Chapter 192: Doing Good and Accumulating Virtue Everywhere

Of the four shops on the south side, Liu Hai took one; seeing that there were many people there and the space sometimes wasn't enough, they rented the adjacent shop to him as well.

Originally the two shops owed ten taels of silver per month, but she let Shopkeeper Niu charge them only seven taels.

The Liu Family were very happy and grateful to Qiao Mai, and wanted to invite her to a meal at their home, but Qiao Mai declined.

She had the other two shops cleared out and commissioned Yahang to renovate them; just then, Ruyi arrived with her husband.

"Master, your disciple has come to see you."

"Why are you coming at this hour?" she glanced at her belly.

Ruyi's face flushed, "I heard you want to start a school?"

"Yes, many poor families in our town can't afford schooling for their children. I want to hire a teacher to teach these kids, and to nurture the clever and eager ones properly."

"Hehe, my husband is idle right now; why not invite him to teach?"

Qiao Mai glanced at the two of them, knew the character of the Qin Family, and said:

She knew the master was deliberately giving her face; a scholar serving as a teacher, some schools pay at most two taels a month, but the master offers ten.

Those who didn't send their children to the school later regretted it—on one hand they were reluctant to part with household labor, on the other hand they missed the school's meals.

Though there was no lavish meat, the meals sent from Jixiang Yuan were either rice or two‑layer dough buns, and the stir‑fry was rich in oil; each person got a portion, the noon meals varied daily, and everyone left full.

However, being nearby, his eagerness to study was sufficient, and he no longer stayed cooped up at home all day.

"Why don't you charge tuition?"

He couldn't let Ruyi's master's silver go to waste, so he taught the dozen‑plus children earnestly each day; when parents heard the clear reading voices outside, they felt all the hard work was worthwhile.

He was unhappy at Mr. Lin's school, getting scolded daily, and in a fit of anger he never returned.

The opening day was set for the first day of the tenth month, with a ten‑day‑on, one‑day‑off schedule, as agreed between Qin Yide and Qiao Mai.

Unfortunately they were all in class, and the matron wouldn't let him in.

"Jixiang School"

Qin Yide thought it was excellent; if all the children used this, how much money could be saved.

Yet there are wise people who understand the saying that books contain beauties like Yan Ruyu and golden houses, and who hope children can learn to read and write; even if they endure hardship themselves, they are willing to send their kids to school.

Anyone from a poor household who can't afford school may apply, Qiao Mai told Liu Qiaoshi.

Qiao Mai bought twenty sets of primers from the library at once, but these books belong to the school; the teacher distributes them to students during class and collects them back after school.

The Qiao Family's school initiative again caused a stir in the tiny Tianshui Town; people spread the news, and Mayor Qian even came personally to inspect, stroking his beard and repeatedly saying "good."

She had been looking for a chance to profit, but faced with Qiao Mai's imposing presence, she didn't even dare to approach.

Liu Qiaoshi that day took Liu Bao to register; he was the school's first registered child.

Especially the noon meal overseen by Qiao Mai was a great help; half a dozen kids would otherwise eat up their parents, so saving this meal saved a lot of grain for the family each year.

Its exterior resembled the Qiao Ji Snack Puzi; there were tables and chairs at the front for children to rest, and they could write or do other things there when idle.

Not to mention, their children could eat well and be full at the school.

Qin Yide said little; hearing she was a widow with a child, which isn't easy, he agreed.

This gave her a chance; she forced the eleven‑year‑old Chen Hao into the school.

The matter was decided so decisively, and ten days later the two shops were fully renovated.

I truly don't know whether they're the fools or I am.

These children are usually unruly, getting a day off each month, for fear they might grow weary of study.

Mr. Lin also didn't refund his bond, so he lost several months' worth of silver.

"Aunt, send Bao up. Mr. Qin is a scholar with good results; next year he'll go to the capital for the imperial exams with his family."

"Is there a family dispute?"

Liu Qiaoshi sighed, "You have such a kind heart."

"You don't plan to take the higher exams?"

On the opening day, Mayor Qian presented the school with a plaque that read, "Teaching and nurturing people, a merit for millennia."

The two back courtyards were also opened up for her, furnished completely with new furniture.

Among these children were the Chen family's, including Chen Hao, who had previously gotten along well with Feng'er and the others.

At noon the children didn't have to return home; Qiao Mai provided them a meal, regardless of quality, ensuring they were full.

In total, fifteen families signed up, all with seven‑ or eight‑year‑old children.

"Hmm, your family members are reasonable; discuss it well, and if it doesn't work, call on me."

"How many can actually afford it? I set up this school to let those who can't afford education come and study together."

Qiao Niang did another great deed; truly, good deeds and virtue everywhere.

Ruyi brought her dowry, along with her servant girl and matron, and moved into the school.

"My husband has loved learning since childhood; he's promising, and there are many poor children like him. I want to give them a chance to turn their lives around; just prepare the usual brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone for Bao."

After he and Ruyi secured everything, they posted a notice at the entrance: free enrollment for children aged six to ten.

Chen Shi was furious, blaming everything on Qiao Mai's offending Mr. Lin.

Although the school was free, few enrolled; the reason being that children of that age can usually help with household chores, so if they spend a whole day in class, who will do the housework?

Some were reluctant and wouldn't let their children attend; Qiao Mai was both amused and exasperated, having subsidized the shop and the silver, yet no one came for the free classes.

Chen Hao learned the school was run by the Qiao Family, his thoughts instantly rose, and he even sneaked to Jixiang Yuan to look for Feng'er and the others.

Even Liu Qiaoshi stopped buying paper and ink for the children, letting them use this instead.

"Master, rest assured, I will teach them well," Qin Yide said promptly.

"These are just household chores; a spoon always touches the pot rim. With this livelihood, I have an excuse to take Ruyi out."

In short, Qiao Mai didn't want to waste that large vacant lot, so she erected a big sign atop the two shops.

All daily necessities were well stocked; after hearing about this, Ruyi wanted to help her master, saving Qiao Mai the trouble of finding others, and her husband also happened to be looking for work, so they quickly agreed.

The enrollment and school‑opening matters were, of course, left to Qin Yide.

Those who can send their children to school all have expectations for the children; Qin Yide, also from a poor family, naturally understands this well.

As for pens and ink, Qiao Mai thought for a moment and bought twenty stone painting boards and twenty brushes from the Platform; when they need to write, she lets them dip the brushes in water and write on the boards, then wipe them clean with a dry cloth, allowing unlimited use.

"Yes, Master!"

Qin Yide replied, "Kao, I just want to find something to do, I don't want to stay at home eating idle meals all the time; moreover, I want to move out and live with my wife."

"Sure, each month I will give your husband a bundle of repairs worth Ten Taels of Silver, but you must teach them earnestly; you can't just treat it as a formality because they are admitted for free, can you?"

Qiao Mai smiled when she heard this; this is the reason they are poor.

But, let them be; if they don't come, she won't hurry to beg them.

Mr. Lin let out a cold laugh when he learned of this, then deliberately went to the Mayor's House to complain to him.

"Mayor, do you think this Qiao Niang holds a grudge against me? When I run a Private School she comes and tears down my platform, and now she wants to run a School; isn't she openly stealing my students?"

(End of Chapter)