Chapter Twenty-Four [V] Entering the School
Manager Xu hadn't eaten or drunk anything since he got up early, and now that it was past his usual breakfast time, he was starving.
The pancakes were so delicious that even though Manager Xu usually prided himself on being a scholar and a refined man, his stomach started growling.
Realizing he had been impolite, he immediately pressed his hand against his growling stomach.
Embarrassed, his fair complexion immediately flushed a light pink. He didn't dare meet Li Yan's gaze, instead looking away.
Li Yan knew what was going on, so she didn't deliberately expose him. She simply brought him his share of food and then went to make arrangements for Xu Ge'er and Yue Jie'er.
"You should try the chive and egg pancakes that Auntie made."
Xu Ge'er and Yue Jie'er were already completely captivated by the aroma, especially Yue Jie'er, whose mouth was drooling.
Having received their aunt's words, the two immediately picked up the cakes and started biting.
This pancake smells delicious, and it tastes even better. It's especially delicious when eaten hot.
It was no trouble at all; the brother and sister finished the whole pancake in one go.
"Manager Xu, please try some." After a short break, once Manager Xu had composed himself, Li Yan came to greet him again. "You've come as a guest, so I should have treated you to some fine food and drinks. But I was in a hurry, and I was worried you might be hungry, so I could only make these simple pancakes for now." She smiled. "They're just simple chive pancakes, nothing fancy, Manager Xu, please make do with them for now."
Li Yan urged her guest to stay for lunch, saying, "Please don't leave at noon. I'll have fish and meat prepared for you."
Shopkeeper Xu shook his head: "Madam Li is too kind." He pointed to the cake in his hand, "I think this cake is excellent." As he spoke, Shopkeeper Xu took a bite in a refined manner, and then slowly chewed and swallowed.
The pancake was fragrant and had a delicate texture. Even though he ate slowly, he finished one piece without much trouble.
There was still food in the bowls and plates, and Li Yan urged the three of them to continue eating.
Just then, she heard a knock on the door outside the courtyard, so Li Yan quickly got up and went outside.
This time, it was Brother Wang, who delivered milk, who came. Li Yan politely invited him to have breakfast, but Brother Wang just waved his hand and said, "I ate at home, I won't eat at yours." He added, "Li Niangzi, weigh the milk, I have to rush home to work in the fields."
Li Yan did not weigh the items in front of him, but smiled and said, "How could Brother Wang shortchange me? I trust you." She then instructed, "Brother, please wait a moment, I will go and get the money."
Nowadays, we buy two catties of cow's milk and two catties of sheep's milk every day, and the money is paid upon delivery.
Li Yan had strung up the copper coins beforehand. After handing them over, the prince didn't count them in front of him, but simply clasped his hands in farewell.
Li Yan watched him leave for a while before closing the door.
After working together for so long, Li Yan no longer needs to weigh the goods; she can tell whether there is a shortage just by looking at them.
The Wang family are honest people and they want to do business for the long term. Li Yan had told them that if her business did well in the future, she would need more than four catties of milk every day.
Since they know it's a long-term business, there's no need for them to engage in underhanded tactics or try to gain a small advantage.
Li Yan carried the bucket of milk into the kitchen, took a large bowl, and poured a full bowl of milk into it.
Then she lit a fire on the stove and cooked the raw milk.
For the past month, she had been making milk like this every morning. She just made a small amount, and after it was cooked, the family members would share it.
But today, with distinguished guests present, Li Yan spared no expense and cooked more than twice the amount of milk.
In that case, there would probably be less than three and a half pounds of milk left in the bucket.
After Li Yan finished boiling the milk, she took a small bowl to put it in and then brought it to the main room.
By now, the group had almost finished eating their pancakes.
"The cake is too dry, Manager Xu, would you like some milk?"
"Milk?" Manager Xu had never drunk it before and found it quite novel.
Li Yan: "I bought the raw milk from a farmer in the countryside and cooked it myself after I got back. There's not much, just this small bowl, just to give you a taste."
Manager Xu picked up the bowl and took a small sip.
