282 Difference in Values
Dean Lu stared at the Third Born in disagreement, “Young man, you should study like your father. Once you are successful in your imperial exams, you can become someone useful to the dynasty.”
After he finished speaking, dean Lu turned to look at Xie Yunjin and said, “Yunjin, you have to teach these four little ones well. You shouldn’t let them do whatever they want.”
After the four children listened to dean Lu’s words, they became a little unhappy, especially the Second, Third, and Fourth Born. However, they knew that it would be rude to refute the adults’ words in public, so they endured it.
In the end, however, the Fourth Born couldn’t help himself and said, “My mother said, as long as we become scholars in the future, we can what we want after. The Third Born wants to study medicine and I want to make money. I want to make a lot of money.”
Dean Lu was in even more disagreement now. He had problems with the Third Born becoming a doctor so he naturally didn’t like the idea of the Fourth Born becoming a businessman. Businessmen were not considered to be of high status.
Dean Lu said to Lu Jiao, “Lady Lu, I have to object with you here. These four little ones are extremely smart. If you educate them well, they might become reliable pillars of the country. You cannot just let them pursue whatever they want. That would destroy them.”
Lu Jiao listened to dean Lu’s harsh words. She wasn’t really angry since she knew he meant well.
Lu Jiao smiled, “Dean Lu, what do you think of my medical skills?”
Dean Lu didn’t know how to answer. Xie Yunjin chimed in, “My wife was the one who operated on my legs and healed me.”
Dean Lu looked at Xie Yunjin’s legs. He heard that it was Dr. Qi who performed surgery on Xie Yunjin’s legs. Given that Dr. Qi was here to be Lu Jiao’s apprentice, everything became clear. So it was Lu Jiao who operated on Xie Yunjin’s legs.
To cure someone who was bedridden proved how knowledgeable she was. She was also of a young age, which spoke volumes about her potential.
Dean Lu gave a firm answer, “Your medical skills are profound.”
Lu Jiao responded, “It’s because I am interested in medicine and worked hard to study, was I able to grow to become the doctor that I am today. Only when people are interested in the material, do they work hard to learn more. There are so many different skills in the world and academics isn’t the only path. No matter what occupation the children may choose, as long as they work hard, they will be able to stand out.
Regarding subjects that the children have no interest in, they may burn out if they studied for the sake of studying. Soon or later, they would lose their motivation and end up with no achievements. They may even hate their lives. Dean Lu, I’m sure you encounter plenty of students who are still trying to pass the exams despite being in their 30s or 40s. Do you think they are still passionate about their lives?”
Both dean Lu and professor Wang became mute. They’ve encountered so many people who spent their lives trying to pass the imperial exams. Some died with their eyes open. Passion? More like desperation.
Lu Jiao grinned and continued, “Of course, if they are interested, I would encourage them. Like my First Born, he loves to read and learn. It’s completely doable for him to go down the imperial examination path.”
The First Born looked towards dean Lu and said in a serious tone, “I love reading. I want to be a scholar as amazing as my father.”
Dean Lu patted the First Born’s head. Right now, he couldn’t find the strength to argue that studying was the only way in life.
Zhao Lingfeng didn’t want the atmosphere to be awkward so he poured some alcohol for dean Lu. He then asked him some questions about the school. After a few rounds of drinks, dean Lu’s energy heightened and he began to tell many fun stories about the school. The little disagreement from before was forgotten.
After lunch, Qi Lei walked Lu Jiao’s family, as well as the dean and professor to the horse carriages.
Lu Jiao reminded Qi Lei, “If there are areas that are confusing, you can come and ask me.”
“Okay, master.”
Lu Jiao then asked the coachman to head home.
On the way back, Xie Yunjin couldn’t help but apologize for dean Lu’s words, “The dean meant well. Please don’t blame him.”
Lu Jiao beamed, “It’s fine. I can identify right from wrong. The dean wants the best for the four little ones. I may not agree with his values, but I appreciate him sharing his thoughts.”
On that subject, Lu Jiao looked to Xie Yunjin, “About what I said… Those are merely my thoughts. You don’t have to take it seriously. If you have plans for the four little ones, you can raise them accordingly.”
If Xie Yunjin was determined to have the four little ones go through the imperial exams, he should. After all, they were his children and not hers.
Xie Yunjin forced a smile despite his cloudy eyes, “Lu Jiao, no matter what others say, I agree with what you said. There’s more than one path in life for men. No matter what the children choose, I’m sure the journey will be amazing. I think what you said back there was applaudable. I very much agree with you.”
Lu Jiao was ecstatic to hear that, “It’s wonderful that we agree about this even though we never talked about it. I just want them to be happy. I want them to live happily doing what they want to do. There’s no reason to force them down a path they despise.”
The four little ones’ eyes lit up upon hearing those words from Lu Jiao. Though they couldn’t fully understand what their mommy was saying, they understood that their mommy wanted the best for them. She wanted them to be happy. What a great mommy she was!
Lu Jiao’s words truly penetrated Xie Yunjin’s heart. He too, wanted the four little ones to live happily rather than taking the exams as if that was their only option.
“It’s good if they do what they want to do. If the entire family decides to take the imperial exams and we all pass, the higher-ups wouldn’t like that. It’s honestly better to have some variation amongst us.”
The family chatted as the horse carriage arrived back at their home.
The moment the family got out, however, uncle Wen came to report, “Master, Lady, your neighbor, officer Zhao, his wife, and their son came to visit. I told them you went to have lunch so they are waiting in the living room.”
Uncle Wen was a little afraid. Before, the master had ordered him to not let anyone in.
However, the man was officer Zhao. Uncle Wen figured that it would be beneficial for them to be on the good side of the officer. Therefore, he didn’t send officer Zhao’s family home. Was he wrong to do that?
Lu Jiao could sense his nervousness and soothed, “It’s okay. Uncle Wen, you did great.”
Uncle Wen smiled, “As long as you don’t blame me for all this.”
He then went back to guarding the home happily.
Lu Jiao turned to the four little ones, who were sleepy and confused, and ordered Feng Zhi, “Take them to their room for their nap.”
“Okay, ma’am.”
Feng Zhi took the children and headed to the backyard. Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin went to the living room.
There, officer Zhao, Lady Lu, and their son sat in the living room. When they saw Xie Yunjin and Lu Jiao approach, they stood up.
“Scholar Xie, Lady Lu, we came uninvited. I hope this doesn’t upset you.”
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