Ye Caiping: "No problem."

What's wrong with her going somewhere?

All of Ye Caiping's information about Master Shen came from Master Qian.

Master Qian never mentioned Master Shen's age; he only said that Master Shen had been the top scholar in the imperial examination and had taught for more than ten years.

For a normal person, even with great talent, it would take at least thirty years old to become the top scholar in the imperial examination. After teaching for another ten years or so, wouldn't they be over fifty?

When Master Qian introduced Master Shen, the white-haired old man showed an expression of admiration, which naturally made people think that Master Shen was older than Master Qian.

Unexpectedly, Master Shen was only three years older than her.

To become the top scholar at the age of seventeen—what kind of genius is that?

Ye Caiping couldn't help but think of Li Zhiyuan.

Li Zhiyuan was also thirty-three last year, and only managed to pass the lowest level of the imperial examination.

He was a year younger than Li Zhiyuan, yet he completed the entire scientific expedition and served as a teacher for more than ten years.

If Li Zhiyuan knew that such a genius existed, I wonder if he would vomit blood.

Just thinking about it is interesting.

However, Master Shen is incredibly well-preserved; he's over thirty but looks like he's in his mid-twenties.

But when she thought of those modern male actors in their thirties and forties who still play domineering CEOs, she felt relieved.

"Madam Ye?" Shen Zhiyan called out when he saw her standing there in a daze.

Ye Caiping felt a little embarrassed and curtsied, saying, "I have offended you a lot these past few days."

"It's nothing." Shen Zhiyan looked at Ye Xuan: "Your name is Ye Xuan?"

"Yes." Ye Xuan respected Shen Zhiyan even more after hearing that he had become the top scholar at the age of seventeen.

How many years have you been in school?

“When I was young, I studied elementary school for three years. It wasn’t until last October that I found another teacher to fill in the gaps in my foundation. Now I am studying the classics.”

Shen Zhiyan remained calm and then posed three questions to Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan answered them all.

Shen Zhiyan could tell Ye Xuan's level just by listening to him, and shook his head: "Weak foundation, but decent talent. Are you preparing for the county examination this year?"

Ye Xuan was sweating profusely: "I wouldn't dare."

Master Qian said that with his foundation, he would need to hone his skills for another two years.

Shen Zhiyan said, “You shall come here at Chenshi (7-9 AM) and leave before Wushi (11 AM-1 PM). I will only give you two hours of lessons each day; the rest of the time you shall go home and study on your own. You are not allowed to study with any other teachers.”

"Yes." Ye Xuan nodded.

"Also, if you don't pass the county exam this year, I will no longer teach you. And you are not allowed to tell anyone that you were my student, understand?"

Ye Xuan was stunned. Pass the county examination?

The county exam is in late April! There's still more than a month left. How is he supposed to pass with his level of ability?

"Xuan'er, quickly agree," Ye Caiping urged him.

She knew that the reason Shen Zhiyan said such a thing was because Ye Xuan, after being trained, had the ability to pass the county examination.

"Yes, the students will do their best."

Shen Zhiyan nodded: "You can go back first and come back tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you, teacher." Ye Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and stood up.

"Thank you, Master Shen," Ye Caiping said with a smile. "By the way, how much is the tuition fee?"

Shen Zhiyan picked up his teacup: "No need. As long as the students are motivated and don't embarrass me, that's enough."

"Thanks."

Ye Caiping could tell at a glance that Shen Zhiyan was not short of money. But not having to give him silver did not mean she didn't have to give him anything else.

Relationships between people need to be maintained; I'll get him some local specialties later!

"Then we'll head back first." After Ye Caiping finished speaking, she saw him nod and left with Ye Xuan.

Shen Manman chased after them, saying, "I'll see you off."

Only after they reached the gate did Ye Caiping say, "You little brat, how dare you tease me."

Shen Manman's eyes widened: "Oh, you used to be all 'Miss Shen,' but now that things are done, you little brat, your face changes faster than flipping through a book."

"Besides, I wasn't playing a trick on you. I never said that the young master fishing wasn't my father. Auntie, you're silly, you didn't guess that. And, isn't my method very effective?"

He then laughed.

Ye Caiping sighed and laughed, "Yes, yes, it really works. Thank you."

"Your thanks, are they just words?"

"What would you like? Would you like me to make you some dessert?"

Shen Manman thought for a moment and said, "We'll talk about it later."

"Alright."

...

In Master Qian's house, in the study.

Ye Xuan knelt before Master Qian and said, "Master, starting tomorrow, I will be studying under Mr. Shen. Thank you for your care during this time."

Master Qian's eyes also reddened, and he hurriedly helped him up, saying, "If you become successful in the future, just don't forget me."

"I will always remember the kindness you have shown me, Master."

Ye Caiping stood aside and watched the master and apprentice cry for a while before saying, "Master Qian, you have caused me so much suffering."

"How did I harm you?" Master Qian was completely bewildered.

"You didn't even tell me that Master Shen was so young!"

Didn't I say that?

Do you think you've said it? Sigh, never mind! Ye Caiping took a light breath:

"Master, what's the progress on the matter of hiring a female tutor that I mentioned to you last time?"

Master Qian: Oh dear, I forgot!

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Well... I've inquired with several old classmates, but there's no suitable candidate. That Master Shen is from the capital and has more knowledge in this area. Perhaps Madam Ye could ask him for advice?"

Ye Caiping thought about it and realized it made sense.

But Shen Zhiyan was a bit cold, and he was reluctant to accept students, and he didn't charge tuition fees, so people didn't want to trouble him.

She needs to give him something nice before she can ask him anything.

Ye Caiping looked at the sky and realized that Ye Daquan would be coming to pick her up soon, so she went to wait at the entrance of the town.

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