This confirmed Wu Wen's suspicions about the hunter and made him realize his true identity.
When Wu Wen suddenly learned that his father had passed away and his mother was in poor health, and was all alone in the village, longing for his return every day, tears streamed down his face like beads from a broken string.
Wu Wen immediately knelt down before his aunt, begging her to allow him to return home and fulfill his filial duty to his widowed mother.
Wu Wen's aunt and uncle were actually reluctant for him to go back, but filial piety was paramount. If they refused to let him go back to fulfill his filial duties, it would be very bad for their reputation.
After struggling with the decision for almost half a month, the family finally gave in to Wu Wen's persistent pleas and allowed him to return to his hometown.
Once Wu Wenyi received permission, he immediately resigned from his job at the shop. He didn't know the way back to Sanping County, so he wandered around Maocheng asking around for several days before finally learning that a caravan was going to pass through the vicinity of Sanping County.
Without hesitation, Wu Wen joined the caravan alone, carrying only a small package containing two sets of clothes and a few books. After several twists and turns, he finally returned to Wutong Village.
When Wu Wen appeared at the door, his mother recognized him almost instantly because Wu Wen's features were very similar to her husband's, only he looked much fairer.
"child......"
Upon hearing that trembling voice, Wu Wen instantly broke down, kneeling before his birth mother in tears. Wu's mother, embracing her son, also wept uncontrollably.
From then on, Wu Wen and his mother lived a life of mutual dependence.
When Wu's mother learned that her son was already twenty-six or twenty-seven years old and still unmarried, she was both surprised and astonished, and immediately began making arrangements to find a wife for Wu Wen.
But Wu Wen didn't want to hold the girl back. His family was almost destitute, and his mother had difficulty walking. He devoted himself to working and taking care of his mother. Wouldn't marrying a wife mean making another person suffer?
Unable to persuade Wu Wen, Wu's mother could only watch as her son wasted his days.
Wu Dazhuang concluded, "Sir, Wu Wen is truly a fine man. He has devoted himself to taking care of his mother for four years. Since he returned, his mother hasn't had to work, and her health is even better than before. Countless aunties and grandmothers envy his mother for having such a good son!"
"He was a scholar, yet he managed to learn all kinds of farm work. While others would lie down and sleep when they were tired from working, he would sit and read when he was tired. Moreover, he had a good temperament. When children came up to him to ask questions, he was never impatient. All the children in Wutong Village liked him."
Pei Han nodded and said, "He is indeed a suitable candidate. You can take some time to visit Wu Wen's family and ask him if he is willing to be the teacher. Tell him that the government will pay him a monthly salary, and once the school is built, he can bring his mother to live with him at the school."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Wutong Village
When the officials arrived, Madam Wu respectfully pushed a wooden stool to welcome them inside.
The people of Sanping County now have a great fondness for the government officials. Their first reaction upon seeing government officials is joy, because their arrival means that Lord Pei is about to bring them good news.
The officer leading the group was named Wu Li, one of Pei Han's capable subordinates, who had also participated in the discussions a few days prior.
Wu Li knew that Wu Wen's mother had difficulty walking. Seeing her hunched over and struggling to stand on a wooden stool, he quickly stepped forward to help her, saying, "Auntie, please sit down. We are here to find Wu Wen on Lord Pei's orders."
"Lord Pei is looking for Wen'er?" asked Madam Wu, puzzled.
Wu Li nodded firmly and smiled, "Auntie, don't worry, it's definitely a great thing!"
Although Wu's mother didn't know the inside story, she trusted Pei Han. Since the person Pei Han sent said it was a good thing, it must be true.
Mother Wu said, "Please, gentlemen, have a seat. Wen'er has gone to the fields to weed; he'll be back in a little while!"
As he spoke, he was about to stand up and pour them tea.
Wu Li quickly pressed her down to prevent her from getting up. "Auntie, don't bother. We came on horseback and we're not tired or thirsty at all!"
How could these grown men let an elderly person with mobility issues serve them tea and water?
Besides, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Wu Wen will soon become their child's tutor. They'll be too busy showing him respect to even think about asking the tutor's mother to entertain them; that would be madness.
Not long after, Wu Wen returned carrying a hoe.
Seeing so many government officials sitting in his house, Wu Wen was clearly surprised. He asked politely, "What brings you gentlemen to my home?"
Wu Li quickly stood up and replied with a smile, "Brother Wu Wen, you're too kind. My name is Wu Li. Lord Pei is going to set up a school near the patrol station, and the building is under construction. He sent us to ask if you would be willing to be a teacher at the school. The government will pay you a monthly salary. Moreover, Lord Pei said that once the school is completed, you can bring your mother to live there."
Wu Wen was stunned for a moment, as if he had been hit by a pie falling from the sky.
Overjoyed, Madam Wu sat on the stool, stammering, "Is what you say true, sir? Heavens! How does Lord Pei know that Wen'er has studied? Am I dreaming?"
Hearing his mother's series of jumbled questions, Wu Wen finally snapped out of his daze. To be honest, he had wondered if he was dreaming.
Wu Li and the others laughed and said in unison, "Of course it's true! Our Lord Pei never lies!"
Wu Wen suddenly tensed up and asked uncertainly, "Does Lord Pei really think I can teach well? But I've only studied with the teacher for five years. What if I can't teach well?"
Upon hearing her son's words, Wu's mother couldn't help but show a worried expression.
Wu Li said, “Brother Wu Wen, don’t worry! The children here don’t know any characters. With your talent, you will definitely be able to teach them to read and write and get them a basic education.”
It's important to know that in Sanping County, it's not just the children who are illiterate; even among the officers and soldiers, there are quite a few uneducated, roughnecks who can't read a single character.
That's why they have so much confidence in Wu Wen. He can even be an accountant in a big restaurant, and the books he reads are the kind that give them a headache. He'll definitely have no problem teaching their children to read and write.
Upon hearing that he was only responsible for teaching literacy and basic literacy, Wu Wen felt much less pressured, as he was quite confident in these two areas.
Wu Wen asked, "When should I go?"
Wu Li said, "The school is under construction. We'll come to pick you and your mother up once it's finished. It'll only be a month or so. We're here today to ask for your opinion. Since you're willing to be the teacher, we'll go back and report."
With that, Wu Li and the others prepared to leave.
Wu Wen escorted them to the door and said gratefully, "I'm so sorry to have troubled you to make this trip. Please thank Lord Pei for me. Thank you for your trust in me. I will do my best to teach and will never let you down!"
Wu Li and the others smiled and agreed, then rode away.
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