Huang Ying pondered for a moment, then finally nodded with a blush, "Alright then, I'll listen to you."
Chen Xiaobei brought Huang Ying to find Chen Daqiang, who was busy in his vegetable patch.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, Chen Daqiang appeared quite pleased and greeted him from afar.
However, the moment he saw Huang Ying behind Chen Xiaobei, his spirits visibly sank.
Chen Xiaobei observed all this and chuckled inwardly, realizing the young man was feeling guilty.
Chen Xiaobei waved and called out loudly, "Brother Daqiang, come over here."
Chen Daqiang hesitated for a moment, then finally put down his work and walked over.
"Brother Xiaobei, is there something you need?" Calling him "brother" instead of "village head" was clearly an attempt to curry favor, further proving his guilt.
Chen Xiaobei got straight to the point, "Brother Daqiang, I heard you argued with the teacher yesterday."
Chen Daqiang scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "We didn't really argue, it's just that I'm too slow and can never remember things. The teacher said a lot, and I got a bit impatient."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and glanced at Huang Ying, as if to say, "See, he's admitting his mistake voluntarily."
"Brother Daqiang, arguing with the teacher is wrong. I have to say a few words to you about this."
Chen Daqiang nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes, it was my fault."
"Since you know it was your fault, then come with me."
Chen Xiaobei turned and walked away. Chen Daqiang, without realizing it, had no choice but to follow behind him.
Chen Xiaobei arrived at the large locust tree and said to the village guards standing there, "Go and post a notice, telling everyone to gather here at the large locust tree. I have something to say."
Soon, the villagers of Hetou Village, having received the notice, began to arrive one after another.
Even the Old Ancestor specifically came, leaning on his cane, to join the gathering.
Cui Hongyu mingled in the crowd, deliberately hiding behind others. She had no idea what scheme Chen Xiaobei was up to this time.
Seeing that most people had arrived, Chen Xiaobei specially invited the Old Ancestor to his side. "Old Ancestor, I will say a few words later. If what I say is right, you can listen. If what I say is wrong, you can stop me."
The Old Ancestor stroked his beard and nodded. "Alright, then you may begin."
Chen Xiaobei stood on a large stone nearby and addressed the assembled crowd. "Everyone, I believe some of you know what happened yesterday, and some may not."
As he spoke, he pointed at Chen Daqiang and Huang Ying.
Upon seeing these two, those who knew what had happened couldn't help but let out laughter.
Hearing the general laughter, Chen Daqiang's face instantly turned red.
The Old Ancestor's gaze swept over the crowd, and their laughter abruptly ceased.
Chen Xiaobei continued, "A student must absolutely obey the teacher's teachings. As a student, Chen Daqiang talked back to the teacher. Do you think that is right or wrong?"
"Wrong," the crowd responded almost in unison.
Chen Xiaobei nodded, then turned to look at Chen Daqiang. "Since it was your fault, do you know what you should do?"
Chen Daqiang was quite honest. He took a few steps forward, came before Huang Ying, and bowed deeply. "Teacher, I apologize. I shouldn't have talked back to you."
Huang Ying was momentarily unsure how to respond and could only clap her hands towards Chen Xiaobei.
A slight smile appeared on Chen Xiaobei's lips. As long as Chen Daqiang admitted his mistake, everything else would be easier.
"Huang Ying, as the teacher, shouldn't you be more tolerant and patient with your students?"
Huang Ying nodded repeatedly. She said generously to Chen Daqiang, "I also made a mistake. I shouldn't have been so impatient."
"I also apologize to you."
With that, she also bowed to Chen Daqiang.
Seeing this scene, the Old Ancestor smiled with satisfaction. He thought that Chen Xiaobei was indeed quite skilled at resolving conflicts.
Chen Xiaobei once again climbed onto the stone and addressed the crowd. "Everyone, as the saying goes, 'respecting the teacher and valuing the way' is paramount. We invited Miss Huang from the county town at great expense, not for you to fight with her."
"Miss Huang was merely frustrated by the lack of progress, so her words were a bit hasty. However, these are no reasons for you to argue with the teacher."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, the Old Ancestor nodded approvingly from the side.
As Chen Xiaobei spoke, he observed the crowd. Seeing the Old Ancestor nod, he felt much more at ease.
"I'll make this clear today. If anyone dares to argue with the teacher again, I will be the first to not let them off."
"Furthermore, Miss Huang has also told me that she will be more patient in the future."
He then made a gesture to Huang Ying.
Huang Ying immediately gave a slight bow to the crowd. "Please rest assured, I will not hit anyone anymore."
Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted "Good," and the villagers immediately followed suit, erupting in cheers and applause.
Chen Xiaobei jumped down from the stone and went to the Old Ancestor's side. "Old Ancestor, please say a few more words to everyone."
The Old Ancestor nodded and, leaning on his cane, shakily climbed onto the stone, surveying the crowd. "Everyone, let me nag you for a bit longer."
"As the saying goes, 'All professions are lowly, only scholarship is noble'."
"It's not just the children who need to study; you all need to study as well. Why are so many people afraid to go to the county town to sell their vegetables?"
"It's not just about being shy; if you can't read or weigh things, you might even be cheated and have to help count the money for the scammer."
His words caused everyone present to lower their heads in silence.
"Now, Xiaobei has spent a lot of money to hire a teacher for you from the county town, and instead of studying properly, you even argue with the teacher."
"Xiaobei has already said it, and I'll say it again: anyone who dares to talk back to the teacher again, I will not spare them either."
At this moment, Huang Ying suddenly understood.
Chen Xiaobei had called her here to stand up for her.
And this old gentleman, clearly invited by Chen Xiaobei, was there to support her.
Her gaze towards Chen Xiaobei now held a hint of tenderness.
Shen Ziyan, standing at the back of the crowd, also saw through everything. She was filled with admiration for Chen Xiaobei, who had gathered the entire village and spoken so forcefully to help Huang Ying.
Cui Hongyu, hiding behind the crowd, also felt a sense of relief. Seeing the look in Huang Ying's eyes when she looked at Chen Xiaobei, she felt even happier. This younger sister was likely smitten, and the prospect of her husband taking a second wife seemed promising.
The next morning, Chen Xiaobei didn't rush to the county town to deliver vegetables. Instead, he held Chen Qiao'er's hand and took her to the school. He then stood with his hands behind his back at the school entrance.
He wanted to note down who came to attend Huang Ying's classes.
The villagers truly gave him face; most of those who had attended classes before were present. They greeted Chen Xiaobei one by one as they passed the entrance.
Chen Xiaobei smiled and nodded in response.
Huang Ying, standing at the entrance, cast a grateful look at Chen Xiaobei.
Shen Ziyan saw this and quickly walked over to Huang Ying, gently touching her arm. "Sister Huang Ying, what's going on with you?"