Chapter 759 - 391: A Visit

Chapter 759: Chapter 391: A Visit

At the Zheng Family’s home, Qingmu and Huai Zi had already returned.

It turned out that the ringleader who beat up Laishou was Li Mingtang’s great-grandson—Li Gongniu’s grandson. The boy had heard his great-grandfather grumbling at home one too many times, so he gathered a gang of troublemakers from the Li Family at school and stirred up trouble while the teacher was away.

The teacher had already punished the children, and Li Gongniu’s son had offered Qingmu an apology. Li Mingtang, however, was naturally dissatisfied, and so the feud between the two families deepened.

After discussing the matter, Qingmu, Huai Zi, and Juhua put their heads together for a moment. Then, over Yang Family’s objections, they got her onto the horse cart and headed for Xiatang Market. Zheng Changhe and Liu Yunlan naturally went along, while Mrs. Wang stayed home to look after Hulu.

Juhua and Huai Zi made their own preparations. After school let out for the day, the two of them took Pu Pao and Heipi and headed to the schoolhouse to visit Scholar Zhou, carrying gifts of local specialties like cured meat and fish, dried mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and bamboo shoots.

Juhua had not only changed into a pale green padded jacket and a moon-white long skirt herself, but she also had Huai Zi put on a new, silver-gray short robe with matching trousers. Even Pu Pao and Heipi were dressed in new clothes, and they all looked exceptionally neat and tidy.

When they arrived at the schoolhouse, which had been converted from the old ancestral hall, Juhua found herself staring at the old plum tree by the window in the courtyard. The season for its winter blossoms had passed, and the tree was now covered in tiny, tender leaves. For a moment, she could almost picture Mr. Zhou standing beside it, stroking his beard as he studied its branches.

A man in his forties asked the purpose of their visit, then went inside to inform Scholar Zhou before ushering them into the main hall. Heipi and Pu Pao handed their gifts to the servant and waited outside, not following Huai Zi and Juhua into the house. A short while later, the servant led them into a room in the west wing to sit and wait.

Upon seeing Scholar Zhou, Huai Zi bowed respectfully, murmuring polite phrases about how he should have visited sooner but had been afraid of disturbing the master’s tranquility. Juhua bowed and paid her respects as well.

Scholar Zhou was around the same age as the previous teacher, Mr. Zhou, but his expression was somewhat arrogant. He sat ramrod straight in the chair at the head of the hall. Only after Huai Zi and Juhua had finished their formal bows did he give a slight nod. He gestured for Huai Zi to sit at the other side of the table, then glanced at Juhua and called out, "Xia’er, take this guest to see your grandmother!"

A young maid emerged from the adjacent room in response, curtsying to Juhua. "Please come with me," she said with a smile.

Huai Zi watched Juhua leave with the young maid, then turned back. He found a simple stool at the lower end of the hall and sat down properly, deliberately not taking the more honored seat across from Scholar Zhou.

This gesture pleased Scholar Zhou. He proceeded to ask about Zhang Yang’s studies, inquiring when he might return and when he would be leaving again.

Indeed, he was only entertaining Zhang Huai on account of Zhang Yang. Had any other villager come calling, he would have certainly had Old Jin see them out.

After a bit of small talk, Scholar Zhou noticed that Zhang Huai didn’t speak like the coarse villagers he had met in recent days. He asked curiously, "Have you also studied before, Brother Zhang?"

Zhang Huai hurriedly replied, "A few years ago, I studied under our local teacher for two years. But with heavy responsibilities at home, I was unable to continue. I feel I let down his earnest efforts. Now, I wouldn’t dare call him ’Master,’ for fear of damaging his reputation."

A smile spread across Scholar Zhou’s face, and his view of Huai Zi clearly changed. Even if he had only studied for two years, being taught by the former Mr. Zhou set him apart from the ignorant villagers. He chuckled. "I have also heard from Village Chief Li that Mr. Zhou was truly extraordinary. To have received his instruction for two years is a tremendous blessing and a rare opportunity. Er—what I mean is, for Mr. Zhou to have produced three Scholars in this tiny village, his learning and talent go without saying. He truly has my deepest admiration and respect!"

Before Huai Zi could speak, he added regretfully, "It’s a pity your family was poor. Otherwise, if you had studied under the old master for a few more years, the Zhang family might now have two Scholars."

Zhang Huai shot to his feet, repeatedly protesting his unworthiness of Mr. Zhou’s praise.

Scholar Zhou raised his hands and gestured downward. "Sit, sit, we can talk while seated!" he said with a smile. "You needn’t be so modest. As the saying goes, ’A great master produces brilliant students.’ I can tell your aptitude is impressive. If you were to receive Mr. Zhou’s personal instruction again, obtaining a Scholar’s title would be as easy as reaching into your own pocket! Just look at your younger brother and that Zhao Yun. They became Scholars with great ease! Heh heh!"

He was quite pleased that Huai Zi had addressed him as "Mr. Zhou," not at all minding the potential confusion with the former teacher.

Huai Zi’s brow twitched. ’He makes passing the scholar exam sound as easy as cracking melon seeds,’ he thought. ’Yangzi studied bitterly for so many years. Outsiders never see the suffering involved, only the glory of becoming a Scholar.’

He held his tongue for a long moment before replying, "Our former teacher is a great master, of course, but I am quite dull-witted. It’s fortunate I didn’t continue my studies. Had I done so, I would have failed to meet his expectations, and the old master would have been heartbroken."