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Chapter 1118: Chapter 1028: Verification
The reason why thousands of people gathered to watch, but only just over two hundred were admitted, is first, that many children were too young, and Li Zhirui was there to teach, not to take care of children; second, the common people held this matter in high regard and came out with their families, which led to the crowd congestion.
A night without words.
The next day, just before 7:00, as soon as the academy doors opened, Li Zhirui saw many children standing at the entrance.
"Teacher." The crowd hurriedly bowed in respect.
"Come in, it’s chilly in the early morning, you don’t need to come too early in the future, just don’t be late," said Li Zhirui, stepping aside to let everyone in.
The vast academy housed Li Zhirui and four thin-bodied, plainly dressed young men.
They were poor scholars Li Zhirui had recruited, also charged with teaching children literacy.
As for the cost? Li Zhirui had amassed a considerable amount of Silver Coin during his previous Ranger life, and if that wasn’t enough, returning to being a Ranger wouldn’t be a problem, especially since there were few decent figures among Yi City’s wealthy officials.
Besides, he had transcribed all the mortal books he had read, accumulating over a hundred volumes, just these books alone made the four quite tempted.
From then on, Li Zhirui was content to be a schoolteacher in Yi City, gradually integrating into this worldly life.
Although he was bogged down in daily trivia, he achieved his goal; his Realm was improving slowly but steadily and Li Zhirui himself enjoyed it.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, three years had passed.
In these three years, the Quest for Dao Academy that Li Zhirui had founded grew larger. During this period, whenever he was short of money, he undertook several Robin Hood-style deeds,
Because he was covert in his actions, no one noticed, but the powerful and officials who knew their own virtue was lacking became very fearful, fearing they would meet the same fate, and so they behaved much better for a while.
Later, seeing that similar incidents had not occurred again, they resumed their previous acts of bullying and committing every conceivable wrong.
Li Zhirui did not care about this, as long as they did not trouble him directly, he, a schoolteacher, would not meddle.
"You few have studied diligently and have bright talents; it is time for you to take a test." Li Zhirui looked at the nine youths, aged seventeen or eighteen before him, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Perhaps it is because poor children mature early, they worked very hard; coupled with their innate talents, three years of study saw massive improvements, and at least passing the examination for scholars would not be a problem.
"Thank you, teacher, for your teachings!"
The nine were all grateful individuals; they didn’t say much, but deep down they were immensely thankful to Li Zhirui who had changed their fate, silently vowing to repay their teacher’s kindness when they succeeded in the future.
"Go." Li Zhirui waved his hand, letting them head home to prepare for the upcoming imperial examination.
"Student takes leave." The nine left the academy with excited hearts.
"Dean, their knowledge is indeed commendable, but it may not be certain that they can achieve official success." A teacher couldn’t help but speak up.
Li Zhirui’s face was unperturbed; he was well aware that the so-called imperial examination in this mortal kingdom was totally unfair, merely a means to placate the common people by creating an apparent path to advancement.
Of course, since it was just for show, some positions always had to be allocated to the common people; otherwise, they are merely unworldly, not foolish or stupid.
"With their knowledge, they are sure to make the list." Li Zhirui’s face broke into a slight smile, as if he hadn’t noticed the implicit meaning in those words.
Originally, his decision to stay in Yi City and be a schoolteacher wasn’t just to blend into the secular world and hone his Mental State—it wasn’t that simple.
The few teachers looked at each other, puzzled by Li Zhirui’s confidence; could it be that he had some remarkable background?
They were curious and wanted to ask, but Li Zhirui spoke to dismiss them, saying: "Teach the remaining students well, as your wage is linked to their performance."
"Yes!"
The teachers could only take their leave, but other thoughts emerged in their minds.
Li Zhirui naturally saw through their thoughts, but he had no plans to assist them; after all, rather than helping these teachers, it was better to cultivate these youths, as they would be more inclined to assist him when needed in the future.
While he remained at the academy, this year’s imperial examination also began; the nine farmer’s sons entered the examination hall nervously and excitedly.
The same night after the exams concluded, Li Zhirui silently entered the room where the examiners were marking papers and used his Spell to influence some of the examiners, making sure the six best-performing farmer’s sons made the list.
If not for the fear of being too astonishing, he would have placed all nine names on the list, but even having just six was incredible.
One could imagine, after this list was announced, the reputation of Quest for Dao Academy would skyrocket to an astonishing level, and with it, some problems would arise.
Li Zhirui’s predictions were quickly confirmed.
On the day the list was announced, a large number of commoners and some small merchants came to the academy, wishing to have their children admitted.
Li Zhirui did not turn them away anymore; there was only so much space in the courtyard, and only a few teachers, and it was already quite difficult to manage.
Moreover, he had already taken the first step he wanted to take; all that was left was to wait for the young plants to grow. However, Li Zhirui did not completely refuse, but instead, tested them and admitted a portion of age-appropriate youths.
But soon, trouble came knocking!
