Chapter 931 One on One
Bai Dalang: "...This is not good. Who would believe that the test paper you have is real? And Shanbao and the others have to take the exam. If you sell it to others, won't you increase the strength of their opponents?"
Manbao said, "That's how narrow-minded you are. Why is this booklet so expensive? It's because those who buy it don't want others to see it. And the sellers sell it at a lower price the more books they have. The price of ten books is the same as the price of one, so naturally they would rather copy only one."
"But reading isn't just about reading the book; it's also about the person reading it. Otherwise, all books in the world are the same. How come some people gain a lot from reading and become great scholars, while others remain students after studying their entire lives?" Man Bao said, "So, the key isn't the book itself, but the person reading it."
Bai Dalang asked, "What if there's someone who's even more powerful than Shanbao and the others, and what he's learned from reading the book is better than what Shanbao has learned? Originally, he was behind Shanbao, but after reading it, he's now ahead of him?"
"That's his ability, and it shows he's very talented," Man Bao said, "and I believe in my fellow apprentices."
Bai Dalang: ...But he doesn't trust his brother.
Manbao took the booklet home and handed it directly to Mr. Zhuang.
There are only questions in it, and you need to find the answers yourself. But Mr. Zhuang has been teaching for so many years, is this a problem for him?
He only flipped through it once, and not only did the answers on the booklet come to him, but the answers in his mind as well. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Manbao, I remember that your Analects has a lot of interpretations... Forget it, bring the book over, and I'll help Erlang tick a few passages. You can explain the interpretations to him, test him first, and then teach him what he doesn't understand."
Manbao agreed.
It was said to be a few chapters, but after checking off a full sixteen, Bai Erlang was stunned. He said, "Sir, you might as well let me recite the Analects again."
Mr. Zhuang stopped writing and said, "That's good too. How much do you remember?"
Bai Erlang wanted to sew his mouth shut. He had memorized the entire article before, but that was several years ago. As time went by, and he had memorized a lot of books in the past two years, it was inevitable that some of it was confused. Of course, he still remembered most of it.
Mr. Zhuang understood as soon as he saw his expression. He handed the circled textbook to Manbao and said, "Supervise him to memorize it. It's a text he memorized several years ago. After some review, he should be able to memorize it. The important thing is the meaning. The meaning of some words and sentences is difficult to remember. Please help him."
Manbao wrote it down.
Mr. Zhuang knew that this student was very intelligent and had even predicted his answers himself, so he smiled and said, "Teach him the words and phrases that you think will be tested."
Manbao nodded repeatedly to show that he understood.
After assigning the task, Mr. Zhuang took the booklet and thought for a moment. He then called Bai Shan over and said, "Let's go to the garden to discuss the policy without disturbing them."
Bai Shan agreed.
Bai Erlang, who was left behind, quickly said, "Sir, sir, I also want to take the policy essay test. We both have the same test paper. Am I not listening?"
Mr. Zhuang stopped, turned around and smiled at him, "Don't worry. Although you're taking the same exam, the focus can be different. Bai Shan's calligraphy and calligraphy are no problem. I want him to compete for a place in the Imperial Academy."
"As for you, you've only been studying policy essays for half a year and have just learned how to solve problems. Just be casual with yourself. I'll explain the rules to you later. As long as your writing is neat, the rest is up to you. But your calligraphy and ink interpretation must be good. Then, maybe you can compete for a place in the Imperial College. You must strive to enter the Four Majors."
Mr. Zhuang pointed at Manbao and said, "Your senior sister is more than capable of teaching you these two things. You should learn from her first."
Bai Erlang turned his head and met Manbao's gaze. Manbao smiled at him with curved eyebrows, which was so cute.
But Bai Erlang shuddered and felt trembling.
Bai Dalang, who was standing by, couldn't help but say, "Sir, why don't you let me do it."
Mr. Zhuang glanced at him and said with a smile, "Let Manbao come over. You just watch from the side."
He paused and then explained, "You can't suppress this kid."
Bai Erlang said with a bitter face: "Sir, I am very good."
He is a good boy, but he can't help getting distracted.
While Manbao was out talking to the Zhou family, Bai Dalang picked up the textbook to teach his younger brother. When he looked down, he saw that his younger brother was in a daze with his eyes blank.
Bai Dalang: ...
"Erlang, what are you thinking about?"
Bai Jilang ignored him.
Bai Dalang stretched out his hand and waved it in front of his eyes. When he came back to his senses, he frowned and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Bai Erlang shook his head honestly, "I forgot. Big brother, once you scared me, I forgot what I was thinking just now."
Bai Dalang: "...Hurry up and memorize it."
Bai Erlang peeked outside and saw that they were the only two brothers in the study. He bravely hugged his head and said, "But I can't recite anymore, big brother. I'm so worried. Can we take a break? I don't feel like reciting at all. I've been reciting for a long time."
"Have you memorized everything?"
"That's about it. Manbao is quite detailed."
She did explain it in great detail, and sometimes when she explained the meaning, Bai Dalang felt that it was better than what he said. No wonder Mr. Zhuang liked this junior sister so much.
Seeing that his elder brother hadn't pressed him to endorse the book for the time being, Bai Erlang took the opportunity to change the subject. He peeked outside and asked, "What is Manbao talking about with Datou and the others?"
Bai Dalang glanced at him and said, "Your name is Li Zhong. Have you forgotten that someone chased you around the yard yesterday?"
When they go out, Big Head and Second Head no longer like being called by their nicknames. They have solemnly declared that they should be called by their real names, so that they won't be looked down upon and treated as little kids when they look for work.
But Bai Erlang couldn't change his behavior for a while, and was chased all over the yard by two people yesterday.
After Bai Dalang finished scolding him, he said, "It's about copying and selling the papers."
After all, he grew up with Manbao. Bai Dalang didn't explain in detail, but Bai Erlang understood immediately. He shouted, "No way, she wants to copy the book we bought and sell it again? No, Bai Shan and I bought this book, she has to count me in."
Bai Dalang, who thought he would refuse, suddenly choked and swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue for a long time. He said angrily: "Dad has provided you with food and clothing, and has given you a lot of money to spend. Why do you think about making money all day long? You will enter the examination hall in two days. Can you concentrate on studying?"
"Brother, this is not about making money, this is about having fun, do you understand?" The joy of counting money.
"I don't understand," Bai Dalang said unhappily, "I just know that Manbao paid five taels for the book, Shanbao paid three taels, and I made up the rest."
"I don't have time to return it to you, right? I'll return it to you when I'm free tonight, but don't give Manbao the five taels. She's making money."
I plan to clear all my debts on the 8th of this month to avoid dragging it on to 2020, so I will update on the 8th. If there is still something missing, I will make up for it as soon as possible on the 9th and 10th. I will not update for the next few days, please understand.
So it’s time to say goodnight again.
(End of this chapter)
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