Jiang Huaiyu looked at Yao Zhe with gentle eyes, a hint of pride and relief flashing in her gaze. She slowly smiled and said, "I have recovered."
Upon hearing this, Yao Zhe visibly breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to the crowd and said, "Everyone, there's no need to be confused. It was I who released the students. Today, the old village chief has gathered everyone here to discuss important matters concerning Mr. Jiang and the future of the private school. As students, we should also have the right to speak."
His gaze was sharp and his voice was firm and resolute: “An ancient book says that a true teacher’s words, actions, and teaching must be based on morality. Although Ms. Jiang is a woman, her speech, manners, and teaching methods are impeccable. I was fortunate enough to study under Mr. Zhang, and even compared to Mr. Zhang, Ms. Jiang is in no way inferior. Therefore, on behalf of all the students of the private school, I oppose the decision to change teachers.”
“An excellent teacher can make learning easy and fruitful for students. We don’t want to miss out on such an outstanding mentor as Mr. Jiang.”
"We urge the old village chief to give this matter careful consideration, and we urge all fellow villagers to give this matter careful consideration!"
Gazing at the scene before him, Jiang Huaiyu's eyes welled up with tears.
Through years of diligent study, Bai Yujing has transformed from a naive child into a successful candidate in the imperial examinations. He deeply understands how precious it is to have gained such profound friendship from his students.
This means that Jiang Huaiyu's hard work and dedication have earned the respect and recognition of the students.
That is why they disregarded their parents' objections and resolutely stood up to fully support their mentor.
He felt a surge of pride and immense joy for his wife, and whispered, "Huaiyu, look, the students all understand your good intentions."
Jiang Huaiyu gently raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a tender smile, "I really didn't expect things to turn out like this."
These children are truly unexpected.
Bai Yujing gazed at her affectionately, "I have a strong feeling that your stage will not be limited to this small private school in Fushun Town. Huaiyu, you will go much further."
Jiang Huaiyu was amused by this remark and couldn't help but chuckle.
"You're the one who's preparing to settle down and start a family, while I'm hoping to become the wife of a top scholar. But the way you're saying it makes it sound like you're encouraging me to make a name for myself."
Bai Yujing also laughed, his tender eyes filled with the gentle and moving image of Jiang Huaiyu.
"I mean, you are truly outstanding."
Their hands clasped silently, emotions flowing between their fingertips, warm as an electric current.
The students' actions moved everyone present.
Although Yao Zhe's parents were annoyed that their son had sneaked out and incited students to come here in an attempt to disrupt the meeting, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride when they saw their son take responsibility and explain things clearly and logically in front of a large group of people, exuding a scholarly air about him.
In fact, they all clearly noticed that their son had undergone a dramatic transformation since returning to the private school.
Within the family, his filial piety towards his parents deepened, and his affection for his younger siblings grew day by day. He not only enthusiastically guided them to read books and enlighten their wisdom, but also spared no effort in teaching them the principles of life.
As for the outside world, he is no longer as mischievous as before, but has become generous, calm and composed, and handles matters more appropriately.
Moreover, he became even more diligent in his studies, and Yao Zhe's parents often saw him studying hard under the lamp late into the night.
All these changes were due to Jiang Huaiyu's meticulous teaching.
Yao Zhe's parents exchanged a smile, feeling a surge of deep gratitude, while also feeling ashamed of their previous prejudice.
Yao Zhe's father bowed to the old village chief and the villagers.
“My son Zhe’er is absolutely right. Although I come from humble beginnings, I know how rare it is to have a good teacher and helpful friend. Old village chief, fellow villagers, please think it over carefully!”
Soon, voices of agreement arose one after another.
"I firmly support Mr. Jiang continuing to teach at the private school!"
"Me too!"
“My eldest grandson has become more filial and sensible since he started studying at the private school. My youngest granddaughter used to clamor to go to school, but I was reluctant. Later, I let her go, and I never expected that she can not only read and write, but she can even embroider better than me. Mr. Jiang really cares about the children.”
"Mr. Jiang has spared no effort. We misunderstood before and should not have closed the private school."
...
The villagers' spirits rose even higher.
If Bai Yujing and the old village chief clarified the rumors and let them know the truth, then Jiang Huaiyu's self-defense showed them a woman's strength and resilience. The example of Grandma Liao's granddaughter made them reflect on why society is so harsh on women.
Then, the students' changes completely dispelled their doubts.
For the first time, they felt genuine admiration for a woman.
Jiang Huaiyu is not only exceptionally intelligent, but also incredibly courageous. You can trust her completely with your children!
As Park Guk-chang listened to the surrounding conversation, his face involuntarily turned ashen.
He was filled with confusion. What was it about this seemingly ordinary woman that made everyone so infatuated with her and so fond of her?
Whether it's the respected old village chief, the innocent and carefree students, or even the villagers who were initially hostile towards her, they all now trust her completely.
Seeing this, the old village chief smiled with satisfaction. He raised his hands and gently pressed them down, and the noise of the crowd gradually subsided.
"Fellow villagers, since no one has any objections, I hereby announce that Mr. Jiang will continue to be in charge of the private school, and Mr. Jiang will decide when to reopen the school."
As soon as he finished speaking, the villagers applauded and cheered, expressing their strong support.
The students were also overjoyed, and every face was beaming with happiness.
"That's great, that's great!"
The atmosphere in front of the ancestral hall was lively and joyful, but Park Guk-chang was filled with resentment. He merely nodded to the old village chief and then stormed off.
No sooner had he left than the villager in charge of looking after the outsider rushed over to report.
"Old village chief, that scholar Bai has escaped!"
Upon hearing this, the old village chief frowned deeply. "What exactly happened?"
The two men looked ashamed. "We had originally taken him aside and kept a close watch on him, but... we heard laughter and chatter outside the ancestral hall, and we couldn't resist our curiosity. We wanted to find out what was going on, so we quietly moved closer. But in a moment of carelessness, he broke free of his ropes and escaped. We wanted to chase after him, but it was too late..."
The old village chief sighed, "Alas, he never belonged to Fushun Town. We can't manage things that far away. Let him go."
However, Bai Yujing felt deeply worried, and a strange sense of unease welled up in his heart. So he said, "Old village chief, I have a feeling that that person is not an ordinary person. Should we send someone to arrest him?"
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