Chapter 11 (1/2)

This nephew of his had always been quiet, not speaking a word even beaten by a stick. He made a show just now mainly because he took advantage of the characters of his younger brother’s son and daughter-in-law.

However, he was much older than Xue Tingxiang after all, so he naturally put on a show of apology.

He sighed, “Youcai is spoiled by his mother. As your eldest uncle, I am also responsible for not discipline my son well. My apologies.”

Xue Tingxiang dodged immediately. “Uncle, don’t say that. As a younger generation, Ting’er does not deserve it.”

“Ting’er? I did not expect you to name yourself Ting’er.” Xue Qingshan cannot help mocking. He was implying that Xue Tingxiang did not deserve his name because he was not as sensible and polite as he appeared.

Generally, the young were named by the elder instead of themselves. It did not matter if a normal peasant named himself. However, Xue Tingxiang was a scholar who should know and abide by the etiquette. If failing to do that, he studied for nothing.

Xue Tingxiang was so smart that he understood what his uncle meant, so he smiled ironically. “My father asked Grandfather and Uncle to give me a formal name when he was still alive, but Uncle rejected because you thought it was earlier for a child with a nickname to grow up. Since I am already 14 years old and cannot use a nickname forever, I name myself casually.”

Xue Qingshan’s face was a picture at these words. Xue Tingxiang was apparently implying that Xue Qingshan was reluctant to name him as his uncle and even deliberately belittled him. After all, he had gone to school and should have had a formal name.

Xue Qingshan forced a smile, explaining, “Seeing you were always unhealthy at that time, I intended to name you when you become an adult. If you don’t understand my consideration, how about Uncle naming you right now?”

He immediately made a show of melancholy with a deep sigh before Xue Tingxiang agreed. “You have been weak since you were born. Since your father wished you happiness and longevity, I decide to name you Fushou which means exactly what your father wished for. How do you find it?”

This name was given without careful consideration, failing to live up to his reputation as the only Tong Sheng in Yuqing Village.

Xue Tingxiang hesitated before refusing, “No, Uncle, thank you. I have determined my name and told my parents when visiting their graves. It would be inappropriate to change it now.”

His words explained why he visited his parents’ graves on a non-holiday. Seeing Xue Qingshan invite so many people over and considering what happened just now, He knew Xue Qingshan must harbor evil intentions.

No matter what Xue Qingshan plotted to do, he would bar the way of his uncle who tried to make mischief. All he had to do next was to wait and see.

As expected, the expression of the clan leader of the Xue family softened.

He previously thought Xue Tingxiang deliberately did that to compete with Xue Juncai for the opportunity to study at Qinghe School. However, this time he found the young man gentle and polite who was neither haughty nor humble. Despite lack of scholarly honor, the clan leader could read. Besides, he has also been the clan leader for many years, so he had a good eye for a smart person.

He was so surprised this time because Gou’er, namely Xue Tingxiang, never impressed him even if he indeed saw Gou’er before. He had the only impression that this child was an unimpressive adolescent. At present, this child seemed to have grown up unexpectedly.

In spite of unexpectedness, the clan leader did not forget why he came here.

His temporary liking for this young man this time was unable to reverse his decision. He had asked someone to test Juncai and it turned out that Juncai was much more knowledgeable than the clan leader’s two own grandsons. If asked who would be the next Tong Sheng in Yuqing Village, the clan leader would bet Xue Juncai had the strongest possibility.

It was possible that Juncai would become more than Tong Sheng. He might be Scholar.

The clan leader surely knew how to make a choice between two potential candidates for Scholar and a young man unfamiliar to him.

Nevertheless, he abandoned his earlier idea of supporting Xue Qingshan. If failing to cope with a young man, Xue Qingshan was not worth his respect.

Undoubtedly, Xue Qingshan could read the clan leader’s mind. In his eyes, this old fart was a risk averter who never brought benefits to him even if gaining all benefits from the entire Xue family.

The leaders of any other clans subsidized internal schools. On the contrary, the clan leader of Xue family worked for nothing. Every time a certain family brought some grain to the clan leader’s home, the leader would call Xue Qingshan over, asking him to admit a new student from that family to the clan school.

Being generous at the expense of others, the clan leader did not care that the others were reluctant.

Though sneering in his mind, Xue Qingshan acted respectfully on the surface, inviting the clan leader Xue, village head Zheng etc. to the room.

The clan leader and village head Zheng sat cross-legged on the bed on both left and right sides, the others sitting on the bench below the bed. Mrs. Yang and Mrs. Zhou were busy serving them tea. Even Xue Tao’er was sent to call Grandpa Xue back immediately.

The clan leader and village head Zheng had a habit of smoking tobacco, so they each took out a tobacco pouch as they sat down.

Xue Qingshan hurriedly took a pouch of tobacco from the hands of his mother Mrs. Zhao, serving it to the clan leader and village head Zheng. “The tobacco is grown by my father, and he usually cherishes it. Uncle Xue and Uncle Zheng, please have a taste.”

“The tobacco grown by your father is indeed good. It is a pity that only a small amount can be reaped annually,” The village head Zheng said smilingly after having a deep smoke.

Xue Qingshan replied, “If Uncle Zheng likes it, I will pack some up so that you can take away later. As long as you can accept it.”

Everyone knew those were civilities. The village head Zheng nodded smilingly and then got down to business. “Qingshan, why do you invite us old fellows over?”

Seeing the village head Zheng’s smiling face, Xue Qingshan could not help nicknaming him Fox in mind.

Xue Qingshan did not believe village head Zheng had nothing to do with the current bad situation, but that was why he even invited him over today. He was the head of Yuqing Village after all, and his surname was Zheng instead of Xue, so he could avoid being accused of screening Xue Qingshan.

Besides the village head Zheng, the other villagers present in the room were also invited over after Xue Qingshan’s serious consideration. Belonging to families like Zheng, Xue or others in the village, they were all popular.

“I do need you elders help make a decision, but can we wait a moment for my father? He is working in the field and will return soon,” Answered Xue Qingshan.

Grandpa Xue came back the minute Xue Qingshan spoke of him. He made a small talk before sitting down to cut to the chase.