The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 102: Inheriting the Legacy of Farming and Education

Chapter 102: Inheriting the Legacy of Farming and Education

When Du Yunse penned his letter, the regulations for the Clan School had yet to be finalized. He merely extended an invitation to Liao Cang to join the Du Village Clan School as a teacher, offering meals, modest accommodations, and a monthly stipend of two taels of silver. The finer details were left for later discussion.

At twenty-four, Liao Cang had yet to marry. Born into a poor family, he had devoted himself to the imperial examinations and had also observed a year of mourning for both his grandfather and grandmother. By now, he was no longer in a rush; he preferred to wait for someone who truly resonated with him and had thus turned away all the matchmakers who came knocking.

Unencumbered, he accepted Du Yunse’s offer, first resigning from Qingfeng Academy, then visiting his family before packing his belongings and setting out for Du Village.

“A Clan School where all village children study free of charge—now that’s rare. Every household can afford to send their children.”

Liao Cang was briefly taken aback, then laughed. “The Township Lord must be footing the bill.”

Lady Qishu’s Six Staples store, along with her popular creations like oyster sauce, floral essence, and cooling oil, had long been the talk of Xiangping Prefecture.

Her husband, Du Yunse, often became the subject of good-natured teasing from his peers. Yet, rather than becoming annoyed, the typically reserved Du Yunse would wear a subtle smile, his pride unmistakable, leaving others envious.

Liao Cang assumed that, given the village’s size, there would be at most a dozen pupils.

But when Qiu Huanian handed him the student roster, he said, “Mr. Liao, please have a look. We currently have thirty-one students enrolled, and several more are expected after the New Year.”

Liao Cang’s face clearly read, “What?”

Qiu Huanian couldn’t suppress a laugh. He should have explained everything earlier, but Yunse had clearly meant to have a bit of fun at Liao Cang’s expense.

As his spouse, Qiu Huanian naturally played along.

Whether Du Yunse had been influenced by Qiu Huanian or had always harbored a playful streak, the couple’s sense of humor was now strikingly similar.

Qiu Huanian nodded at the roster. “The Clan School admits not only boys, but also girls and lads. Even children of married daughters and village lads are welcome to return for studies.”

These two simple statements left Liao Cang bewildered.

Qiu Huanian watched him carefully. Although Du Yunse had good judgment, in the Yu Dynasty it was rare to find a school that accepted girls and young lads so freely. If Liao Cang held any conservative bias, it could pose a problem.

Fortunately, Liao Cang recovered swiftly from his surprise.

“Thirty-something children needing basic education—this won’t be a leisurely job for you, Yunse.”

He did not question the mixed-gender learning. Coming from a rural village himself, he knew that villagers were rarely that strict. Boys and girls often played together. He had heard that customs were stricter in the south, but in Liaozhou’s countryside, people lived differently. The region’s sparse population and vast farmland meant that keeping women and lads indoors was impractical—who would till the land?

Shaking off those thoughts, he turned to Du Yunse with a grin. “Seems like I’m getting the short end of the stick. Shouldn’t you offer me something extra?”

Qiu Huanian chuckled. He now understood why Du Yunse had wanted to tease Liao Cang—he really was quite amusing.

Du Yunse kept a straight face. “If your former academy instructors saw how concerned you are with money, they’d be scandalized.”

Liao Cang shrugged. “Didn’t I just leave the academy? What can they do, chase me down to lecture me?”

He added, just loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Your wife knows how to earn silver, so you can afford to be noble.”

Du Yunse looked like he was about to laugh.

Qiu Huanian cleared her throat and asked, “Mr. Liao, I’ve heard you’re good with mathematics?”

“I wouldn’t dare compare myself to the Township Lord, but I’ve read The Classic of Mathematics and completed Elementary Mathematics: Equations.”

This was one of the key reasons Du Yunse had chosen him. Liao Cang not only had a strong foundation in mathematics but also a genuine passion for it.

