Chapter 60 Expression of Gratitude

The next afternoon, just after finishing his medicine, Wang Mingyuan was leaning against the head of the bed wrapped in a quilt, reading a book. Because his older brother had strictly forbidden him to get out of bed, he had been confined to the bed for the past few days except for using the restroom.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the courtyard gate.

Wang Daniu opened the door to see Instructor Liu, who was carrying an exquisite food box and a cloth bundle.

"Instructor Liu! Why did you come in person? Please come in, please come in!"

Wang Daniu had met this instructor a few times when he went to pick up Wang Mingyuan at the prefectural academy. Wang Mingyuan had also specifically told him that the instructor's surname was Liu and that he had been extremely caring toward him.

Wang Daniu hurriedly ushered him inside, looking somewhat flustered.

In his eyes, an instructor at the prefectural academy was an exceptionally learned and prestigious figure.

Instructor Liu waved his hand with a gentle smile on his face, "No need for such formality. I came to see Mingyuan. How is he doing?"

As he spoke, his gaze was already cast anxiously toward the inner room.

Hearing the commotion outside, Wang Mingyuan hurriedly pulled back the quilt, intending to get out of bed.

Instructor Liu had already walked in briskly: "Stay in bed! Stay in bed! There's no need to get up."

He walked over to the bedside, carefully observed Wang Mingyuan's complexion, and felt relieved seeing that although he was still somewhat pale, his spirit was acceptable.

"How are you feeling? Is there any lingering discomfort?" Instructor Liu asked gently.

"Reporting to the instructor, after taking the medicine and sweating, I feel much better. I'm just still a bit fatigued," Wang Mingyuan answered honestly.

"That's good, that's good. Illness departs like drawing silk from a cocoon, especially the chill, which is the most lingering. One must never be careless."

As Instructor Liu spoke, he handed the food box in his hand to Wang Daniu, "This is some bird's nest porridge stewed at home, best for nourishing the body. Let Mingyuan have some to line his stomach."

He then placed the cloth bundle by the bedside, "These are some nourishing medicinal herbs. Finish taking them according to the prescription. If you still feel your strength has not recovered, you can decoct and take them as appropriate."

Wang Mingyuan and Wang Daniu expressed their gratitude repeatedly.

Instructor Liu waved his hand, sat down on the chair Wang Daniu had brought over, and looking at Wang Mingyuan, said solemnly:

"Mingyuan, the grace of saving a life is heavier than Mount Tai. My gratitude as an old man is beyond expression. Coming here today is, first, to visit you, and second... to fulfill my promise and tutor you.

Your body is weak and you should not tax your mind. Today, we will only discuss the main points and not delve deeply. How does that sound?"

Wang Mingyuan felt moved in his heart, knowing that Instructor Liu was completely sincere.

Instructor Liu also knew that he usually worked the hardest and, with the courtyard examination drawing near, was worried that he would fall behind on his review points.

Wang Mingyuan no longer declined: "Thank you for your trouble, Instructor. This student is endlessly grateful."

Thus, in this small room, the instructor of the prefectural academy began a one-on-one tutoring session.

Instructor Liu explained profound concepts in simple terms, highlighting the key points, and eloquently covered the difficult points and essentials that might be involved in the courtyard examination.

Wang Daniu served them carefully on the side, pouring tea and water, as quiet as a shadow, fearing that he might disturb the two of them.

Over the next two days, Instructor Liu arrived promptly every afternoon, rain or shine.

He not only tutored Wang Mingyuan, explaining classical texts and policy essays, but sometimes also brought the latest study materials from the prefectural academy and discussion points from his peers, ensuring that even though Wang Mingyuan was not in the classroom, he would not become completely disconnected.

Wang Daniu warmly hosted him every time, brewing the best tea the family had—though it was only ordinary coarse tea—and occasionally clumsily slicing up some fruit.

Under Instructor Liu's meticulous guidance and his older brother's careful care, Wang Mingyuan recovered quickly.

By the afternoon of the fourth day, he felt much lighter all over. Except for an occasional slight cough, he was basically free of major issues.

He calculated that come tomorrow, no matter what, he should return to the prefectural academy for classes; the courtyard examination was imminent, and time could not be wasted.

Just at that moment, the courtyard gate was knocked upon once again.

When Wang Daniu opened the door, standing outside was not only Instructor Liu, but also his grandson—the child rescued that day.

The little fellow was neatly dressed today, wearing a brand-new lake-blue silk jacket that set off his chubby, rosy face, making him look almost completely recovered.

Instructor Liu took his grandson by the hand, walked into the courtyard, and smiled gently at Wang Mingyuan, who had come out to greet them: "Mingyuan, are you feeling much better today?"

"Thank you for your concern, Instructor. This student has no major issues left and can return to the prefectural academy tomorrow," Wang Mingyuan saluted hurriedly.

Instructor Liu nodded, lowered his head, and said gently to his grandson:

"Jing'er, do you remember what grandfather taught you at home? This is the benefactor Wang who saved your life.

