The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2372: 2372: Upside Down (Part 4)

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Previously on The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space...
Guan Qingshu forgave his sister Guan Qingyue after her tearful apology for mistreating Yang Ruxin, hoping her change was genuine. Yang Ruxin's appetite improved ahead of New Year's Eve, when the Yang family gatehouse bustled with children writing Spring Festival couplets under Master Chu An's guidance. Villagers flocked for couplets, elders were honored guests, and parents swelled with pride over their children's elegant handiwork.

"Yes, my child also penned one; observe, I believe yours possesses a superior aesthetic."

"Nonsense, yours is clearly better. Examine that character 'Fu,' it's remarkably similar to those purchased in the marketplace..."

"Impossible, yours is superior, I can discern it. This character is 'Chun,' signifying spring; how lovely! It resembles blooming spring flowers precisely..."

Dong Wenxiu and Feng Zilan, equally buoyant, continuously offered sweets and pastries. Upon completing their calligraphy, each child was rewarded with a handful of candies or a delectable pastry. The atmosphere was one of pure delight.

The common people hold education in high regard; not everyone possesses the means to wield a brush. Yet, now, their offspring are capable of writing couplets. Who can say? Perhaps one day they will achieve the pinnacle of success. Among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, knowledge confers superiority; how could one not be enthralled?

Amidst their burgeoning joy, the villagers' gratitude towards Yang Ruxin deepened.

"Ancestor, behold, this was penned by our Goudan." Yang Huangshi presented a sheet of crimson paper, her eyes shimmering with profound emotion. Though illiterate herself, her inability to read did not diminish her elation. "Goudan can recognize characters, you see."

The third granduncle also beamed with pride: "Mr. Chu remarked that Goudan—ah, at home we affectionately call him Goudan, but in public, his formal name, Yang Rugui, should be used. Mr. Chu stated that Rugui is a student of great promise, deserving of diligent cultivation." Goudan, being his youngest great-grandson, indeed, allowing him to accompany Xiaofeng for tutelage proved to be an astute decision, with this year's efforts yielding substantial rewards.

"Indeed." Yang Huangshi nodded enthusiastically, "I shall return home to affix it." With a swift turn, she hastened away.

"It is affixed upside down." The third granduncle could not refrain from calling out from behind.

Yang Huangshi halted momentarily, glanced at the couplet she held, and with haste, inverted it to the correct orientation.

The third granduncle offered a nod of approval.

"Ancestor, what is inscribed upon this?" Yang Huangshi inquired, a hesitant note in her voice.

The third granduncle stroked his beard, summoning Goudan: "Rugui, recite your couplet for your mother."

Yang Rugui, after a brief glance toward Mr. Chu, stood tall and recited with clarity: "Heaven and Earth in harmony bring forth prosperity; safety and happiness bestow myriad blessings. The horizontal inscription reads 'Four Seasons of Peace.'"

A chorus of cheers erupted from the assembled crowd.

"Magnificent." Yang Huangshi's countenance radiated, her smile so broad that her eyes nearly disappeared. "Prosperity, blessings, and peace. My son is truly exceptional."

"Quickly now, let us return home and affix it." Yang Guofu gently urged his wife onward, aware that further delay might cause her to physically exude her intense joy.

Yang Rugui subtly lowered his gaze. His mother's earlier laughter, exposing her molars, was a sight he found somewhat difficult to endure.

Chen Yingzi could not suppress a murmur: "Is it merely the act of writing a couplet? What is so praiseworthy about that?"

Goudan's parents, having already walked some distance, were out of earshot. However, the third granduncle's eyesight remained keen, and his hearing, unimpeded. He fixed his gaze upon her and declared, "If you cannot speak with decorum, then depart for home. You find it unimpressive? Let us see you attempt to write it yourself."

"I..." Chen Yingzi's face flushed crimson with mortification.

Yang Guowei promptly approached and guided his wife away: "Come, let us return home."

Chen Yingzi departed, a distinct sense of being wronged clinging to her.

This minor incident went largely unnoticed, and the ebullient festivities continued unabated until their conclusion around midday.

"Brother, they are not affording you due respect." Guan Qingyue, who had been observing the comings and goings for an extended period, witnessed individuals departing with their couplets and engaging in cheerful conversation. A sense of displeasure settled upon her as she turned to Guan Qingshu, who remained engrossed in his studies. "You are a scholar; how can they treat you with such disregard?"