Chapter 27
Uncle Pang arrived earlier than agreed.
But not only did he come and bring gifts, he even prepared lunch for a large group of people.
As soon as he entered Lu Shang's house, he let go of his grandson's hand, pushed him on the back, and pointed at Lu Shang: "Quick, that's Mr. Lu, come and meet the teacher."
Grandpa Pang’s grandson is called Pang Liang. He is only six years old this year, one year younger than Lu Yaozu. Even though he is dressed neatly, he still looks childish.
He was raised to be timid, and became even more cowardly when he came to a stranger's home. He staggered two steps and couldn't help but look back at his grandfather. After receiving repeated encouragement from Grandpa Pang, he turned around and walked towards Lu Shang in small steps. He stopped five or six steps in front of him and bowed as he had been taught many times by his family.
Fortunately, Lu Shang was quick and stopped him before he could bend down: "No need, no need."
He vaguely knew that in this era, the status of master and disciple was extremely important. He had only said before that he would give the child of the Pang family some guidance, but he never said that he would accept him as a student.
Besides, considering his level of not being able to read books, how could he dare to accept this gift?
Lu Shang patted the child's shoulder and explained to Grandpa Pang: "My knowledge is still shallow, and I dare not delay the child. It's okay to give the child a few pointers, but I dare not act as a teacher. It would be bad to mislead the students."
After hearing what he said, Mr. Pang's expression softened. "No, no, Mr. Lu is too modest. If your knowledge is not good enough, then there is no one in our villages who can."
Perhaps seeing Lu Shang's attitude, Grandpa Pang didn't insist. Seeing the Lu family members coming out after hearing the noise, he greeted them with a smile, regardless of whether he had any friendship with Grandma Lu or not. "Grandma Lu, how are you doing lately? We haven't seen each other for a while. It's my fault, I haven't come to visit!"
"Today I brought some white flour cakes and snacks. I wonder if there's a chance for us to have a meal together?"
Grandma Lu was stunned by his approach and subconsciously looked at Lu Shang.
Only after Lu Shang nodded did she agree: "Yes, sure, please come in."
Uncle Pang had no relationship with the Lu Laoer family. If his distant cousin had not married the village chief of Lujia Village, his ox cart would not have passed through Lujia Village, let alone set foot here.
But isn't this asking for help, and what's being asked is for the child's future. Even if there was no friendship before, there will be one in the future.
Uncle Pang has been driving a cart all year round, and his family also has business in town. He is more flexible in dealing with people than farmers digging in the fields. Not long after he sat down, he called Lu Laoer a brother: "So, you and I are of the same generation. Come on, brother, let's drink tea instead of wine and have a drink!"
Grandpa Pang brought white flour pancakes, smoked pork elbows, spicy fried pork liver, peanuts, fried tofu and many other snacks, but he didn't expect that Lu Laoer's family was so poor that they didn't even have a sip of rice wine.
Uncle Pang smiled cheerfully, "I understand, I understand. Scholars don't drink alcohol. It's normal to have no alcohol at home. Tea is fine too!"
There is tea, but it is broken tea leaves that teahouses don’t accept. You can buy a large bunch for one penny, and the brewed tea is bitter and astringent, and extremely difficult to drink.
“…”Everything is for my little grandson.
Uncle Pang closed his eyes and drank the freshly brewed bitter tea in one gulp. After that, he would not touch the teacup unless it was necessary.
When guests came to the house, the women were not allowed to sit at the table, the children were sent back into the house, and Wang Cuilian and Ma were busy in the kitchen.
Even Grandma Lu only sat for a while at the beginning and soon left the table to sit on a small bench nearby, leaving only Lu Lao Er and Lu Xian to accompany Grandpa Pang.
Lu Shang was originally going to accompany them, but he didn't want Jiang Wanning to serve him by his side, so he simply used the excuse of testing him and took Pang Liang back to the room.
Grandpa Pang came here just to find a good teacher for his grandson. Seeing this, he was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling. How could he refuse?
Little did he know that once Pang Liang entered the house, the scene would be completely different.
Lu Shang waited for Pang Liang to climb onto the stool, then went straight to ask Jiang Wanning, "What do you think of this child?"
Jiang Wanning had a vague guess, but wasn't sure. After a long hesitation, she nodded. "I think he's a bit soft-tempered, but he's still young. If he pays more attention in the future, he'll probably be able to correct himself. As for his knowledge... many people say that a person's level of knowledge is determined from birth, but I don't think so."
"If my husband is willing to teach me, it won't be difficult for me to get a good score in the imperial examination, or even a job in Tang Town or a larger prefecture."
"What if I ask you to teach me?" Lu Shang went straight to the point.
Although her long-held guess was confirmed, Jiang Wanning's heart still couldn't stop pounding.
She calmed down and said, "I can do anything. I will obey my husband."
Lu Shang shook his head: "It depends on your wishes. If you don't mind, you can accept him as a student for two years. If you don't want to trouble him, then I will refuse it later."
"But there's a problem. I can't just tell the Pang family you'll be the one teaching the child. I have to wait for a few months, and if they see some positive signs, then I can have them trust you and feel comfortable handing the child over to you completely."
