Chapter Four: Regulating the Family, Governing the State, and Achieving Peace in the World

The "Nü Lunyu" states: "When there are wrongdoings, one should advise earnestly." It is the duty of a wife to admonish her husband with heartfelt sincerity. Fu Shihua believes that her words are indeed wise and valuable. However, perhaps her words were too harsh; otherwise, how could her husband look at her with such a gaze, as if he were looking at a child who does not understand things

Wang Rui's troubles are undoubtedly a blow to the Liu family, as moving and selling land are both significant matters. Although these actions are compelled by circumstances, they ultimately stem from Wang Kefan's own decisions. If the Liu family opposes, he will have to find another way.

For Wang Kefan, respecting women is merely a matter of polite habit, while Fu Shihua feels a different kind of considerate care, as all her small worries dissipate, leaving her with a sense of quiet joy

Wang Kefan nodded without saying anything, naturally walking alongside her. He not only deliberately slowed his pace, but also would step aside to let her go first in narrow places like the corner of the porch.

"Mother, today Uncle came to see me, there is news from Datong..." Wang Kefan recounted the entire process of their meeting, all the while observing Liu's expression.

Seeing her hurriedly chasing from behind, her small feet were not conducive to swift movement, making it quite arduous as she walked and ran in a half-hearted manner. Wang Kefan then stopped and waited in place.

Have you finished speaking? There should be more, right? Wang Kefan was very patient. Having been a parent for many years in the old timeline, he had an abundance of patience, especially after raising children.

Mother, you can rest assured. I will go to the county tomorrow. First, I will look for a suitable house to move into, and second, I will visit Magistrate Xu at the county office to ask for his assistance in selling the land. Our family will leave Hengshili with our heads held high. Wang Kefan was completely unaware of the details of land transactions in the Ming Dynasty, but he had already thought of asking Xu Bingzhong for help in selling the land on the way home.

Fu Shihua felt a surge of joy in her heart, for her husband was indeed understanding. Seizing the moment, she urged him further: "Indeed, although my mother has not said much, she is actually worried about the matter of selling the land..."

Wang Kefan smiled cheerfully, making it difficult to discern whether he was joking or being serious

Fu Shihua's face was tightly drawn, very serious and earnest, only hoping that Wang Kefa would take it seriously and fully recognize the serious consequences of selling the land However, Wang Kefa's expression showed no change, he simply looked at her calmly, making her lower her head, and her voice grew quieter and quieter

I haven't thought this through yet," Wang Kefan replied candidly

Fu Shihua was taken aback, hesitatingly asking: "Are you planning to take up an official position?"

"Well, what you said makes a lot of sense," Wang Kefan spoke, not feeling angry.

The uncle has his own difficulties, and children should not speak carelessly! Liu reprimanded Xicui with a stern face, then said to Wang Kefan: However, the little property we have at home was earned through hard work, and we cannot just throw it away carelessly. Selling land is such a significant matter; it is best to find someone with a good reputation to assist us.

The official is currently just a scholar; to become an official, one must at least attain the status of a juren. Well, one could also follow the example of the elder uncle and donate to become a monitor student, which is also a way out, but unfortunately, it is looked down upon by others..." Fu Shihua frowned and pondered deeply, contemplating her husband's future, while Wang Kefan smiled, shook his head, and turned to leave.

Indeed, it would be best to sell the field, as I have no intention of studying in the future..." Wang Kefan dropped another bombshell.

Oh... it's nothing. Fu Shihua stammered a bit nervously, regretting her words as soon as they left her mouth. How foolish! Why did she say it was nothing? If it truly was nothing, would he turn around and leave?

However, regardless of the circumstances, we must leave Hengshili as soon as possible. The Manchu have already entered the pass, and in a few months, they will advance south to Huguang. The remaining time is truly limited

When Wang Kefan returned home, the whole family was waiting for him

Liu remained calm throughout, listening to him speak until he finished, then nodded and said: "My son has done very well; he must never confront the elders of the clan."

However, her age is too young, and she possesses a completely Ming Dynasty mindset, making communication extremely difficult. Wang Kefan simply chose to retreat without a fight and kept his distance.

The ancestral property is merely an external possession; your father's reputation is of utmost importance. No matter what, he must not be expelled from the clan. Liu said: "Selling the property is acceptable; if anything happens to your father, it will be good to have money on hand for emergencies"

Fu Shihua did not dare to say anything further, but Xi Cui could not help but exclaim: "Uncle is clearly bullying us; he must have given us less silver when selling the land!"

Fu Shihua was momentarily speechless: "You... you still want to sell the land?"

Unexpectedly, Wang Kefan continued, "It seems I can only trouble you for this; please persuade her for me later."

Although the Liu family is kind and tolerant, they are not timid or ignorant. They can certainly see that Wang Min has ulterior motives. Moreover, land transactions are very complicated, with many opportunities for manipulation in between. Being cautious and prudent is always a good approach

The worries that weighed heavily on her heart were finally released, and Fu Shihua felt much lighter inside, yet she still dared not look up at Wang Kefan. He must be very upset; a wife criticizing her husband like this could at least be considered a breach of propriety, and even if she was not wrong, she had still erred to some extent. However, regardless of the outcome, she had fulfilled her duty as a wife, and she was willing to endure his scolding if necessary.

After lunch, Liu was concerned about her son and urged Wang Kefan to return to his room to rest. After Wang Kefan got up and left, Fu Shihua also followed him out.

What does a scholar do if he does not study? Fu Shihua was perplexed, and Wang Kefan continued, "As the ancients said, 'Cultivate one's heart and moral character, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' My aspiration for the future is to bring peace to the world"

Since childhood, I have listened to the teachings of my elders, "Farming is the foundation of our duties, and studying can bring honor to oneself." You, sir, are a promising scholar, and your father holds an official position in Shanxi. There is absolutely no reason to sell the family land! I believe that today, you, sir, today...

People in the Ming Dynasty married early, and Fu Shihua was only a few years older than Xi Cui. In that era, a girl of such age should still be nestled in her parents' arms, yet Fu Shihua had already taken on family responsibilities, dedicating herself to being a good wife

Wang Kefan felt a sense of relief, but Fu Shihua was surprised and asked: "Mother, are you really willing to move to the county? And sell all the land to the Wang family?"

"I believe you have been rather reckless today, my lord," Fu Shihua reproached her husband directly, feeling flustered and unable to think carefully. She spoke in a rapid-fire manner: "Even if the elder uncle pressures us relentlessly, we can still ask County Magistrate Xu (Xu Bingzhong) for protection; it is not necessary to sell the land! Selling the land is easy, but buying it back is extremely difficult. When father returns in the future, how will you explain this to him? Moreover, without land and property, our family will be left to eat away at our savings, and how can you focus on your studies? Selling the land is easy, but buying it back is extremely difficult. When father returns in the future, how will you explain this to him? Moreover, without land and property, our family will be left to eat away at our savings, and how can you focus on your studies? ... ..."

Is there something?" Wang Kefan casually asked

... ...

The child has become increasingly composed; let us proceed with this matter according to your wishes. The thorough consideration shown by my son brings great comfort to Liu, and after praising him a few times, she clapped her hands and stood up: "Xicui, inform the kitchen to add two hearty dishes; let us have a good lunch!"

It seems that my husband has a generous disposition, and with Fu Shihua's courage bolstered, the words she had kept in her heart slipped out.