Chapter 89

After the news of the two children passing the exam spread, many people brought gifts and inquiries to find out who the teacher was and praised the children’s intelligence. Zhang Yi and Yang Shu couldn’t help but feel a surge of vanity.

They enthusiastically shared the story of how they met Liao Tingyu. As a result, word spread, and nearly all the affluent residents of the town learned about Liao Tingyu’s extraordinary ability to transform two inexperienced children into the path of scholar within just two years of schooling.

Consequently, people began visiting one after another, eager to have their children taught by Liao Tingyu.

However, Liao Tingyu declined these offers, explaining to the visitors, “I currently do not have the capacity to take on more students. There are many esteemed scholars in this town who possess great teaching skills. As long as the children have a strong desire to learn, they won’t go wrong under their guidance.”

Word of Liao Tingyu’s remarkable achievements reached Qingshan Academy, and Teacher Li regarded him with admiration, saying, “I’ve heard from townsfolk that you possess remarkable teaching abilities, having transformed two previously uneducated children. Now, many people want their children to become your students.”@@novelbin@@

Liao Tingyu replied with a smile, “Rumors have always been a part of human nature. They are nothing new. To be honest, my students owe their success to their own determination and some inherent intelligence. If not for their initial foundation and quick thinking, they would not have achieved such results.”

“People tend to be easily swayed by rumors. Nonetheless, please stay focused. Your examination is approaching. We’ve imparted all we can to you. The academy’s dean suggests that you embark on a study tour. Explore and learn from various places, and upon your return from this journey, you’ll be well-prepared for the examination,” Teacher Li advised.

“A study tours?”

“Yes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Traveling can be more enlightening than reading thousands of books. What you learn firsthand often carries greater depth than what you learn from books.”

Liao Tingyu agreed. However, the prospect of this study tour was daunting. It would span several months. He bade farewell to his teacher and returned home to discuss it with his parents and wife.

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“A study tours?” Mother Deng exclaimed. “So, it’s like having a vacation while studying?”

“Yes, it serves a dual purpose. The teacher and the dean have arranged the places I need to visit. But in terms of duration, it will take several months. It’s a lengthy commitment.” Liao Tingyu inquired.

“We certainly support this endeavor, but it will be a substantial expense over several months. How much will it cost? Do you have enough money?” Mother Deng, despite her lack of understanding, was supportive and eager to provide financial assistance.

“What about your work as the chief here? Even though you can be away for a month, there will always be some people seeking your guidance.” Liao Ming interjected, restraining Mother Deng, who was reaching for her purse.

Their family wasn’t as financially well-off as their youngest son’s family. They had paid off the debts of the shop in the previous year to their youngest son, and their finances remained modest. Furthermore, Liao Tingyu’s teaching job yielded a daily net income of several taels, while the small shop at home generated at most one tael in profits each day.

Moreover, their youngest son had a wealthy father-in-law, a capable wife, and was far from experiencing financial hardship.

“Mother, I have enough money saved. I’m thinking of going to see the mayor. Initially, I took on this position for the sake of convenience in marrying Zilan, but now it feels more like a constraint. I’m considering resigning from it.” Liao Tingyu expressed his disinterest in his current official position.

Mother Deng, however, was somewhat reluctant. Being the mother of a town official brought her some social prestige, and people were often courteous to her when she went out.

She contemplated a compromise, “What if you ask the mayor to keep the position for you? You can resume your duties when you return. After all, it doesn’t require much effort, and you can live rent-free in the official residence.”

Liao Tingyu, though, didn’t find this location appealing at all anymore. He had nothing to do for a month except for attending county government meetings, where he spent his mornings drinking tea and observing how trivial matters were blown out of proportion. It had become rather dull.

“These things are trivial, and once my son pass the Jinshi exam, his rank will surpass the town’s mayor. He doesn’t need to be concerned with such matters. However, the study tour will take quite a while. Zilan should help you prepare thoroughly. You’ll need to pack for the journey—adequate funds, appropriate clothing, and essential provisions. You must be cautious on the road. We don’t know if there might be robbers. Be prudent when you’re out and about.” Liao Ming advised, noting his son’s impatience.

“Alright, I understand,” Liao Tingyu replied, smiling at the lack of objection from his father. “Rest assured, I will take good care of myself and be frugal while traveling.”

