Chapter 38: Xuan'er Chooses a Teacher
After the heated exchange over tea, Liu Yiyi behaved herself for a few days, no longer frequently "bothering" the main courtyard, but instead going to Songhe Hall every day without fail to keep the old lady company. On the surface, the mansion appeared calm, but Su Wanrou knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. That cousin was not one to give up easily.
Sure enough, a new wave of trouble soon arose from a "family matter"—Gu Mingxuan had turned five and reached the age to formally begin his studies.
Choosing a tutor for the eldest son (though adopted, he is registered under the same name and holds the same status as the eldest son) is of paramount importance in any prominent family. The tutor not only determines the foundation of a child's learning but also has a profound impact on their character, knowledge, and even future connections. This is especially true in a top-tier noble family like the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, where the selection of the young heir's tutor is a matter of great concern to many.
That evening, Gu Yangui returned home unusually early, and the family of three had dinner together. Mingxuan was now extremely close to Su Wanrou, chattering away about what he had played and eaten during the day, and how many new words he had learned. Although Gu Yangui didn't talk much, looking at his son's lively appearance and his wife's gentle demeanor, a subtle softening appeared in his usually stern eyes.
After the meal, the wet nurse took Mingxuan downstairs to aid digestion. Gu Yangui took a sip of the hot tea Su Wanrou handed him and said, "Xuan'er is not young anymore; it's time to find him a proper tutor. What do you think about this?"
Su Wanrou had already considered this matter, and upon hearing this, she said, "My husband is right. His education is crucial to Xuan'er's entire life, and it should indeed be taken very seriously. I believe that the teacher should first and foremost be of upright character and possess solid knowledge; secondly, it would be best if he were patient and knew how to guide a child's interests, so that Xuan'er doesn't find reading tedious and develop a dislike for it." She paused, then looked at Gu Yangui, "Does my husband have anyone in mind?"
Gu Yangui put down his teacup: "The scholars in the court are certainly learned, but most of them are rigid and serious, which may not be suitable for children's enlightenment. I prefer to find one from among the doctors of the Imperial Academy or the famous scholars of the Qingliu School in the capital. They do not need to be too old, but they must be of noble character and have patience."
This idea coincided with Su Wanrou's. She nodded and said, "My husband's consideration is very thoughtful. However, such a candidate may not be easy to find." The requirements are quite demanding: the candidate must be learned, of good character, patient enough to teach children, and willing to teach at the Duke's mansion.
"Well, I'll have Gu Zhong inquire and find a few candidates before making a decision," Gu Yangui said. Although he was a Duke, he didn't want to force his children's education and hoped to find a good teacher for Mingxuan.
However, the news of choosing a tutor for the young prince immediately caused quite a stir both inside and outside the Duke's mansion.
The first to become restless were actually the maternal family of the late Madam Qin.
The following morning, the Qin family sent someone over; it was none other than the late Madam Qin's sister-in-law, now Madam Qin. Su Wanrou received her in the flower hall.
Madam Qin was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, dressed in luxurious clothes, with a shrewd and arrogant air about her, befitting the mistress of a noble family. After exchanging greetings and pleasantries with Su Wanrou, she got down to business.
"I've heard that the Duke and Madam are looking for a tutor for Xuan-ge'er. This is wonderful news!" Madam Qin said with a smile. "Speaking of which, we currently have a tutor named Zhao, a distant relative from my maternal family. He's a renowned scholar with exceptional learning, especially skilled in teaching children, and he's also incredibly gentle. Several of our sons and daughters were taught by him, and they're all making rapid progress. I'm thinking that Xuan-ge'er is the only bloodline left by my unfortunate aunt, and our Qin family naturally hopes for his well-being. If Madam doesn't mind, why not let Mr. Zhao come and give him a try? It would be a small token of our appreciation as his maternal uncle's family."
Su Wanrou understood. The Qin family wanted to maintain their influence over Mingxuan and even the Duke's mansion by recommending a tutor. If the Qin family's recommended tutor were used, Mingxuan's future education and even some of his thoughts would inevitably be influenced by the Qin family. Naturally, she couldn't allow that to happen.
A perfectly timed smile graced her face, her tone gentle yet firm: "Madam Qin is very kind. My husband and I are deeply grateful for the care and love our maternal uncle's family has shown for Xuan'er. However, my husband places great importance on the selection of a teacher, stating that he must personally investigate and choose one, and I dare not make a decision on my own. Since the Mr. Zhao you recommended is so talented, he is certainly excellent. When my husband is looking for a candidate, I will definitely mention it to him, and perhaps we can invite Mr. Zhao to participate in the selection as well. My husband will surely make a fair judgment."
His words both thanked the Qin family for their "kindness" and used Gu Yangui as a shield, indicating that the final decision rested with the Duke, and that he would not interfere or easily agree to any party's recommendation. The final phrase, "participating in the selection," cleverly placed the Qin family's recommended gentleman on an equal footing with other candidates, rather than suggesting a pre-selected candidate.
