Chapter 109: Shopkeeper Qiu’s Past
“Really?” Wen Xiuyi asked. Only after Shopkeeper Qiu nodded did he sit back down.
After wiping the tea from his clothes, Shopkeeper Qiu said, “Datou is clever and a rare talent. Before Old Jin and I came to Yunwu Town, I was considered a rather reputable teacher in the capital. So I’d like to personally teach Datou.”
Wen Xiuyi understood that much—but what did he mean by considered a teacher? Clearly, Shopkeeper Qiu had a story.
“You don’t look that old. Why leave the capital to run a small shop in a small town?” Wen Xiuyi asked. Scholars in ancient times usually studied endlessly in pursuit of careers.
Thinking of the past, Shopkeeper Qiu smiled helplessly. “I’m already fifty. When I was young, I was proud of my talent. After placing first in the imperial exams and entering official service, I couldn’t bring myself to play political games. I disliked the court’s atmosphere, so I petitioned the emperor and became a teacher.”
Fifty? He didn’t look it. Wen Xiuyi suddenly froze.
Wait—first in the imperial exams? Entered official service? Needed an imperial decree to become a teacher? This was no ordinary teacher.
“May I ask… where did you teach?” Wen Xiuyi leaned closer, lowering his voice.
Shopkeeper Qiu leaned in as well and whispered, “The Imperial Academy.”
Wen Xiuyi nearly fell off his stool, catching himself on the table. Even he knew what the Imperial Academy was—the most prestigious place of learning in the land.
Shopkeeper Qiu had taught there. His knowledge and ability were beyond ordinary people.
Recovering, Wen Xiuyi shouted, “Datou! Where’s Datou? Xiaojun, go call your brother back!”
Wasn’t this the perfect chance to take a master? Miss it and you’d regret it forever!
He imagined Datou studying under Shopkeeper Qiu—an official who knew the ways of the court. With such guidance, Datou would surely thrive.
But before he could celebrate, Shopkeeper Qiu sighed deeply. “Unfortunately, after my parents passed away, I left the Imperial Academy and swore never to take students again.”
“Ah? Why?” Wen Xiuyi felt his heart couldn’t handle such emotional whiplash.
Shopkeeper Qiu smiled bitterly. “It’s complicated, and it’s been many years. No need to bring it up.”
Wen Xiuyi was speechless. Then why mention it at all?
Straightening up, he said seriously, “Shopkeeper Qiu, if you have a request, just say it. Since you brought up teaching Datou, you must have a plan. Whatever I can do, I’ll try my best.”
“It’s not difficult,” Shopkeeper Qiu murmured.
Wen Xiuyi leaned closer eagerly.
Finally relaxing, Shopkeeper Qiu smiled and said, “I want to take Datou as my adopted son. That way I won’t break my oath, and I can personally teach him.”
“Adopted son?” Wen Xiuyi frowned. Not exactly stealing his son—but close. Still, Datou would keep his surname and gain another father. He didn’t seem to lose anything.
“You said Datou didn’t tell me. You spoke to him already?”
Shopkeeper Qiu nodded. “Yesterday, while you were shopping, we talked. He said he’d ask your opinion.”
Wen Xiuyi hadn’t known a thing.
Before learning Shopkeeper Qiu’s background, he might have refused. But now… Datou’s future path would inevitably cross dangerous people. Wen Xiuyi wasn’t confident he could guide such a smart child alone. With Shopkeeper Qiu—a former top scholar and official—Datou would gain far more support.
“Brother Wen?” Shopkeeper Qiu prompted.
Wen Xiuyi returned to his senses. “Let’s ask Datou when he comes back. If he agrees, I have no objections. He lost his mother—having another father love him wouldn’t be bad.”
Shopkeeper Qiu’s lips twitched at the strange yet reasonable logic. He had heard Datou’s mother had left after divorcing Wen Xiuyi, but he hadn’t pried. Now he would simply wait for Datou to return and ask whether he was willing to become his adopted son.
