Everything was for himself.
That’s what Shitou thought.
That morning, Xie Zhinuan had asked about the children’s condition and how the women were feeling after taking their medicine before she got into the carriage driven by Duobao and headed to the Chu Residence.
Chu Yunping’s condition had greatly improved; he could walk on his own when supported.
It was rare for him to make it all the way to the front gate.
Seeing Xie Zhinuan’s carriage pull up, Chu Yunping smiled slightly, "You’re here!"
Xie Zhinuan returned the smile, "You look well. You’ve managed to walk to the front gate. You’re recovering nicely!"
She rarely teased him like this.
Chu Yunping also laughed, warm and dignified.
He invited Xie Zhinuan to sit in the hall.
After washing her hands and taking his pulse, Xie Zhinuan affirmed, "Hmm, indeed you are getting better. You should continue taking medicine, but we’ll need to change the herbs slightly. Don’t worry too much about your diet, eat what you want, but remember, spicy food and alcohol are still off-limits!"
Chu Yunping’s eyes were gentle and smiling.
He watched the girl who spoke while writing a prescription.
Slowly, he averted his gaze.
A beautiful girl always shines brightly and attracts attention.
If he were still young and rash, perhaps he might have entertained such a foolish dream, reaching for the stars, but after a marriage that invited ridicule, he felt that having such thoughts was an insult to a lady.
Xie Zhinuan finished writing the prescription and handed it to Wenlan, "Take this to get the medicine. Boil three cups of water down to one cup, and have your young master take it three times a day, after meals!"
"Yes!" Wenlan responded with a smile.
She was respectful and well-mannered.
Only then did Xie Zhinuan look at Chu Yunping, "By the way, where is your younger brother? Is he not at home?"
"Is something the matter?" Chu Yunping inquired.
"Well, it’s a bit of an issue, but since you’re also from Gaocheng County, it’s just as well to ask you!"
"Miss Xie, please ask away. I will spare no detail in my response," Chu Yunping promised.
Xie Zhinuan took a moment to gather her thoughts, then began, "Here’s the thing; I need to hire two tutors, ideally one in literature and one in martial arts. They must genuinely possess skills, as I have about a dozen children for whom I need to find capable instructors!"
"..."
Chu Yunping looked at Xie Zhinuan, "I heard that Miss Xie encountered bandits on a recent outing and afterward brought people into your estate. Are those children from the bandit stronghold?"
"Yes!"
Xie Zhinuan answered earnestly, leaving Chu Yunping somewhat surprised.
"Does Miss Xie understand that taking in these children can’t bring you any benefits? If you’re looking to cultivate useful people, it would be better to pick up little beggars on the street, or spend silver to purchase very young children who need nothing. These days, there are many families willing to sell their children!" Chu Yunping said softly.
Being recently recovered from a serious illness, his whole body was still somewhat weak, making even his voice sound faint.
"That doesn’t concern me!"
Chu Yunping looked at Xie Zhinuan for a good while before speaking again, "As for the martial master, I can recommend someone whose martial arts are exceptional. The disciples trained by him may not conquer the world, but if they study earnestly, they will surely not be too far off the mark. As for the scholar..."
"There is indeed such a person, but he is quite eccentric. Miss Xie might try inviting him. If he agrees, you might even cultivate a few talents fit to become top scholars!"
"Really that impressive?"
Xie Zhinuan became a bit excited.
If he is truly that remarkable, she must invite this person over.
Not just to teach a few children but also to educate Qin Mao and, in the future, teach Xie Yi.
The main thing was to prepare for Xie Yi.
When it came down to it, people were biased.
They always wanted the best things for those closest and dearest to them, with everyone else merely benefitting as an afterthought.