The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 61: Sixty-One Treasures ✨

Around Pingliang, there are rolling hills and a narrow, winding ice river, as thin as a thread. Xu Zhen couldn't simply head off to the Xianbei territory. The female official was about to give birth and couldn't work, leaving Xu Zhen as the only official in Pingliang.

Bundled in five or six thick coats, Xu Zhen sat quietly at the entrance, checking the population, as if she were wrapped up like a snug parcel. Occasionally, students would pass by to greet her, and Xu Zhen would respond nonchalantly.

After a while, Ge Xier came over to find Xu Zhen.

"Teacher," Ge Xier called out.

Xu Zhen had to respond warmly. She patted the low stool beside her and invited, "Come, sit here."

Once seated, Ge Xier said loudly, "Congratulations, teacher! You've become famous after just one encounter. Everywhere I go, like teahouses and inns, people are talking about your reputation."

Xu Zhen was surprised and asked, "Is it really that exaggerated?"

Ge Xier laughed and said, "You probably don't know, but there were many scholars at the Flower Tower that day. Although scholars tend to belittle each other, your debating skills and ability to impress everyone were remarkable and were noted by the tower's owner, leading to the spread of your fame."

Curious, Xu Zhen asked, "How are they talking about me?"

Ge Xier then recounted the storyteller's version to Xu Zhen, which included nearly everything that had happened at the Flower Tower.

Thinking about the scholars' perspectives, Xu Zhen smiled and modestly said, "Everyone is giving me too much credit. I just said a few words. If anyone truly deserves recognition, it's the soldiers who sacrificed for the country."

Ge Xier instinctively asked, "Xu Xiaochun?"

Xu Zhen nodded but then remembered that the little beggar's identity shouldn't be revealed, so she shook her head and said, "No, it's another sister of mine."

After speaking, she noticed the little beggar sitting alone on the steps of the city gate, casting a solitary silhouette. Xu Zhen hurried over, playfully jumped onto her back, and teased, "Why are you sitting here without a hat? Don't catch a cold!"

Xun Qianchun turned around and gently lifted Xu Zhen down.

Xu Zhen was so bundled up in layers that she resembled a round ball. Xun Qianchun reached out but couldn't feel Xu Zhen beneath all the clothing and said, "I've been waiting for you."

Xu Zhen sat down beside her and asked, "Why?"

Xun Qianchun replied, "I saw you chatting with the students."

Xu Zhen laughed heartily and said, "I'm done chatting. Let's go."

Feeling that the weather was pleasant and she was in a good mood, Xu Zhen decided to skip work and head home. She waved back at Ge Xier, saying, "Let's have tea and chat another day," and left with Xun Qianchun.

Even though it wasn't snowing, the wind cut through Ge Xier, chilling her to the bone. She watched as Xu Zhen and Xun Qianchun's figures disappeared down the alley from the east gate heading south. Once they were out of sight, she finally dared to let out a long sigh.

A student came running down the main road, hands extended, smiling politely, and asked Ge Xier, "Is Miss Xu here? I want to thank her."

Ge Xier replied, "She's gone home." The student nodded, bowed, and left.

After a moment, another stranger approached, inquiring if Xu Zhen, the local official, was available. Ge Xier patiently answered their questions.

After handling three or four similar inquiries, Ge Xier felt a tingling in her nose, and tears shimmered in her eyes. These people wanted to thank their teacher, and so did she. But no matter how hard she tried to stay close, the teacher already had someone by her side, leaving no room for others.