Prologue

Liu Ying held a scroll in her hand, and although she was only about thirteen or fourteen years old, she already had the demeanor of a young scholar. "A guest from afar has come, bringing me a pair of carp. Call the boy to cook the carp, and within it, there is a letter on fine paper." She recited the text, her light green sleeves gently waving, the long sleeves trailing on the ground. As the gentle breeze passed, it carried with it the faint fragrance of books, mingling with the reflections of the lake and the mountains.

These young scions of noble families, having no reason to disrupt their peaceful lives, insist on coming to her to eat vegetarian food, all the while claiming to be her students. She has nothing to teach them. Their intentions are clear. By nature, she is lazy, and according to her mother's words, she is indeed unlearned and unskilled

She stood up and waved her hand, casually brushing off the grass clippings clinging to her, and returned to her own thatched cottage. She had no refined taste for serving tea to guests, nor did she enjoy playing guessing games; the meaning of "no" was straightforward and unambiguous.

She replied: "No."

What is a husband, what is a child, do you know

A very superficial principle

In the midsummer season, the ancient locust tree grows particularly lush, and the vegetation in the backyard is thriving, exuding a refreshing coolness amidst the heat.

However, this seemingly plain-looking young girl has an exceptionally radiant smile

Hutu was taken aback for the first time hearing someone speak such nonsense with such confidence, his face turned pale

The young scholar quickly withdrew his hand and sincerely said: "What a good question! Which unfortunate cat, having eaten this unfortunate fish, is bound to have diarrhea"

Beside Liu Ying sat a boy of about eight or nine years old, who pursed his lips, had soft brows and gentle eyes, and displayed excellent manners. At first glance, one might mistake him for a quiet and refined young lady.

Hu Tu lowered his eyelids, brushed away the tea foam, and spoke softly: "Master, you mentioned passing a message through fish; what if that unfortunate messenger carp is eaten by a cat?" His voice was clear and youthful, with precise enunciation, carrying the unique air of a scion from a noble family, as if an autumn breeze had swept through, driving away even the sweltering summer heat with its refreshing chill

Upon closer examination, Liu Ying and Hu Tu can be considered childhood sweethearts. Unfortunately, at that time, the two of them lacked the warmth and beauty of poetic verses, and instead were filled with suspicion, testing, and a sense of estrangement.

Although Hu Tu is only 9 years old, she is exceptionally bright and perceptive, with remarkable clarity and delicacy

The first reaction: What a ridiculous question!

He does not like this little scholar who is only five years older than himself, especially since she is a young woman. For his father to find such a tutor is a slight, and even more so, an insult to the proud and arrogant Hu Tu

Liu Ying looked bewildered, "The young master actually understands these principles."

Her complexion is too pale, giving her a rather frail appearance. Her brows and eyes lack allure, missing the charm typical of a youthful girl in her prime. Even her lips have a slight pallor, bearing a faint hint of illness.

Liu Ying smiled lazily, "I don't know? Not knowing is quite good. If you know too much, do you still need me to teach you? I am not very smart, and I do not like clever students, especially those who are much smarter than me; I particularly dislike them."

When she smiles, the corners of her eyes and brows relax, conveying a joy and delight that makes one feel the comfort of a spring breeze

Compared to the women of Qizhou, the appearance of the young scholar Liu Ying is far from pleasing

They regarded her as weak and easy to bully because they believed she had no strengths, which is a grave mistake

If she continues with this temperament, it would be normal for her to starve to death tomorrow. Yet, she happens to have exceptionally good fortune.

Hu Tu's lips curled slightly, he slammed the table, his expression darkened, and he sternly exclaimed: "What reason is there? Dogs eat meat, cats eat fish, when have they ever had an upset stomach?"

The young lady, named Hu Tu, is undoubtedly in the form of a man

She tightened her grip on the scroll and gestured a few times above his bright, white forehead, seemingly about to strike. Hu Tu suddenly looked up, his pair of bright, intelligent black eyes glinting as if they could bite. The young scholar flicked his wrist, suddenly realizing that this was the patron, someone who could not be hit or scolded, and when necessary, had to be appeased, coaxed, and catered to.

As Hu Tu was about to erupt, feeling somewhat guilty, her momentum weakened. Suddenly, she recalled that it was Liu Ying's duty to impart knowledge and resolve doubts. Whether reasonable or unreasonable, whether solvable or unsolvable, it was all her responsibility. The young financier, filled with confidence, coldly rebuked: "Liu Ying, is this how you conduct yourself as a teacher?"

My hair is just covering my forehead, as I play with flowers at the door. The young man rides a bamboo horse, circling the bed while playing with green plums

A humble thatched cottage, measuring over three to five zhang, is surrounded by a fence.

Young Master Liu Ying looked at the sky, his expression brightened. He put away the scroll and tea cup, and said with a smile, "The sun is about to set, yet you still haven't left. Are you planning to stay for dinner?"

At that time, Hu Tu was nine years old, and Liu Ying was fourteen years old

There are many children at the bamboo dwelling, and she never keeps anyone.

Liu Ying was taken aback

Hu Tu was unaware of what she was scheming, and truthfully replied: "I do not know"

Nowadays, every day she recites poetry and chants scriptures, and she does not hesitate at all when it comes to accepting the offerings brought to her by these children. One must have a purpose in order to be of use to others

The water is clear and the mountains are green, with wisps of smoke rising from the cooking fires

Hu Tu asked: "Is it possible?"

Whoever judges by appearances and considers him a gentle and amiable person is making a grave mistake

A particular landscape nurtures a particular kind of person