Leaving Carpenter Zhang's house, Chen Xiaobei was walking back along the main street when he suddenly heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Chen Sanqiu.
Since becoming the village head, he had interacted more with most of the villagers, but Chen Sanqiu was an exception, having very little contact with him. Perhaps it was due to the pride of a scholar.
"Oh, it's Brother Sanqiu," Chen Xiaobei greeted him with a smile.
"Do you need something?"
Chen Sanqiu hesitated for a moment, then handed over a cloth bag he was holding.
"I heard you're starting a school. I have a few books here. Take them for the children to read. It's the least I can do."
This surprised Chen Xiaobei a bit. He also recalled Cui Hongyu telling him a few days ago about Chen Sanqiu wanting to be a teacher.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei didn't reach out to take the bag. Instead, he asked directly, "By the way, I heard from Hongyu that you want to teach in the school, is that right?"
Chen Sanqiu nodded. "Yes, yes. I have nothing to do at home anyway."
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly. "That's fine, but let's be clear from the start. The children in the village will study for free. The cost of hiring a teacher will be covered by the village, so it won't be too high."
Hearing this, Chen Sanqiu looked bewildered. "You're really stubborn. Wouldn't it be good if we collected some tuition fees and split them between us?"
Chen Xiaobei finally understood Chen Sanqiu's intentions. His expression turned serious. "Brother Sanqiu, our village has some money. Letting children study for free is also doing a good deed for everyone."
"Besides, the school is built by the village. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to collect tuition fees if you're teaching here."
After hearing this, Chen Sanqiu's expression changed slightly. "You're really stubborn. Where are you going to find a tutor in this poor mountain village?"
With that, he turned and left in a huff.
Watching Chen Sanqiu leave, Chen Xiaobei shook his head with a hint of regret. Some people just couldn't see the current situation clearly. For someone like Chen Sanqiu, he probably wouldn't have a place in the village anymore.
However, Chen Sanqiu's appearance reminded him that it was time to find a teacher.
Lost in thought, Chen Xiaobei returned home.
As soon as he entered, he saw Cui Hongyu teaching Chen Qiaoer to write with a twig. Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei's eyes lit up.
That's right, wasn't this a ready-made solution? Cui Hongyu could handle this job.
Thinking of this, he smiled and said to Cui Hongyu, "Hongyu, I need to discuss something with you."
Upon hearing this, Cui Hongyu immediately stood up. "Husband, you can just give me your orders."
"No, this matter is very important. You need to think it through carefully."
Seeing Chen Xiaobei's solemnity, Cui Hongyu's smile faded.
Chen Qiaoer also put down her twig and stood up, assuming a posture of listening.
Chen Xiaobei gently tapped her forehead. "It has nothing to do with you. Continue practicing your writing."
Chen Qiaoer obediently squatted down and continued writing.
"Hongyu, the school will be opening soon. I want you to be the teacher and teach the children to read and write."
Hearing this, a flicker of panic flashed in Cui Hongyu's eyes.
"No, no, Husband, I can't do this."
"I believe you can," Chen Xiaobei encouraged her again.
Cui Hongyu still shook her head and refused, her face visibly flushing.
Alright, perhaps this step was too big. For the somewhat introverted Cui Hongyu, it would be difficult.
"Okay, then I'll find someone else in the county town."
Upon hearing this, Cui Hongyu's spirits seemed to lift.
"I do know someone. She would definitely be a good teacher."
Oh, Cui Hongyu actually had connections in this regard. Chen Xiaobei was somewhat surprised.
"But one person isn't enough. My idea is not just to teach the children, but also any adults in the village who want to learn. So, we'll need at least two teachers."
Cui Hongyu frowned and thought for a moment. "Then let her find another one."
Chen Xiaobei eagerly hitched up the donkey cart and took Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiaoer to the county town.
Meanwhile, in the county town.
Zhao Chunqiang came to see Hu Fan again.
Having been dismissed by Hu Fan, Zhao Chunqiang was resentful. He figured that enough time had passed, and Hu Fan's anger should have subsided.
Hu Fan was working in his study. When he heard that Zhao Chunqiang had arrived, he frowned.
"Tell him to leave. I won't see him."
The advisor Mao Youmao, who was by his side, spoke up. "My lord, don't refuse him. As the saying goes, kill the heart. You must make him give up completely."
Hearing his words, Hu Fan suddenly smiled. "Kill the heart. That's a good saying. Very well said!"
Saying that, he waved his hand. "Let him in."
Soon, a bailiff brought Zhao Chunqiang into Hu Fan's office.
As soon as he entered, Zhao Chunqiang bowed obsequiously, his face plastered with flattery. "Greetings, Magistrate Hu. Greetings, Advisor Mao."
Normally, Zhao Chunqiang would at most nod to Mao You. He had never been so humble.
Hu Fan asked coldly, "What brings you to see me?"
Zhao Chunqiang took another step forward and, as if by magic, took a brush from his sleeve and placed it on Hu Fan's desk.
"Magistrate Hu, this is a wolf-hair brush, specially made for you."
Wolf-hair brushes were the highest quality at that time and certainly not cheap. Hu Fan was a scholar, and he did like such things.
But since he had decided to "kill the heart," he naturally couldn't accept the wolf-hair brush.
Hu Fan's expression darkened. "Zhao Chunqiang, you are clearly trying to bribe me. Do you know your crime?"
Zhao Chunqiang bowed again. "Magistrate Hu, I know I was wrong. I will definitely correct myself in the future."
Hu Fan shook his head slightly. "There's no need for the future. You won't have the chance."
He then turned to look at Mao You. "By the way, the new township head candidate has been reported to the prefectural government. Once the appointment is confirmed, they can take office."
"This, this..." Zhao Chunqiang was dumbfounded, feeling a surge of despair.
"Alright, you are no longer the township head. Go back and clear out the office. Remember to move out today."
With that, Hu Fan flicked his sleeve and swept the wolf-hair brush onto the ground.
Zhao Chunqiang had no choice but to step forward, pick up the wolf-hair brush, and leave silently.
Seeing Zhao Chunqiang leave dejectedly, the two exchanged a look and smiled knowingly.
After their laughter, Mao You spoke again. "My lord, Zhao Chunqiang has been dismissed by you. The position of township head cannot be left vacant!"
Hu Fan nodded. "Yes. So, who do you think is suitable for the position?"
Mao You chuckled. "My lord, what do you think of Chen Xiaobei?"
Hu Fan was stunned. "Chen Xiaobei has only been the village head for a few months. How can he suddenly become the township head?"
Mao You cupped his fist. "My lord, as the saying goes, ambition is not limited by age. Moreover, I heard that Chen Xiaobei has close ties with the Liu family."
Hearing this, Hu Fan chuckled. "Yes, now that you mention it, I remember. Some time ago, Liu Rumei specifically showed me an imperial decree from His Highness the Crown Prince, saying that Chen Xiaobei is one of the Crown Prince's men."