Transmigration: Becoming the Wicked Stepmother of Four Children

Chapter 73 Qingshan Academy

The two arrived at the gate of Qingshan Academy.

The academy's main gate was tall and solemn.

The vermilion gate was tightly shut.

Above the entrance hangs a plaque with the four large characters "Qingshan Academy".

The steps in front of the door are paved with bluestone and are clean and tidy.

Lu Qingqing couldn't help but sigh:

"This academy looks really grand."

Lin Yunlan nodded in agreement:

"I imagine the teaching quality won't be bad either."

The two walked up the steps, and Lin Yunlan gently knocked on the door knocker.

A moment later, the door opened, and a young page peeked out.

He asked, "May I ask what brings you two here?"

Lu Qingqing quickly explained her purpose:

"Young man, we're here for our child's education."

I would like to learn more about your academy.

The pageboy said:

"Please wait a moment, Madam, while I go and inform the Master."

After saying that, he turned and ran inside.

After a moment,

The page let them in and said:

"Please follow me, both of you."

Upon entering the academy, one sees a spacious courtyard surrounded by flowers, trees, and shrubs.

The study rooms are neatly arranged.

The sound of students reciting could be heard from time to time.

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan looked around curiously.

He was secretly pleased with the environment of the academy.

The page led them to a reception room and said:

"Please wait a moment, I will go and invite Master Li over."

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan sat in the chairs, their palms slightly sweaty.

A short while later, a kind-faced teacher walked in.

He said with a smile:

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Master Li from the academy."

Specifically responsible for student enrollment matters.

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan quickly bowed and said:

"Master Li".

Master Li smiled and raised his hand in greeting:

"Please, gentlemen, sit down and let's talk."

The two sat down as instructed, and Lu Qingqing couldn't wait to speak:

"Master Li, we would like to inquire about the admission requirements of the academy."

We have three children in our family whom we would like to send to live with you.

Master Li nodded and said:

There are three admission requirements.

One,

Children need to pass our college's entrance test, which includes essay writing and poetry recitation.

Second,

Children should be of good character and respect their teachers.

Third,

Each student was required to pay two taels of silver per month as tuition and provide their own writing materials.

After hearing this, Lu Qingqing felt there was no problem and said:

"Master, when will the entrance exam be held?"

Master Li replied:

"On the fifteenth of every month, rain or shine."

Lin Yunlan then asked:

"Master, what exactly is the content of this test?"

Master Li patiently explained:

"Memorize at least ten classic poems;"

In addition, there will be some simple questions and answers about basic literature.

Lu Qingqing asked again:

"Master, if the child passes the test..."

Are there any special requirements after enrollment?

Master Li said:

"After enrollment, you must abide by all the rules and regulations of the academy."

Attend classes on time every day and do not skip classes without a valid reason.

You must be diligent and hardworking in your studies and not slack off.

Lu Qingqing nodded in agreement:

"Rest assured, Master, I will definitely teach the children to be disciplined and study diligently."

Master Li smiled and said:

"So good."

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan rose and bowed again:

"Thank you for your explanation, Master. We will now return to prepare."

"I'll bring the children to take the test on the 15th of next month."

Master Li waved his hand:

"We can let the children read the 'Thousand Character Classic' and the 'Hundred Family Surnames' first."

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan stood up and thanked them:

"Thank you, Master."

After bidding farewell to the teacher, he left the academy.

Walking down the street, Lu Qingqing frowned slightly and said:

"Yunlan, although we have a general understanding of the admission requirements..."

But I still wasn't sure; I didn't know if Stone and the others could manage.

Lin Yunlan gently held her hand and comforted her:

"Qingqing, don't worry too much. The children have been working hard all the time."

Let's go back and give them some proper guidance.

It should be possible in about a month.

Lu Qingqing sighed:

That's all we can do.

Let's go buy some books and stationery for the children first.

Lin Yunlan nodded, and the two quickened their pace.

We walked towards the market.

The two walked into a stationery store, where the furnishings were dazzling.

Various calligraphy brushes hang on the wall, and Xuan paper is neatly stacked on the shelves.

At this moment, the shop owner came over and greeted the two of them warmly:

"Yunlan, it's been a long time."

Yunlan returned:

"Mr. Zhang, it's been a long time."

Lu Qingqing was taken aback and glanced at Lin Yunlan.

Lin Yunlan immediately explained:

"I owe a lot to Boss Zhang for letting me earn money by copying books for others here."

