The White-Bone Demon of the Farm is as rich as a country

Mr. Wu saw that none of them were very old, especially Ru Yue, who was only thirteen or fourteen years old but had to support a family of younger siblings. Although she looked well-dressed, her family conditions were probably not good. Meng Anping probably had not received much education, so he simply asked a few questions as a formality. However, Anping answered them fluently and even added some of his own opinions, which surprised Mr. Wu greatly. After asking, he learned that Chu Ning'an had taught him for more than a month, which surprised Mr. Wu even more.

Mr. Wu noticed Chu Ning'an as soon as he entered the front hall. Now, after taking a closer look, he found that this young man had handsome eyebrows and eyes, was gentle and unworldly, and his behavior was elegant and extraordinary. Even though he was dressed in plain clothes, he could not hide his noble air. This was definitely not a noble young man who could be born in the countryside.

"Mr. Chu was able to teach this child to this level in just over a month. His knowledge must be quite good," Mr. Wu asked tentatively.

Chu Ning'an stood up, clasped his fists and bowed to Mr. Wu, then replied calmly and modestly, "Sir, you are too kind. My family was well-off in my early years, so I followed you to study for a few years. But after our family fell on hard times, I put it aside."

Chu Ning'an had no intention of deceiving Mr. Wu, but his life experience was not something that could be told to outsiders. Wu Minzhi was just Anping's husband and would not have much to do with him, so he thought these words were harmless.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Wu also added a test intention during the chat with him. After a round of questions and answers, Mr. Wu was pleasantly surprised. This Chu Ningan was very talented and would definitely be an extraordinary person in the future.

"Mr. Chu, have you ever taken the county or prefectural examinations before?"

"Never."

"Are you interested in taking the imperial examination?"

"The imperial examinations and a career in government are the aspirations of scholars like me, and Ning An shares this aspiration. However, I can't bear to see Ru Yue struggling to support the family alone, so I want to study hard at home and gain some experience by next February."

Mr. Wu was impressed by his knowledge and consideration for his family's circumstances. "Mr. Chu is a man of quick wit and unique insights. If he were to finish his studies next February, he would have more than enough knowledge, though he lacks experience. If you're willing, you can always come to my library to discuss your thoughts."

"Sir, are you going to accept Brother Chu as your disciple?" Ru Yue was afraid that Chu Ning'an would reject Mr. Wu for her, so she pretended to be extremely happy and asked.

"Mr. Chu is so talented, it's a pity for him to become my disciple. It won't be too late to become my disciple again if you can find a better official to help you in the future." Mr. Wu is well aware of the truth that "once a teacher, always a father". Such a solemn discipleship is only once in a person's life. If he accepts Chu Ning'an as his disciple today, he will also cut off his chance of becoming a disciple of a high-ranking official or a great scholar in the future. He is an upright person and will never confuse them because of their youth and ignorance.

Ru Yue didn't understand this and it was not easy for her to make a decision for Chu Ning'an, but she knew that Mr. Wu was a good person and she felt very sorry for him.

"Teacher, you are a man of great talent and integrity. You never seek empty fame or undeserved reputation. You always think of your students. I am truly grateful. I am honored to be valued by you. I would like to take you as my teacher. I hope you will not abandon me." He lifted the hem of his long gown, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed three times, saying respectfully, "Teacher, please accept my three bows."

"Hahaha, congratulations, Brother Minzhi, you are lucky to have such a talented disciple!" Shopkeeper Tao was a shrewd man. He knew that both parties did it on purpose, so he added fuel to the fire.

"Ning'an, please get up quickly. I'm afraid that my talent and position are not enough to help you go further." Mr. Wu said frankly.

"Sir, you are a man of great integrity. Overemphasizing knowledge and status would only bring disgrace upon you. To learn, one must first be a good person. A person with your genuine character is enough to surpass all high-ranking officials and great scholars." Ru Yue interjected at the right moment, making everyone present feel at ease.

"Hahaha, great. I didn't expect that I could have such a good disciple today. It was really unexpected. I'm so happy, so happy!" Mr. Wu was very happy.

"Then let's find an auspicious day to perform the ceremony of becoming a disciple. We can also come to watch the ceremony and have a cup of tea, hahaha!" Shopkeeper Tao hurriedly offered the stairs to allow everyone to pass through in time.

"Today is too hasty. I must choose another good day to perform the ceremony of accepting you as my disciple." He hurriedly called the servant and asked him to go to the back hall to invite Mrs. Wu and her two children out. The two families wanted to meet and greet each other.

Soon, Mrs. Wu came in from the back hall with her two children. She had heard the servant briefly say that she was overjoyed that her husband had found a good student.

Mrs. Wu was gentle and quiet, with her black hair tied up high, a face like a silver plate, beautiful eyebrows and eyes, and a slightly plump figure. She was very attractive at first sight. Ru Yue pulled Ru Xue and bowed to greet her.

Mrs. Wu pulled the two sisters together and gave Ruyue a small pearl flower inlaid with rubies, which was delicate and playful but not extravagant. She also gave Ruxue a pair of velvet flowers with silver bells and tassels. When a girl of this age puts them in her buns, they jingle and look very beautiful.

Mr. Wu's daughter is one year younger than Ru Yue. Her name is Yue Li. She is pretty, with a pair of clear eyes under her thin eyebrows, which makes people feel good at first sight. Mr. Wu's son is the same age as An Ping, but his birthday is two months younger. His name is Wu Jingli. He is fair and clean-looking. Both children are very well-educated.

"I came here in a hurry and didn't prepare any gifts. I will make it up to you two next time I come." Ru Yueluoluo answered generously and truthfully. Even though she didn't give any gifts on the spot, no one looked down on her for it.

They greeted each other and got to know each other. Three days later, they held a master-disciple ceremony at Xingzhi Academy before saying goodbye and leaving.