Xie Xiuwen naturally knows Lu Xi, and also knows that this child is very diligent in studying and occasionally has a little temper. So far, the progress in studying is not bad.
Lu Jie finally found an opportunity to meet his second uncle alone, so naturally he spared no effort to recommend his son.
"Second brother, although my Xi'er's talent is average, he is better than he is willing to work hard. Don't worry, if we can let him stay in the capital to study, our Lu family will bear the cost. We just need your help to pay for it. Letter of recommendation, do you want to read it?”
Lu Jie has long been smart. It is difficult to get into the academy here in the capital. Lu Xi is not even a boy. If he wants to get in, he can only rely on letters of recommendation from others.
Xie Xiuwen thought further.
"It's a good thing that my brother-in-law wants him to study and take exams, but Mingshan Academy in Fucheng is excellent. Why should he stay in the capital?"
Lu Jie said helplessly: "I'm not afraid of the second brother's jokes. Xi'er is still young and has never tried anything before. The minimum standard for admissions at Mingshan Academy is to be a scholar. The most important thing is that my parents treat their children They are all too doting, and I don’t want them to get too close and be spoiled anymore.”
This reason is very real.
Xie Xiuwen nodded: "It is true that over-indulging elders can easily make children's temperament more indulgent. Let's do this. When I leave the office tomorrow morning, I will take a test on his knowledge and then see what kind of school he can go to."
"Thank you, second brother!"
In Lu Jie's opinion, Xie Xiuwen's ability to say this meant that he had already agreed.
Xie Xiuwen actually had some concerns. After all, Lu Xi was still too young.
Even if he is smart and can pass the scholar examination at the age of sixteen or seventeen, he will still have to live in the capital for several years. Are the Lu family really willing to do so?
"You don't have to thank me yet. You have to discuss this matter with Xiuying. You have to understand that once you stay in the capital, I'm afraid I may not be able to go back to reunite with you during the New Year. I'm not in trouble here. I can take a break during the New Year or holiday. You can let him come back to live in the future. But is Xiuying willing to let him go? You should also discuss it with your parents. Don’t make your own decisions and be scolded by your elders when you go back. "
"Yes, I understand everything the second brother said, and I will discuss it with Xiuying."
"Also, brother Xi is young, how can he really be separated from others? If nothing else, it would be of no benefit to his health if he is homesick. You should also think about it carefully. If possible, there are several restaurants in Fucheng. The school is good. With my reputation, it is not difficult to recommend one or two students. All in all, this is something you and your family should discuss clearly first, and you should also consider Brother Xi’s thoughts. Don’t make him feel abandoned. That’s fine.”
"Yes, what the second brother said is right. We will talk to him about this matter."
The matter was settled, and Xie Xiuwen did test Lu Xi for nearly a quarter of an hour in the afternoon of the next day.
Xie Xiuwen saw that the child was born on the thin side. Logically speaking, given the Lu family's family background, the child would not eat too poorly. It might be related to his physical constitution.
"Your father intends to keep you in the capital to study. Do you know what this means?"
There was a trace of nervousness on Lu Xi's little face, and his two little hands kept clenching and loosening his clothes by his side, and whispered: "I know. I can't go home, I have to stay here to study and practice calligraphy, and then We must also listen to my uncle’s teachings.”
When Xie Xiuwen saw that he understood everything, it became easier to say the next words.
"You are right. Your father does mean this. He wants you to stay here because he thinks I am knowledgeable and can give you more guidance. In fact, the main reason is that he wants you to pass the exam as soon as possible."
"Yeah, I know."
"Then tell me now, do you want to stay?"
Lu Xi looked confused, and then thought of his brothers here. It feels good to study here, and his aunt is also very kind. The conditions here are much better than the Lu family. The most important thing is that no one will disturb them. Do your own homework.
"Uncle, I am willing. I also want to get a good name as soon as possible, so that our Lu family can change our family and no longer be looked down upon by others."
Xie Xiuwen chuckled. He was quite thoughtful at such a young age.
"Then think about it. If you stay, you may not be able to return home in three or two years. Will you miss your parents?"
Lu Xi's nervousness became more obvious. He shook his head and tried to relax: "I'm not afraid. Dad said that studying means enduring hardship. It's hard to endure hardship physically, and it's also hard to endure hardship in your heart when you miss your loved ones."
"Good boy, you go out first, and I will discuss it with your father."
"Yes, junior, please take your leave."
Although Lu Xi is not very old, his etiquette is still quite thorough.
Xie Xiuwen was not in a hurry to let Lu Jie in. He read Lu Xi's article first. Although it looked immature at first glance, the handwriting was okay, which showed that he had worked hard.
Douzi came in to ask for instructions, and Xie Xiuwen asked him to take down all the tea and bring up new ones, and then invited Lu Jie in.
"Second brother?"
"This child's skills are still good and solid, but his progress is a bit slow. If he were in Gaoyang County, this child would be considered outstanding, but in the capital, he would be a bit underwhelming."
Lu Jie's heart sank, fearing that he would say something he didn't want to say again.
"I've asked Xi'er. He means to stay. I'm just worried that he will miss home. So, how did you and your wife discuss it?"
Lu Jie was overjoyed: "Second brother, the main reason we want him to stay is to let him concentrate on studying."
"Yes, but he can't enter Baihe Academy. The standards for recruiting students there are similar to Mingshan Academy. Besides, Brother Xi is too young to study in the academy."
Lu Jie probed: "What does second brother mean?"
"I will first look for a suitable private school in the capital, or let him go to the Wang family to study for two years first, and then go to the academy, so that by then he will have grown up and can take care of himself. It also saves you from worrying."
Lu Jie was so happy that he bowed to him and said, "Thank you, second brother!"
"No need, I understand that you are anxious for him to learn a lesson. But don't be too anxious, he is still a child after all."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say is fine."
"Then let's do this for now. I asked someone to ask yesterday. Maybe there will be a reply in the next day or two. You are not in a hurry to go back. You might as well stay a few more days."
"Everything is decided by my second brother."
Xie Xiuwen wanted to keep Lu Xi. Firstly, he thought that this child might really make a name for himself in studying. Secondly, he thought very clearly that if he couldn't keep Lu Xi, he was afraid that there would be a series of troubles later.
For example, will his good sister act recklessly, will she go to the old lady to gossip, etc.
In short, he just doesn’t want Xie Xiuying to hold him back!
(End of chapter)
