However, Su Shi'an quickly added, "Magistrate Chen, my father is no longer studying; he is now a teacher at Linfeng Academy." A trace of pride colored his words.
Magistrate Chen looked thunderstruck, as if he had been dealt a shock. He exclaimed with uncharacteristic agitation, "What? He’s actually stopped studying to wait for his chance?" On second thought, however, it seemed somewhat understandable. After all, it was no small feat for a county to produce a single scholar; how could one just let him abandon his prospects for further advancement?
"Magistrate Chen, everyone has their own aspirations and pursuits. Please do not force Wuyuan to do what he does not wish to do," Deng Qiyue said firmly, bowing to the Magistrate. With that, he turned and led the children away.
Chapter 28