Blossom in Adversity

C45. Dismantling.

Chapter 45: Dismantling

The old madam seemed to understand what he was thinking and slowly said, "Zhi'er has received teachings from the old master since she was young, and her knowledge is passable. If you feel she lacks something, you can always have her step down later."

Mr. Mu refocused his thoughts and replied, "This is a matter concerning the Hua family, and the teachings are for the Hua family's descendants. I have no right to intervene. Whatever the Hua family deems good is good."

This attitude exceeded Hua Zhi's expectations. She had thought that Mr. Mu would at least raise some doubts, but she did not expect him to be so broad-minded.

Hua Zhi gave a slight nod of gratitude, "The Hua family's descendants will benefit greatly from learning under Mr. Mu's guidance."

"Such praise from the eldest Miss is too much. I am unworthy."

After a few more words of gratitude, the old madam led the remaining people back to the backyard. After seeing her grandmother off, Hua Zhi turned to Hua Bailin and said, "Bai Lin, you lead everyone there first."

"Yes, eldest sister."

Watching the children of all sizes walk away, Hua Zhi looked at Mr. Mu, not knowing when he had stepped back two steps, creating a distance between them.

"Mr. Mu, I would like to discuss the division of classes for the younger brothers with you."

Mr. Mu nodded in understanding, "How does the young lady want to divide?"

"The previous method of division won't work, so I suggest conducting an assessment. Regardless of age or knowledge level, students of similar progress will be placed in one class. How does that sound to you?"

"Good idea, young lady." Mr. Mu immediately saw the merit in the suggestion.

Children who entered school at six years old could not possibly keep up with those who were nine or ten years old, and teaching them together would only hold back the older children. It was better to separate them into two classes.

Having received a different education in the previous life, Hua Zhi smiled, "We'll decide on the teaching arrangements after the results are out."

"As the young lady wishes."

On the same day, they created a set of questions covering everything they had studied, including the Four Books and the Thirteen Classics. Mr. Mu had never seen such a mixed assessment method before but found it quite interesting.

He began to understand a bit more about being a teacher under the supervision of the Hua young lady. It also gave him some idea about the matter of a grown woman becoming a teacher.

When the results came out, there were fifteen students in the large class led by Hua Bailin and nine students in the small class.

After dismissing the children, they divided the teaching tasks. The children from the Hua family had already familiarized themselves with the Hundred Family Surnames, Three Character Classic, Thousand Character Classic, and other texts at the age of four. When they entered school at six, they began studying the Analects. The Hua family had a strong tradition of literature, and their foundation was well laid.

Mr. Mu was a scholar who had passed the imperial exam and gained fame. He had come to the capital to take the exam, but things hadn't gone as planned. If it weren't for Old Master Hua saving him, he might not have survived. Though he didn't continue taking the exams, his abilities were genuine.

Hua Zhi assigned him the more advanced subjects, while she took the simpler ones focusing on personal development, which she valued more.

Mr. Mu had no objections, and he had thought he would have to handle everything on his own.