Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1602 - 816: A Rare Occurrence (2)

Mr. Loo’s reply has already been delivered. He expressed strong support for Lian Manman’s family’s plan to establish a school. Regarding the plans for tuition reduction and teaching practical subjects like arithmetic aside from the traditional Four Books and Five Classics, Mr. Loo was particularly appreciative.

Mr. Loo named the school "Kai Ming Academy." In his letter, he cited classical references to explain the meaning of "Kai Ming." From "Fa Yan" by Yang Xiong of the Han Dynasty: "How can one be enlightened? Only sages can enlighten, while others are misguided." Also, Wang Rongbao’s interpretation: "’Kai Ming’ signifies the enlightenment of the ignorant, meaning to begin understanding for clarity." Mr. Loo also mentioned in his letter that "Kai Ming" implies both pioneering and the illumination of wisdom.

Lian Manman read it and nodded secretly. Mr. Loo’s words resonated with her intentions. The name of the academy perfectly encapsulated their initial purpose and hopes for founding the school.

Regarding the words "Kai Ming," Mr. Loo personally wrote them on a scroll, which was also sent with the letter. Lian Manman planned to take it to Prefecture City to have it crafted into a plaque by the most skilled artisan there.

Moreover, Mr. Loo recommended a candidate for the academy’s teacher, an old scholar surnamed Qu. According to Mr. Loo, this Master Qu is highly talented, but his character is upright and he shuns fame and fortune, hence his reclusive lifestyle in the countryside. Master Qu resides in a village near Prefecture City. Mr. Loo has already sent someone to deliver a letter inviting Master Qu to teach at Kai Ming Academy.

The enlightenment of children is crucial to a person’s life, extending beyond academics to personal conduct and actions. Mr. Loo’s recommendation of such a learned scholar to teach at this introductory academy shows his deep consideration.

It is with this kind of thoughtful care that Mr. Loo initially became the teacher of Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi.

Teaching is a profession distinct from others; it is not something that can simply be hired with money. To express sincerity and respect, Wu Lang planned to personally accompany Lian Shouxin in visiting and inviting Master Qu to come out of retirement.

Furthermore, for an academy, having Master Qu as a primary figure requires the hiring of additional teachers. Wu Lang had already done extensive research and had candidates in mind. This trip to Prefecture City was intended to finalize the appointments for all necessary teachers for the academy.

That day, Lian Shouxin left for a gathering and returned early with Xiao Qi in the afternoon. As they entered the house, they saw Lady Zhang and Lian Manman organizing the clothes and items the family would take to Prefecture City. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Why are you back so early today?" Lady Zhang asked Lian Shouxin quickly upon seeing him, "Where’s Wu Lang, why isn’t he back?"

"My brother didn’t return; my father specifically brought me back first." Xiao Qi promptly answered.

"We’re going to Prefecture City tomorrow. I plan to take some time to visit the old residence, to see Old Master and Lady Zhou, and let them know. We’ll be gone for several days," said Lian Shouxin. "If I wait until after the gathering, it will be too late."

Lian Shouxin didn’t want to disturb Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou’s rest late in the evening.

No matter what happened, Lian Shouxin never slacked in his duty to support the old residence. Furthermore, he made regular visits and always informed them before traveling.

No matter what, in Lian Shouxin’s heart, Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou were his real parents.

Lian Manman understood Lian Shouxin’s feelings towards the old residence very well. Unfortunately, despite being such a kind, considerate, and filial son who ensured the elders wouldn’t worry, Lian Shouxin never measured up to Lian Shouren in Old Master Lian’s eyes, despite all the trouble and hurt Lian Shouren had caused him.

Emotions are the most complex things, and such is life, often leaving one helpless. Of course, this was the opinion of Lian Manman’s family and most people around. Sometimes, Lian Manman wondered if the situation looked completely different from Old Master Lian’s perspective.

Lian Shouxin intended to visit Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou to inform them about the trip to Prefecture City, and Lady Zhang did not stop him.

"The county sent some festive yuanxiao dumplings. Manman and I divided them into portions—a portion for the children’s grandmother’s house, one for Zhizhi’s family, and one for the Old Master and the lady. You can take these along now," said Lady Zhang as she organized the clothes.

"Alright," Lian Shouxin agreed happily.

"Sister, are you going? Dad said I should accompany him," Xiao Qi approached Lian Manman and said.

"Mom, should I go too?" Lian Manman thought for a moment and asked Lady Zhang.

"Go ahead," Lady Zhang nodded. "Come back early for dinner; we need to sleep early tonight."

"Okay," Lian Manman agreed.

Lian Shouxin was even happier to see that Lian Manman wanted to go along as well.

The three of them didn’t take a carriage. Accompanied by a maid and a servant, they walked to the village. Upon reaching the old residence entrance, they saw the door half open, and as they walked in, they noticed a donkey cart parked at the entrance of the empty pigsty, with a small donkey tied nearby, eating grass feed with its head lowered.

There were guests at the old residence. Seeing this donkey cart, neither Lian Manman nor Xiao Qi had any idea who it could be. It was indeed rare for the old residence to have distant visitors.

"Dad, who could it be?" Lian Manman asked Lian Shouxin softly.

"I really couldn’t guess; I don’t recognize this cart either," Lian Shouxin frowned slightly at first, then his expression turned a little puzzled, clearly having no clue about the visitors to the old residence.

Old Master Lian didn’t have any relatives, and Lady Zhou hadn’t had any relatives visiting for years. As for the daughters-in-law’s and granddaughters-in-law’s families, those connections had all been severed.

Who could have driven over?

**

Here is the first update, making up for yesterday’s. I’ll aim for a second update later. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)