"My father was implicated."
Looking at Doctor Feng's expression, Yun Zhourong guessed that a good opportunity was waiting for Yun Hongcheng, and immediately explained the whole story in a simple and detailed way, "So, my father didn't actually do anything wrong, he was just implicated."
"I see, that's wonderful!"
Upon hearing this, Doctor Feng was overjoyed and said, "It is like this, the Prefect is planning to establish a new academy recently, and is worried about not having a suitable candidate to serve as the dean. I wonder if Mr. Yun would be willing?"
"Make me the dean?" This caught Yun Hongcheng off guard; he had never considered such a thing.
“I think this arrangement is excellent, especially suitable for Dad.”
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhourong pulled Yun Hongcheng aside and said, "Father, you are not suited for officialdom, but it would be a pity to let your skills go to waste. If you could serve as a tutor and train talents for the court, you could also realize your ambitions and contribute to the country."
These words immediately enlightened Yun Hongcheng, who clapped his hands and said, "That's right, Ruan Ruan is absolutely right, how come I didn't think of that before!"
He was upright and honest, and couldn't do the petty scheming of officialdom, but his strict and upright character would be a perfect match for a teacher.
“We didn’t have the chance before, but now the timing is perfect, the location is ideal, and we have the right people,” Yun Zhourong said with a smile.
"Yes, okay, then I'll listen to Ruan Ruan."
Yun Hongcheng affectionately patted Yun Zhourong's head, then walked up to Doctor Feng and bowed, saying, "I am a convict, and if the Prefect does not mind, I would be willing to accept it."
"Of course not, of course not. The Prefect will be very pleased if he knew. I will take you there now." After saying this, Doctor Feng led the group to the Prefectural Government Office.
At this moment, Lord Zhou happened to have some free time and was processing official documents in the back room.
Yun Zhourong looked over and saw a tall, slender man in his thirties or forties with a resolute face. He had a short beard and looked gentle, but he also exuded an air of authority.
"Dr. Feng, what brings you here? Is something wrong at home?"
Upon seeing Doctor Feng arrive, Prefect Zhou Renjun put down his brush and asked in confusion.
"No, everything is fine at the manor. I've come to recommend some talented people to you." After saying this, Doctor Feng had someone bring Yun Hongcheng and the others in.
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Prefect." Yun Zhourong and the others quickly bowed.
In the Dasheng Dynasty, as long as they did not commit any crimes, ordinary people were not required to kneel before officials.
"You are... Yun Zilu?"
Before Doctor Feng could speak, Zhou Renjun walked up to Yun Hongcheng with a look of surprise and personally helped him up.
"It is indeed me. Does the Prefect recognize me?" Yun Hongcheng looked up at Zhou Renjun, puzzled. He had never seen this man before.
"I have heard that Zilan was not afraid of powerful people and resigned from his post in anger. I have always admired him. I never thought I would have the chance to meet him today. He is indeed worthy of his reputation. He is truly handsome and has an extraordinary demeanor."
Despite being the prefect, Zhou Renjun treated Yun Hongcheng with great kindness, indicating that he had a very good impression of him.
"You flatter me, sir. Zilan was young and impetuous at the time and did not know any better. I do not deserve such praise," Yun Hongcheng quickly said modestly.
"It's wonderful that you know Mr. Yun."
At this moment, Doctor Feng said from the side, "Sir, do you think Mr. Yun is capable of serving as the head of the academy?"
"Yes, of course! If Brother Zilan could come, it would truly be a blessing for the students of Qiongzhou!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Renjun excitedly grasped Yun Hongcheng's hand, "What does Brother Zilan think?"
Such a sincere attitude touched Yun Hongcheng's heart, and he wanted to agree, but he still asked, "I am now just an exiled person, and I am afraid I am not capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of this dean."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Renjun said with some disappointment, "Brother Zilan, are you unwilling?"
Yun Hongcheng quickly shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm unwilling, but I feel that the position of dean should be held by a highly respected Confucian scholar. As for me, I am willing to come to the academy as a teacher."
"I see. If that's the reason, then Brother Zilu need not worry."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Renjun breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "Brother Zilu, you may not know this, but Qiongzhou is isolated overseas and located in a remote area. It is a cultural and educational blind spot and its cultural development is lagging behind. The people have no opportunity to receive education, and there is not even a decent school."
"So that's how it is..." This was something Yun Hongcheng hadn't expected.
"Yes, over the years I have traveled around and found that the schools here are abandoned, empty, teachers are not being hired, and students are scattered, which is truly regrettable."
Zhou Renjun sighed, then said seriously, "Brother Zilan probably can't imagine that Qiongzhou has never produced a single Juren (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) throughout history. Therefore, with your talent, you are undoubtedly worthy of this position as Dean. No one is more suitable than you!"
"Really? Not even a single scholar who passed the imperial examination?" Yun Hongcheng was truly shocked.
After all, Kyoto is a highly competitive city in terms of education and culture, producing a wealth of talented individuals, each more outstanding than the last.
A successful candidate in the imperial examinations is a dime a dozen; they're not rare at all.
"That's right, that's why I thought of founding an academy to change the state of education in Qiongzhou."
Zhou Renjun said solemnly, "Qiongzhou is also part of the Dasheng Dynasty. I want to make it a land of etiquette and education, just like the Central Plains, so as not to fail the Emperor's trust. Only Brother Zilu can accomplish this right now. Your appearance is a timely help!"
These words stirred Yun Hongcheng's blood and filled him with an unprecedented sense of mission.
Without further hesitation, he stood up, cupped his hands, and proclaimed, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Excellency. I am willing to serve as the Dean, to spread all my knowledge, and to contribute my humble efforts to the education cause in Qiongzhou!"
"Very good, very good! I knew I wasn't wrong. I'll have someone prepare a welcome feast for you, and announce it once the academy is completed." Zhou Renjun was overjoyed and immediately ordered someone to prepare a meal.
Yun Hongcheng originally wanted to refuse, but Zhou Renjun was so enthusiastic that he finally agreed.
Once at the dinner table, the two started chatting and found they were getting along very well, feeling as if they had known each other for a long time. With the alcohol taking effect, they almost became sworn brothers on the spot.
Fortunately, the Zhao family stopped them in time.
Song Shuyi ate silently the whole time without saying much.
But I couldn't help but sigh in my heart that Yun Zhourong's family was really lucky, as very few people from the outposts could be given important positions.
With this position as dean, their lives will not be too bad in the future. Moreover, if Yun Hongcheng truly has real talent and learning, his reputation will soon spread, and his future can be described as bright.
After dinner, Yun Hongcheng and the others were taken to their guest rooms to rest. Only then did Yun Zhourong ask Doctor Feng where the academy was located, as they planned to buy a plot of land nearby to build a house.
"No need, no need. You are all Mr. Yun's family members, so naturally you will live together in the academy. We will arrange accommodations for you."
Upon hearing this, Dr. Feng immediately smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Yun is the dean, and he needs to manage the entire academy. His treatment is naturally different from that of ordinary teachers."
"This is wonderful!" Yun Zhourong and the others hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise; even their accommodations had been taken care of.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
