It was late autumn and the frost was threatening.
These days, during the slack season, farmers had nothing to do, no money to deposit into their accounts, and they were extremely anxious.
When they first heard that Rong’s mansion hired people to work, and the wages were paid daily, they came to inquire about it.
Rong Xi handed the matter over to Zhang Zhi and ordered him to choose strong men.
Zhang Zhi became a tenant of the Rong family, and everyone heard about it. When they saw him selling his land to save his father, everyone lamented that the world was impermanent.
This time Zhang Zhi was in high spirits and smiling. It was said that Young Master Rong was kind and generous, and they were really enviable.
Zhang Zhi tried his best to select twenty farmers, all of whom were good at work.
“Brother Zhang, what is Young Master Rong going to do?” someone asked curiously.
The others were all curious.
Is there anything else to do in the fields this season?
Zhang Zhi also didn’t know. He was just following orders, so he said, “We will know when the time comes. Anyway, we have to listen to the young master’s orders.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Liu He arriving. He quickly greeted him and asked, “Uncle Liu, what is your order?”
Liu He himself was a little confused, but he repeated Rong Xi’s words word for word.
“What? Burying crop straw in the ground?”
“Did I hear you correctly? Is this really what Young Master Rong ordered?”
Everyone just felt baffled and had a sense of absurdity.
After Zhang Zhi clarified once again, he could only say: “Since it is the young master’s order, we must work hard to complete it.”
After he finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement. As long as there’s money to be made, it’s not like they’re committing murder or arson, so why bother with so much fuss?
Several pieces of land owned by the Zhang family, due to his father’s illness, had not had their straw processed, and now they could be used.
In most households, straw would be taken home for firewood or burned on the spot to ashes.
Liu Zishi, who had nothing to do with his energy, also participated.
An acquaintance teased him, “I see you running to the county all day long. What are you doing?”
With Rong Xi ordered, Liu Zishi said in a tight tone, “I’m going to learn the craft.”
“Hey, Young Master Rong is still teaching you a craft,” the man approached him and asked in a low voice, “Does he treat you well? Does he beat you often? Those rumors are not very pleasant.”
Liu Zishi glared fiercely at him, raising his fist as a warning. “Don’t speak ill of Young Master Rong! He is kind and benevolent. Those slanderous words are just from envious and blind minds!”
In his heart, the young master was the person who treated him the best except his grandfather. He could not tolerate the harsh words and judgments of others about his young master.
“Haha, don’t worry, I’m just kidding you.” The man saw this and stopped talking.
The people of Linxi Town were not stupid. After Young Master Rong fell into the water and was rescued, Rong’s house seemed to be living a good life.
The Liu family, grandfather and grandson, dressed in new clothes, often went to the market to buy food. If it were in the past, where would they have had the means to do so?
But when they thought about Rong Xi’s identity, everyone felt relieved.
Although Rong Shangshu sent his eldest son back to his ancestral home in anger, he is still his eldest son. How can he really bear to let his son live in poverty?
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Rong’s mansion .
Coafg vlccfg, joafg Ole Ilrtl tjv fjafc, tf qecmtfv jcv xlmxfv lc atf mbegasjgv. Vfflcu tlr rfglber foobgar, Ebcu Wl ofia qifjrfv jcv jrxfv, “Qtja jgf Ilrtl’r qijcr obg atf oeaegf?”
Ole Ilrtl vlvc’a fnfc atlcx jybea la, “Yo mbegrf P’ii yf klat sbe.”
“Qtja firf?” Ebcu Wl vlv cba kjca ab obgmf atf sbecu wjc ab rfgnf tlw. Po tf tjv jwylalbcr, tf kbeiv vfolclafis reqqbga tlw.
Liu Zishi thought for a moment, then his face turned red and he whispered: “I want to be a great hero like King Qin.”
King of Qin County.
Rong Xi heard a little bit about it.
It is said that he was the God of War of the Wei Dynasty, and he was known as “Yam Luo” among the neighboring countries of the Wei Dynasty. One reason was that he was brave and skilled in combat, having killed countless people on the battlefield. The other reason was that he liked to cover his face with a ferocious mask, resembling Yama.
Therefore, very few people knew his true appearance.
However, no matter whether his appearance was ugly or beautiful, in the hearts of the people of Wei Dynasty, he was a well-deserved patron saint.
While chatting with Hu Yulin and others, he heard about the deeds of King Qin, which were described as if he were descended from a god.
Rong Xi smiled and stroked the boy’s bun, “It’s hard to be a hero.”
Especially in the era of imperial power, the King of Qin, who was regarded as a god by the people, had to be walking on thin ice.
Liu Zishi didn’t know what he meant and replied with a naive smile: “I’m just thinking about it.”
“Well, going into battle to kill the enemy and defend your home and country is also heroic.” Rong Xi encouraged.