Qiu Huanian was satisfied. “The Du clan established the school not just to prepare children for the imperial exams but also to impart practical knowledge. Mr. Liao, please include mathematics in the curriculum.”

She had already ordered over ten copies of Elementary Mathematics: Equations from Xiangping Prefecture to serve as textbooks. Students could initially share copies, and later, once they became literate, copy them by hand.

Liao Cang’s eyes lit up at the sight of the books on the desk.

He glanced at Du Yunse, though his eyes kept drifting toward Qiu Huanian.

“Using Elementary Mathematics: Equations is fine, but if the school isn’t purely exam-focused, why not teach other subjects too?”

Trying to remain composed, he added, “The books from Qimin Bookstore are excellent. Why not subscribe to two new releases each month?”

Qimin Bookstore had earned a sterling reputation for its practical manuals, publishing one or two every month. Its founder, Qiu Huanian, had even received imperial praise for her mathematics volume. On release days, scholars and book vendors queued outside the shop.

Liao Cang adored Qimin Bookstore’s publications but couldn’t afford them all. In the past, he had resorted to borrowing and begging for access.

If the school received new books regularly, as its teacher, he could read them too.

His little scheme was coming together nicely.

Qiu Huanian smiled. “Shall we consider this a small perk for Mr. Liao?”

“Absolutely.”

He had originally planned to coax Du Yunse into buying more books for him, but clearly, it was Lady Qishu who held the purse strings. Du Yunse, the scholarly top scorer, was less helpful in such matters.

Liao Cang stayed in the guest quarters for several days, and during that time, villagers flocked to catch a glimpse of the new teacher. Each time he stepped outside, a gaggle of curious children and adults surrounded him.

Luckily, he was well-versed in dealing with people and quickly adapted. Within days, he had become familiar with most of the villagers.

This was the first school in generations for the Du clan, and excitement ran high.

On opening day, villagers pooled their money for firecrackers and a celebratory feast to honor the craftsmen.

The plaque at the school gate, inscribed by Du Yunse himself, gleamed in the sunlight with the words: Farming and Reading Passed Down Through Generations.

Flanking the entrance was an old couplet:
Learn every word, read every book.

The teacher’s cottage was ready too—modest but well-appointed, with a living room, study, kitchen, and a small courtyard featuring a peach tree and a stone table.

Liao Cang was delighted. This would be his base for the next three years, during which he’d teach and continue preparing for the exams.

The students ranged from five to twelve. Aside from a few like Yun Kang, most couldn’t read at all.

But due to the villagers’ deep-rooted respect for education and teachers, the children behaved well in class.

After conferring with Du Yunse and Liao Cang, Qiu Huanian divided the school day into four periods.

The morning began with recitation of basic texts and multiplication tables, followed by literacy lessons and explanations of classical texts.

Afternoons featured a period dedicated to mathematics and other practical subjects, and another for handwriting practice. Students with some prior education, like Yun Kang, received tailored lessons in writing examination essays.

Young, approachable, and patient, Liao Cang’s fresh, non-dogmatic teaching style quickly won the students over.

On the first day, Qiu Huanian’s family observed the classes and found everything in perfect order.

Chun Sheng was reluctant to part with Yun Kang and even considered staying in Du Village to attend school, but the thought of being separated from his siblings and missing Yuan Ruo dissuaded him.

By October, autumn winds had stripped the trees bare, leaving the village swathed in bleak gray.

With the school now operating smoothly, Qiu Huanian began planning the return to the prefectural city for winter.

She tallied the trip’s expenditures—most of which were school-related.

Construction, materials, and labor came to thirty taels. Thirty acres of land, including ten of paddy fields and twenty of dry land, cost fifty taels. Liao Cang’s prepaid salary accounted for twenty-four taels, and supplies for the students another sixteen—bringing the total to 120 taels, the most she had spent in months.

But for education, it was worth every coin.