He used it to pay for his own education for several years.

Lu Qingqing suddenly realized and smiled as she said to the shop owner:

"So that's how it is."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Zhang, for taking such good care of Yunlan."

Mr. Zhang laughed heartily:

"Not at all, Yunlan is a reliable and hardworking child."

He's smart and eager to learn, and I really appreciate his talent.

What would you two like to buy today?

Lin Yunlan said:

"Mr. Zhang, we'd like to buy some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for our child."

We're preparing to send them to an academy.

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly:

"This is great news! Let me recommend it to you."

As he spoke, he turned around and started picking things out from the shelves.

Mr. Zhang took out a copy of the "Thousand Character Classic".

A copy of the Three Character Classic, a copy of the Standards for Being a Good Student and Child, and a copy of the Hundred Family Surnames.

He said with a smile:

These books are very helpful for children's early education.

But which one should we learn first?

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan said at the same time:

"The Thousand Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames".

Mr. Zhang nodded:

"These two books are indeed quite good, so I'll wrap them up for you two."

Lu Qingqing said:

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

Could you please recommend some good writing brushes and ink for us?

Mr. Zhang turned around and took out several calligraphy brushes from the counter:

"These pens have full tips and moderate elasticity, making them very suitable for children to write with."

Lin Yunlan picked up one and tested it on the paper, then said:

"I'll take these few because I find them easy to use."

Mr. Zhang then brought over some Xuan paper and an inkstone:

"These Xuan papers have good water absorption, and this inkstone has a delicate texture."

These are all top-notch choices.

Lu Qingqing and Lin Yunlan were both very satisfied with the items they had chosen.

They paid Mr. Zhang and prepared to leave with the items.

Just then, Lin Daniu walked in with his son, Lin Yuansheng.

Lin Daniu asked in confusion:

"Yunlan, what are you doing here?"

Lin Yunlan replied:

"Brother, we've come to buy some things our child needs for starting school."

Lin Daniu looked at Lin Yunlan with a hint of disdain.

"What? Your child is going to start school? Really?"

Lin Yunlan frowned and said:

"Brother, it's true, we want to send the children to school."

Lin Daniu sneered:

"Hmph, with your conditions..."

Still want your child to go to school? Don't even dream about it!

Lin Yuansheng joined in the commotion from the sidelines:

"Father is right, how could Stone and the others possibly be able to study!"

Lu Qingqing said angrily:

"What's wrong with our family's circumstances? We just want our child to go to school."

And they should be sent to the best academies.

Lin Daniu burst out laughing:

"You guys even get into the best academy?"

Do you know what the best academy in town is?

It's Qingshan Academy, where the tuition is two taels of silver per month.

Yuansheng only got in there because his cousin pulled some strings.

You're all delusional.

Lu Qingqing didn't want to talk to this person anymore, so she pulled Lin Yunlan and walked out.

Lin Daniu said smugly:

"Boss, what did those two poor guys buy just now?"

"Get me a better one than theirs."

When it came time to pay, the bill turned out to be fifty taels.

Lin Daniu said angrily:

"How could you cheat someone like that?"

The shop owner said unhurriedly:

"Sir, these are all top-quality goods."

The price is naturally higher; you just said you wanted something better than theirs.

Lin Daniu was so angry that his face turned red:

"This is too expensive! Make it cheaper!"

The shop owner shook his head:

"This is already the lowest price. If you think it's too expensive, you don't have to take it."

Lin Daniu was both angry and annoyed, and said:

"What lowest price? This is clearly a rip-off!"

"Fine, you dare to run a shady business? I'm not buying from you anymore!"

Lin Yuansheng, standing to the side, tightly gripped Lin Daniu's sleeve.

Her face flushed red as she said urgently:

"Father, but I want better writing materials."

My classmates all use better ones.

"Dad, please buy it for me."

Those pitiful little eyes were full of longing.

Lin Daniu frowned, widened his eyes, and roared:

"What are you buying? Let's go!"

Lin Yuansheng burst into tears, stomping his feet as he cried.

"Dad, I want to buy it! I want to buy it!"

Lin Daniu was furious. He raised his hand and slapped him across the face.

"Get the hell out of here!"

The slap was both urgent and forceful.

Lin Yuansheng was terrified by the sudden slap.

The crying stopped abruptly, tears still clinging to her face, she sobbed.

He reluctantly followed Lin Daniu away.

After they left, Boss Zhang spat at their retreating figures:

"What the hell!" His face was full of disgust.