Chapter 128 - 128 Mr. Du
128 Mr. Du
She had heard that Du Zhongheng’s family was very well-off. Even if he did not take the imperial examination and went on to be an official, he would not have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of his life. However, after he was spurned by the scholars of the world, he left his home and moved to the Chengbei District of the city alone.
This was equivalent to a forgotten corner, and those self-proclaimed, decent scholars would not be willing to come to this “dirty” corner.
Perhaps Du Zhongheng wanted to stay away from those gossip and live his life in peace.
Mo Ruyue sized up the small house. There were no shacks within ten meters of the surrounding area, let alone far away from the sewage and garbage. It looked like a small paradise.
The closer they got to the small house, the less stench they could smell. The area within ten meters was covered with fresh flowers and green grass. It was obvious that someone had carefully taken care of it. It was incredible that it had not been taken away and sold by the surrounding poor people.
When Mo Ruyue stood outside the small courtyard and heard the roosters and dogs barking, she suddenly felt like she had returned to the Qin Village.
She suddenly felt that this man seemed to enjoy his current life.
Mo Ruyue stepped forward and knocked on the door of the small courtyard. Other than the dog’s barking in response to her, there was no other response.
She waited patiently for a while before she knocked on the door for the second time. This time, she heard the sound of footsteps.
“Who is it?”
The reply was lazy. Just by listening to the voice, it was not difficult to imagine the lazy and unbridled appearance of the speaker. Thinking of his rebellious words and deeds at that time, his appearance of making the world his enemy with one word seemed to spring into mind.
“Mr. Du, I came upon the recommendation of Elder Tian. I have something to discuss with you.”
Mo Ruyue said politely.
“Oh, there’s still someone who wants to discuss things with me?”
The man’s tone was very strange. Then, the sound of footsteps approached, and soon, the courtyard door opened, revealing half of his face.
“Hey, lady, you said that you were sent by Elder Tian. How do I trust you? Words are not enough.”
He rolled his eyes and sized Mo Ruyue up. When he saw that it was a woman in men’s clothes, he couldn’t help but be stunned and then opened the door wider.
“This is Elder Tian’s letter of recommendation.”
Mo Ruyue handed over the letter in his hand and also took a good look at this man called Du Zhongheng.
He was tall and had a white face without a beard. Although his face was very ordinary, his eyes were bright and full of spirit. He gave off a feeling that he was a scholar.
However, his eyes were a little arrogant. Obviously, even though he was spurned by all the scholars in the world and even abandoned by the Tian Family, which cut off his path to become an official, he did not collapse and live in dejection.
This was quite in line with Mo Ruyue’s temperament. He was indifferent to favors and humiliations, did things his own way, and insisted on his own ideas. He was very suitable to be the children’s initiation teacher.
Du Zhongheng quickly read through the old imperial doctor Tian’s letter and clicked his tongue in wonder. “I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect that someone would want me to be their child’s teacher. Did you not change your mind even after knowing what I’ve been through? Interesting.”
As he spoke, he looked up at Mo Ruyue from time to time. There was scrutiny, ridicule, and a well-hidden inquiry in his eyes. He seemed to be evaluating Mo Ruyue’s true intentions.
“What I’m interested in is teacher’s talent and knowledge. As for other things, as long as there is no lack of virtue, it’s not important.”
Mo Ruyue said indifferently.
She did not like Du Zhongheng’s scrutinizing gaze, but there was no perverted element in it. It was just a normal inspection, which was still within the range of her tolerance.
“Hehe, Lady Qin, right? Please come in. Let’s talk.”
As Du Zhongheng spoke, he made way for Mo Ruyue, as if he wanted to see if Mo Ruyue would hesitate because of the taboo of being alone with a man.
“Mr. Du, please.”
Mo Ruyue said and went straight into the courtyard, as if she really didn’t care about being suspected.
Du Zhongheng raised an eyebrow and followed her into the courtyard. However, the door to the courtyard was wide open and did not close.
He led Mo Ruyue to a room. Looking at the layout inside, it actually looked like a study room. There were a few shelves full of books inside. Beside the desk, there was a porcelain pot with many calligraphy and painting scrolls placed on it. As for the desk, there was a brush rack and a brush washer. It looked very formal.
“Lady Qin, sit down. I’ll bring you a pot of tea. I’m the only one in this courtyard, so I have to do everything myself.”
Du Zhongheng said with a smile and was about to turn around and leave the study.
“Mr. Du, there’s no need to be busy. Let’s talk here. I still want to invite you to our house to get along with the babies. This is also a process of you choosing each other. If one of you is not suitable, it will be uncomfortable to get along with each other in the future, right?”
Mo Ruyue did not come to drink tea. She was still worried about going back earlier. If Du Zhongheng was not suitable, she would think of another way.
“Oh, Lady Qin has arranged everything step by step.”
Du Zhongheng said, a little surprised.
He had really underestimated this woman. Looking at her proper arrangements, it was certain she was not a shallow and stupid village woman.
“Mr Du, if you have any concerns or requirements, you can say them in advance. As I said, this is a two-way street. Whether it is suitable or not depends on the temperament and requirements of both sides.”
Mo Ruyue responded to Du Zhongheng’s words. She also realized that this man seemed arrogant and unruly, but every step was cautious and every question he asked had a deep meaning.
“Lady Qin, I’m a man. What scruples can I have? I’m just worried that if your babies make me their initiation teacher, not to mention participating in the imperial examinations, I’m afraid no one will even want me in private schools.”
Du Zhongheng shook his head and said with a bitter smile.
At this moment, his eyes revealed a trace of sadness. It was clear that this matter did not affect him completely, but he was very good at adjusting his emotions and almost did not show it.
“Mr Du, you can rest assured. If I was afraid of this, I wouldn’t have come here.”
Mo Ruyue’s words made Du Zhongheng think for a moment before he nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll go with you. We’ve settled everything here. If I go to your house and I can’t get along with the babies, it’ll be a waste.”
His attitude was straightforward and he didn’t even mention anything. Mo Ruyue didn’t say much either. After the matter was done, he wouldn’t be left out.
The two of them walked out of the small courtyard together, attracting the gazes of many people along the way. There were even people whispering in the dark.
Mo Ruyue’s hearing was so strong that she heard all those malicious words. However, she didn’t intend to pick these people out one by one to settle the score. Could it be that if she heard the buzzing of flies and mosquitoes, she wouldn’t have to work and survive?
After leaving the slums in the north of the city, Mo Ruyue went to the carriage store to retrieve his carriage and brought Du Zhongheng straight to Qin Village.
As they neared the village entrance, some of the villagers who were working in the fields inadvertently looked up and saw an unfamiliar man sitting in Mo Ruyue’s carriage. They were heading towards her house.