Chapter 483: Descending into the Well with a Staff
"I am Xu Qiuyue, a younger generation member of the Xu family. Though I share the same ancestry as the main branch, our ties have grown distant over time."
Standing in the hall, the Xu family scholar first glanced at Song You and Lady Calico, then at the others before quickly lowering his head. With utmost respect, he bowed to everyone and introduced himself, "I pay my respects to the head of the family and all esteemed elders present."
"You are also of the Xu family?" the elder asked.
"I wouldn't dare falsely claim close kinship with the main branch, but our lineage is recorded in the ancestral genealogy," Xu Qiuyue hurriedly explained. "The elders may no longer remember me, but at last year’s ancestral gathering, I had the honor of seeing a few of you from afar. However, being of humble status, I was too ashamed to step forward and speak with you."
"If we are of the same clan, then we are family. What need is there for talk of status or shame?" The elder leaned on his staff as he spoke. "If anything, the shame should be ours for failing to offer support to our own kin."
"It is only thanks to the generosity of the main family that I was able to study at all."
"Oh? You have received an education?"
"The main family established charitable farmland and an academy to aid those of us in need, allowing us to study. I was fortunate enough to attend for a short time."
"And how well have you studied?"
"I dare not flaunt my knowledge. I merely borrow books to read in my spare time and find contentment in learning from the wisdom of the ancients," Xu Qiuyue answered humbly.
"Mm..." The elder nodded from his seat, clearly pleased.