Chapter 001 is quite mischievous

Speaking of lice, it truly is Wang Tang's nightmare. Two years ago, he slept alongside Wang Anshi and others. Although he did not fully recall the events of his past life, he was much more mature than other children. One morning, he opened his eyes and suddenly saw a plump lice crawling on the pillow, about to crawl over to his side!

Anyway, on any day when his father does not wash his face, he would suddenly throw a cold, soaked towel onto his father's face early in the morning, effectively waking him up with the shock of the cold water

What does this represent? This signifies that he can become the most outstanding second-generation individual in the entire Song Dynasty, with a father who is the foremost authority in the court. Since the future is secure, Wang Tang's previous determination to focus solely on his profession has completely dissipated. It is good to enjoy the shade under a big tree

This three or four-year-old child is naturally Wang Bang. Wang Bang grew up in a muddled manner until he was able to speak, starting from scratch to learn the official dialect of the Song Dynasty. He grew up in Yangzhou alongside Wang Anshi, and being so young, he had few references around him, so he could only learn by exploring, lest he inadvertently display abilities that were too advanced and be regarded as a monster to be burned.

At this moment, Wang Anshi saw that his wife and children had made up their minds, yet he still wanted to struggle a bit: "Then you all go ahead, I will just stay at home and read books."

Wang Anshi was the least fond of taking baths, especially in this cold weather; it was so cold to take off his clothes. He stubbornly said: "I won't go, don't be ridiculous."

When someone else gives birth to a foolish son, they are bound to cry out in despair and wash their face with tears. However, Mrs. Wu is different. After worrying for a while about Wang Fang's "developmental delay," she soon came to terms with it and began to dote on Wang Fang, cherishing him as if he were her most precious possession

Wang Wang did not know what to say. The conditions were poor, and he could tolerate not being able to bathe every day, but his father didn't even wash his face. What could he say? Wang Wang could not endure this. Ever since he could walk and had teeth, he insisted on brushing his teeth and washing his face every morning, even dragging his father along with a fierce expression—of course, whether his father listened was due to his fierceness being sufficiently intimidating or adorably fierce remains unknown.

Wang Wang's cautiousness once caused his mother, Mrs. Wu, great concern, leading her to believe she had given birth to a dull son. He spoke more slowly and less frequently than others, walked at a slower pace, and was neither prone to crying nor making a fuss. Each day, he would sit quietly, seemingly lost in thought (Wang Wang would occasionally sneakily open a book to recognize characters, which made him appear as if he were daydreaming)

"Can you give us a 50% discount?" Wang Fang persistently negotiated the price

The Wu family is good at everything, except for their unconditional pampering of their son. She pulled Wang Anshi and said: "It doesn't matter about this little bit of money, just take him along! He loves cleanliness the most; if he is dirty, he won't sleep comfortably at night"

The shopkeeper was even more astonished; the child had asked for the price all by himself, and he must not have known the price beforehand. For such a small child, he was surprisingly quick at calculating! The shopkeeper took the fifteen wen handed over by Wang Anshi and praised him, saying, "Your son is truly clever and bright"

This family has returned from Yangzhou, and the scholar is named Wang Anshi. For the past three years, he has served as the Secretary of the Huainan Judge in Yangzhou, a position that is roughly equivalent to that of a secretary in the municipal government office. It is quite a good position for a newcomer to the officialdom who has just passed the national civil service examination. Unfortunately, Wang Anshi does not get along well with his superior, Han Qi, making his work during these three years rather unsatisfactory

The guards responsible for the inspection were all amused by him. The little child indeed needed to be checked, as there had been instances in the past where individuals attempted to smuggle items by hiding them on Tibetan children to bring them into the city. The guards thoroughly inspected Wang Fang from top to bottom and indicated that there were no issues at all, kindly urging Wang Fang to quickly return to his mother.

