As Du handed Ye Xuan tea, she said, "Aren't you supposed to have a day off on the first and fifteenth of each month? Why haven't you come back yet?"

Ye Xuan said, "We've fallen behind in our studies too much, so the teacher is giving us extra lessons."

"How did you sleep? Did you eat well?"

"I got used to it after a few days of sleeping. The food was also very good, with meat at every meal, and the rice was all dry rice."

Ye Caiping smiled and said, "These two taels of silver are quite worth it, and there's even meat to eat."

Ye Xuan said, "The Master said that students need nutrition to have the energy to study."

“That makes sense,” said Madam Du. “Then… how are you all doing with your studies?”

Not only Mrs. Du, but even the old Mrs. Ye and her husband looked nervous.

Ye Caiping also became focused.

Ye Xuan said, "When I first started taking classes with my classmates, I was completely confused. Fortunately, the teacher patiently explained things to us and took time out in the evenings to give us a crash course in the basics. Now I can understand about one or two tenths of what he says."

Mrs. Du breathed a sigh of relief and said happily, "It's good that he can understand. After all, he's only been gone for a little over twenty days."

Zhao Jinshan said, "Aunties, don't listen to his modesty. The teacher praises him for his high comprehension and intelligence. Now the teacher likes him more than me. He chases after him for tutoring every night."

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed and looked at Ye Xuan with satisfaction.

Ye Caiping was in a good mood; her nephew was truly remarkable.

Ye Xuan blushed slightly and bowed to Ye Caiping: "I'm so glad I have my aunt. If it weren't for my aunt sending me to school, I wouldn't have made the progress I have today."

Ye Caiping smiled and said, "We also have to thank Jinshan. Otherwise, where would we find such a dedicated and responsible teacher?"

Ye Xuan thanked Zhao Jinshan in a serious manner, which startled Zhao Jinshan so much that he jumped back: "My goodness, don't do this, it's embarrassing."

"What about Peng'er?" Seeing that Ye Xuan had made such great progress and everyone was praising him, Madam Wei hurriedly asked Ye Peng.

Ye Peng looked pale and gave an awkward laugh: "Well... my foundation wasn't as good as my second brother's to begin with. I'm still learning exegesis..."

What is philology?

Zhao Jinshan said, "Students are divided into several stages: elementary education, calligraphy, textual exegesis, and classical studies. Textual exegesis is when they begin to learn about the Analects, Mencius, and the Doctrine of the Mean."

"Yes, yes." Ye Peng nodded hurriedly.

"Did Peng'er attend class with everyone?"

"Not yet... I'm reciting and copying books in another room. The Master said that copying helps me remember and understand better."

Hearing this, Madam Wei became very anxious: "You can talk to the teacher and say that you can teach while scolding... well, you know."

Ye Peng's face froze.

Ye Xuan and Zhao Jinshan exchanged a glance, wanting to say something, but in the end, they didn't say anything.

The Master said that Ye Peng's most important task now is to lay a solid foundation. He should at least thoroughly understand those books before he can delve into classical studies.

Old Man Ye said, "Second son, studying can't be rushed. If you just follow the teacher's instructions and listen to everything you say, you might as well let Peng'er learn from you."

Lady Wei blushed deeply: "I... I was too hasty... Of course, I will listen to the Master."