It wasn't as hard to swallow as I'd imagined, nor did it have that strange animal smell. It was mellow and slightly sweet, probably because sugar had been added.
Shopkeeper Xu never expected that not only was she good at roasting meat, but also that the food she made so casually was so elegant and refined.
Manager Xu looked up at her and thought that this woman was really skillful.
However, given her shrewdness, how could she be so foolish as to waste her time in the Xue family?
Manager Xu, of course, did not forget the purpose of his visit, so he said solemnly, "Madam Li, I have something I would like to say to you privately."
Li Yan felt she had treated him well, so she asked Xu Ge'er to wash the dishes and sent the two siblings away. Only then did Li Yan say, "Manager Xu, you could have just sent a message, why did you come all the way here in person? I feel really bad for causing you trouble."
Manager Xu said, "Madam Li, we've known each other for a while now, and I admire your courage and boldness. You have ideas and dare to put them into action; you are truly a heroine. But... but in some things, you may have been a little inconsiderate."
Li Yan: "Huh?" She didn't understand what he meant.
Wasn't I here to introduce her to scholars as her mentors? How did we end up going off on such a tangent?
"What do you mean?" Since she didn't understand, Li Yan naturally asked directly.
Manager Xu was treating her as a friend right now, which is why he overstepped his bounds and interfered in her private affairs.
"To be honest, I've investigated Madam Li privately. I know that Madam Li only recently married into the Xue family, and the day after her marriage, news of her husband Xue Erlang's death in battle reached us. You never even met Xue Erlang, and he didn't even know you existed until his death. Under these circumstances, does Madam Li intend to spend her whole life staying in the Xue family?"
“I myself started my education at the age of seven and studied for more than ten years. I know clearly how much money it costs to support someone’s education. You are a woman, even if you have some money, why don’t you save it for yourself and spend it all on supporting your husband’s children and nephews?”
Manager Xu felt that given Li's situation, the fact that she was able to provide good food and drink for the Xue family's two children was already more than enough.
To be honest, she didn't actually bear any responsibility.
Li Yan was completely taken aback that he had come looking for her about this matter, and fell silent for a moment. After thinking it over, she smiled and said, "Since Manager Xu has investigated me, he should also know that I have a long-standing feud with my family, and we're practically estranged forever, right?"
"I understand," Manager Xu nodded.
Li Yan then said, "As a woman, I lost my mother at a young age and have no father to rely on. It's quite difficult for me to survive well in this world. My childhood was unfortunate, but fortunately, my husband's family is good. My nephew is very intelligent and has the potential to study for the imperial examinations. If I didn't have the ability to support him, that would be fine, but since I do have the ability, I will definitely do my best to help him. In the future, when he becomes successful, he will naturally not forget his aunt."
After hearing Li Yan's words, Manager Xu suddenly fell silent.
He originally thought she was stupid, but he never expected that she would think so far ahead.
It turns out that the narrow-minded one was him.
Since that was her opinion, Manager Xu didn't say anything more, but solemnly said, "Madam Li's foresight is truly admirable. Please rest assured, I have taken this matter to heart and will do my best to help your nephew find a good teacher."
Upon hearing this, Li Yan immediately stood up and thanked him with traditional courtesy, saying, "Thank you very much, Manager Xu."
After accepting her bow, Manager Xu, who was still seated, said, "From now on, please don't call me 'Manager Xu' all the time. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Xu."
How could Li Yan possibly look down on it? With such a connection to build, she was naturally willing to do so.
So Li Yan immediately changed her address: "Thank you, Brother Xu."
Shopkeeper Xu smiled and nodded.
Suddenly, another noise came from outside, followed by Aunt Xue's voice in the courtyard.
Manager Xu stood up and said goodbye, "I should go now."
Li Yan asked him to stay for lunch: "Brother Xu, please stay for lunch before you leave."
Manager Xu waved his hand: "No, thank you." He explained, "I have to hurry back; I still need to run the lunch business at the restaurant."
Li Yan: "Since Brother Xu is so busy, I won't keep you any longer. I'll invite you to my home when you have some free time."
