"This morning, Granny Liao went up the mountain to pick some wild vegetables. I selected the tenderest varieties of shepherd's purse and mixed them with finely minced fish to make this wild vegetable fish cake. I heard that this dish is very fragrant and appetizing. Would you like to try some?"
As the food box lid was opened, a rich aroma immediately filled the air. The wild vegetable and fish cakes on the plate were fried to a golden brown and crispy, with an enticing color that made one's mouth water.
Jiang Huaiyu gently raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a gentle smile, "In that case, I'll just take a small taste."
She picked up a golden, crispy fish cake, about to put it in her mouth, but stopped abruptly the moment it touched her lips. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she gently covered her mouth and nose with her hand, her expression revealing a hint of displeasure. "This fish seems unusual; there's an unpleasant fishy smell in the air."
Yingxiang quickly explained, "It's just a common river fish. Perhaps it's because it's been sitting for too long that it smells a bit fishy?"
However, precisely because she was worried that the food would get cold, she specially chose to have the fish cakes delivered as soon as they came out of the pan, but to her surprise, it still didn't meet her expectations.
Feeling a little guilty, she said apologetically, "Please wait a moment, Madam. I'll go back and prepare other delicious dishes for you."
Jiang Huaiyu gently placed the fish cake back on the plate, waved his hand lightly, and said calmly, "No need to trouble yourself. In a little while, the sun will be setting in the west, and we will set off home. I don't feel hungry at all."
Especially after smelling that unpleasant fishy smell, her stomach felt a little uncomfortable, so she quickly drank a sip of tea to suppress the nausea.
Jiang Huaiyu leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest.
Yingxiang noticed that her face seemed a little pale and said with concern, "Madam, the sun is about to set, and judging from today's situation, it seems that no more guests will come. We might as well head back now."
Jiang Huaiyu felt slightly dizzy, but agreed without much thought, "Alright, let's set off then."
Yingxiang, Fengyun, and Huiyi were busy packing their bags when the gate of the private school was suddenly pushed open gently.
"It's not even the end of the 5-7 PM yet, why are you in such a hurry to leave? It seems you haven't put your full effort into this so-called recruitment of teachers!"
The newcomer was a handsome young man, dressed in elegant scholar's attire. He strode confidently with his head held high, exuding an air of grandeur. However, he was rather thin, as if a gentle breeze could make him sway precariously.
Yingxiang asked first, "Are you perhaps here to participate in the selection of the Master? May I ask your age, what you do now, and whether you have already achieved academic success?"
The young man stood with his hands behind his back under the porch. “If those who have come here are not here to select a teacher, then what are they here for? As for age, I am exactly twenty-one years old this year.”
Yingxiang cast a few probing glances at her, her brows furrowing slightly as she asked doubtfully, "Are you really over twenty?"
The boy in front of me was thin and short. He looked more like a 15 or 16-year-old boy than a 21-year-old.
Upon hearing this, the young man snorted coldly, pointed to the top of his head, and said with some anger, "Didn't you see that I've already tied my hair up and put on a crown? I'm just handsome and look younger."
As soon as he finished speaking, a faint blush seemed to rise on his cheeks. Afraid of being noticed, he quickly looked around, hoping to divert others' attention.
Yingxiang nodded slightly and continued to ask, "Then, may I ask, young master, what profession do you currently engage in, and have you achieved anything or gained any fame or recognition?"
The boy did not answer directly, but instead suddenly turned to look at Jiang Huaiyu.
"Are you Master Jiang?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled calmly and nodded in response, "That is indeed me."
The young man's eyes gleamed with sarcasm, and a contemptuous smirk played on his lips. "Were all the questions you, my maid, asked at your behest? How absurd! Who among those vying for the position of tutor isn't a learned and talented scholar? We consider the pursuit of knowledge our primary duty in life; what need is there for other livelihoods? Does anyone, whether a merchant or a laborer, simply become literate and eligible to participate in the election? As for your question about whether I'm seeking official rank, that's utterly laughable!"
Jiang Huaiyu asked earnestly, "May I ask, Your Excellency, could you explain to me the absurdity of this statement?"
The boy crossed his arms, adopting an arrogant attitude, and looked Jiang Huaiyu down at him with haughty eyes.
"As far as I know, Master Jiang, being a woman, has neither passed down any teachings nor been able to participate in the imperial examinations to obtain official rank, yet you still teach at a private school. Why should others have to meet these conditions for you?"
He sneered contemptuously, "Master Jiang is extremely lenient with himself, yet imposes numerous restrictions on others. I think this title of 'Recruiting Teachers' is utterly empty! Perhaps it should be said that Master Jiang, now that you are in charge of the private school, you are naturally planning to control the academy in the future, and therefore you are worried that others will surpass you, so you have no intention of truly recruiting talented people, is that right?"
Despite his inner discomfort, Jiang Huaiyu maintained his smile and slowly clapped his hands in approval.
This is indeed a captivating story; if I hadn't been there myself, I probably would have believed it.
The boy stood tall and proud, seemingly disdainful of her.
"I possess exceptional insight and am incredibly accurate in recognizing people!" he said proudly.
Jiang Huaiyu asked doubtfully, "So in your eyes, young master, am I nothing more than a petty person who betrays principles for personal gain?"
The young man snorted coldly, his tone revealing dissatisfaction, "Otherwise, why don't you investigate my knowledge, but instead inquire everywhere about whether I have any official rank? Your words and actions are so different from your words, how can it not arouse suspicion?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and gently shook her head, "Young master misunderstands. This is just a routine inquiry. To become a teacher, one must possess both virtue and talent. Knowledge and character are the most crucial factors. As for those empty titles and honors, Fushun Academy only values genuine talent and learning, and disdains those superficial reputations.
A glint of light flashed in the boy's eyes upon hearing this, but he quickly concealed it and asked doubtfully, "Is that really true?"
"Nature is absolutely true."
The young man coughed lightly, then politely bowed, "My name is Tu Wenying. Greetings, Master Jiang. May I ask how you intend to test me?"
His eyes gleamed with confidence.
Jiang Huaiyu took a few steps closer to him and said sincerely, "Young Master Tu, before the test begins, could you please answer a small question for me?"
Tu Wenying nodded in agreement.
Jiang Huaiyu asked softly, "I've heard that Young Master Tu is only twenty-one years old and a learned scholar. At this prime age, it's the perfect time to pursue excellence. Judging from your demeanor, you must be a highly learned person with limitless potential. However, I wonder why you would be willing to give up such a bright future and instead come to this remote place in Fushun Town to take on such a lowly position as a teacher?"
Tu Wenying was flattered by her praise, but when he heard the second half of the question, his expression became somewhat embarrassed and hesitant.
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