Chapter 280: Huai Geer Leaves

Chapter 280: Huai Geer Leaves

Su Rouer also liked Zhao Meng very much and discussed with Yu Sanbao that after the New Year, Ju Geer would start school at the county academy. Since Ju Geer and Zhao Meng had such a good relationship, it would be better to send Zhao Meng along as well, so he could accompany Ju Geer, the mischievous monkey, in his studies, and they could keep each other company.

The tuition fee was no big deal for the Yujia family, but it might be a heavy burden for Pan Shi. Therefore, it was suggested that Yujia could cover Zhao Meng's tuition fee.

Yu Sanbao naturally had no objections.

Wei Pozi also had no objections.

Pan Shi was very excited. She knew that the best way for Zhao Meng to have a good future was to go to school. However, the tuition fee at the county academy was not something her family could afford. Now that Yujia was willing to pay for Zhao Meng's tuition, Pan Shi did not want to take it for free and proposed to work for Yujia to help out.

Wei Pozi, knowing Pan Shi's character, decided to let Pan Shi live in the backyard of Yujia's shop. This way, Pan Shi, being meticulous, patient, and upright, could help take care of Yujia's boys, including her own Zhao Meng. Additionally, Pan Shi working for Yujia would allow part of her wages to offset the tuition fee, and the rest could be saved for her and Zhao Meng's daily expenses.

This arrangement was beneficial for everyone involved.

Pan Shi was so moved that she wanted to kneel before Wei Pozi, but Wei Pozi quickly pulled her up.

Thus, the matter was settled.

When Ju Geer heard that Zhao Meng would be going to school with him, he wasn't too resistant. He just lamented that he wouldn't be able to run around the village and play as much, feeling a bit melancholy for a while.

Soon, it was the New Year.

This was the first New Year's Eve after Yujia moved into their big house, and they attached great importance to it. Early in the morning on New Year's Eve, Li Chunhua and Bai Xiaofeng, along with the curious Zhao Meng, began preparing the New Year's feast. Although they were in charge, they didn't have to do much heavy work, as the maids handled most of the tasks.

Wei Pozi sent someone to invite Grandfather Liu, Daxisipo, and even the old Taoist priest and Wei Shiyan from the nameless temple on the mountain.

Grandfather Liu and Daxisipo came, but the old Taoist priest and Wei Shiyan respectfully declined, saying that due to their previous vows of ascetic practice, Wei Shiyan generally couldn't come down the mountain, and the old Taoist priest naturally wouldn't leave Wei Shiyan alone to come to Yujia for the New Year's Eve dinner.

Yu Yonghuai hesitated for a moment, initially planning to stay with his master and junior brother on the mountain for the New Year, but the old Taoist priest mercilessly sent him down the mountain.

The whole family gathered together happily and safely, celebrating a lively New Year's Eve dinner.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Grandfather Liu gestured, and Old Mao brought in a very heavy box.

The box contained lucky money for all the members of the Yujia family.

Starting with Yu Yonghuai and down to the youngest Bang Geer, each of Yujia's younger generation received a small gold carp from Grandfather Liu as lucky money, symbolizing the carp leaping over the dragon gate.

As for Xingxing, Grandfather Liu showed clear favoritism, giving her a set of red agate jewelry suitable for a young girl to wear. Grandfather Liu said, "Our Xingxing is a beautiful little girl, so she should be dressed up nicely."

After giving gifts to the younger generation, Grandfather Liu wasn't finished yet. He started giving lucky money to Yu Daniu and his peers.

Yu Daniu and his peers were taken aback.

Grandfather Liu said seriously, "You are of the same generation as Zhao Meng. Zhao Meng is my granddaughter, so you are naturally my juniors... Not taking it? Not taking it means you look down on me!"

Who would dare to look down on a Grand Scholar!

Yu Daniu and the others hastily said they didn't dare, then glanced at Wei Pozi and Yu Laotou. Seeing them both smiling and nodding, they finally accepted the money.

Daxisipo, who had previously treated Grandfather Liu and later maintained his health due to her connection with the Yujia family, was very familiar with him.

Daxisipo couldn't help but scoff, "They say scholars are cunning, and I see it's true! I only prepared lucky money for the younger generation, and now you make me seem less thoughtful than you!"

Grandfather Liu laughed heartily, feeling quite proud.

Outside, the cold wind howled, and snow fell heavily.

Inside, the charcoal brazier burned brightly, warming the wine and filling the air with the aroma of food, laughter, and joy—a scene of happiness and harmony.

Xingxing's little face was rosy from the warmth of the room. She held the fruit drink that Li Chunhua had specially made for the children, her eyes sparkling as she quietly hoped that their family could always be this happy, harmonious, and blessed.

However, after the New Year, in April, a major event unfolded.

The Western Di tribes repeatedly invaded the border, plunging the people into misery.

The court had initially sent envoys to negotiate peace, but the Western Di beheaded the envoys and hung their heads on the front lines, pushing the court to its limits.

The emperor was furious and ordered the border generals to defend the territory at all costs, vowing to fight the Western Di to the bitter end.

However, at this critical moment, news spread that the Jin family, who were guarding the border, had betrayed their post. With the border generals left leaderless, the Western Di advanced unimpeded, capturing three border cities in a row and committing brutal massacres in those cities!

When the news reached the people, they were filled with outrage. Even in the remote Mapo County, talk of the border war was on everyone's lips.

On this day, Yu Sanbao was discussing with Wei Pozi about how the county's chamber of commerce had organized a relief effort in response to the Western Di's invasion, and that their Yujia business should also contribute.

Wei Pozi thought it was a fitting idea.

As they were discussing the details, a maid suddenly came to report that an old Taoist priest, claiming to be the Young Master's teacher, was at the door and had something important to say.

Wei Pozi quickly stood up and went out to greet him personally.

She wondered to herself, why had Taoist Master Qin arrived?

As soon as they met, Wei Pozi noticed that the old Taoist priest looked distressed, and her heart sank: "Taoist Master Qin, has something happened?..."

The old Taoist priest took a deep breath and produced a letter from his robe.

He said gravely, "...Huai Geer left a letter saying he had gone to the border."

Wei Pozi staggered, gasping for air, and nearly fell.

The news that Huai Geer had left for the border sent shockwaves through Yujia.

Li Chunhua was distraught, crying and trying to run out, saying she would go find Huai Geer.

Yu Daniu grabbed Li Chunhua and said gruffly, holding her back, "Didn't you hear what Taoist Master Qin said? Yesterday, Huai Geer said he was going home and left the temple. But today, when Taoist Master Qin noticed he hadn't returned, he found the letter Huai Geer left behind—he's already been gone for at least two days and a night! How are we supposed to find him?"

Li Chunhua cried in despair, "We have to try! He's just a child! If he goes to the border, those savages will kill him!"

Yu Daniu's face also turned pale, but he held onto Li Chunhua: "...If he wants to join the army, let him go! Other men can go to defend the country, why can't he?"