As they were talking, the two had already entered the courtyard.
At this moment, Aunt Xue was standing in front of the courtyard gate greeting the neighbors, while Xu Ge was writing with paper and pen against the wall.
There were seven or eight people, young and old, crowding in front of the door, and each of them was saying the same thing: "I want a bowl today."
"I want a bowl too."
"Today is my chubby daughter's sixth birthday, and we're having two bowls of rice."
"My family also has two bowls."
"..."
Shopkeeper Xu was unaware that Li Yan was selling milk tea at a stall, and thought she was making a profit by selling roasted pork at home.
After a moment of surprise, he immediately lowered his voice and said, "Breaking the contract could result in you being sued and having to pay compensation!"
Li Yan laughed: "I didn't sell braised pork."
Shopkeeper Xu paused for a moment before softening his tone and asking, "Then what is this...?"
Li Yan said, "Brother Xu, you may not know this, but I have rented a stall on Xifu Street to sell drinks."
"Xifu Street?" Shopkeeper Xu was a local from Huating County, so he naturally knew the situation. "The monthly rent for a stall there is not cheap."
But seeing how well her beverage business is doing, even extending to her home, I imagine she's making enough to cover her monthly rent.
Curious, he asked, "What kind of drinks do you sell?"
Li Yan then explained the situation in detail.
“I usually start making milk tea in the afternoon. If you stay for lunch, you can have a taste, but you’re in a hurry to leave now, so you might miss out on freshly made milk tea. However… when Uncle Yuan comes to pick up the meat this evening, I’ll ask him to bring you a portion.”
Shopkeeper Xu agreed, saying he would wait to try it.
In the evening, Li Yan asked Uncle Yuan to bring a milk tea to Manager Xu, and also invited Uncle Yuan to have a bowl.
Yuan Bo was a rough man, but he had never eaten such refined food before. After finishing, he licked his back teeth with his tongue and inquired, "Madam Li, is this drink for sale?"
Li Yan said yes.
Uncle Yuan said, "Then save me a portion tomorrow, I'll take it home for my little granddaughter to try."
Li Yan smiled and said okay.
"Then please take this portion to Manager Xu as well."
Uncle Yuan said, "Don't worry, Madam Li, I will personally hand it over to Manager Xu."
The next day, Uncle Yuan brought a letter to Li Yan.
"Manager Xu asked me to hand this over to you."
"Thank you, Uncle Yuan." Li Yan smiled and accepted the gift, then handed him the milk tea she had prepared in advance. "Here's the milk tea, please take it."
When Uncle Yuan asked how much it cost, Li Yan, who was in a good mood, said it was a treat for his granddaughter whom he had never met, and that she wouldn't accept any money.
Uncle Yuan felt embarrassed: "I drank a bowl yesterday and didn't charge you, but I have to take the money today."
Li Yan then said, "Yesterday I asked you for a favor, so I didn't pay for your tea, but I treated you to a drink. Today I'm treating your granddaughter to a drink. If your granddaughter likes it, I'll charge you next time."
After thinking for a moment, Uncle Yuan said that was a good idea.
Uncle Yuan drove off, and Li Yan immediately closed the door and went inside to read the letter.
In the letter, Manager Xu first solemnly praised Li Yan for making such a delicious drink. Only then did he recount in detail the matter of Xu Ge'er going to school.
Shopkeeper Xu meant that since she wanted to cultivate her husband's nephew and have him take the path of the imperial examinations, rather than just having him study for a few days and learn a few characters for fun, she had to choose a famous teacher to teach him, instead of just finding any educated person to let Xu Ge'er learn from.
Not only did it waste money, but you also didn't learn anything and wasted your time.
If one were to choose a renowned teacher and hire them to come to one's home for instruction, not only would it be difficult to secure such a teacher, but even if it were possible, the tuition fees for that year would be substantial.
Therefore, it was naturally better to send Xu Ge'er to school.
He happened to know a respected local scholar who had run a school for many years, teaching children and producing numerous students who became successful candidates in the imperial examinations. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that his students were "all over the world."
