Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Han Zhang was not being paranoid.

Although there was no deep-seated hatred between the Han and Luo families, there had been numerous conflicts between them over the years.

Every time the Luos came into power, the Han family was sure to suffer.

When the topic of marrying Miss Sun came up, even Han Grandpa's face showed his worry.

"Grandfather was just about to tell you that Master Sun has already arranged the betrothal with the Luo family. The betrothal gifts and marriage contract have all been exchanged..."

Grandma Han huffed indignantly, "Master Sun originally had his eye on our Big Brother! In terms of talent and appearance, that Xiucai Luo can't hold a candle to our Big Brother!"

"But that scheming Luo Ying is such a smooth talker. He secretly courted Miss Sun and sweet-talked her into swearing she'd marry no one else, and so this good marriage fell into the Luo family's lap."

It was true. The original Han Zhang was better than Luo Ying in both looks and talent.

But Luo Ying was good with sweet talk, while the original Han Zhang was a clueless blockhead, so of course he lost.

Master Sun, a modest landowner, was already the best marriage prospect the Han family could reach.

Now that someone else had beaten him to it, Grandma Han was not only angry but also worried.

"I heard that Master Sun's clan brother is a sixth-rank official at the Imperial Academy. If Luo Ying marries Miss Sun, even if he can't attend the Imperial Academy, he can borrow books from their collection."

"Then, with better teachers and more books, Luo Ying will leave our Big Brother in the dust in next year's imperial exams. What are we going to do..."

Why is it so hard for someone from a poor family to become a high official in ancient times?

Is it because poor scholars lack intelligence?

Of course not!

At the root of it, the upper classes hoarded knowledge. Without enough resources and books, even a genius goes to waste.

Therefore, Han Zhang didn't dismiss the original's plan to marry for connections.

Because the phenomenon of women marrying into lower-status families and men marrying above their station was normal in ancient times—it was a typical marriage transaction.

In fact, many wealthy families would actively look for talented poor scholars and marry their daughters or sons to them as an investment.

As long as you didn't act entitled about it, it was a promising path.

He had a thick face; he didn't care!

He comforted, "Grandma, so what if the Luo family snatched the Suns' marriage? The capital is crawling with nobles. I'm way better than Luo Ying in both looks and talent. If he can marry Miss Sun, why can't I find someone who sees my worth?"

"If I'm going to marry up, I'm going for the best. The official in the Sun family is only a relative, not Master Sun himself. How much help can a small landlord give me anyway?"

"I like young men. I'm aiming for sons of officials or rich merchants."

"The former could help in my career, the latter, though lower in status, come with money!"

He had to have either prestige or practical benefits.

Han Grandpa said thoughtfully, "Big Brother makes sense, but the problem is we have no way to get in with the sons of officials or rich merchants. The Sun family was the best we could manage."

"Or do you already have someone in mind?"

Han Zhang: ...Of course not.

He had only crossed over yesterday and had been busy familiarizing himself with the original's memories. He had no time to consider marriage.

But that didn't stop him from dreaming big.

He had talent and good looks—a clear potential catch. If even Luo Ying could find a meal ticket, why couldn't he find a father-in-law with good eyes?

You have to have dreams. The real failure is not having any.

So Han Zhang gave a confident nod.

"Grandfather, rest assured. I have my own plans for my marriage. It'll be at least as good as Luo Ying's. Our top priority is to guard against the Luo family's pressure. Until I pass the provincial exam or secure a marriage, the uncles and aunts in the clan may have to put up with some hardship."

"I'll discuss this with the clan leader and other elders. You focus on your studies and don't worry about these matters. I just hope you bring home a good husband soon."

Han Grandpa smiled and stroked his beard, his eyes full of confidence.

...

After dinner, Han Zhang chatted with Han Grandpa about his studies at the academy.

Only then did he have time. He went back to his room, lit the oil lamp, and started reading.

As the saying goes: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; an ocean is formed by the accumulation of tiny streams."

He couldn't guarantee that his hard work alone would let him stand out among the countless examination candidates, but the most important thing in learning was accumulation and perseverance.

Regardless of success, he would just study first.

From his knowledge of history, the life of common people in feudal dynasties was extremely harsh. Not only were living conditions poor, but people had no rights at all—if they were killed by a noble, they would be considered unlucky for causing trouble.

Although life in the apocalypse had been rough, as a base leader, he had lived comfortably.

So, he absolutely couldn't endure the miserable life of ancient commoners.

He had to rise up. He had to rise up!

"Knock, knock..."

Just as Han Zhang was frowning over his book, there was a sudden knock at the door.

Several clear voices came from outside:

"Big Brother!"

"Eldest Brother!"

"Big Cousin!"

"Can we come in?"

They were the original's younger siblings and cousins.

Compared to other families in the village where each couple had four or five children, the Han family's younger generation was relatively small. But from Han Zhang's perspective as a modern man, the total number was actually quite a lot—eight in total, including girls, boys, and a young lad.

Father Han and Mother Han had three children: the eldest son Han Qinzhang (Han Zhang), the second son Han Qinnian, and the young lad Han Dong.

Second Uncle and Second Aunt also had three children: the eldest son Han Qinfeng, the second son Han Qinwen, and the young lad Han Qiu.

Third Uncle and Third Aunt had two daughters: the eldest Han Chun, and the second Han Xia.