Compared to diligently studying and striving for improvement in the Great Song Dynasty, Wang Fang and Tu Shu are more inclined towards indulging in food, drink, and leisure activities to enjoy life

Fortunately, during this period, Sima Guang and his father should not have become enemies yet. Wang Fang is unaware of how many people with the surname Sima exist in this era, nor does he know whether Sima Guang is in the capital at this time. However, since he is already here, he might as well go and take a look, hoping for a stroke of luck. What if he finds him?

Wang Anshi, feeling helpless, could only take money and set out with his wife and child. Kaifeng was very prosperous, with many bathhouses. The Wang family, consisting of three members, brought along some change of clothes. Not far from their starting point, they came across a shop with a kettle hanging at the entrance.

Wang Anshi and his family of three completed the housing viewing and proceeded to register for tenancy. The houses were categorized into three grades based on rent. Having just entered officialdom a few years prior, Wang Anshi's mother was his father's second wife, as his father had passed away several years earlier. The family could not provide much support, and with limited financial resources and a position that was not particularly high, he had no choice but to select the lowest grade of housing.

This time, following his father to the capital, Wang Tang had one more thing he wanted to clarify: did Sima Yan also come here like him? If so, where was Sima Yan reborn?

Wang Anshi, after completing the examination, took his wife and children to find a place to stay

Wang Fang's eyes darted around.

"It's just a discount," Wang Fang's eyes sparkled, looking quite adorable. He earnestly provided examples to the shopkeeper, "For instance, a fifty percent discount on ten wen would be five wen!"

Fifteen wen! Wang Fang reported the number directly. After he finished, he turned around to urge Wang Anshi, "Father, give me the money, give me the money!"

"Go ahead, you calculate." The shopkeeper, of a similar age to Wang Anshi, had a son of the same age at home, and thus took a great liking to the clever and charming Wang Tang

"Oh, you can do arithmetic at such a young age; that's quite a novel statement," said the shopkeeper. "Then calculate for me, how much is the discount for a family of three at fifty percent?"

Inside the ox cart sat three individuals: one was a scholarly gentleman with an air of refinement, another was a young woman with her hair styled in an elegant bun, and the last was a boy around three or four years old. His hair was not shaved down to a small tuft like most children, and he was dressed neatly, appearing very well-behaved.

The store owner was puzzled: "What do you mean by fifty percent off and sixty percent off?"

In the winter of the sixth year of the Qingli era, the first snow fell early in Kaifeng. A bullock cart rumbled across the moat, heading towards the South Xun Gate. The city guards, clad in armor, stood resolutely in the snow, not even raising a hand to brush off the accumulating wind and snow on their shoulders. The guard responsible for inspections methodically checked the "identification cards" of those entering the city, conducting security checks one by one.

This house is particularly small, without a yard, and only separated by a box into one room, similar to the single rooms rented out later. Along the way, Wang Bang could only occasionally rely on his sweet talk and charming face to get some water to wash his face and bathe. He had long felt that he smelled unpleasant, and as soon as he set down his luggage, he urged Wang Anshi: "Let's go take a shower"

Wang Anshi, though somewhat unkempt, had a tall and elegant stature akin to a pine tree, standing out among others. His face appeared a bit dark, yet his features were well-defined and symmetrical, exuding an air of integrity. Anyone who saw him would undoubtedly praise him as a remarkable talent

Wang Lang, upon hearing the price from Wang Anshi, wanted to leave and quickly began to haggle with the shopkeeper, saying things like, "I see another place is cheaper," and "Can it be a bit cheaper if the whole family of three comes to wash?" Wang Lang was not even as tall as the counter in front, so he could only tiptoe and lean over to negotiate with the shopkeeper, saying, "How about a 50% or 60% discount?"

The people surrounding Wang Lang conversed for a while, and finally it was their turn to enter the city. After Wu finished the inspection, it should have been Wang Anshi's turn, but Wang Lang jumped forward, raised both hands, and assumed a serious demeanor as if to say, "Go ahead and inspect; I assure you I have brought nothing dangerous."

