Four young men, two older and two younger.
Fang Er had no impression of the two older youths, but judging by their age, they should be students from New Orient.
Fang Er recognized the younger ones: Bao'er, the son of Wang Erniang, and Ma Yu, the son of Hua Niang.
The two little ones stood beside their respective mothers.
Next to Ma Yu was a pillar, who looked at Ma Yu with doting affection, his hand resting on the boy's head.
Seeing this, Fang Er chuckled and said to Ma Yu, "Ma Yu, how are things? Has your new father been bullying you these past two days?"
Ma Yu broke free from Zhu Zi's hand and stepped forward, respectfully performing a disciple's bow.
"Replying to the Headmaster, Father treats Yu'er very well. Mother has suffered for so many years, and it makes Yu'er very happy to see her find a good home."
His sincere words, spoken in a still childlike voice, brought tears to Hua Niang's eyes.
Even Zhu Zi, a man of iron will, had his eyes reddened.
"Are you speaking from your heart?" Fang Er was also moved.
"Replying to the Headmaster, Yu'er speaks only the truth." Ma Yu nodded, then turned to look at Zhu Zi.
"Grandpa says that Father and Second Uncle are both great generals and heroes. Yu'er is proud to have such a father."
Fang Er was taken aback. He glanced at the smiling old man Ma next to him and immediately understood. The old man was wise and understood Hua Niang's intentions.
"Hahaha, yes, your grandfather is right!"
"Zhu Zi, you've struck gold. Not only is Hua Niang virtuous and gentle, but such an understanding son is something you couldn't even wish for."
"My Lord Duke speaks wisely. This little one has decided that Yu'er will be his only son in this life. He will have no more."
Zhu Zi walked over and pulled Ma Yu into his embrace. Hua Niang next to them could hardly believe her ears.
After a long moment, she suddenly stood up, strode over to Zhu Zi, and twisted his ear for half a turn.
"Da Zhu Zi, what do you mean by that!"
"Do you mean I'm not worthy to have children with you?"
"If you have the nerve, then don't get into bed with me. Otherwise, I won't just have one child, I'll have ten or eight!"
"Hoo~"
Her words instantly sent the hall into laughter.
"Zhu Zi, you can't be unable, can you!"
"Exactly, exactly! Hua Niang has said as much. If you don't let us drink your family's full moon wine, it won't do!"
Even Wang Erniang chimed in with a tease.
This made Zhu Zi extremely embarrassed. He quickly pleaded, "Alright, alright, ten, ten! You can have twenty if you're happy!"
"Hurry and let go, I'm going to fall~"
Hua Niang giggled and tapped his forehead with her hand, "Look at your foolish self!"
"Good heavens, this couple is showing off their affection in broad daylight. It's too much!"
Even Fang Er felt like the hall was filled with the scent of dog food.
"Alright, you two, that's enough!"
"If you want to flirt, go back and close the door, do as you please. We are holding a meeting here."
Their faces flushed, and they quickly retreated.
While everyone else was teasing Zhu Zi, Old Man Ma sat aside without speaking. It wasn't because Hua Niang's words were vulgar. They were all uneducated country folk, and such talk was nothing.
It was just that Hua Niang had been his daughter-in-law in the Ma family before, and now she was talking about having children with another man in front of him. This made him feel a little uncomfortable.
Fang Er seemed to have noticed Old Man Ma's thoughts. He walked over to him and beckoned Zhu Zi.
Zhu Zi quickly walked over, looking a bit nervous as he faced Old Man Ma.
Then Fang Er said, "Zhu Zi, before you got married, I said I was going to betroth you to Hua Niang. Do you still remember?"
Zhu Zi nodded.
Fang Er continued, "Since that's the case, then you must follow the rules of an adopted son-in-law."
"Today, in front of everyone, I will decide. You will serve wine to Old Man Ma and kowtow. From now on, the first son of you and Hua Niang will take the Ma surname. Do you agree?"
After speaking, he handed a two-ounce bottle of Erguotou to Zhu Zi.
Zhu Zi readily agreed. He took the wine bottle, opened it, and poured a full cup. He held it with both hands and knelt before Old Man Ma.
"Father, your humble son toasts you."
Old Man Ma was stunned for a long time. Then he stood up, took the wine cup with one hand, and pulled Zhu Zi up with the other.
"Get up! This cup of wine, this old man will drink. From now on, treat Hua Niang well."
Although Hua Niang had a somewhat fiery temper, she was a good hand at managing a household.
"Enough, enough. When people get old, they can't always control their mouths. In short, you two live your lives well."
After speaking, he drank the wine in the cup.
Then he sat back in his chair, beckoned Ma Yu into his arms, his eyes carrying a hint of melancholy.
Fang Er looked at Ma Yu. The boy not only showed no objection to Hua Niang's words but also had a look of longing on his young face.
"Ma Yu, do you want to stay in Shenyang, or do you want to go back with your grandfather?"
This boy was determined to select higher-yielding grain crops and had already achieved initial results.
Fangjiazhuang's land was limited, and there was not enough space for him to display his talents. However, Shenyang was different. There were fertile wastelands everywhere, and even more to the north.
After all, the title of "Great Granary of the Northeast" was not earned without reason.
Little Ma Yu looked at Hua Niang, then at Old Man Ma who was holding him, and for a moment he didn't know how to choose.
"Alright, this old man will decide for you. Stay here to receive the Duke's teachings. There are servants at home, and your grandfather doesn't need you to attend to him."
Old Man Ma was decisive. He knew that if Fang Er kept Ma Yu, it would be Ma Yu's good fortune.
To get close to a powerful figure, you had to constantly put yourself forward. Now that the Duke's mansion was being built here, Fangjiazhuang would surely fade from Fang Er's view in the future. Staying now would be of great benefit to Ma Yu's future.
It was just that he was old and attached to his old home, otherwise, he would have wanted to stay.
Furthermore, he had always been responsible for the breeding work at Fangjiazhuang. He was not at ease handing it over to someone else rashly.
However, it would not be long. Within another year at most, the high-yield wheat seeds would be sown throughout the Great Tang, as would cotton and sweet potatoes.
Seeing Ma Yu's reluctance, Fang Er smiled and stroked his head.
"Don't look like that. There are transport teams between Shenyang and Chang'an, making a round trip every five days."
"If you want to go back, you can go back to see your grandfather anytime."
Ma Yu thought for a while after hearing this, and finally nodded heavily.
"Headmaster, I am willing to stay. However, can Ma Qing and Ma Hong also come to study with me?"
"Before, at Fangjiazhuang, we did our studies, learned, and worked in the fields together."
Fang Er was amused. This little fellow wanted to build his own team. Ambition was always a good thing, so he nodded in agreement.
"Not only them, but your Teacher Ma must also stay here."
After speaking, he looked at Ma Zhou next to him.
"Teacher Ma, a school is being built in Shenyang, which can accommodate thousands of children. I would like you to serve as the Headmaster of this school. What are your thoughts?"