CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: HOW DO YOU KNOW I’M INFERIOR TO YOU?

"Brother Zhao." Han Muchi suppressed his displeasure, "You’re planning to take the county exam next spring, aren’t you?"

Zhao Dahe crossed his arms, "So what?"

"I’ve been the top scorer in the county, government, and provincial exams." Han Muchi said slowly.

Even though Han Muchi spoke in a plain tone, Zhao Dahe could still hear the pride.

Indeed, Han Muchi had the right to be proud.

Being a triple-top scorer at the age of twelve, quite impressive.

But what did that have to do with him?

Zhao Dahe remained very calm and gestured for Han Muchi to continue.

The reaction Han Muchi had anticipated, where Zhao Dahe would be thrilled, never appeared. Han Muchi’s supposed advantage didn’t show at all, as if he had punched hard but hit nothing but cotton.

"I can share my experiences with you." Han Muchi said.

Zhao Dahe laughed, a laugh full of meaning.

Han Muchi didn’t understand what he meant.

Zhao Dahe directly refused, "No need."

"You—" Han Muchi was somewhat annoyed.

"Not to mention that you came with a purpose, even if you had no purpose and just purely wanted to help me, I would still refuse." Zhao Dahe said calmly, "Your experiences are just useful to you. Besides, how do you know I’m not as good as you?"

You are the triple-top scorer, how do you know I can’t be?

"And since my mother and sister have rejected you, I hope you don’t cling on. At such a young age, you should focus on your studies. You’re only twelve, why rush into a betrothal?" Zhao Dahe said unceremoniously, "Don’t think of approaching me either. I’m impervious to influence, so don’t waste your time."

"Don’t even think of using underhanded means to pressure my mother and sister, I’m not as kind and easy-going as they are."

"Safe travels, I won’t see you off." Zhao Dahe issued a notice to leave.

Han Muchi’s purpose in this visit was to make Zhao Dahe feel deeply grateful to him.

But in the end—

Han Muchi was very angry inside.

"I hope Brother Zhao’s skills match the harsh words you say. The provincial exam is far more brutal than Brother Zhao imagines!"

"Young Master Han, come back to preach to me after you’ve passed the township exam smoothly."

In terms of retorting, besides his mother, Zhao Dahe had never admitted defeat.

Han Muchi returned defeated.

Zhao Dahe went alone to Mr. Wang’s study.

"Where’s Young Master Han?" Mr. Wang didn’t see Han Muchi, so he hurriedly asked Zhao Dahe.

"Young Master Han had an urgent matter and left. Teacher, has your wife’s stewed pig’s trotters finished? If they are, I’ll join you for a meal." Zhao Dahe said cheerfully, "I happen to be hungry."

"He just promised to come, why did he suddenly have something urgent?" Mr. Wang looked regretful, "You and Young Master Han must have had a pleasant conversation, right? Being friends with someone such as him, who is taught by famous teachers, can only benefit you."

Zhao Dahe smiled, "Yes, I feel we talked well."

Talked so well that Han Muchi left in a huff.

He was very happy, so it wasn’t lying, they did talk well.

As for what Han Muchi thought, what did that matter to him?

"You always have your own ideas, why should this old man worry? Anyway, since Young Master Han also lives in Shanghua Village, when you go back, you should consult more with him." Mr. Wang said.

"Are you lacking confidence in your own knowledge, or in me? In my eyes, you’re no less than those famous teachers." Zhao Dahe said earnestly.

Mr. Wang laughed, and his face creased.

That’s why he liked this kid the most? Even when flattering, it felt sincere.

How could he compare with famous teachers?

"Stop playing verbal tricks in front of me, don’t I know who you are? Come on, let’s eat the pig’s trotters while they’re hot." Mr. Wang laughed.

Dahe was smooth but not worldly, so there was nothing to worry about.

As for Young Master Han, if they could befriend, they do; if not, surely it wasn’t Dahe’s issue.

Mr. Wang’s wife, Mrs. Qian, also liked Zhao Dahe very much, not only because he was studious and sweet-tongued, but his family was also good.

Indeed, Meng Yao had Zhao Dahe bring small things several times for Mrs. Qian.

Mrs. Qian came from a merchant family, raised with an abacus, smart and business-minded. Her eyes were sharp.

Who was sincere, who was not, couldn’t be hidden from her.

The sachets and handkerchiefs sent by Dahe’s mother were even more exquisite than those from the Hundred Embroidery House.

Also, after entering winter, her throat often felt uncomfortable; the pear syrup brought by Meng Yao through Dahe was more effective than the ones sold at Hundred Herbs Hall.

The gift, they weren’t lacking.

The kid was smart and could study.

In a situation where they didn’t need to seek help, they still maintained the connection earnestly, which showed sincerity.

So, Mrs. Qian regarded Zhao Dahe as her own niece or nephew.

"Eat a bit less, you’re not young anymore, eating so much meat, can you digest it? Dahe is still growing, he should eat more." Mrs. Qian pushed the pig’s trotters in front of Mr. Wang toward Zhao Dahe with a loving face, "Dahe, it’s cold, eat more."

Zhao Dahe smiled happily, "Thank you, teacher’s wife, your culinary skills are truly amazing."

"As long as you like it, I’ll make it for you again." Mrs. Qian smiled.

On Laba Festival, Meng Yao brought Laba porridge cooked at home, along with the twins, to the town.

They first went to the carpenter’s shop to deliver a small jar of Laba porridge to Ya’er.

Ya’er was very happy to see Meng Yao and the others.

Especially seeing Zhao Xiaoshu after a few months, he had grown taller and his face had more flesh, making Ya’er cry with happiness.

"Aunt Zhao, Xiaoshu, Xiaohua, hurry and come in, I also cooked Laba porridge." Ya’er enthusiastically invited them.

Zhao Xiaoshu was also relieved; Sister Ya’er was smiling from the heart, and her complexion wasn’t as sallow as before.

Ya’er’s mother was now in good health and didn’t need to stay in bed, she could manage the household chores.

After Meng Yao and the others entered the backyard, it was Ya’er’s mother who greeted them.

"Sister Meng, Ya’er and I couldn’t have today without you." Ya’er’s mother said gratefully.

Meng Yao quickly waved her hand, "It’s because Ya’er could bear it, I can’t take credit."

She had only discreetly pointed a path for Ya’er; how she walked it was entirely Ya’er’s decision.

Now, the business at the carpenter’s shop was good, and Ya’er and her mother lived comfortably, all thanks to Ya’er.

"Mom, I’m going to help Sister Ya’er." Zhao Xiaoshu said.

Ya’er was busy, busy serving the carpenter.

Meng Yao nodded, "Go ahead."

Some things, it’s not bad for children to face on their own.

The carpenter lay on the bed, while Ya’er skillfully wrung a towel to wipe his body.

The carpenter was like a doll, being turned back and forth.

"A few days ago, I wasn’t paying attention, and he struggled to get out of bed, and ended up falling. He passed out on the spot, we called the doctor from the Hundred Herbs Hall, and he was saved, but now he can’t move his body, not even speak. They said he hit the back of his head, being able to survive is already a big blessing." Ya’er said casually to Zhao Xiaoshu.

a