Chapter 83: No One Can Say a Single Bad Word About Su Xiaozi!

Li Su’s gaze swept over the crowd, his voice unwavering. “A hundred taels of gold can buy a thousand acres of good land, can fill granaries to the brim. But a thousand acres, without the skill to cultivate, will one day lie barren; granaries overflowing, without the wisdom to protect, cannot withstand the onslaught of disaster.”

“Only by learning and understanding can we, like this curved-beam plow, break open the soil of ignorance, so that our descendants may no longer rely on brute strength alone to wrest food from the earth and carve their own paths against fate.”

Li Su’s voice rose, ringing with a force that seemed to shake the very bones of those present. “The school I wish to build will do more than teach children to read and write. It will teach them to understand the seasons and the land, to master arithmetic and bookkeeping, to learn the principles of practical knowledge—so that whether the village children one day take up the brush or the plow, their hearts will be clear and wise.”

“As for bringing honor and glory to our ancestors, half of that remains, and it is more than enough.”

He spoke with passion, thinking to himself that his oratory skills had not faded with time; his teachers’ insistence that he speak as a student representative to inspire his classmates had not been in vain.

Li Su’s powerful words echoed through the courtyard, striking every heart like a heavy hammer. Not only the villagers of Apricot Blossom Village, but also guests from neighboring villages, Master Meng, and Li Su’s fellow students—all were utterly convinced at this moment, for Li Su shone with a rare and radiant light.

Unconsciously, each person wondered in their hearts: if it were them, could they do as Li Su had done? It seemed impossible.

From the depths of their hearts, they felt a profound respect. A person like Li Su was destined to accomplish great things!

A look of greater admiration shone in Xi Sheng’s eyes, a smile playing on his lips.

The villagers of Apricot Blossom Village felt a surging tide of emotions—stunned, uncertain, and strangely moved. They didn’t know how to describe their feelings, but they knew one thing: if anyone dared speak a word against Li Su now, they would beat that person half to death!

The village head’s lips trembled, a hoarse sound coming from his throat. For a long time, he could not utter a word, his eyes locked on Li Su, swirling with emotion.

Their village was different from others; their ancestors had fled war and settled here, buying land and building homes. Though decades had passed, they were not a single clan—their surnames were many and varied, and they lacked the unity of other villages. Perhaps this was a chance for change?

Li Su smiled. “What does everyone think?”

The village head met his gaze, replying with fervor, “Good! Build the school! Yes, the children must study. Study is useful—they’ll turn out like you!”

“Build it! I’ll make tables and chairs for the school!”

“Count me in! I’ll put in the work!”

“I’m strong, I can help too!”

A wave of excitement swept through the courtyard as villagers eagerly volunteered their help, stating what they could contribute. The scene even left Xi Sheng somewhat awestruck.

Everyone’s spirits were alight, their bodies filled with strength, certain that the village’s future was bright.

…

When the banquet ended, Brother Jiang was dripping with sweat. Feng Cuicui handed him some of the extra meat dishes from today’s feast to take home, and gave him five taels of silver outright.

Feng Cuicui was overjoyed—her fourth son had passed the scholar’s exam, received an imperial decree, and was personally granted a reward from the emperor!

Brother Jiang’s eyes widened at the sight of the five taels. Five taels?

That was far too much! It was the most he had ever received in his life!

“Take it, you’ve worked hard today,” Feng Cuicui said.

Brother Jiang, the silver tucked safely away, walked home in a daze.

…

Because Li Su had decided to go to Mingyue Academy, he wanted to settle everything before leaving so his family could live with ease. He rushed about, busy as could be.

Both the distillery and the school were under construction at a feverish pace. Although the villagers were helping, they only knew that one building was a school—the other, they had no idea.

The new house had just been built; surely they weren’t building yet another?

In addition to the farmstead given by Qin Ming, Li Su bought two more, planning for his eldest uncle’s family to manage one, his second uncle’s family another, and the last for his maternal grandparents.

He also bought out the original stewards; most of the work would be handled by the stewards and servants, with tenant farmers working the fields. Li Su only wanted his relatives to oversee things—to keep watch.

As for his own household, he needed them to manage the distillery, so he didn’t have them go to the farmsteads.

Li Su could not take on the role of teacher at the school himself—he still intended to pursue the imperial examinations and attend Mingyue Academy—so he would have to hire someone else.

Xi Sheng recommended a candidate who met all of Li Su’s requirements: literate, knowledgeable in arithmetic, astronomy, and geography.

Li Su agreed at once. If his mentor recommended someone, there would be no problem. That teacher would not arrive for some time, but it didn’t matter; the school was still under construction, and even if the teacher came, classes could not yet begin.

As for brewing, Li Su entrusted the crucial steps to his family, while the more menial tasks he hired people from surrounding villages to handle.

The Li family was stunned after hearing Li Su’s arrangements—how much silver would all this require?

“The shop in town that sells spicy chicken, let Second Brother manage it. You’ll be the overseer, no need to do the work yourself—just hire people.”

“Xiao Ze gave me a shop; once the distillery opens, that shop will sell our wine. Eldest Brother, you’ll manage it, just as an overseer, and hire people for the rest.”

“As for the distillery, I’ll need Father, Mother, and my sisters-in-law for the steps I described. Only you can handle those.”

The Li family: “!!!”

Li Zhengping was perplexed. Everyone else had been given roles, but not her. “Little Fourth, what about me?”

Li Su looked at her. “Third Sister, I want you to handle the distillery’s business negotiations.”

Li Zhengping nodded vigorously, content to be included!

“As for the distillery’s profits, Third Sister will get a larger share than Father, Mother, Eldest and Second Brother. Does anyone object?” Li Su asked.

Of course, the family had no objections—whatever Little Fourth said, went.

Li Zhengping was deeply moved. It seemed Little Fourth had already paved the way for her. Though the youngest, he was the most thoughtful, always planning ten steps ahead.

Having settled matters at home, Li Su continued, “Father, please speak to Eldest and Second Uncle about managing the farmsteads. Mother, please tell Grandpa and Grandma.”

Li Su took his prepared documents and went to the county office to speak to the magistrate and Qin’s father; by now, a new magistrate had taken office.

Li Daping and Feng Cuicui exchanged glances and quickly responded, “Alright!”

Li Daping hurried off to Eldest Uncle’s house. As the youngest brother, he had long received help from his older siblings; now he could give back, and he felt happy.

He first visited Second Uncle, then gathered both families at Eldest Uncle’s house.

“Daping, has something happened? Why have you called everyone here?” Eldest Uncle’s face was grave, worried something was wrong.

Second Uncle was anxious too. “If there’s trouble, just tell us, and we’ll figure out a solution together.”

“Yes, if the whole family works as one, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.”

Li Daping smiled. “It’s not bad news—it’s good news.”

Both families stared in surprise.

Good news?

Could it be…?

A suspicion stirred in both families’ hearts.

Li Su was a promising young man. Seeing how well his younger brother’s family lived, the wives of Eldest and Second Uncle had quietly suggested that Li Su could help their families too.

But both uncles refused. It was good that Li Su had succeeded, but they could not shamelessly expect him to help them; they would never ask.

Their wives let go of the idea. After all, their families weren’t struggling, and Li Su’s family often sent them food—they couldn’t be too greedy.

But now, could it be that Li Su had devised another plan?

Their hearts grew warm with hope. Who wouldn’t want their family to do better?