At last — after all this effort — he had finally made his father understand.
“Yes, I want to know what this is.” The little child nodded and added: “I want to learn characters.”
His father’s heart filled with even greater joy, feeling that his son had inherited his own nature and therefore loved reading… How could one not adore such a clever and sensible son?
“Your father will teach Huai’er to read characters this very moment.”
Having said so, Pei Bingyuan carried Huai Ge’er to the writing desk, sat down, and settled the boy on his knee. Unfortunately, his study contained none of the primers used for children’s early learning. Pei Bingyuan could only make do and open the Classic of Poetry.
It happened to fall open to “Hengmen,” from the “Odes of Chen.”
Pei Shaohuai did not select one of the more complex characters, but pointed to the character for “gate” — “門” — from the line “beneath the crossbeam gate, one may linger and rest,” and said: “Father, teach me this one.”
“This is the character ‘門,'” his father said in a gentle and patient voice, explaining carefully to the little child: “On the left is one panel, on the right is another panel. The two panels together form ‘門.’ The large red doors at the front of our residence — those are the ‘門’ of our Earl’s residence.”
His father spoke slowly, afraid the little child might not follow, and freed one hand to take up the writing brush and draw the shape of a gate for Huai Ge’er.
Huai Ge’er repeated after him: “One panel, and another panel — 門.”
Seeing that Huai Ge’er had understood, his father felt a considerable sense of accomplishment and said admiringly: “Our Huai’er is bright.” He then taught the little child a dozen or more additional characters, selecting only the simpler ones, with the primary aim of building recognition.
Pei Shaohuai listened with genuine attentiveness — and this was not pretend. Though he was literate, the script he had learned was the simplified form. Now, faced with traditional characters, he had no choice but to start over and relearn them from the beginning, lest some careless slip one day reveal something it should not.
Beyond that, Pei Bingyuan had genuine learning in him. As he explained each character, he traced its origins carefully — why it had come to take this particular shape, why these particular strokes — and listening to it was genuinely engaging.
Without noticing it, over an hour had passed. Pei Bingyuan, absorbed in teaching his son to read, had entirely forgotten that he had originally sat down to write an essay.
Had anyone seen this, they would surely have marveled at the scene of such fatherly tenderness and filial warmth.
For it was common knowledge that the Earl’s residence’s First Master was famously “devoted entirely to his books, indifferent to all else” — and if someone interrupted his writing, even his normally gentle temperament would give way to stern reproof.
……
Coming out of his father’s study, little Pei Shaohuai’s thoughts turned to the events described in the original story —
In the original novel, the father and son — Pei Shaohuai and Pei Bingyuan — had not gotten along well. As the years passed, they came to regard each other with increasing displeasure.
Because of the battle over Huai Ge’er between the Old Madam and Lin Shi, the inner household had no peace, and Pei Bingyuan could not study in tranquility. As a result, Pei Bingyuan harbored little affection for this son of his.
Later, when Huai Ge’er grew older, he became idle and dissolute, pursuing no worthy occupation, stirring up trouble everywhere. Pei Bingyuan, who was averse to going out and mingling in society, was repeatedly forced to venture out and clean up after his son’s misdeeds, wearing himself down in both body and spirit. He came to feel more and more that this son of his, Pei Shaohuai, had been sent down by the heavens to collect on a debt.
By the time Pei Shaohuai had become a notorious wastrel, the ordinarily mild-mannered Pei Bingyuan confronted his elderly mother and said: “Look at the fine grandson you have raised — look what your indulgence has made of him.”
The Old Madam, her heart broken, replied: “You only provided him life, you did nothing to rear him — and now you turn around and blame me?”
Pei Bingyuan let out a wretched groan and cried out to the heavens: “All I ever wanted was to study in peace — how could something so simple be so impossibly difficult? To have fathered such a son — for the rest of my days, I shall never know tranquility. Any hope of success in the examinations is finished.” He then snapped his writing brush in two, sealed away his books, and the scene was one that could only be met with a helpless sigh.
……
And yet now, this Huai Ge’er was not that Huai Ge’er.
Pei Shaohuai thought to himself with quiet determination: he would not allow this household to become as stifling and rotten as it had been in the original story. He would not go about causing trouble and stirring up incidents everywhere. His father wished to study in undisturbed peace — and was that not exactly what he himself wished for?
He would grant Pei Bingyuan his wish.
