Chapter 47: The First Day of School

Early in the morning, Sun Shan was pulled out of bed by Madam Su. After helping him wash up, she dressed him in brand-new clothes.

Grandma Huang had already been awake for some time, sitting kindly in the main hall. She said gently, “Shanzi, hurry up and eat your breakfast. You have school later.”

She touched her grandson’s clothes, feeling how warm they were—he wouldn’t catch a chill.

Sun Shan obediently sat on a chair. Breakfast was lean meat and dried scallop porridge, accompanied by a stir-fried rice noodle dish.

After they finished eating, Uncle Sun Bomin urged, “Shanzi, pack your things quickly. It’s getting late. It’s your first day at school—you mustn’t be late.”

Today was his son’s first day of school, and both Mr. and Mrs. Sun were very anxious. They had barely slept the night before and rose at dawn.

Early that morning, Mr. Sun had gone to the neighboring village to buy rice noodles from a vendor, then brought them back to stir-fry.

The four Gu Yu sisters had also gotten up early to help with chores. Seeing the time, they worried for their little brother. “Shanzi, Father is right. It’s the first day—you can’t be late, or the teacher will scold you.”

Sun Shan responded with a soft “Oh,” then stood up, picking up the “schoolbag” Madam Su had prepared yesterday, ready to follow them out the door.

Grandma Huang hurriedly called out, “Shanzi, take this red envelope for good luck.”

Sun Shan accepted the red pouch and thanked her.

At that moment, Third Uncle Sun came in with the Sun family boys who were also going to school.

Grandma Huang handed out red envelopes to each of them, wishing them smooth sailing and diligent study.

Older brother De accepted his envelope with a mischievous grin, mumbling, “Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll study hard, grow up, work, earn money, and take good care of you.”

Guang and Yong gave their younger brother a sideways glance—he was just like their father, all slick talk and cheeky charm.

Qing, from Second Uncle’s family, also came along to school with Sun Shan.

Second Uncle said Qing had been studying for several years already and could go on his own; no need for escort.

Third Uncle added that if it weren’t for De’s first day, he wouldn’t have gotten up so early either. After all, it was still winter, and the cold was biting.

Hearing this, Sun Bomin scratched his head awkwardly, thinking: If you won’t send him, I will. Shan is my only son—I can’t bear to see him go to school alone.

Grandma Huang reminded them, “Go to school quickly. Don’t be late.”

Watching his grandson rush out, her heart was glad. With many family members around, the clan would prosper; siblings supporting each other meant life wouldn’t be too hard.

Sun Bomin carried the midday meal and walked out the door with Sun Shan.

The cold wind blew sharply along the way.

Sun Shan suddenly sneezed.

Sun Bomin anxiously asked, “Shanzi, are you cold? Why did you sneeze? Are you not wearing enough clothes?”

Sun Shan shook his head. “Father, I’m not cold. My nose just itched.”

Sun Bomin breathed a sigh of relief.

Third Uncle behind them chuckled, “Big brother, Shan is bundled up like a little ball; how could he be cold? You’re overthinking. Getting worked up over a sneeze.”

Sun Bomin smiled quietly, saying nothing. Only Madam Su understood his worries. With so many nephews, Third Uncle couldn’t truly grasp his feelings.

After half an hour’s walk, the Suns arrived at the Zheng Tongsheng Schoolhouse.

At the gate stood Elder Zheng, who smiled upon seeing them. “Come in quickly. The teacher has been ready for some time now.”

Third Uncle laughed heartily. “Elder Zheng, please take care of our boys.”

Elder Zheng waved them off. “You two, go home quickly. Besides students, no one else is allowed inside.”

Sun Bomin had no choice but to hand over the bookcase and basket containing the midday meal to Sun Shan. He anxiously reminded, “Shanzi, if anything happens, go straight to the teacher. Don’t be shy.”

Sun Shan was reserved and shy, afraid to speak up if something was wrong, so his father was especially careful to say this.

Sun Shan carried his belongings and said seriously, “Father, don’t worry. I’ll do well.”

Urged by Elder Zheng, the students entered the large courtyard of the Zheng family home, after which the heavy gate was firmly closed.

Sun Bomin stood fixedly in front of the gate, reluctant to leave.

Third Uncle rolled his eyes a few times, then pulled his devoted eldest nephew away from Zheng Village.

Sun Shan entered the courtyard and followed Elder Zheng to the kitchen, placing the meal on a shelf.

Elder Zheng spoke sternly, “Make sure you recognize your own lunch box. After class at noon, come to the kitchen to get your meal.”

The Sun brothers nodded in acknowledgment.

Except for De and Sun Shan, the others quickly left and returned to the classroom.

Elder Zheng kindly said, “De, Shan, come with me. I’ll take you to the schoolroom.”

Sun Shan and De nodded solemnly and followed behind. The Zheng school was very strict; even the lively De dared not cause trouble.

Soon they arrived at a small room with three desks. Elder Zheng said, “You two sit anywhere you like. The beginner’s class only has three students; one more will arrive shortly.”

Sun Shan and De bowed respectfully to Elder Zheng and obediently entered the classroom.

Once Elder Zheng left, De’s natural spirit burst forth. He said loudly, “Shanzi, where are you sitting? I’ll sit right next to you. Don’t worry—now that I’m here, no one will dare bully you.”

Sun Shan looked at him in silence. The classroom had only three desks, neatly arranged in a row. De could sit wherever he pleased.

Sun Shan chose a seat by the window; De sat next to him.

The teacher had yet to arrive, and the two boys curiously watched outside. De whispered, “Shanzi, who’s the other one? Do we know him?”

Sun Shan didn’t know either. When they registered, Elder Zheng said the beginner’s class accepted only three students.

De then asked, “Shanzi, what are you eating for lunch? My mother made fried eggs with soy sauce—smells delicious.”

Seeing no reply from Sun Shan, he added, “At lunch, I’ll give you a bite. Just one bite, though—you can’t eat too much.”

In his heart, De thought: Since I promised Uncle I’d take good care of Shanzi, I should make sure he gets good food. As the eldest brother, the responsibility is heavy.

Sun Shan shook his head. “I’m not eating fried eggs. I have meat.”

De looked shocked, eyes wide. “Shanzi, you actually have meat to eat?”

“Can I have a bite?” he asked eagerly.

Sun Shan nodded but said nothing about sharing. He wanted to tease him a little, keep him wanting.

Just then, a small boy hurried in.

Fair-skinned, tall and slender, with messy hair and flushed cheeks from rushing and sweat.

Sun Shan noticed the boy wore a bright red cotton long gown and carried a wooden bookcase.

The classroom grew especially quiet with the boy’s arrival. De and Sun Shan watched him curiously.

The boy arranged his study materials and, trying to appear calm, said, “Classmates, hello. I’m Yang Qingbei from Yangjia Village. I’m five years old.”

Sun Shan knew Yangjia Village—it was next to Zheng Village—but didn’t know anyone from there.

Sun Shan bowed in the scholar’s greeting and smiled. “Hello, I’m Sun Shan from Sunjia Village, six years old.”

De introduced himself as well, pointing at Sun Shan. “We’re cousins.”

Yang Qingbei nodded politely and sat obediently, but his eyes betrayed him, stealing glances at De and Sun Shan.

Sun Shan looked at Yang Qingbei sadly. Though a year younger, the boy was a full head taller.

At that moment, Sun Shan truly realized how short he was.