Volume One: Morning as a Farmer Chapter 50: Never Fail to Meet

“Dean Zhou, Xie Shuxian is a scholar, yet he speaks nothing but vulgarities, insults the academy head, and is not fit to be a dual top scorer. With disciples like him, the teacher must bear some responsibility. Judging by the current situation, Master Wen has serious issues. If he dares to threaten the dean, he is unworthy of being a teacher. Dean Zhou, if he wants to leave, let him go. The county academy has no need for such arrogant teachers...”

Wang Ting was still fanning the flames, directly provoking Zhou Mo, who snapped, “Enough! You claim Xie Shuxian is unfit to be a dual top scorer—are you questioning the fairness of the county and prefecture examinations? Or are you implying the county and prefecture officials acted out of bias?”

“No, not at all!” Wang Ting’s face turned pale, and he hurriedly waved his hands, barely daring to breathe.

Zhou Mo was furious. Wen Lancang’s resignation, taking his two disciples with him, was a slap in the face for many. He and Magistrate Chen had spearheaded a campaign to promote Wen Lancang and his disciples, inviting them to the academy with great fanfare. Now, on the very first day, the three of them were leaving together—this would become the greatest joke in the history of Xuanyi County.

How could he and the magistrate keep their dignity?

Zhou Mo’s anger at Wang Ting’s indiscretion grew, and his rebuke became harsher. “As the academy head, you’ve acted unfairly and indecorously before the students. How can you be a teacher, a role model? When there’s a dispute among students, you should first determine the rights and wrongs, then handle the matter impartially. Did you even ask? Not only did you fail to inquire, you exploited the situation and incited discord...”

Zhou Mo had already discerned the whole story, and had learned from Gongsun Tao the real reason for his presence at the academy. Out of respect for Wang Ting’s position, he hadn’t exposed him outright, but his patience was at its limit.

“I will handle this matter fairly. Gongsun Tao will be expelled, and all his accomplices will kneel before the statue of the Sage as punishment. I won’t let such troublemakers tarnish the academy’s reputation.”

Having said this, Zhou Mo turned apologetically to Wen Lancang, “Master Wen, will this solution satisfy you? If you have any other requests, let me know. As for resigning and taking your disciples, let’s set that aside. I will remember your kindness...”

Wen Lancang had spoken out of anger earlier. The county academy was rich in books and had many learned teachers; for his disciples, studying there was undoubtedly a step toward progress and a brighter future.

Still, he had to fight for what was right—he couldn’t allow his disciples to suffer such harm again.

“Dean Zhou is fair and just, which is admirable. As for certain others... well, let’s not dwell on unpleasant matters. How about this...”

Wen Lancang shifted the topic, “I venture to request a favor: a quiet courtyard for myself, Xie Shuxian, Su Biao, and the newcomer Zhao Shao. They are young and new to the academy, needing my guidance and care...”

“Certainly, I’ll have the courtyard ready for you tomorrow,” Zhou Mo agreed readily.

Upon hearing this, an idea flashed through Wang Ting’s mind. If he could have his nephew stay with Wen Lancang, the latter’s wisdom would surely rub off on him, greatly increasing Li Shuo’s chances of passing the scholar’s exam.

“Master Wen!” Wang Ting bowed with an ingratiating smile. “Li Shuo is also new to the academy. For the sake of friendship between fellow townsfolk, could you allow him to stay in your courtyard and command him as you wish...”

“He’s a grown man—does he really need my care?” Wen Lancang replied, and then took his leave.

He did not know Li Shuo was Wang Ting’s nephew; had he known, he would not have taken him in. Li Shuo, a man of thirty, could have stopped Gongsun Tao from bullying Chu Liu with just a word—but he did nothing.

Wang Ting stared at Wen Lancang’s retreating figure, cursing the brat under his breath.

...

Wen Lancang’s new courtyard was near the bamboo grove, spacious and tranquil, though somewhat neglected from disuse. Zhou Mo had it thoroughly cleaned inside and out, and the four master and disciples moved in cheerfully.

Within the courtyard was a plot of land, now cleared of weeds. Chu Liu felt a pang of discomfort seeing it so barren; in the countryside, it would have been a prime spot for growing vegetables.

In his previous life, his family lived in a rural village. The garden was filled with all sorts of vegetables—he would pluck a tomato or cucumber, wipe it clean, and eat it without worrying about pesticides.

When he later lived in the city, seeing the empty balcony, he wanted to plant something. Reality got in the way, but he still managed to grow some tomatoes and peppers in flowerpots.

Chu Liu, full of enthusiasm, asked Wen Lancang to borrow a shovel and hoe from the gardener, then led Su Biao and Zhao Shao in tilling the soil. They picked out stones, broke up the large clumps, and built up the ridges.

Su Biao and Zhao Shao had grown up in rural areas but had little experience with such work; seeing Chu Liu so energetic, they were determined not to be outdone. The older boys couldn’t let the younger one surpass them.

When the ridges were formed, Wen Lancang asked what Chu Liu was planning, learning he wanted to plant vegetables. Worried, he said, “Shuxian, I don’t know how to grow vegetables—what should we do?”

Chu Liu answered confidently, “Master, leave everything to me. With their help, it’ll be more than enough!”

“Xie Shuxian, you’re going to plant vegetables here?”

Lifting their heads, they saw a girl perched atop the courtyard wall—Yue Xi, who had stood up for Chu Liu earlier.

“Yes, I plan to plant water spinach, radishes, cabbages, string beans, and other vegetables. When they’re ready, I’ll bring some to you.”

Chu Liu looked up, smiling, “What are you doing up there? Come down, it’s dangerous.”

“I live next door. Hearing you all having such fun, I climbed up to take a look... Can I help you plant vegetables?”

“Of course!”

“Really?” Yue Xi smiled.

With that smile, her cheeks bloomed like peach blossoms, showing gleaming white teeth—she was a striking sight.

“Poof!” Yue Xi jumped down from the wall, as lively as a little bird, hopping right over to them.

The four were momentarily stunned, and even Yue Xi herself seemed dazed.

Chu Liu was the first to recover; he gazed at her and asked with concern, “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine. I practice martial arts with my mother—a wall this high is nothing.” Yue Xi brushed it off, stepping beside the plot, curious, “Have you planted the vegetables? Will they sprout tomorrow? How long before they’re ready?”

“We’re still preparing the soil. Tomorrow we’ll buy seeds and plant them. Vegetables usually sprout in three or four days, but it takes time to mature—no need to rush...” Chu Liu explained patiently, but Yue Xi’s interest lay elsewhere. She asked eagerly, “When will you plant tomorrow? I want to help.”

Chu Liu thought for a moment. “About this time—afternoons after classes are short, so we’ll have some free time then.”

Yue Xi’s eyes brightened. “Perfect! I don’t have martial arts practice then, so I can come play.”

Suddenly, Chu Liu said, “Yue Xi, I haven’t seen you in the cafeteria for days—do you eat early?”

“We don’t go to the cafeteria. My mother cooks our meals.”

“That day...”

“That day my parents argued. I sided with my father, so my mother kicked both of us out...”

Before Yue Xi could finish, a woman’s soprano rang out, “Yue Xi, you little rascal, where have you wandered off to now?”

“Mother’s calling—I have to hurry home. See you tomorrow!”

This time, Yue Xi didn’t climb the wall; she left through the gate, heading home.

Chu Liu raised his hand, watching her receding figure, and murmured, “See you tomorrow!”