Chapter 759: Confiscating the Gift
Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations
After school, Yan Yixian stopped the two brothers, “Xuyuan, Xuyao, wait for me, I’ll go home with you.”
Chu Xuyuan replied, “Teacher, we’ll wait for you at the main gate.”
Yan Yixian nodded, “Okay, I’ll put my things away and then come find you.”
The brothers arrived at the main gate where Fu Bao, always busy from dawn to dusk, had just arrived. Seeing the two, it hurried over to them.
It was school dismissal time, and as the students left, they all glanced at Fu Bao.
This horse, known for ferrying children to and from school, had become quite famous among the students. Some even wrote essays or drew pictures of Fu Bao, making it a star not just in the village but in the school as well.
Chu Xuyao patted Fubao’s head, “Wait a little longer, Teacher Yan will come with us.”
Fu Bao flicked its tail and went to the side to graze, having had no time to properly eat all day.
He Shaozhi and Su Wenji, seeing them not leaving, approached them.
Chu Xuyao gave them a brief look. Since their previous confrontation, the two hadn’t troubled them again. Realizing they were all studying in the same teaching building, they decided to reconcile.
He Shaozhi looked around, “Who are you waiting for?”
Chu Xuyao turned to He Shaozhi, his clear eyes showing a hint of disdain, “Waiting for Teacher.”
These two were no longer hostile towards them, but they imitated them in everything, making others think they were four brothers. Someone had even asked Chu Xuyao about it.
He Shaozhi envied their close relationship with Teacher Yan, “Is Teacher going to your house?”
‘Yes, he’s going to thank my fifth sister for treating his leg,” Chu Xuyao raised an eyebrow, thinking, “Now, let’s see you copy that.”
“Oh,” He Shaozhi responded, looking somewhat disappointed, wishing he had such a sister.
Chu Xuyuan smirked, knowing there was nothing left to copy, “The master is coming, we’re leaving.”
He Shaozhi and Su Wenji stepped back to make way, watching as Yan Yixian approached.
They had once pushed Yan Yixian but sincerely apologized later, and he forgave them.
“Teacher.”
Yan Yixian advised them, “Go straight home after school, don’t wander around and make your family worry.”
They obediently replied, “Yes, Teacher.”
Yan Yixian left with Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao.
He Shaozhi, watching them leave, enviously said, “Why do Xuyuan and Xuyao always have it better than others?”
Su Wenji pointed out, “Because they have a good sister.”
He Shaozhi sighed, “Let’s go back, we don’t have a capable and lovely sister, just strict parents.”
The two exchanged looks and sighed together.
In the Chu Village.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao, after putting away their things, asked Li Qingyu about Chu Qingzhi’s whereabouts and then went with Yan Yixian to find her.
Chu Qingzhi was working with everyone on repairing the pigsty, which had already been constructed and resembled the layout of a modern pig farm. Once repaired, they could start buying piglets.
When Yan Yixian arrived, everyone was busy building the house for cooking pig food, as cooked food helps pigs grow faster and prevents them from falling ill easily.
He thought to himself that such a down-to-earth and beautiful girl like Chu Qingzhi was rare; anyone else would probably not engage in such manual labor.
With admiration, he approached, “Miss Chu.”
Turning her head and then dusting off her hands, Chu Qingzhi walked over,
“It’s rather dirty here, let’s talk over there.”
Next to the pigsty, a small pavilion had been constructed with a stone table inside. Despite being a pig farming area, it was also a place for living, equipped with amenities for daily life.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, it was a pleasant spot to sit and relax during spare time.
It could also serve as a place for business discussions, which was quite nice.
In the pavilion, before sitting down, Yan Yixian handed Chu Qingzhi a small box, “Thank you for treating my leg.”
Chu Qingzhi pushed the box back, “If you really want to thank me, please take good care of my two brothers.”
Yan Yixian, a top scholar and a teacher of prospective scholars, could provide invaluable guidance to Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao on their path to success in the imperial examinations. Chu Qingzhi didn’t lack money but resources.
Yan Yixian was surprised and replied, “The gift must be given, and I will also take good care of Miss’s two brothers. Please rest assured.”
Chu Qingzhi glanced at the box, “Then consider this gift as the tuition I’ve paid for my brothers.”
Yan Yixian understood her intention, “I will dedicate myself to the task.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Then 1 thank you in advance, Master Yan.”
“You’re welcome, Miss.”
“It’s getting late; I’ll have Fu Bao take Teacher Yan home.”
“Thank you.”
After sending Yan Yixian off, Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao ran up to Chu Qmgzhi. Chu Xuyuan asked, “Fifth sister, did you not accept Teacher Yan’s gift?”
Chu Qingzhi replied mysteriously, “I did, but it wasn’t money.”
Not quite understanding.
Chu Qingzhi patted Chu Xuyuan’s shoulder, “Go do your homework. You’ll understand in the future.”
“Okay.” Both brothers, obedient to Chu Qingzhi, went to do their homework diligently.
In the hall on the second floor.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao took out their homework and sat opposite each other.
Chu Xuyao, with a twinkle of intelligence in his eyes, mused, “Seventh brother, do you think Fifth Sister and Teacher Yan have reached some sort of understanding, which is why she didn’t accept the gift?”
Chu Xuyuan pondered, “It seems so, but what could it be?”
Chu Xuyao frowned in confusion, “That’s hard to guess.”
Chu Xuyuan interrupted, “Let’s not speculate further. We should focus on our studies and not disappoint everyone, understood?”
Chu Xuyao looked at Chu Xuyuan, sometimes envying his straightforwardness, “Let’s do our homework.”
Yan Yixian returned home, rummaged through his belongings, and eventually found several books he had used when studying for the imperial examinations.
He had made detailed notes on these books, which would be perfect for Xu
Yuan and Xu Yao’s studies.
The servant reminded him, “Master, be careful with your leg.”
“It’s fine.” Yan Yixian organized the books, decided to address the servant’s situation, “I no longer require care.”
The servant tensed up, his nose twitching, and asked cautiously, “Does Master plan to sell me?”
“Don’t misunderstand, that’s not my intention.” Seeing the young servant on the verge of tears, Yan Yixian hurriedly explained, “You’ve worked hard taking care of me. I want to thank you first. If you don’t wish to stay here, I’m willing to give you your freedom so you can find your own way.”
The servant quickly said, “Master, I won’t leave. I’m willing to take care of you forever.”
Having gained freedom but losing everything else didn’t appeal to him.
Yan Yixian, unlike other masters who abused their servants, treated him kindly, and he was content with such a life..