The clan school was brimming with vitality. Aside from her own courtyard, this was Hua Zhi’s favorite place to spend time. Seeing the children’s eager, expectant eyes made her feel that none of her troubles truly mattered.
Her voice was crisp and clear, especially when she took charge of matters, carrying a tone of efficiency and decisiveness. However, during lessons, she deliberately softened her tone, making it less sharp and more gentle, as she did not want to overwhelm the children with pressure.
Outside the classroom at that moment, Zhu Haodong stood with a man in his early thirties, while Steward Xu waited respectfully nearby with downcast eyes.
The man had faint, understated features and was not particularly striking in appearance. He wore faded, well-worn clothes, black cloth shoes, and his hair was casually tied atop his head. His face bore the marks of hardship, yet his expression carried a rare, unrestrained ease seldom seen among scholars, even bordering on nonchalance. At that moment, however, his gaze was intensely focused.
This was Zhu Haodong’s first time hearing Zhi Er teach in person. Had her voice not been so youthful, her effortless command of the lesson would have led one to believe she was a seasoned instructor. Regardless of the rest of the Hua family, Zhi Er alone showed that the family’s legacy was in good hands.
Silently praising her in his heart, Zhu Haodong turned to the man he had brought. While one might say he did not resemble a scholar, he carried the distinct scent of ink unique to literati. Yet, if one were to call him a scholar, his overall demeanor did not quite fit the mold.
Still, his father had assured him of the man’s talent, and that was undoubtedly reliable. He only hoped this man did not hold to the outdated belief that "women without talent are virtuous." If so, he would likely struggle to fit into the Hua family. For now, at least, he showed no signs of disdain.
During the break, Hua Zhi stepped out of the classroom and paused briefly upon noticing the visitors. She then approached and greeted them courteously.
Zhu Haodong smiled as he introduced her. "This is Zheng Zhi, the scholar your grandfather mentioned previously."
"Young lady pays respects to Scholar Zheng." Hua Zhi curtsied gracefully.
Zheng Zhi looked at her, his eyes burning with intensity. "Have you studied the Four Books and Thirteen Classics?"
"I have dabbled in them slightly."
"What else have you read?"
"I’ve read some miscellaneous books and novels. The Hua family once possessed an extensive collection of texts, so I could always find something of interest."
"Ji Liang’s new book."
"I’ve read it, but I believe his older work is superior."
"Eighteen Strategies of Inquiry."
"I’ve read it. The twelfth strategy is useless."
"Essentials of Detailed Classics."
"I’ve read it. Aside from its excessive verbosity, it is quite commendable."
"Four Sages’ Miscellany."
"I’ve read it. I particularly admire the insights of the Four Sages."
"Wild Chronicles."
"I’ve read it. I deeply envy the author who experienced and witnessed those landscapes firsthand."
"…"
Mu Qing emerged, and all the children of the Hua family watched from a distance as their elder sister engaged in this scholarly duel with an outsider. They felt both proud and inadequate—their elder sister had read so many books, most of which they had never even heard of! Berlin, in particular, felt this keenly.
The Sixth Prince was among them. Only now did he understand why Berlin, without the guidance of many great scholars, possessed such extensive knowledge—it was because he had an elder sister who had read countless books.
His mother had once said that no book was useless; every work that survived through the ages had its merits. Perhaps those books were not as practical as the Four Books and Thirteen Classics, but reading widely and learning broadly naturally broadened one’s mind and perspective.
Among the people he knew, only Sister Hua had truly embodied what his mother had taught!
So, when Brother Yan Xi placed him in the Hua family, he must have hoped that he could learn from Sister Hua—to develop a broader perspective and an open mind.Initially, Zhu Haodong thought Zheng Zhi intended to make things difficult for Zhi Er and was about to intervene. However, seeing Zhi Er remain composed and effortlessly respond to every book Zheng mentioned, he relaxed. At the same time, he was inwardly astonished. With such extensive reading, she must have spent those years with a book never leaving her hand. Truly, no one is born knowing everything, nor does everyone possess Zhi Er’s courage and capability—because no one else has over a decade of accumulated knowledge as their foundation.
This intellectual duel concluded with Zheng Zhi voluntarily ending the conversation. The surroundings fell into complete silence, as if everyone was holding their breath. It seemed they had all forgotten that the break time had long passed.
Hua Zhi swallowed to moisten her dry throat. The sensation of her back drenched in sweat was uncomfortable, but she feigned indifference and turned to instruct, "Berlin, take over the class for me."
Hua Bolin responded hoarsely, the impact of what he had just witnessed weighing heavily on him.
Mu Qing cast a deep glance at the eldest young lady, then bowed slightly to Zheng Zhi before leading the children inside. He had always believed his knowledge was second to none, and had he not grown disillusioned, he would surely have secured a place in officialdom by now. But today, he realized he was merely a frog at the bottom of a well. Perhaps, in a few years when the Hua family’s situation improved, he should venture out into the world.
Once all the children had entered the classroom, Hua Zhi said, "Mr. Zheng, please, let’s speak elsewhere."
But Zheng Zhi shook his head. "I’d like to listen."
Hua Zhi understood what he wanted to hear, and having confidence in Berlin, she quietly stood by.
Having heard Berlin teach before, she could now discern the differences. Lowering her head slightly, her eyes filled with a smile. Her idea had been correct—as a teacher, Berlin had solidified his foundation. What he had learned, he now taught others with ease.
The group stood listening for an entire class period before Zheng Zhi, satisfied, finally walked out.
In the study, Hua Zhi began brewing tea.
Watching her skilled movements, Zhu Haodong sighed, "It’s a pity there’s no new tea to drink this year."
"There’s still a bit of tea left at home. If you’d like some, Uncle, I can pack it for you to take back."
Zhu Haodong shook his head. The Hua family’s small tea garden had been sealed, and whatever stock remained was likely in the old residence. How much could they have brought out? He couldn’t bring himself to take it. Still, it was truly a shame. Having grown accustomed to the Hua family’s light tea over the years, he found himself unaccustomed to the heavily brewed teas with various additives.
Pushing the tea toward the two men, Hua Zhi looked up. "Mr. Zheng, I assume you’ve heard about the Hua family’s current situation from Grandfather. If you have any reservations, please don’t feel obliged. I will speak with Grandfather."
Zheng Zhi sniffed the tea and took a small sip, steering the conversation away from serious matters. "I once drank a tea in the coastal regions that was somewhat different from this, yet similar. Both use these fine tea leaves, but theirs is brewed with sugar and longan. Comparatively, I prefer this one."
Her tea was truly well-received. Hua Zhi smiled as she refilled Zheng Zhi’s cup. If this were turned into a business, it could surely bring in substantial profits. She wondered when Mr. Lu would find the leisure to pursue this venture.After drinking another cup, Zheng Zhi finally said, "I didn't think much before coming. When Old Master Zhu asked me to come, I came. Having promised three years, I'll fulfill all three years. Instead, it's after arriving that I've thought more about it. Have you ever considered continuing your studies, Miss? Women cannot enter officialdom, cannot do this or that, but what you learn belongs to you. If you write books and establish theories that remain in this world, a hundred years later, this will be what you leave behind from your journey through this world. By then, who would care whether you're a man or a woman?"
Zhu Haodong's pupils constricted sharply.
Hua Zhi also showed surprise, feeling an increased fondness for Zheng Zhi in her heart—not because of his recognition of her, but because of his broad-mindedness. He didn't believe, like most men, that women didn't need to know too much.
PS: I like Zheng Zhi.
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