Chapter 2278 The Third Most Sensational Event
"What do you mean? I only heard yesterday that the newly appointed top scholar had opened an academy here, so I rushed over to take a look. I don't know the details yet. Tell me about it in detail."
Others who didn't know much about it also gathered around. They saw the man look up at the plaque covered with red silk cloth above the gate and ask, "See that? Do you know who wrote the words on that plaque?"
"who?"
"Your Majesty."
A gasp escaped their lips. To be honest, some of them had heard that Meng Yunzheng had opened an academy and wanted to see the new top scholar. Others were just passing by and followed out of curiosity when they saw the large group heading this way.
Upon hearing that the newly established academy had even received a personal inscription from the emperor, the academy suddenly seemed much more prestigious.
No wonder even the prefect and magistrate came.
The man said, "Putting everything else aside, this academy has the Emperor's own calligraphy and two officials were involved in its founding. It's officially certified by the government. At least it's much more reliable than those small primary schools and private academies."
Another person squeezed in. This person looked like a scholar. "Not only that, there are three more things you definitely don't know. I'm from the capital. The story of Scholar Meng resigning from his official post to return and open an academy as a teacher caused quite a stir in the capital for a long time."
Someone eagerly asked, "Tell me, what are the other three things?"
"First, this academy has two teachers."
Several people nearby happened to know about this. "I know that. They are both great Confucian scholars. One of them was introduced to Scholar Meng by the Emperor." Those who knew gave those who didn't a thorough explanation of the backgrounds of the two great Confucian scholars, which caused the onlookers to exclaim in surprise.
The scholar said, "Secondly, the famous Mr. Shanju painted a picture of the distant view of Zhenglu Academy. It is said that he also lived in this academy for a period of time."
Some people are confused; at least ordinary people with average means don't really know anything about Mr. Shanju.
The scholar continued, "The most sensational thing is the third one."
He kept everyone in suspense until they were all holding their breath and looking at him, then he said, "The third thing is that Headmaster Meng made a pledge to the Emperor in the main hall. Three years later, Zhenglu Academy must produce five Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Five! Just think about how difficult that is."
Many people had never heard of this before, and those around them who were listening intently stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
Five? That's too many.
The scholar explained the contents of the military order in detail, and concluded, "Therefore, if you can enter Zhenglu Academy now, you must seize the opportunity. In the future, it will be difficult to enter the academy again once it produces Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Moreover, if you can really cultivate five Jinshi from the same academy, the students will have connections among themselves, and their future prospects will be excellent."
These words hit the nail on the head. Those who had only come to join in the fun started to look around and consider the possibility of transferring schools.
Some people were already itching to rush in as soon as the gate opened.
Seeing that everyone had gotten into the conversation, the scholar smiled and withdrew from the crowd, concealing his merits and wisdom, and returned to the academy.
Just as everyone was getting a little impatient at the appointed time, the door suddenly creaked open.
Soon, the gap in the middle of the door grew wider and wider, and the light inside became brighter and brighter. Gradually, one figure appeared, then two figures.
(End of this chapter)
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