As for whether his father would ultimately achieve something on the path of the examinations, that was beyond what Pei Shaohuai could know.
……
The following day, Pei Bingyuan sought out the Old Master and Old Madam and told them of the remarkable thing that had happened the day before — how Huai Ge’er had taken the initiative to learn characters — adding that Huai Ge’er was exceptionally quick-witted and had learned with impressive speed.
The two elders were naturally delighted, though not entirely convinced. After all, Huai Ge’er was not yet a year and a half old. The Old Madam asked Pei Bingyuan: “Is this truly so?”
“Truly. If Mother does not believe it, she may ask Huai’er directly.”
The Old Madam held Huai Ge’er in her arms and asked: “Huai Ge’er, tell Grandmother — what did you learn with Father yesterday?”
The little child pointed toward the door outside and replied: “門 — the large門 of our residence.”
Pei Bingyuan chimed in from the side: “Yesterday I taught him the character ‘門.'”
The Old Madam was overjoyed and deeply moved. She smiled until the corners of her eyes grew moist, calling him her dear little grandson over and over, then asked: “Does our Huai Ge’er want to study?”
The little child nodded and replied: “Yes — to study, to learn characters.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I like it.”
A small child could not afford to seem too calculating. Pei Shaohuai could hardly tell his grandmother that he wanted to study so he could sit the examinations and become an official.
Seizing the moment, Pei Bingyuan spoke of his own plan: “Father, Mother — since Huai’er has shown such inclination and aptitude, I would like to begin his early education sooner rather than later, so as not to let his gifts go to waste. What are your thoughts?”
The Old Master and Old Madam, though pleased, were not without discernment. When the matter of beginning Huai Ge’er’s early learning was raised, they in fact became more cautious.
Such a tiny little thing — could he really sit still? Would it be too much for him?
In other households, children began their early learning at five or six years of age. Even in the wealthiest and most carefully attentive families, the earliest a child would begin formal learning was two or three years of age.
And Huai Ge’er was only a year and a half old.
The Old Madam said: “Is it not too early? Huai Ge’er is still so small.” She was concerned about forcing growth before the time was right, and doing more harm than good.
“When I say ‘early learning,’ I do not mean formal instruction in the strictest sense.” Pei Bingyuan had already thought through these concerns the night before and laid them out plainly: “He will continue just as before — sleeping when he should sleep, playing when he should play — only when he has idle time will he be brought to the study, to be taught a few characters, to hear some interesting historical anecdotes, or perhaps to recite a poem or two. It will be treated as play, simply to let him discover that there are so many wonderful and interesting things to be found within books… A way of laying a foundation for what comes later, and nothing more.”
So that was what he meant by “early learning.” Pei Shaohuai thought to himself — isn’t this just ancient-era kindergarten? You are underestimating my determination to study rather severely.
Pei Bingyuan also said: “Huai’er’s bones and frame have not yet fully developed, so I would not have him hold a brush and practice writing — I will not exhaust him.”
To help achieve his goal, Pei Shaohuai added in his soft, childish voice: “Study — fun — so many books.”
The Old Madam nodded, but still harbored some doubt: “Your idea is sound enough. But where would one find a suitable private tutor on short notice?”
In this dynasty, where the imperial examinations reigned supreme, finding a truly good teacher was no easy matter. As the saying went, “With even three bowls of grain to spare, a man will not consent to be a children’s tutor” — any scholar with a degree worth mentioning would not willingly take a position as a private schoolteacher unless driven to the last extremity. Those who had passed the provincial examinations had half a foot already in the path of officialdom and would naturally aim for an official career. What remained were only the holders of the first-level xiucai degree.
Even for a household like the Jingchuan Earl’s residence, finding a distinguished teacher was no simple matter.
“Huai’er is still so young — teaching him would require both instruction and coaxing. Finding a private tutor willing to do that may not be easy. And besides, teachers outside are of uneven quality, and I would not be easy in my mind about them… I have been thinking — why not have Father and me teach him together? What do you think, Father?” Pei Bingyuan proposed. “I would teach him to recognize characters, and Father could tell him historical anecdotes and recite poetry with him — it would not take up much time at all.”
The Old Master and Old Madam were both a little surprised that their son was willing to take on such trouble.
Then they heard Pei Bingyuan add: “There are still two years until the next autumn examination. Spending every day shut up in the study, I do not seem to be making any progress. I might as well set aside a portion of that time to teach Huai’er.”
