As Tian Qing spoke, Xu Wen gradually came to a realization.
He finally understood why he had been sent here.
He thought it was because Yao Clan Wood Workshop wanted to repair it, so he had to learn how to make it.
But it wasn't.
He was actually sent here because of his youth.
This Master Lian was the one he really wanted to learn from.
The ones before were just tests…
Lian Tianqing clearly didn't understand. Xu Wen could guess why.
His current identity was a 13-or 14-year-old peasant youth. Before he came to the Yao Clan Wood Workshop, he had not even left the village.
A child like that probably doesn't know what antique restoration means.
Even adults of the same level find carpentry easier to earn money; antiques are too far from their lives.
In contrast, Xu Wen agreed too readily. It was hard to believe that he really understood the meaning behind it.
"Do you really know what I mean?"
Tian Qing stared at him and asked solemnly.
"I roughly know." Xu Wen said,"In the past, there would be some tinkers who went from town to town and came to repair some dilapidated things." What Master taught me should be similar to theirs, but the things repaired are more expensive and the craftsmanship is better?"
He smiled and said,"That's right, it's the same skill." If you don't get any business in the future, you can go back to being a tinker like this. You'll always have a meal."
He usually spoke less and smiled less. When he smiled now, his eyes were wide and his entire person seemed to be much younger.
However, Tian Qing didn't teach him anything related to craftsmanship.
He called Lian Linlin, spread out the four treasures of the study, and formally taught them how to read and write.
Lian Linlin revealed an obviously shocked expression, as if she had never known that her father was literate, nor did she know that he had such a complete set of possessions. However, she didn't ask any questions. She followed Xu Wen and studied seriously.
Xu Wen was already literate, but because of the difference between complex and simple styles, he was not very good at writing. He was a quick learner, and it didn't take long for him to write complete ink on paper.
He practiced calligraphy for two years in primary school, but he hadn't reviewed it for too many years. Later, computers became popular, and he played keyboard much more than when he wrote, so his calligraphy was really not very good.
Fortunately, Lian Tianqing treated him as a beginner and was slightly surprised that he learned so quickly. He even praised him lightly.
Xu Wen was a little ashamed. He looked at Lian Linlin's adoring eyes and felt a little happy.
Lian Tianqing personally wrote the post and used it as a copybook for them.
Xu Wen didn't know much about calligraphy. From his childhood experience, he could barely recognize that his calligraphy had a little shadow of Yan's body, but compared with the thick and vigorous Yan's body, it looked a little handsome.
Tian Qing began to explain the history of calligraphy to them.
A gold seal script Li Kai Cao line, ancient ancestors with a knife will be carved on the tortoise shell, has begun to pursue beauty. Times have changed, knives have become pens, tortoise shells have become bronzes and bamboo slips and silk paper, calligraphy has gradually evolved into today's appearance.
At this time, Lian Tianqing was completely different from Xu Wen's impression of a craftsman. Instead, he looked more like a learned scholar.
These past events came to him at will, famous allusions casually said, with quaint words, concise words, in front of Xu Wen drew a long scroll of history, unconsciously he indulged in it.
He listened too carefully, and only after a while did he realize that Lian Linlin was wrong.
Lian Linlin sat at the side, looking at her father, then at Xu Wen. She looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated.
"What's wrong?" Xu Wen asked her softly while Lian Tianqing was temporarily away.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?" Lian Linlin bit her lip and asked softly after a while.
"I understand…" Xu Wen replied subconsciously, then understood.
Just like the monthly assessment two days ago, Tian Qing's explanation was too simple and concise. Without a certain cultural foundation, it was difficult to understand.
Even though Lin Lin was smart, he couldn't even read. It sounded very laborious.
Lian Linlin's cheeks were slightly red, and his eyelashes drooped slightly. He looked a little embarrassed.
"You won't look down on me, will you? "Lian Linlin tilted his head and asked Xu Wen in a low voice.
Xu Wen was thinking about the reason why Tian Qing did this. He knew how to teach Lianlin carpentry knowledge. He obviously didn't think that women could only teach their husbands and children. Why didn't he teach them anything about reading?
When he heard Lian Linlin's words, he came back to his senses and asked curiously,"Why?"
" I don't know anything..." Lian Linlin pulled a thread on the cushion and said with a little grievance and uneasiness.
"No one understands it from the beginning. I just learned some things in the past." Xu Wen's tone was ordinary and did not contain any comforting intent.
It was this tone that miraculously comforted Lian Linlin and made her smile.
"Then you can teach me?" she asked.