Tuition fees alone cost about ten taels of silver per child per year.
In addition, there are gifts to give during festivals. These gifts alone can cost at least three to five taels of silver a year.
In addition, there are the usual expenses for buying books, pens, ink, paper, and so on. All these miscellaneous expenses add up to at least twenty taels of silver a year to support a child's education.
Li Yan can now earn more than eight taels of silver a month just by cooperating with Yuanbaolou.
In addition, the business of selling milk tea drinks at these stalls is also booming.
Although the income was considerable, the expenses of going to the city were also high.
Spending twenty taels a year to support one child's education is relatively easy for her. But if she were to support two children, spending forty taels a year, or even more, Li Yan would feel that, given the current situation, it would be somewhat stressful.
Xu Ge'er is already eight years old, so he definitely needs to go to school. Yue Jie'er is still young, so it's not too late to wait two more years.
Two years from now, I should have a lot more money in my pocket. At that time, it won't be difficult to support another child's education.
Li Yan thought this way, but she didn't make the decision on her own. Instead, she waited until the four of them got together that evening and then told the other three about it and her thoughts.
When Xu Ge'er heard that studying would cost so much money, he immediately shook his head and said he wouldn't study.
Li Yan didn't allow him to refuse, and said in a commanding tone, "You have to go to school. Not only do you have to go, but you also have to take time every day when you come home to teach Yue'er to read. So, Xu-ge'er, you have a heavy task."
Aunt Xue also felt that the expenses for the year were too much, but after all, it was an opportunity and a way out for her grandson. So even though Aunt Xue felt sorry for the other party, she couldn't bring herself to say that she would not let her grandson go to school.
She only said to her grandson, "You lost your father when you were young, and then your mother. It is a blessing you have accumulated over many lifetimes to meet your aunt! When you become successful in the future, you must be filial to your aunt. If you are ungrateful, I will break your legs."
Xu Ge'er immediately crawled over and knelt in front of Li Yan: "Xu Ge'er wouldn't dare."
Li Yan's nurturing of Xu Ge'er was not a selfless act of giving.
In this world, there is a clear hierarchy among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
Even if she runs a business and makes a lot of money, she is still just a merchant.
She knew all too well how important it was to have someone on your side in officialdom.
However, Xu Ge'er is only eight years old. It will probably be at least ten years before he has a bright future.
This is a long-term investment for her, to secure future convenience.
"Get up quickly." Li Yan personally helped Xu Ge'er up, then made the decision, "Then this matter is settled."
.
After making the decision, Li Yan immediately wrote a letter to Manager Xu, telling him that she had decided to let Xu Ge'er study alone first, at the school of the famous teacher he had mentioned.
Manager Xu immediately replied, informing Li Yan what gifts she needed to prepare. He also set a date, saying that he would go to the city again on that day and personally lead Li Yan and Xu Ge'er to meet this famous teacher.
In his letter, Manager Xu also mentioned that this renowned teacher takes on several new students every September. It's currently late August, so there's still time.
Manager Xu also took this matter quite seriously.
So, when the appointed day arrived, Manager Xu once again took the earliest train into the city early in the morning.
As for Li Yan, she had already prepared all the gifts according to his instructions in the letter.
Knowing he would be coming early this morning, Li Yan prepared breakfast well in advance.
The noodles were made to order, and the fish balls were made by her personally chopping the fish meat and then shaping them one by one.
Upon seeing him arrive, Li Yan immediately busied herself in the kitchen.
Soon, a bowl of fish paste and shredded pork noodles was ready.
After it was done, I added a few drops of vinegar and sesame oil before taking it to the main room.
Meanwhile, Manager Xu was not idle either. He was sitting upright in his high seat, holding a book in his hand. Xu Ge'er was standing beside him, reciting a book to him.
Manager Xu listened with a serious expression, but after hearing the whole thing, his expression instantly relaxed, revealing a look of joy. He asked, "You've been to school?"
Xu Ge'er was somewhat reserved, but also very respectful, and said, "When my uncle was at home, he taught me to read."