Madam Qin's smile faded slightly. She hadn't expected this young Duchess to speak so tactfully. She chuckled dryly, "Of course, everything still depends on the Duke's decision. I was just too concerned about Xuan-ge'er, which is why I brought it up so rashly. Please forgive me, Madam."
"Madam, you flatter me. I am grateful for your concern for Xuan'er," Su Wanrou replied calmly.
After seeing Madam Qin off, Su Wanrou gently rubbed her temples. This was just the beginning.
Sure enough, when she went to Songhe Hall to pay her respects to the old lady in the afternoon, the old lady also brought up the matter.
At that moment, Liu Yiyi was sitting beside the old lady, gently massaging her legs. The old lady held Su Wanrou's hand and said affectionately, "I heard that Yan Gui is looking for a tutor for Xuan'er? That's important. Speaking of which, I've thought of someone. I have a distant nephew named Liu Wenyuan, who is also a scholar. He passed the imperial examination two years ago. He's well-educated and of good character, but he's a bit introverted. He's currently in the capital preparing for the next spring imperial examination. If we can't find a more suitable one for the time being, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have him tutor Xuan'er for a while. They're all family, so I'll feel more at ease."
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat. The old lady herself had recommended him, and he was her maternal grand-nephew—this carried far more weight than Madam Qin's recommendation. If she were to refuse outright, she feared it would offend the old lady's pride.
As she pondered how to reply, Liu Yiyi spoke softly, "Grandmother, you're referring to my cousin Wenyuan, aren't you? He's certainly learned, but… he's too quiet and reserved, focused solely on his studies. I'm afraid he might not know how to guide a child like Xuan'er. I think it would be more appropriate to find a teacher who is both learned and understands the joys of childhood for Xuan'er's early education." She then looked at Su Wanrou, her tone sincere, "Sister-in-law, don't you agree?"
Su Wanrou glanced at Liu Yiyi with some surprise. She actually declined the Old Madam's suggestion? That was unusual. But then she understood. Liu Wenyuan was the Old Madam's grand-nephew, related to Liu Yiyi, but their relationship wasn't necessarily close. If Liu Wenyuan entered the household as a tutor, becoming the young master's teacher, his status would naturally be different, which might diminish Liu Yiyi's standing in the Old Madam's eyes, or disrupt some of her own plans. Su Wanrou naturally didn't want that.
However, Liu Yiyi's words indirectly helped Su Wanrou out of her predicament.
Su Wanrou nodded in agreement and said gently to the old lady, "The person Grandmother recommends is naturally of excellent learning and character. However, Cousin Yiyi's consideration is also reasonable. Xuan'er is young and lacks composure. If the teacher is too strict, it would not be ideal. I think my husband also wants to find a teacher who knows how to guide children. Why not include Young Master Wenyuan as one of the candidates? When my husband returns, we can discuss it in detail with him, compare several candidates, and ultimately choose the one that is most beneficial to Xuan'er. What do you say, Grandmother?"
She acknowledged the old lady's good intentions while emphasizing the impeccable principle of "doing what is most beneficial to Xuan'er," thus subtly postponing the final decision.
The old lady had only mentioned it casually, but seeing that Su Wanrou's words made sense and considering Liu Yiyi's opinion, she didn't insist anymore. She smiled and patted her hand, saying, "You're right. Everything should naturally be based on Xuan'er's interests. You parents can decide what to do."
Emerging from Songhe Hall, Su Wanrou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The Qin family and the Old Madam had managed to weather the storm for now, but it was foreseeable that as the selection of a teacher progressed, the power struggles among various factions would only intensify.
During dinner, Su Wanrou told Gu Yangui everything that Madam Qin and the Old Madam had suggested during the day, as well as her own response.
After listening, Gu Yangui remained silent for a moment before saying, "You handled it very well." He gave Su Wanrou a deep look, "We don't need to worry about the Qin family. I'll talk to Grandmother."
His support warmed Su Wanrou's heart. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "My lord, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."
"Please feel free to speak."
"In my opinion, when choosing a teacher for Xuan'er, the most important thing is the teacher's talent, virtue, and character. As for his background, we don't need to pay too much attention to it. In fact... we should try to avoid those who have too deep a relationship with various parties in the household, so as not to let Xuan'er get caught up in complicated affairs from a young age." She said this in a very tactful way, but her meaning was clear: she hoped to find a teacher with a clean background to avoid the infiltration of the Qin family, Liu family, and other forces.
A hint of admiration flashed in Gu Yangui's eyes. He could sense that his little wife was growing rapidly, not only able to calmly deal with the open and covert attacks within the inner quarters, but also able to focus on the long term, creating a relatively simple environment for Mingxuan's growth.
