Chapter 241

She rolled over and over again.

"You do not sleep?"

It is reasonable to say that they would not rest so early, but today both of them have been busy all day, so they turned off the lights after recruiting children to go to the kang. However, there is a moon outside, and you can still see clearly in the room.

Zhao'er sat up halfway, and moved to Xue Tingxiang's side.

"Dog, tell me what you meant when you scolded that old killer just now?"

Zhao'er knows how to swear, and has sweared before, but she has never seen such a method of swearing, and Yang Zhong is so annoyed by the swearing, and Xue's family doesn't even know how to persuade him. From Zhao'er's point of view, isn't this the culmination of swearing, can you swear without uttering dirty words?

She wants to learn this method, it will come in handy sometime.

Xue Tingxiang turned over and gave her a backbone.

Zhao'er poked his shoulder with her finger: "What's wrong? Why are you angry again?"

He didn't move, and she moved closer.

The two of them were only separated by one person, and they wore thin clothes when they slept. Zhao'er leaned over, and even though Xue Tingshan had his back on his back, he could feel a wave of hot air rushing towards him, mixed with a wisp of faint fragrance.

There was a strange softness slightly attached to his shoulders, Xue Tingshan stiffened his back, and heard her say on top of his head: "Don't take that old killer's words to heart, it's not that I said uncle and aunt are too narrow-minded." It’s too much, to make such a fuss, do you really think that Grandpa will regret it? Even if the family doesn’t say anything, there are still so many people watching outside, so don’t worry, we’ll go to the school to make a decision.”

She was very close to him, and the heat of her words sprayed on the tips of his ears, making him shiver again and again. At the same time, a hot numbness rushed from the tips of his ears to his neck, causing waves of unconscious trembling.

His breathing was a little tight, and he couldn't help turning over.

Zhao'er was still talking, and she didn't expect that he would turn over suddenly, and his face just crashed into her arms.

Xue Tingxiang's brain went blank for a moment, and he subconsciously fell backwards. It is obvious that it is about to leave at the touch of a touch, but it clearly feels a suffocating softness, and there is something faintly raised.

He recalled some situations in the dream, and he only felt his nose was hot, as if something flowed out.

"Are you alright?" Zhao'er heard a thud, saw him motionless, thought that something was wrong with him being bumped, hurriedly leaned over to look at his face.

"Why are you panicking! Really. Come on, let me rub it for you."

He covered his nose with one hand and pushed her with the other: "I'm fine, it doesn't hurt." He quickly turned over and said falteringly: "It's getting late, go to sleep."

"You haven't told me what you mean by that!"

"It doesn't mean anything, just let him take a pee and take a picture of himself!"

"Ah?!" Zhao'er was stunned, and said after a while, "So that's what he meant, then you just let him take a pee and take a picture of yourself, and you said so much."

Seeing that he didn't answer himself, Zhao'er sat for a while and then lay down.

"Okay, go to bed now, I won't disturb you anymore."

*

Yang Zhong stayed at Xue's house for one night and left the next day.

Because it was rushing to the busy farming season, the Xue family resumed their usual work, and no one mentioned the previous incident, as if nothing happened that night.

Everything is so busy yet full of peace.

On this day, Xue Tingxiang and Zhao'er went to town early in the morning.

Different from the past, today Xue Tingxiang wore new clothes.

The clothes were brought out overnight by Zhao'er, because Boss Chen said that he would take Xue Tingxiang to Qingyuan Academy. This trip is very meaningful, so naturally it can't be as casual as before.

The gray-blue cotton gown was made by Zhao'er after imitating those school shirts in the town. Although the style is simple, it looks extraordinarily straight and docile after being washed with starch. Although Xue Tingxiang is thin and thin, his shoulders are flat and his back is straight. Wearing this student shirt, he has a particularly graceful temperament.

When they arrived at the place, Boss Chen took Xue Tingxiang out, while Zhao'er stayed at Dongliju.

The two of them went all the way to the east of the town, the more secluded they became as they went outside, and after walking for almost a cup of tea, they saw a building with white walls and black tiles standing at the end of their line of sight.

Seeing Xue Tingxiang's gaze resting on the building, Boss Chen said: "That is the Qinghe Academy." After a pause, he raised his hand and pointed to a building not far behind the Qinghe Academy: "That is the Qinghe Academy. Academy."

