CHAPTER 29: CHAPTER 29: A STRANGE FEELING

Once it was confirmed that the eldest grandson would leave at the beginning of next month, Granny Song calculated the time and found that there was only a little over half a month left. She hurriedly called her daughter and daughter-in-law, and the three of them busied themselves.

Sewing quilts and making clothes, they prepared a complete set of new attire for Song Yuanbao from head to toe.

Meanwhile, Song Wei stayed in the study to transcribe books for his son.

Although the textbooks used in the town school could be bought at the bookshop, books were precious items these days, especially brand new ones that were very expensive.

Moreover, Song Yuanbao was used to Song Wei’s handwriting, and when Song Wei copied them, he would annotate complicated parts along the way.

This way, when the private tutor gave lessons, the little guy could cooperate with the annotations and find it easier to understand.

The whole family was busy for the sake of Song Yuanbao.

Seeing all this, Wen Wan thought that Yuanbao was indeed the little emperor of the Song family, loved by his grandparents and treated like her own son by his little aunt.

Fortunately, although Song Wei spoiled him, he wasn’t overly indulgent, so the little guy didn’t grow up spoiled, and although he was a bit mischievous, he wasn’t annoying.

On the day of departure, Song Wei and Wen Wan personally escorted him.

Standing at the entrance of the town school, Song Yuanbao was reluctant to enter, staring distantly at his parents on the ox cart.

It was the first time Wen Wan saw the deep reluctance in the little guy’s eyes.

Song Wei waved to him, "Hurry up and go in, I’ll come to pick you up on your day off."

Wen Wan softly smiled, her eyes also encouraging him to go in quickly.

Song Yuanbao collected his emotions, pretended to be relaxed, and said, "I’m leaving now, don’t miss me."

After saying that, he moved forward a few steps, soon turned around again, saw that his father hadn’t left, and immediately turned back awkwardly, his steps stumbling from the haste.

Watching his son’s back disappear into the entrance, Song Wei finally pulled his eyes away and said to Wen Wan, "Let’s go back!"

Wen Wan nodded, sitting down next to Song Wei.

Even without looking back, she knew Yuanbao must be hiding somewhere, secretly watching them.

After all, he’s just an eight-year-old child. No matter how carefree he seems normally, at this moment when he’s entering an unfamiliar environment, separated from his family, he must feel sad inside.

Seeing her staring blankly in a certain direction, Song Wei gently asked, "Reluctant to part with Yuanbao?"

Wen Wan sighed softly.

Although she wasn’t his biological mother, she had always had a good relationship with Yuanbao. Before coming, she hadn’t felt much, but now that he’s really gone, her heart indeed felt a bit heavy.

Song Wei held her hand without saying a word, but the warmth in his palm gradually lifted her spirits.

——

When the couple drove the ox cart to the town entrance, they saw a notice posted outside the archway. Perhaps fearing the townspeople wouldn’t understand it, the Town Government had specifically left someone there to explain it to the onlookers.

Song Wei went over to take a look, then came back to tell Wen Wan that a coal mine at the nearby Da Huan Mountain was about to be developed. The government had received orders from above and was preparing to recruit labor, offering fifty coins a day. Many townspeople were eager to sign up.

Since the current Holy Emperor ascended to the throne of the Great Chu Dynasty, they had implemented the "Single Whip Law" for taxation and labor policy.

The "Single Whip Law" referred to eliminating the labor burden on the people, incorporating labor services into the land tax, combining them, and levying taxes based on acreage.

In short, due to the enlightened policies of the present Emperor, the government would no longer indiscriminately draft strong men for unpaid labor.

For any large labor projects, they must recruit through official channels and pay each person a certain remuneration.

Though government recruitment for labor work wasn’t new, the highest daily wage before was only thirty coins, while this year it directly rose to fifty coins, no wonder people were so enthusiastic to sign up.

——

When they returned home, they unexpectedly found Father Wen there as well.

Song Wei went into the main hall and greeted his father-in-law.

Father Wen smiled at him, "I heard Yuanbao was sent to town for schooling?"

"Yes, he was just sent today." Song Wei sat down and automatically poured tea into Father Wen’s cup.

"It’s good to attend the town school!" Father Wen agreed, "Yuanbao has learned a lot following you all this time. Just a few more years at the town school and he could participate in the examinations."

Song Wei smiled, then asked, "Did you come today for an important matter, father-in-law?"

Speaking of which, Father Wen exchanged a glance with Old Song. Finally, Old Song opened his mouth and said the village chief had just told them about the government recruiting labor for fifty coins a day, and the attraction was too strong. The two of them wanted to go and had been discussing it earlier!

Wen Wan brought hot water in and happened to hear her father-in-law’s words as she entered, her steps pausing for a moment.

Song Wei noticed her unusualness and looked over, "What’s the matter?"

Wen Wan frowned slightly. She couldn’t say exactly, but hearing that both her father and father-in-law wanted to apply for work as coal miners at Da Huan Mountain left her feeling a bit uneasy.

Seeing three pairs of eyes on her, Wen Wan shook her head, indicating that there was nothing to worry about.