“That suits me perfectly.” He nodded. “I have already asked Gu Zhong to keep an eye out for several gentlemen, all of whom are of impeccable character and have solid scholarship. In a couple of days, I will invite them to my residence for a chat, and you and I will meet them together. The final choice will be made by you and me.”
"Let you and me... decide?" Su Wanrou was somewhat surprised. Such an important matter, and Gu Yangui actually said he wanted to decide it together with her?
“You are Mingxuan’s mother, so it should be a decision we make together.” Gu Yangui’s tone was matter-of-fact, as if it were a matter of course.
A warm current unexpectedly surged into Su Wanrou's heart, instantly spreading throughout her body. His words moved her more than any sweet talk. This was not only an acknowledgment of her abilities, but also a complete affirmation of her identity as Mingxuan's mother and the mistress of the Duke's mansion.
"Yes, my husband." She lowered her eyelashes, concealing her slightly flushed eyes, and replied softly.
Two days later, Gu Zhong indeed presented the information on the three gentlemen.
One was Dr. Zhao from the Imperial Academy, nearly forty years old, with profound knowledge, but said to be old-fashioned; another was Mr. Zhou, a retired compiler from the Hanlin Academy, highly respected, but advanced in years and perhaps lacking in energy; the third was a young scholar named Du Yulin, only twenty-five years old, from a prominent family in Jiangnan, who had achieved the highest rank in the provincial examination last autumn and was now studying in the capital to prepare for the exam. He had previously taught children at his family school and was highly praised.
Gu Yangui took some time to meet with the first two gentlemen and indeed felt it wasn't quite right. Dr. Zhao was too serious, and Mr. Zhou was out of energy. In the end, he decided to meet with this Du Yulin instead.
The meeting was to be held in the study in the outer courtyard. To show that it was important, Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou attended together.
Du Yulin arrived as promised. He wore a slightly worn blue robe, faded from washing, yet clean and tidy. He was slender, with a refined face and clear, bright eyes. When he bowed, he was neither servile nor arrogant, possessing the demeanor of a scholar.
Gu Yangui asked him some questions about classical texts and scholarship, to which Du Yulin answered fluently and insightfully, without any hint of pedantry. Su Wanrou, however, was more concerned with how he taught children, so she asked gently, "Young Master Du, in your opinion, what is the most important thing in a child's early education?"
Du Yulin bowed to Su Wanrou and calmly replied, "Your Excellency, Madam, in my humble opinion, the most important thing in a child's early education is 'interest.' Interest is the best teacher. If a child finds school boring and tedious from the start and develops fear, it will be difficult for them to make progress later. Secondly, it is about 'guidance,' guiding them to ask questions and think, rather than simply cramming information into them. Only then comes the accumulation of knowledge. Moreover, early education is not limited to books; speech, behavior, interpersonal interactions, and even a flower or tree can all serve as materials for early learning."
His words not only expressed what Su Wanrou was thinking, but were also quite original, which made her nod in agreement.
Gu Yangui then tested him on a few more points regarding current affairs and policy. Although young, Du Yulin was quite insightful and not just a bookworm. A hint of satisfaction appeared on Gu Yangui's stern face.
At this moment, Gu Yangui specially had the wet nurse bring Mingxuan in. Mingxuan bowed somewhat timidly, his big eyes curiously sizing up Du Yulin.
Du Yulin did not rush to test his knowledge, but smiled gently, took out a simple nine-linked ring from his sleeve, and asked Mingxuan, "Has the young master ever played this before?"
Mingxuan shook his head.
Du Yulin then squatted down to be at Mingxuan's eye level and patiently demonstrated, explaining in simple and interesting language as he went. In no time, he had captured Mingxuan's attention, and the little guy came closer to try and manipulate it.
Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou exchanged a glance, both seeing the answer in each other's eyes.
After seeing Du Yulin off, Gu Yangui asked Su Wanrou, "What do you think of this person?"
Su Wanrou smiled and said, "Although he is young, he has solid knowledge and insightful views. What is even more rare is that he understands children's psychology and is patient. I think he is the most suitable candidate."
Gu Yangui nodded: "That's exactly what I thought. Then it's settled. All treatment will be according to the standards of the highest-ranking tutor in the manor."
"Yes, my husband," Su Wanrou replied, a huge weight lifted from her heart. Mingxuan's first teacher had finally been settled amidst the turmoil; he was a virtuous and talented mentor with a clean background.
However, just as Su Wanrou had given the order to prepare the betrothal letter and arrange accommodations, and everything was in place, waiting only for the formal betrothal ceremony the next day, Gu Zhong came to report with a solemn expression in the evening.
"Your Excellency, Madam, this old servant has just received news that the scholar Du... was harassed by several local ruffians on his way back to his residence this afternoon, and suffered minor injuries to his arm during the struggle."
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