The Lucky Farmgirl
Chapter 1108 - 187: Preaching

Chapter 1108: Chapter 187: Preaching

Mr. Zhuang looked at the two naive children and sighed, saying, "I know what you are thinking, you want County Duke Yu to stand up for me, but on what grounds?"

Bai Shan responded, "County Duke Yu seems like an upright person."

Manbao nodded, "An upright person should always seek justice for the victims when encountering injustice, right?"

"That’s true," Mr. Zhuang said, "If it were ten years earlier, or even just five, when County Duke Yu was younger and still in office, I would not let this opportunity pass. But now, he is of such an old age and has retired..."

"More than twenty years have passed, and I don’t have solid evidence to prove my innocence. You’ve both studied the laws; you should know that solving cases relies on evidence, not speculation," Mr. Zhuang continued, "Affection can vary in depth, but evidence does not. County Duke Yu won’t just trust me based on my word alone; investigating this matter is too difficult and complicated, and he is too old."

Mr. Zhuang sighed, implying that County Duke Yu might not get involved, and added, "I also don’t want to trouble County Duke Yu too much over this matter."

Mr. Zhuang smiled and said, "Although reputation is important, it has long become fleeting like clouds to me, and you must remember not to fret over this matter anymore."

Manbao frowned and said, "Do you think this matter is settled then? But judging by his actions three times, even if you’re willing, he might not be, right?"

Mr. Zhuang smiled at her and said, "Yes, originally, I thought if he did something, to protect you, I would have to talk to him regardless of what I say. But now that you’ve gained fame, there’s no need for me to look for him."

Seeing the children’s confusion, he smiled and said, "Based on my understanding of him, without absolute certainty, he wouldn’t dare to do anything to me again."

Leaning against the carriage wall, he laughed heartily, "He was admitted into the prefectural school, so he’s not a fool, but why after serving over twenty years, is he still just a fifth-rank official? It’s not without talent, but because he lost his edge."

Mr. Zhuang’s life was unfulfilled, leading him to much contemplation. The more people he encountered, the more he thought, subsequently deducing some truths on his own.

These truths, he once wanted to teach to his son, but his son had some reservations, and he did not wish to end up like his father, harboring unattainable ambitions and living a tormented life.

His desires were simple: a warm home with his wife and children. He had no great ambitions and only wanted to live peacefully in the county town, leaving more shops and land for his children, and finding good matches for his sons and daughters.

He wanted to teach his grandson, but unfortunately, his son was not too keen on letting him do so, fearful of his son ending up like his father.

Zhuang Dalang, although he never said it, felt his father’s life was tough. This hardship wasn’t about material needs, but about his aspirations and the constant failures to achieve his goals.

He wished that his son would not end up like his father.

Thus, Mr. Zhuang had many lessons to impart but found few opportunities.

He often taught his students, but some matters weren’t suitable for frequent discussion, and their learning time was limited.

It was only Manbao, Bai Shan, and Bai Erlang who were constantly by his side, allowing him to share these contemplations.

"Chen Fulin is cautious in life, but excessive caution leads to indecisiveness, and his utilitarian mindset limits him to only pursuing beneficial actions; such people may not face great troubles, but neither do they achieve great success."

Mr. Zhuang told his two disciples, "Don’t follow his example. Although I always advise you to be cautious in your speech and actions, you must not lose your edge. In life, apart from official ranks, it’s important to have other steadfast pursuits."

Manbao and Bai Shan both nodded and noted down their teacher’s words, then redirected the drifting topic, "So, teacher, do you think he fears us and won’t harm you anymore?"

Seeing them bringing the topic back, Mr. Zhuang was forced to explain in detail and nodded, "Indeed, Bai Shan and Erlang are scholars, and he knows scholars value their reputation. He has been maneuvering in the capital for many years and has many ways to deal with you two, Junior Brothers, but you are different."

Mr. Zhuang chuckled, "You are a doctor protected by Jishi Hall, and he can’t immediately think of a way to deal with you. Now that you also frequent the houses of nobles and gentry, sometimes just a word from you could ruin years of his efforts. Compared to him, I am but a barefooted beggar while he wears silk robes. When the two of us meet, tell me, who should fear whom more?"

Manbao said, "I don’t see you fearing him."

Since meeting Chen Fulin, Mr. Zhuang’s expression barely changed; he always remained composed, probably scaring Chen Fulin even more, right?

Manbao couldn’t help but smile with her eyes squinted.

Bai Shan, however, reflected, "But the teacher also has weaknesses, he just hasn’t discovered them yet."

Manbao turned her head and asked, "What are the teacher’s weaknesses?"

Bai Shan glanced at her and said, "You."

Manbao widened her eyes.

"And me, and Bai Er."

Mr. Zhuang smiled slightly, nodding, and reached out to pat his head saying, "That’s why, in the future, you must also learn the skill to not let your emotions show on your face, understand?"

After speaking, he glanced at Manbao and said, "Especially you."

Manbao immediately sat upright and controlled her expression.

Mr. Zhuang hummed softly, "When you can remain composed and keep your emotions off your face even in front of us, then you’ll have mastered the skill."

Manbao couldn’t help but show a bitter expression, full of distress.

Mr. Zhuang gently patted her head, Manbao could only hold her breath and try to control her expression, which looked even stranger to Mr. Zhuang.

Bai Shan couldn’t help but laugh out loud, and without holding back, pinched her cheek.

Manbao swatted his hand away. Bai Shan then spoke in her defense, "Teacher, she only acts like this in front of family. When she’s out, she really can put on an act, carrying herself with poise and lifting her chin, just like a little miracle doctor."

Yet Mr. Zhuang was not willing to let it pass, and spoke earnestly, "That’s still not enough, Manbao, not every friend in this world is worthy of your trust, one must always be cautious."

"I’ve suffered losses on this in the past and don’t want you guys to bear such burdens in the future."

Manbao said, "Don’t worry teacher, we are very cautious outside."

Not just Mr. Zhuang, even Bai Shan looked at her disbelievingly.

Manbao wanted to speak, but after a thought, she held back.

Hmph, she was very good at keeping secrets; Keke had followed her for so many years and she never told anyone.

Bai Shan thought: You couldn’t even keep the secret of your dad being around you; how can you say you’re cautious?

The three of them returned home, and after Mr. Zhuang went inside to rest, Manbao and Bai Shan got together and whispered, "So, are we just going to let it go like this?"

Bai Shan said, "Let’s follow the teacher’s advice and wait and see."

Manbao remembered something and asked, "Am I really not cautious and too expressive with my emotions?"

Bai Shan nodded gravely.