CHAPTER 607: CHAPTER 607: SIS, JUST TAKE IT EASY—YOUR BROTHER WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU FOR THREE LIFETIMES

Zhi’er asked curiously, "Then aside from places like Mingyang Academy, are there other places where common people can study?"

Bai Daoyan took her little hand and walked along the street.

"A few years ago, there were two merchants who wanted to set up an academy for the common people, but the tuition was so expensive that almost no one was interested, and naturally, it didn’t succeed."

"For the common people, filling their stomachs is the priority, and studying is secondary."

Zhi’er pouted, "A few days ago, when I went to the market with Brother A Kuang, I saw a poor scholar. To prepare for the imperial exam, he stole books to sell and tried to curry favor."

"So where did he study?"

Bai Daoyan smiled indifferently, "Stealing books? It’s not surprising he did that; it was an act of desperation when he was backed into a corner."

"Sister, imagine a person from a poor family who tries hard to study and become literate. Just when he’s about to achieve fame through exams, he suddenly finds himself standing in front of a closed door."

"Someone tells him that no amount of knowledge or talent matters, only money can open this door. Do you think he would make a crazy decision?"

Zhi’er’s little face was filled with contemplation, and she nodded silently.

When a person pours all their energy into one thing, it’s inevitable that obsession may lead them to do impulsive things.

Bai Daoyan shook his folding fan, speaking very nonchalantly, "Noble families can not only study at Mingyang Academy and meet friends of equal status."

"Within their own families, they also have private tutors, and sometimes, they can even invite famous civil servants to teach."

Zhi’er raised her little face, her big eyes dark and round.

"Fourth Brother, how did you study before Dad became the Emperor?"

Bai Daoyan smiled, crouched down, and patted his sister’s little head.

And patiently explained, "When Fourth Brother was born, Second Aunt had already joined the family. She was the one who told us that studying was important."

"At that time, because of her arrival, our family’s situation improved a lot, and we could always buy books, which a few brothers would share."

"But I heard from Big Brother that before Second Aunt, who is your mother, came, life at home was equally tough."

"They wanted to read, so they had to go to the town to visit an old scholar just to touch the pages."

"So, sister, do you know what brother is trying to say?"

Zhi’er replied softly, "Fourth Brother wants to say that we should cherish the hard-earned life we have now and study well!"

Bai Daoyan shook his head, his smile warm and handsome.

"Brother wants to tell you that the hardest days are over, and the life we have now is meant for you to enjoy."

"You’re still so young, don’t worry about whether others are studying or not. In any case, if sister doesn’t want to study, living a carefree and happy life is absolutely fine."

"Fourth Brother’s money is enough for you to spend in three lifetimes, but Fourth Brother’s goal is to work hard until he earns enough for you to squander in nine lifetimes."

Zhi’er’s rosy lips formed a circle, "Ah..."

She quickly waved her little hand, "Fourth Brother, Zhi’er doesn’t want to enjoy ready-made results, I’ve decided—"

The little girl clenched her pink fist, her eyes shimmering with a firm starlight, making her watery eyes sparkle.

"I want to make sure that those who can’t afford to study but have aspirations also have the chance to sit in a classroom!"

Bai Daoyan was taken aback, "Sister wants to open an academy?"

Zhi’er nodded heavily and took Bai Daoyan’s hand.

"Fourth Brother, let’s go pick a location!"

No sooner said than done!