232, Two Gentlemen (Part 2)
Yin Zhe could understand such reasoning, and Yin Suwen was very surprised.
Looking at her brother, it took her a while to say, “You’ve grown up!”
Originally burdened with immense pressure, she was unexpectedly relaxed by Yin Zhe’s words and seriously contemplated the initial purpose behind Xie Zhinuan’s purchase of her.
As Xie Zhinuan had said, from the beginning to the end, she had never asked Suwen for any form of payback; on the contrary, she had provided her and her brother with a place of refuge.
Even knowing that they could bring trouble, she had still unhesitatingly kept them.
And yet, she, Suwen, had been somewhat ungrateful.
Yin Zhe was somewhat shy.
But Yin Suwen earnestly said, “If you want to go to the manor, then go. Just one thing, take good care of yourself and study even harder when you get there!”
“Hmm!”
Perhaps having understood, Yin Suwen no longer hid away in her room, no longer held onto her status and dignity, and began overseeing the maids and older female servants in their work, ensuring they wouldn’t slack off or cut corners, even if she was not skilled in cooking.
Xie Zhinuan was unaware of Yin Suwen’s change, but she was happy to see it happen.
Not long after the notices to find two tutors were posted, many people came to see Xie Zhinuan.
Xie Zhinuan eventually chose two gentlemen without family burdens.
One was in his fifties, with no family left, leading a solitary, impoverished, and miserable life. As for his scholarship, Li Hengyi had helped to examine it. Li Hengyi praised the gentleman for not being born at the right time. The gentleman, overwhelmed with astonishment, had tears streaming down his face as if he had found a kindred spirit and promised to diligently teach his students and study hard, aiming to participate in the township examination in three years, unwilling to resign himself to being just a scholar for life.
Xie Zhinuan felt that he could start a family, with someone by his side who would care for him through thick and thin.
After some thought, she found Aunt Chen to be a good match, but brokering marriages was not Xie Zhinuan’s cup of tea, so she merely entertained the thought.
The martial artist was tall and robust, skilled in martial arts, having been the head of an escort agency in his youth. The only flaw was his lame leg. The agency could no longer accommodate him, and his wife and children, resenting his past philandering and neglect of the family, had abandoned him to his fate when he became bedridden from his injury.
His hair turned white overnight, his heart went cold, and in his despair, he learned that Xie Zhinuan was recruiting a martial arts instructor and decided to take the opportunity to earn a living.
The two tutors, one surnamed Tian, were called both Tian Xucai and Mr. Tian.
The martial artist was surnamed He, and some called him Lame He. Xie Zhinuan, having retained him, addressed him as Mr. He, granting him ample respect.
Both tutors were provided with a salary of fifty taels of silver a year, food and lodging included, two sets of clothes for each season, two pairs of shoes, and other necessary items as appropriate. The farmers from the manor also chipped in. Since she was providing the majority of the silver for hiring the tutors, it wouldn’t be fair to expect her to cover everything.
When sending the two tutors over, she also told them to examine the children once a month. If she had time, she would go personally; if not, she would send someone else.
This was to check how much the children had learned and also to ensure the tutors were strict enough and earnest in their teaching.
Both Mr. Tian and Mr. He readily agreed, feeling some pressure nonetheless.
Xie Zhinuan sent Shaoniu to take care of the stationery and books, hence she didn’t go herself.
However, when Thirteen came to deliver rice to the city with Old Zhu, a few children came along.
They looked very spirited and also somewhat cautious and well-mannered.
“Thank you for your great kindness, Master!” the children said as they knelt and kowtowed to Xie Zhinuan.
“…”
Xie Zhinuan was stunned, accepted their gesture, and helped them up with her hand, “Alright, there’s no need for such formality. The teachers have been there for a few days, what have you all learned?”
Chapter 233