Quickly, kowtow to your benefactor and thank him for saving your life."

The little fellow raised his head and glanced timidly at Wang Mingyuan.

He seemed to have some lingering impression of the somewhat slender yet handsome older brother before him, or perhaps he didn't.

However, under his grandfather's gentle yet unquestionable gaze, he let go of his grandfather's hand, walked up to Wang Mingyuan, knelt down properly, and kowtowed with a milky voice yet utmost seriousness: "Liu Jing expresses his heartfelt thanks to Benefactor for saving my life."

How could Wang Mingyuan accept such a gesture? He hurriedly stepped forward to help the little fellow up: "Get up, get up! It was just a small effort, not worthy of such a grand bow."

Smiling, he said, "You must be careful in the future and never play near the water again, understand?"

The little fellow nodded hard and whispered, "Jing'er... Jing'er will remember."

Looking at his grandson's well-behaved appearance, Instructor Liu's eyes were filled with deep affection and emotion.

He motioned for Wang Daniu to bring over a stool, sat down right there in the courtyard, and let his grandson sit beside him.

"Mingyuan," Instructor Liu looked at Wang Mingyuan, his tone turning solemn,

"Jing'er was able to pull through entirely because of your desperate disregard for your own safety.

This kindness is deeply engraved in the heart of our Liu family.

Jing'er's father, which is to say my eldest son, is currently at the Yuelu Academy in Xiangjiang Prefecture, serving humbly as the vice director of the classical studies department."

Wang Mingyuan's heart stirred slightly.

Yuelu Academy! That was one of the four world-renowned academies! One could well imagine the learning and status required to serve as a vice director.

Instructor Liu continued, "This child has been unruly since childhood, and his mother... his mother passed away early. His father, busy with academy affairs, has been lax in disciplining him.

Early this spring, they finally sent him to my care, with the original intention that I, as his grandfather, would properly restrain him and temper his disposition.

Who would have thought... alas, not long after arriving, he met with this disaster.

Fortunately, you saved him, otherwise I... really would not know how to give an account."

He paused, looking at Wang Mingyuan with sincere eyes:

"I know your ambitions and your family circumstances. The grace of saving a life cannot be repaid with ordinary goods. Common gold and silver are probably not things you value.

After much thought, I believe that perhaps I can contribute a modest effort only in the realm of scholarship."

Instructor Liu took out from his sleeve a neatly wrapped package wrapped in blue cloth and handed it to Wang Mingyuan.

"These are the classical texts, policy essay insights, and some rare contemporary model essays and examiner commentaries personally compiled and annotated by my unworthy son before he passed the imperial examinations.

Although these are his personal opinions and may not entirely apply in every aspect, the depth of understanding regarding classical texts, the grasp of current affairs, and the tactical tips for taking examinations may provide some reference for your future preparation for the provincial examination, and perhaps even for your further advancement."

Wang Mingyuan's heart was shaken violently! Preparation insights and materials from a successful imperial scholar!

For a scholar from a humble background, this was a treasure worth thousands of gold! Its value far exceeded gold and silver!

With slightly trembling hands, he accepted the heavy package, feeling as though it weighed thousands of pounds.

Instructor Liu looked at him, his tone even more earnest: "I am not using these vulgar items to trade for the grace of saving a life. Kindness is kindness; these are merely the utmost efforts a teacher can make to guide a diligent and studious junior like yourself.

If you have the intention to study or exchange ideas at Yuelu Academy in the future, you need only hold my letter, and my unworthy son will certainly sweep the mats to welcome you and assist you with all his might."

Holding the package, Wang Mingyuan felt a warm current surge from the bottom of his heart through his entire body.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his churning emotions, and bowed deeply to Instructor Liu. His voice carried a trace of unperceived excitement, yet remained steady:

"Instructor's generous gift—this student is... overwhelmed with gratitude!

This is no ordinary item; it is an invaluable treasure! This student will certainly cherish it deeply, study it diligently, and not disappoint the instructor's high expectations!

As for the matter of saving a life, it was truly this student's bounden duty. Instructor's great affection is something this student is unworthy to receive!"

Instructor Liu smiled with gratification, helped Wang Mingyuan up, and patted his shoulder:

"Good child, no need for such ceremony. Prepare for your examinations with peace of mind. If you have any doubts regarding your studies, you may come to seek me at any time.

Starting tomorrow... you will continue to come to me for tutoring after classes just as you have these past few days."

"Well then, Jing'er, we should be heading back. Don't disturb Benefactor's rest."

Before Wang Mingyuan could speak further, Instructor Liu stood up, took his grandson's hand, and prepared to leave.

The little fellow obediently held his grandfather's hand, turned back to look at Wang Mingyuan once more, and whispered, "Goodbye, Benefactor."

After sending off Instructor Liu and his grandson, Wang Mingyuan returned to the room, gently stroked the blue cloth package on the table, and recalled Instructor Liu making an exception to give him individual tutoring after classes. His surging heart remained difficult to calm for a long time.

The weight of this "expression of gratitude" far exceeded his imagination.