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Xu Songnian had packed all the sheep’s milk squeezed from home into a terracotta jar, ready to head out the door, “Mom, my sister and I are off to Third Auntie’s.”

Li Qingyin darted out of the kitchen, her voice laced with a blend of admonition and warmth, “When you get to your aunt’s place, I want you both to be on your best behavior. Whatever your eldest cousin-in-law asks of you, do it. Absorb everything like sponges, got it?”

Xu Songnian, with a hint of playful exasperation, replied, “Mom, you give us this speech every single time. We’ve got it memorized forwards and backwards.”

Li Qingyin’s laughter filled the air, “That’s my kids. Alright, off you go. Don’t be late.”

Xu Songnian smiled and said, “Yes, Mother.”

As they made their way through the courtyard, Xu Songnian gave Xiao Ye, the family wolf, a gentle pat on the head, “You’re on guard duty, buddy. If any bad guys come knocking, you knowwhat to do, right?”

Xiao Ye let out a low, affirming howl.

“Good boy. We’ll bring you back a treat tonight.” With the jar in hand and his sister by his side, Xu Songnian stepped out into the world.

In the Chu Village.

Xu Songnian’s first task upon arrival at the Chu residence was to pour the sheep’s milk from the jar into a basin for four little wolf cubs to feast on.

These cubs were even tinier than the ones Chu Qingzhi had found before, barely a month old, with eyes barely open.

Thanks to Xu Songnian’s knack for nurturing wolf cubs, Chu Qingzhi entrusted their care to him as well.

The cubs lapped up the milk with gusto, their tongues flicking back and forth, leaving their faces smeared with milk.

Amid this serene and joyful scene, a commotion suddenly erupted. Xu Songnian turned around to see…

A swarm of relatives, each leading one or two children around the age of ten, making their way into the courtyard.

Chu Rong’s cousin, Yang Hongming, called out, “Chu Rong, Chu Rong…”

Having just finished breakfast and gearing up for a day’s work, the Chu family was startled by the clamor. Chu Rong hurried out, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of so many relatives, “Please, come inside. We can talk over there.”

Over twenty relatives with their children in tow, some of whom had lost touch over the years, had now shown up.

Encouraged by Chu Rong’s welcoming demeanor, they all filed into the spacious living room with hopeful smiles.

Yang Hongming, playing the role of spokesman with a hint of flattery, ventured, “Chu Rong, your family’s business has grown so much, you must be in need of extra hands, right?”

They had heard a lot about Chu Rong’s family and were envious and jealous. They also heard that Shen Ruyue was helping Xu Songnian and Xu Wenlin. Thinking that their children were about the same age as them and might be accepted, they brought their children over.

Initially, they had hoped to work in the family’s workshop, but after a preliminary inquiry met with rejection, they had backed off.

Chu Rong was not surprised. “Actually, we’re not looking for more help right now. Where did you hear that we were?”

Chu Qingzhi, standing at the doorway, mentally applauded Chu Rong’s directness. Better to be straightforward than beat around the bush, leaving the others at a loss for words.

From the reactions of the relatives, it was obvious that after hearing Chu Rong’s words, they were not pleased.

After a moment of silence, Yang Hongming spoke up again, “Chu Rong, I was just jesting earlier. Our real hope is that, considering our familial ties, Ruyue could also take our children under her wing. We adults can handle the hardships, but the kids have their whole futures ahead of them. A little guidance from Ruyue could open up opportunities for them in the county town, either working as shop assistants or helping out your family. It could be a win-win, don’t you think?”

“Between strangers and kin, who’s more reliable? If the kids are groomed well, they’ll end up contributing to your family eventually.”

“Ruyue’s already mentoring Songnian and Wenlin; a few more wouldn’t make a difference, right?”

The relatives bombarded Chu Rong with persuasions, their voices melding into a buzzing cacophony that threatened to split his head open. “Stop!” he shouted, and the room fell into sudden silence.

At that moment, from the back of the crowd, a little girl around ten years old ran forward and knelt before Chu Rong, her forehead touching the ground in a deep bow, pleading, “Uncle, please, I beg you to agree. I will study hard, please…”

Her clothes, though not ragged, were patched up much like Chu Lan’s, her body frail and small, making her appear younger than her ten years. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, evoking a deep sense of pity.

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze lingered on the little girl, noticing the bruises on her small arms, not just one, but several, as if inflicted by a switch. Was this child being abused?

“Father,” Chu Qingzhi suddenly spoke, “Let’s do this. We’ll take in all the children and nurture them carefully. However, after three months, we’ll hold an exam. Only those who score ninety or above can stay. During this period, any child who misbehaves or fails to comply with rules will be sent home immediately, no appeals, one chance only.”

Chu Rong made the decision. “Alright, let’s do as Qingzhi says. If no one agrees, you can leave with the child now.”

His words effectively silenced everyone.

Yang Hongming, with a sycophantic smile, said, “Let’s all listen to our cousin. If anyone disagrees, you can leave now.”

After this, no one else dared to object.

Chu Qingzhi, with a firm tone, instructed, “Everyone, please sign up and then prepare your children. Be at our home by 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow for class. If you’re late, don’t bother coming.”

Yang Hongming inquired, “Do we need to bring anything?”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “No need to bring anything. Lunch will be provided at our house, and school ends at 6 p.m. Classes run six days a week with one day off, rain or shine.”

The idea was simple. If even one of these children turned out to be a talent, the investment would pay for itself. If not, consider it money spent for a bit of peace and quiet. The resolution was necessary either way.

The promise of a free lunch lit up everyone’s eyes, especially the children’s, who swallowed hard, their gazes filled with longing.

Shen Ruyue brought over paper and pen, “Come, line up to register.”

“Go on, go on…” The parents gently pushed their children forward, urging them.

The children, usually boisterous, now queued timidly, their eyes darting around nervously.

With twenty-eight children, it was the perfect number for a small class. After registration, the relatives led their children home, somewhat disappointed but satisfied their objective was achieved.

“I’ll go look for a schoolhouse and furniture,” Chu Qingzhi said, heading out.

Wu Yaqing followed, “Qingzhi, let’s go together.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Ok.”

After some searching, they arrived at the village’s ancestral hall, “This place is spacious. Renting it for three months should be agreeable to the village chief, right?”

Wu Yaqing, with a boldness born of wealth, declared, “If he disagrees, we’ll persuade him with money. There’s nothing that money can’t solve in my experience.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t knowwhat to say.

Indeed, a very sound argument!