"So, would Mr. Wen’s private school be the most suitable for ?" Gu Chengyu summarized after hearing, according to Manager Pan, although Mr. Yang is no longer participating in the imperial examination, he is rigid and unyielding. He does not allow students to question during his teaching. Mr. Liu still wants to continue with the exams, spending little energy on students. Mr. Wen is the most suitable. In recent years, Mr. Wen has been deeply engaged in teaching and nurturing, strict but never punishing students without reason, patiently answering any doubts.
"It depends on how you choose. I only shared these insider details because you’re from the sa village as my father-in-law. I wouldn’t tell just anyone, so don’t spread it outside." The three chatted for a while, Manager Pan got quite comfortable, calling Uncle Gu without reservation, likely because of Doctor Li, and provided detailed information.
"Naturally, we are very grateful for Manager Pan’s insider information. How could we spread it outside and make you a villain?" Gu Chengyu understood this matter well.
"Don’t worry, Manager Pan, we aren’t those gossipy types. By the way, is Mr. Wen at the school, and where is it located? I want to take Xiao Bao to have a look today; it would be best to finalize things." Mr. Gu had decided to visit Mr. Wen’s private school.
"Mr. Wen’s private school is just north; you’ll know when you go. If Xiao Bao starts studying, I’ll make sure to give you a discount if you buy pen, ink, paper, and books from here." Manager Pan, seeing the Gu father and son about to leave, didn’t forget to try and attract business to his shop.
"When I co by next ti, don’t forget to give a discount. So, my father and I will take our leave now, and many thanks to Manager Pan today."
"No need for thanks. Please convey my regards to my father-in-law when you go back. My parents have gone to visit relatives and have been quite busy lately. Once they’re back, Huiniang and I will visit them."
"Will do! I’ll certainly pass your ssage!" Gu Chengyu knew that in ancient tis, won who were married seldom visited their parental hos unless during festivals or New Year.
The two of them walked from West Street to North Street, and there in front was the private school. It seed Manager Pan was right about it being easy to find. From a distance, the school appeared to be a two-section courtyard style, its main gate black-lacquered, with a plaque reading "Wen Mansion," indicating this was indeed the place.
Mr. Gu went up to knock on the door first, and with a creaking sound, the door opened, revealing an old man inside. Mr. Gu quickly approached to inquire, "May I ask, is this Mr. Wen’s private school?"
"Indeed it is! Are you looking for Mr. Wen? If so, wait here, I’ll inform him." The old man sized up Mr. Gu, then glanced at the nearby Gu Chengyu, seemingly understanding their purpose here. After speaking, he closed the door again.
Gu Chengyu guessed this person to be the gatekeeper of the private school. When the door was opened earlier, he heard clear sounds of students reading inside.
The two didn’t wait long before the door opened again, and the gatekeeper said, "Please co in!" They followed the gatekeeper to the main house in the outer courtyard, "I’ll lead you here; you can proceed inside yourselves. I need to return to the front." He said, then turned and left.
Gu Chengyu and Mr. Gu exchanged glances; the main house’s door was open. Inside sat a bearded man in a smoke-blue Daoist robe, holding a tea bowl, "Co in!"
Gu Chengyu entered and bowed to Mr. Wen, "This young one, Gu Chengyu, greets Mr. Wen."
Since Gu Chengyu and his father were outside the main house, Mr. Wen had been observing them. The father appeared as a typical farr, but the son seed to possess so spiritual energy. Seeing him co in and perform the courtesy, Mr. Wen stroked his beard—regardless of his aptitude, at least he knew the proper etiquette.
"No need for excessive courtesy. Are you here to have this young one study with ?"
"Mr. Wen, my son is five years old this year. We’ve heard from acquaintances that Mr. Wen is strict in his teachings. My son is unruly, so I wish for you to teach him reading and reasoning." Mr. Gu, eyeing the serious Mr. Wen, felt a bit tense, knowing Mr. Wen assessed students for admission and unsure if Xiao Bao could pass.
"Then I’ll have to test you!" Mr. Wen set down his tea bowl, looking at Gu Chengyu.
"Mr. Wen, my son hasn’t started his education yet!" Mr. Gu suddenly felt anxious.
"Don’t worry, I’ll just ask a few questions." Mr. Wen spoke leisurely, "Why do you want to study? Is it you or your family who desires you to study?"
Gu Chengyu frowned at the question; it was a tricky one! If he answered only wanting to read and reason, would it be perceived as lacking ambition? If he said he wants to gain fa through exams, would it be seen as too opportunistic? He glanced quickly at Mr. Wen, forming his answer.
"Studying can enlighten, enhance one’s self-cultivation, and if given the opportunity, everyone wants to read!" After saying this, Gu Chengyu glanced at Mr. Wen, noting his expressionless face and deep gaze, indicating dissatisfaction with the answer, he continued: "Besides reasoning, gaining fa is also a purpose for scholars. Ultimately, achieving fa is a scholar’s primary goal."
From Manager Pan and Gu Wanhua’s conversations, Gu Chengyu learned that Mr. Wen seed quite unfulfilled; he beca a scholar at twenty in Shanhe Town, highly regarded then, but subsequently failed at every exam after. Being a scholar at twenty ant he had talent, yet failing to beco a scholar might be due to his shortcomings or the examination answers not impressing the officials—just bad luck.
Regardless, he certainly saw himself as a talented horse without a discerning talent scout, his talents left unexpressed. He harbored ambitions for exams, and a yearning for recognition, evident from not allowing unprepared students to take exams, aiming to improve success rates and his own reputation. However, it made little difference to him now.
Gu Chengyu noticed that after his words, Mr. Wen’s expression softened visibly.
"Achieving fa and recognition worldwide? That’s quite an ambition!" Mr. Wen stretched the syllables of the latter words, his tone seemingly ambiguous.
Mr. Gu nervously sweated, closely observing Mr. Wen but unable to discern much, glancing at Xiao Bao, who maintained a composed appearance.
"Ambition is good, but studying must not chase the high and unattainable; one should practically accumulate knowledge. Begin your studies now! Since you haven’t started, join the introductory class first. Co here at 7 AM tomorrow; I’ll lead you to worship Confucius. Prepare pen, ink, paper, inkstones, and Three Character Classic, Hundred Family Nas, Thousand Words, and bring them along tomorrow."
Mr. Gu didn’t understand their conversation, but comprehending Mr. Wen’s agreent for Xiao Bao to study was enough!
"Did Mr. Wen agree? May I ask about the tuition fees?" Mr. Gu showed a hint of delight, rubbing his hands, looking at Mr. Wen.
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