"Of course." Xu Wen said matter-of-factly and began to explain what Lian Tianqing had just said in plain English.
He was used to colloquial speech. He had to change it in his mind just now when he heard Lian Qing's explanation. Now, he just said the result of the conversion in his mind. It was very easy.
Lian Linlin's face revealed an expression of realization. He rested his chin on his hand and listened attentively.
For Xu Wen, this explanation was a review of what he had just learned. There were some scattered clues that were not connected in this explanation and naturally formed. Soon, he also found pleasure in it and completely immersed himself in it.
Tian Qing returned not long after. Before he entered the house, he heard voices inside.
He stood under the window and listened quietly for a moment. The sunlight fell through the trees and darkened his face. A moment later, he let out a soft breath, turned around, and left again.
"Go and get the luggage."
Half a day's class ended. After lunch, Tian Qing casually said to Xu Wen.
In this half a day, Xu Wen had already gained a rough understanding of his personality.
Master Lian always looked casual, but his personality was actually a little tough. He had to do what he said. Otherwise, if he stops smiling and looks at you coldly, even if he does nothing, it will send chills down one's spine. This was someone who had been in a position of power for a long time and was used to giving orders. How could he appear here and be an ordinary wood-discerning master in this old woodyard?
Xu Wen was a little curious, but he didn't ask any more questions. He nodded and went back to the big common shop where the prospective apprentices lived.
Of course, would-be apprentices don't live in very nice places.
The room was dark and cramped, and it gave off an unpleasant smell.
The smell of the old lumberyard came from the old wood, and the smell here was sour sweat and smelly feet. Compared to this, the former was considered to smell good.
Xu Wen was very unremarkable when he first arrived and was assigned to a place close to the toilet.
It was time for the lumberyards to work, and there was no one in the room. He went over and found unexpectedly that his bundle had been arranged and placed neatly at the head of the bed.
He opened the bundle and took a look. There was nothing inside, only a few old clothes, neatly folded, not a single piece missing.
Who helped him organize this?
Xu Wen was a little surprised and repacked his bag.
"Are you leaving?"
A voice came from behind Xu Wen. He had heard footsteps earlier, so he turned around unsurprisingly and nodded at Lu Cheng." Why are you back?"
" It's lunch break now. Redwood Farm isn't too strict." Lu Cheng explained casually. He stared at him and asked," Are you moving to the old timber yard?"
"Yes." Xu asked and answered.
" I really didn't know that you had such ability…I asked around. Your family lives in Xu Village. Your family is only five acres of mountainous land. It's not easy to support your whole family. Where did you get the money to invite Sir?" Lu Cheng frowned and asked.
"As long as you have the heart, there will always be opportunities to learn." Xu Wen said.
" As long as you have the heart…" Lu Cheng muttered to himself and repeated this sentence. Suddenly, he asked," Are you really ready to accept Master Lian as your teacher instead of Master Yao?"
"I've already paid my respects to my teacher in public." Xu Wen said.
"No, you can still repent. Master Yao likes you very much. After he went back yesterday, he even mentioned you several times. He must be very happy that you're willing to take him as your disciple again…"
"This morning, I followed my master and paid homage to Patriarch Luban."
Xu Wen interrupted Lu Cheng.
He heard Lu Cheng's kind words and his tone was very gentle.
Lu Cheng's voice stopped abruptly. To modern people, worshipping the ancestor may not be a big deal, but to these ancient people, this means that the conclusion has been reached and there is no chance to change it.
Lü Cheng was silent for a moment and sighed: "Okay, you are happy." It's just a pity. I heard that Master Yao is planning to make a big deal out of the Yao Clan Wood Workshop recently. You have the ability to manage the warehouse, so maybe you can use it well."
"I see Master Yao is eager to find a new disciple. You can try harder." Xu Wen said.
" I've already worked very hard…" You're not the one who was chosen. Lu Cheng swallowed the last half of his sentence angrily.
"The human heart is invisible, but it shows itself. Do your own thing and don't meddle in others. Master Yao might like this more." Xu Wen looked at Lu Cheng and said.
Two times to persuade, Lu Cheng is out of good intentions. No matter what kind of person he was, Xu Wen was willing to remember his words. Lu Cheng fell silent again. After a while, he snorted softly.
Xu Wen picked up his bag and was about to leave when he suddenly heard Lu Cheng say from behind: "But anyway, it is always easier to graduate in the old wood yard." It's not bad that we can endure a few years of hardship."
Xu Wen paused in his footsteps-
Graduation?