Worshiping the Master (Part two)

Learning is challenging, and there are very few literate people in the world. This is due to a lack of money, limited opportunities, and insufficient intelligence.

Before, there were no schools in the nearby villages, so children had to go to the county town to study. Even for those who were relatively well-off, it was a struggle to provide for their children.

Bai Lao Ye was the one who relocated his family to Qili Village. His two sons needed an education, so he specifically hired Mr. Zhuang from the county town.

Although Mr. Zhuang did not pass the imperial examination, he was admitted to the provincial school. His character and conduct were exemplary. If it were just for a regular salary, why would he be willing to come to this small mountain village to teach?

Bai Lao Ye was reluctant to offer a reward that would touch Mr. Zhuang's heart. In the end, he came up with a solution: the Bai family would fund the establishment of a school for Mr. Zhuang, and the tuition fees paid by the nearby children would be a significant reward.

The school was built by Bai Lao Ye, but it belonged to Mr. Zhuang. He was responsible for collecting the tuition fees from the students and had the ultimate authority to decide who could attend.

Out of courtesy or due to his partnership with Bai Lao Ye, Man Bao required Bai Lao Ye's approval to enroll in the school for studies.

However, Mr. Zhuang felt that there was no rush, as Man Bao was still young. It was fine for her to learn some basics from him for now. When she was older, she could enter the school.

It was already rare for the Zhou family to allow Man Bao to study.

When Mr. Zhuang first arrived, he recruited students from the nearby villages. While the adults understood the benefits of education and encouraged their children to work hard and seize opportunities, they discouraged the girls from participating in scholarly pursuits.

Man Bao eavesdropped from outside the window, causing quite a stir in Qili Village. However, Mr. Zhuang intervened because he was fond of Man Bao.

As a result, more children began to eavesdrop at the window, with the majority being boys.

This behavior was considered unethical in scholarly circles, but Mr. Zhuang's words had caused a shift. Some students dropped out, but their parents sent them back to school.

Mr. Zhuang was frustrated, but he had no choice. Not everyone was like Man Bao, who was still young and not as mischievous.

Man Bao was only a little over a year old, and she was not as playful as the older children who eavesdropped outside the window.

After a few days, the eavesdroppers had learned enough and stopped attending classes. Their parents, realizing that their children had not gained anything from eavesdropping, sent them back to school.

From then on, there were few boys eavesdropping, but a few girls began to do so cautiously.

However, their parents were quick to intervene, scolding the girls and pulling them away, as they believed that studying was not suitable for them.

Mr. Zhuang had once held similar views, believing that it was more important for boys to study than girls. However, he began to change his mindset as he observed Man Bao's intelligence and diligence.

Man Bao was obedient and respectful. She took care of Mr. Zhuang when he fell ill. This impressed Mr. Zhuang, and he was pleased to accept her as his student.

The Zhou family's generosity surprised Mr. Zhuang, and he gladly accepted their gifts.

Man Bao and her family were also happy because they did not have to spend as much as they had anticipated.

Man Bao was especially delighted to receive gifts from Mr. Zhuang, whom she admired.

Everyone was in high spirits.

The Zhou family wanted to invite Mr. Zhuang for a celebratory meal, but he declined, citing his teaching duties.

As the children's playful voices could be heard outside, Mr. Zhuang knew that his students had arrived.