Everyone had just sat down when Lu Baichuan returned.
He Jiuniang teased him, "Lord Lu, you're really lucky! Come on, we're just waiting for you!"
Seeing this, Lu Baichuan found it strange and said, "Mr. Kang has brought the banquet to his home!"
Everyone laughed for a while. Lu Baichuan sat down and had a drink with Kang Xiucai. The other children also talked about some interesting things. No one mentioned the lotus flower, so as not to embarrass her in front of everyone.
He Jiuniang secretly observed Lianhua's performance. At first, she was a little nervous, but later, she was influenced by the atmosphere and gradually relaxed, and was even able to join in the jokes.
At first, Mr. Kang told the children that they must study hard and that they should all become successful candidates in the imperial examinations. But after drinking too much, he kept talking about his life experiences.
First, it was said that he was frail and sickly, and even if he passed the county-level exam, his body wouldn't be able to handle the provincial-level exam. Later, he met He Jiuniang and the others, which was incredibly lucky and the greatest blessing of his life.
Then, she talked about Meng Zhang, saying that she had misjudged people and had been framed by such a person. Similarly, if it weren't for the help of He Jiuniang and Lu Baichuan, this matter would not have been resolved so easily.
Then came another wave of emotion, expressing gratitude to the Lu family.
Lu Baichuan and his wife had heard him say this many, many times, but they never interrupted him. After his experience, he knew that these favors were enough for him to remember for a lifetime. He often talked about them, which proved that he was grateful and understood how much the Lu family had helped him.
Tonight's banquet was actually just a small dinner party, but Kang Xiucai was still very happy and kept toasting Lu Baichuan.
"Mr. Kang, you should drink less. Drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health."
Actually, they were being quite refined tonight, using small wine cups that could only hold four or five milliliters. It wouldn't be a problem if they drank a few more cups, but He Jiu Niang was still worried that he would drink until he blacked out like last time, which would be dangerous.
He was already in poor health, and although he's better now, he still needs to take good care of himself. Who knows when his illness might return?
Kang Xiucai nodded repeatedly and said, "I know, that's why I specially changed to the younger one tonight, hahaha!"
As he spoke, he showed He Jiuniang the tiny wine cup in his hand.
He Jiuniang: ...Thank you, I'm charmed by your cuteness.
The children ate quickly, and after they finished eating, they ran off to study and do their homework. Lianhua felt that she was too old to leave early, but He Jiuniang let her go anyway, and even instructed Yue Shu to keep an eye on her so that she wouldn't have any other ideas.
Although after observing her, she felt that Lotus wouldn't do anything foolish again, but you never know. Maybe Lotus would still feel sad when she went back and act impulsively?
The three people at the dinner table talked about almost everything. Since they were at home, they had no reservations and discussed everything from farming to matters of the court.
Kang Xiucai had drunk too much and dared to criticize the old emperor, constantly saying that some of the things the old emperor did were very wrong.
"His Highness Prince Chen is such a good person. He has always been working for the people. His Majesty not only doesn't reward him, but also suppresses him at every turn. Alas! I really don't know what he's thinking!"
"If one day I can stand in the imperial court, I will definitely ask him why he has been so unfair to His Highness Prince Chen!"
"Hahaha, that's what they say now, but I wonder if they'll actually dare to do it! Hahahaha, we'll see when the time comes!"
...
He Jiuniang glanced at Lu Baichuan silently. Sure enough, alcohol emboldened the coward; how dare Kang Xiucai say such a thing!
Lu Baichuan looked at her and smiled knowingly, also advising Kang Xiucai to drink less.
Previously, when Kang Xiucai met them, he was quite unfamiliar with them and used humble terms. Now, however, he no longer refers to himself as "this humble one" and uses "you" and "me" all the time.
But they all quite liked this kind of scholar, Kang Xiucai. He was so learned, and unlike other bookworms who were stuck in their ways, he didn't just stick to one rigid idea.
In terms of scholarship, Kang Xiucai was a very adaptable person; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to achieve such a high level of scholarship.
With such a person as a role model, none of the children in the family will be too bad off.
It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that Kang Xiucai felt he should go back, and he got up to say goodbye to them.
Tonight, Kang Xiucai was only a little drunk, but not completely intoxicated. At least he was still conscious and could walk without staggering, which was much better than last time.
"Please wait, sir!"
Lu Baichuan stood up and waved to Xu Yong, who was standing not far away. Xu Yong hurriedly ran over and presented the things in his hands.
Lu Baichuan took it, walked around the table to Kang Xiucai, and handed him the item.
"The spring examination is just around the corner. Mr. Kang, you should go home for a visit and then go to the capital as soon as possible to prepare for the examination. Going ahead of time will make it easier for you to find accommodation and contact the academies you need to visit. The money is not much, but please accept it."
Attending banquets always requires giving gifts, but they had already decided not to give gifts, but to give money directly, which was what Kang Xiucai truly lacked.
If they gave him a gift, even though it was valuable, Kang Xiucai would be embarrassed to sell it because it was a gift from them, and he would have to continue living a life of poverty.
Kang Xiucai stared blankly at the stack of silver notes, which amounted to at least five or six hundred taels. They felt heavy in his hand, and the slight intoxication he had just felt instantly vanished.
"Third Master, what's going on...?"
He didn't know what to say. Although he really needed the money right now, the amount was too huge. He might never earn that much in his entire life, so how could he dare to accept it?
"Please accept this, sir. It's just a small token of our appreciation. You'll have plenty of expenses on your trip to the capital, so this is nothing. Please don't be so polite with us."
He Jiuniang smiled and spoke in a very gentle tone, making it hard to refuse.
But Kang Xiucai resisted the temptation and tried to put the money back, but Lu Baichuan took two steps back beforehand, preventing him from doing so.
"Third Master Lu, you have helped me so much, how could I possibly accept so much money!"
Kang Xiucai was a little anxious; he really couldn't accept such a generous gift and sentiment.
What have I done to deserve such help from them?
Even if he is a mentor to a group of children, he doesn't deserve them doing so much for him.
"Please accept this, sir. We're not giving this money away for nothing."
Lu Baichuan didn't want to argue with him for too long, so he spoke very directly.
Kang Xiucai was stunned for a moment, not understanding what Lu Baichuan meant.
Was it borrowed?
That's fine. He'll definitely pay it back in full once he makes money in the future!
Lu Baichuan continued, "Mr. Kang is a man of great talent, and he will surely pass the imperial examination with flying colors. This time, I will not discuss personal feelings with you, but only interests."
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