nucmednet Chapter 160 Plaque
Chapter 160 Plaque
Hua'er, Yue'er, and Fang Qiong all enrolled in Wuliping Girls' Academy; Yu Han, Shangguan Yi, Jiang Yan, and Jiang Quan also enrolled in that academy.
Jiang Yan is Hua'er's younger brother; Jiang Quan is Yue'er's older brother. I wonder if everyone still remembers them. These two young boys are both sensible and adorable children.
Zisu moved to Xiaoshitan and took Yuhan, Shangguan Yi, Yue'er, and Hua'er to and from school every day. Jiang Shichang now also lives in Wuliping, where he built a two-courtyard house near Xiaoshitan. He lives there with Hua'er, Yue'er, Jiang Quan, and Jiang Yan; Zisu lives there with Yuhan and Shangguan Yi.
Shen Laihui, as the commander of the guards of the General's Mansion and Zisu's personal bodyguard, also came to Xiaoshitan. Now that Yu Han and Zisu, the siblings, were both in Wuliping, he naturally had to follow them closely. You must know, these three children were the lifeblood of the Yu and Shangguan families.
However, as the commander of the guards, Shen Laihui had to return to the general's mansion in the capital for one day every five days. Xiangli and Luo Jianming were not yet married. During the day, she worked at the Wuliping trading company, and at night she returned to Xiaoshitan to protect the safety of the three young masters.
Wuliping Scenic Area also goes by another name: Wuliping Trading Company.
Yu Han and Shangguan Yi were both martial arts prodigies; although they were still young, their skills surpassed Zisu's. They also had Xia Tian protecting them closely. Therefore, Zisu stayed in Wuliping, leaving the cherry blossoms and crabapple blossoms to the Yu family. The Yu family frequently attended various gatherings and social engagements, and it was essential for them to have capable and trustworthy people by their side.
The people of Wuliping are simple and honest. The residents around Xiaoshitan are all very close to Zisu, such as Aunt Li's family, the Jiang family, Prince Duan, and the old clan chief's family. Half a year ago, the old clan chief also built a two-courtyard house near Xiaoshitan, and he moved into the new house with his eldest son, Shangguan Qin, and his family. The old house was left to his other two sons.
That year, Zisu was fifteen, Shangguan Yi was five, Yu Han was seven and a half, Hua'er was twelve, Yue'er was seven, Jiang Quan was eleven, and Jiang Yan was ten. The old clan chief's grandson, Xiaoshan, was seventeen, and Xiao Jiang was sixteen.
Shangguan Yi and Yu Han are currently enrolled in the beginner's class at Wuliping Academy; Shangguan Yi is in the middle class, and Yu Han is in the senior class. Jiang Quan and Jiang Yan are currently enrolled in the junior class of the Tongsheng class. Xiao Shan and Xiao Jiang are currently enrolled in the Xiucai class; both are doing very well and have a very good chance of passing the Xiucai exam this year.
Hua'er has enrolled in needlework, music, calligraphy, and painting classes. As for cooking, she learns from Zisu in her spare time. Yue'er is in the senior class of the beginner's program and also learns cooking from Zisu in private.
Even Zisu enrolled in the music, chess, calligraphy, and painting class at Wuliping Academy, becoming a student at the girls' academy. However, the music, chess, calligraphy, and painting class was the same one at Wuliping Girls' Academy, and she happened to be in the same class as Hua'er.
The academy provided accommodation, so Fang Qiong stayed and ate there. Every morning on the first day of her rest day, Fang Heng would arrive at the academy to pick up his sister. Each time he came to pick her up, he would take her to visit Xiaoshitan, where they would stay for half a day, sometimes even having lunch there, before leaving.
After Fang Qiong came to the academy, her relationship with Zisu grew better and better, and she became Zisu's best friend. She also got along very well with Yue'er and Hua'er, and they were also good friends.
Out of respect for Fang Qiong, and also because Fang Heng was the local official of Zhangshu County, Zisu couldn't very well send Fang Heng away. So she welcomed the brother and sister into Xiaoshitan and treated them as honored guests. However, each time, Zisu would ask the old clan chief and Jiang Shichang to come and help entertain the guests.
Even if Fang Heng stayed for dinner, Zisu wouldn't be in the same restaurant as him, so they almost never had a chance to meet alone. Fang Heng didn't force it, knowing that haste makes waste, so he let things take their course.
