Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity
Chapter 82 - 7 Xiwu Bookstore

Chapter 82: Chapter 7 Xiwu Bookstore

"There are currently three private schools in town. One of the teachers is a man with the surname Liu. He’s a child student, relatively young, probably only in his thirties, and is still working towards becoming a scholar. The second one is Yang Xiucai, who has already passed the exam for a scholar, but he is older, likely around fifty. The last one is my family’s teacher, Mr. Wen. He’s in his forties and is a scholar," Gu Wanhe briefly introduced the situation of the private schools in town and intentionally kept his introduction short, not wanting Second Uncle to choose his family’s teacher.

"Hua, is Yang Xiucai planning to take the exam again? Are there many students in the private school?" Gu Chengyu thought that among these three private schools, Mr. Liu might not be suitable for him. First of all, Mr. Liu is young and focused on his exams, possibly not devoting as much attention to the students. The second, Yang Xiucai, is older and if he doesn’t continue with the imperial exams, but focuses solely on teaching, he can be considered. As for the last one, Gu Wanhua probably doesn’t want him to go there, right?

Upon hearing Gu Chengyu mention Mr. Yang, Gu Wanhua understood from his description of Mr. Yang’s conditions that it should be attractive to them. "I haven’t heard of Yang Xiucai taking exams in recent years, probably because he doesn’t want to. There are nearly thirty students in the private school, ranging from those like myself who will take the county examination this year to young children just starting their education."

Mr. Gu was somewhat satisfied with Mr. Yang, though he thought since Hua studied under Mr. Wen, perhaps Mr. Wen’s conditions were better? "And what about your teacher, Mr. Wen? Since you study at his private school, you should know more about him. Can you tell us about him?"

"My teacher is very knowledgeable but also very strict. If you don’t behave, he might use the ruler for punishment. I’m worried because Little Uncle is still young; he might not handle it well," Gu Wanhua was not pleased when Mr. Gu asked about his teacher.

"What are you saying? Who taught you to criticize your teacher behind his back? A teacher needs to be strict; otherwise, how can they manage students like you?" Uncle Gu was shocked at how his grandson seemed to start criticizing the teacher, considering it highly disrespectful. Moreover, if Xiao Bao ends up studying under Mr. Wen and accidentally reveals this, wouldn’t that give the teacher a bad impression of Hua?

"How many students are there in your private school? How many are taking the exam this year? Did many people take exams during your time there? How many passed?" Gu Chengyu pondered, assuming there must be many students if the teacher is knowledgeable and strict.

"Currently, there are fifty-two students, with three taking the exam this year. Every three years, only about three to four take the exams. And as for passing, it’s not easy to pass the scholar exam. Only three have passed over the years. Two years ago, a senior passed the prefecture exam but didn’t pass the academy exam, so he is currently studying at home and often visits the private school to consult the teacher in preparation for this year’s exam. If you want to join our private school, it’s possible, but our teacher requires students to pass his test first. When I enrolled, it was because my grandfather taught me some characters at home; otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten in!" Gu Wanhua thought that since Gu Chengyu probably didn’t have any foundational education, unless he had some talent, the teacher might not accept him. This made him feel somewhat smug.

Gu Chengyu analyzed the options: Mr. Liu should be excluded first, with Mr. Yang’s place still pending observation, and Mr. Wen, who seems to be a rigorous person, would only allow students to take exams after reaching a certain age or having a foundation. To fully understand, they must visit; relying solely on Gu Wanhua’s one-sided account is insufficient.

"Father, we should visit the private schools tomorrow! Listening to Hua made it difficult to decide, so it’s better to see for ourselves. Are you off today?" Gu Chengyu planned to inquire from others first tomorrow. Suddenly he remembered, isn’t Doctor Li’s daughter married to someone who owns a bookstore in town? They might have more up-to-date information since book buyers are mostly scholars.

"With exams approaching, the teacher asked me to review at home for a couple of days."

"Good! Then, brother, let’s head back. Hua will be taking the exam soon, so don’t be too harsh. He needs to take care of his health. I believe Mr. Wen must have high hopes for Hua; otherwise, he wouldn’t let him take the exam," Mr. Gu thought it best to leave early, not wanting to disturb Hua’s studies. If Hua passes, it would be a credit to his Third Young Master!

Gu Wanhua began to feel guilty, as his upcoming exam was his own request to the teacher. After eight years of study, including two years of foundational learning at home, he felt ready to take the exam. However, Mr. Wen mentioned he was still somewhat impulsive and not well-prepared, needing to solidify his foundation. Despite this, he couldn’t wait any longer, especially since two of his peers of the same age were also taking the exam this year. Finally, seeing his determination, the teacher allowed him to try.

"I won’t keep you then. I must supervise his studies. It’s already the twelfth today, and the county examination is on the sixteenth of this month. We’ll need to find an inn to stay in a day early on the fifteenth, so we won’t be rushed on the day of the exam since we must rise before dawn. This leaves only three to four days to review and prepare."

On their way back, Gu Chengyu shared his thoughts with Mr. Gu, "Father, tomorrow, let’s ask at Doctor Li’s daughter’s bookstore! It’s always best to hear more and gather information."

The next day, Gu Chengyu and Mr. Gu took Old Wang’s ox cart to town. With no market day, the town was less crowded. They grabbed someone on the street to ask and learned that there were two bookstores on the west side of town. With gratitude, they headed straight west.

On the west side, there were many shops lining the street, and Gu Chengyu immediately saw Xiwu Bookstore. The bookstore had a double storefront, with many people going in and out to purchase books. At the counter stood a man dressed in a silk straight robe, looking about the same age as Gu Chengli. It was said that the bookstore didn’t have a shopkeeper, so this must be Doctor Li’s son-in-law.

Gu Chengyu and Mr. Gu entered the bookstore and saw that there were quite a collection of books, with even someone copying books. It seems that students copying books for money was a real practice in ancient times.

"Are you here to buy books?" The shopkeeper routinely asked upon seeing someone enter. Though they didn’t seem like people who could afford books or stationery, one must not ignore any potential customer.

"May I ask if you’re Manager Pan?" Gu Chengyu approached and respectfully greeted.

"Yes, I am. Who might you be?" Manager Pan found it odd, having never seen this pair before, let alone knowing them.

"I’m from Shangling Village, and this is my father, Mr. Gu. Is Doctor Li your father-in-law?"

"Indeed, he is. What’s the matter? Is my father-in-law looking for me?" Learning it was a young man speaking and hearing mention of his father-in-law, Manager Pan grew more curious.

"I heard from Doctor Li about his accomplished son-in-law managing a bookstore in town. My family wishes for me to study at a private school in town, but we’re unsure which one to choose. Manager Pan, being knowledgeable and well-versed, must be familiar with the situations of the private schools here. Could you kindly provide us some guidance?"

Manager Pan carefully eyed the little boy in front of him, who couldn’t even reach the counter. He was a delicate-looking young boy yet spoke more like a scholar.

"So, you are Uncle Gu. I’m not actually that knowledgeable, just that I’ve heard from scholars buying books."

Gu Chengyu listened as Manager Pan briefly explained the situation of the private schools in town, which didn’t differ much from what Gu Wanhua had said.