Chapter 171 - 170: Facing Professionals
Ugh, Ye Xinyan felt helpless—complimenting her was one thing, but why bring Wong Qiao into it? This was just inviting animosity.
Qi Younian chided, "Fourth Brother, you still don’t watch your words. Ah Qiao’s child is just fine; how could you speak of him like that? I think Ah Qiao is quite remarkable, even more promising and capable than we were at his age. It’s impressive that Ah Qiao understands the ’Construction Regulations.’ Not to mention, he’s also skilled in surveying and calculation."
Huh? Ye Xinyan’s eyes widened in surprise, turning to look at Wong Qiao. What had happened during the half-day she was absent? Had Grandfather and others dug up Wong Qiao’s complete background? Did Wong Qiao understand the court’s industry regulations regarding construction? And he knew measurement and mechanical calculations?
No way? Isn’t he a child from a poor family? To think he was educated, and had studied mathematics—a subject not very sought after in this era. If there was money to spare, didn’t everyone prefer to send their children to proper schools to learn classics, history, and to prepare for the imperial examinations to become officials?
Question after question flowed in Ye Xinyan’s eyes, perhaps too many to maintain her usual composure, such that even Qi Younian teased her with a smile, "How about it? You’ve met someone more skilled than you, right? Ah Qiao never attended school, nor followed any teacher. Since his youth, he has been working on engineering projects in the Water Wood Workshop, and he’s been exposed to many skills related to construction. Learning bit by bit, he actually got the hang of it."
"Indeed, indeed. After all, I have been taught to read and can understand books. Wong... Uncle is more capable than I am."
Ye Xinyan nodded hastily. If that was true, Wong Qiao was far superior to her. Without having attended school or having a teacher, he understood construction industry standards and was capable of engineering calculations. That was impressive!
Self-taught expertise, indeed. Ye Xinyan now regarded Wong Qiao with a brand new perspective. The power of perception was truly formidable; with just a few explanations from the elders like Qi Younian, Wong Qiao even seemed to possess a scholarly charm that ordinary craftsmen lacked.