As the words of Yang Mengchen fell, Xiao Guai familiarly made its way to the room, with Xiao Jin leisurely following behind. Xiao Bai returned to the side of Hua Ziyu, while Little Sparrow flew away cheerfully.

Seeing this, everyone was petrified once again. Could Ms. Yang be a fairy descended to earth? Otherwise, how could these animals understand her commands?

Seeing the dumbfounded expressions on everyone's faces, Yang Mengchen explained with a smile, "They are part of our family, and they possess a keen spirit. After spending a lot of time with us, they naturally understand what we mean."

Watching Yang Mengchen lie without batting an eye, and seeing that everyone actually believed her, the Yang siblings maintained their composure. Long Xuanmo raised an eyebrow, while Mo Yun's mouth twitched uncontrollably. He quickly lowered his head to conceal his reaction, deeply admiring Yang Mengchen in his heart.

"Jiujiu, Li Shan happened to pass by our home when he saw Xiao Jin and fainted from fright. He has now regained consciousness and will be fine after resting for a few days," said Yang Cheng'an, helping middle-aged Li Shan into the room.

Yang Mengchen handed over some silver and a medicine bottle to Li Shan, "I'm sorry, we were careless and you got a scare. Here are twenty taels of silver and some Calming Pills as an apology. Please accept them."

"I'm already fine and don't need this silver or pills. Please take them back," Li Shan refused repeatedly.

Yang Mengchen glanced at Yang Chengning, who took the silver and medicine bottle and firmly placed them in Li Shan's hands, "Regardless, the fault was ours first. You should take care of yourself when you go back, and if you feel any discomfort, please feel free to come to us."

"Xiao Jin is part of our family and will not harm any villagers. Please also pass this message to others, so they won't be afraid the next time they see Xiao Jin," said Yang Mengchen gently. "Second brother, please have the carriage take Li Shan home."

Yang Chengning immediately went to arrange the carriage at the entrance, with Yang Chengxuan and Yang Chengyu assisting the extremely grateful Li Shan out of the house.

Old Hai and others silently nodded their approval for the way the Yang siblings conducted themselves. Although they were from a peasant background, they showed more knowledge and etiquette than many scions of famous aristocratic families. The Yang family truly had good upbringing.

After instructing her brothers and cousins to move their clothes to the temporary workshop at the back yard and clear the rooms for Old Hai and the rest, Yang Mengchen pulled Yang Chengxuan aside to give him two bottles of medicinal powder and whispered some instructions. Yang Chengxuan then immediately took Xiao Guai and left, while Yang Mengchen went to visit Lady Luo in her parents' room.

In the evening, Grandpa Yang and others were surprised to see Xiao Jin. On their way back home, they had heard from the Villager Yangliu about the new member, Xiao Jin, and were puzzled since they had not heard anything about it from the siblings, nor had anyone seen Xiao Jin arrive. However, they welcomed Xiao Jin as part of the family.

After dinner, Doctor Luo and his family of three, Xiao Hongtao and his wife, and Nangong Lingfei bid their farewells and departed. The families of Wu, Liu, and Shen also went back to their own homes.

Seeing everyone earnestly learning to read and practice martial arts with the Yang family left Old Hai and the rest both gratified and satisfied. If people across the country could unite and progress like the people of Yangliu village, why couldn't Dong Chu prosper and become strong?

After washing up, the Yang family gathered in the room of Grandpa Yang and his wife.

Grandpa Yang asked in a low voice, "Jiujiu, is it true that Old Hai and Mr. Song really want to take Fourth Brother and Eighth Brother as disciples?"

Hearing this news, the elders felt both happy and somewhat uneasy.

"It is indeed true," Yang Mengchen slowly explained. "Big Brother Luo said that Old Hai is an Imperial Teacher, who once tutored both the previous Emperor and the current Emperor. Old Hai saw that Fourth Brother is intelligent and thoughtful, discreet and smooth in dealing with the world, so he intends to take Fourth Brother as a disciple for focused cultivation;

Mr. Song was the top scholar in the sixth year of De Kang, profoundly learned and talented, who does not like political life. Eighth Brother is quick to learn and free-spirited, which suits Mr. Song's temperament;

The other five are also scholars renowned far and wide who have held important positions in the Imperial Court. However, they couldn't stand the constraints of court life and retired early to enjoy poetry, art, and scholarly pursuits.

Don't worry, with their guidance, perhaps our village really can produce a top scholar or a Jinshi."

After hearing Yang Mengchen's words, Grandpa Yang and the others took a while to come to terms with it, their mouths agape in disbelief.

Yang Mengchen didn't disturb the elders. After all, she too was startled upon learning their identities at first. But then she thought that given Long Xuanmo's status, the people he would bring would naturally be exceptional. However, was Fourth Brother truly prepared to enter official life? It seemed she needed to talk with Fourth Brother later.

Eventually, when the elders came around, they did not overthink and instead advised Yang Chengyou and Yang Chengbin to study diligently with their teachers.

Yang Chengyou and Yang Chengbin nodded in agreement.

Leaving the room, Yang Mengchen went to her brothers' room, "Fourth Brother, are you aware that Old Hai taking you as a disciple is actually for the Imperial Court?"

"I know."

"Have you thought about entering official life?"

"I not only want to enter official life, but I also aim to hold the highest position among subjects!" Yang Chengyou said with determination. "Only by doing so can I protect our family from any bullying or coercion, and bring benefits to the people to the best of my abilities!"

Ever since the incident where Long Xuanmo pressured his sister, which deeply affected him, he vowed to pursue a career as an official, one powerful enough to stand against Long Xuanmo. This way, he could protect his sister, allowing her to do as she pleases and whatever she enjoys.

"Does Fourth Brother understand the darkness of the officialdom, how some officials may call you brother in front but stab you in the back, stepping on your blood to climb up? Especially the high-ranking court officials, who must turn dozens of corners in their bellies when speaking and acting, more cunning than foxes.

In the eyes of most officials, there are only achievements, interests, and ranks, with absolutely no morals or conscience. Becoming a good official who benefits the people isn't as simple as you may wish. Knowing this, do you still want to enter official life?"

Yang Mengchen wasn't intentionally frightening Yang Chengyou. In her past life, historically renowned honest officials were rare and often short-lived. Not only were they intolerable to the corrupt, but if they were unfortunate enough to encounter a foolish ruler, the fate of an honest official was especially tragic. She hoped Yang Chengyou would be mentally prepared.

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