Truth be told, they were running low on vegetables at home, so Clara didn't argue.
With just those two little kitchen gardens in the front yard, the moment the leafy greens poked out of the soil, they were already eaten.
As for the newly cleared patch behind the house, it would still take a month and a half before anything was harvestable. In a village like this, there were no farmer's markets for fresh produce every day.
Everyone was short on food—just because you had the money didn't mean someone would sell to you.
Once the whole family had gathered in the main hall, Lester followed Clara's instructions and placed a bowl of water in front of each person before taking his seat.
The first family meeting—
Officially commenced.
Clara started with the theme of the meeting: "Reading Changes Fate."
Lester's heart skipped a beat. No way… she couldn't really be serious about what he'd been fearing, right?
Clara gave him a look that practically screamed, "Congratulations, you guessed it," and announced:
"I've decided. From today on, Lester, you'll return to the academy to continue your studies and prepare for the civil service exam."
The four kids didn't really understand what the civil service exam was, but they all caught that line about "going back to school."
Lester shot up from his seat. "Darling, you're joking, right?"
"I'm not," Clara said seriously, tapping the table. "Sit."
Lester sat back down, full of unease. Sure enough, Clara pulled out a little ledger and began reading aloud all the major expenses he'd racked up over the past six months—down to the last coin.
"I won't bother counting the petty stuff. The big ones alone add up to forty taels."
Clara pointed at the ledger and looked at Lester's stunned face. He clearly hadn't expected she'd actually keep track—let alone this thoroughly.
"I did the math," Clara continued, "With your current abilities, if you rely solely on farming to repay this debt—after food, clothing, and daily expenses—it'll take twenty-five years, assuming nothing goes wrong."
"If you take up copying books, it'll still take ten years—assuming there's demand and no interruptions."
So, she had found a shortcut—civil service exams!
"If you pass the scholar's exam, we'll be exempt from corvée labor and tax levies. You'll be debt-free in two years, and we'll be even."
"And if you make it to provincial graduate? Even better. One person succeeds, the whole family prospers."
Lester was dumbfounded. He'd never even thought of the civil service path before. If Old Walter hadn't forked out silver to send him to school back then, he probably would've never even touched a book in his life.
And now Clara wanted him to take the exam?
He raised a hand to feel her forehead—maybe she was delirious. She slapped it away, naturally.
Rubbing his reddened hand, Lester cautiously asked, "Darling, do you know how old I am?"
"Twenty-four," Clara answered flatly.
Lester looked pained. "I'm already twenty-four. Starting now, how long will it take to even pass the scholar exam?"
"Aren't you always saying you're gifted?" Clara asked with thinly veiled contempt. "Is passing the scholar's exam that hard for someone as 'exceptional' as you?"
"Uh…"
"You think I spent a whole month at Master Ding's house just to guard Miss Emily?" Clara spread out the nine books. "I asked around. As long as you master the Four Books and Five Classics, passing the exam isn't that hard."
"Besides, I'll be tutoring you myself. Just follow my plan, and I guarantee you'll pass."
Lester hesitated. "What about the money?"
Clara opened the ledger again and did some quick calculations for the family of five.
"Right now, the only academy is in Willowridge County. Only registered students can sit for the exam, with recommendations and paperwork from the academy and peers."
"So our first step is getting you enrolled."
"The tuition is two taels a year. Lodging, another tael. Supplies like ink and paper—two taels. That's five taels a year."
With their current situation, they could afford the first year.
"And the second year?" Lester doubted he'd pass in just one.
Clara smiled calmly. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. As long as you go to school, you won't have to worry about the money."
Hearing that, Lester lit up. He didn't know what got into her, but studying was way better than farming. It even gave him some prestige!
"Darling, you really mean to sponsor me to study?"
Clara nodded. "So, are you willing?"
"Of course! But I'm already so old… Will the academy even accept me?"
Seeing he was on board, Clara softened a little and patted his arm. "Relax. I asked around while I was at Master Ding's. They've admitted students older than you."
But—before anything began—they needed a contract.
"What contract?" Lester asked warily.
Clara smiled. Naturally, a contract to share fortune and let him shoulder the hardships.
"I'm investing in your education. Every investment needs returns. We'll set the terms clearly. Don't worry, I'm not greedy."
That said, when she wrote the contract, she didn't hold back.
Clause one: He may not unilaterally divorce or separate from her. If he passes the scholar's exam and insists on divorce, all assets go to Clara, and he must acknowledge her as his honorary elder sister, maintaining ties to share future glory.
Lester gaped. "You're younger than me."
"I'm still your big sister!" Clara barked and moved on.
Clause two: Without her consent, he may not take a concubine or secondary wife. Violation results in the same outcome.
Clause three: The contract lasts for thirty years. Clara may dissolve it anytime. Lester may not.
"All right," Clara said, drying the ink and placing the paper before him. "Sign if you've got no objections." She even handed him the seal paste and a brush.
The handwriting was ghastly, but legible.
Lester scanned the three clauses, puffing up a little. "Darling, you're really that scared I'll leave you?"
Clara smiled politely. "I wouldn't mind being a widow either."
Lester signed and stamped the thoroughly unequal contract without further fuss.
Taking concubines? Please—one Clara was already more than he could handle!
If he ever got the chance to divorce her, he'd live the life of a carefree bachelor. Date eight women at once and never marry. Let them fight over him—now that sounded like fun!
(End of Chapter)
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