Wang Anshi was only twenty-six years old and had a son early on; how could he not cherish it? He pretended to be modest, saying: "How can a three or four-year-old child be judged as handsome or not?"

Sima Guang, his father's future political rival, was the type to fight to the end. Their positions were completely opposite, yet their tempers were equally stubborn; one was referred to as the "Obstinate Gentleman," while the other was harshly criticized by Su Dongpo as "Sima Niu." Just look at them; it's clear they were irreconcilable arch-enemies

Wu's character is straightforward and bold; she dares to challenge even Wang Anshi when it comes to protecting her own. Under her wing, Wang Wang lives a carefree life, with no one able to bully him, and gradually he becomes more and more lively.

Wang Lang still carries the memories of his previous life. In that life, he was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and his parents had high expectations for him, imposing particularly strict requirements and constraints. All his time had to be devoted to studying, and if he lost even a single point in an exam, he would face a week's worth of scolding.

The ox cart stopped at the city gate, and Wang Tang jumped down with his short legs, following Wu to undergo inspection. A child of Wang Tang's age, as long as he is dressed neatly, is charming and lovely, and Wang Tang was no exception. Stepping on the snow, Wang Tang stood in line beside Wu, and those in front and behind couldn't help but compliment Wang Anshi: "Your son is truly handsome"

His father disliked bathing the most. One time, his mother noticed that his father's complexion was dark and unappealing. Concerned that his father might fall ill from staying up late reading, she secretly called the neighbor doctor to examine him. After the neighbor doctor had a look, he shook his head and said: "There is no illness; the dark complexion is due to not washing his face, as there is too much dirt accumulated."

This marks the "bathhouse" of the Song Dynasty. Wang Tang ran in holding his set of small clothes and first inquired about the price. Kaifeng is the capital, and prices are high in the capital. When they were in Yangzhou, they could wash for three to five wen, but here it costs ten wen. However, the shopkeeper said they would provide a lye, which is the prototype of soap, suitable for body washing and hair washing.

The source of the lice is his father

Wang Fang encountered Wang Anshi, who had a look of rejection on his face. He then changed his approach and sought out the Wu family, shamelessly acting cute and shaking her arm, saying: "Mother, let's go take a bath"

As officials waiting to assume new positions in Beijing, they can rent government-funded "public rental housing" at a very low price. Most of the public rental housing is located near the Guozijian, and it is very convenient to rent with identification documents, allowing for immediate move-in with just a suitcase.

"No way," Wang Fang firmly disagreed, her small face looking very serious. "I am a man, and I cannot go to the women's bathhouse"

Wang Anshi was originally reluctant to spend money on bathing, but after hearing the shopkeeper praise Wang Lang, he felt more at ease. However, he would not show it outwardly. A father must be composed, composed! This kid of his, is already quite mischievous without anyone praising him; if someone praises him, won't he be even more arrogant? Thus, Wang Anshi said with a look of indifference: "He is quite unruly."

Wang Fang nodded directly, "It will still grow lice!"

Wow, lice! Although Wang Wang was forced to study every day during his childhood, his living conditions were never poor, so he has never seen lice!

However, the surname Sima reminds Wang Fang of a person: Sima Guang

After enjoying the comprehensive care of the Wu family, Wang Lang cleverly chose to be a happy "fool." Wang Anshi wanted to enlighten him, and he obediently followed along to learn, but he only displayed one out of ten of what he had learned. As for intelligence and talent, it is sufficient to have just enough; why stand out so much?

Reflecting on the unfriendly treatment of women in ancient society, Wang Lang could not help but feel sympathy for Sima Yan. If one were born into a wealthy family, it would be acceptable; however, being born into a poor family would be truly unfortunate, as the conditions would be severely lacking

Anyway, after Wang Tang learned that his father was named Wang Anshi, he resolved to enjoy life to the fullest. Who is Wang Anshi? A future big shot! He is not a history student and does not know much about Wang Anshi, only that one thing: his father is going to become a prime minister in the future