"Starting tomorrow, you’ll be responsible for teaching the three little ones and Yang Dong how to read," Xiaoxiao said to Li Fugui. Since they had decided to stay in this family, they had to contribute. Otherwise, who would support him for nothing?
Yang Dong, feeling aggrieved upon hearing this arrangement, asked, "Third sister-in-law, I have to learn from him?" He could tolerate living under the same roof, but if the man became a teacher, wouldn’t he have to defer to him at every turn? He felt like his status would be lowered. After all, being a teacher was a distinguished role.
"What? A free teacher, if you don’t use it, you waste it. Do you really want to go to town and give your silver to someone else?"
"Then I’ll learn from him," Yang Dong quickly agreed at the mention of silver. If they all went to town to study, that would cost so much silver. Third sister-in-law was right; free things should not be wasted, especially when he was eating their food.
Li Fugui was bewildered. He had just agreed to stay here when Yang Ming’s wife assigned him work, and it was to look after children no less! He’d never interacted with kids before. Thinking of the ruffians he had taught over the years, he truly lacked confidence. He felt apprehensive.
Seeing Li Fugui’s expression, Xiaoxiao wondered if he was dissatisfied with her arrangement. "What, you got a problem with that?"
"No." Now, Li Fugui was afraid just hearing the tone of Yang Ming’s wife. She was too fierce; how could he dare to object? Sure enough.
"Even if you have an objection, it’s useless. No opposition will be accepted. Besides teaching them, you’ll have to teach the others in the house too, but the main focus is still on the three little ones and Yang Dong."
"Understood," Li Fugui nodded in acknowledgement.
Although Xiaoxiao appeared nonchalant, she was inwardly thrilled. She had been worrying about the children’s education, and now that problem was solved without having to pay any silver!
Anyway, Li Fugui had recovered from his sickness, and he used to be the Eldest Young Master. But this place was the countryside, and apart from a bit of literacy, it was doubtful he could be of much other help. She had found him a job, and he should be quietly pleased about it.
Turning to her parents-in-law with a softer tone, Xiaoxiao spoke,"Dad, Mom, please don’t worry. It’s better now than before. We didn’t have any news in the past, but now we know Xiaotian is Yang Xia. It’s only a matter of time before we find him."
Even if searching was hard, she had to reassure her family. They could only take one step at a time with the search; she had to discuss it with Yang Ming.
"Hmm," Old Yang knew full well that finding people was difficult, but he still responded. He knew his third daughter-in-law was comforting them.
The family talked for a long time, mainly because everyone was so eager to know about Xiaotian’s past. Li Fugui stayed behind and told them a great deal.
When talking about Xiaotian, Li Fugui was like a box of chatter opened wide. He spoke non-stop, remembering every little detail as clear as day. Whenever he brought up Xiaotian, his eyes seemed to speak, bright and shining.
Listening by the side, Xiaoxiao observed Li Fugui’s animated spirit when mentioning Xiaotian. This wasn’t simply fondness; it was clear deep affection.
After a long time, the family left the main house to start preparing dinner.
As they stepped out, Xiaoxiao pulled Li Fugui aside and whispered, "Don’t underestimate this job as a free teacher. It’s an opportunity for you to show your worth in front of your future father-in-law. Make good use of it."
After speaking, Xiaoxiao went to help her sister-in-law with dinner preparations.
"..." Li Fugui stood there in a daze, alone. An opportunity to show himself? So she was looking out for his best interests after all?