Chapter 9: Uncle Sun San

The whole family chatted and laughed together, eventually turning the conversation to He Shujin.

Mrs. Huang asked with concern, “How is Brother Jin doing with his studies? Does he have a good chance?” In truth, Mrs. Huang didn’t fully understand the matter but cared deeply for her grandson and daughter, so she asked out of genuine concern.

Elder Aunt Sun pursed her lips, glanced at Brother-in-law He, and quietly said, “The tutor says Brother Jin has a 90% chance of passing the preliminary exam, but these tests are unpredictable—it all depends on luck.”

Some people study well and receive praise from the tutor, yet after years of trying, they never even become certified students. Who could they confide in?

Moreover, there was precedent.

Within the clan, an uncle had labored for a lifetime but only achieved the status of a certified student. Several others his age had advanced to become scholars. The elders lamented that uncle had a keen mind and was diligent, but his luck was poor—such a pity.

Sun Bomin, not one for many words and unsure how to comfort his eldest sister, spoke plainly, “Brother Jin has been a promising student since childhood. He will surely pass. Please don’t worry, sister.”

Everyone in the He family was deeply concerned about Brother Jin’s first attempt at the exam.

Brother-in-law He scratched his head and said in a low tone, “Well, it would be great if he passes, but if not, there’s always next time. Brother Jin is still young.”

Every parent hopes for their child to achieve great success; such hopes are universal.

Sun Shan saw his aunt and uncle’s worried faces and understood the high expectations parents place on their children—like the pressure of the college entrance exam, which makes every family anxious.

Feigning innocence, he said, “Aunt, uncle, Cousin Jin will definitely pass. He might even become the top scorer.”

Elder Aunt Sun was taken aback, then her face blossomed into a smile. She hugged Sun Shan and kissed his cheek, delight sparkling in her eyes. “Shan, you even know about the top scorer?”

It was one thing to say he would pass, but to claim he could become the top scorer—even if just talk—was comforting to hear.

Sun Shan said seriously, “I know everything. Cousin Jin will definitely be the top scorer. Then I’ll be the top scorer’s cousin.”

To convince them, he even patted his thin chest.

From Elder Aunt Sun’s arms, Brother-in-law He took the little boy, his face full of smiles as he kindly asked, “Shan, who told you Cousin Jin would definitely be the top scorer?”

Children’s words are often not to be taken literally, but deep down, they hope their own words come true.

There is an old saying: children’s mouths speak spirits—whatever they say often comes to pass.

Sun Shan certainly couldn’t say he lied just to please the couple and gain favor. He continued to play the child, answering innocently, “I just know Cousin Jin will be the top scorer, and next year he’ll surely become a scholar.”

First, securing the smaller goal of becoming a scholar, then striving to be the top scholar.

Cousin Jin, you must receive my blessings.

Sun Shan’s innocent babble amused Mrs. Huang, who said to the eldest daughter and her husband, “Children always speak the truth. Our Brother Jin will surely become a scholar.”

Su, like Sun Bomin, was not one to smile or talk much, but mechanically repeated Mrs. Huang’s words, “Yes, children’s words are the most accurate. Our Brother Jin will definitely pass.”

This little episode brought smiles and laughter to everyone present.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate was opened. Before anyone appeared, a voice was heard.

Outside came a shout: “Eldest sister, eldest brother-in-law, is that you back?” A man dressed in cotton cloth entered with a group of people.

Sun Shan didn’t need to look; he recognized the voice as Third Uncle’s.

He came in with several cousins, followed by Third Aunt.

“Third brother, where have you been? Earlier, Xiaoman went to call your family, but no one was there—not even the children. Did you sneak off to play?”

As soon as Elder Aunt Sun arrived home, Sun Bomin sent the second and third daughters to call the second and third brothers, but both families were empty; even the children were missing, and no one knew where they had gone.

“Eldest sister, eldest brother-in-law, oh, Yu’er is here too,” Third Uncle greeted everyone before answering Elder Aunt Sun’s question.

He pushed forward his three children, speaking hurriedly, “Why aren’t you calling out to the eldest aunt, uncle, and second cousin? They’re all simpletons, slow-witted—you should greet them properly to make a good impression.”

Ding Guang, Ding Yong, and Ding De called out to their eldest aunt and uncle, then again to their second cousin.

Elder Aunt Sun pulled the three children close, examined them with a smile, and said, “The children of the Sun family grow so fast—taller and stronger.”

She took some candies from the dining table and handed them to the children, gently saying, “Here, have some sweets. These are special treats brought back from the capital, very fragrant and sweet.”

Ding De, six years old and one year older than Sun Shan, brightened at the candy, peeled one open, popped it into his mouth, and happily exclaimed, “Eldest aunt, it’s delicious.” He drooled a bit, looking messy.

Elder Aunt Sun didn’t mind; she wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, patted his little head, and said kindly, “If you like it, eat more. I’ll give you some to take home later.”

Ding De nodded eagerly and stuffed a few more candies into his pocket from the table.

“Eldest sister, eldest brother-in-law, when did you get back?” Third Aunt Zheng, who hadn’t spoken since entering, seized the moment to make her presence known.

Elder Aunt Sun rolled her eyes, saying nothing.

Brother-in-law He took over the conversation with a smile. “Not long ago. By the way, where were you all? Why wasn’t anyone home?”

“Brother-in-law, today was market day. Our whole family went to the market and just got back. If I’d known you were coming back today, I wouldn’t have gone to town,” Third Uncle said, peeling a candy and popping it into his mouth. The creamy sweetness filled his taste buds.

Exaggerating, he said, “Eldest sister, this milk candy is so delicious. I want more.”

He was like a child, imitating the little son, grabbing a few more candies from the table and unwrapping them to eat.