NOVPUB"Don’t look at me like that, I haven’t reached the level where I’d be completely selfless and actually pay for the construction of the academy out of my own pocket. Maybe there’s a great philanthropist," Fa Zheng glanced at the courtyard where the sounds of reading echoed.
Zhuge Liang gave Fa Zheng a look without speaking, but the expression on his face said it all. In this era, it wasn’t unusual for kind-hearted souls to build porridge stands or repair bridges and roads, but the construction of an academy was improbable. One reason was that few could see that far ahead, and even if they did build one, it wouldn’t be of much use beyond their own children and maybe a few playmates and study companions.
"Yeah, maybe some great Confucian scholar is just in a good mood," Fa Zheng argued forcefully.
"..." Zhuge Liang curled his lips slightly. Even if a great Confucian scholar was in a good mood, they typically taught students around fourteen or fifteen years old. The voices coming through sounded like they belonged to children of eight or nine, and wasn’t Mengxue generally taught by parents at home?
"Let’s go in and take a look," Chen Xi said, shaking his head before heading in the direction of the academy. As he drew closer, Chen Xi could clearly hear what was being taught inside and couldn’t help but acknowledge that the Thousand Character Classic he had used during his own learning days had become widely popular.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, the Confucian scholar teaching the class isn’t bad," Fa Zheng whispered after listening for a moment.
"It’s not just ’not bad’; I might not know whose children those are down there, but his methods of questioning and instruction are clearly tailored to each student’s abilities. Even great Confucian scholars have their moments of idleness," Zhuge Liang said quietly. He and Fa Zheng were all too familiar with whether or not one was a great scholar.
"After listening to the morning lesson, let’s go inside and see. Xiaoo Zhi, if this Master’s teaching standards are good, you might consider hiring him," Chen Xi said quietly, straightening up. If it really was a great Confucian scholar, the children would probably be heading home around Chen Hour.
When Liu Bei made a wish, Chen Xi had made no small number of preparations. After all, the times were different, and some matters had to be considered. Therefore, many things had to be carefully planned before the general spread of education began.
The children of poor families start contributing early; in the Han Dynasty, this was no joke. While the sons of aristocratic clans might only marry and start families at seventeen or eighteen, poor families often had married and borne children by that age. Similarly, even seven- or eight-year-olds were vital labor in their households, capable of at least handling small tasks.
Faced with this reality, Chen Xi could not force change, as it was unreasonable to ask a family to put all their eggs in the basket of literacy, only to then end up with problems. Therefore, most classes were held when the fields were not demanding labor, meaning during the Mao Period to Chen Hour and from Wei Hour to Shen Hour, and full-day classes during the hardest times of summer and winter...
As for the cold snaps and heat waves, they were just trifles. Compared to working at home, going to school was a breeze, especially since meals were provided twice a day. Of course, if one didn’t make the cut, they wouldn’t be allowed to waste food.
Finally, the sound of school dismissal was heard, and Chen Xi looked up to see that it was still some time before Chen Hour, guessing the teacher inside had the same considerations. Before he could knock, the rear courtyard gate opened, and a ten-year-old girl with braided pigtails peeked her head out.
"Oh, there really are people here. Grandfather invites you in," the young girl said curiously, examining the three men before opening the courtyard gate wider and giving a graceful bow.
"Thank you, young miss, for opening the gate," Chen Xi replied with a smile, then stepped inside.
Looking at the stone table and stools in the courtyard, Chen Xi naturally understood that the rosy-cheeked little old man currently seated in the chair of honor was the same Great Confucian Scholar who had earlier been instructing the children; however, the state of the courtyard suggested that he was not a man of great wealth.
Before Chen Xi could even introduce himself, the man gestured with a wave of his hand, "Please sit, Marquis Chen, Prime Minister Fa. It is difficult for me to move about due to my legs."
Chen Xi raised an eyebrow, then a smile appeared on his face as he beckoned to Zhuge Liang, "Elder, you might be mistaken. It’s not just Xiaoo Zhi and me here. Kongming—"
Zhuge Liang gave a wry smile, stepped forward, and greeted the elder with a bow, "Zhuge Clan of Langya, Kongming."
"Zhuge Clan of Langya..." The elder stroked his beard, "Oh, I do not know which branch of the Zhuge Clan you hail from, but you will surely surpass your ancestors. You should lay aside some things and focus solely on internal affairs. You have a knack for it. Maybe with just a little more effort in military administration, strategizing, and military strategy, you could become a notable talent of the time, even shocking people with your well-rounded development. But the one sitting beside you is even more all-encompassing than you."
Chen Xi raised an eyebrow. What was up with this man? How could he so bluntly speak such words? But even Chen Xi had to admit that Zhuge Liang indeed should advance his cultivation in internal affairs, which was why he planned to leave Zhuge Liang in the care of Lub Su. Chen Xi also felt that Zhuge Liang was an undeniable match for anyone in ingenious strategy.
History had made it clear to Chen Xi that Zhuge Liang commanded with stability, but that was just it—stability. When up against ordinary people without an advantage in power, he would do alright, but facing certain individuals would be a true challenge. Winning was not easy, and yet losing was hard as well.
In contrast, Zhuge Liang was exceptional in internal affairs, absolutely top-tier in his time. This was in spite of dedicating much time to learning other skills, otherwise he would have been even more formidable. But these words were not coming from Chen Xi; they were spoken by an old man he and Zhuge Liang were meeting for the first time.
Seeing that Zhuge Liang remained silent, the elder’s gaze fell on Fa Zheng, "Prime Minister Fa, you are probably the most top-notch sage of cunning in this era. You’ve chosen a narrow path, are single-minded, but your spirit is too narrow. If your temperament remains the same in the future, it’s doubtful you’ll overcome the greatest shadow in your heart. You should spend some time observing the differences between the lives of the common people and the wealthy merchants."
Fa Zheng’s face darkened, but he said nothing. He knew his greatest obsession, and with that shadow in his heart, when it came to certain matters, he would inevitably think of that person and thus hesitate. Yet, erasing such a shadow would not be easy; he had schemed against that person only to have the tables turned on him. It seemed unlikely to surpass the other without a struggle.
With these pronouncements from the elder, Chen Xi grew even more curious. Fa Zheng had never shown any pettiness before, yet now he seemed harsh. However, Guo Jia had told Chen Xi that Fa Zheng was quite vindictive, convincing Chen Xi that Fa Zheng’s original nature had been repressed by some method known to Guo Jia.
"Oh, what about me?" Chen Xi asked curiously. "Elder, you’ve pointed out the most suitable paths for them and offered solutions. Could you also give me some advice? I’m quite troubled too."
The elder laughed, "Marquis Chen, I can’t resolve your troubles. My eyes can discern a person’s potential, and I can sense one’s spirit, knowing how to educate them. But Marquis Chen, you have already taken shape, and though your spirit may not be great, it is beyond my capacity to clarify." With these words, the elder’s complexion faded a bit.
"Oh, that’s also good," Chen Xi nodded. "But from what you said, Elder, is this some sort of ability akin to ’Spiritual Talent’?"(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)
