Deep down, he genuinely hoped that Su Yu could continue his advanced studies and take the imperial examinations. After all, Su Yu was a talent he had carefully nurtured; if he achieved academic success, he himself would share in the glory, and the reputation of Linfeng Academy would reach even greater heights. Su Yu was indeed a man of considerable talent, but it was a pity that he was too bound by sentiment and ultimately dragged down by his family.
"Dean, actually I can..." Su Yu started, his words trailing off.
Lǐ Huáirén asked, "Hmm? Won't your father-in-law's family question your decision?" Mentioning Su Yu's father-in-law's family naturally brought to mind Su Yu's brother-in-law and fellow student Deng Qiyue. He wondered how Deng Qiyue's studies were progressing recently and whether he would be able to go to the capital for the examinations next year.
Su Yu's hesitation brought a smile to Lǐ Huáirén's face. "Think it over some more," he said. In his heart, he still hoped that Su Yu would not abandon his path of learning. After all, in Xùyáng County, scholars like Su Yu were few and far between, and he was among the most outstanding of them all.
Su Yu returned home heavy-hearted, his steps somewhat dragging as if he were carrying the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. As soon as he stepped through the door, he sat silently at the table, a trace of confusion and unease flickering in his eyes.
Finally, he mustered the courage to tell Deng Xian everything that was on his mind. His voice trembled slightly, as if he feared she might not understand or support him. Yet Deng Xian's reaction caught him completely off guard. She listened quietly, her eyes filled with gentleness and steadfastness.
When Su Yu finished speaking, Deng Xian smiled faintly and gently took his hand. Her voice was as warm as a spring breeze: "I support your decision, my love. In fact, before I married you, my father asked me if I could bear certain consequences. I've always worried about whether our bond as husband and wife would remain the same if you ever passed the jinshi examination. I know this is your dream, and I don't want to become a stumbling block on your path forward."
"That day will never come," Su Yu gazed at Deng Xian, tears of gratitude shimmering in his eyes as he spoke with absolute firmness. He knew that Deng Xian's support was the driving force behind his progress and the solace for his soul. He pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling her warmth and love.
At that moment, their hearts grew even closer, and their bond deepened. They understood that no matter what difficulties and challenges the future might hold, they would face them hand in hand, never to part. For their love had already withstood the test of time and grown unbreakable.
Su Yu said to Deng Xian, "Let's go visit your father's family in a few days. It's been a long time since I went to see them." Yet a look of hesitation and apprehension crossed Deng Xian's face, and her voice trembled slightly: "But, you... I think we'd better not go!"
As for Su Yu's father-in-law's family—Deng Xian's maiden home—their children actually had very little impression of them. The passage of time and the vicissitudes of life had gradually distanced them from her family. Complex emotions surged in Deng Xian's heart; she knew how meaningful her family home was to her, yet she feared that this visit might stir up unnecessary trouble or pain. Her eyes revealed memories of the past and uncertainty about the future, while Su Yu was filled with deep concern for his wife and respect for her family. He tried to understand Deng Xian's worries while also hoping to rebuild that bond of kinship.
Just then, the children's voices rang out: "Father, Mother, we're back." A trace of exhaustion laced their tones. Shi An wore a smile; though the flatbreads hadn't sold well, she was still happy to be home. The other children, however, looked like frost-bitten greens—dejected and completely lacking spirit.
As soon as they entered, Su Shikuan couldn't wait to tell his parents about their experience selling wild vegetable flatbreads that day. His words were full of grievance and resentment.
Su Yu and Deng Xian had to pull themselves away from their own thoughts. Looking at the children with aching hearts, Su Yu said softly, "It's all right, children. Father won't take the examinations anymore. Father will become a teacher full-time and work hard to earn money; we will definitely be able to support you." Determination and resolve shone in his eyes.
Deng Xian quickly chimed in, "Yes! Your father is capable, and he will surely make our lives better." Trust and comfort resonated in her voice.
Hearing their parents' words, Su Shikuan's grievance instantly melted into a flood of tears. He hugged Su Yu, felt his father's warmth, and cried, "Father, I'll work hard to help too, and I can support myself."
The other children crowded around as well, determination showing on their faces. They knew life wasn't easy, but with their parents' support and love, they would surely overcome any hardship.
Seeing Shi An's unusually calm expression, Su Yu felt a sudden tightening in his chest. Thinking she must have been frightened, he quickly scooped her up in his arms and gently comforted her: "Xiaoya, don't be afraid. Tell Father, what's wrong? Is it..." Concern and anxiety filled his voice.
Shi An raised her head, looked into Su Yu's eyes, and gently shook her head. "Father, I'm fine," she said. Her voice was very calm, yet her eyes revealed a reassuring steadfastness.
Su Yu breathed a sigh of relief, though he still asked with lingering worry, "Then why were you standing there in a daze?" His gaze lingered on Shi An, trying to catch a clue from her expression.
Shi An smiled faintly, her smile as warm as the spring sun. She answered softly, "Ah? I wasn't in a daze. I was wondering if there's still time to make tofu today if we go sell it tomorrow morning." A thoughtful tone laced her voice, as if she were seriously pondering the question.
Hearing this, the others asked in astonishment, "What is tofu?" Their faces were plastered with curiosity and confusion, clearly entirely unfamiliar with this strange word.
Shi An blinked her big eyes in surprise, looked at everyone, and asked, "You all don't know what tofu is?" With that, she even scratched her head with her small hand, seeming somewhat caught off guard by everyone's reaction.
A flash of surprise crossed Su Yu's eyes. Looking at Shi An, his heart filled with curiosity, he asked gently, "Xiaoya, what on earth is tofu? Father has never heard of it either." Anticipation threaded through his voice, hoping Shi An could solve this mystery for him.
Shi An smiled, her expression brimming with pride and confidence. In her childish voice, she explained, "Tofu is a really delicious food made from soybeans. It's soft and white, and the flavor is so fresh and delicious!" Her eyes sparkled with fondness and familiarity for tofu.
Hearing Shi An's explanation, the others couldn't help wearing looks of yearning. They chimed in, "Xiaoya, how do you make tofu? We want to learn too."