Xia Zheng had been busy with many things these past days. It seemed that when he said he wanted to take on the task of printing books, he wasn’t without preparation.
Lin Yuan secretly smiled; Ma Junying’s words had successfully stirred up her longing for someone. Counting the days, it was almost the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. That fellow should be returning soon, right?
As they spoke, Meng Liangdong had already moved the newly printed books over. Out of curiosity, Lin Yuan followed into the room and casually picked up a book to flip through. The first book printed was exactly "The Learning," which she remembered seeing Ma Junying helping to copy when she came over before New Year to talk with Old Mr. Cheng about acquiring the school.
"On the first day of school, are we to study this article?" Lin Yuan asked casually as she flipped through the pages.
Meng Liangdong was also looking at the new books. Speaking of which, he had contributed quite a bit to the printing of this book. Now, seeing the finished product was like looking at his own child, how could he not be happy?
"Yes, yes, although this article is short, its teachings are profound. It is very necessary for the children to understand the rationale behind learning before they start their studies," said Meng Liangdong. His years of study were not in vain. Although he hadn’t been able to demonstrate his abilities in the examination hall, teaching was something he found exceptionally effortless.
Lin Yuan deeply believed that Meng Liangdong was born to teach. Even though he might not have achieved remarkable success in the imperial examinations, cultivating a few top scholars was certainly within the realm of possibility.
Ma Junying greatly appreciated Meng Liangdong’s insights and knowledge. Ever since the two of them had been in contact regarding the printing of the books, he had already discussed many educational matters with him, "Mr. Meng is right. If in the future Junying encounters anything baffling, I hope Mr. Meng would not hesitate to instruct me and offer guidance."
Meng Liangdong truly felt overwhelmed by the Young Master of the Ma Manor’s deep bow. He rubbed his hands uneasily and hurriedly helped Ma Junying to stand up, "This, Ma, Young Master Ma, you flatter me. I, I am..."
Seeing his discomposure, Lin Yuan laughed and came to his rescue, "Young Master Ma, with your level of scholarship, you are among the best in the school. If you find yourself free in the future, don’t forget to come to our school as before to teach and clear the children’s doubts."
"Certainly." If he could see Lin Yuan at the school, Ma Junying would prefer to be there every single day!
Ma Junying frowned slightly, "However, I’m afraid I won’t be able to come often in the future."
"Why? Does Young Master Ma have some sort of difficulty?"
Lin Yuan asked this out of concern for her friend, but to Ma Junying, it was a delight to hear, and he smiled, "It’s not that there are difficulties, it’s just that this year happens to be the imperial examinations, and I’ll be going to the capital to participate in them soon."
On the topic of examinations, Meng Liangdong’s expression dimmed a bit, possibly reminded of his own experiences with them.
Lin Yuan smiled, realizing it was the triennial imperial examination. No wonder Ma Junying seemed both nervous and anticipatory.
"Young Master Ma is so learned, you will undoubtedly ace the examinations and become the top scholar. I’ll be waiting for Young Master Ma to distinguish himself and return home in glory!"
Lin Yuan’s encouragement made Ma Junying feel even more confident; he was already overjoyed. If he weren’t so reserved by nature, perhaps he might have been so thrilled by his beloved’s encouragement that he would’ve jumped for joy, "Then I’ll take the lady’s auspicious words to heart. If in the future, Junying does top the list, I will certainly return to properly thank the lady."