A flash of killing intent crossed Yan Aohan’s eyes, only to vanish instantly. "Since the elders are so eager to marry, let them go ahead. They have worked hard for so many years; it is time they enjoyed some worldly pleasures. Make sure the weddings are lively and grand."
Yan Lao was stunned, a chill running down his spine. Yan Aohan’s meaning was clear: the girls provided by the other two families would become the wives of those elders. Those elders would never have imagined that trying to control Yan Aohan was not just impossible, but a dream they could not even afford to have. Yan Lao shrugged, secretly relieved that Yan Aohan was his own son. "Do as you please. We are not here to clean up their messes."
"Understood." Yan Aohan paused, thinking. "By the way, ask the eldest and second eldest sons if they are interested in taking on additional duties as elders. If both are interested, that is fine too. The current elders are aging and retiring. I plan to replace them. If they are not interested, I will find others." Since they were not on his side, keeping such elders was useless.
Yan Lao nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright, get back to work. I am leaving now. I will ask the eldest and second eldest." With that, he left.
Only after Yan Lao exited did Yan Aohan lift his head, glance at the tightly closed door, and then continue reviewing his documents.
*
Zhu Yanyi felt that her homeroom teacher and math teacher were doing this on purpose. Seeing the broad smile on Teacher Zhou’s face, Zhu Yanyi knew something was up. "Teacher Zhou, just say what you want. Don’t look at me like that; it gives me goosebumps."
Teacher Zhou giggled and stopped beating around the bush. "Yesterday was Thursday. In the afternoon, you gave your classmates a math tutoring session."
"Yes," Zhu Yanyi nodded. "Student Zhang Xiaofeng should have mentioned this to you. I remember you agreed to it during class."
Teacher Zhou continued to smile, her expression seeming even more serene. "I did agree. Teacher Sun and I were outside yesterday afternoon, secretly listening to your lesson. Who taught you such an interesting way of teaching?"
Zhu Yanyi glanced at Teacher Zhou. She couldn’t say that in the future, such entertaining education was common, often taught by parents, and schools promoted equal relationships between teachers and students. For now, Zhu Yanyi could only say what she thought. "Is it really that interesting? I always memorize things this way. It’s not just for math; I also use it for English words. For example, for the word 'family,' I remember it as 'Father And Mother, I Love You,' taking the first letter of each word. See? It’s very vivid. I study math and Chinese this way too. You heard the math part. For Chinese, it’s similar. When I memorize poems about spring, I paint spring in my heart and blend it with the poem. For example: 'The gentle spring light of the Cold Food Festival, incense smoke curls from the jade burner. Waking from a dream, my floral pillow hides my face. The swallow has not yet returned, people play at catching grass. The river plum has passed, willows grow cotton. At dusk, light rain wets the swing.' When I read this, I imagine it is the Cold Food Festival in spring, with a drizzle falling like mist. I rest my head on an embroidered pillow, half-asleep. When I wake, I see a swallow’s nest under the eaves, but no swallow. I look out and see the grass has grown, and the willows have sprouted. At dusk, the light rain wets the swing in the courtyard. Isn’t that vivid?"