The two walked forward and passed Qinghe Academy, and saw that this academy was really extraordinary. The whole building exudes a magnificent temperament, the gate tower stands majestically, with a few golden characters "Qinghe Academy" written on the door plaque, and the two black-painted gates are closed tightly, with a look of repelling people thousands of miles away. momentum.

"It's too late for you to regret it now." Boss Chen said.

Following the sound of talking, the two of them crossed the Qinghe Academy, only to see the obviously much dilapidated small courtyard not far away.

The small courtyard is rigorous and simple, with clear water and white walls, and gray and black tiles. Even the door plaque is much smaller than that of the Qinghe Academy, with a few simple big-character books on it——

Qingyuan Academy.

Obviously, no matter where you look at it, it is not as good as the Qinghe Academy, but standing under the square door plaque and looking at the words on it, Xue Tingxiang felt a peaceful and peaceful atmosphere.

"Since the kid is here, I don't intend to regret it."

Boss Chen glanced at him appreciatively, and went to call the door.

Not long after, an elderly Zhaifu opened the door from the inside.

He seemed to know Boss Chen, and he led the two of them in without asking too much.

This school may not seem big, but it is actually small but well-equipped. It is the same as a general school. After passing the screen wall, there is a lecture hall on the central axis. There are two houses on the left and right sides. The temple on the left is built to worship the saint Confucius, and the house on the right is the place where the gentleman sits and rests and collects books.

After the lecture hall, there must be a shooting garden, a hall, a kitchen, etc. Xue Tingxiang knew the layout without looking. Because in his dream, he studied in Qinghe Academy for several years, but Qinghe Academy is much more spacious and grand than Qingyuan Academy.

Boss Chen led Xue Tingxiang to the right side of the house with ease, and when he reached a wing room, he straightened his clothes and sleeves, and then brought Xue Tingxiang in.

This wing room is furnished in a simple and elegant way, and there is a large painting on the central hall facing it, on which are written the words 'peace and distance'. Standing in front of the words was a thin middle-aged man, wearing a dark blue scribe shirt and a square scarf.

When he heard the movement, he turned around, and saw that he had long eyebrows, a thin face, and a few strands of beard. Judging from his appearance, he is a very serious and rigid person, but his eyes are calm and deep, obviously a person of great wisdom.

This person is Lin Miao, the owner of Qingyuan Academy.

"Brother Anqi, I'm here to bother you again." Boss Chen cupped his hands with a smile.

"The good brother of Mo."

Lin Miao smiled, obviously he had a good relationship with Boss Chen. After the two exchanged pleasantries, Boss Chen pointed to Xue Tingxiang and said, "This is the young man I told you about."

Lin Miao looked over.

Obviously Xue Tingxiang has extensive knowledge, and he has never seen any kind of person in that dream, even the Ninth Five-Year Master, he has seen several, but there is an inexplicable sense of awe.

"Boy Xue Tingxiang, I have met you." He clasped his hands together and bowed in salute.

Lin Miao nodded: "Since you're here, stay here. The school will open in ten days, so you can just come here when it's time."

"Mr. Xie."

Boss Chen glanced at Lin Miao, as if he wanted to say something, seeing this, Xue Tingxiang tactfully said that he was going out for a walk, so he avoided going out.

After Xue Tingxiang went out, Boss Chen said: "Brother An Qi, don't you believe in the eyes of a younger brother? I have observed these days, and this son has a calm mind, is diligent and hardworking, and is quite talented in reading. He only needs one A good teacher, if there is a good teacher to guide, I think the future will be limitless in the future."

The reason why Boss Chen said that was because Lin Miao's performance was too plain. He originally thought that Lin Miao loves calligraphy, and after reading Xue Tingxiang's calligraphy, and his lobbying, he should accept him as a student no matter what.

This student is different from the students in the academy, and can be regarded as a student entering the room. As the saying goes, a teacher for a day is a father for life. A young child has more than one teacher from the beginning of school until he passes the exam/fame.

When you start learning, you are called a teacher, that is, a teacher of enlightenment. The karma teacher is the teacher who teaches the karma, also known as the scripture teacher. Those who teach their work must pass on their scriptures, and those who pass on their scriptures must educate their people, so a teacher is extremely important to a student. There are also human teachers and seat teachers, which will not be mentioned here.

