Regarding the matter concerning their paternal grandparents' family, Li Wuya and her siblings were indeed quite curious. However, they understood that it was up to Li Changsen to reveal anything about it. The four siblings occasionally discussed it privately but had no intention of actively investigating it.
Li Wuya's family enjoyed their first New Year in Rongcheng with happiness, leaving behind their worries and troubles and embracing the excitement of the future.
Apart from the first two days of the New Year, the Li siblings spent their time exploring the city and keeping an eye on the Jiubian Trading Company's personnel.
Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e had refrained from addressing the children about their livelihood until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. On that day, they summoned all four children to the main room to discuss the family's future.
Li Changsen began, "Our family has settled in Rongcheng. I've counted the money we have at home, including the hundred taels from Sanlang and what we've saved over the years. We have over eight hundred and fifty taels of silver."
"These funds should last us for a while if we spend them frugally. However, we can't just rely on the money we have. I wanted to gather all of you here to hear your thoughts. Let's discuss it together."
Li Sanlang was the first to express his stance, "Father, Mother, I've already thought about this. Tomorrow, I'll start looking for work." As the eldest son, it was his responsibility to provide for the family.
Li Wuya questioned, "Brother, we're new to Rongcheng, and we don't know much about it yet. What kind of work can you find?"
Li Sanlang chuckled, "I have my strength. I'll definitely find something to do."
Li Wuya frowned, "Physical labor might not bring in much money, and it's tiring. It might not be worth it." Then, she turned her gaze to Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e. "Father, Mother, may I share my thoughts?"
"First, let's buy some land. No matter what, having land ensures we won't go hungry."
Everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom of this suggestion.
"Second, let's send Brother and Qilang to school."
In this era, a family's social status depended on its male members, whether on the larger or smaller scale.
To change their status, they had to rely on ambitious male family members. The only way to climb the social ladder was through education and the imperial examinations.
Li Sanlang was the first to voice his objection, "I'm already fifteen. Why would I go back to school? Qilang, on the other hand, is only ten and can go to school."
Li Wuya disagreed, "Brother, who says that fifteen is too old for school? When we were learning from Teacher Fan before, he praised your good memory."
Li Sanlang argued, "But I still need to help at home. Moreover, we're planning to buy land, and someone has to work on it."
At this point, Li Changsen interjected, "Your mother and I will handle the land. Previously, in the village, there was no opportunity, but now there is. If you want to study, then go."
Jin Yue'e nodded in agreement. If the children were able to study, they should be supported.
"Third, I and Sister also want to study."
Li Qilang grinned, "Sister, the school doesn't admit female students. How about this: Brother and I will teach you when we come back."
Li Wuya rolled her eyes at him, "That's not true. I've inquired. Mrs. Qiao, who lives just a street away, teaches girls how to read and write."
She turned to Li Er'ya, "Sister, Mrs. Qiao is amazing. I heard she's skilled in female arts and music as well."
Li Er'ya hesitated, "Wuya, our family only has outflows, not inflows. How about I just don't go? You can teach me when you return. It'll save some money."
"Both of you will go!"
This conversation was initiated by Jin Yue'e.
The two older siblings, who were mature beyond their years, truly touched her heart. They always put the family's well-being first and cared for their younger siblings.
Li Changsen nodded and made a decision, "Alright, it's settled then. All of you will go to school. Your mother and I will manage the household for now. You don't need to worry about that."
His wounds would be fully healed in about a month, and by then, he would have found work, bringing income to the household. Coupled with the harvest from the land, the family could sustain themselves.
They couldn't let a slight savings compromise the children's future opportunities.
"This year has passed, and we need to move forward with buying land and attending school. Sanlang, today you should take your younger siblings out and gather information."
Li Sanlang led his younger siblings out of the room.
Li Wuya suggested, "Brother, let's go to Jiubian Trading Company. Lao Jiu there always has the latest information. We can ask him about buying land and the school."
Jiubian Trading Company.
Lao Jiu had just bid farewell to an old client and was about to rest in the backyard when he saw Li Wuya and Li Qilang approaching. He immediately greeted them with a warm smile and stepped forward, "Why did the eldest young master come in person?"
