The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 241

After crossing the lotus pond, they said, "I don't know how much silver we need this month besides tuition. You know our family is poor and can't afford more. Besides, the Grand Tutor's mansion is exquisitely decorated with interconnected square bridges."

After leaving the main hall, they saw just how wealthy the Grand Tutor's mansion was. They were just ordinary people; how could they afford such an expensive expense? Besides, if they went to the village to find an ordinary doctor, that would be fine.

The doctor in the Grand Tutor's mansion must be a medical expert. The cost of seeing a doctor and getting medicine alone would be enough to cover their expenses for half a year, not to mention the cost of having her little baby stay at the Grand Tutor's mansion.

Xu Tian was somewhat speechless, so he patiently explained that this was what the academy should do. Although the academy did not yet have an official name, it was meticulous in its treatment of students' courses.

Think about how great modern times are. Not only are there free dormitories, but also nine years of compulsory education with free textbooks. Schools are naturally profitable. But this profitability... Think about it. One summer, Xu Tian was playing ball on the school playground when he suddenly sprained his ankle. Two classmates took him to the school clinic.

The school clinic was staffed by only one elderly doctor, who immediately said, "Sit down."

Xu Tian had no choice but to sit down, but his ankle was so painful that he was wincing in pain, and he hadn't even had a chance to explain his illness.

The doctor said, "It's nothing, just a cold. Elementary school students must take good care of their health."

Coming back to his senses, Xu Tian couldn't help but smile.

The Niu couple exchanged a glance and remained silent. How could there be such a good thing in the world? Not only did the Grand Tutor personally teach them, but they also received free accommodation and medical care. Not only did they save on the expenses of one person, but the family also no longer needed to spend money on Xiao Bao's illness.

"Now that the academy has just opened, if there are other children in the village who live nearby, they can be sent here. If they have excellent academic performance, they can also receive scholarships."

Niu Xiaobao's father had never heard of scholarships before.

"There will be assessments every quarter. As long as you get an A grade on the exam, you will receive a scholarship of two taels of silver every quarter."

Soon, the couple arrived at the infirmary. Niu Xiaobao's mother still couldn't believe that such a good thing could happen. Her eyes lit up and she said, "Dad, why don't you hurry up and tell your sister and cousin to bring the child here? If they do well in their studies, they can get four taels of silver once a year. That's eight taels of silver for the two children. If they don't study hard, I'll break their legs."

It's no wonder that Niu Xiaobao's mother was so eager for quick success. In their rural hometown, they could only earn one or two taels of silver a year after working hard. Now, they could suddenly earn two taels of silver without having to do anything. All they had to do was study hard for the exams. For a moment, Niu Xiaobao's parents seemed to see a bright future.

Xu Tian stood outside and asked, "Are you sure you want to pick up Xiao Bao?"

Niu Xiaobao, helped out by the school doctor, said, "Mom, I don't feel bad anymore. I don't want to go back to rest."

Xu Tian nodded: "Xiao Bao, you can stay in the manor to study from now on. Your mother won't take you with her."

“Why would we take Xiaobao away? We’d be overjoyed if he stayed. Since that’s the case, we won’t disturb Master Yang’s lessons any longer. We’ll take our leave now. Butler, see them out.”

After leaving the Grand Tutor's mansion, the Niu couple went straight to Moxuan Academy.

Wei Quan said, "Why not let the child go back to rest?"

"Because Grand Tutor Xu's residence also has a medical clinic, we have no reason to take the child with us."