Shopkeeper Xu closed the book and looked at Li Yan, who was stepping over the threshold to walk in: "I originally thought I would just give it a try, and if it worked out, great; if not, I would find another tutor. But I didn't expect that Brother Xu would actually have some talent in his studies. Now, I'm quite confident."
Li Yan brought the steaming hot fish paste and shredded pork noodles to Manager Xu: "Brother Xu, please eat first."
Looking at the pile of meat on the snow-white face, Manager Xu felt a little embarrassed: "Why make such a lavish spread? Just a few bites will do."
Li Yan laughed and said, "That won't do. That's not how you treat a guest. Besides, Brother Xu, you are our honored guest."
"Calling them distinguished guests... is a bit of an exaggeration," Manager Xu chuckled.
Because he was in a good mood and the food was delicious, Manager Xu, who usually only eats until he's about 70% full at each of his three meals, ate the entire large bowl of fish paste and shredded pork noodles.
After finishing the meal, he quickly tested Xu Ge'er on several poems and essays. Then, following the temperament and habits of that famous teacher, he gave Xu Ge'er some instructions on taboos and precautions.
When it was almost 7:00 AM, Manager Xu felt that it was time and got up.
Upon seeing this, Li Yan immediately went inside and brought out the gifts she had prepared earlier.
.
The famous teacher's surname was Weng. After passing the imperial examination with high honors, he failed the provincial examination several times and completely gave up the idea of taking it again.
He returned to his hometown of Huating County to teach and nurture virtuous future generations.
He initially taught at the county school, but because his teaching philosophy differed from that of other teachers there, he resigned and went out on his own. He opened a school called Xiaochun Academy, which only accepted students under the age of ten who had not yet achieved any academic degree.
The Weng family lived in Chengxiangyuan Hutong, which was not far from Xifu Street. In Huating County, those who could live near such a prime location were all wealthy people.
Sure enough, once you enter Chengxiangyuan Hutong, the whole environment is different from other places.
This place is a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. They had just come from Xifu Street and turned into this alley, and the whole world immediately became quiet.
Living in a bustling city center, yet surrounded by a tranquil and elegant environment, this "quiet amidst the noise" residence has been a favorite of the wealthy since ancient times.
The streets here are also wide, unlike the narrow alleys of Tongye Hutong. Once a car squeezes in, there's no room to turn around.
Li Yan estimated that the road was wide enough for three ordinary cars to pass side by side.
All the houses have white walls and black tiles, with black tiles covering the high courtyard walls. The eaves curve and curl outwards in all directions. The houses are generally similar, but there are obvious differences in the details.
The Weng family lived in the middle house, with two bronze lions sitting in front of their door. Now that the sun was rising, the bronze lions were shining brightly in the sun.
The Weng family's door was painted red and had copper rings. After climbing the steps and reaching the front of the door, Manager Xu raised his hand and gently knocked.
Soon, the door was flung open, and an old man's head popped out.
Who are you looking for?
Manager Xu immediately bowed respectfully and said, "This junior, Xu Qingshu, has come to pay my respects to Elder Weng. I wrote a visiting card for Elder Weng before coming, and I would be grateful if you could convey my greeting."
It was only then that Li Yan learned that the shopkeeper's name was Qing Shu. It was quite a nice name.
"Are you our master's student?" the old man asked.
Xu Qingshu nodded: "I am deeply grateful for your guidance, sir."
"Then you just wait."
After a while, the old man guarding the gate reappeared.
This time, instead of turning them away, the door was opened, and they were invited to come in together: "The master said he knows you and wants you and your friends to come in together."
"Thank you, sir." After expressing his gratitude, Xu Qingshu glanced at Li Yan and gestured for her to lead Xu Ge'er to follow.
The old man led the way, past the screen wall, through a corridor, and finally to a room.
"The master is inside." The old man said to Xu Qingshu first, then turned to look into the doorway and said, "Master, your guests have arrived."
"Let them in to talk," a voice came from inside the house.
The old man said, "The master wants you to come in."