The Old Master agreed readily: “That would be an excellent arrangement.”
……
Just then, Concubine Shen happened to bring Jin Ge’er along to pay her morning respects. She had been standing outside and had heard everything, but did not presume to enter and interrupt.
Only once the conversation inside had concluded did she send a maid in to announce her, then walked inside, leading Jin Ge’er forward with composed and unhurried grace.
“I could already hear the Old Matriarch’s laughter from far away — can it be that something joyful has happened? Let us hear it too.” Concubine Shen asked.
Every time she came to pay her respects, she customarily answered whatever the Old Madam asked and volunteered nothing of her own. But today, she had taken the initiative to raise a topic.
“We were just speaking of beginning Huai Ge’er’s early learning.” The Old Madam replied cheerfully. An instant later, the Old Madam noticed Jin Ge’er standing before her paying his respects, and understood the meaning behind Concubine Shen’s words.
The Old Madam pulled Jin Ge’er close and asked: “Jin Ge’er — would you like to follow along with Grandfather and Father to learn characters too?”
Jin Ge’er had no idea yet what “learning characters” meant. To his ears, it was no different from being asked “Would you like Grandmother to take you out to play?” — and so he nodded and said in his soft, childish voice: “I would.”
The Old Madam beamed with joy and declared with pride: “Look at that — the sons of our Pei family, even at this young age, already know they should be reading and learning characters.”
The Old Master also said: “Then let them both learn together. The two brothers, going forward side by side, looking out for each other, supporting each other.”
Little Pei Shaohuai, that milk-drinking infant, felt a slight pang of guilt. He toddled over to Jin Ge’er’s side, took his small hand in his own, and said: “Little Brother, let’s learn characters together.”
In his heart, all he could think was — Jin’er, your elder brother is truly sorry. I was not careful, and I’ve gone and pulled you into this along with me. I was only idling about, wanting to learn traditional characters, just to pass the time — I never once planned to drag you into this… But then again, you are a brilliantly gifted scholar by nature, hardworking and utterly single-minded in everything you do. Having you devote yourself to study is entirely where you belong. So perhaps, Jin’er — one might as well start striving early rather than late. Why not join your elder brother, and together, the two of us will outwork everyone else out there.
Jin Ge’er was a very well-behaved child. He let his elder brother take his hand without a fuss, nodded his head, and replied: “Mm, mm.”
……
That evening, when Lin Shi had a moment of leisure, Concubine Shen brought Jin Ge’er to Zhaolu Courtyard.
After brief pleasantries, Concubine Shen explained her purpose: she had come to thank the elder brother on Jin Ge’er’s behalf, respectful and courteous in her manner.
Lin Shi had not been in the residence during the day and did not know what had occurred, so Concubine Shen told her about the early learning arrangement.
Lin Shi listened, and her heart warmed with pleasure. She was quietly amazed that her little son had somehow managed to set something so significant in motion during the day. Facing Concubine Shen’s gratitude, she replied: “Think nothing of it — the two brothers studying and learning characters together is a good thing. No talk of thanks is needed… The two of them are so close — we mustn’t let ourselves grow awkward between us over something like this.”
Toward Concubine Shen, Lin Shi had always maintained a single, consistent attitude — both of them were women who had, by various twists of fate, ended up in this same household. There was no need to make things difficult for each other. Each of them simply needed to raise their own children well.
After Concubine Shen departed, Lin Shi happily scooped up her son and kissed him several times, saying: “My good, clever boy.”
With children who were well-behaved and bright, a stepdaughter who showed her respect, and a concubine who kept to her proper station, Lin Shi felt that life in this great, deep-walled residence was growing more and more hopeful with each passing day.
……
From that day forward, Huai Ge’er and Jin Ge’er — the two brothers — began their study of reading and characters.
Though the two brothers’ preferred lessons differed somewhat. Pei Shaohuai loved having his father teach him to recognize characters — learning the traditional script, tracing each character back to its origins. His father even made a point of selecting beautiful calligraphy samples to use for character instruction, pleasing to the eye, which made Pei Shaohuai feel that these ancient characters, with their every brushstroke, carried a quality of deep and enduring charm.
Pei Shaojin was still very young, slow to recognize characters, but he listened with great concentration. He loved hearing his grandfather recount historical anecdotes — Zengzi slaughtering the pig to keep his promise, Zhuge Liang borrowing arrows with a boat of straw, Kong Rong yielding the larger pear — each of those brief phrases containing such a wealth of story within it. Jin Ge’er listened with rapt delight every time. After his afternoon rest each day, he would hurry off to the study with eager steps, chanting aloud: “Quickly, quickly — Grandfather must be about to tell a story.”