Fang Heng was actually very happy that Zisu didn't refuse him entry and was willing to be friends with Fang Qiong. Originally, he had brazenly knocked on the door of Xiaoshitan, mentally prepared to be driven away and scolded.
Although Zisu had never been alone with him, she never neglected him, always arranging for someone to accompany him. Moreover, she shared many common interests with both the old clan chief and Jiang Shichang. When the three of them were together, they talked enthusiastically about the development plans for Zhangshu County, as if they had endless things to say.
The three met every seven days, and each time they would talk for one or two hours. The old clan chief and Jiang Shichang gave him a lot of inspiration for governing Zhangshu County. During their conversations, the old clan chief and Jiang Shichang also used Fang Heng's status as the local official to solve several major problems.
As the days went by, Fang Heng's visits to Xiaoshitan became a regular occurrence. Each time, without Zisu sending anyone to invite them, the old clan chief and Jiang Shichang would arrive uninvited. The three generations of people, old, middle-aged, and young, had become close friends despite their age difference. Fang Heng's purpose in coming to Xiaoshitan had changed from simply wanting to see Zisu to having two purposes: to see Zisu and to see his close friend.
Zisu was a little amused and exasperated, but she was also happy to see it happen.
It was rare to see the old clan chief so happy, so fond of a young man, and so enthusiastic about the development of Wuliping. Well then, let's just consider Fang Heng a guest of Wuliping! Gradually, Zisu became more at ease, no longer avoiding Fang Heng, but chatting with him calmly and naturally.
With a selfless heart, the world is vast and boundless. Because she no longer had expectations of Fang Heng, she became even more open-minded in his presence. It was this open-mindedness that made her quick-witted, her thinking more thorough and insightful. In casual conversation, she not only gave Jiang Shichang and the old clan chief many novel ideas, but also gave Fang Heng many good ideas for governing Zhangshu County.
Gradually, the group made a name for themselves at these "symposiums." Xiangli, Shangguan Qin, Luo Jianming, the headmaster of the academy, and several teachers would all come to participate in these events.
Zisu simply rearranged the reception room in the imperial court, adding a long conference table and turning the "symposium" into a "tea party." On the first morning of every holiday, after breakfast and a little exercise, everyone would come uninvited and gather in the reception room of the thatched cottage to chat.
Jiang Shichang talked about how to do business, Fang Heng about how to govern well and be a good official, and the teachers about how to educate and nurture students. Zisu usually listened quietly, but would often interject with a word or two at the appropriate time. It was precisely her seemingly unintentional words that often became the finishing touch, providing insightful guidance to everyone.
Of course, it wasn't just her words that inspired everyone; those who spoke passionately also received very constructive tips and inspiration from others.
Later on, even Shen Laihui and Xia Tian, along with several children including Hua'er, became loyal listeners, enjoying the story immensely.
The tea party quickly gained fame. More and more people came to participate, including village elders, managers of Wuliping, teachers and students from the academy, and young people from the village.
Having no other option, Zisu had to discuss it with the headmaster of the academy: "Headmaster Meng, how about we hold an open class every weekend in the lecture hall of the boys' academy? That is, everyone can take turns speaking on the stage, sharing their various experiences and observations, and then we can have a lively discussion. What do you think of this?"
Master Meng stroked his beautiful beard and nodded in agreement: "Yes, your suggestion is excellent. The lecture hall can accommodate two to three hundred people at the same time, so a large number of students from the Xiucai, Juren, and Jinshi classes can participate!"
To be honest, he felt quite ashamed when he went to Little Stone Pool to eavesdrop. It took a lot of courage for him to finally muster the courage to knock on the door. Frankly, after going a few times, although the princess was still very enthusiastic, he felt that if he went again, his skin would be as thick as a city wall.
In other words, they were too ashamed to go back!
After all, the princess was a young woman over fifteen years old, a princess bestowed by His Majesty, and the daughter of the Protector General. He, an old man in his fifties, felt it was quite inappropriate for her to keep knocking on the door of Little Stone Pool.
From then on, the Wuliping Boys' Academy added an open class. Anyone, regardless of gender or age, could participate as long as their background was reliable and their character was good.
As a result, many people come from all over to visit during holidays. This has led to a significant increase in visitors to the Wuliping Scenic Area. This move has achieved several benefits in one fell swoop.
Firstly, the academy's reputation grew even stronger; secondly, the tourist park's revenue increased; and thirdly, Fang Heng could no longer find an excuse to keep going to the gate of Little Stone Pool.
