I traveled back to ancient times, but I was able to lie down and relax.

When Liu Yanxi was teaching, Liu Nanjia secretly peeked out the window and saw her brother talking eloquently and quite calmly.

It even reminded her of her elementary school days.

She was initially worried that her brother wouldn't be able to handle it, but that's all gone now. She also saw Big Tiger's bodyguard-like demeanor, and while she found it amusing, she was also very grateful.

'If it weren't for Brother Da Hu, things might not have gone so smoothly today. I really need to thank Aunt Wang and the others later.'

After reading it, Liu Nanjia returned to the kitchen and continued working.

Song Chen smiled and said, "Are you relieved now?"

"Don't worry, don't worry. My brother is pretty good. That bunch of brats were so noisy and gave me a headache, but he actually managed to tame them. I probably wouldn't have been able to."

"Yanxi is actually very capable, don't underestimate him. He's just a bit indecisive when dealing with your uncle's family, which is also because he values ​​family ties. But, why do I feel like you're not like his younger sister, but more like his older sister?"

As Liu Nanjia listened to what was said, she was still reflecting on herself. She realized that she was indeed like some modern parents, too worried about her children and afraid to let them do things on their own.

Hearing the rest, she was speechless. Didn't she just treat Liu Yanxi like her younger brother? Her mental age was what it was; she couldn't possibly be a 12-year-old girl.

He quickly laughed it off, saying, "My brother is only a year older than me, about the same age. We just take care of each other."

Song Chen didn't pay much attention, simply assuming that Liu Nanjia was just precocious.

Before long, the children who had just gone home from school came running back, panting, bringing money to buy pens and ink.

Those who can afford to send their children to school now are considered to be slightly better off in the village. The monthly tuition of 20 coins is not much; the majority of the cost is actually in the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones needed for studying. Paper and writing brushes are not cheap these days.

But since we've already sent the child here, it's impossible for us not to have what other families have, especially with the younger child at home urging us to have one:

"They all brought their own today, but I didn't. The teacher said we need them tomorrow, and if he doesn't buy me one, what am I supposed to do while they practice writing tomorrow? Dad! Mom!"

Parents had no choice but to pay up, and then their little ones would grab the money and run away, afraid they wouldn't have enough time.

However, they hadn't prepared in advance, so this is the only way they can manage now.

So, Liu Nanjia and Song Chen had another task today.

Because Liu Nanjia didn't know anything about those things, she sent Song Chen to go to Manager Wu's shop, which they were familiar with.

Shopkeeper Wu recognized Song Chen and greeted him, "Why didn't Yan Xi come with you today? Did you finish copying the book?"

"No, I came here to buy some paper and pens," Song Chen explained.

"That's good too. It's a stable income, and Yan Xi can be considered to have continued his father's legacy."

Shopkeeper Wu then frowned again. "However, we can't abandon our studies. Actually, if you ask me, Scholar Liu only took the exam once. If he had continued studying, he might not have failed. Sigh, why am I saying this?"

Manager Wu realized he had misspoke, and was relieved that it wasn't Liu Yanxi who came today. "You should still remind him when you get back that he shouldn't forget his own business."

"Don't worry, Manager Wu, Yan Xi is very hardworking and has never neglected his studies." Song Chen knew that this person meant well.

"That's good. Xiao Song, I see that your handwriting is also quite good. If you ask me, you could consider taking the imperial examination. Your handwriting isn't something you can just practice by writing casually."

Having run his bookstore for so many years, Manager Wu, who also holds the title of a scholar, has a keen eye and can naturally tell that the young man before him is no ordinary farmer.

Song Chen remained silent and declined, saying, "I've only read a few books by chance, far less than Yan Xi. Besides, we can't let a young girl like Nan Jia bear the cost of our studies."

Manager Wu suddenly remembered their family's situation. He had been so focused on appreciating talent that he had forgotten about this. "Yes, yes, I forgot. Alas, you should indeed take care of your own livelihood first, but you can't give up. You should still make time to read books and not waste your talents."

"I understand, thank you, Manager Wu." Song Chen's smile this time carried a hint of sincerity.

But a bitter feeling welled up in his heart. If there hadn't been any changes in his family, he should have been able to take the imperial examination for the title of Xiucai next year.

Now... he can't even use his own name, let alone take the imperial examination.

When he returned to the stall, his expression hadn't recovered yet.

Liu Nanjia naturally noticed something was wrong and asked, "What happened? How did buying some paper turn out like this?"

Now, Song Chen has gradually let down her guard in front of Liu Nanjia. Since she already knows everything she needs to know, she simply recounted what Manager Wu had said earlier.

Liu Nanjia was speechless. This Manager Wu, wasn't he deliberately bringing up the most awkward topic? While his intentions were good, talking to Song Chen about the imperial examinations…

Ugh.

Seeing Song Chen's sullen expression, Liu Nanjia felt that it was a good thing that he was no longer so closed off and was able to express his emotions.

On the other hand, she was also a little troubled. Why did this pitiful look make her feel like a big golden retriever was being affectionate with her?

How is she supposed to appease her?