Tu Wenying said with a beaming smile, "Mr. Ling is renowned far and wide, and it's only natural that Sister Jiang, being from the capital, would know him. Unfortunately, with my mediocre talents, let alone becoming Mr. Ling's student, even seeing one of his original works is as difficult as climbing to the heavens. Otherwise, I would really like to buy one of Mr. Ling's paintings as a birthday gift for my grandfather..."
What do you mean?
Jiang Huaiyu was quite puzzled. Even if Ling Mo did not associate with the government, it shouldn't be difficult for him to purchase his paintings from the people, right?
Tu Wenying sighed softly, her tone tinged with helplessness, "Sister Jiang may not know that Mr. Ling's paintings, whether for sale or as gifts, are limited to those he personally selects who are destined to receive them."
The so-called "destined person" must first have a profound understanding and unique insights into the art of painting, which is a very high threshold. Not to mention, the exorbitant prices for acquiring Mr. Ling's paintings from the public are simply prohibitive.
Although my grandfather loved painting, he was always frugal. If he knew I had spent a lot of money on a painting, he probably wouldn't be happy at all; instead, he would give me a stern scolding.
Jiang Huaiyu murmured softly, as if savoring the deeper meaning of the words: "This Ling Mo is indeed an extraordinary genius."
"you do not say?"
Tu Wenying nodded in deep agreement, her eyes revealing admiration. "If he hadn't been so unique, he probably wouldn't have become famous at such a young age and received such enthusiastic support from everyone."
Although I have never seen him in person, I have heard that he is as handsome as Pan An, a dashing and elegant swordsman, and possesses extraordinary painting skills, enough to make women all over the world fall for him.
Jiang Huaiyu asked with a smile, "Could it be that Sister Wenying also admires him?"
Tu Wenying blushed slightly, shook her head gently, and said firmly, "Of course not. No matter how famous he is, he is still from the martial arts world. My grandfather would never consider him."
As soon as she finished speaking, she stood up and said seriously, "Sister Jiang, we have been having a great chat here, but we have forgotten that the students are still waiting. I need to go and take care of my teaching matters. I would appreciate it if you could help me out. If there is anything I can do wrong, I hope you will give me your advice afterward. I will definitely strive to do better and make continuous improvements."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded solemnly and said sincerely, "Okay, thank you for your hard work, little sister."
From that day on, Tu Wenying came to the private school on time every day. She took on half of the teaching task that Jiang Huaiyu had originally undertaken alone. This not only greatly reduced Jiang Huaiyu's burden, but also gave her more time to relax and take care of her pregnancy.
Time flies by like water, and it's already the end of March. The day when the results of the imperial examinations will be announced is fast approaching.
Jiang Huaiyu had never written to Bai Yujing. At first, he was worried that Bai Yujing would be distracted during the imperial examination. Later, he was convinced that Bai Yujing would pass the exam with flying colors and planned to tell him the good news after the results were announced, so that he could have double the joy.
During this period, Yao Zhe visited her once.
Yao Zhe has successfully passed the entrance exam for Yueming Academy and has begun his advanced studies at the academy. Jiang Huaiyu is very pleased with this and gives him a lot of encouragement and guidance.
Moreover, his example inspired the students in the private school to become more diligent. Even Tu Wenying repeatedly praised the children of Fushun Town, saying that although they came from ordinary backgrounds, they were more enterprising and had more potential than those from prestigious families, and that they would surely achieve great things in the future.
After nearly two months of preparation, the recruitment of tutors was finally settled. Jiang Huaiyu had already decided on her ideal candidate, but she did not stop there.
She once again visited the most renowned embroidery workshop in the county town and hired two skilled embroiderers. She planned to have them teach needlework to the female students every other day after the completion of Fushun Academy, so as to cultivate their fine craftsmanship.
In this private school, the boys had the opportunity to pursue the glory of the imperial examinations, while the girls faced a much more difficult path. Jiang Huaiyu remembered his initial promise and was determined to teach them arithmetic and needlework, so that they could acquire a skill that would enable them to be self-reliant and thus earn the respect of others.
Even if she might leave in the future, she still firmly believes that children should not be left behind in learning any of the knowledge they need.
In these busy days, Jiang Huaiyu calculated the dates; March 28th was the day the imperial edict would be announced. She had a strong premonition that Bai Yujing would stand out and achieve remarkable results. In other words, within two days, the Bai family would surely receive good news.
She was always calm and composed, especially in front of her students, never showing her emotions. However, on the day the results were released, she could not contain her joy.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Tu Wenying immediately led her students to congratulate her. Although Jiang Huaiyu responded modestly, she was secretly overjoyed.
After school, she and Yingxiang happily embarked on their journey home.
However, as soon as Jiang Huaiyu stepped out of the private school, he felt a strange unease and involuntarily stopped in his tracks.
Yingxiang asked with concern, "Madam, what happened?"
Jiang Huaiyu's gaze fell on the sesame seed cake stall on the street, and she frowned slightly: "Look at that peddler selling sesame seed cakes, doesn't he look a little unfamiliar?"
Yingxiang looked at it carefully and nodded in agreement: "That's right, I remember that the person selling sesame cakes before was an old man, how come it's a young man now?"
Jiang Huaiyu's unease grew stronger. After a moment's thought, she said, "Go and ask what happened."
Yingxiang accepted the order and left. She returned shortly afterward to report: "Madam, the peddler said that the old man from before was his father. He had gone home to recuperate because he was unwell and would not be back for some time."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, but her gaze never left the pancake stall.
The old man who had been running his business in town for over ten years was known only to have two daughters; no one had ever heard of him having a son. If that were true, why wasn't he learning the art of making sesame cakes from his father?
Jiang Huaiyu only stood there for a moment before she saw him quietly throw away two burnt sesame cakes, which made her even more suspicious.
In his subtle perceptions, Jiang Huaiyu always felt an indescribable strangeness, as if a hidden gaze was occasionally cast from the side, neither obvious nor undeniably present.
"Yingxiang, let's quicken our pace," Jiang Huaiyu whispered, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of urgency.
Feng Yun and Hui Yi had already embarked on their journey home. The two, master and servant, hurried along the stone path. Passing by an inconspicuous little tea stall, Jiang Huaiyu suddenly stopped.
The roadside tea stall, which was usually deserted, was unexpectedly packed today. What was puzzling was that the customers sitting together, though gathered at the same table, were unusually quiet, as if maintaining a tacit silence.
They merely glanced at Jiang Huaiyu briefly before returning to their silence.
Jiang Huaiyu's unease grew stronger. She gripped Yingxiang's hand tightly and hurried away.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
