The old man reminded him, "Scholar, these kids have been growing up in the village and have never even left the house. They are still a blank slate. If you take them out, you will be responsible for their safety. Is that okay with you?"

Qian Shusheng said, "Uncle, I know all the questions you raised. It's just that people like them who are just starting out are the easiest to teach. If I spend a little more time now, I can save a lot of time in the future. They can all read and write, and if they perform well, the position of shopkeeper is still possible."

Upon hearing this, the village chief's face was overjoyed. He said, "Thank you, scholar, and old man. If the villagers didn't know anyone else, they definitely wouldn't bother you with the child's matter. They only know you, old man, so they had no choice but to ask you for help."

The old man smiled and said, "Everyone thinks of me when they have something to do, which means they treat me as one of their own. Since the scholar has already agreed, I won't say anything."

The village chief was delighted and said, "Great! If everyone knew that you agreed, they would definitely come to thank you in person."

Qian Shusheng smiled and asked, "Then why don't you all come and ask Uncle Xu in person?"

The village chief smiled and said, "Everyone is just afraid of too many people coming! If you don't know, you might think you're here to put pressure on me! So they came to my house and begged me. I'm just a representative..."

Qian Shusheng said, "Okay, Uncle Village Chief, don't worry. When you go back, tell the parents of these children to pack up in advance and leave with me after the New Year."

The village chief nodded and agreed: "Okay, I'll go back and talk to everyone."

After saying that, he was about to leave.

The old man suddenly stopped the village chief and said, "Wait a minute, village chief, don't leave in a hurry. I suddenly thought of something and I need to trouble you again."

The village chief stopped walking upon hearing this, turned around and said, "Brother, if you have anything to say, just tell me. Why should we be so polite? What's the point of saying whether it's a bother or not?"

"Village Chief, this is the case. Hasn't the scholar been doing business outside for many years? His family has been living in our house. Yesterday, the scholar discussed with me and decided to buy a piece of land in the village and build a wooden house. In the future, they will have their own little home in Xujia Village. What do you think of this, Village Chief?"

The village chief understood what he meant, so he immediately said, "That's great! We still have land for building a house. Scholar, there's a piece of land to the east of the village. If you have time, I can take you there. If it's suitable, I'll get you a land deed. On behalf of all the villagers of Xujia Village, I welcome you and your family to live in Xujia Village."

Although Qian Shusheng and his family have always lived in Xujia Village, strictly speaking, they are not people from Xujia Village. They can only be said to be staying in the old man's house temporarily.

"Thank you, village chief. There is no rush. It's not too late to buy it after the Chinese New Year." Qian Shusheng said with a bow.

The village chief nodded and said, "That's fine, scholar. You can come find me anytime. I'll go back and tell everyone the news."

Qian Shusheng said, "Okay, Village Chief, take care."

The village chief nodded, said hello to the old man, and hurriedly left the Xu family.

"Scholar, have you really decided this?" asked the old man.

Qian Shusheng knew what the old man was worried about, so he said, "Uncle, I know what you are thinking. I took them out to learn how to do business, not to cause trouble. Nothing will happen."

The old man said, "Okay, then when do you plan to leave after the New Year?"

Qian Shusheng said, "Maybe the sooner the better, because I plan to finish the things on hand and then go to the capital. Wenwu and I are going to the capital to take the imperial examination, so I think we can meet then."

The old man patted Qian Shusheng on the shoulder and said, "Okay, thank you for your hard work, scholar."

…

The next day, early in the morning, the entire Xujia Village was filled with the sound of firecrackers. The sound was so loud that the echo could be heard throughout the Daqing Mountains.

Even Qibao, who loved to sleep in, had no intention of continuing to sleep. The crackling sound made it impossible for him to continue sleeping.

As in previous years, the younger generation kowtows to their elders to wish them a happy new year and then receives red envelopes.

What we had for breakfast was glutinous rice balls filled with jam, which Qibao had specifically requested yesterday.

Qibao's words were more effective than an imperial edict. Qibao got to eat the fruit-flavored dumplings as she wished. It wasn't that Qibao loved them, but she felt they should be in keeping with the occasion. This year, everyone was present in their family for the New Year, but she wondered if when her brothers got older, they wouldn't be as complete as they are today.

After breakfast, the children in the village began to visit every household to wish everyone a happy new year and say auspicious words. Yaya and Zhier also joined in the fun with their friends who they usually played with.

The amount given is not much, just a few copper coins, and everyone is willing to pay. It is very happy to hear the soft and sweet blessings from the children early in the morning. Anyway, the New Year's money is given by you to my children and I to your children, so it is not a loss, it is just a formality.

"Look, people are busy all year round just for this day, aren't they?" Wang sighed.

The others nodded as well.

"Third brother, didn't your father-in-law and mother-in-law agree to celebrate the New Year together? Why haven't they come yet? Go and see them." said the old man.

Xu Laosan nodded in agreement and ran out of the Xu family's gate.

The Xu family brothers and sisters sat together. Qibao asked, "Fifth brother, have you told Second Uncle and the others? Are you really planning to go to the capital with us after the New Year?"

"Yes, I have made plans. My mother is almost willing to give in because of my pestering. As long as I pester her a few more times, she will definitely agree. Besides, everyone knows how capable your fifth brother is." Xiao Wu said proudly.

"So how are your military books doing?" Qibao asked.

Xiao Wu said helplessly: "I have read a lot, but it's all official language, which is a bit difficult for me to understand."

Qibao said, "Since you've been showing a lot of perseverance lately, I have two different military books. I guarantee they won't look too strenuous for you. They're completely different from the military books you've seen, and they contain a lot of warfare techniques and strategies. Fifth Brother, do you want some?"

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up when he heard this. He quickly stood up and came to Qi Bao and said, "Sister, I want it. When can you give it to me?"

Qibao smiled and said, "But you have to agree to one condition of mine."

"Sister, tell me, I will agree even if it's ten, not just one." Xiaowu said anxiously.

Qibao said, "Fifth Brother, I know you have a carefree personality and don't hide things easily, but these two military manuals are only for you to read. No one else is allowed to see them. Do you understand?"

Xiao Wu nodded and said, "I know, sister, I will definitely not let anyone else see it. I will keep the things you give me close to my body."

Qibao nodded and said, "Come to my room tonight and get it!"

Xiaowu was overjoyed.