The matter began the following day.
With so many helpers having arrived for Su Xiaoqi.
But they couldn't just watch them be distributed without consideration.
So Su Xiaoqi spent more effort understanding what each of them was capable of, to see where they could be arranged in which shop and which position would be most suitable.
After a day of understanding, running around, and arranging, all their placements were finally decided.
Except for a few children under thirteen, the other children were assigned to the supermarket, the Liuyuan garden, and Chenjinji shop according to their abilities.
Some were also assigned to the Tianxia Liangcang shop.
Those thirteen years old and younger were escorted by Su Ze to the manor in the western suburbs.
They would continue their studies as they had before.
During this time, Shen Yun discovered a promising candidate for studying, who was Xiao Jiu.
Zhao Liushun had mentioned in his letter to both of them that he was a good prospect for studying.
Having studied for only a year and a half, he had already finished the Four Books and Five Classics.
Of course, Zhao Liushun admitted his own lack of knowledge and that his teaching was limited, so Xiao Jiu had finished reading but not fully comprehended it, only grasping the meanings.
Many allusions within were not explained.
These were all to be left to Xiao Jiu's future teachers.
"If you are good at studying, then go study," Su Xiaoqi said.
Reading makes one enlightened; this saying is universally applicable, whether in ancient or modern times.
"Then let's aim for Qingshan Academy," Shen Yun made the final decision.
Xiao Jiu was stunned. His young face was filled with disbelief.
"Qingshan Academy, Qingshan Academy, that's where Er Dan, no, where Ah Zhao is studying now?"
Qingshan Academy was renowned throughout the entire Daliang.
From the headmaster to the teachers, the faculty was formidable, all being great Confucian scholars of the era or individuals with exceptional skills in a particular field.
It was the premier destination for scholars across the land seeking further advancement.
It was even more impressive than the Imperial Academy.
Xiao Jiu lowered his head, his eyes red.
Before this, he had never imagined he could study, but because of Sister Xiaoqi, he had the opportunity to read, and the days spent navigating the sea of books were too tranquil.
Before coming to the capital, he had also never imagined he could have the chance to study at Qingshan Academy.
Of course, now it was only a chance to take an examination.
But he would definitely seize this excellent opportunity.
Books said that opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared.
"I'm going to my room to review," Xiao Jiu said, standing up, picking up his books, and returning to his room.
"Hey, don't rush. Studying cannot be rushed; it's a tough marathon.
If you encounter anything you don't understand, come ask your top scholar brother-in-law," Su Xiaoqi pushed Shen Yun forward.
Her voice was filled with pride.
Her man was the top scholar, argue if you dare!
Seeing Xiao Jiu so sensible and diligent, Su Xiaoqi felt a surge of maternal pride.
Well, even though Xiao Jiu was fourteen and a half years old, he was only four years younger than her.
After settling him, a small figure shuffled in.
He truly shuffled in.
Whether out of fear, his tiptoes brushed against the floor as he entered, scraping a grating sound across the floor.
Su Xiaoqi turned and recognized him, "Eh, Xiao Shijiu, why are you here?"
Making an appearance in such a manner.
"Sister... Sister, I, I also want..." Xiao Shijiu lowered his head, fiddling with his fingers, looking as if he dared not speak.
Su Xiaoqi immediately stepped forward, placed her hands on his shoulders, and lowered her head to his level.
"Xiao Shijiu, what's wrong? Tell Sister Xiaoqi."
Su Xiaoqi was patient and gentle, quickly easing Xiao Shijiu's psychological burden.
She looked at Xiao Shijiu at eye level, encouraging him to voice his thoughts boldly.
Under her gentle gaze and encouraging words, Xiao Shijiu's courage grew.
He whispered, "I, Sister, I want to study too!"
Xiao Shijiu's voice was truly quiet, but luckily, Su Xiaoqi had good hearing and had already heard him.
But to encourage him to speak louder, Su Xiaoqi said, "Xiao Shijiu, I didn't hear clearly, can you say it again?"
Xiao Shijiu hesitated again, but thinking of his elder brother Xiao Jiu, who had appeared confident in the courtyard just now, he straightened his chest and said a little louder, "Sister, I want to study too..."
Su Xiaoqi looked at Shen Yun.
Shen Yun nodded silently.
"Alright, where does Xiao Shijiu want to study?"
"I'm not good at studying, I'm afraid, afraid I won't get into Qingshan Academy," Xiao Shijiu had always lacked confidence.
Feeling that he was not capable at all.
After all, he had studied for two years and only learned "The Great Learning."
He found studying difficult, but it was also very enjoyable.
Therefore, he liked to study!
"Alright, then you can start by studying at home with a tutor.
When you've improved and feel confident about taking the exam for Qingshan Academy, I'll have your brother-in-law Yun take you to the exam, how about that?"
"Thank you, Sister." Xiao Shijiu bowed politely as a sign of gratitude.
Due to his prior malnutrition, at thirteen years old, he was still short, reaching only to Su Xiaoqi's shoulders, perhaps around 1.3 meters tall.
He was also thin, but his skin was fair.
Su Xiaoqi felt a pang of sympathy for him and reached out to pat his head.
But considering his age, she felt it might be too familiar, so she gently patted his shoulder to show encouragement.
Once everyone had left, Su Xiaoqi and Shen Yun returned to their room. Su Xiaoqi asked, "Husband, do you think Xiao Shijiu can study well?"
Although she supported Xiao Shijiu's pursuit of education, she didn't want him to exert himself for nothing.
In fact, Su Xiaoqi had asked Zhao Liushun about everyone's academic progress from the beginning.
Zhao Liushun's evaluation of Xiao Jiu was undoubtedly the highest.
Conversely, his evaluation of Xiao Shijiu was the lowest.
Dull in talent, with no aptitude for studying.
His comprehension and reaction speed were both somewhat slow.
Therefore, when Su Xiaoqi was arranging for Xiao Jiu to study, she hadn't considered Xiao Shijiu.
Shen Yun said, "My lady, if you have doubts, why let him study?"
Su Xiaoqi replied, "This is Xiao Shijiu's own choice, and I must respect it!"
Shen Yun looked up at Su Xiaoqi, recalling how gentle and patient she had been with Xiao Shijiu earlier.
He suddenly thought that if they were to have a child one day, would Xiaoqi also teach him with such patience and gentleness?
And he would teach him diligently, surely better than anyone else!
As Shen Yun thought of this, his heart surged. He took a deep breath, moved closer to Su Xiaoqi, and embraced her.
His chin rested on her shoulder. Just as Su Xiaoqi thought he wouldn't answer her question, he whispered, "Since he has made his choice, why shouldn't my lady let him?
It's only a matter of a few years!"
Su Xiaoqi nodded. Since he had requested it himself, she couldn't refuse. This was the only way.
After all, he was still young and could afford to waste a few years.
She sighed, but felt Shen Yun's hands slowly moving up her slender waist.
His intentions were already obvious.
"Husband?" Su Xiaoqi softly called out, somewhat surprised by Shen Yun's behavior today.
His self-control was usually unparalleled.
Sometimes, even when holding her and feeling stirred, he would restrain himself from acting.
"My lady, give me a child!" Shen Yun's voice was deep and magnetic.
Su Xiaoqi's body trembled at his words, and she involuntarily softened.