Madam Huang had intended to bring up Xiao Shan and Xiao Jun, but the sight of Madam Zhao’s expression stopped her. However, upon hearing what Madam Huang said, Madam Zhao’s countenance softened considerably. After a moment, she spoke again, her voice trailing off, “Since that is the case, proceed as you wish. That child Xiao Shan is truly pitiful; he lost his father so young. In the future, if… you, as his Second Uncle and Second Aunt, should naturally look after him a bit more. When Er Niu returns tonight, tell him to come see me.”

Madam Zhao had initially considered saying that if Xiao Shan’s mother found another place to go, Xiao Shan would become an orphan with neither father nor mother, but seeing Lin He present, she held back the words.

With that, she departed. Lin He wondered what the point of the grandmother coming over to cause a stir was, as the matter had reverted to square one, but the instruction for her father to visit suggested another session of criticizing her mother was likely forthcoming.

Lin Er Niu returned at noon. Having spent the day in town, he hadn't managed to secure a teacher; in fact, Lin He had somewhat anticipated this outcome. In this era, a place like Lin Family Village rarely produced a scholar in a hundred years. Even in the town, things were slightly better, but securing a teacher was still exceptionally difficult.

Scholars, especially, possessed a certain pride; they were generally unwilling to teach at private residences, as it felt like working for someone else, carrying a sense of being dependent. Unless one came from an official or wealthy family, ordinary poor households simply couldn't afford tutoring, let alone inviting a teacher home. Thus, those who achieved the Xiucai degree preferred the simpler life of teaching in the clan school over being beholden to others.

Thinking of this, Lin He suddenly remembered someone: didn't Neighbor Aunt Xu have a brother who was a Xiucai? It was said that after passing the provincial examination, he had continued his studies at the county level but failed several times, and was now idle at home. Didn't Er Gou Zi mention last time that his uncle was teaching him the characters? Aunt Xu and their family were close, and she knew his background thoroughly—he should be an excellent candidate.

Lin He mentioned Aunt Xu’s brother to Lin Er Niu. Er Niu slapped his thigh and stood up, exclaiming, “That’s right, we have someone right next door, why didn’t I think of it? Our daughter is smart! I’ll go speak to Aunt Xu right now.”

He started to leave, but Madam Huang called him back, “Wait, take something from home with you.”

Madam Huang went into the house. Er Niu had bought some meat from the street earlier; she cut half of it into a basket, then added some refined flour, asking Er Niu to take it along. Lin He thought her mother was quite adept at handling things, understanding that such tokens were essential when seeking favors.

Lin He was mistaken, however. Madam Huang wasn't thinking about proper etiquette for requesting favors; she felt that when her own family was poor, Aunt Xu had often helped them out. Now that their situation had improved, it was time to repay those past kindnesses.

Lin Er Niu headed to Aunt Xu’s house, with Xiao Bao tagging along enthusiastically. Xiao Bao often played with Er Gou Zi, and hearing his father mention going to Er Gou Zi’s house, he insisted on accompanying him. Although they lived next door, there was still some distance. Xiao Bao was short, his legs were short, and he kept stopping to look at interesting things along the way. It took nearly fifteen minutes before they reached Aunt Xu’s home. Aunt Xu and Uncle Li were both there, and Er Gou Zi was sitting bored on a low stool in the courtyard.

Seeing Er Niu arrive, Uncle Li immediately stood up and greeted him, “Brother Er Niu, what brings you over today?”

Lin Er Niu handed the provisions to Aunt Xu, saying, “My wife asked me to bring these over.”

Aunt Xu accepted them without ceremony, smiling, “Look, your wife and I are close sisters; why be so polite? I won't refuse, then. You and Xiao Bao should stay for lunch here. I’ll go start cooking.”

Er Gou Zi jumped off the stool when he saw Xiao Bao arrive. “Xiao Bao, why haven’t you come over to play recently? Er Ya and San Ya haven't been coming either! I’m dying of boredom. Mother makes me practice calligraphy every day, and I hate it.”

The two little ones, Xiao Bao and Er Gou Zi, chattered in hushed tones, punctuated by loud bursts of laughter, muttering secrets between themselves.

Er Niu called out from where he stood, “Sister-in-law Xu, please don't be so courteous. I’ve come today because I have a matter to discuss with you. I won't be staying for lunch; my wife is waiting for me back home.”

Hearing that Er Niu had a favor to ask, Aunt Xu set down her work and came over to inquire. Er Niu explained his desire to invite her brother to be a tutor, detailing the shuxiu (teacher’s stipend) and all related arrangements.

Aunt Xu was overjoyed upon hearing the terms. “Four taels of silver as a monthly salary, plus room and board—that’s wonderful news! However, I haven't visited my parents’ home recently. I’ll go there this afternoon, and there shouldn't be any major issues. But if my brother does come, he won’t be staying at your house. You only need to cover his midday meal; he can stay with me; we have a spare room, and it will be more convenient.”

Lin Er Niu agreed that staying at Aunt Xu’s place was indeed more practical. Once all the matters were settled, Lin Er Niu did not eat lunch there. Xiao Bao, however, had disappeared somewhere with Er Gou Zi. Er Niu let him be, as Aunt Xu promised that Er Gou Zi would escort Xiao Bao back after they returned and ate. Er Niu then returned home alone.

Aunt Xu was a decisive person. After eating lunch, she hurried off to her parents' home. Firstly, the monthly salary was quite substantial, and her brother had been idle ever since he stopped pursuing advanced studies, refusing farm work and feeling depressed at home. Secondly, she had watched Da Bao and the other children grow up; they were all good-natured, and the Er Niu family was known for being honest and upright. It would be perfect if her brother could teach here, and perhaps even tutor Er Gou Zi in the evenings. The more she thought about it, the better the prospect seemed.

When Aunt Xu reached her parents' house and explained the situation to her mother, father, and brother, the family was delighted. Her brother, in particular, felt that the years he had spent studying were finally proving useful. He cared less about the exact monthly amount; being able to support himself through his own abilities and utilize his knowledge was an undeniable twofold benefit.

Most scholars of ancient times were somewhat pedantic; having read books, they felt fundamentally different from common folk. They were unwilling to do farm labor at home and scorned commerce, sometimes even harboring a deep-seated contempt for merchants. Consequently, their options were quite limited, and Aunt Xu’s brother had been idle for a long time, worrying about what to do next.

Aunt Xu’s mother, being a traditional woman, knew that while their family wasn't wealthy, her youngest son had never done farm work and had been coddled at home. If her son had suggested going elsewhere, she would have refused. But hearing from her daughter that the Er Niu family was extremely trustworthy made her regard it as a good thing.

That very day, Aunt Xu’s family packed up her brother’s belongings, loading several large bundles onto their backs, and arrived at Aunt Xu’s residence.