Chapter 1—Pages 70-101 Summary

Yuan enjoys the buying of new books and considers school a sweet pastime. He cannot learn enough of the history of foreign countries and art, but most of all he likes the study of nature. His love of studying runs deep enough that he does not want to take time to eat or sleep, but the lady whom he calls mother makes sure to serve him his favorite meals often and watches over him to be sure he takes care of himself.

His relationships with his cousins Sheng and Meng grow through interaction at school. Sheng shares a class with Yuan. In this class, Sheng's verses are read and praised. This stirs pangs of envy within Yuan and leaves him wishing he could write as well. Sheng acts as if it is nothing to receive praise, but...