“This vicious cycle has led to an increasing number of illiterate people in remote areas. Now that people know that there is an academy in Fushun Town and that the tuition is not expensive, many village chiefs have told me that they plan to send their children to Fushun Academy.”
After listening, Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and nodded in response, "This is indeed a joyous occasion, so why do you seem so worried?"
The village chief sighed, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his heart, and said, "It is indeed worth celebrating, but I am also worried that if students from the surrounding areas flock here, it will put a heavy burden on the academy."
Jiang Huaiyu immediately understood his concerns. "So your worry is that the academy doesn't have enough teachers?"
The village chief nodded, looking worried, and said, "Yes, with the increase in the number of students, the demand for teachers will naturally rise. Butcher has performed well in managing the private school and is trustworthy, but it is indeed a bit beyond our capabilities if we rely on just the two of us."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and comforted him: "The opening of the new academy will naturally involve more than just the two of us. In fact, I have already made arrangements for the selection of teachers."
The two she mentioned were an elderly scholar who had retired from the city's academy and a scholar who failed to pass the imperial examination.
The dormitories for male and female students at Fushun Academy were separate. The old scholar was unwilling to teach female students, so he was arranged to teach male students in order to avoid them interfering with each other.
After listening, the village chief nodded slightly in agreement.
"This arrangement makes sense. So, when will the academy's opening ceremony be held?"
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, then replied, "Is the fifth day of the fifth month an appropriate date?"
After a moment's thought, the village chief decided that the date was neither too rushed nor too delayed, and agreed, "Then let's do it your way."
With the matter settled, Jiang Huaiyu got up to take his leave.
The village chief personally escorted her to the door, smiling as he said, "Yujing has become the top scholar in the imperial examination. The day the government officials came to the Bai family with gongs and drums to announce the good news, but unfortunately none of you were there. I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet... By the way, Yujing's wife, you must have met Yujing since you returned from the capital. Has he obtained an official position and stayed in the capital?"
Jiang Huaiyu remained silent for a while before slowly speaking: "Yes, Bai Yujing was indeed appointed as a high-ranking official in the capital, but he and I have already divorced."
The village chief's previously beaming face suddenly showed surprise. "Oh dear?"
Although he was full of questions, he didn't press Jiang Huaiyu for details when he saw that she seemed unwilling to talk about it.
...
In recent days, Jiang Huaiyu has been traveling back and forth between the county town and Fushun Town. Tu Wenying has seen her leave the private school by carriage many times.
At first, she thought that Jiang Huaiyu was worried about the sun and didn't want to walk much.
But after paying attention a few times, she discovered that the carriage was not traveling in the direction of the Bai family, and that the Bai siblings were not riding with her.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Tu Wenying stopped Jiang Huaiyu after class that day and asked, "Sister Jiang, it seems that you haven't been home since you returned from the capital. Has something unusual happened?"
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, his voice tinged with the vicissitudes of life: "This is a long story."
"That's the same excuse you gave me last time!" Tu Wenying pouted slightly, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "I just want to know today, where are you living now?"
"An inn in the city."
"An inn?!" Tu Wenying exclaimed in disbelief. "Why would someone suddenly be living alone in an inn?"
She frowned, then suddenly gripped Jiang Huaiyu's wrist tightly. "You've always avoided talking about this before, and I haven't pressured you. But now you're six months pregnant, yet you're living alone in an inn. Something terrible must have happened. If you consider me a friend, you should tell me the truth today. Otherwise, don't even think about leaving me!"
Jiang Huaiyu felt her genuine concern, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She smiled slightly and said, "The sun is so strong outside, let's get in the car first, okay?"
Tu Wenying snorted coldly, her tone firm, "Fine, but it must be my carriage!"
The two boarded the carriage. Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, then slowly recounted her experience, "This is what happened to me."
After listening, Tu Wenying remained silent for a long time, her heart filled with complex emotions, unsure how to comfort the woman before her.
After a long silence, she held Jiang Huaiyu's hand tightly and said softly, "Sister Jiang, you have such a broad mind, everything will eventually get better."
In fact, she deeply admired Jiang Huaiyu.
In this world, not everyone has the courage to make decisive decisions and the boldness to start over.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, I understand."
She has let go of those past events.
Having lived two lives, she was cautious and timid in her previous life. Fortunately, she was given a chance to be reborn. This opportunity was hard-won, and she would never allow herself to suffer any more injustice.
Seeing her so determined, Tu Wenying suddenly realized that her words of comfort seemed somewhat superfluous. She seemed to have some concerns in her heart, and a hint of hesitation appeared on her face.
"But... well, never mind."
Seeing this, Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."
Tu Wenying gazed at her and asked softly, "Sister Jiang, will you have any regrets?"
Since arriving in Fushun Town, she had heard many stories about Jiang Huaiyu and learned that Jiang Huaiyu had made a great contribution to the Bai family's success. Bai Yujing was able to join her grandfather's family because of the letter of recommendation she brought. Moreover, according to her grandfather, the gifts Bai Yujing had given him in the past were all arranged by Jiang Huaiyu.
She accompanied Bai Yujing all the way, through thick and thin, supporting her forward. There must have been many untold hardships in the process.
Jiang Huaiyu, who held an official position at Baiyujing High School, finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. However, she chose to withdraw from the position. Wouldn't such a decision mean giving away the fruits of her hard work to others for no reason?
Tu Wenying thought to herself that if it were her, she probably wouldn't be able to bear this regret.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently and replied, "Of course I will feel regret, but if this thorn remains in my heart, it will be difficult for him and me to regain our former intimacy. Therefore, it is better to follow my heart and listen to the guidance of fate."
"Follow your heart and heed the guidance of fate? This sounds similar to the ancient saying, 'Heaven's will is hard to defy, things happen by chance, so let nature take its course.'"
"The philosophical principles contained in both are largely the same."
Tu Wenying suddenly suggested, "Sister Jiang, why don't you leave the inn and move into my home?"
Jiang Huaiyu was slightly taken aback, then shook her head and smiled, "This is really too abrupt."
"Why not! Since you are my friend, I'm inviting you to stay at the Tu family's house for a while. Does anyone dare to stop me?"
Tu Wenying said sincerely, "Besides, you are all alone now, living away from home, and your safety is a concern. If you would come to the Tu family, you can keep me company and enjoy the warmth of home. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Jiang Huaiyu looked at her gently, "Wenying, I know your good intentions, but as an outsider, and with a divorced status, moving into the Tu family without a clear explanation might bring you unnecessary gossip."
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