boyutpedia Chapter 17 Spreading throughout the capital
Chapter 17 Spreading throughout the capital
Li Lingxiao picked up a book and read: "Sister, I will study it carefully and not let you down. I've also learned some from Shi Tou. After reviewing for a few days, I can go to the academy to take the exam."
Li Shuchen patted Li Lingxiao's head: "Okay, when Xiao'er learns, will you teach your older sister?"
Li Lingxiao: "Of course!"
Li Shuchen watched as Xiao'er held the books in her arms as if they were precious treasures, and felt that this gift was especially appropriate.
Li Shuchen suddenly thought of something
"Xiao'er, can you write a character for me to see?"
Li Lingxiao's inner monologue: My older sister found out after all; he was secretly learning to read.
Li Lingxiao didn't mince words and replied, "Okay."
Grape ink
Li Lingxiao laid out the paper
Li Shuchen: "Write my name."
Li Lingxiao picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and, having been taught by Shi Tou how to hold a pen, carefully wrote the three characters 'Li Shuchen' on the paper.
Li Shuchen looked at the words on the paper. It was probably the first time he had written on paper. It wasn't very good, but it was legible and sufficient.
Li Shuchen: "Very well written. How many characters can Xiao'er write?"
Li Lingxiao was also straightforward: "So many words."
Li Shuchen: "Let's use a new sheet of paper; I'll read it aloud, and you write it."
March 14th was a sunny day.
Passing by the end of Ping'an Alley
The sound of a bowl shattering startled everyone.
He quickly stepped forward to look.
A woman was sitting on the ground.
"Man punches and kicks"
"My wife was covered in wounds."
"Hitting your wife is not manly."
The woman, having seen through everything, decided to divorce.
The man absolutely refused.
"They only offer to divorce their wives and also demand money."
He didn't mention that he'd spent all his dowry.
The betrothal gift was only two taels of silver.
But he insisted on demanding ten taels of silver.
"Then let's go to the government office and ask for it."
A group of people arrived at the yamen (government office).
"Your Honor, please be the judge!"
"After hearing this, the magistrate will become a wise ruler."
"Bring that Wang Ergou to trial."
"Finish the divorce papers quickly."
"Return ten taels of silver as dowry"
"Twenty strokes of the cane"
"Serving a month in jail"
"The ending was truly satisfying."
"Let's see who dares to beat their wife again!"
As Li Shuchen finished his last syllable, Li Lingxiao finished writing his last word.
Li Lingxiao put down her pen: "Is Sister talking about Aunt Zhang? I've heard about it too."
Li Shuchen: "Yes, you're not allowed to say that you wrote this, nor are you allowed to say anything about me. Grape is the same; you're not allowed to say anything about it either."
Li Shuchen said seriously, "If anyone tells anyone about this, I'll make sure they leave this house."
Li Lingxiao nodded emphatically: "Don't worry, sister, I won't say anything."
Grape immediately raised her hand and swore, "Miss, I know nothing!"
Li Shuchen was gratified to see that the two of them took what she said to heart.
Li Shuchen pointed to the bottom left corner of the paper and said to Li Lingxiao, "Write 'Rich Girl'."
After Li Lingxiao finished writing, Li Shuchen picked it up and looked at it. He was very satisfied, folded it neatly, and put it in his pocket. He planned to distribute the paper on his way to the inn.
Li Shuchen wanted the entire capital to know just how serious the consequences were for beating and scolding his wife.
This also made all the young women in the capital understand that if they suffered injustice and needed to protect themselves, they could seek help from the county magistrate, who would stand up for the people.
After lunch, Li Shuchen told Li Lingxiao to practice calligraphy at home, and then he went to the inn. The dock was crowded, so Li Shuchen planned to distribute the paper there.
Upon arriving at the dock, I first observed the situation. Three children, around ten years old, were passing by; they were well-dressed and behaved politely, followed by several maids and servants. They were clearly literate and educated.
Using his sleeve as cover, Li Shuchen quickly threw the paper on the ground, took two steps away from it, and casually walked to the paper.
Li Shuchen said loudly, "There's a piece of paper here."
Squat down and pick it up
Li Shuchen's face scrunched up as she said in distress, "What does this say? I can't read. Grape, do you know how to read?"
Grape, watching her young mistress act, joined in, saying, "Miss, I don't know them either."
The two of them frowned, repeatedly examining the paper. Li Shuchen deliberately held the paper lower.
Just then, the rich young master passed by, overheard Li Shuchen and Grape's conversation, and glanced at them.
The young man in the crescent-white shirt said, "Sister, you're holding the paper upside down."
Li Shuchen suddenly realized what was happening and turned the paper over.
The young man in the crescent-shaped white robe glanced at Li Shuchen: "Sister, it's upside down, you should hold it like this."
The young master took the paper, and as soon as he straightened it, he saw the words written on it. He was so shocked that he couldn't speak.
Seeing the shocked look on his face, Li Shuchen knew it was a sure thing.
He asked, "Young master, do you know what's written here? Could you read it to me? I'm illiterate and have never been to school."
Li Shuchen looked eager, and the young master didn't refuse.
He read it aloud.
The young man in the crescent-shaped white shirt: "March 14th is a sunny day."
Li Shuchen said apologetically, "Could you speak a little louder? I'm hard of hearing and can't hear you."
The young master then raised his voice several notches and began to read aloud.
March 14th was a sunny day.
"........................"
"Let's see who dares to beat their wife again!"
Many people on the road heard it and looked in Li Shuchen's direction. Some even stopped walking and stood there listening.
After the young master finished reading, Li Shuchen was about to say something.
The young man next to him, dressed in a brown shirt, said indignantly, "How can a man beat and scold his wife? He's not a real man! If I ever have a wife, I will treat her well and never let her suffer any injustice."
After listening, Li Shuchen was impressed by the young man's awareness at such a young age and hoped he would keep his word. However, he also noted that there were still many men who beat and verbally abused their wives.
The young man in the crescent-shaped white shirt said, "That Wang Ergou is absolutely despicable! Even my father wouldn't use my mother's dowry, but he's squandered it all. What a loser!"
Passerby 1: "He's so shameless! Luckily I don't know him, otherwise, it would be so embarrassing if word got out."
Passerby 2: "What a worthless man it must be to squander his wife's dowry."
Passerby 3: "He's not even human; he should be childless."
The people around cursed Wang Ergou, and everyone was furious after hearing it.
The young man in the emerald green robe spoke softly: "We men should take this as a warning and strive to improve ourselves."
Li Shuchen's eyes brightened slightly. Ah, that's more like it! What a good kid!
Li Shuchen asked, "Who wrote this? Does it have a name?"
The young man in the crescent-shaped white shirt glanced at the bottom left corner of the paper: "Rich lady."
Li Shuchen: "Who is this 'rich woman'? Do you know her?"
Everyone shook their heads: "We don't know them."
The young man in the brown shirt: "Perhaps she's a kind-hearted girl."
Li Shuchen nodded.
Everyone around was staring at the piece of paper, including some newcomers who were unaware of the situation.
Li Shuchen felt he could leave, and bowed to the three young masters: "Thank you for reading it to me."
I found this piece of paper on the ground. Anyone who wants it can take it and look at it.
After saying goodbye to the three rich young masters, Li Shuchen hummed a song and left.