But Liu Zishi shook his head: “If I go to the battlefield, there will be no one to serve you, so I will still stay with you.”
His words were sincere, and his gaze was clear. Hearing this, Rong Xi felt warmth surging in his heart.
Alone in a foreign world, though he remained composed on the surface, he couldn’t conceal the loneliness in his heart. But the people he encountered were all kind and enthusiastic, gradually making him feel a sense of belonging.
“Rest early.” Rong Xi ordered with a faint smile, then turned and returned to the room.
Several days later, all the field work was completed, and the farmers had nothing else to do.
Hearing that Young Master Rong had hired people to build a millstone, they couldn’t help but feel excited. With Liu He selecting experienced workers, the millstone was fresh out of the oven in the courtyard after just a few days.
Rong Xi had already purchased a lot of soybeans beforehand, which were stored in the warehouse.
Just as he was about to start grinding beans, he heard a knock on the house door.
Liu Zishi quickly ran to open the door and saw an old man outside the door with a stern face and a swaying beard. He asked in surprise: “Master Gao? Why are you here?”
The old man’s surname was Gao, and his given name was Bai. He was a teacher at the local school in town, and Liu Zishi had eavesdropped outside the school before and recognized him.
Gao Bai snorted softly and said, “Where is Rong Xi?”
Shaken by his imposing manner, and with Liu Zishi harboring reverence for the master, he was speechless. After a few moments, he finally came to his senses.
“Master Gao, why are you looking for my young master?” Although he was in awe, he knew his duty.
Gao Bai gave him a glance, clearly a bit displeased. However, being entrusted by someone and being entrusted with a loyal task, he couldn’t refuse, so he had no choice but to come personally.
He hoped Rong’s eldest son was not as naughty as rumored.
“Put this letter into Rong Xi’s hand. He will know after reading it.” He took the letter from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Zishi.
Liu Zishi received the letter and returned to the hall, where he handed it to Rong Xi.
Rong Xi looked at it, then shook his head helplessly. He stood up and walked to the front door, bowing deeply, and said with neither humility nor arrogance: “I have seen Master Gao. I was negligent just now, and I hope for Master Gao’s forgiveness.”
After speaking, he welcomed Gao Bai into the house.
Seeing that his courtesy was thorough, Gao Bai felt a little relieved. After sitting down in the main hall, he stroked his beard and said, “You have clearly read the letter written by your father. I wonder what your plans are?”
Rong Xi personally poured tea for him, smiling and saying, “Master’s knowledge is profound, and your virtue is highly respected. Teaching someone like me, who is so stubborn, is truly underutilizing your talents. However, my father instructed me, so I dare not disobey. It’s just that I’m not very talented, and I’m afraid of burdening you, Master.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Gao Bai said fearlessly, “As long as you are willing to learn, I will teach you with all my heart.”
He observed that Rong Xi did not seem like a foolish person. His words just now were probably out of humility.
“I will go to town tomorrow to ask the Master for advice.” Rong Xi replied with a smile.
Gao Bai was stunned.
He had originally thought that he needed to personally come every day to teach, similar to private tutors in the homes of officials and wealthy families. Unexpectedly, Rong Xi made this decision.
Looking at it this way, Rong Xi was a good person who knew to respect his teacher.
Gao Bai stroked his beard and left with satisfaction.
As soon as the door of the house was closed, Liu Zishi asked: “Young master, are you really going to go?”
“It’s okay. In just a few days, Master Gao will surely be disappointed and give up”
Even the most patient person cannot tolerate an apprentice with no talent.
The next day, Rong Xi went to Gao Bai’s home as scheduled to seek instruction.
Gao Baoxi asked: “How to start??”
“I have studied for a few years,” Rong Xi answered honestly.
Gao Bai wanted to test his knowledge, but he found that Rong Xi had no learning whatsoever. Some very shallow theories, even young children could recite them fluently, but he was completely clueless.
His aptitude is truly dull and unbearable!!
Gao Bai deeply regretted it, but he was unwilling to give up. The sage said to teach according to the aptitude of the student; he shouldn’t judge people based on their talent.
Talking is easy, but doing is another matter.
For several days, Rong Xi couldn’t even understand the first sentence of the textbook. Gao Bai taught it a hundred times a day and Rong Xi would forget it the next day.
Sometimes he was furious, but when he saw Rong Xi’s aggrieved and sad eyes, he forced himself to calm down.
If he continues to teach, his life will be shortened!
Rong Xi looked at his expression and knew that Gao Bai had reached his limit. Today, Bao Bai would definitely decline this matter and Rong Xi would regain his freedom.
Unexpectedly, after drinking tea, Gao Bai suddenly looked firm and spoke solemnly.
“Although you lack talents, you have an elegant and quiet temperament. It will be a pity if you don’t have enough knowledge. Although I am incompetent, I cannot abandon you.”
