In chapter17, what is real or underlying reason that Wang Lung send his sons to school?

By the fifth year, Wang Lung feels the shame of being illiterate. Although a prosperous landowner, he is ignorant. One day, he decides to put the eldest son in school so that he may be a scholar.Taking the boys to school on the first day, Wang Lung is filled with pride. It is both a pride and status thing for Wang Lung.