Jiang Wanning's status in the village is really embarrassing. This is the best way to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Jiang Wanning understood the many concerns behind this, but she still did not agree directly. Instead, she said tentatively, "Before, Sanniang also wanted me to teach her daughter Dabao a few words. If my husband agrees, teaching one is the same, and teaching two is no different..."
Facing Lu Shang's half-smile, Jiang Wanning could no longer test him.
"So you're willing?"
"……Um."
Lu Shang couldn't help but laugh, but he still wanted to teach her a lesson: "If you are willing, then you are willing. As long as it is what you want to do, I will never stop you. Now you and I are one, so if you have anything to say, just say it directly. What do you think, An Ning?"
Jiang Wanning felt so ashamed by what he said that her fingertips trembled again and again, and after a long while, she uttered a weak and feeble "I'm sorry".
Now that he understood Jiang Wanning's thoughts, Lu Shang's actions would be much easier.
He straightened his expression, put away his smile, and replaced it with a cold expression. He knocked on the table in front of Pang Liang and pretended to be serious: "I heard from Uncle Pang that you want to be enlightened?"
"Yes..." Pang Liang didn't know how to address him, so he looked up and was frightened back by Lu Shang's expression.
Seeing this, Lu Shang and Jiang Wanning both shook their heads. It was because he was too timid.
Lu Shangfu asked, "You came to my house to ask me to be your teacher?"
Pang Liang was silent for a long time before he whispered, "Grandpa said that you are the most learned person in the nearby villages. If I can have you as my teacher, I will definitely be able to pass the imperial examination in the future."
"In other words, as long as they can help you pass the imperial examination, anyone can teach you."
Pang Liang's mind wasn't working that fast, he hesitated: "I think...right."
"Then, when you get home, tell Uncle Pang that I agree to teach you to read. However—" Lu Shang asked him to look up and pointed at Jiang Wanning. "This sister is much more knowledgeable than me. When you come to my house, she will teach you how to read."
"Do you agree?"
Pang Liang glanced at Lu Shang, then shifted his gaze to Jiang Wanning.
Most of the men in the Pang family work outside and only come home once every three to five days. Pang Liang grew up with his mother and sister, and his temperament has been very gentle. Compared with the serious and cold Lu Shang, Jiang Wanning, who is obviously more gentle than his mother, makes him feel more intimate.
As for this uncle, he said, "This is a secret between us. You can't tell anyone else. Who is teaching you to read? Good children always keep their promises. Are you a good child?"
Pang Liang asked softly, "Sister, if you teach me, can I also pass the exam and become a scholar?"
"Of course you can." Lu Shang closed his eyes and boasted, "Not only can you pass the exam to become a scholar, you can also pass the exam to become a juren!"
Jiang Wanning couldn't help but tug at his sleeve: "Husband——"
Pang Liang nodded: "Okay, I agree, and I won't tell Grandpa and Mom."
"Then how are you going to tell Uncle Pang when you go out?"
Pang Liang shook his head and said seriously, "I told Grandpa that Mr. Lu promised to teach me and help me pass the imperial examination."
Lu Shang: "...The second half of the sentence is unnecessary."
By the time they had finished their meal, the people outside had almost finished eating.
Seeing Lu Shang bringing Pang Liang out, Uncle Pang couldn't sit still any longer and quickly stood up: "Lu Xiucai..."
Lu Shang didn't say anything, but patted Pang Liang and said, "Go tell grandpa."
Just like he had practiced in the house, Pang Liang raised his head and said in a tender voice, "Grandpa, Mr. Lu has agreed to teach me."
"Okay!" Uncle Pang couldn't help himself any longer, slapped his thigh, and almost rushed up to give Lu Shang a bear hug.
"Look at me, I'm not well prepared. Mr. Lu, when do you think we can come back? I'll bring you the tuition. How much do you think is appropriate? There's no one in my family who's educated, and I've never been to a school. I don't know anything..."
Lu Shang shouted several times before interrupting, "Uncle Pang, don't be impatient. Let's teach for three to five days first, so that both sides can get used to each other. If it's a good fit, it's not too late to talk later."
"Okay, okay, I'll listen to Mr. Lu!" Although he said that, Uncle Pang had made up his mind to prepare the things when he returned and bring them all over next time he came.
Uncle Pang's wish was fulfilled. When he walked away, his feet were flying and he lifted Pang Liang high above his head.
After the Lu family sent their people away, they all gathered around. Lu Lao Er asked, "Shang'er, have you accepted a student?"
Lu Shang shook his head: "I guess so."
What do you mean by "I guess so"?
The group of people were completely confused. Since he had gone far away, it was not easy to call him back to ask.
Uncle Pang and Lu Laoer were well fed and well-drinking, but the rest of the family were still hungry.
After Lu Guangzong and his companions were let out of the house, their eyes lit up when they saw the remaining pork elbows on the table. They ignored Wang Cuilian's scolding and rushed over to eat them.
Jiang Wanning was hesitating whether to eat or not, when she saw Lu Shang coming over and hooking her sleeve: "I'll make you some pork soup?"
Jiang Wanning had never eaten offal before, and she didn't know if she could eat such a disgusting thing. But when she looked into Lu Shang's eyes full of tenderness, she couldn't help but nodded.
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