"The inn I'm staying at now is quite comfortable, and some people are keeping an eye out for suitable houses in the city. Once a suitable place becomes available, I'll buy it and settle down. Therefore, I'm not going to the Tu family with you. However, if you'd like to spend some time with me, I'll definitely come to visit you when I have some free time. How about that?"
Seeing that she had already made a thorough plan, Tu Wenying had no choice but to nod in agreement, "Alright, you must come to see me on your day off."
Tu Wenying escorted her back to the inn before turning back to the Tu family home.
For the next few days, she would pick up Jiang Huaiyu every day to go to the private school together, and they would return home together in the afternoon.
The distance from the inn to the Tu family's residence was quite far, and Jiang Huaiyu had intended to tell her not to go through such trouble, but Tu Wenying smiled and said that since she traveled between Wanfu County and Fushun Town every day, these few steps were nothing. The two of them could chat and laugh along the way, keeping each other company and preventing her from feeling lonely.
Hearing her warm words, Jiang Huaiyu gladly accepted them, feeling a warm glow in her heart.
...
In the blink of an eye, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month arrived, and the grand opening ceremony of Fushun Academy was held on this day.
On this special day, in addition to the regular students of the town's private school, dozens of new students from the surrounding villages flocked in, their expectant eyes illuminating every corner of the academy. In this school, besides the two talented female teachers, Jiang Huaiyu and Tu Wenying, there were also the learned Wen Juren and the talented Dou Xiucai serving as instructors.
What was originally a small private school has now grown significantly in terms of both teachers and students, and is beginning to take the shape of an institution of higher learning, showing a vibrant scene.
The grand opening ceremony, presided over by the village chief, began early in the morning. All the agenda items were completed smoothly, concluding only around noon. Residents of the town also came to witness the ceremony, and at its end, thunderous applause and laughter filled the entire schoolyard.
Jiang Huaiyu stood for half a day and gradually felt soreness in her waist and limbs, so she hurriedly went to a chair to rest.
Upon seeing this, Tu Wenying immediately came over and asked with concern, "Sister Jiang, have you been feeling tired lately? Is there something wrong with your health?"
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook her head and replied, "I don't feel any discomfort."
These days, she eats well, sleeps well, is in excellent condition, and even her figure is a bit fuller than before.
Tu Wenying was still worried and said, "After we get back to the city, I'll find a skilled doctor to give you a thorough diagnosis, just to put my mind at ease."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and explained, "Before leaving the capital, Physician Liang prescribed me a recuperative medicine and instructed me to take it for a month. His medical skills are superb, and I believe that my body should be fine. Perhaps it's just the effect of the medicine that makes me feel tired often."
Tu Wenying nodded in understanding, "Since you are taking medication, then it is indeed possible."
The two exchanged a few more words, then turned to make arrangements for the newly enrolled students.
Today, the academy has spacious grounds, numerous dormitories, and a total of nearly forty teachers and students, making it far superior to the cramped private school of the past.
With a large population, it becomes difficult to maintain natural order.
However, Jiang Huaiyu had made preparations in advance and formulated a detailed set of rules. Several teachers read it and expressed their approval. As a result, everything proceeded smoothly in accordance with the rules.
Several days passed, and the academy operated in an orderly manner without any chaos.
Looking at the teachers focused on teaching and the students full of thirst for knowledge, Jiang Huaiyu felt a sense of satisfaction and pride. She felt that this was the first truly meaningful thing she had done since her rebirth.
The academy had more than thirty students, including more than a dozen girls. In addition to their studies, they also received regular instruction from embroiderers to learn needlework.
Jiang Huaiyu firmly believed that since women could not participate in the imperial examinations, they should acquire practical skills to survive in this complex world. Therefore, it was particularly important for the academy to offer vocational training courses for female students. This proposal even garnered the support of Wen Juren, who had always held prejudices against women's education.
Beyond the women's handicrafts class, Jiang Huaiyu already had far-reaching plans in mind. If given the opportunity, she would like to add several distinctive miscellaneous arts courses, but of course, these grand plans will have to wait and see.
That day, Jiang Huaiyu was immersed in the joy of lecturing.
Suddenly, Dou Xiucai rushed over with an anxious look on his face, stood at the classroom door, and called out in a low voice, "Master Jiang..."
Noticing his unease, Jiang Huaiyu put down her book, stepped out of the classroom, and asked with concern, "What happened, Master Dou?"
Dou Xiucai sighed deeply and said in a heavy tone, "Unfortunately, something has happened to the butcher. You should go and check on him as soon as possible!"
"What exactly happened?" Jiang Huaiyu felt a heavy weight in his heart.
Dou Xiucai looked troubled and sighed, "Alas, this matter is truly difficult to discuss... It turns out that Master Tu of our academy is actually the granddaughter of Scholar Tu. Now, Scholar Tu has personally come to the academy and is having a heated argument with Master Tu. Master Wen and I tried to mediate, but we were blocked outside and could not get close. Master Jiang, after all, you founded the academy and recruited Master Tu. If you personally intervene, perhaps Scholar Tu will give you some face."
Jiang Huaiyu pondered to himself that things might not be as Dou Xiucai had said.
After all, Tu Wenying had always avoided the Tu family's notice when she came here to serve as a teacher.
The situation has escalated today, and the arrival of Scholar Tu himself is likely to be an attempt to demand answers.
However, Jiang Huaiyu could not reveal these words to others, so he followed Dou Xiucai and hurriedly went to the front hall of the academy.
Before even stepping into the front hall, I could hear conversations coming from inside.
"Grandfather, the students are still waiting for me. Please allow me to finish explaining today's chapters before listening to your teachings, is that alright?" Tu Wenying said in a pleading tone.
"Hmph! With me here, you won't be going anywhere." The old scholar Tu's voice was aged yet authoritative.
Tu Wenying protested, feeling wronged: "Grandfather, you are highly respected in Wanfu County. How can you not be reasonable when you come to the academy today? As your teacher, if I delay the students' studies because of personal matters, wouldn't I be committing a grave mistake?"
The old scholar Tu stared sharply at her, "What qualifications does someone who is full of lies have to be a teacher?"
"Grandfather, what do you mean by that?" Tu Wenying asked, puzzled.
Scholar Tu gave a cold snort and said sternly, "Who told me you were studying painting under Ling Mo? I've examined your works and found no improvement in your skills. I know you're not good at painting and advised you to give up, but you insisted that the key to learning painting is perseverance. I thought you had a strong interest in painting and wanted to win my favor, which is why you were so persistent. I never expected that you would secretly come here to be a teacher behind my back, deceiving your elders. Do you know your mistake?"
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