CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 134: SNEAKING INTO THE COUNTY TOWN

Even Zhao Yue was curious about their strong determination, especially Zhao Zhitong, who could still study so peacefully even though her family had just experienced an incident.

He poked Qiao Muchen with his little hand, glanced at Zhao Zhitong, and asked, "Look, is Zhao Zhitong really fine? How can she sit still like that? If it were me, I would’ve wanted to slip back home long ago; I wouldn’t be able to sit still at all."

Disrupted, Qiao Muchen tapped him on the head with a book, clearly displeased. "That’s why Teacher always praises Tongtong and not you."

Disdained by Qiao Muchen, Zhao Yue pouted unhappily and said arrogantly, "Humph, I’m not bad either! Teacher has been praising me for making a lot of progress recently. I’m just curious; we have to deal with bad people tomorrow, yet Zhao Zhitong isn’t worried at all. Look at our classmates; tomorrow is a day off, and they’re already too restless to sit still, just thinking about how they’ll play."

Qiao Muchen rolled his eyes at him and said, "Tongtong already said that you have to focus on whatever you’re doing; you can’t divide your attention. You can’t be trying to fish and catch butterflies at the same time."

Listening to this, Zhao Yue was completely bewildered. "What on earth are you talking about?"

Qiao Muchen couldn’t be bothered with him anymore. "I’m going to read. Don’t bother me. After school, you can ask Tongtong to tell you the story of the little kitten trying to fish; then you’ll understand."

After that, he ignored Zhao Yue, turned around, and went to recite his texts.

"I won’t bother you, stingy!" Zhao Yue made a face at Qiao Muchen’s retreating back but was seen by Mr. Meng, who happened to walk by his side just then.

With a snap, the Teacher’s ruler landed on his book, and Mr. Meng’s stern voice rang out, "Have you memorized it yet? Stand up and recite it for me."

Zhao Yue was so scared that he immediately ducked his head, burying it on the desk, and began reading aloud loudly from his book.

Scholar Meng shook his head helplessly. This child, he thought. He’s quite smart, but such a handful. He just can’t seem to shake off that mischievous nature, good one moment and naughty the next. Then, Teacher led the students in their reading.

Finally, as the students eagerly awaited, school was dismissed. The moment Mr. Meng announced the end of classes, the classroom instantly erupted with cheers and laughter.

Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen, however, were called out by Mr. Meng. These two children were truly intelligent and possessed strong learning abilities. Consequently, their learning pace was somewhat faster than that of the other children in the class.

Therefore, Scholar Meng would often impart some additional knowledge to them. Just then, he called the two children over and handed them a piece of calligraphy paper with a short story written on it—*The Medical Skills of Bian Que*.

Stroking his beard, Mr. Meng said, "This is a little story. After you read it, write down what enlightenment and thoughts you gain from it, and show it to me the day after tomorrow."

The two little ones’ eyes lit up immediately. Teacher often wrote little stories for them to read and then asked for their reflections.

They adored reading the stories Teacher gave them. Not only were they interesting, but crucially, they could debate them afterward—a part they enjoyed immensely, finding it great fun.

Now that they had taken the calligraphy sheet, the two little ones patted their small chests, confidently promising they would read it thoroughly.

Scholar Meng laughed with satisfaction. "Good, good. Go on now, read it well."

After bidding farewell to Teacher, the two little ones held hands and ran out. At that moment, Wei Shulan and Zhao Yue were bickering outside the school.

When Qiao Muchen and Zhao Zhitong came out, the four of them went, laughing and chatting, to Qiao Muchen’s family study, ready to start their schoolwork.

Since they were going to deal with the bad guys tomorrow, they decided to finish the assignments Teacher had given them today so that they could focus single-mindedly on dealing with the bad guys the next day.

The calligraphy practice Teacher had assigned them was quickly finished by Qiao Muchen and Zhao Zhitong. Then, they began to study the little story Teacher had given them. The story was about the Divine Doctor Bian Que, so the two little ones read it very attentively.

After reading it, they had a heated discussion. Eventually, even Wei Shulan and Zhao Yue joined in. For a moment, the study was very lively.

It wasn’t until dark that they all reluctantly dispersed, having tacitly agreed to meet the next day.

...

The next morning, Zhao Zhitong climbed out of bed early. It was autumn now, and the early mornings were a bit chilly. After getting dressed, Zhao Zhitong dashed from her room into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Sun Mei was preparing breakfast.

Zhao Zhitong blinked her eyes and wheedled Sun Mei, "Mother, could you make some snacks for me? I’m going to play with Qiao Jiaojiao and the others today."

The little ones were planning to spend the whole day out, so when they parted yesterday, they had all agreed to bring food from home to serve as provisions for their outing.

Because Zhao Zhitong often went to Qiao Muchen’s house to read, Sun Mei felt a little like she was imposing. So, upon hearing Zhao Zhitong’s request, she nodded and decided to make extra so Qiao Muchen could have some too.

So, after the porridge was cooked, Sun Mei prepared the dough and fried some deep-fried dough sticks and chive dumplings.

By the time Zhao Zhitong had finished her porridge and eaten an egg, Sun Mei had already fried a large bowlful of deep-fried dough sticks and chive dumplings.

Sun Mei wrapped a large bundle of the deep-fried dough sticks and chive dumplings in a steaming cloth, handed it to Zhao Zhitong, and reminded her, "This isn’t just for you, you know. You have to share with your good friends."

Zhao Zhitong nodded her little head, eagerly took the bundle, shouting, "I know, I know!"

Then she went scampering out.

Watching the young girl’s retreating figure, Sun Mei shook her head with a smile and let her go.

Zhao Zhitong, clutching the large bundle of deep-fried dough sticks and chive dumplings, ran off to find her Big Brother and Xiao Ge.

At this time, her Big Brother was chopping firewood in the courtyard, while Xiao Ge was practicing his swordsmanship.

Zhao Zhitong yelled, "Big Brother! Xiao Ge! Will you come play with Qiao Jiaojiao and me today?"

Zhao Cheng and Zhao Yu didn’t actually know about Zhao Zhitong’s plan, but they were so used to spoiling her that they agreed without a second thought.

Zhao Zhitong was overjoyed and went to call Zhao Ya. "Sister Yaya, we’re going! Are you coming?"

Zhao Ya, who had just come out of the kitchen, shook her head. "Little sister, you all go ahead. I have to embroider handkerchiefs this afternoon."

Sun Mei had bought quite a lot of silk thread for Zhao Ya. She had embroidered three handkerchiefs a few days ago, and Zhao Dong had taken them to the county town to sell. Amazingly, they had all sold.

This made Zhao Ya incredibly happy. She finally felt useful in this family! She could finally make money by embroidering handkerchiefs to show filial piety to her Uncle and Aunt! So, she had been diligently embroidering handkerchiefs these days.

Zhao Zhitong wasn’t disappointed. She knew Zhao Ya was the quietest, and her mother always told her to learn from Sister Yaya—to be gentle and not so wild.

But everyone has their own unique traits, right? she mused. Sister Yaya has hers, and I have mine. Why should I have to learn to be like someone else? Being myself is perfectly fine!

When she had voiced these thoughts back then, Grandpa Bai had praised her, saying she was remarkable and should always hold onto that spirit, never losing her true self.