The first year’s costs were steep, but starting next year, income from tenant farmers working those thirty acres would cover the school’s expenses, eliminating the need for further subsidies.

She assigned Bao Ren and Meng Fuyue to manage the land’s revenue and the school’s finances, requiring an annual report. Hu Qiuyan, Wei Liuhua, and others were tasked with oversight to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Before departure, she had Jin San and Old Lady Jin secure the house, pack what couldn’t be transported, and ensure all was in order.

Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling had already returned for over half a month—it was time to go. Meng Yuanling was occupied with the Six Staples’ business, and Yun Cheng was due to resume studies at Qingfeng Academy, aiming for the academy exam next year and the provincial exam three years later.

Du Yunse’s own success had inspired Yun Cheng deeply. He shared all his insights, helping Yun Cheng avoid needless mistakes.

Once a family produced a scholar, others often followed. Trailblazers cleared paths for those behind, and this was why children of elite families frequently excelled—while commoners, though just as intelligent, lacked resources and insider knowledge.

In the grueling, competitive imperial examination system, success required more than mastering classical texts.

On the day of departure, all of Du Village came to see them off. The Meng family from Qingfu Town also arrived to bid farewell to Meng Yuanling. At last, Qiu Huanian saw Meng Wudong again.

He stood with his parents and siblings, though there was obvious distance between them.

Qiu Huanian glanced at Meng Yuanling, who shook his head, eyes lowered.

The carriages Jin San had arranged arrived one after another. Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse rode in one; Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng in another; Meng Yuanling and Yun Cheng shared a third. Two more were loaded with luggage.

Once everything was packed, Old Lady Jin locked the house and handed the key to Qiu Huanian.

They waved their farewells as the coachmen cracked their whips. Dust rose in billowing clouds behind the departing carriages, trailing like golden mist across the path.

The convoy sped along the open fields until it disappeared from sight.

There will always be those who leave the soil that nurtured them—for life is a fabric woven of both greetings and goodbyes.

The journey was slow but spirited. With the family together, laughter and conversation filled the air, making even the longest roads feel light.

That evening, while resting at an inn, Qiu Huanian asked Meng Yuanling about Meng Wudong.

“I’m just curious,” he said. “If it’s not something you’re comfortable discussing, forget I asked.”

Meng Yuanling, cheeks puffed with food, blinked like a chubby little squirrel. “It’s all right, Brother Hua. You already met Miss Shen Sai, after all.”

“Your second brother’s taken with her?”

He nodded. “But my parents are against it, and my brother refuses to give in. He’s been staying in the county and won’t come home.”

“She seemed capable and in good health. What’s the issue?”

“My mother looked into her background. Apparently, Miss Shen Sai’s mother lost two husbands. The third—whom she married after moving to Zhang County—also died. Miss Shen Sai was once engaged too, but her fiancé died before the wedding. People say the mother and daughter bring bad luck.”

“…”

Meng Yuanling lowered his voice. “I don’t think that’s fair. It must’ve taken incredible strength to go through all that and still open her own shop.”

“But my parents say it’s better to be cautious. If any of it’s true, and misfortune strikes our family…”

“Does your brother know?”

“He does. He even offered to separate from the main family and register a new branch in the family records. Said that way, if something goes wrong, only he would be affected. That made my parents furious. They drove him out of the house with a broom.”

“So now they’re at a standstill?”

Meng Yuanling sighed, and Qiu Huanian popped a piece of tuckahoe cake into his mouth.

This was a matter for the Meng family. While Meng Wudong’s resolve was admirable, his parents’ fears weren’t entirely without cause. Now that Qiu Huanian and Meng Yuanling had left Zhang County, they were too far removed to intervene. They could only wait and see who would give in first.

After his snack, Meng Yuanling patted his slightly rounded belly and made his way back to his room, hoping for a relaxing massage from Yun Cheng.

Of course, since they were still on the road, it would have to be just a massage—for now.