old Master Chang sighed deeply and said, "Elder Brother, we appreciate your good intentions, but now that the matter has been settled, there is no need to make it public anymore"
Many people assume that if it were not for Chang Xile's youth and financial constraints, he would have waited until he was more assured before taking the provincial examination. By now, he might have already become a successful candidate. Although the difference between a juren (successful candidate) and a xiucai (scholar) is merely a step, it is a world apart; many have stopped at this point. However, based on Chang Xile's abilities, many are filled with confidence in him. After all, he is a country boy from a remote and impoverished area, who, despite having only studied for a short time, managed to pass the xiucai examination at a young age. With such talent, who would not have high hopes for him.
The usually fiery Sun Pozi, at this moment, resembled withered crops, sobbing yet refusing to speak. As a mother, she was well aware of her son's situation; she had originally thought that good days were just around the corner. However, just when there seemed to be hope, everything suddenly took a turn for the worse, falling harder than before. Who could have anticipated such a turn of events
In the era of Da You, the selection of officials was heavily influenced by appearances; in contemporary terms, it is a world that values looks. Individuals who are ugly, overweight, or disabled, regardless of their knowledge, are excluded. Not to mention, Chang Xile, who is often cheerful, has also lost the use of his right hand. For a peasant to pursue the imperial examination is already extremely difficult; with this, the path to the examination is completely severed. Upon hearing this, the Qian family decided to call off the engagement due to the incompatibility of the couple's birth dates. Chang Xile, who had barely endured until now, fainted upon receiving this news. After several days of high fever, he was left emaciated, resembling nothing but a skeleton. When he woke up, it was infrequent, as he mostly remained in a state of unconsciousness. The doctor said that if this continued, he might not survive the winter.
In this world, it is not easy to raise a scholar; if one cannot even have enough to eat, how can one have the leisure to ponder such matters? Just the expenses for ink, paper, and books can overwhelm a household. If the Chang family truly cherished and were exceptionally wise, they would not grit their teeth and allow him to pursue his studies. However, even though the Chang family is among the wealthiest in Taoyuan Village, they are, in reality, quite impoverished, barely able to eat a little better than other families. They have hardly any spare money and cannot afford to support a scholar. Moreover, to attend school, one must go to the county seat—there are no teachers or private schools in Taoyuan Village. The journey from Taoyuan Village to the county takes two to three hours, and one can only eat and stay at the private school, which is already a significant expense, not to mention other costs.
Although Chang Le, who has crossed over, is not Chang Xi Le, he understands very well what Chang Xi Le is thinking. This child is burdened with too much thought; if it were not for this, he would not have had the opportunity to extend his life
At this moment, Granny Sun could no longer hold back her cries, "This boy is in such a state, yet he still thinks of that girl. He says all of this is the idea of that money-grubbing man, and has nothing to do with her. We cannot let her be harmed. If this matter gets out, that girl will have no way to face others in the future. My son, how could you be so unfortunate! Even at this time, you still think of others. Who will care for you?"