“Grandfather, I have made a mistake, and I should admit it. However, what is wrong with becoming a teacher? Even you yourself have nurtured countless outstanding students, making your garden full of talents.”
"Becoming a teacher is no easy task. You are still young and inexperienced. How can you gain the trust of others?"
Seeing that her grandfather's tone was gradually softening, Tu Wenying couldn't help but pout coquettishly.
“Grandfather, I once aspired to be a teacher, but you disagreed. I have always tried to persuade you, but a wise man told me that the most convincing thing is not words, but the facts before your eyes. You think I am not good enough because you still think of me as that little granddaughter who used to fawn over you, but I have grown into a young woman. Why not listen to me teach my students and ask them for their opinions? Besides, Wen Juren and Dou Xiucai are also teachers, and their views are the most fair. You might as well listen to their opinions.”
Although Scholar Tu did not respond immediately, the expression on his face had clearly eased.
However, he remained stern and said seriously, "But you secretly learned a skill without informing your family. Is that the right thing to do? Fushun Town is in a remote area. Don't you know that your parents and I will worry about you?"
Tu Wenying approached with a smile and poured him a cup of tea in a flattering manner.
“Of course I understand, Grandfather. I have attendants with me every day when I go out, and recently Sister Jiang has also been traveling with me. We look after each other, so nothing will happen. Please don’t worry.”
Scholar Tu took the teacup and gave a soft, cold snort.
"Sister Jiang, why don't you mention Grandfather more often? Humph, go and call her here. I want to ask her myself where she got the audacity to help you devise plans and hide them from your family."
Tu Wenying was speechless for a moment. "When did I say that it was Sister Jiang who gave me this idea?"
Master Tu took a sip of tea, revealing an all-knowing expression. "Who else could it be but her?"
Tu Wenying said with a forced smile, "It was only after I begged that Sister Jiang agreed to help me. Please don't misunderstand her, Grandfather."
"Then call her over first."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu lightly lifted his foot and slowly walked into the house. "Having learned that Scholar Tu has come to the academy, I, a junior of the Jiang family, have come to pay my respects."
After entering the house, she gracefully bowed.
Scholar Tu did not ask her to get up, but instead asked, "Since Miss Jiang is here, why don't you come in directly, instead of hiding outside and eavesdropping?"
Hearing this title, Jiang Huaiyu was somewhat surprised.
Could it be that Scholar Tu has already heard about everything that happened in the capital?
"I overheard unintentionally because it was inappropriate for an outsider like me to disturb the scholar Tu who was instructing his granddaughter."
"Then what is your purpose in coming to see me?"
Jiang Huaiyu replied politely, "Firstly, it is to pay a visit to Scholar Tu; secondly, I have heard that there is some misunderstanding between you and Miss Tu, and I would like to clarify the ins and outs of the matter."
The old scholar Tu's gaze fell solemnly on her face, and he slowly said, "Very well, I am willing to listen attentively to your explanation."
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook his head, "However, it seems that Scholar Tu has already made up his mind, and there is no need for me to say anything more. Rather than arguing, I would rather express my gratitude to Scholar Tu."
"gratitude?"
Scholar Tu looked at her curiously. "Then tell me in detail. I caused a commotion in your academy. What reason do you have to thank me?"
He waved his hand gently, "Why don't we sit down and talk slowly?"
Seeing that her grandfather seemed to be in a good mood and did not appear to be about to make trouble for Jiang Huaiyu, Tu Wenying smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Grandfather, you two continue talking. This tea has gone cold. I'll go and brew you a fresh pot."
She made up an excuse and quietly left the room.
The students are still waiting for her!
Scholar Tu had long seen through her thoughts, but he did not expose her. He slowly turned his gaze to Jiang Huaiyu and said, “Miss Jiang, your father once served in the same court as me, and Bai Yujing was my student. Although you have gone your separate ways, when you think about it, you and I can be considered old acquaintances. What is the deeper meaning behind what you just said? You may as well speak frankly.”
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, "Scholar Tu, how could I dare to conceal anything? You are well-informed. Since you have heard about the turmoil involving Bai Yujing and me in the capital, you must have also heard about Young Master Ling's refusal of the Princess's invitation. You knew that Ling Mo was in the capital and could not possibly be teaching Miss Tu painting, yet you only came to expose this secret today. I suspect that there must be a deeper reason why you delayed your visit to the academy until today."
"The first reason is naturally that Miss Tu is your granddaughter. She is hiding her family identity and teaching at the academy. You came here in person to reveal the truth in order to protect your granddaughter's dignity and prevent her from being treated unfairly outside."
"As for the second reason—"
Jiang Huaiyu stood up and gave a proper bow, saying, "It is because you intend to enhance the prestige of Fushun Academy."
Jiang Huaiyu spoke respectfully: "You are highly respected and have always been hailed as the leader of the Confucian scholars in Wanfu County. Back then, you accepted the invitation of the Dean of Bailu Academy to give a few lectures, which made Bailu Academy famous and attracted countless learned scholars to voluntarily visit. Talented people from all over the country flocked to it. It can be said that it was because of your arrival that Bailu Academy was able to become the premier academy in Wanfu County."
"Now that you have arrived here, even without saying or doing anything, simply spreading the news of your arrival will make this newly built academy in Fushun Town famous far and wide, throughout Wanfu County. In addition, your granddaughter is also a teacher here. With such a great momentum, the rise of Fushun Academy is promising."
"Therefore, I am deeply grateful for the kindness of Scholar Tu!"
Jiang Huaiyu bowed deeply in respect.
At first, she mistakenly thought that Scholar Tu's trip was to hold someone accountable, but when she learned that Scholar Tu was well aware of what was happening in the capital, she instantly realized that things were far more complicated than they appeared.
Scholar Tu knew perfectly well that his granddaughter's claim of learning to paint was a lie. If he really wanted to interfere, he would have sent her home long ago. Why did he wait until today to come in person?
After hearing her words, Scholar Tu's originally stern face revealed a kind smile.
"You are indeed a bright child. No wonder Wenying always speaks highly of you."
His granddaughter was arrogant and disdainful of everyone, and Jiang Huaiyu was the only person she was willing to be close to and often mentioned.
He gestured with his hand, "Why don't you sit down and we can talk slowly?"
Jiang Huaiyu sat down as instructed.
Scholar Tu continued, "Now that you have discerned my intentions, you should uphold your original aspirations and adhere to what you believe to be justice."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded in agreement: "This junior will certainly remember the teachings of Scholar Tu."
Scholar Tu suddenly sighed softly, “What you have done is for the greater good of justice, but as a woman, walking this difficult path will surely be even more arduous. Wenying is single-minded. My previous disagreement with her becoming a teacher was not because I doubted her abilities, but because I did not want her to face the cold eyes and prejudices of the world. I think you understand this deeply.”
Jiang Huaiyu recalled the rumors and gossip she had suffered and nodded silently, "That's true."
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