Village Chief He was moved to tears, wiping his eyes as he received the booklet, saying, "Good Brother An, your Gu Family is truly the blessing of Da Feng Village. Since you arrived here, our days have gotten better and better, and now youâre even building a village school, allowing the young ones to study for free. This, this..."
Having lived a lifetime, Village Chief He knew the importance of education. Anyone literate could go to the county to find work and become a shop assistant, while those illiterate could only carry sacks as porters. Those who achieved an official position could bring benefits to their whole clan and village.
In the surrounding ten miles and eight villages, aside from the Shang Family having a clan school, only Xu Tongshengâs family in Songzi Gully had a private school; other villages had no schools. Therefore, hearing that Gu Jinâan was not only building a village school but also buying public fields for the village was heartwarming enough to make him cry aloud.
Upon hearing this, other villagers were also overjoyed. If a village school was built, their descendants could study for free, which was a generational benefit for posterity.
They said to Gu Jinâan, "Good Brother An, youâre someone who thinks of the village. Just after passing your student exams, youâve decided to build a village school. We wonât say much more; as long as the Qin and Gu families of Luotian say the word, weâll shed our hot blood for you!"
Village Chief He was happily crying but stopped abruptly upon hearing this, swinging his cane at the He family members: "A bunch of nonsense; it should be âshed your head and spill your hot bloodâ!"
Reading is indeed necessary. Without education, the men in the village wouldnât be able to utter a learned phrase. Outside the village, even if fortunate enough to meet a noble, theyâd likely be looked down upon for not being articulate.
Gu Jinâan wanted to laugh at this but restrained himself, saying to Village Chief He: "Village Chief, our village days will indeed improve, but first, we need to clear out those harmful to the village. As one bad apple can spoil the whole pot."
Village Chief He felt a chill hearing this, immediately promising, "Donât worry, Good Brother An. Village Chief Grandpa wonât be lenient with them anymore; itâs been three years without improvement, so I wonât take blame for this."
Lu Gen Sheng responded, "Donât worry, Good Brother An; the elder will also clear out those with malicious intent from the Lu Family clan."
With a village school, the Lu Family children could also attend, which was advantageous. He wouldnât let the Lu Family people seek death and ruin the clanâs blessing.
Secretary Shang was full of admiration for Gu Jinâan upon hearing these words, marveling at how just a few sentences led Village Chief He and the Lu Family Patriarch to willingly help him clean out the evil from their clans, and the matter of the village school could greatly enhance his reputation.
Once todayâs events were known, whenever Tianfu County residents mentioned Mrs. Niu and her group, theyâd also mention that Gu Jinâan established the village school for Da Feng Village. He could already imagine how many would angrily condemn Mrs. Niu and praise Gu Jinâan.
Even Lord County Magistrate Lian and Lord Magistrate would highly commend Gu Jinâan upon hearing of this.
Secretary Shang was unsure how many birds this stone hit. Mrs. Niuâs group created chaos and faced punishment, and yet all the benefits were harnessed by Gu Jinâan.
Looking at the gentle and refined Gu Jinâan, as elegant as bamboo, Secretary Shang broke into a cold sweat... One must not offend such a person. If offended, he could quietly ruin you while bestowing himself with a good reputation.
Terrifying, better to slip away!
Secretary Shang hurried away with his servant.
Gu Jinâan noticed but wasnât concerned, smiling slightly... Actually, many scholars have a misconception about the officials, thinking they all favor highly educated and talented people. Unfortunately, thatâs incorrect. Officials whoâve navigated their careers for years are most annoyed by those who only quote classics and most appreciate loyal individuals who can help them achieve accomplishments.
Youâre there to work, whatâs the use of only writing poems?
"Village Chief, we still have to go visit our mentor, so weâll be leaving now," said Gu Jinâan, cupping his hands in farewell.
Village Chief He replied with some concern, "Are you still leaving the village today? Canât you stay? What if youâre blocked again?"
Gu Jinâan replied, "If nobody reveals our appearances and traits outside, those people whoâve never seen us wouldnât block us so easily; theyâd more likely chase after the Gu Familyâs mule cart."
The visit to the mentor and Master Ouyang was long planned, not something to be delayed due to minor issues.
Upon hearing about keeping their appearances unknown, Village Chief He flushed and said, "Then go ahead, but be careful."
He also said, "Donât worry about matters with He Daqian. The elder will ensure justice is served for you."
For the sake of the He familyâs descendants, he wouldnât be lenient this time, determined to deal firmly with He Daqian and his group.
Satisfied, Gu Jinâan thanked him with a smile, "Thank you, Village Chief."
He addressed Gu Dashan and the others, saying, "Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, Father and Mother, donât worry about us. You can return home."
Gu Dashan replied, "Hey, you go ahead. Things at home are in our hands. Relax."
Mrs. Cui also advised cautiously, "Be careful on the road. If anything seems wrong, run quickly; donât let anyone catch you, or itâll be hard to explain."
She instructed Brother Cheng, "Youâre young; protect your brother if anything happens."
Given Brother Chengâs age, he was unafraid even if embraced by a teenage girl. The girl wouldnât wait for Brother Cheng to grow up, surely.
Brother Cheng nodded sincerely, "Okay, Mom, rest assured. I will protect Brother well!"
Gu Jinâan felt resigned; were they treating him like a delicate girl, worried heâd be taken advantage of? If he didnât consent, who could approach him?
But he didnât say much more, understanding it was family love and concern.
Mrs. Chen also advised Gu Dexing, "Brother Xing, likewise, donât let any impoverished village girls get close... But if you see young ladies adorned with gold and silver, feel free."
Cold sweat formed on Gu Dexingâs forehead as he quickly responded, "Second Aunt, please stop; I understand."
With so many people around, these comments could embarrass him deeply if spread.
Mrs. Chen pursed her lips, "Youâre ungrateful; Iâm just considering your well-being!"
Gu Dexing dared not speak further, knowing that if he did, Second Aunt would continue at length, which would be even more humiliating.
Gu Dagui tugged at Mrs. Chen and said, "Alright, youâre the most talkative. Brother Xing, hurry and go. Weâve already squandered an hour; donât keep Scholar Shang and Master Ouyang waiting."
Without these two talents, Brother Xing wouldnât have succeeded in his student examinations.
"Go on, go on," Mrs. Chen urged them with a dismissive wave.
Afterwards, Gu Jinâan and his companions respectfully bowed to the crowd and continued forward.
Once they circled past the village, Erqing was already waiting with a mule cart in a stretch of woodland. Seeing them, he shouted, "Masters, the slave is here."
"Ha, Big Brother, itâs Erqing." Brother Cheng quickly ran to Erqing, looking up to ask, "Erqing, did Second Sister send you?"