Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 106 Part 2

　　What truly won Xu He over was Luo Yuxing. The child, despite his young age, was visibly well-mannered and cultured, a living testament to the quality of Luo Yan’s teaching. With such a role model, how could they doubt that their own children would receive excellent instruction?

　　Seeing the couple’s brief but harmonious exchange, Luo Yan smiled. “That’s settled, then.”

　　Zhang Fangyuan couldn’t hide his smile but remembered the matter of tuition fees. Although it was somewhat awkward to bring up, it was better to clarify things upfront to avoid misunderstandings later.

　　“May I ask about the tuition fees for the two children…”

　　“No need to rush. Just follow the usual six rituals for tuition. There’s no need to prepare anything extra.”

[The six rituals (六礼, liù lǐ) are traditional gifts given to a teacher when enrolling a student, symbolizing respect and the teacher-student relationship. They include: Dried meat strips (symbolizing commitment), Celery (representing diligence), Lotus seeds (symbolizing a bright future), Red beans (representing loyalty), Jujubes (symbolizing early success) Longan fruit (symbolizing completeness)]

　　“How can that be?” Zhang Fangyuan, having visited so many private schools recently, knew that just the six rituals were too modest. “We must pay tuition.”

　　“I don’t need the money. I choose students based on my impression of them. If the children achieve success in the future, that will be reward enough.”

　　With that, Zhang Fangyuan didn’t press further. He was deeply grateful. His children were his pride and joy, and finding them a good teacher lifted a great weight off his shoulders.

　　“It’s getting late. I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t stay longer. Bring the children over as soon as possible.”

　　Luo Yan stood up, intending to take Luo Yuxing back with him, as they would have plenty of time to spend together once school started.

　　However, hearing the children’s joyful laughter from the side room, a sound rarely heard in the Luo residence, he couldn’t bring himself to take the child away.

　　Luo Yan glanced at Zhang Fangyuan, who smiled back. “Let Xing’er stay here and play. We’ll send him back with his nursemaid later.”

　　“Very well.”

　　Zhang Fangyuan escorted Luo Yan to the door. Watching him leave, Zhang Fangyuan felt lighthearted and walked back briskly, ready to discuss the matter in detail with Xu He.

　　“Master Zhang, wait!”

　　Zhang Fangyuan turned at the voice and saw a familiar face. After a moment’s thought, he recognized the man as Master Meng’s butler.

　　He gave a slight bow, his good mood making him polite. “Ah, Butler Qian.”

　　“What brings you here, Butler Qian? Please, come in.”

　　The butler didn’t stand on ceremony and followed Zhang Fangyuan into the house. As they walked through the corridor, his eyes darted around, taking in the few servants and simple decor. He couldn’t help but frown slightly.

　　Once they reached the main hall and had some tea, the butler finally spoke. “How is your search for a teacher going?”

　　“Thank you for your concern. We’re still looking for a suitable teacher for the children.”

　　The butler continued, “Our master has recently selected a few students and is about to start classes. Considering that you live in the same lane as the Meng family, we can make an exception for you.”

　　Zhang Fangyuan raised an eyebrow. It seemed everyone was eager to visit the Zhang family today.

　　The butler got straight to the point. “With two children, the tuition fees would be quite substantial. If you’re short on funds, our kind master is willing to make a concession. Eighty taels for both children.”

　　Butler Qian expertly stirred the tea leaves with the lid of his cup, looking every bit the benevolent figure. “This is a privilege no one else enjoys. What do you think, Master Zhang?”

　　Zhang Fangyuan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thank you for Master Meng’s generosity, but unfortunately, we’ve already found a teacher. What a pity.”

　　The butler’s hand paused, and he looked incredulous. “You’ve found one?”

　　“Indeed.”

　　“Which private school is it?” the butler pressed. “Is it the one at Qiantang Hall? Master Zhang, don’t take this the wrong way, but when it comes to children’s education, you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest option. You get what you pay for.”

　　Zhang Fangyuan replied, “You misunderstand, Butler Qian. It’s not Qiantang Hall.”

　　There was no need to hide it. Since they were all neighbors in Qingshan Lane, it wouldn’t take long for people to find out where the children were studying. He said directly, “My sons will be studying with our neighbor, the Luo family.”

　　“The Luo family?”

　　Not only was the butler puzzled, but even Master Meng was surprised when the butler reported back.

　　“The Luo and Zhang families moved into Qingshan Lane one after the other. We sent someone to inquire about the Luo family a while ago but found out nothing.”

　　The butler asked, “Could the Luo and Zhang families be relatives?”

　　“If they were relatives, the Zhang family would have sent their children there from the start. Why would they go around asking for help?”

　　“This old servant is foolish.”

　　Master Meng snorted. “These merchants are so shortsighted. They’re unwilling to spend a few extra taels on their children’s education and will take anyone who can read and write as a teacher. Bah! Let’s see how far they get.”

　　Losing a lucrative opportunity was a bit of a pity, as each additional student meant more income.

　　Butler Qian, understanding his master’s thoughts, comforted him. “This old servant observed that the Zhang family isn’t particularly wealthy. They have only a few servants and no extravagant decorations. They probably spent all their money to buy a house in the city and are now tight on funds, so they’re reluctant to spend so much.”

　　“Forget it. I overestimated them. No need to deal with them in the future.”

　　“Understood.”

　　With Ruijin and Ruili’s teacher settled, Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He spent the night preparing the children. Although the children were well-behaved, they had always been under their parents’ care. Now, for the first time, they would be sent to someone else’s home, even if it was just next door. The couple couldn’t help but worry.

　　They were concerned that the children might cry or misbehave and offend Luo Yan.

　　For this matter, Zhang Fangyuan spent money to buy two eight-year-old children from a servant agency to serve as study companions. This was a common practice among city people.

　　Xu He hadn’t originally planned to provide such companions for the children, but since they needed someone to keep an eye on them and the adults couldn’t accompany them to class, having study companions seemed like a good idea.

　　After carefully selecting two children, Gancao trained them briefly. Five days later, early in the morning, Zhang Fangyuan took the two children and their companions to the Luo residence.

　　Although Luo Yan had taken on the two students midway, he treated the matter seriously. He had his servants prepare a bright, spacious room as a classroom.

　　The three children were delighted to see each other.

　　Zhang Fangyuan held back his curious children and first had them perform the formal bow to Luo Yan as their teacher.