Chapter 005: Yu'er, who thinks of the young master

Having grown weary of his past life, he has come to appreciate his present life; he simply does not wish to return to the past

In the course of casual conversation, upon hearing that Su San would be going to teach in a few days, Old Zhou seemed to come alive with energy

Yuer, upon hearing this, felt somewhat indignant but did not dare to speak out against the old man. With a face full of grievance, she said, "My young master is very knowledgeable; such a thick book takes at least two or three hours to read. His handwriting is also very beautiful. He is not just someone who knows how to fish."

"Young master, you are truly wicked! Yu'er is still young, how can you use a hairpin?"

It is not that he is preparing lessons; given his educational background, teaching some young children is more than sufficient for him. However, it is likely that Old Master Li intends to give himself a show of authority by assigning a few academically strong students to challenge this newly appointed teacher. Such a tactic is something he can anticipate without even having to think about it.

Thus, each day there is one more task, which is to take out the "Analects" that the children need to read all day and look at it a few more times

The elder Gongsun seems to be closer to ordinary life than elder Zhou; he has indeed heard some rumors about Su San. However, he finds it difficult to connect those rumors with the Su San before him

Su San lightly shook her head with a soft laugh

Recently, he has made some minor gains in calligraphy and enjoys copying the famous poems and exquisite phrases he still remembers onto paper, hanging them in his room for his own appreciation. Therefore, this roll of paper has been used quite a bit, and whenever he has free time, he goes to the shop to select some styles he likes

It is not the first or second time, and everyone does not mind these matters. With a small drink among three people, they began to enjoy their drinks.

Then let's sell a hairpin! Even a little girl should like these accessories

Although Yu'er is only thirteen years old, in an era where early maturity was common, she is somewhat aware of matters between men and women. Despite the fact that it is not uncommon in the current dynasty for girls to lose their virginity at the age of twelve or thirteen, when it comes to her own situation, she still feels somewhat constrained and is, in fact, not truly prepared for it.

With your lazy disposition, how could you possibly be entrusted with the role of a teacher? Which academy's president was blind enough to appoint you as a teacher

Hmph," Old Zhou rolled his eyes and said, "Are you going to teach the children how to fish?"

He is merely an old man, yet he is unaware that, when considering his past life in conjunction with this one, his psychological age may well surpass that of an elderly person. Were it not for the fact that he has completely distanced himself from the environment of his previous life during this period, and that both his body and mind have received ample rest, he might not even have the inclination to converse with others at this moment, let alone discuss the imperial examinations that scholars yearn for.

On this day, a light rain fell, the sky was dark and gloomy, and there was dampness everywhere. He did not go to the East Lake to fish, but instead took a small oiled paper umbrella and went to the street to select some finished paper rolls

For a debauched young man like me, it is better to go with the flow, lest I tarnish the reputation of scholars

In the master’s chamber, a maidservant who serves closely should be aware that she may be pulled into the bed to warm the master’s feet. Presenting a hairpin signifies the intention to style the hair, and once the hair is styled, it signifies the adornment of a woman.

Oh, you are still young and cannot use a hairpin. Is there such a saying? Then, let me buy you a meat bun as a reward. I remember you were born in the Year of the Dog

At this moment, Yu'er was thinking that the young master probably would not teach those children how to fish, but it was uncertain whether he would teach them how to play poker

Now, when Su San speaks of wanting to teach, she does not pay any attention to Zhou Lao's criticism, but instead asks a question

At noon, as the weather grew warmer, the three individuals did not return home but instead sat down at the stone table under the shade of the trees. Su San's meal was brought by Yu Er from a nearby tavern; Gongsun Lao Er also had his family deliver a meal, both of which were quite sumptuous

Haha ... all you need to know is that the statement is merely describing that people born in the Year of the Dog really enjoy eating meat buns, and that's all there is to it ... ...

You always talk nonsense, are you going to keep fishing with us old men forever

On the way home, he wore a smile on his face, constantly turning back to look at Yu'er, causing her to blush deeply, as she could only lower her head and follow.

Individuals like this, when tasked with teaching young children, are not as inadequate as Zhou Lao suggested; rather, it seems somewhat like a case of overqualification.

Old Man Zhou, however, prepared to take advantage of the two people's meal, squeezing himself to the edge of the stone and sitting down in a grand manner

These are all jokes, and once they are said, they are easily forgotten. However, since he has to teach, he still needs to make some preparations

Old Zhou was unaware of Su San's reputation; the rumors circulating in the market were likely difficult for someone of his stature to hear. Otherwise, at this moment, his tone of voice would probably be one of furious outrage.

Teaching is merely a directive from family and a dream from a past life, rather than a true change in temperament. He still prefers a more leisurely and carefree lifestyle

Somewhat disappointed, "The young master always says things that are utterly baffling. What does a meat bun have to do with the zodiac?"

It is not without its merits... Moreover, the young man has started to become a teacher, hasn't he

"How can there be no relationship? There is a saying that specifically addresses the relationship between meat buns and puppies. Since you don't know, then forget it."

Holding the corner of her garment, Yu'er looked shyly at her toes, not raising her head, not looking at him, and not speaking.

A pot of fine wine, a cup of light tea, with three to five old friends, one can wander the four seas and engage in leisurely discussions about life. There is no clamor of the city, no trivial matters to disturb the mind, not immortals, yet living a life akin to that of the immortals

It seems that his nature of disliking explanations and his ability to see through the worldly affairs with a sense of nonchalance are likely the root causes of those rumors and slanders

These words are seldom discussed by them; occasionally, they may mention them once or twice, and he merely listens without participating in the discussion

Of course, I can also play poker, but I am just slightly less skilled than when I play by myself

Leaving home too early, it was also raining, and the streets were sparsely populated. Even those shopkeepers, seeing such weather, opened their doors a little later.

Walking on the ancient stone street with an oil umbrella, he felt quite at ease; to be honest, he actually enjoyed this state of life very much

If the young master speaks, won't Yu'er know? Please, young master, go ahead and speak

Speaking of Su San's temperament, it is indeed somewhat lazy. She seems to have a considerable achievement in poetry and prose, yet in conversation, she appears to be not particularly well-versed in the classics, and her knowledge of historical texts is also somewhat superficial. She has an unyielding fondness for clever pursuits such as fishing and other trivial matters, but unfortunately, she has not directed her efforts in the right places.

Sometimes he has a strange feeling, as if he is still living in his original era, merely having stumbled into a hidden paradise, secluded in this unknown utopia.

Old Zhou saw that Yu'er had a face full of grievance, which was quite a rare sight for him. "Hehe, if you want to blame someone, blame your young master for always being so disorganized... Oh, I suppose I am just rambling on..."

"Since you care so much for this young master, shouldn't there be some reward?"

Having already changed your gender, do you have any plans for scientific exploration?

The old man said this, of course, with the intention of advising. Spending every day together for a long time, the elder naturally developed a deeper desire to encourage the young to strive for improvement

Setting aside this topic, Zhou Lao began to discuss the situation in the north with Gongsun. In recent years, the Mongolian tribes in the north have grown in strength, and the Jurchens are constrained, fearing to launch large-scale incursions southward. The court is likely to forget national humiliation and familial grievances due to excessive peace.

In comparison, he still tends to trust his own eyes more. Seeing is believing; in his eyes, Su San appears as a wise figure, calm and composed, with everything under control. In conversation, he is eloquent and full of wit. At times, within just a few words, there are profound insights akin to fables, and even his offhand remarks always provoke deep reflection

Seeing Yu'er with tears welling up in her eyes, on the verge of crying, the old man quickly changed the subject and offered a diversion.