Chapter 24: Qiao Jiaojiao and Zhao Zhuangzhuang
The Teacher’s lecture left the two little ones mesmerized.
Zhao Zhitong felt an overwhelming surge of energy, as if she wanted to jump up right then and spin the Teacher around a few times.
Qiao Muchen’s eyes also lit up as he cupped his fists and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Teacher. I will always remember your teachings."
Seeing Qiao Muchen cup his fists and bow to the Teacher in gratitude, Zhao Zhitong hurriedly imitated him, cupping her small fists and saying in her sweet, childlike voice, "Tongtong will also remember the Teacher’s teachings today."
Scholar Meng stroked his beard and smiled with satisfaction.
Suddenly, as if having made a firm decision, he looked at Zhao Zhitong and asked, "Young girl, are you willing to study under me?"
Zhao Zhitong, confused by the question, replied, "I am already learning from you, Teacher."
Scholar Meng smiled and explained, "What I mean is, are you willing to sit in the classroom and study with me, like the other scholars?"
Zhao Zhitong’s eyes instantly sparkled like little stars, and she nodded her head vigorously like a chick pecking at rice. "You mean going to school, Teacher? I’m willing, I’m willing! Mother said that once our family’s tofu business makes money, she’ll send me to school. I was so happy to hear that."
Scholar Meng chuckled. At first, he had always lamented that Zhao Zhitong was born the wrong sex. If she had been a boy, with good education, she would surely have had great achievements in the future. Alas, she was born a girl.
Later, the more time he spent with this young girl, the more he lamented. After lamenting, he began to frequently ponder: If he allowed this young girl’s talent to be buried in this rural village, would he regret it for the rest of his life?