The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 27: Twenty-Seven Treasures ✨

On a stifling summer morning, a carriage sped along, the misty sky quickly obscuring much of the scenery. Soon, the figures of Li Sanlang and his companions became mere dots, fading from view, as the city gate of Jiangling, with its large characters, disappeared from sight.

The carriage jostled its way onto the official road. As they passed through fields, a group of people emerged, blocking their path. Xu Zhen leaned out to see the farmers she had met during her lessons. Several of them, wearing straw hats, knelt on the ground, thanking her for exposing a corrupt county magistrate. They bid her farewell from afar, and she waved back. Children ran out as well, along with others she had helped in the past, calling out "Teacher Xu."

It struck Xu Zhen just how many people she had come to know in Jiangling. She leaned out of the back window, bidding them goodbye until the scene blurred and vanished from view. Only then did she turn back, sitting quietly in her seat.

Inside the carriage, an elderly woman brewed tea. Seeing Xu Zhen settle back, she smiled. "Teacher Xu, you have quite a reputation in Jiangling."

Xu Zhen quickly replied, "Oh, I'm just a teacher, and not a very good one at that."

The elderly woman shook her head. "To have so many students come to see you off is something not every teacher can achieve."

She shared stories of her own experiences with teachers. Most taught strictly by the book, expecting students to ask questions. The more renowned the teacher, the less they spoke, following Confucius's example of encouraging independent thought.

However, this method had its downsides. If students didn't ask questions, teaching couldn't progress. Only a select few gifted students benefited, while most disliked such teachers.

The carriage was filled with the fragrance of tea. Bamboo mats covered the wooden floor, and a small square table sat in the middle, surrounded by round bamboo cushions. A wild cursive calligraphy piece hung on the wall, swaying gently with the carriage's motion.

As the carriage raced across the open fields, the elderly woman served tea, finding it stifling inside. She lifted the bamboo curtain and sat outside to catch the breeze.

Inside, Xu Zhen and Xun Qianchun were left alone.

Xu Zhen had been sitting for so long that her back ached. Seeing the elderly woman leave, she stretched out on the floor without restraint.

Outside, the woman and the driver seemed to be chatting, but Xu Zhen couldn't hear them.

Inside, it was almost too quiet.

Unable to bear it, Xu Zhen shifted over to chat with the little beggar.

"Have you ever been to Chang'an?"

After asking, Xu Zhen wondered if she had touched on a sore subject, given Xun Qianchun's family's fate.

But Xun Qianchun answered, "Yes."

Xu Zhen was surprised.

She sat up, propping herself on her hand. "How long does it take to get from Jiangling to Chang'an?"

"If you hurry, a day is enough," Xun Qianchun replied.

Curious, Xu Zhen cautiously probed, "Did you use to live in Chang'an?"