Chapter 166 - 84 The Brother-in-law’s Mess of Bad Debts
This eldest brother-in-law of mine, who considers himself to possess remarkable talents, deems himself extraordinary and prides himself on being incorruptible, looks down upon our Shi family’s "stench of copper." Shi Fengju was indeed surprised to hear that he would willingly reside for an extended period in his home that reeked of that very scent.
"Is this the idea of my elder sister, or her husband? Is he really willing to do this?" Shi Fengju felt that it was better to ask for clarification, just in case it was solely his sister’s idea and her obstinate husband would later blame him for meddling!
"It was a mutual decision!" Shi Yumei hurriedly explained: "Besides, the house is now quiet, perfectly conducive for him to focus on his studies. Qingzhou is close to Hangzhou, so after three years, it will also be convenient for him to travel there for the examinations! Furthermore, our father can give some guidance to my younger brother. After three years, both uncle and nephew can set off together. It would be convenient for them to look after each other on the road!"
"No need!" As soon as Mrs. Wang and Shi Fengju heard about Ren Zhixian "guiding" Shi Fenghua, they both blurted out in unison.
"My younger brother has teachers guiding him at the academy. The teachers there have said that it won’t be long before he competes in the examinations. Changing advisors midway could do more harm than good! Besides, doesn’t my brother-in-law have to review his own lessons? He surely can’t neglect his own preparation for my younger brother’s sake!" Shi Fengju stated.
"Right, right! Your second brother is absolutely correct!" Mrs. Wang also hastily agreed.
Not to mention the distrust in entrusting their brother to such an unreliable person, Shi Fengju had no doubt that if he were to instruct him and then fail to succeed in the examinations again, he would surely complain about wasting effort on coaching his young brother-in-law and not studying well for himself! Moreover, if Shi Fenghua happened to pass, he would definitely claim that it was all thanks to his own guidance!
Upon hearing Shi Fengju’s explanations and noting the slight change in her expression, Shi Yumei’s face softened. She couldn’t help but show a slight smile and nodded, "That makes sense! But is that teacher trustworthy? We must not let him delay our Fenghua!"
"Very trustworthy! He’s a retired Hanlin scholar from the capital!" Mrs. Wang quickly replied.