Chapter 272 Rongsheng Academy
Cao Dejiang was a little surprised by Tang Ning and the others' sudden visit. Madam Cao took his unused ice cup and asked, "Are you here for something about the Lu family?"
"Probably not."
Cao Dejiang said, "Xiao Yan is a man of measure. His Majesty has already made a decision on the Lu family's affairs. It's pointless for him to come to me. I guess he has something else to do."
He turned around and told the servants to lead Tang Ning and the other two to the flower hall first. Then he said to his wife beside him, "Have someone prepare some tea and get the Qingfeng Xueya that I got earlier."
Madam Cao raised her eyebrows. The old man treasured the tea so much that he was willing to use it to treat Xiao Yan?
The Cao family was very noble and elegant, unlike other officials' mansions. From the front yard to the flower hall, there was no luxury.
After Tang Ning and the other person entered for a while, they saw Cao Dejiang coming from the back room.
"What brings you here?"
"Mr. Cao." Tang Ning quickly turned around and saluted.
Although Xiao Yan only nodded and called out "Lord Cao", he was extremely polite compared to his usual indifference in the court.
Cao Dejiang smiled and said, "A guest is welcome. Please take a seat."
After the three of them sat down, Tang Ning took the initiative to explain his purpose. "I'm sorry to bother you today because the academy in the south of the city is almost completed. I previously made an agreement with Cao Gong that once the academy is completed, you will inscribe the words on the Wende Stele for the academy. Furthermore, once the academy is completed, it will begin recruiting students. I wonder if the Mr. Shi you mentioned earlier has arrived in the capital."
Cao Dejiang was stunned when he heard this: "The academy is completed? So quickly?"
He originally thought that the academy would take at least half a year to build, and it would not be surprising if it was a year or two slower. However, it had been less than two months since the Lu family "donated the books", which was a bit too fast.
Tang Ning said softly, "With His Majesty's divine will and the constant supervision of the other ministers in the court, the Imperial Construction Department naturally dares not delay. The Lu family's collection of books has been left in Jiyun Lane for a long time, and my brother and I feel uneasy. The sooner the academy is completed, the sooner those books can be moved into the academy and benefit students all over the world."
She did not mention Xiao Yan's contribution as she did in front of Rong Yue, but instead pushed it onto Emperor An and those upright court officials.
"The academy will be finished in a few days. I have previously agreed with the others that when the academy is completed, they will work with Cao Gong to nominate and erect a monument for the academy. That's why I came to tell you in advance to avoid being too hasty and impolite."
Cao Dejiang remembered this incident, and how could he not hear that the little girl in front of him clearly intended to hand over the good reputation of benefiting students and blessing poor families to him and the clean lineage behind him.
Cao Dejiang is honest, but not foolish. Even if he does not covet wealth and fame, he cannot refuse the benefit of leaving his name in history.
The old man treated Tang Ning more and more kindly: "Don't worry, County Lady, I have always remembered this matter. I will inform the people in the court in advance, and I will go with you on the day when the monument is erected at the academy."
Tang Ning said softly, "Then I'll trouble you, Lord Cao. I have one more thing to ask. I wonder if Mr. Shi has arrived in the capital yet?"
Cao Gong frowned when she mentioned Shi Chang'an. "He left Puyao over half a month ago. Logically, he should have arrived in the capital. However, he has a strange temper and has not contacted me yet. But don't worry, I will find a way to contact him as soon as possible. Even if I can't make it in time for the opening of the academy, I will find someone else to take over the position of principal."
"That man is my uncle, the former Lingyan Pavilion elder, Cao Yanzhong."
Tang Ning was surprised. Even if she was not familiar with the affairs of the court, she had heard of this person. If Cao Dejiang was the current pillar of the Cao family, then that Lord Cao was the pillar of the Cao family. If he became the president of the academy, no one would object. It was obvious that Cao Dejiang was really thinking about the academy.
but……
Tang Ning hesitated for a moment and said, "Let's wait for Mr. Shi. Mr. Cao is already old, and it's not good for him to work so hard. Besides, I sincerely want to invite Mr. Shi to join the academy, so sincerity must be shown. The position of the academy president can be left vacant temporarily, and we can start recruiting students first."
People as capable as Shi Chang'an are inherently proud. Since she wants to invite someone, she must show her full sincerity. Otherwise, if Shi Chang'an knew that he was just one of the "alternatives" and that anyone could replace the position of the headmaster, how could he agree to come?
Cao Dejiang didn't object when he heard this: "It's up to you. Have you chosen the teachers for the academy?"
Tang Ning nodded. "Earlier, Lord Cao sent a list of names over. I also secretly sent someone to investigate the names of those people. From those who submitted their names, I've temporarily selected 23 people. These include experts in classics, literature, mathematics, and martial arts. In addition, I've also selected several masters skilled in medical skills to teach agriculture and engineering."
People at that time valued Confucianism more than medical skills, but there were quite a few books on agriculture and industry in the academy. Moreover, Tang Ning originally wanted to use the academy to cultivate court officials with strong practical abilities, rather than nerds, so he set up agriculture and industry as elective subjects. If someone was really talented in this area, he could learn better.
Cao Dejiang did not look down on Fang Ji, but nodded repeatedly as he listened.
Although the Wei Dynasty seemed stable, there were famines every year, the treasury was not abundant, the military strength was average, and the grain production was sometimes high and sometimes low. In fact, the Wei Dynasty was not as stable as it seemed on the surface. There was Beiling watching covetously from above, and small tribes and countries in the south were harassing it from below.
When there is nothing to do, it seems prosperous and beautiful, but once a war breaks out, it may be difficult to cope with it.
Cao Dejiang had long noticed that there were not many capable people in the court. In addition, the aristocratic families occupied and divided up the court positions, and the termites were almost eating up the foundation of the Wei Dynasty. He did not think that Tang Ning did anything wrong. Instead, he thought that the girl was thoughtful. While listening to her talk about the academy, he asked her a question from time to time.
The old man and the young man were talking intently, and Xiao Yan was listening quietly beside them. It seemed as if he was just there to accompany them, and he didn't interrupt from beginning to end.
After hearing Tang Ning's plan, Cao Dejiang became more interested in the academy.
"Have you decided on a name for the academy?" Cao Dejiang asked.
Tang Ning nodded: "Okay, let's call it Rongsheng Academy."
Xiao Yan suddenly looked up.
Cao Dejiang simply asked, "Which Sheng?"
Tang Ning's eyes sparkled: "With my head held high, I crown the three mountains, and gaze down upon the rising sun." [Note]
"I hope that every student who enters the academy will be proud of it, that they will use what they have learned to serve the country and the people, and that they will have a bright future and a heart that aspires to a brighter future."
When she spoke of the students, her eyes were fixed on Xiao Yan's face, and she spoke each word with solemnity.
She hopes her brother can get what he wants.
May he have a smooth road ahead and see the bright and blazing morning sun.
Xiao Yan felt as if something had hit his heart. His fingertips couldn't help but curl slightly, and his eyes softened as he looked at the little girl.
His...little Begonia.
Cao Dejiang didn't notice the exchange of glances between the two. He just felt that the word "Rongsheng" had a very good meaning, representing prosperity, thriving, and bright. He nodded and said, "That's a good name."
Tang Ning curved her eyebrows and said, "I like it too."
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