All in all, the two brothers, young as they were, spent their days studying and learning characters, and were thoroughly happy.
……
……
In the middle of the fifth month, on a particular day, Lin Shi brought in a seamstress — a woman skilled in cutting and tailoring — and called all the young ladies of the Earl’s residence together, saying she was going to measure them for summer skirts to be made for the season.
The seamstress was most meticulous when measuring Lian Jie’er’s figure.
Once Lian Jie’er had gone back with the other girls, Lin Shi went to the Old Madam’s chambers and explained her true purpose — the summer skirts had been a pretext. The real aim was to take Lian Jie’er’s measurements.
“At the coming-of-age ceremony, there are requirements for the ceremonial garments at every stage — the adoption of the initial garments, the first addition, the second addition, the third addition — each with its proper dress and design. The short jacket, the layered skirt, the curved-hem deep robe, the wide-sleeved long gown — not a single one can be left out. And they must be finely sewn and properly styled — it is not something that can be done in ten days or half a month. By rights, these should have been custom-made and sent over by Lian Jie’er’s maternal aunt’s household — it is not a matter for me to trouble myself with. I had word sent to them long ago, but the Anyuan Earl’s residence has made no reply, and I have no idea whether they have made any preparations. I feared that when the time came, they might send over a few hastily assembled garments that would make a poor showing for our Pei family at the ceremony and wound Lian Jie’er’s heart at the same time.” Lin Shi said.
She continued: “So your daughter-in-law took it upon herself to have someone come and take Lian Jie’er’s measurements, and have a proper set of garments made as a precaution. Lian Jie’er is perceptive and thoughtful — I did not want her to find out and worry herself, which is why I said we were making summer skirts. This shop made garments for the daughter of Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Finance last year. Your daughter-in-law saw them, and the fabric and craftsmanship were both excellent… Once the long gown is nearly finished, I will have some gold thread sent over to be woven subtly into the fabric — it will surely look beautiful.”
She only then added at the end: “What does Mother think?”
Lin Shi had done all of this with a sincere heart, and had invested real thought and effort. Since that was the case, it was only right to speak of it openly, to let her mother-in-law know.
“You have gone to a great deal of trouble — it is you who have been thorough in your thinking.” The Old Madam nodded in approval, then added: “Tell the shop to keep it quiet and work without drawing attention… In case the Anyuan Earl’s residence happens to send something of quality after all, we would not want to slight them.”
“Your daughter-in-law understands.” Lin Shi replied, then said: “In a few days, I will have them send some fashionable fabric samples over, and Mother can personally choose a fine one for Lian Jie’er.”
The Old Madam agreed with a nod.
Now that the garments were settled, the Old Madam raised the matter of hairpieces and accessories: “What are your thoughts regarding the hairpins and headdress for the ceremony?” Hairpins and headdresses required even more time to commission than garments, and were of even greater importance.
Lin Shi had made preparations for this as well, and replied: “Mother, do you recall the ceremony we attended for the youngest granddaughter of the Duke of Yong — how many carnelian stones were set into her gold headdress, and how splendid it looked? It took your daughter-in-law quite a few inquiries before I could track down the shop that made it. As it happens, that shop has no other orders at the moment and has agreed to take this one. Of course, our Earl’s residence cannot be as lavish as a duke’s household — with so many precious stones inlaid. I spoke with the shop owner, and we agreed to use pearls and jadeite on the sides and at the back instead — the effect will be equally beautiful.”
The Old Madam nodded again — very satisfied. Even if the Earl’s residence had ample silver, it did not dare display itself like a ducal household, setting stones all over the piece… All things had their proper rules and station, and one must not overstep one’s rank.
The Old Madam asked: “Are there any difficulties?”
Lin Shi nodded and drew out a guest list, which she handed to the Old Madam. While the Old Madam reviewed it, Lin Shi explained: “Mother knows well the background I come from. When it comes to inviting the honored female guests to serve as the principal attendants at the ceremony, I may need to ask Mother to lend her name and standing… And if there is anything lacking or incomplete in this list, I ask that Mother please advise me.”
……
Under Lin Shi’s diligent efforts, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, and before long the sixth month had arrived.