Scholarly Household
Xiao Zetian and Li Yanhao were locked in a fierce battle of glances, neither willing to yield. Meanwhile, Su Li linked arms with Madam Chen, smiling as she walked over and said to Li Yanhao, "The Young Master is back. Let's get ready to head over to Fourth Uncle's place. Today, Haizi Academy officially becomes a branch of Wutong Academy. Fourth Uncle is now the honorary director of Haizi Academy and has been included in the management of Wutong Academy. He's over the moon and is hosting a banquet at home to celebrate."
Madam Chen was visibly delighted, bustling about to invite everyone over for the meal. Even Bai Piwu, who was temporarily staying at their home, received an invitation.
Su Li had finally allowed Li Yanhao to attend such a social occasion, which thrilled him to no end; he eagerly tagged along without hesitation.
Yuan Jie’s home was brightly decorated with lanterns and streamers; from the masters to the servants, everyone was jubilant, even more so than during the New Year.
The main hall and side hall were set up for the banquet. No outsiders were invited—only the families of Third and Fourth Uncles, along with Su Li’s family.
Yuan Jie wore a refined scholar’s robe, looking spirited and radiant. When he saw Su Li and the others enter, his eyes practically sparkled with joy.
At first, Yuan Jie was puzzled why such a remote rural school like Haizi Academy had caught the attention of Wutong Academy, becoming one of its branches.
Yuan Jie asked who was behind this arrangement, but was told no one knew. He was only given a letter addressed solely to him, with instructions to read it and understand.
When Yuan Jie privately opened the letter, he found it was written by Director Gu himself. The letter explained that because Su Li had become the Mathematics Chief at Wutong Academy, Haizi Academy benefited as a result. Yuan Jie was also instructed not to spread this news.
Only then did Yuan Jie belatedly realize that his niece Su Li was truly remarkable—she had become the Mathematics Chief of Wutong Academy!
Yuan Jie personally came forward to greet them, patted Su Li on the shoulder, and whispered, "A Li, you’re incredible. Fourth Uncle is proud of you!"
Su Li chuckled and cupped her hands in response, "Congratulations, Fourth Uncle, on becoming the director of Wutong Academy’s branch."
Yuan Jie was instantly overjoyed, bursting into hearty laughter as he invited everyone to take their seats at the table.
The senior members of the Su family, along with Su Li and her husband and Li Yanhao, sat at the main table. The younger generation sat together at one table, guests at another, and the household officials with status sat at a separate table.
At their own family banquet, there were no strict rules, but before the meal began, Yuan Jie stood up holding a wine cup and said emotionally, "I am a merchant by trade. Although I have made some money, merchants rank lowest among farmers, artisans, and traders. I had hoped my son Yuan Ling would study and take civil service exams to pursue an official career. But now, unexpectedly, I have become the director of a branch of Wutong Academy. This is a truly pleasant surprise! By this measure, my family can now be considered a scholarly household, ha ha ha!"
Yuan Jie had been a merchant for half his life. Though wealthy, his social status was always low. Traders everywhere were exploited by officials, and his son’s status as a merchant’s child counted against him in his studies. But now everything had changed. Backed by the mighty Wutong Academy, Yuan Jie had leapt to become a wealthy and respected Confucian merchant. Although he had no official rank himself, the prestige of being director of a branch of Wutong Academy was formidable. Now, Yuan Jie’s family could be called a scholarly and respected merchant household, and their status had risen considerably. How could Yuan Jie not be thrilled?
After finishing his speech, Yuan Jie excitedly drained his wine cup and said, "Let’s begin the feast! Tonight, everyone eat well and drink well!"
Some guests began to dig in, while others raised their cups in congratulations. Third Uncle sat beside Fourth Uncle’s family, his face glowing with happiness, sharing in his brother’s joy.
Everyone in the Su family was very happy at the banquet, except for Su Shirong, who seemed distracted. His gaze kept drifting towards the table where the household officials sat, his face flushed as he secretly stared at Bai Lu.