As for what Boss Chen said about "accepting students", the teacher is more like a combination of a professional teacher and a human teacher to students. He not only needs to teach them, but also teaches them the principles of life, which is different from treating ordinary students. The teacher has to cultivate it carefully, and it can be regarded as inheriting his mantle.

Of course, students have to pay relatively, and they must truly be teachers for one day and fathers for life. This kind of relationship is not father and son, but victory is father and son, which is very popular among scholars today. The intertwined relationship among scholars in Shilin was laid on this basis, and gradually developed into a towering tree.

Lin Miao laughed: "You really value him very much."

Boss Chen sneered: "If I didn't miss you, you would think that I have the time to meddle in your business. Don't forget the October competition, if Qingyuan Academy loses again this year..."

Boss Chen didn't say what he said next, but Lin Miao understood what it meant.

He sighed softly: "Everything is determined by God, if it is the case in reality, you can't force it."

Boss Chen repeatedly shook his head and stomped his feet and said, "Oh, I'm not talking about you. Your temperament is the most troublesome. You talk about the way of a gentleman with others, but others never follow you. Year after year They were all defeated by that villain, and now there are no good seedlings who are willing to come here to study, what should we do in the long run."

"Brother Mo Zhi, you don't understand."

"Yes, yes, I don't understand, I just know that if this continues, the reputation of the Qingyuan Academy will be lost in your hands."

After finishing speaking, both of them were silent.

Lin Miao looked tired, and Boss Chen seemed to know that he had made a slip of the tongue. He slowed down his tone, and said, "I can't do anything about you. Anyway, I brought him for you. I'm really optimistic about this child. As for the rest, you can figure it out yourself."

Lin Miao nodded: "Brother Mo Zhi, thank you in advance for my brother, but the matter of accepting apprentices will be discussed later. Don't worry, he has entered the Qingyuan Academy, and I will teach him carefully."

Boss Chen also understood where his heart knot was, and he didn't force it. The two chatted for a while, and Boss Chen said goodbye.

When Boss Chen came out of the wing, Xue Tingxiang had just returned.

He was taken by Zhaifu to wander around the school, and he could see that the school was a bit old, and the paint on many buildings was peeling off, but every flower, plant and tree could be seen to be elegant.

It's like a place to study, unlike the Qinghe Academy, where there is a smell of copper everywhere.

The two left hand in hand, Xue Tingxiang asked Boss Chen about Shu Xiu on the way.

After asking about it, I found out that the repairs at Qingyuan Academy are very cheap, apart from the usual six rites of apprenticeship, only one tael of silver is needed a year.

As for the usual etiquette of filial piety, it only depends on family background and intentions, and it doesn't matter whether you give it or not. In addition, regarding the dormitory study, you can choose to do the dormitory study or not, but you must come to the morning study every day. As for meals, you can choose to bring your own rice, or you can choose to pay a certain amount of money every month and have it supplied by the school, both of which are debatable.

It's not like the Qinghe Academy that requires students to live in dormitories, just to charge the expensive accommodation and meals.

According to Boss Chen, in the past, when the Qingyuan Academy had court subsidies, the annual tael of silver was not collected. It was only later that the subsidies were lost, and the gentlemen and handymen in the academy had to support their families before they were charged. Silver taels.

Boss Chen sighed in his tone, and Xue Tingxiang also sighed in his heart.

In his dream, 'Xue Tingxiang' had been studying in the Qinghe Academy for three years. If he had known about the existence of this Qingyuan Academy, Zhao'er would not have been so busy for his training. It would not be so desperate to give up, and he would not waste three years in Qinghe Academy.

Fortunately, the reality and the dream finally deviated, and the inexplicable Xue Tingxiang felt relieved.

It was the time of spring plowing, and everyone was busy plowing the fields at the moment, and there were hardly any people on the road in the village. Occasionally, a woman who is doing work in the yard sees the person walking on the road from a distance, and only after a few fixed eyes does she recognize who it is.

"Dog, where is this going?"

Xue Tingxiang looked at the woman who was talking to him, and said with a smile: "Auntie, I'll just walk around."

It was just a casual sentence, the woman didn't say anything more to him, she turned to get something in the room, the mother-in-law in the room asked her: "Third daughter-in-law, who were you talking to just now?"

"The dog from the second bedroom of Xue Lianxing's family. Hey, mother, it's strange to say that I didn't recognize him when he knocked on the door just now. I always feel like a different person."