While talking, he guided Li Wuya and Li Qilang towards the main seats. "If you have any matters, you could just send someone to inform me, and I would immediately come to meet you. You don't need to trouble yourself to come here."
Li Sanlang and Li Er'ya, who were being ignored, felt a bit awkward in the presence of Lao Jiu's excessive politeness.
Their younger siblings had really mastered the art of flexibility!
Li Wuya took note of the beaming Lao Jiu and introduced Li Qilang and Li Er'ya, "This is my eldest brother and second sister."
Lao Jiu was momentarily taken aback before immediately bowing apologetically, "I didn't recognize you. Please forgive me, Sir and Miss."
Being addressed this way made Li Sanlang and Li Er'ya uncomfortable, but seeing their younger sibling appearing perfectly at ease, as if they were in their own home, they pretended to remain composed and nodded without saying a word.
Li Wuya noticed their odd reaction but chose to overlook it. With time and experience, one becomes accustomed to certain situations.
"Lao Jiu, we came here this time to inquire about something."
"Lao Da, if it's something within my knowledge, I will certainly share it."
"Our family just moved to Rongcheng. We're interested in buying some land and also wanted to ask about enrolling in school."
Lao Jiu fell silent for a moment, then said, "Lao Da, you might not be able to purchase good land here in Rongcheng."
Li Qilang looked puzzled, "Why is that?"
Lao Jiu explained, "Most of the good farmland is already in the hands of wealthy families. These families rarely engage in land transactions."
Li Wuya furrowed her brow, "Even if we don't buy a lot, can't we get a few acres?"
Lao Jiu smiled wryly, "Lao Da, even finding a few acres of contiguous good land is difficult. If you're determined to buy, you might have to acquire small plots here and there."
Li Wuya commented, "Buying scattered land would be quite troublesome to manage."
Lao Jiu sighed, "Unfortunately, contiguous good land is in high demand. As soon as someone decides to sell, there's usually already a buyer. Even the trading company rarely handles such transactions."
Li Wuya glanced at Li Sanlang and Li Er'ya.
Li Sanlang pondered for a moment before asking, "Isn't there any contiguous land available?"
Lao Jiu responded, "There is, but it's mostly uncultivated land."
Upon hearing this, the four siblings fell into a moment of silence.
After a while, Li Wuya asked again, "Do you have much good land available?"
Lao Jiu shook his head, "The land near the border is infertile and lacks rainfall. Everyone desires good land, and unless they're in dire straits, people don't usually sell. I have around twenty acres, all scattered."
He glanced at the expressions of Li Wuya and her siblings before adding, "If you're not in a hurry to buy, I could ask around other trading companies for you. Perhaps they might have something."
Li Wuya and Li Sanlang exchanged a glance and nodded, "That would be best. Thank you for your help."
Lao Jiu immediately smiled, "It's an honor for me to assist Lao Da."
Li Sanlang and Li Er'ya exchanged glances as well, both thinking that this man was skilled at speaking.
Li Wuya's expression remained unchanged. Setting aside the matter of land for now, she inquired about the school, "My brother and younger brother want to attend school. Which is the best school in Rongcheng?"
Lao Jiu replied, "The best school in Rongcheng would be the Prefectural School." He hesitated for a moment, then looked at Li Sanlang, seeming to have something to say but holding back.
Li Sanlang quickly spoke up, "Mr. Lao, there's no need to hesitate. Please say whatever you have in mind."
Lao Jiu nodded and smiled, "May I inquire about Sir's level of education?"
Li Sanlang responded, "I wouldn't call it education. I can recognize a few characters."
Lao Jiu's expression stiffened slightly, "Sir, in that case, your age might be a bit advanced for the Prefectural School."
Li Sanlang promptly said, "Mr. Lao, don't worry about that. Say whatever you need to."
Lao Jiu smiled and continued, "Then, if the young master's age is appropriate, he could consider applying to the Prefectural School."
Li Qilang scowled, "What 'young master'? I'm not, am I? I'm Fourth Master."
Lao Jiu quickly adapted, "Of course, Fourth Master."
Li Wuya furrowed her brows, "If the Prefectural School isn't an option, then are there other schools he could attend?"
Lao Jiu hesitated again.
Li Wuya's patience was wearing thin, "Can you just be straightforward? Do you think we'll eat you if you speak openly?"
