Chapter 8: Going Home

On this joyous day for the Chen family, a dark cloud hung over the household of the eldest son, where the men remained silent, and only Erni accompanied her mother.

The eldest daughter-in-law scolded, "Ziheng, didn't you say that with Chen Ping'an's limited intelligence, he would definitely not pass the exam? How is it that not only did he pass, but he also achieved the top score?"

As she spoke, the eldest daughter-in-law gritted her teeth, as if she wanted to crush her own silver tooth. Just a few days ago, Ziheng had confidently assured her that she could look forward to the old couple's ridicule, but now, out of nowhere, a crisp slap suddenly landed on her face.

Chen Ziheng dared not speak loudly to his mother, so he muttered, "I read my younger uncle's article a few days ago, and I was certain he wouldn't pass." Even if he did pass, it would be barely, but Ziheng didn't voice this thought.

Now that his younger uncle had achieved the top score, he naturally lacked confidence in speaking, and he felt uneasy. In the past, with Chen Ping'an as the only "scholar" in the Chen family, he had been the recipient of the family's favor, but now, with his sudden success, all eyes were on his younger uncle.

Not only the family, but even the people of Chenjiawan had been constantly visiting their grandmother's house these days, and his mother had been in a state of agitation.

"He didn't pass, he didn't pass. Now Ping'an not only passed, but he's even more successful than you," the eldest daughter-in-law scolded her son, her heart burning with resentment.

Previously, her son had been the apple of her eye, but now, in comparison to Ping'an, her son had been overshadowed. How could she swallow this bitterness? Her second son didn't even have a wife yet.

"I have every reason to be angry. Chen Dalang, you're useless. Your mother has always favored Chen Ping'an. Now that he's achieved the top score, your mother will probably worship him like a deity," the eldest daughter-in-law said, feeling that she had to fight for something for her son.

In the past, if it had been Chen Ping'an who achieved the top score, she would have just scolded him a bit. But after the last meal at the Chen family's house, she felt even more aggrieved. Their lives had been greatly improved.

Looking at their family, they could barely afford a decent meal, and they ate wild vegetables and pickles every day. She saw her children becoming thinner, and now that Ping'an had achieved the top score, her daughter-in-law had also become arrogant. Their lives were getting better day by day.

Her son had been promising, but now, in comparison to Ping'an, her son had been dragged through the mud. How could she swallow this bitterness? Her second son didn't even have a wife yet.

"I'm useless? Who was the one clamoring to split the family back then?" Chen Dalang spat out, feeling annoyed by his wife's constant nagging these days.

He was not one to argue, but his wife had been the one clamoring to split the family, saying that the money spent on Ping'an's education was too much. He hadn't said anything, but now, seeing Chen Ping'an achieve the top score, she was starting to feel envious.

With that, the eldest daughter-in-law had nothing more to say. She had been the one to suggest splitting the family back then, but now, she was starting to regret it.

"It was me who wanted to split the family. Shouldn't I have done it? You're his older brother, not his father. Why should your money support him?" The eldest daughter-in-law was being unreasonable.

Chen Dalang remained silent, feeling a bit uncomfortable with his wife's sarcastic remarks. He took a deep drag on his pipe before saying, "Ping'an has always been an honest child, and our Ziheng is not bad either."

"Of course your son is not bad. Otherwise, he wouldn't have passed the county exam on his first try." When it came to her son, she was still proud. After all, there were very few who passed in their village.

But Ping'an's brilliance had dimmed her son's achievements, and seeing her mother's expression change, her children felt a sense of relief. This hurdle was finally being overcome.

However, the eldest daughter-in-law changed the subject, saying, "What's this literary gathering in the county? I heard that even the magistrate will attend."

Chen Ziheng's smile froze on his face, and he had to explain to his mother, "It's an event organized by some classmates and students who passed the county exam."

"I don't remember you being invited to such an event when you passed the exam," she said, knowing everything about her son.

Chen Ziheng scratched his head. Of course, he had been invited at the time, but his ranking was low, so he hadn't been asked to attend. Now that Chen Ping'an had achieved the top score, he was naturally a distinguished guest.

He could only mutter, "I was invited at the time, Mother, but I had to return home to prepare for the provincial exam, so I didn't attend."

"Is that so?" The eldest daughter-in-law was somewhat skeptical.

After hearing Chen Ziheng's words, the daughter-in-law was first stunned, then tears welled up in her eyes. She hugged Chen Ziheng and said, "My poor child, it's all because I'm not a good mother."

Now she firmly believed in Chen Ziheng's words, and felt even more guilty in her heart. "My child, in the future, you must tell me about such things. Even if we have to sell the pot and the iron, your father and I will make sure you can go."

"Mother," Chen Ziheng muttered.

But he still felt uneasy in his heart. This time he had managed to get through, but he hadn't told his mother that if he passed the county exam safely, then the provincial and metropolitan exams would likely be no problem. He would almost certainly become a scholar.

However, he didn't have confidence in the provincial exam now, let alone the metropolitan exam. For now, he could only take it step by step and wait for Ping'an to come back before he went to inquire again.

The daughter-in-law, knowing that her son had suffered such grievances, naturally would not scold him again. Instead, she directed her anger towards her husband.

"It's all because your father is useless and can't earn money, that's why my son has suffered so much."

As she berated Chen Dalang, the room was silent, with only her voice echoing. Chen Dalang had long been accustomed to her sharp and bitter words. If he retorted, it would only give her more to say, and it would never end.