Rong Xi secretly thought something was wrong, and felt a little scared in his heart.
“From tomorrow onwards, you will go to the school in the town and receive classes every day. It will eventually benefit you.”
Rong Xi: “…”
No, he doesn’t want to!
He wanted to pretend to be stupid and make Gao Bai give up on his own.
Unexpectedly, Gao Bai was so determined to train him into a talented young man.
If he goes to school to listen every day, how can he still enjoy his leisure time? Besides, he has other matters to attend to, so going to school is definitely not possible.
Seeing that he was silent, Gao Bai glared and said, “You don’t want to?”
Could he be misjudging the person?
Rong Xi suddenly sighed, stood up and said, “Master, please lend me a pen and paper.”
As Gao Bai nodded in agreement, he walked to the desk, calm and composed. Dipping the brush in ink, he began to write.
Gao Bai came closer to take a look out of curiosity. His eyes widened instantly, his beard trembled slightly, and it seemed as if his mouth and tongue were strangled, as he couldn’t make any sound.
With brush strokes that danced like a dragon, he had penned exquisite chapters and beautiful odes; With strokes of iron and hooks of silver, he had expressed the essence of classics and history.
A young man, his brush seemingly guided by divine inspiration, His expression was serious and solemn, he had been immersed in the world of words. On the pale yellow paper, he had poured out his youthful spirit and eloquence. Discoursed on the past and present, his knowledge was vast and profound.
This was completely different from the clumsy person before, very different.
After finishing writing, Rong Xi breathed a sigh of relief. He put down his pen and raised his head. Seeing Gao Bai’s eyes full of shock, he smiled apologetically, “Master, please do not blame me. I am too lazy to study, so I deceived Master.”
Gao Bo came back to his senses and quickly picked up the paper to examine it. The handwriting on the paper was in a class of its own, with a unique style and character. Although the arguments borrowed from the words of others, just based on the handwriting and the unique style of the article, one could tell that his talent and knowledge were already far superior to those of others!
“Why hide such a talent?”
Gao Bai was not a fool. Rong Xi was so talented and knowledgeable. Who will believe that he is lazy in studying?
Thinking about his family background, Gao Bai’s mind turned and he suddenly felt pity. Without waiting for Rong Xi’s answer, he said: “Talent cannot be wasted. If you are willing to devote yourself to studying, I can cover it for you.”
Upon hearing this, Rong Xi realized the misunderstanding and could only smile and say, ‘Thank you, Master, for your kindness. What I said is true, not to hide my shortcomings. Reading and writing are for cultivating one’s character. I have no desire to pursue an official career through the civil service exams, and the discussions in the schoolhouse are of no benefit to me.’
“As a scholar, don’t you want to make achievements?” Gao Bai asked, stroking his beard.
Seeing that Gao Bai was no longer insisting, Rong Xi’s expression relaxed somewhat. ‘I simply love the scenery of the countryside and have no interest in the intrigues of the court,’ he said. ‘Moreover, one can contribute to society and benefit the people not only through high office and noble titles but also in the tranquility of nature and mountains.’
This was said sincerely, but Gao Bai did not believe it entirely.
He sighed with emotion, “What a pity, what a pity!”
A person with such talent, languishing in the bustling capital, finding solace by the riverfront, must be disheartened and temporarily unwilling to face the world.
As a teacher, Gao Bai felt sorry for him but had a hidden intention to protect him. He was angry that Rong Shangshu did not recognize the talent of his oldest legitimate son and was blinded by slanderous words, leading to hasty conclusions.
“You go back first. With your knowledge, you don’t have to go to school anymore.” He turned around and picked up a few scriptures from the bookshelf, handed them to Rong Xi, and said with a kind smile, “Take these books back and read them first. If you have any doubts, you can ask me.”
Rong Xi was deeply moved by the caring heart of the old man in front of him. He bowed his head to the ground and smiled brightly, “Thank you, Master, for teaching me and protecting me!”
Gao Bai was worried and waved his sleeves to let him go.
After Rong Xi left, he thought for a long time before writing a letter.
A few days later, the letter arrived at Shengjing’s Rong’s Mansion.
When Rong Shangshu read the letter, he was as angry as a puffer fish. He slapped the letter on the case and said angrily: “He is really trash!”
Rong Lian happened to be here, so he took a look at the letter and saw a short paragraph on it.
“What a pity! What a pity! I’m sorry that I can’t teach him!”
I have mix feelings about his approach to ‘his’ father…
Thanks for the chapter! That teacher is good man! He really tried for his student. & he also protected him by sending this letter.
Ah… The plan to be an idiot failed xD
😂no need to mention his higher level of knowledge I guess
Thanks for the chapter!
Poor Xi
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Rong Xi would be a lot better off severing ties with his family and starting on his own somewhere as his own man. But I guess that was not “the done thing” in that era? And to be honest, his family’s name can be useful from time to time…