A few women followed suit, and after covering their mouths and noses, they started their work.
Soon, dust billowed up in the courtyard, followed by rustling sounds.
The courtyard was usually not frequented, so thick leaves had accumulated. It took considerable effort to clear a path.
With a path cleared, they could enter the main house. Cui Hongyu reallocated the workers; some helped clean the rooms, while she and two others continued clearing leaves.
As they were busy, the village of Hetou became lively again. Fang Jun arrived, accompanied by two family members driving a horse-drawn cart carrying his bedding.
Chen Xiaobei was somewhat surprised to see Fang Jun had brought bedding.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei's stunned expression, Fang Jun smiled, "Brother Xiaobei, Xiaoyue said that traveling back and forth over twenty li every day would be too tiring, so she asked me to stay here and go to Xiaojia Town only every few days. Oh, and she'll visit me when she has time."
So that was it. Chen Xiaobei was deeply touched.
Feng Xiaoyue was supporting him wholeheartedly.
Logically, she and Fang Jun had been separated for several years. Now that they were finally reunited, they should be inseparable and reluctant to part. Yet, she had sent Fang Jun to Hetou Village.
Thinking of this, Chen Xiaobei quickly called for everyone to help lead the horse-drawn cart to the school.
He, however, took Fang Jun's hand and led him to his new home.
Cui Hongyu was not there that day. Autumn Plum was cooking with others. Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, she greeted him warmly.
Chen Xiaobei pointed to Fang Jun, "This is our new teacher. Prepare two extra dishes later, I need to host Brother Fang Jun."
Autumn Plum agreed with a smile and pointed to the main house, "Come inside for a drink of water first. I'll start cooking right away."
Chen Xiaobei entered the house, and soon someone brought him a pot of water. Chen Xiaobei brewed tea and poured a cup for Fang Jun, saying, "This wild countryside doesn't have good tea, it can't compare to Wannian City."
Fang Jun waved his hand, "It's fine, it's fine. A cup of water is enough."
"By the way, Brother Xiaobei, can you tell me what Miss Ziyan taught the children last time?"
Chen Xiaobei frowned. Yes, Ziyan had told him about it. He briefly explained the situation.
"She taught them some characters and made them memorize a few poems. I'll get Qiao'er's homework for you later, and you'll know."
Fang Jun nodded, "Alright. Then I'll start by having them memorize poems too. However, Brother Xiaobei, there's something I need to mention upfront. I'm a perfectionist in everything I do, so I might be a bit strict with the children. Please make sure everyone understands."
Chen Xiaobei's eyes showed approval. He looked at Fang Jun and gave him a thumbs-up, "Excellent, that's great! They say a strict teacher produces outstanding students. Feel free to teach them your way. If any villagers have any issues, tell me, and I'll talk to them."
As he spoke, the door opened, and Autumn Plum walked in with a plate of scrambled eggs and placed it on the table.
"Brother Xiaobei, please start eating. The other dishes will be served soon."
Afterward, someone brought in a pot of wine and two bowls.
Chen Xiaobei didn't stand on ceremony. He took the wine bowls, arranged them, and filled them.
"Brother Fang Jun, now that it's just us, we're family. Family members don't stand on formalities."
Fang Jun understood Chen Xiaobei's opening remarks. He picked up his wine bowl and said, "Brother Xiaobei, I'll toast you first."
Their wine bowls gently clinked together. Then they drank it all down.
After three bowls of wine, Chen Xiaobei began, "Brother Fang Jun, there are a few things I want to say upfront."
"The village children can be quite naughty and don't know proper etiquette. If they offend you in any way, please forgive them."
Hearing this, Fang Jun chuckled, "Brother Xiaobei, don't worry. I was very mischievous when I was a child too, and my grandfather often made me stand in punishment."
After saying this, they looked at each other and burst into laughter.
While they were happily drinking, they heard a commotion outside.
Someone shouted, "Autumn Plum, is the food ready?"
"Yes, yes. Please sit down, the food will be ready soon."
Fang Jun looked at Chen Xiaobei with surprise.
"Brother, is this a restaurant? It looks like a home to me."
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly and briefly explained the situation with the canteen.
After hearing the explanation, Fang Jun gave a thumbs-up, "This is a good method. It allows everyone to have more time to work."
"Indeed, if this method can be promoted, our farmers and herders can reduce their cooking time and spend it on work. Farmers can reclaim more land for cultivation, and herders can raise more sheep..."
Chen Xiaobei was a little surprised by his words.
Chen Xiaobei had not expected that Fang Jun, who seemed a bit bookish and stubborn, would have such foresight.
To be able to think of increasing grain production and raising more cattle and sheep from this matter showed a remarkable level of thinking.
It was indeed as Feng Xiaoyue had said. If Fang Zheng hadn't stopped Fang Jun from participating in the imperial examinations, it wouldn't have been difficult for him to achieve an official position. Su Dan Novels Network
What surprised Chen Xiaobei even more was that when he was about to pour Fang Jun another drink, Fang Jun waved his hand in refusal.
"Brother Xiaobei, no more wine for me. If possible, I'd like to gather the children this afternoon and give them a brief introduction."
"That's easy. I'll arrange it," Chen Xiaobei said, standing up. He walked to the door and shouted outside, "Brother Da Yong, come here for a moment."
Chen Da Yong put down his chopsticks and walked over with a smile.
"Brother Xiaobei, what can I do for you?"
"Brother, please inform everyone to send the children to school this afternoon."
"This is our new teacher."
Chen Da Yong's eyes widened in surprise when he saw it was Fang Jun. His fingers trembled slightly, "You... how is it you?"
Fang Jun smiled slightly, "Brother Da Yong, it's me."
"Brother Da Yong, don't worry, I will teach the children well."
Chen Da Yong nodded repeatedly, "I know, I know you will be a good teacher."
He then turned around, "I'll go and tell everyone now."
Fang Jun also turned to Chen Xiaobei, "Shall we go and take a look?"
The two walked towards the school, chatting and laughing.
Upon entering the school, the courtyard had been thoroughly cleaned. The classroom was also neatly organized, and the desks were spotless. Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei felt a touch of emotion; the villagers had a strong desire for knowledge.
Chen Xiaobei showed Fang Jun around the classroom and opened the room where Shen Ziyan had once lived. "Brother Fang Jun, you will be living here from now on. You can eat your meals over there. If you want to cook for yourself, I can arrange for someone to..."
Fang Jun waved his hand, "No need, no need. I just need enough to eat; I'm not particular. Oh, and Xiaoyue, worried about me being alone, sent two people to accompany me."