Xu Qingshu thanked the old gatekeeper again, and the old gatekeeper then left.
He raised his hand and knocked on the door. After hearing a "Come in" from inside, Xu Qingshu pushed the door open and entered.
Li Yan's academic performance was average from childhood to adulthood, and she was quite afraid of seeing teachers, especially those who were highly respected.
So she pushed Xu Ge'er to the front, and followed at the very back.
This is a study, and the room is arranged very elegantly. On the walls hang many paintings, including galloping horses and chrysanthemums in autumn.
Sitting behind the desk was an elderly man with gray hair and a long beard.
Judging by appearance... he must be in his fifties or sixties.
Xu Qingshu greeted her respectfully, and Li Yan quickly followed suit.
Scholar Weng stroked his beard, pointed at Xu Ge'er, and asked, "Is this the child?"
"Yes, teacher, it is him." With that, Xu Qingshu reached out and pulled Xu Ge'er to the scholar Weng, and introduced him, "This is Xue Xu, seven years old this year. He has learned a few characters before and can recite some simple poems." He then pointed to Li Yan, "This is Madam Li, Xue Xu's aunt. Xue Xu lost his parents and is now being supported by his aunt."
Xu Qingshu could have chosen not to mention the relationship between Li Yan and Xu Ge'er, since they were elders and as long as they could pay his tuition, it would be fine. But he brought it up specifically because he knew that the old man in front of him had also been raised by his aunt.
He wanted to make a good impression on Li Yan.
Sure enough, Weng Juren looked at Li Yan and nodded solemnly, appearing to greatly admire and approve of her.
Then, she looked at Xu Ge'er beside her and said seriously, "Auntie is also a mother. Since you have received her kindness in raising you, you must treat her as your own mother in the future."
Xu Ge'er quickly and respectfully bowed at a ninety-degree angle: "Yes."
After that, Scholar Weng sent Li Yan and Xu Qingshu outside the study, and then closed the door to test Xu Ge'er alone.
Before long, Xu Ge'er peeked out of the study.
Li Yan was both anxious and nervous. When she saw Xu Ge'er come out, she rushed over to him and asked anxiously, "How is he?"
Before Xu Ge'er could speak, the old scholar also walked out of the house to the door.
“This child has good potential, I like him. Madam Li, I’ve taken your nephew into the school. Remember, on the first day of the ninth month, at the beginning of the morning, he must report to Xiaochun School on time.”
Li Yan immediately said happily, "Thank you very much, sir."
Xu Qingshu quickly clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, teacher."
After the three left, Scholar Weng summoned his page.
He opened a booklet and pointed to the last name in the booklet: "This Li Zong... doesn't need to come anymore. Since Han Sanlang strongly recommended him, you should go to the Han family in person and explain the situation to Han Sanlang."
Li Zong was a relative; he only reluctantly agreed to consider taking him as a student because of his brother-in-law, Han Xiucai, the third son of the Han family.
He had originally thought that if no one else came, it wouldn't hurt to take him in. However, Han Sanlang had repeatedly assured him that he would personally supervise Li Zong's studies in the future.
But now that he has students he is satisfied with, he has naturally made a different choice.
And Li Zong, naturally, was abandoned by him.
"This ten taels of silver is the Li family's advance payment for a year's tuition. Take it to Scholar Han and have him pass it on to the Li family. Also, return these writing implements. As for the pastries the Li family sent as a token of their respect..." He had already eaten them and had forgotten what he had bought.
The scholar Weng then gave the page boy some silver: "I remember it's pastries from Daoxiangzhai. Take this money and buy one of each of Daoxiangzhai's top pastries to take to the Han family."
"Also... go buy another set of writing implements and give it to that brat Li Zong." Although he hadn't said he would definitely accept him into the school, his previous actions were tantamount to accepting him as a student. Now that he had rejected him, he had to show some appreciation.
Weng Juren did this to completely block all avenues for the Li family to continue pleading for leniency.
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Author's Note: Today's update is here!
30 more red envelopes will be dropping! [kissing emoji]
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