Her mother-in-law didn't take it seriously: "What can you become, but you can't change your body, I remember that kid has been ill recently."

The daughter-in-law said: "I see, maybe I plan to go to the back mountain." There is a mountain behind Yuqing Village, where all the dead villagers in the village are buried, and the Xue family's ancestral grave is also there.

Hearing this, her mother-in-law sighed: "Don't even mention it, it's a pity for the second child of the Xing family. Both of them are gone. It's a pity to leave a baby."

This is just gossip between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and while they were talking, Xue Tingxiang had already brought Heizi into the back mountain.

*

Houshan is called Houshan, the mountain behind Yuqing Village.

This mountain has no name, and the mountain is not high, but it is extremely deep. Anyway, so far, no villager has been able to walk back and forth from this deep mountain and old forest, most of them are activities outside the mountain.

The Xue family's ancestral grave was built on a small hill not far from the village. This Xue family is not only Xue Tingxiang's family, but the ancestors of the entire Xue clan are buried here.

On such a big hill, the lineage of the patriarch is in the middle, and the branches of the various families spread out. The lineage of Mr. Xue is at a place near the foot of the southwest mountain.

Because the couple in the second room died young, and Xue Qingsong died in an accident, they were buried at the edge.

When Xue Tingxiang arrived at the place, he began to pull the grass around the grave mound casually.

There were not many weeds, they had just been cleared during the Chinese New Year, so he gathered the grass at random and placed it on the ground, taking advantage of the opportunity and sat down in front of the grave.

A piece of mountainous land, two small graves, in front of each of the graves stood a small bluestone stele, on which the names of the second family and the couple were crudely written.

This monument was originally recruited to find someone to make it and set it up.

Nowadays, there are three kinds of people who cannot erect monuments after they die, those who die suddenly, die young, and have no heirs. Xue Qingsong belongs to violent death.

Although everyone doesn't say it, people who feel that they died suddenly have resentment after death, which is not conducive to the feng shui of the ancestor's grave, so no monument is erected. I also want him to forget who he is, so as not to cause trouble if he is ignorant.

But at the same time, there is another saying that after death without a monument, you will be a lonely ghost, who cannot stand the incense of future generations.

At the beginning, the funeral of the second wife was arranged by the Xue family, and they acquiesced to follow the old customs. At that time, Xue Tingxiang was still young and didn't understand these things at all, but Zhao'er understood.

She talked to Xue's family about erecting a monument, but was blocked, and Xue's family took turns to persuade her. Later, Zhao'er didn't tell anyone about it, and took the money to ask someone to make these two simple monuments and put them in front of the grave.

It was too late when Xue's family found out, and they couldn't tear down the stele in front of the villagers.

The villagers were also surprised when they saw the stele, but after thinking about how the Xue family's second child died, they could understand it.

Therefore, Xue Qingshan also gained a good reputation. He would rather risk his family's feng shui to erect a monument for his brother.

With various thoughts spinning in his mind, Xue Tingxiang took out a piece of cloth from his arms and slowly wiped the tombstone.

The words on it were still written by him, and the strokes are immature, but after all, people can still tell what is written on it.

...

Today is the anniversary of Mr. Zheng's death. Zheng Hu brought his two sons to the grave to worship.

The country people are not so particular, they just prepared some steamed buns, wine and meat, and the father and son burned the paper money in front of the grave, so let's forget about it.

Zheng Hu had always had a deep relationship with his father, so he was inevitably depressed, so he let his two sons go back first, while he sat in front of the grave, smoking a pipe and talking to his father.

After talking for a while, he stood up and planned to go back.

There was still work waiting to be done in the field, and Zheng Hu didn't want to waste time, so he decided to take a shortcut. When he passed near Xue Lianxing's ancestral grave, he suddenly heard someone crying.

There are graves on the two nearby hills, one is of the surname Xue, and the other is of the surname Zheng. This kind of festive day is not like Zheng Hu's on the anniversary of the death of an elder in the family, but no one would come to this kind of place.

In particular, there may be a lot of dead people buried here, the trees are dense, and sometimes the sky and day are gloomy. Hearing this strange sound under such circumstances, Zheng Hu was so frightened that his hair stood on end and his legs went limp.

After all, he had lived for decades. He listened intently and calmly, and it took him a while to understand that it was a boy's voice.