To gain a foothold in the city, Bai Yujing's status as a successful candidate in the imperial examinations might not be enough; he might also need the prestige of others. However, once Bai Yujing achieves top honors in the examinations, such worries should disappear.
Upon hearing this, Bai Jinxiao immediately understood Jiang Huaiyu's intention and nodded in agreement, saying, "Sister-in-law, don't worry, I will definitely do as you say."
After the matter was discussed, Bai Jinxiao did not linger and hurriedly returned to the county town.
The shop had already gained some fame in the city after the Lunar New Year, and business was booming, making a fortune every day. It really couldn't be left unattended for even a moment. He had to go back as soon as possible to ensure the shop's normal operation.
In the blink of an eye, the first month of the lunar calendar ended, and on the first day of the second month, the private school welcomed the start of the new semester.
Jiang Huaiyu became busy again. While teaching her students, she made an important decision—to fund the expansion of the private school and rename it "Fushun Academy".
Expanding the academy was undoubtedly a good thing for the village, and the village chief naturally expressed his support without hesitation and took the initiative to undertake the task.
Jiang Huaiyu originally planned to fund the project herself, but after the villagers learned that she wanted to expand the academy, they spontaneously donated money, raising a considerable sum. After calculation, she only needed to add a small amount of funds.
As dusk fell, she arranged for Feng Yun and Hui Yi to embark on their journey home first, while she lingered in the school, reluctant to leave.
Jiang Huaiyu's inner emotions intertwine to form a complex picture.
Memories flooded back. She still remembered her first day at the private school. Everyone in the town, except for the kind old village chief who trusted her and entrusted her with the key to the school, was full of suspicion and doubt. In that worldly prejudice, it seemed like a fantasy for a woman to become a teacher.
However, as time went by, she proved herself with her abilities. Although rumors came like a storm after the Chao Wei case, pushing her to the forefront and ruining her reputation, she finally weathered that difficult period with her firm beliefs, rational strength, and the loyalty and support of her students.
Today, the townspeople learned that she was going to expand the academy and generously donated money. Isn't this the greatest affirmation of her ability and dedication?
Jiang Huaiyu gently brushed her hand across the desk she often used for teaching, a calm smile gradually forming on her lips, her eyes revealing an even more determined light.
"Oh dear, Master, why haven't you left yet?"
A figure rushed in; it was Yao Zhe.
Jiang Huaiyu asked with a smile, "You were just about to leave, why did you turn back?"
Yao Zhe scratched his head, pointed to his desk and said, "I accidentally left a book behind, so I came back to retrieve it."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded and said gently, "Take your books and go home as soon as possible."
Yao Zhe bowed, picked up his book, and was about to leave the school when he suddenly turned back and looked at Jiang Huaiyu with concern: "Teacher, the students have all left, and the charcoal fire has gone out. It's freezing cold here, so you should leave early and avoid catching a cold."
“You’re right.” Jiang Huaiyu strode out of the school.
Yingxiang was already waiting outside the door. When she saw her come out, she hurriedly picked up the cloak and draped it over her shoulders.
After pondering for a moment, Yao Zhe suddenly suggested, "Master, may I offer to escort you on your way?"
The journey from the private school to the Bai family's residence was not far. Looking at his sincere face, Jiang Huaiyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart and readily agreed.
Walking on the bluestone path, Yao Zhe asked softly, "Teacher seems to be preoccupied today. Could it be because of the academy's expansion?"
Jiang Huaiyu turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Yao Zhe. "Expanding the academy is a monumental undertaking. The funds have been raised, and the highly respected village chief is personally in charge. The site has been selected, and construction has begun. Everything is progressing rapidly. What do I have to worry about?"
Yao Zhe said firmly, "Even if it's not worry, my teacher is overworking himself. You are thinking of the academy, and you are also thinking of us students."
"oh?"
Yao Zhe said solemnly, “My esteemed teacher’s eldest disciple, Scholar Bai, has already gone to the capital to take the imperial examination. He is the most talented scholar in our Fushun Town, and he will surely pass the examination with flying colors. If he obtains an official position, my esteemed teacher will accompany him, as he is like a brother to him. I understand that my esteemed teacher will leave sooner or later, but… I cannot understand why my esteemed teacher chose to expand the academy at this juncture. If my esteemed teacher leaves, no matter how beautiful the academy is, wouldn’t it become an empty shell?”
Jiang Huaiyu revealed a hint of mockery, "Is there no one else besides me who can shoulder this heavy responsibility?"
He shook his head slightly. "Instead of focusing on your studies, you're interested in these kinds of trivial matters?"
Yao Zhe lowered his head and remained silent for a while before finally voicing his doubts: "The situation is so clear that I have to think about it... So, is Master's expansion of the academy a preparation for his departure? After the academy is completed, does Master intend to find another teacher for us?"
“I do intend to leave, and if I do, I will arrange for a new teacher to impart knowledge to you. However, you need not worry. I will not abandon you hastily. I must make sure everything is arranged properly before I can let go with peace of mind.”
Yao Zhe muttered under his breath, "No matter how reliable the new teacher is, he can't compare to my mentor..."
"Yao Zhe, what did you just say?" Jiang Huaiyu pressed.
Yao Zhe sighed and replied respectfully, "Master, I have nothing to say. I just know in my heart that you have spared no effort for us. Logically speaking, you don't need to work so hard, but you still do it tirelessly. Whether it's the private school or the academy, you are paving the way for our future. I am deeply grateful, but... I really can't bear to part with you."
Since things had come to this point, Yao Zhe decided to pour out his heart without reservation.
In the antique-style private school, I am the oldest, and while everyone else is unaware of your profound plans, I alone know a little. My esteemed teacher, it is my great fortune that Yao Zhe has received your meticulous guidance and enlightenment in this life, and is now even more blessed by your profound grace! He bowed respectfully with a solemn expression.
Jiang Huaiyu gently helped him up and said softly, "Everyone says I think too much, but I think it's the opposite. It's you who don't study hard and waste your precious energy on these trivial things. You deserve to be punished."
Yao Zhe's expression was solemn, but his tone was firm: "No matter what punishment the Master gives, Yao Zhe is willing to accept it."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled kindly and said slowly, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore, Yao Zhe. You are exceptionally talented and extremely loyal, which are your strengths. You came here today to see me off, and coincidentally, I also have something to discuss with you."
"What does my esteemed teacher wish to say?"
Jiang Huaiyu slowly explained, "Yueming Academy in the county town started enrolling students at the beginning of the year, and I have already registered you. The entrance exam for the academy will be in half a month, so you must do your best."
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