Dinner was also eaten separately. Jiang Shuyun returned from the academy and dined with the men in the outer courtyard.

Mu Yi'an and the others set up two tables in the inner courtyard, one for the women and one for the children.

Shao Qin, Shao Ming, Shao Ning, Shao Yun, and Shao Kun, who were a few of the older students, were also accompanying them from the outer courtyard.

Shao Ming and Shao Yun don't go back to Jiangjia Village often; they want to get to know the people in their clan.

Jiang Shaoqin is already thirteen years old, and there are many things he needs to learn, especially how to interact with people.

Dinner was very plentiful, with meat, vegetables, and seafood. Mu Yi'an even had some kebabs grilled for everyone to try.

"Second sister-in-law, these skewers are so delicious! Is this the kind of skewers you sell?"

Li Qiuniang loves grilled skewers, especially those with chili peppers.

"Yes, it's mainly grilled skewers, along with some other dishes. I'll take you to try them after the banquet."

"That's great! We've really broadened our horizons this time. We've eaten a lot of things we've never eaten before and seen a lot of things we've never seen before."

Li Qiuniang had a big smile on her face; she genuinely loved lively places.

"Right, thanks to Shuyun and Yi'an, this old woman has finally seen something new."

Grandma San smiled broadly, her eyes narrowing into slits; she was genuinely happy.

Who would have thought that before she was buried, she had such an experience, eating delicious food and seeing beautiful things. Her life was worthwhile.

Aunt Wang and Sister-in-law Jiang were also happy, especially Aunt Wang.

She felt like she was dreaming to have the opportunity to stay in such a big estate for a few days, especially since she was a farmer who made a living by farming.

The women in the inner courtyard ate happily and chatted to their hearts' content.

In the outer courtyard, the men not only ate well, but also drank quite happily.

Jiang Shuyun had something to say to her third grandfather and the others, so she gave them advance notice. Her third grandfather and eldest grandfather did not drink alcohol, nor did Jiang's father.

Jiang Shuwen drank with the guests. He often dealt with all sorts of people, making him the perfect person to entertain guests.

Moreover, the people from Jiangjia Village, who were initially a bit reserved, later became close with Jiang Shuwen and drank happily together.

"Shuwen, keep everyone company. After you've eaten and drunk your fill, have Steward Li arrange for you to rest."

"Okay, Second Brother, you guys go ahead and do what you need to do. I'll take care of things here."

Jiang Shuwen knew that his second brother had something to say to the clan chief and the others, so he took on the task of accompanying the guests.

In the study of the outer courtyard, the third grandfather, the eldest grandfather, Jiang's father, Jiang Shuyun, and Jiang Shuheng sat according to their seniority.

"Shuyun, is there something you want to tell us?"

"Third Grandfather, I previously compiled a booklet for learning to read, with pictures and text, which can help children who cannot go to school or people who want to learn to read to learn to read on their own."

"A literacy booklet? When did you make that?"

Jiang's father was also hearing about this for the first time, and everyone present was surprised.

"It was prepared before the Lunar New Year, but I don't know if it can be circulated."

As you all know, such a booklet is hardly suitable for formal occasions.

I specifically asked the headmaster of the academy, who is a highly respected scholar and also has connections in officialdom.

A while ago, the headmaster informed me that I could try it out on a small scale first.

Jiang Shuyun explained the whole story, saying that he hadn't intentionally hidden anything.

"In that case, this is indeed a good thing. But, Shuyun, won't it cost too much money to do this?"

Doing good deeds is good, but we can't be saints; we must act within our capabilities.

My third grandfather knew the weaknesses of human nature; sometimes, doing good deeds doesn't necessarily bring a good reputation.

"Third Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Father, Eldest Brother, I did this partly because I really wanted to give more children from disadvantaged families the opportunity to learn to read."

Given the opportunity, they could change their fate of repeating the lives of their parents.

On the other hand, I also had my own selfish motives.

I understand my own personality, and I know that even if I enter officialdom, I won't go very far, and I might even get into trouble.

I teach at the academy, so I only have a limited number of people to meet. I wonder if I have any hope of becoming a great Confucian scholar like the headmaster in this lifetime.

However, I have children, and I need to make plans for them.

If this works out, it will be a great opportunity for me.

At the very least, it's a good plus in terms of teaching and nurturing students.

Having a good reputation and building positive relationships will make things easier for the children in the future.

I am not a saint, just an ordinary person, a father.

Within my capabilities, I will do some good deeds, but I will not do anything beyond my capabilities, nor will I try to appear wealthy or powerful.

Jiang Shuyun and Yi'an discussed this matter for several nights, and both of them felt it was feasible.

Mu Yi'an believes that not too much money needs to be spent in the early stages.

The book will only be promoted in Jiangjia Village and Zhuangzi outside the city. It is impossible to print many copies, as it is not possible for everyone to have one.

In ancient times, paper was expensive, and they couldn't afford to buy writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Just like when Shao Ming and the others were learning, each person only needed to prepare a small sand table.

Their goal was to learn to read, not to become calligraphers; they could simply practice writing characters on a sand table.

As for the future, if there are truly talented children, it wouldn't be unreasonable to provide some financial assistance.

However, they cannot provide assistance without compensation; they understand the principle that a small favor is appreciated, but an excessive one breeds resentment.

Mu Yi'an felt it was perfectly reasonable to use this incident to build connections and increase Jiang Shuyun's value.

Everyone does things with a certain purpose, and their purpose is clear and not something that harms others for personal gain.

Isn't it normal to expect some reward for your efforts?

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