Only Regret Not Being Born a Man
Martin Wu finished speaking, her face full of defiance: "I came first in our county's exams, I'm better than all those old math teachers! Why shouldn't I be allowed to study? Just because I was born a woman, I don't deserve an education or a chance to succeed? Just because I'm a woman, my talent should be buried, and I should give up opportunities to men who aren't even as good as me? Why should women only serve husbands and raise children, always obeying others at home? Why can't I forge my own path? Like I said before, I earned my place here fair and square—if anyone looks down on me just because I'm a woman and thinks I'm an embarrassment, I refuse to accept it!"
"You—you rebellious girl, what kind of outrageous nonsense are you spouting!" Martin Wu's father trembled with anger. "Her mother, you shouldn't have let Martin study with her brother. See? Women shouldn't read books; too much studying ruins their minds! With Martin's attitude, how will she ever find a good husband? What man would want her!?"
"If no man wants me, then so be it—I couldn't care less!" Martin Wu retorted stubbornly. "I can survive on my own skills; why should I wait for a man to choose me? Even without a husband, I won't starve doing hard labor. Besides, I can read and write—I could teach and support myself that way too."
Martin Wu's words left her parents fuming. Nearby, Su Li watched her—a girl this stubborn and opinionated was truly a rare find.
Just then, Lola returned, bringing the exam papers from the latest test.
While Martin Wu and her parents were still arguing, Su Li took the stack of exam papers and picked out Martin's.
A neatly written exam paper came into view. The handwriting wasn't exactly delicate, but it radiated strength. The content was organized and logical, showing clear, meticulous thinking and impressive skill. No wonder Martin Wu was chosen as the county's top scorer.
"Martin Wu, your answers are excellent—very impressive," Su Li said, recognizing her talent.
But unexpectedly, that single sentence of praise from Su Li made Martin Wu burst into tears.
Martin Wu, a grown girl, suddenly started sobbing, wiping her tears as she turned to her parents: "Dad, Mom, did you hear that? Professor Su praised me! I really work hard and love to study—why won't you let me stay and learn? I don't want to spend my whole life circling around men and kitchen stoves. Please, let me stay and study!"
Martin Wu's tears left her parents completely at a loss.
It wasn't that the couple didn't love their daughter—they were just worried that her pretending to be a boy to get into the academy would bring trouble. And of course, old traditions made them believe girls shouldn't study.
Martin Wu's crying finally made her mother give in: "It's not that I don't want you to study, dear. It's just that the academy has never enrolled girls before. Now that everyone knows you're a girl, how can you stay?"
Martin Wu only cried harder at that. Even her father couldn't bear it anymore and sighed, "I know you're strong, Martin. Studying with your brother, you always excelled. Sometimes I just wish you were born a boy!"
Martin Wu wiped her tears and stubbornly replied, "I can't help that I was born a girl, but I can still study and achieve great things!"
Su Li watched this scene unfold, her heart moved. She stepped forward and spoke up: "Martin Wu, you are a true scholar. Gender has nothing to do with talent. If you wish to stay and study, I will support you."
Martin Wu stared at Su Li in disbelief, her eyes wide with hope and gratitude.