In her previous life, her parents died in an accident and her brother was left disabled, making Zhou Zhi live a wretched existence. Starting over in this life, with both her parents alive and her b...
Xu Di sighed and said, "Uncle, you actually have other paths to take. You don't have to be content with the Jiangnan Academy."
Wu Muyue said, "Then tell me, what other options do I have?"
Xu Di's idea was also impromptu. Wu Muyue was truly unparalleled in terms of knowledge. Such a person, skilled in both literature and martial arts, especially someone who knew the hardships of being in the imperial court and had seen all kinds of people in the world, would be a great blessing for Xiao Yuan if he could become Xiao Yuan's teacher.
Wu Muyue, perhaps knowing something, smiled and said, "The academy I founded has hundreds of students. They entrust their future to me, and I have a responsibility to them. Now, no matter which path I choose, I must first pave this one. Di'er, your uncle knows your abilities. I'm telling you this today so that you can take it as a warning. There are many smart people in this world, but there are not many who know what they want to do and strive for it without being influenced by external forces. Alright, it's getting late. Get some rest. We have to get up early tomorrow to continue our journey."
Since Xu Di had an idea, he was determined to give it a try. Even if it didn't work out, he would at least have tried his best.
Xu Di tugged at Wu Muyue's sleeve and said with a smile in a low voice, "Uncle, the night is long, and it's rare for us to have such a peaceful time to talk. It would be a shame not to say a few more words to this bright moon tonight."
Upon hearing this, Wu Muyue burst into laughter and said, "I knew it. When it's time to be shameless, you don't care about saving face at all. Good, good, that's good."
Xu Di pulled Wu Muyue to sit down and whispered, "Uncle, keep what I'm telling you in mind and think it over carefully. Since you have the heart to serve the people, I'll leave you a chance. If you want to go, come find me, and I'll be able to find you a new path. If you don't want to, then you can continue to stay in the academy as the headmaster."
Wu Muyue nodded and said, "Don't worry about that. I'll keep it in mind. I'll come find you whenever I want to follow the path you mentioned."
Xu Di nodded and said, "Uncle, as a junior, I shouldn't say anything about the things of the older generation. But my grandmother still needs your advice. Although there are many people in the family, it's still relatively simple compared to those families in the capital with a lot of concubines and illegitimate children. I think my grandfather has already told you about the family's affairs. Given my grandmother's personality, it's best not to let her know for now."
Wu Muyue naturally learned the details from the Marquis. He was only concerned about Xu Shao. If Xu Shao knew about his background, it might cause unnecessary trouble. In Xu Di's opinion, the Emperor was already a wise man. Xu Shao was a descendant of the former Crown Prince, the descendant of someone who could threaten his position. Yet, the Emperor still allowed Xu Shao to live peacefully in the capital. You must know that Xu Shao had two sons.
Wu Muyue nodded and said, "As far as I'm concerned, it's better not to tell your grandmother. If we keep it from her, my sister, who never considers other people's situations and only thinks about her own feelings, might cause a lot of trouble if she finds out."
Xu Di said, "But we can't keep it from her forever. She has the right to know. After all, her own child was switched, so she is also a victim."
Wu Muyue sighed and said, "Your grandmother has lived a comfortable life these past few years. Alright, let's not talk about her anymore. Di'er, your uncle knows that you and your father are doing some rather dangerous things. Always put your own safety first. No matter what happens, always remember to protect yourself before thinking about anything else."
Xu Di pondered all night and felt more and more that it would be most suitable for Wu Muyue to be Xiao Yuan's tutor. Xu Di got up early the next morning, wrote a secret letter, and handed it to the head of the guards. The head of the guards then arranged for his men to ride at full speed to the capital.
After having lunch, the convoy regrouped and continued on its way. At noon, it passed through a small town and had lunch at a restaurant that looked quite large. This area is very close to Mount Tai, which has been a place for imperial sacrifices since ancient times. Many people return to Mount Tai to burn incense and pray for blessings, so there is quite a large transient population in some of the nearby towns.
Xu Ru had already arranged for one of her stewards to wait in town. When Xu Di arrived, the steward greeted him and then sent someone back to report the news. Xu Ru then accompanied Xu Di and his group to eat in town. After the meal, he led Xu Di and his group towards the foot of Mount Tai.
Mount Tai is majestic, and the academy built by my uncle Yue Qingchuan is located at the foot of Mount Tai. Standing at the entrance of the academy and looking north, you can see the majestic Mount Tai standing behind the academy.
Yue Qingchuan and Xu Ru had already arrived at the entrance of the academy. Xu Ru and Yue Qingchuan were originally going to the capital for Xu Di's wedding, but unfortunately, two months before the wedding, Yue Qingchuan's mother passed away, and the family could only stay at home to observe mourning and could not go anywhere.
Xu Ru was very happy to see her nephews from her maternal family come over. She was especially happy to see Li Yuexi and Xu Bai. After she and Yue Qingchuan kowtowed to Wu Muyue, Xu Ru took one of them by the hand and kept asking if they were tired from the journey, if they ate well, and if they stayed well.
Even though Li Yuexi is a very generous person, she was a little flustered since it was her first time meeting Xu Ru. Xu Bai, on the other hand, was very sweet-talking, saying all sorts of nice things to Xu Ru, making her laugh so hard she bent over.
Xu Ru has four children. Her eldest daughter is already married, and the other three are boys who are currently studying at the academy. Her eldest daughter is now six months pregnant and lives quite far away. When she heard that her cousins had come, she arranged for the servants to send them gifts, saying that she would come back to see her cousins after she gave birth.
The Yue family's academy occupies a vast area. It was started by Yue Qingchuan's great-grandfather and has been built for nearly a hundred years, beginning as a small courtyard. Later, the entire Yue family moved from their hometown and lived in some courtyards near the academy.
Zhang's cousins and Xu Bai were going to stay in the academy's dormitory. The dormitory was four people to a room. Xu Rao and Li Yuexi lived in a small courtyard next to Xu Ru's courtyard. It was a simple courtyard with three main rooms and east and west wing rooms. Li Yuexi and Xu Di, a newlywed couple, lived there quite comfortably.
Yue Qingchuan was surprised that Wu Muyue had come along. Although Wu Muyue was his wife's uncle, this was the first time Yue Qingchuan had met him because of the distance. Wu Muyue and one of Yue Qingchuan's uncles were in the same year. Yue Qingchuan's uncle was in the second-ranked list and had a very high opinion of this fellow student who had ranked third in the same year. He said that if it weren't for Wu Muyue's handsome appearance and dashing demeanor, which made him one of the top three or even the best-looking student in the same year, Wu Muyue's talent alone would have made him the top scholar.
Wu Muyue was seated in the guest courtyard in the front yard. Wu Muyue came here for two reasons: first, to have more contact with Xu Di, and second, to see the Yue family's academy. There are many academies in the Liang Dynasty, but the Yue family's academy has become famous in the past two years, and there is a reason for that.