Become a Scholar

Arriving under the oak tree, Qing Yang saw Bo Lin sitting on one of the roots and motioned for her to sit beside him. He saw her eyes fixed on a pile of books he said, "This is a book of poetry and philosophy, but for now you will learn how to write and read first, there is nothing you can do with these books as long as you can't read and write".

She just nodded, it was true as he said, 'there's nothing she can do as long as she can't read and write'. The session for learning to write and read begins. Bo Lin is very patient in teaching Qing Yang, and he knows very well how to teach effectively so that those receiving the lessons can understand every word he said.

Unknowingly it was already noon, her mother, who came home from the river, saw Bo Lin and Qing Yang being engrossed in their studies. Her hearts moved and cried, someone wanted to teach their daughter how to write and read. And her daughter is the type who is fast in learning anything. It's just hampered because she's a woman.

Women from most of the population's minds are predestined to be married and give birth, raise children, and take care of household matters. That seems to be the nature of a woman. It doesn't matter if she comes from a rich family or a poor family.

Unfortunately, she and her husband are illiterate cannot teach their daughter. Only know how to survive the life from catching fish and looking for medicinal plants to sell.

Not wanting to disturb them, her mother came into the house following the routine she always did at home. Seeing that everything has been done by her daughter, she decided to go to the kitchen, to cook lunch.

She had almost finished cooking the food when her husband came home.

Chao Xiang stood stunned in front of the gate. Seeing her daughter being taught by Bo Lin. Like his wife, he was moved to see such a view. He wished Qing Yang could earn a better living but it never occurred to him that his daughter would be so enthusiastic about learning to write and read. Still moved but he chose to walk into the house. To store equipment and prepare medicinal plants to be processed into medicine.

When the food is finished, it is served on the dining table. Her mother called her and Bo Lin to eat. After eating they resumed their teaching and learning activities. In just one day Qing Yang was able to remember all the words, both writing and reading them.

The sky is red. The sun began to sink itself in the western horizon and was replaced by the moon. This time it was Chao Xiang who called them over for dinner. He walked out of the house through the front door. Turn left towards the oak tree. Both Bo Lin and her daughter are still focused on their activities.

When he arrived there, he cleared his throat to clear his voice then said "Mr Shi and Qing Yang, you guys are so serious that you forgot about time----"

Before he can finish the sentence, he wanted to say, it was cut off by Qing Yang "Father, I already can write and read words, I can even read sentences" Her eyes lit up and her face was filled with joy that was extremely overjoyed.

Still in the same excitement "Father I want to become a Scholar like Mr Shi" her pure and innocent voice and her passionate reaction made Chao Xiang's heart ache. On the one hand, he is happy that his daughter can read and write, but her intelligence is useless because she is a woman. And she didn't want to destroy his daughter's hopes. He could only smile bitterly and say nothing.

Bo Lin knew very well the meaning of Chao Xiang's reaction. But choose silence. For him nothing can prevent someone from becoming a scholar. Because everyone has their own talent. Regardless of if it's a man or a woman. For now, only men can get it but he also hopes that one day women will also get the same rights.

Seeing Chao Xiang was confused and embarrassed. "Miss Shu, I believe that one day you will definitely be able to become a scholar" said Bo Lin sounding very promising.

Hearing this, Qing Yang's eyes lit up, wide open and overjoyed. She jumped into her father's arms while saying "Father I will study hard and become a scholar".

Chao Xiang was still at a loss for words. He chose to nod, because this was much better, rather than telling his daughter the bitter truth that had actually happened and made his daughter sad.

"Qing Yang, as Mr Shi said, I also believe that you will become a student someday" and before his daughter could comment more, Chao Xiang said reminding "And where is your manners towards the guests? I think Mr. Shi is hungry, how about we have dinner first?" he asked, smiling but with his mouth tightly shut.

She immediately fell silent, hearing her father's words. She was so happy that she forgot manners. She tried to smile, turning to look at the Scholar who had stood up from where he had been sitting. "I Apologise Mr Shi, I was too excited to forget about you"

Bo Lin laughed at her apologies. From an excited, firm voice within seconds it turned into the softest voice he had ever heard from the little girl in front of him. "It's okay Miss Shu, let's go in and eat" Bo Lin asked not to want to be in any deeper awkwardness between Chao Xiang, him and Qing Yang.

They walked into the house and into the dining room. Then sit in their respective chairs and enjoy dinner in peace.

The next day and for 3 days in a row. Bo Lin and Qing Yang spend time together. while teaching her to study he also didn't forget to study on his own to prepare for the student exam.

Unfortunately, on the fourth day, there was an announcement from the palace that the exams were being rushed. So, Bo Lin reluctantly left the Shu family to go to the palace to take the scholar exam. But before leaving he left the books, he had brought to give to Qing Yang.

"As an apology for not being able to teach you more, I give this book to you, and I hope you can learn them." Qing Yang accepted it happily but also sad to have to be left by him.

Two weeks later, it was announced that Bo Lin graduated as a scholar and being knowledge by the emperor and even became an official and since he leaved the Shu family that day, they never saw Bo Lin again.

Qing Yang woke up from his reverie with tears streaming down her cheeks. The parchment was still in her chest. She moved the parchment from her chest so she could read it again and this time she read it with pleasure and enthusiasm. The same spirit when she was a child in her reverie. She took a deep breath and exhaled to calmed herself.

Her hand rolled up the parchment and she placed it on the table. She changed into pajamas. When she was done, she walked over and got into bed. lifting the blanket up so she could tuck in it then pulled the blanket over her body up to her neck.

She couldn't wait for the night to end quickly, when she closed her eyes, she immediately drifted off into a dream world. She woke up just as the sky was about to lighten. She got out of bed, walked out of the room, went into the backyard to wash her face.

After she finished, she rushed back to her room to change clothes. Then go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After finished cooking she called the children and Grandma for breakfast. After that she cleaned the house.

As she cleaned the parlour room. Suddenly there was a knock on the front gate. Tan Ruo opened the door and his eyes widened again when he saw the same royal guard as the royal guard who came last night. Without hesitation like yesterday, he invited the royal guard inside, he closed the door and then went to call Grandma who was sitting in the living room as usual.

"Grandma, the royal guard is coming again" hearing this her brows furrowed. 'What is going on, why did the royal guards come again'. She thought to herself. Without delay she stood up to meet the royal guards.

As she Is arriving at the terrace. The royal guard bowed, saluted, and greeted. "Good morning, Grandma Ciu"

"Good morning, Mister." Grandma greeted back with a small smile on her face.

"We came here to pick up Miss Shu," said the royal guard without wasting any time.