Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

He put down his water bowl and cleared his throat. "The prefectural city is at least three days' journey from here. The exams are in a little over a month, so we need to start preparing now. Eldest and second sons, each of you should contribute three taels of silver." He then looked at Zhang Youtie and said, "Third son, logically you've already moved out, so I shouldn't be asking you for this. But your mother and I are really short on cash right now. Could you lend me three taels of silver? I'll definitely pay you back when I'm in better financial shape."

The brothers exchanged glances, and the second uncle spoke first: "Dad, where would we get any money? We haven't separated the family yet. All the money we earn from working goes to Mother. Where would we get three taels of silver?"

“Yes, Dad, all the money we earn goes to Mom, where would we get any more money?” Uncle chimed in.

Just as Zhang Youtie was about to speak in agreement, Jinghe tugged at his clothes from behind. Feeling his daughter's movement, Zhang Youtie turned around and glanced back. In that brief pause, Old Mrs. Zhang, like a lit firecracker, launched into a tirade against her two sons: "Bullshit! You're all from my guts, trying to outsmart me! Every time you two earn a wage, haven't you secretly kept a copper or two for yourself? And your wives, whoever makes knots or embroiders, doesn't have a secret stash of money? If I don't ask you, do you think I'm blind? I, as your mother and mother-in-law, understand you, unlike Old Mrs. Mo from the east of the village, whose sons and daughters-in-law can't save a single copper coin. Now, the fourth son is taking the imperial examination, a major event for the family. I won't ask you for more, just three taels each. Whoever doesn't give, doesn't want to acknowledge me as their mother. Go back and discuss it with your wives. Bring the cash over tomorrow morning."

Seeing that their mother had said so, the brothers, seeing no room for further discussion, stood up to go back. At this moment, their fourth uncle, Zhang Chengwen, who had been standing to the side without saying a word, called out to them: "Brothers, please wait."

He walked up to the group of brothers, bowed to them, and said, "I know that my parents and brothers have worked very hard to support my studies over the years, and I have always remembered this deeply. I will never forget your help when I have completed my studies!" After saying this, he bowed deeply to his three brothers again.

The brothers quickly reached out to help their youngest brother. Just as the eldest uncle was about to speak, Old Mrs. Zhang came over with concern and pulled Zhang Chengwen aside, saying, "Who do you think you are? How can you bow to them? It's not wrong for your older brothers to give you a few taels of silver. When you pass the exam, you'll definitely receive their favors." As she spoke, she glared at the brothers.

Seeing their mother like this, the group sighed helplessly and went back to their own rooms. Jinghe probably went to discuss it with his wife.

Jinghe, whose attention was focused on her grandparents, grabbed her father's arm and hurriedly walked out of the courtyard.

"Xiaxia, why did you pull me just now?" Zhang Youtie asked his daughter as soon as they stepped out of the old house.

“Dad, what’s the use of you speaking up? Didn’t Mom tell you to go home and discuss it with her? Besides, Grandpa said he was borrowing money, not asking for it back. Whether he’ll pay it back or not is another matter. If you just refuse outright, Grandma will definitely scold you, and it’ll drag my mother into it too.” Jing spoke to her father like a little adult.

"Ah, that's so true. Our daughter is so smart, just like her mother." She said, patting Jinghe's little shoulder happily.

She sighed silently to herself. These past few days she had been observing her parents. Her mother was a thoughtful woman, gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. But her father... she couldn't quite describe him. He was filial to her grandparents, but not blindly so. Sometimes he seemed simple-minded, but she felt he understood everything; he just didn't bother to argue.

She was kind to herself and her brother, and didn't discriminate against girls. Overall, she seemed like a wise but unassuming person.

When they got home, their mother and elder brother were still waiting for them. Seeing that they had returned, Liu put down the work she was doing and waited for the news they would bring.

“Mother, when we went back to the old house, Father said that Fourth Brother is going to take the provincial examination this year and wants to borrow three taels of silver from us for his travel expenses. Eldest and Second Brother’s families will also contribute three taels.” Zhang Youtie had nothing to hide and told his wife everything.

"Don't your eldest and second brothers have any objections? They haven't received any money from the family coffers, and they usually hand over all their earnings to the family coffers. Now you want them to pay for it too?"

"How could they not have objections? When my eldest and second brothers voiced their opposition, they were given a severe scolding by Mother."

"Sigh... Whenever it comes to the fourth son, your mother's heart is completely biased, and no one can have any objections," Liu sighed helplessly after saying that.

Watching her parents discuss her fourth uncle, Jinghe whispered to her brother: "Brother, do you want to go to school?"

After a long silence, Jinghe finally heard a soft "I want to." Turning her head, she saw her brother's longing gaze and fell silent. Yes, her grandparents' family owned dozens of acres of fertile land, and even supporting her fourth uncle's schooling required draining the savings of her other brothers. How could her own family possibly have the means to raise another scholar?

Jinghe silently vowed in her heart that she would work hard to earn money and improve her family's living conditions.