Chapter 204: There's really nothing to be jealous about.
After several days of travel, Wang Sister-in-Law and her group finally arrived at Ningzhou City.
"Mother, we're here," Yun Yan reminded, looking at the tall city gates ahead.
Hearing this, Aunt Zhang and Wang Sister-in-Law poked their heads out from the back of the carriage, smiling as they saw this place that was even more prosperous than the provincial capital.
"We've finally arrived."
"Zhu'er, go ask for directions to find out where Ningzhou Academy is. We shouldn't keep Mr. Xu waiting."
They had already spent quite some time on the road, and it wouldn't be right to keep people waiting for too long.
"Yun Yan, Brother Wang."
Just as Aunt Zhang finished speaking, they heard a familiar voice.
Luo Ge had estimated the time and guessed that Wang Sister-in-Law's group should be arriving in the next couple of days, so he came to check at the city gates.
He didn't expect to be so lucky.
"Luo Ge!"
Hearing the commotion, Wang Sister-in-Law quickly turned her head to look. Recognizing the person walking towards them, she called out in delighted surprise.
Earlier, Luo Ge had approached from the side of Wang Sister-in-Law's group, only able to see Brother Wang and Yun Yan outside the carriage. Now that he was closer, he could see Wang Sister-in-Law and the others.
The two looked at each other and immediately burst into smiles.
Gu Jinchen was busy with matters at the escort agency, Yun Mu and the others were at the academy, and the children were all at the Luo Mansion. At this moment, Luo Ge had come with Qiu Niang and Gu Dong.
"Sister-in-law, Auntie, I figured you'd be arriving around these days, so I came to have a look. I didn't expect to be so fortunate," Luo Ge said with a smile, greeting the Wang family group.
"You must be tired from your long journey. Come, let's go back and rest first, and have a quick meal."
Hearing Luo Ge's words, Wang Sister-in-Law paused and looked at Aunt Zhang, then quickly waved her hands at Luo Ge.
"No need, no need. It's no trouble. We just ate not long ago, we're not hungry."
They had already been out for quite a while, and it would take a few more days to return home.
Today, they had planned to deliver the child, settle Tie Dan, and then head back.
They didn't want to trouble Luo Ge any further.
Hearing Wang Sister-in-Law's words, Luo Ge understood their concerns and took her hand.
"Sister-in-law, there's no need to be so formal with me. Luo Auntie, Xiu Niang, and the others are at home. We won't be short on time.
I've traveled this road before, so I know how tiring it can be.
Come on, consider it as letting me play host since you've come all this way. What do you say?"
Hearing Luo Ge's words, Wang Sister-in-Law bit her lip, still hesitant.
Seeing this, Luo Ge fell silent for a moment, then turned to look at Yun Yan, who was obediently waiting to the side.
"Or perhaps we can take the child to the academy first, and then gather later. You can't have come all this way just to leave without even having a meal, can you?
Besides, the child's master is there too. We can't be impolite, can we?
And it's getting late now. If you're in a rush to leave, you'll have to travel at night, which isn't safe.
Let's do this: we'll go to the academy first, and later we'll all return to the mansion to gather. By then, everyone will be there. How does that sound?"
Hearing Luo Ge put it this way, Wang Sister-in-Law and the others felt that it would indeed be somewhat improper to leave like that. It would truly be discourteous.
"Then we'll trouble you to take us there, Luo Ge," Wang Sister-in-Law said with a smile after considering.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all. It's all on the way," Luo Ge said with a smile. He instructed Gu Dong to go ahead to the academy to inform them, then led the way for the Wang family.
It was already afternoon. By the time they returned from the academy, it would be just in time for dinner. After the meal, they could rest for the night at the mansion.
Having come all this way, how could they let them rush in and out so hastily?
It took only about half an hour from the city gate to the academy. By the time they arrived, Elder Mr. Xu was already waiting at the academy entrance with Yun Mu and the others.
"Master, Big Treasure, Second Treasure!" Climbing the steps and seeing his friends from afar, Yun Yan excitedly ran over.
The little ones immediately huddled together, jumping up and down with joy.
"Elder Sir," Wang Sister-in-Law and the others also greeted Elder Mr. Xu.
This time, Old Master Bai hadn't come with Elder Mr. Xu, but was waiting early in the Examination Hall.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries with the Wang family, they proceeded with the normal routine.
However, when Elder Mr. Xu led Yun Yan into the Examination Hall, he couldn't help but snort at Old Master Bai.
"The papers from the middle courtyard, from another volume of the same period. Lest you accuse my other two good disciples of leaking questions in advance."
Old Master Bai: "...Alright."
Hearing Old Master Bai's slightly gritted teeth, Yun Yan looked up at his master in confusion.
When facing his good disciple, Elder Mr. Xu instantly reverted to a kind and gentle smile, reaching out to pat the disciple's head.
"Don't be nervous, just do as normal."
"Okay."
At this time, Wang Sister-in-Law, Aunt Zhang, Brother Wang, and the others were also waiting outside the Examination Hall, looking somewhat nervous.
"It's alright. It was the same when Yun Mu and the others entered the academy. Yun Yan is a very clever child, you can rest assured."
"Mm." Hearing Luo Ge say this, the Wang family nodded.
As they had expected, Yun Yan's examination went smoothly, and he came out before long.
Behind him followed Elder Mr. Xu, beaming with pride and satisfaction, and Old Master Bai, unable to hide his jealousy.
"So jealous, eh? Too bad, you don't have this fortune."
His fists clenched, holding back again and again, Old Master Bai still couldn't resist giving him a white-eyed look before turning to leave.
But thinking about it again, he felt a bit better.
There's really nothing to be jealous about. After all, aren't they all children of his Ningzhou Academy in the end?
He's the principal, so by extension, aren't these children his students too?
And extending that logic a bit further, isn't he also their master?
Right! There's really nothing to be jealous about.
They were naturally unaware of Old Master Bai's self-consolation on their side.
"The child can start studying at the academy tomorrow. I'll take you to get him settled," Elder Mr. Xu said with a smile, looking at the Wang family.
"Alright."
Elder Mr. Xu had arranged for Yun Yan to stay in his own courtyard. After all, his little grandson had already been taken away by his father, and he was just a lonely old man now.
Having a few little disciples to keep him company every day wasn't bad at all.
The Wang family had already prepared everything needed for the child long ago.
The accommodations prepared by Elder Mr. Xu were quite suitable, and they only needed to set up some commonly used items to make it livable.
"It's rare for all of us to be together today. Why don't we have dinner at the mansion tonight? It'll be a good opportunity for everyone to gather and enjoy a few drinks," suggested Luo Ge.
Hearing these words, Elder Mr. Xu's eyes lit up.
"Excellent," he agreed.
He had been longing for Luo Ge's cooking skills for quite some time and naturally couldn't miss this chance.
Seeing this, the Wang family members naturally didn't refuse either.
At present, while at the academy, the three of them – master and disciples – had no other plans.
They could set off immediately.
