“Hmm, that’s right, but how did you all know about it?”
Xu Yue admitted the matter of the clan school and curiously asked them. In her view, the matter had only been finalized in the past two or three days—how could even her fellow disciples have heard about it?
For a moment, no one answered. They looked at each other—yes, how did they know?
He Shun frowned and said hesitantly:
“It seems my father mentioned it during a meal. He even praised Landlord Xu for having vision and courage, saying that if he went into business, he would definitely succeed.”
The real head of the He family: inwardly feeling a subtle mix of admiration and slight mockery, while outwardly speaking insincere compliments—
Having ancestral graves blessed with such extraordinary luck to produce a prodigy was already a heaven-sent fortune. Yet they were still investing heavily hoping to find a few more talents from the clan.
Hmph, if they were really that lucky, he would have to visit the Xu family ancestral graves to check the feng shui…
“That’s right, I remember now too. I was practicing calligraphy in my father’s study when my third uncle and father chatted about it during their casual conversation.”
Unlike He Shun, Wen Xin, the son of the magistrate, carried the refined dignity and restraint of an official’s son. He had an elegant appearance and dignified manners.
At this moment, he joined the discussion with great interest.
Magistrate Wen had also taken note of the clan school.
This surprised Xu Yue. Having only been in ancient times for three years, she didn’t fully understand the importance ancient people placed on education as a path to success.
It must be known that the prosperity of cultural education within his jurisdiction was also part of the magistrate’s achievements.
The number of scholars, the prevalence of literary culture, whether there were more successful examination candidates—all these were part of Magistrate Wen’s performance evaluation.
Therefore, it was actually inevitable that he would pay attention to the Xu family establishing a clan school.
Xu Yue was briefly surprised but didn’t dwell on it. Before her gaze could reach Xia Yu, the most diligent and reticent among her fellow disciples, he pursed his lips and actually spoke up voluntarily:
“The villagers are all talking about this matter…”
He raised his eyes to look at Xu Yue, his expression flickering momentarily:
“…They’re very envious of the Xu family. The clan is ambitious, giving clan members the opportunity to study.”
Studying was an extremely expensive endeavor, requiring the entire family’s resources to support, possibly even having to sell fields and land.
Otherwise, why do they say “when the granaries are full, people learn etiquette”—because without money, you weren’t worthy of studying, let alone reading and writing.
The Xia family were just ordinary farmers. His selection as Teacher Feng’s disciple had actually caused a stir among the villagers. To allow him to study, his family squeezed out all their money.
The women’s dowries, years of savings, most of the grain from the granary sold off—even relatives and neighbors came to help upon hearing the news.
—They all wanted to support Xia Yu’s success, hoping to rise along with him.
The heavy pressure fell on Xia Yu’s shoulders. Therefore, among everyone, he was the most hardworking, the most driven, and… the most calculating.
“Studying isn’t an easy matter. The Xu family opening a clan school is naturally spreading quickly.”
After saying this, Xia Yu lowered his head again to continue studying.
From their words, especially Xia Yu’s, Xu Yue keenly sensed that the Xu family’s clan school had already become a hot topic in Danyang County.
She felt somewhat emotional. Although the system was a complete idiot, at least it hadn’t dropped her into a destitute family struggling to survive.
Otherwise, the difficulties she would have to face would have multiplied exponentially.
Just then, a light, amused cough came from outside the door, alerting them.
Feng Yi, who had been listening outside for who knows how long, walked in and naturally reached out to pinch Xu Yue’s tender cheek:
“Though Danyang County is prosperous, its literary culture is inexplicably underdeveloped, with most people preferring to venture into commerce for advancement. The Xu clan’s decision to establish a clan school is indeed a grand occasion.”
He blinked lightly to indicate that, under these circumstances, as the only Jinshi in Danyang County and Xu Yue’s mentor, he naturally ought to attend the clan school’s opening ceremony.
The others seemed reminded by this.
He Shun, carefree as ever, was the first to declare he also wished to attend. A clan school—such a lively and novel event—must be quite entertaining.
Next was Wen Xin, who smiled and said he shared the same intention.
Infected by the atmosphere, as though not going would mean being left out… Xia Yu briefly considered it and decided he would go too!
Xu Yue vaguely agreed to it all, only realizing what had happened when she was already seated in the carriage home.
How had things escalated to this point?
The Xu clan’s establishment of a clan school would indeed include a banquet, both to honor the tutor and to inform their ancestors while consolidating support.
But outsiders generally wouldn’t attend!
When Landlord Xu learned of the situation, he waved his hand dismissively—adding another table was no great matter.
Then it occurred to him: since that was the case, why not invite more people? For instance, that rival Landlord Wang next door, along with all their relatives. Since his precious granddaughter’s fellow disciples were coming, they might as well invite their families too.
The more he thought about it, the better it seemed. Establishing a clan school was a significant event—it ought to be celebrated grandly.
Invitations were sent out one by one.
…
Half a month later, the Xu clan school was officially completed. Though not built with premium blue bricks, it was constructed from sturdy red bricks into a spacious, tiled-roof building.
Guests who arrived could tell at a glance: the Xu family had indeed invested substantially.
The portly Landlord Wang stepped out of his carriage, narrowed his eyes, and mentally calculated the construction cost of the schoolhouse. He drew a sharp breath:
With such solid materials, at least fifty taels of silver must have been spent.
Thus, when he met Landlord Xu, he gazed at him with a sighing, pitying look, pulled him aside, and whispered:
“Ah, let’s skip the pleasantries. Did your clan force you into this?”
Wang Fugui understood better than anyone how stingy and difficult his old land-buying rival, Landlord Xu, could be. To spend so much money for no apparent reason—he must have been coerced.
Landlord Xu, initially impatient at being pulled aside (he was wearing newly tailored silk robes—what if they wrinkled? He still had to meet Yue Ge’er’s mentor later), was first stunned, then delighted upon hearing Wang’s words.
Hahaha, what do any of you know?
My Yue Ge’er is destined to become a phoenix—of course I must raise the clan’s little sparrows properly, at least to present a decent appearance.
Just then, a sudden commotion arose at the entrance, and both landlords turned to look.
They saw a handsome young scholar in a blue robe entering with several children. Among them, the smallest one—fair-skinned, delicate, and exceptionally adorable—stood out particularly.
From the moment they entered, seated guests rose one after another, greeting Feng Yi warmly with respectful attitudes and cautious words.
Landlord Wang’s eyes widened in astonishment. Who was this person to command such grandeur?
Those greeting him were no ordinary figures—among those he recognized were the son of the county’s assistant magistrate, the owner of the largest rice shop, the leading silk merchant in the county…
Forgive a rural landlord—news of Xu Yue’s apprenticeship had only circulated within limited circles.
Many people simply don’t pay attention to such scholarly matters.
“An honored guest graces our doors—Scholar Feng.”
Landlord Wang’s vision blurred as he saw Landlord Xu beside him dart forward in an instant, grinning so widely that his gums showed.
Feng Yi responded to the parents of his disciples with grace and courtesy, and Landlord Xu excitedly introduced him to the others.
The scene was lively and bustling. Not only were the Xu clansmen dizzy with joy, but the other guests also had nothing but praises to offer.
A Jinshi—a figure of immense importance!
Landlord Wang felt dazed and bewildered. Was the Xu family about to rise to prominence?