This era is too harsh on girls.
Like Er Ya at her age now, if she doesn’t study, within a few years, she will have to think about marriage. Eventually, her entire life would be confined within the tiny Stone Bridge Village.
Over this period, Er Ya’s diligent effort and her yearning for knowledge had not escaped her notice.
She was now capable and willing to help Er Ya as much as possible. Although education isn’t the only way out, more education is always better for her. Even if she couldn’t get into a university, having an education could still mean a factory job in the city.
Upon hearing Jiang Mianmian’s words, Er Ya couldn’t control the stirrings of her heart.
But she worried her grandparents might disagree.
"San Ya, do you think Grandpa and Grandma would agree to let me go to school?" Er Ya asked nervously.
"Second Sister, our country’s laws clearly state that no one can arbitrarily restrict another’s personal freedom. As long as you can firmly make your own choice, if you want to study, nobody can stop you," San Ya assured.
Jiang Mianmian, fearing that the long-oppressed Er Ya wouldn’t be able to stand up to Zhang Guihua’s sharp tongue, promised her, "Second Sister, don’t worry. If you decide to go to school, I’ll help you reason with Grandma and Grandpa when the time comes."
With Jiang Mianmian’s promise and support, Er Ya felt even more tempted to go to school, turning her once distant dream into a reachable goal.
Yet, she didn’t make a decision immediately. The conversation with Jiang Mianmian today had greatly impacted her, and she needed time to think it over.
"San Ya, let me think about it," Er Ya said anxiously.
"Okay, Second Sister. Whenever you’re ready, come and find me. I’ll be here to help," Jiang Mianmian said squeezing Er Ya’s hand, hoping to transfer to her the courage to fight for herself.
After Er Ya left with the books, the usually silent Yu Cheng finally spoke, "Little Lamb, if your pocket money isn’t enough, you can tell Brother Yu. I will support you."
"Hmm? Oh okay, thank you, Brother Yu," Jiang Mianmian initially didn’t catch what Yu Cheng meant, but she quickly understood and sweetly agreed.
Hehe, she knew Yu Cheng was a child with a cold exterior but a warm heart.
Back in her room, the words Jiang Mianmian had spoken echoed in Er Ya’s mind, intensifying her desire to go to school.
She sat dazed on the Kang bed until Jiang Changhe and Zhao Xiaojuan returned from the main house. For the first time, she voiced her thoughts to her parents.
"Mom and Dad, I want to go to school," Er Ya said somewhat nervously.
Zhao Xiaojuan and Jiang Changhe had always known Er Ya liked to study and was diligent, but their current situation truly did not allow them to support a second student.
After a pause, Jiang Changhe sighed and said, "Er Ya, you know our family’s situation. If we had the money, I’d also wish to send you to school, but we really can’t afford it."
"Dad, San Ya said she would lend me the money for my tuition, as long as you and Grandma and Grandpa agree," Er Ya quickly said.
Jiang Changhe and Zhao Xiaojuan were immediately surprised to hear that Jiang Mianmian was willing to lend Er Ya the money for schooling.
Zhaodi, who had been listening, immediately spoke up in opposition, "Second Sister, it’s not right. I don’t agree with this. We shouldn’t take Jiang Mianmian’s money. This is charity!"