Zhou Yu and his wife waited for Uncle Zhong to continue. Zhong Yan took out a letter from his pocket and said in a light tone, “When I replied, General Bai had already set off with his son and would arrive in Xiang County the day after tomorrow.”

Yang Xi opened her mouth; it was indeed a huge shock. After thinking about it carefully, she understood why Uncle Zhong had written to General Bai.

Sending General Bai’s son to school could only benefit both the Zhou and Zhong families. Prefect Gu was scheming step by step. A crucial link in Ruizhou was military power, and General Bai was of paramount importance. A teacher is like a father; with a teacher-student relationship, General Bai would protect both the Zhou and Zhong families.

In times of chaos, whoever held military power had the right to speak. As long as General Bai wasn’t schemed against and held military power, everyone would have to give him face.

Zhou Yu was still figuring out how to maintain contact with General Bai, but Uncle Zhong had already taken action, and the result was excellent. “Thank you for your hard work, Uncle.”

Zhong Yan laughed heartily. The child understood his good intentions. “It’s no trouble at all; it’s all for our future.”

As for whether Zhou Yu could suppress Young Master Bai, he was very confident. Even Third Yang, with his cunning mind, was afraid of Zhou Yu, let alone an eleven-year-old child.

The next day, General Bai arrived. General Bai never understood the concept of traveling discreetly. As the General of Ruizhou, he commanded 50,000 troops and 60,000 military households, and General Bai valued his own safety highly.

Now, seeing the unrest, General Bai was even more cautious about his safety, with 500 guards, each on horseback, carrying important valuables from the military camp.

Before General Bai even entered the village, the people saw him from afar and ran away. Not a single person stayed to watch the spectacle. The women washing clothes by the river even abandoned their garments.

General Bai didn’t care; he was used to it. It was quite unfair, really. He had been very strict with his soldiers, but the people still feared them, as if he were a bandit leader, not a general.

Bai Lang, riding his horse, surveyed the entire village at a glance, pursing his lips. “Father, you sent your son to this wretched place to study?” he said, giving him a look that seemed to say, “You’re senile!”

General Bai was so angry he wanted to slap his son, but couldn’t bear to part with his youngest son, so he could only sulk.

Seeing his father remain silent, Bai Lang continued muttering, “Look at this poor, remote place! You’re willing to let your son suffer here?”

General Bai still ignored his son. The brat didn’t know his place. Old Master Zhong, how upright he was back then, resigning his official post without hesitation—that was something he admired about him. He hoped his son would have principles, as he had spoiled him rotten, and hoped the old man could restrain him.

This was also why he had set off immediately upon receiving the old man’s letter, fearing the old man might change his mind!

Third Yang, hearing the panicked cries of the villagers in the courtyard, knew General Bai had arrived. He quickly led Li Zheng out the door and soon met General Bai and his entourage.

Third Yang stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting, “This humble one greets the General.”

General Bai asked, “Did Zhōng xiānsheng send you to guide us?”

Third Yang smiled, “Yes, we’ll be there in another three hundred feet. Please, General.”

General Bai and his entourage rode slowly into the village, the village road blocked by horses, not a single villager in sight.

The Zhou family’s house was conspicuous, and being newly built, General Bai knew without asking that it was Mr. Zhong’s residence.

General Bai dismounted, and Zhong Yan and Zhou Yu happened to be at the door to greet him. General Bai hurried forward, “Long time no see, xiānsheng, how have you been?”

Zhong Yan stroked his beard, “Good, good, how have you been lately, General?”

General Bai laughed heartily, “I’m doing very well. In the past two years, more and more people have been flattering me, and I’ve made quite a bit of money.”

The group entered the courtyard, and Third Yang and Zhou Yu took care of the other soldiers.

The class was still in session. Seeing General Bai stop, Zhong Yan smiled and introduced Zhou Yu, “This is my nephew. His father and I are sworn brothers. He opened this school. Would the General like to attend?”

General Bai’s personal visit showed the importance he placed on his son’s education. “I’m sorry to bother you.”

General Bai, though not wearing armor, still exuded a menacing aura. Standing at the classroom door, his presence was undeniable. The students inside noticed, and the more timid ones quickly averted their gazes.

Ziheng, though young, was knowledgeable; his grandfather’s seriousness was intimidating, no less so than a military general’s. Ziheng, with his chubby face, didn’t look away.

General Bai observed the children’s reactions, except for one little one staring at him. He chuckled, “This child is quite brave.”

Zhong Yan added, “This is my grand-nephew. Don’t let his small size fool you; he’s very courageous.”

General Bai thought to himself that different family backgrounds lead to different levels of knowledge and courage in children. He caught a glimpse of his son about to run away, but didn’t stop him, only signaling the guards to follow. He only had this one precious child. Bai Lang, seeing his father ignore him, was delighted and turned to run outside.

These past few days, Zhou Yu had not only taught him to read but also about the climate of the north and south. Today, he was discussing the climate south of the South River, which would lead to many other topics. He hadn’t delved into them yet, hoping the child would at least learn about the outside world.

Only by broadening one’s horizons can one’s heart expand, instead of being preoccupied with one’s own narrow interests. A person with a broad mind is not afraid of adversity and will forge ahead against the wind and waves.

General Bai initially didn’t take it seriously. He understood that Zhong xiānsheng valued this child, so he assumed the boy must be very learned. He had seen many learned xiānsheng. To push his son to study, he had spent a lot of time accompanying him in his studies and hiring many xiānsheng. Although he hadn’t mastered the art of studying himself, he had his own insights.

As he listened, he put away his disdain. He didn’t teach rigidly, repeating classical Chinese phrases over and over again, nor did he rely on rote memorization. Instead, he sparked the children’s interest, gradually weaving in various kinds of knowledge and referencing articles and allusions from books when encountering place names or buildings.

Zhong Yan, feeling it was about time, finally spoke, “General, what do you think of my nephew’s teaching?”

General Bai, having listened attentively, naturally thought it was good, “Good.”

Zhong Yan invited General Bai for tea. After they sat down and drank, Zhong Yan said, “When it comes to teaching, I can’t compare to my nephew.”

General Bai took a sip of tea. “Xiānsheng, you’re too modest.”

Zhong Yan laughed heartily, “I’m not being modest at all. His father is also a prominent figure, and this lad has surpassed his father. I know General Bai cares most about Young Master Bai. Entrusting Young Master Bai to my nephew will surely satisfy the General.”

General Bai raised an eyebrow, smiled, and asked, “Xiānsheng, nephew…”

“Didn’t he take the imperial examination?”

Zhong Yan’s expression was somewhat saddened. “This lad is a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). The north was too chaotic. After my close friend passed away, my nephew took his family south to settle in Ruizhou. It’s all thanks to the general’s protection of Ruizhou that my nephew was able to settle here.”

General Bai’s mind raced. He didn’t know who Zhong Xiānsheng’s close friend was, but he grasped the key point: the man from before was a Jinshi. “What a pity.”

Zhong Yan laughed heartily. “You have to give to receive. Who can predict the future?”

General Bai’s mind stirred. “What do you think of the situation in the north, sir?”

This was the second reason he came in person; he needed someone to analyze the situation for him.

Zhong Yan heard the end of the class. “How about letting my nephew analyze it?”

General Bai also wanted to test him and nodded with a smile. “Sure.”

(End of Chapter)

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