Liao Ming knew that his son was capable of looking after himself and didn’t press further. “In that case, get prepared. Seek advice from those who make a living on the road if you’re uncertain about anything. They have valuable experiences. The rest can be coordinated with your wife and mother.”

Mother interjected, “I’ll help the second daughter-in-law pack. In case he forgot something.” With that, she abruptly left the room.

“By the way, will your wife accompany you?” Mother Deng inquired, returning after initially leaving the room.

“I haven’t asked him yet,” Liao Tingyu responded. “I tell you first. If you agree, I’ll discuss it with Zilan.”

“Mother is the most important, right?” Mother Deng asked with a grin, already knowing the answer.

Liao Tingyu chuckled and nodded, “Yes.”

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When he returned home, Huang Zilan was already informed of the plan.

“How did you find out?” Liao Tingyu asked curiously.

“While I was going over the accounts today, mother approached me and asked if I would like to join her. Strangely she gave me a book for no apparent reason today. I just got back and didn’t have time to read it,” Zilan explained.

Liao Tingyu took the book, flipped through it, and then discreetly slipped it under his pillow with a blush.

Huang Zilan was perplexed, “Why is your face all red? What’s in there?”

He flipped through it and, before Liao Tingyu could stop him, a braised shrimp was cooked.

Liao Tingyu, no longer embarrassed by this after being an adult, shrugged it off.

Huang Zilan, however, saw this for the first time and finally understood why they hadn’t had children after so long. He blurted out, “Uh… That…”

Liao Tingyu gazed at Huang Zilan and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Huang Zilan, his eyes filled with an odd look, stared at Liao Tingyu for a long time before finally voicing what was on his mind, “Are you not good?”

This unexpected question left Liao Tingyu somewhat bewildered, and the words lingered in his mind.

Huang Zilan, sensing the change in Liao Tingyu’s expression, realized that he had touched a sensitive topic and decided to make a hasty exit.

Liao Tingyu held his head and sat on the chair, this heartless person. Okay, just wait it for tonight. Let him showed his good wife what was good or not.

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The tired and exhausted Huang Zilan was embraced by Liao Tingyu.

Liao Tingyu leaned against him with the gentleness of a well-fed cat and spoke softly, “Do you want to join me on the study tour? Hm?”

Huang Zilan, thoroughly drained, nodded slowly, feeling a profound sense of regret.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have said anything thoughtless. He wouldn’t fall into Liao Tingyu’s wolf arms, if he didn’t say anything today.

With Huang Zilan’s consent, the family hastened their preparations. Mother Deng, usually quite thrifty, arranged for a bullock cart and a hood for Liao Tingyu, ensuring that the journey would be more comfortable.

“Is everything in order? Have you checked everything carefully?” Liao Ming aimed to make the necessary preparations before setting off. He didn’t mind a delay of an hour or two.

“Let’s go over the inventory one more time and make sure nothing’s missing.”

Mother Deng didn’t object to the extra check. Huang Zilan pulled out a notebook from his pocket and began recording the necessary items. It was evident that he had thoughtfully taken care of the preparations, covering various aspects of the journey.

Liao Ming reviewed the checklist and nodded in approval. “Do you have enough money with you?” he asked Liao Tingyu.

“Don’t worry, my father-in-law has provided enough. Mother sewed several secret pouches for me, and I’ve stashed them inside. There are plenty of banknotes, and I won’t skimp on myself,” Liao Tingyu reassured.

“Very well, then. Let’s set off. Remember the closing time of each county, and aim to stay in a county each night. It might be less convenient due to curfews, but safety comes first,” Liao Ming advised, handing a rope to Liao Tingyu.

Huang Zilan boarded the carriage first and organized the additional items prepared by Mother Deng. The interior of the carriage was spacious, constructed with the lightest and strongest wood available, at the cost of several dozen taels.

Everything was meticulously arranged inside.

Reluctantly, Liao Ming and the others bid farewell to Liao Tingyu and Huang Zilan outside.

Huang Yujin was out of town while Huang Hao, who was expected to come but he didn’t come, something might have happened to him. They didn’t know.

Time waited for no one, and partings were inevitable.

“Take care on your journey.”

Liao Ming’s family watched as the bullock cart departed. Liao Ming couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness in his heart, wondering if his own parents had felt the same way when he had left to work, experiencing similar emotions at their parting.