Chapter 324 Teaching
"What is the next sentence in the Analects after 'What one does not wish for oneself'?"
Do not do to others what you would have them do to you.
Master Yan asked Jiang Ling several questions about famous quotes from the Book of Songs and the Analects, and also tested her on some simple historical allusions, such as who the protagonist of "sleeping on firewood and tasting gall" was, and the background of the story of "returning the jade intact to Zhao". Jiang Ling answered them fluently and could even briefly explain her understanding, with clear logic and unique insights.
Suddenly, a lot of murmurs arose around them:
"My God, this girl is amazing!"
"Even Master Yan couldn't stump her; her knowledge is even deeper than his!"
"How can a young woman know so much? It's truly rare!"
Jiang Ling turned her head and realized that she had been surrounded by villagers who were watching.
During the winter off-season for farmers, such novel events are a rare topic of conversation.
Azhu looked at her with even more admiration: "Sister Xiaoqiu, you are so amazing!"
Master Yan was already eighty or ninety percent convinced that this woman was no ordinary person who had only studied for a few years.
His interest grew even higher, and after a moment's thought, he posed a question that touched on current affairs: "In your opinion, what is the most important matter for governing a country in this day and age?"
This question is beyond the scope of what a country girl should know.
Although Jiang Ling didn't know much, she answered according to her own thoughts:
"In my humble opinion, the first priority in governing a country is to ensure the well-being of its people. When the granaries are full, people will know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they will know honor and shame. When the people are at peace, the foundation of the country is solid. However, ensuring the well-being of the people is not only about providing them with food and clothing, but also requires education, teaching them to distinguish right from wrong, and to know shame. Only when both are combined can the country last."
She didn't say much, just picked out a few things that apply to any country.
Although these words were not particularly novel, they came from a young woman and were well-organized, which made Master Yan nod repeatedly, and some of the older villagers around also looked thoughtful.
Finally, Master Yan suddenly said, "Since you are literate, young lady, do you know arithmetic? There are pheasants and rabbits in the same cage. There are 36 heads and 100 feet. How many pheasants and rabbits are there?"
This is a classic "chicken and rabbit in the same cage" problem.
Without much hesitation, Jiang Ling picked up a twig and drew a simple equation on the snow. After a moment, she said, "Pheasant twenty-two, rabbit fourteen."
Her speed and simplicity in solving problems completely stunned Master Yan.
He only intended to test the waters one last time, but he never expected the other party to solve it so easily!
By this time, the open space was packed with people. Almost all the villagers had come over, their eyes filled with admiration and surprise as they looked at Jiang Ling.
An old woman dressed in coarse cloth couldn't help but say, "This young Qiu is so learned! Could it be that our Shijia Village is about to produce a female scholar?"
These words immediately drew a chorus of agreement:
"Yes! With Miss Xiao Qiu around, all the children in our village will be able to study under her guidance!"
"He's even better than the private tutor in town!"
"Little Qiu, why don't you stay and teach the children to read?"
Jiang Ling was taken aback. Looking at the enthusiastic villagers in front of her, she regretted showing off too much.
She knew she would eventually have to leave; she couldn't stay in Shijia Village forever.
Master Yan came to his senses, looked at the clear and neat calculation marks on the snow, and then looked at Jiang Ling, who had a calm expression in front of him. The last trace of doubt in his heart disappeared.
He solemnly cupped his hands again: "Young lady, you are truly talented! I was blind and disrespectful earlier! May I ask where you studied? And why you have fallen into such a predicament? If you do not mind, I would like to offer you a place to teach the children in the village. The salary may be meager, but it is a token of my goodwill..."
Jiang Ling quickly returned the greeting and interrupted, "Master, you flatter me. I am a woman of limited knowledge and learning, and I am still recovering from my injuries. I am truly unworthy of this position. We met by chance today and just chatted for a few minutes."
She smiled and cupped her hands in greeting to everyone: "My fellow villagers are too kind. I've only read a few more books; I'm not much of a scholar. I'm grateful that Elder Mengshi has taken me in for the time being, but I will have to leave eventually, and I'm afraid I'll have disappointed everyone."
Upon hearing this, the villagers all showed expressions of disappointment.
Master Yan also sighed: "What a pity. With such talent, if he could stay and run a school, the children in the village would benefit immensely."
Jiang Ling's heart stirred slightly. She suddenly realized that she had been staying at A-Zhu's house for food and lodging in the village these past few days, and she already felt bad about it.
We can't leave right now.
Perhaps, we could take advantage of the opportunity to teach the children to read in exchange for some food.
A-Zhu also chimed in, "Can't Sister Xiao-Qiu stay a few more days?"
Her mind raced, and she spoke again, “Master, fellow villagers, although I cannot stay here for long, during my temporary stay in Shijia Village, if the children do not mind, I am willing to spend some time each day teaching them some common characters, some simple arithmetic, and some basic principles of being a good person and doing things. This is my way of repaying everyone for your care these past few days.”
The moment the words were spoken, the previously somber atmosphere was instantly ignited!
"Great! That's wonderful!"
"Young Miss Qiu is so kind and righteous!"
"Kids, quick, quickly thank Sister Xiaoqiu!"
The adults were all smiles, and the children cheered with joy; the bolder ones were already jumping around Jiang Ling.
"Sister Xiaoqiu is teaching us! We want to learn to write!"
"Learn math so you can help your parents with the accounts later!"
Master Yan smiled and said, "Good! Good! Young lady, you are truly kind and virtuous! I can also help; let's work together to teach the children well!"
Nighttime is the time for a group of little girls to listen to stories.
However, the girls today didn't seem as engaged as usual when listening to the story; they seemed to be hiding something on their minds.
The wicked queen is gone, and the princess and prince live happily ever after.
The girls clapped absentmindedly at first.
As it was time to leave, the group looked at each other, unwilling to go out.
A-Zhu glanced at her friends, then at Jiang Ling, hesitated for a long while, before finally sidling up to the bedside and whispering:
"Sister Xiaoqiu, you're starting your teaching tomorrow. Could we... a few of us go and listen in? We'll sit on the very edge and promise to be quiet and not say a word!"
Several girls chimed in:
"Yes, Sister Xiaoqiu, we'll just sit here and won't disturb you teaching the boys."
"We also want to learn to read and want to know what's written in the books."
"Please, Sister Xiaoqiu."
Jiang Ling thought it was something serious, but seeing their eager eyes, she nodded in agreement: "Of course. Who says girls can't study? You can come as long as you want to learn."
"Yay!"
A-Zhu and the other girls cheered instantly, their hesitation and unease vanishing.
Azhu saw the girls off and saw her grandfather chopping wood in the yard: "Grandpa, Sister Xiaoqiu agreed! She agreed to let us go to the class too!"
Old Shi put down his axe, straightened up, and rubbed his aching back.
"Little Qiu is kind-hearted. You must cherish this opportunity and study hard, okay?"
He respected this quiet young lady, Xiao Qiu, and knew that she came from an extraordinary background.
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