These younger siblings were all quite young, the oldest being only fifteen and the youngest just ten.

"Come in." Han Zhang put down his book and let everyone in, asking with a gentle expression, "Why have you come to see me at this hour?"

The original Han Zhang was a man of great gentlemanly conduct, always warm and courteous to others.

Especially towards his family, who had given so much for him, he cared deeply and valued them greatly. No matter how much pressure he bore inside, he maintained the responsibility and composure expected of the eldest son and grandson in front of his family.

And these younger siblings also respected him greatly as their elder brother.

After entering the room, his two biological brothers took the lead, carefully took out a small bundle from inside their robes and unwrapped it.

"Big brother, you've worked hard at the academy. This is something we saved up and bought for you."

Han Qinnian said, "I, along with second brother and third brother, caught pheasants and rabbits in the mountains to earn the brush money."

Han Dong said, "The ink stick was earned by me, Han Qiu, and Chun Ya and Xia Ya by making decorative knots together."

The others: "Big brother, do you like it? The shopkeeper at the bookshop said this brush and ink are the favorite of scholars. They'll surely be easy for you to use, and your writing will be beautiful."

Their young faces were full of anticipation, waiting for his praise.

So sincere and simple.

Han Zhang looked at the rough, wounded fingers and small, dark, thin faces of his younger siblings...

Even though he had experienced a lot and was not easily shaken, a sour feeling surged in his chest.

He was an orphan in the modern era. Although the orphanage director and teachers were good to him, with so many children there, that kindness was limited.

He had never experienced such warm familial affection and loving family atmosphere.

Han Zhang rubbed each of his younger siblings' heads and scolded them, a bit emotional.

"This brush and ink are of fine quality; they must have cost at least two taels of silver. How many pheasants and rabbits did you have to catch, how many decorative knots did you have to make, to save up that much silver?"

"There are wild beasts in the mountains. You three boys sneak in there often—aren't you afraid a tiger or bear will carry you off?"

"And you, young lad Dong, and the others—you always secretly make decorative knots at night. If you ruin your eyes, how will you stitch your own wedding dresses later?"

No wonder the original Han Zhang treasured his family so much. Even though he faced the huge pressure of reviving the family's fortunes, his family truly treated him well.

Knowing that their elder brother was concerned for them, they weren't upset by his scolding.

"Big brother, you work hard studying to bring glory to our family. We don't have your smarts for studying, so the best we can do is buy you more brushes and ink."

"Big brother, rest assured. Grandpa taught us some martial arts moves. We only catch pheasants and rabbits on the back slope; we never go deep into the mountains."

"When big brother makes it big, we'll have a fancy embroidery shop make our wedding dresses—no need to tire ourselves out..."

They grinned innocently, their eyes full of admiration for their big brother.

Han Dong even hugged his elder brother's arm and joked, "Big brother, once you pass the civil exams and become a high-ranking official, I'll be the son of an official. Even if I have bad eyes, people will be jealous!"

"Nonsense!"

Han Zhang tapped his lively little brother on the head.

After scolding the little guys a bit, he told them they were forbidden from sneaking to the back hill or staying up late making decorative knots anymore. Finally, he praised their thoughtfulness and sent them off.

Then he let out a long sigh.

The original Han Zhang carried the heavy hopes of the whole family, and the other members of the Han family, in order to raise the family's social status, also sacrificed their own interests and squeezed everything out of themselves.

Han Zhang thought about his situation and couldn't help feeling a little glum.

But soon

he couldn't stay glum anymore.

Because now, with his special ability, his senses were several times sharper than an average person's.

He could hear his younger siblings—the ones who'd just come to check on him—huddled in a corner whispering.

Han Dong, acting as the spokesperson for the girls and younger boys, said, "Second brother, where did you get the money to buy the brush? That brush costs one tael of silver each. Did you go trick the landlord's dumb son again?"

"We told you not to do that, didn't we! Don't do it! The son may be silly, but his father isn't."

Han Qinnian immediately retorted, "...Who tricked anyone? Are we that kind of person? Young Master Wang loves listening to stories. We told him about his father and sister-in-law's little affairs. He was happy and gave us silver—totally legit and aboveboard!"

After explaining.

Han Qinnian also asked on behalf of the boys, "Then what about your ink stick? That's not cheap either, you know. Did you go sweet-talk the landlord's dumb daughter again?"

Han Dong immediately got anxious, "...What do you mean 'sweet-talk'? We're not that kind of people! We just helped Miss Wang keep an eye on things. The day before yesterday, we caught her fiancé sneaking around with his cousin. She paid us!"

After confirming their mutual understanding, they were all the type to get paid hush money for snitching!

The three boys and four other kids—two girls and two younger lads—exchanged knowing, innocent smiles.

Then

Han Dong coughed and said, "Anyway, that's not important. Big brother was surely very moved just now. Once he passes the imperial exams and becomes successful, he'll definitely help us find good families."

Han Qinnian nodded, "Big brother's eyes were all red just now. He'll totally remember how good we were to him. When big brother passes the exams and becomes famous, we'll have it made."

"Yes, yes. Big brother is the best. We'll rely on big brother from now on!"

The others also nodded like chicks pecking rice, fantasizing about their future days living off their elder brother.

In the room,

Han Zhang, who had accidentally overheard the entire conversation:

...