"Yueming Academy?"
Yao Zhe exclaimed in surprise, and after a moment he came to his senses and said excitedly, "Yueming Academy is a famous local school. Its selection of students is extremely strict. Those who are not students are not allowed to enter. The age limit is 15 years old, and only talent and learning are considered. If you do not pass the exam, even if you are very wealthy, it is difficult to get in. My teacher, you actually enrolled me?"
His face was filled with shock and disbelief. "I haven't even obtained the qualification of a student yet, how dare I hope to pass the entrance exam of Yueming Academy?"
Jiang Huaiyu gently patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "Didn't you always ask me why your studies were heavier and more difficult than others, and why you were even punished more severely? Yao Zhe, you are one of the best students in the private school, and you have also studied under Scholar Zhang. Your foundation is more solid than others by several years, so naturally I have high hopes for you. Did you think I was deliberately testing you?"
"How dare I, a student? I have never even entertained such a thought."
The lessons Jiang Huaiyu tailored for him were not only profound and difficult to understand, but also covered a wide range of knowledge. Yao Zhe was not a dullard; he knew that Jiang Huaiyu's efforts were all to pave the way for his future.
Jiang Moyu stopped abruptly, her gaze fixed intently on him. "You've been under my guidance for quite some time now, and I know your talents perfectly well. It was precisely because I firmly believed you were capable of passing the mere entrance exam of Yueming Academy that I enrolled you. Don't you have that same confidence in yourself?"
Yao Zhe listened to these words with great excitement, but still hesitated.
"However, Master, I am not a student..."
Jiang Moyu raised her head and interrupted him, "The distinction between a student and a prodigy is nothing but an empty title. I am confident that you will excel in this year's preliminary examination. As for the rule of Yueming Academy that only prodigies can enter, it is not an ironclad rule. Even if you are a prodigy, if you fail the entrance exam, you will still not be admitted. But if you can pass it, even if you do not obtain the title of prodigy, how can Yueming Academy turn you away?"
Yao Zhe was deeply moved and, after a moment of reflection, he finally bowed firmly to the ground: "This student will do his utmost to live up to Master's expectations!"
Jiang Moyu nodded slightly and said earnestly, "Keep this in mind. Never be self-deprecating, nor arrogant. Yueming Academy is the sacred place where your mentor once studied. It gathers the most knowledgeable teachers and the most positive atmosphere in Wanfu County. Most importantly, Yueming Academy selects people based on their talent and virtue, and has always been open to recruiting talents. If you can study there, you will surely undergo a true transformation."
Yao Zhe listened to her teachings with unwavering determination in his eyes, yet for some reason, tears welled up in his eyes.
“Master, if I were to truly enter the academy, I would no longer be able to follow in your footsteps…”
Jiang Moyu smiled calmly, his eyes full of affection and expectation. "What good is it to follow me? I am just a commoner, and even less known in the literary world. The reason you think I am good is simply because you have not yet seen a wider world. Now, all I can do is send you to farther places, so that you are no longer confined to the small town of Fushun, but can pursue a more glorious future."
Yao Zhe was deeply moved, and tears silently streamed down his face.
"Master, why do you care for us so much?"
Although he was always mature and composed, he was still just a thirteen-year-old child. Jiang Huaiyu's heart trembled, and she said gently, "Interpersonal feelings are inherently intertwined. Back then, when I was caught in rumors and gossip, didn't you all help me clear my name without hesitation? Besides, everything I did was out of my own will, not entirely for your sake."
She smiled and continued, "Do you remember when I first entered the private school, you were the one who questioned me the most? You not only opposed my teaching at the private school, but you also had many complaints about my decision to let girls enter the school. Looking back now, do you feel anything is different?"
Yao Zhe wiped away his tears and answered firmly, "Of course it's different. It's not just me who has changed, but every resident of Fushun Town. The students are now completely convinced of my abilities; the villagers trust me so much that they are willing to entrust their children to me, and even take the initiative to fund the construction of the academy."
“Indeed,” Jiang Huaiyu gazed into the distance, “as long as this flame burns bright enough, it will surely illuminate our path forward.”
One person's efforts alone can only bring about limited changes.
Therefore, she not only personally served as a teacher, but also devoted herself to expanding the academy and attracting more talented people.
She silently recited in her heart, "A single spark can start a prairie fire." In her previous life, she lived a muddled and meaningless life; but in this life, she longed to contribute her strength to this world.
Yao Zhe seemed to have grasped something, as if he had glimpsed a glimpse of truth, but he couldn't express it in words.
Upon reaching the Bai family courtyard, Jiang Huaiyu said slowly, "The entrance exam for Yueming Academy is approaching, and time is of the essence, so I cannot keep you here. I see you seem preoccupied; go back and reflect on your thoughts. Remember, don't let trivial matters trouble your mind; just focus on doing your duty."
Yao Zhe was startled and respectfully replied, "Your student obeys."
After he left, Yingxiang couldn't help but exclaim, "Madam, you look even more elegant and noble than before. I am tongue-tied and cannot express myself well, but just by gazing at you, I naturally feel admiration. Just being by your side brings me immense peace."
She always felt that although the girl in front of her was still the same in appearance and personality, her demeanor and manners seemed to have reached a whole new level.
No wonder, since Jiang Huaiyu had sent Yingxiang out of the Jiang family at the beginning of his rebirth, Yingxiang was naturally able to perceive many subtle changes upon their reunion.
Jiang Huaiyu gently pinched her cheek and said with a smile, "Your ability to praise people is so remarkable, how could you be someone who is clumsy with words? My stomach is empty right now, and I really want to taste the bamboo shoot stewed chicken that you cooked yourself."
Looking at the smiling girl in front of her, Yingxiang felt a sudden and subtle distance disappear, and hurriedly replied, "Yes, this servant will go back and prepare it for you right away!"
She hurried across the courtyard, and Jiang Huaiyu shook his head helplessly behind her, but his face was full of doting affection for her.
...
The current private school grounds are too small to be renovated, so the new academy was chosen to be located in an open area south of Fushun Town. This location is spacious and open, yet maintains a certain distance from the town, offering a quiet environment suitable for studying.
Jiang Huaiyu meticulously drew up the design blueprints for the academy. She believed that since the academy was to be expanded, it would be better to separate the boys' and girls' schools, which would also dispel some of the doubts from the outside world.
After discussing the many details of the academy with the old village chief and ensuring that everything was in order, she could break ground.
Jiang Huaiyu did not need to personally oversee the construction of the academy; she continued to teach at the private school every day.
By the end of February, the academy had taken shape, and Jiang Huaiyu wrote to Bai Jinxiao, asking him to spread the word in the county town that Fushun Academy was recruiting teachers, regardless of gender.
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