The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 244

Sun Sanhua said, "I don't know either, but I really didn't steal your money."

Xu Tian said, "This must be a misunderstanding. Since this child came to the private school, he has been of good character and has a positive attitude. He is definitely not the child who steals money."

Unexpectedly, Ma Liu widened his eyes and said, "You say he didn't steal it, but did my silver grow legs and fly away? It's not uncommon for children to steal money. You are a dignified Grand Tutor with immense wealth, how could you understand the importance of silver to us common people?"

Xu Tian frowned and said, "Then why did he steal the silver?"

Ma Liu immediately said proudly, "It must be to buy candied hawthorns. Sun Sanhua's family is very poor."

Jinzhou wanted to step forward to speak up for Sun Sanhua, but Dongfang Tingyun stopped him.

"Master Xu is handling this matter in Jinzhou now. Don't worry, Master Xu will definitely clear Sanhua's name. You don't need to go out."

Jinzhou hesitated for a long time before standing quietly to the side.

"Sanhua, you must believe in yourself."

Sun Sanhua wiped away her tears and pointed at Ma Liu, saying, "You bad person, you framed me! Father said that those who bully children will not have a good ending."

Let alone in ancient times, even in modern times, if a student steals someone's money and that person comes to the teacher's door, the teacher will lose face. This is even more true in ancient times.

The emperor governs the country with propriety, righteousness, benevolence, and filial piety. If a student steals someone else's money, it can only prove one thing.

Just as Xu Tian was pondering how to handle the situation, he heard Ma Liu say, "Master Xu, how can you still have the face to run a private school here? If a teacher is not virtuous, how can he stand? To have taught such students proves that Master Xu is morally corrupt. You should close the school to avoid becoming a laughing stock."

Xu Tian smiled but remained silent. However, as a person of high status, his aura was so imposing that it sent chills down one's spine. In addition, Xu Tian was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. But at this moment, Xu Tian's face was not good, and his whole person was so gloomy that it was frightening.

Dongfang Tingyun withdrew her gaze from him and hugged Jinzhou in her arms.

"Perhaps Dean Wei of Moxuan Academy is unaware that my Hongwen Academy has a student canteen in addition to the infirmary."

Ma Liu immediately said, "This matter has nothing to do with our Dean Wei."

Xu Tian chuckled and gave the steward a wink. The steward immediately said, "My manor has a school cafeteria. Each child has a standard meal allowance. Moreover, the school cafeteria has candied hawthorns made by the manor's cook. There's no need to go out and steal money to buy candied hawthorns."

Ma Liu's eyes darted around. He hadn't expected this blind cat to stumble upon a dead mouse. He immediately said, "Then he must have stolen the money to buy rice dumpling candy and mints. Kids always have sweet tooths."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Tingyun realized that he was deliberately framing Xu Tian. Seeing that Xu Tian remained calm and composed without saying a word, Ma Liu immediately reacted and said, "Master Xu, are you an official of the court or a teacher? How can you be so disrespectful to me? Do you think I, a grown man, would lie?"

Xu Jinzhou chuckled to himself and said, "You probably don't know this, but last night Master Xu had the steward draw up a list asking us students what we like to eat. These mint candies and the rice dumpling candies you mentioned are my favorites."

Yesterday I wrote everything down on paper and gave it to the cook in the manor. Now our student cafeteria not only has candied hawthorns, but also mint sugar cubes, rose cakes, and other things. You wouldn't tell me everything, would you?

He thought to himself, it seems he's not going to make it this time. He might as well take this opportunity to see what the student cafeteria at Hongwen Academy is like, so he can have something to report back to.