C12 The Teacher Lived in the Old Courtyard

"If the master says it's so, then it must be. Being favored by the master is a great fortune for this young master."

Upon hearing Zhang Yaozhi's praise of Ye Chuxue, Hsu San was taken aback.

He knew that his master seldom lavished such high praise on outsiders, which indicated that this three-year-old must be quite exceptional.

Having been around for a while, Hsu San had developed a keen eye. Now, as he looked at Ye Chuxue again, his face broke into a wide smile, treating the boy as if he were his own young master.

"By the way, Hsu San, we've got a lead on the master. Get ready; we're setting out immediately."

Zhang Yaozhi rose from the tea table and beckoned to Ye Chuxue with a smile.

"Zhixian, it's time to leave. We're off to Grandpa Jiang's house."

"Are we leaving now?"

Hearing Zhang Yaozhi's summons, Ye Chuxue turned back to the sweets on the tea table, his reluctance evident.

He had only sampled a slice of the Peach Blossom Cake, barely touching the rest. Even though Mr. Ye often indulged him, these treats were still a rare delight for Ye Chuxue. With so many sweets remaining, was he really going to leave them behind?

Cocking his head, Ye Chuxue cautiously addressed Zhang Yaozhi.

"Uncle, may I take these snacks with me? I'd like to bring them back for Mr. Ye."

"Sure, it's no trouble at all. Zhixian, we'll head out first. Hsu San, have the server pack up the remaining snacks on the table, and make it quick."

Zhang Yaozhi was in high spirits looking at the youngster. The boy was well-mannered, understood the importance of filial piety, and was a rare talent not often found. He was determined to take Ye Chuxue under his wing. As for the man known as Mr. Ye, a meeting was inevitable.

He resolved to mentor the boy properly, to ensure such a promising seedling wouldn't wither away in this humble mountain village. After giving instructions to Hsu San, Zhang Yaozhi took Ye Chuxue by the hand and led him down from the tea house.

In the old residential area near the Tongshui River, Ye Chuxue led Zhang Yaozhi and the others through a labyrinth of narrow alleys. It wasn't until both men were completely disoriented that Ye Chuxue finally came to a halt.

"Uncle, we've arrived at Grandpa Jiang's house."

Standing before a quaint courtyard, Ye Chuxue pushed open the weathered wooden gate and addressed Zhang Yaozhi.

The courtyard, with its green brick and tile, bore the marks of at least a century's worth of the elements. Though modest in size, it housed three stone cottages. The garden spanned several acres, brimming with onions and carrots, while a few carp swam in an earthenware tank—likely reserved for festive meals. A robust old locust tree stood near the house, under which a plump hen was foraging in the dirt with her chicks.

Zhang Yaozhi shuddered as he took in the scene; it was hard for him to imagine his teacher living in such a rustic setting.

Suddenly, a large yellow dog burst from the yard, seemingly alerted by the presence of strangers, and charged toward Zhang Yaozhi and Hsu San, barking loudly.

"Big Yellow, stop barking! Uncle and the others have come to see Grandpa Jiang," Ye Chuxue reprimanded, giving the dog a firm pat on the rear. Recognizing the familiar boy, the once-intimidating dog began to wag its tail. But remembering the recent slap, it whimpered pitifully and slunk away with its tail tucked.

"Uncle, please come in," Ye Chuxue beckoned to the two men who remained just outside the entrance.

Zhang Yaozhi, looking uncertain, furrowed his brow. "Zhixian, are you sure it's okay for us to just walk in like this? Isn't it rude to enter without the homeowner's permission?"

"It's fine, Grandpa Jiang is quite laid-back. He never bothers to open the door for Zhixian; he always leaves it unlocked for me to let myself in," Ye Chuxue assured, patting his chest with confidence.

"Grandpa Jiang, Grandpa Jiang, Zhixian has come to visit you."

Ye Chuxue sprinted down the road and pushed open the door to an aged house, heading straight for the inner room. Despite its age, the house was spotlessly clean and filled with the calming scent of sandalwood. The walls were lined with bookshelves, densely packed with books.

Inside, a white-haired old man dressed in a long gray robe paused from his writing as he heard Ye Chuxue's approach. He set down his brush and greeted him with a warm smile.

"Little fellow, don't you usually come to write with Grandfather Jiang in the afternoon? What brings you here so early today? You know, I don't provide meals here."

The old man lifted Ye Chuxue with ease, his strength belying his years, and without showing any sign of strain.

"Zhixian isn't here for food. Someone is looking for Grandfather, and I've brought them along."

"Oh? Who's looking for this old man? Is it someone else wanting to join the private school?"

As he set Ye Chuxue down, the old man's eyes met with Zhang Yaozhi, who had just stepped through the door.

Upon recognizing the old man, Zhang Yaozhi was momentarily taken aback. Then, he dropped to his knees and bowed deeply.

"Student Zhang Yaozhi pays his respects to Teacher Jiang Ning. I bow before you!"

Following suit, Hsu San stepped forward. Seeing his master kneel, he quickly followed, kneeling down and bowing to the venerable elder.

"I'm Hsu San, sir. I offer my respects to Mr. Jiang on behalf of my master."

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