At this point, Prince Duan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Very well, excellent! Fang Heng, you shameless bastard, now let's see how you get close to Zisu!
For the past two or three months, Prince Duan has been both furious and worried about Fang Heng. After all, Zisu once had feelings for Fang Heng, and with their frequent contact, it's hard to guarantee she won't be swayed by his sweet words.
Prince Duan encouraged many teachers and officials to attend the open classes at Wuliping Academy. He himself even led a large group of over thirty people on a grand trip to Wuliping. The reasons were twofold: first, to visit the scenic garden; second, to attend the academy's public classes; and most importantly, to see Zisu.
Sigh, there's nothing I can do. A day apart feels like three autumns!
The teachers in the academy were all truly talented and skilled in explaining things; they weren't bookworms who had knowledge but couldn't articulate it. Most of these teachers came from academies, schools, and private schools all over the country, drawn by the academy's reputation. Some were poor scholars and graduates who came to the academy to teach while studying on their own, preparing for the imperial examinations the following year.
Since the introduction of public courses, scholars who had passed the imperial examinations at the provincial, county, and city levels came from all over the country. The public courses not only greatly benefited outsiders, but also broadened the minds and horizons of the teachers and students in the academy. They then gradually incorporated the insights they gained into their teaching and passed them on to their disciples.
The imperial examinations tested not only book knowledge but also the candidates' adaptability and knowledge relevant to society. Students who graduated from Wuliping Academy had a much broader perspective than students from other academies, and their essays and policy proposals were substantial, not empty, and not superficial.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was overjoyed. He picked up his brush and wrote a few words: "Wuliping Academy," then said to his personal eunuch, "Take this to Princess Yulin!"
When the angel arrived at Little Stone Pool, Zisu was picking vegetables in the garden. Hearing that an angel had come to read an imperial edict, she was quite surprised. Logically, the emperor had no reason to issue her any decree; what was going on?
With a heart full of trepidation, she instructed people to set up an incense table and received the angel.
When the angel saw Zisu, he smiled kindly: "Princess Yulin, great joy!" Then, he put away his smile and solemnly read out the decree: "Princess Yulin is virtuous, kind, intelligent and lovely... Therefore, a plaque is specially bestowed upon Wuliping Academy!"
A gilded plaque was unveiled, revealing the Wuliping Academy to the crowd. Behind it was an official seal, the very seal that the current emperor usually used!
Zisu was overjoyed and respectfully accepted the imperial edict, shouting loudly, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
After getting up, she quickly slipped a red envelope to the angel: "You've worked hard, Father-in-law. This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please take it and have some tea!"
The angel touched it, confirmed it was a silver note, and immediately beamed with joy: "Congratulations, Princess! Congratulations, Princess!"
Zisu smiled slightly: "Father-in-law, you must be tired from your journey. You can stay at the Wuliping Inn and rest well before taking a good look around the sightseeing park."
The angel bowed and said, "Very well, then I shall respectfully accept your offer! Thank you, Princess! Farewell!"
Zisu quickly instructed Shen Laihui, "Brother Shen, please take Father-in-law to an inn for accommodation!"
After seeing the angel off, the old clan chief and Jiang Shichang arrived upon hearing the news. Seeing the plaque personally inscribed by the Emperor, they were speechless with excitement. After a long while, the old clan chief chuckled foolishly, "That's great! With such a plaque, we have nothing to fear from now on! With His Majesty protecting this academy, even if anything happens, we can turn danger into safety!"
At the very least, the children of powerful and wealthy families would think twice before causing trouble. Although the academy was jointly owned by Prince Duan and the Eldest Princess, there were still some brainless students who dared to cause trouble.
These idiots are students; they didn't get in through the regular entrance exams, but through connections. Although there are only five of them, three of them are notorious troublemakers.
Zisu couldn't help but sigh, "Ah, if only those three little rascals could leave the academy!"
Those three troublesome students were the grandson and granddaughter of the current prime minister. It was only through the emperor's influence that Zisu was forced to take them in. The prime minister was also very helpless; it was because his discipline was ineffective that he gritted his teeth and begged the emperor to send them to Wuliping.
The old clan chief sighed helplessly, "Alas, the once peaceful academy has been turned upside down by these three mischievous monkeys!"
Zisu: "Now it's all good. With the plaque bestowed by the Emperor, if those three mischievous monkeys don't behave, they'll be punished by kneeling on the plaque at the entrance of the academy."
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I will update earlier tomorrow.