Lao Jiu hastened to reply, "I was just worried about saying the wrong thing."
Li Wuya huffed, "We're not that petty. As long as you're not trying to deceive us intentionally, you're allowed to make a few mistakes. We're reasonable enough."
Lao Jiu sighed in relief, "In that case, I'll tell you." He then turned to Li Sanlang, "May I ask, Sir, about your martial arts skills?"
Li Sanlang examined Lao Jiu and sensed his curiosity. He responded calmly, "They're decent."
In his mind, Lao Jiu rolled his eyes. Indeed, they were siblings. Neither of them was easy to coax. "If your martial arts skills are good," he continued, "you might consider applying to the martial arts academy within the Prefectural School."
"In our Da Chu region, we emphasize both literature and martial arts. There's no bias towards one or the other. Every year, the number of students admitted to the literary and martial sections of the Prefectural School is the same."
"But in the Western Frontier Protectorate, due to its location on the border and continuous warfare, the demand for warriors is greater than for scholars. As a result, the admission criteria for martial students are more lenient compared to other places. As long as your martial skills are strong, your scholarly knowledge is not as heavily weighed."
Li Wuya furrowed her brows, "If we apply to the martial arts academy, does that mean they'll all end up on the battlefield?"
Lao Jiu chuckled and nodded.
Li Wuya sighed in exasperation. It seemed like they had come full circle, from escaping the fate of going to the battlefield to now considering it again.
Observing Li Wuya's expression, Lao Jiu seemed to realize something. He quickly added, "Graduates of the martial arts academy are different from those who directly enlist."
"The martial arts academy cultivates future commanders. Those who pass the martial examination and become military scholars will start as at least a seventh-rank captain. As long as they show bravery in battle, they can quickly rise through the ranks. If their skills are exceptional, they might even become the top scorer in the Imperial Martial Examination."
Li Sanlang found himself intrigued by Lao Jiu's words.
Li Wuya and Li Er'ya exchanged a glance but remained silent.
"Let's head home for now. We'll discuss the matter of buying land and attending school with our parents."
Upon hearing the information their children had gathered, both Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e fell into contemplation.
"Who would have thought that even buying land in Rongcheng would be so difficult."
"Rongcheng is the central city among the border towns, with many noble families. They hold vast amounts of good land, leaving little for others."
"Let's wait and see. If there's any continuous land available from the trading companies, we'll buy it immediately. If not, we'll have to settle for scattered pieces."
"As for attending school, Sanlang, you should think it over. Whatever decision you make, your parents will support you."
In the end, Li Sanlang chose to apply to the martial arts academy.
No one in the family objected.
Considering Li Sanlang's current martial skills, he could be considered an eighth-rank warrior. With a few years of study at the martial arts academy, he could improve to the ninth rank. By then, he wouldn't fear any danger on the battlefield.
In early February, the Prefectural School began enrolling new students.
Both the upper and lower levels of the Li family assumed that Li Sanlang would be easily accepted, while Li Qilang might be rejected due to inadequate knowledge. However, the outcome turned out to be the opposite.
Given the lack of emphasis on scholarly pursuits at the border, very few applied for the literary section. Despite Li Qilang's limited education, having only studied the Three-Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames, he still managed to enter the Prefectural School smoothly.
But Li Sanlang's situation was different. Due to the high number of applicants for the martial section, despite his outstanding martial skills, he passed the assessment but was ultimately rejected during the admission phase.
"How could this happen?!"
Li Wuya sought information from Lao Jiu.
Over the years, Lao Jiu had established connections with various lower-ranking government officials in order to establish himself in Rongcheng. Although their ranks were low, they could still provide information.
"I found out that initially, Young Master had been accepted. However, the son of a commanding officer suddenly decided to enroll, so he was bumped off."
"Can this really happen?"
Lao Jiu wore a bitter smile, "In the official circles, officials protect each other. If they want to help someone get ahead, us ordinary people can't do anything about it."
Li Wuya looked at him, "Do you have any way to help my brother?"
Lao Jiu shook his head, "The officials I know hold low positions and have limited authority. This matter is completely beyond their control. Moreover, the announcement has already been made, so even if someone could help, they couldn't change it now."