As dawn broke, the area outside the college was already bustling with people.
People came from all directions, some carrying fresh vegetables they had just picked from the fields.
Some led their own oxen, chatting with the people beside them as they walked.
As the sun fully rose, its blazing rays bathed the bustling land, and the people gathered around the newly built college for a lively discussion.
They talked about everything from the college's grand gates to the spacious and bright classrooms, from the knowledge the children were about to receive to their bright future prospects, leaving no detail undiscussed.
Even with the sun high in the sky, the scorching sunlight couldn't dampen their enthusiasm; sweat poured from their foreheads, soaking their clothes.
They casually wiped their faces with the towels draped over their shoulders and then continued chatting.
In the sweltering afternoon heat, with the ground scorching hot, they found a shady spot under a tree and, with the tea they had brought, continued to share their thoughts.
As the sun set, the sky turned orange-red, and the afterglow gently fell on their faces.
Only after sketching out simple and content faces did everyone reluctantly disperse.
If someone were to ask them out of curiosity whether they harbored resentment because King Jinrui Zhao occupied their house, they would surely smile broadly.
His face was wrinkled with laughter as he waved enthusiastically and said in a thick local accent, "Your Highness is thinking of us!"
In the past, if you wanted your child to learn to read and write, you would have to pay so much tuition, which was simply unaffordable for ordinary people like us.
Now things are great; the children don't have to pay for school anymore. And the prince even gave us brand new houses, spacious and bright, much better than where we lived before.
They also gave us a lot of money to help us live our lives.
Anyone with half a brain knows how good the Prince is, so how could we be so ungrateful as to complain about him?
In his words, his gratitude to the prince was like a surging river, sincere and ardent.
Of course, there were also a few people in the crowd who had different ideas.
These people are either worried about changes in their future lives or have doubts about their vested interests, but they know that once these thoughts are voiced, they will cause great trouble.
After all, in everyone's eyes, the prince's good deeds are obvious, and every measure he has taken has truly improved everyone's lives.
If anyone dares to openly disagree, the criticism and contempt of the rest of the people will completely drown them out.
These people could only bury these thoughts deep in their hearts, occasionally whispering a few words to their families in private, never daring to reveal them in public.
Soon, news of the successful completion of the first academy in Jinxiu County spread like wildfire back to the capital.
Those aristocratic families who were used to living a life of luxury and high status were furious when they heard this.
The elders in the family glared angrily, slamming their fists on the table, and denounced King Jinrui Zhao for ruining the foundation of their interests.
The younger generation, their faces full of resentment, paced back and forth in the mansion, complaining that the benefits they had just received had been taken away.
Anger burned fiercely in their chests, and they could not quell it.
However, to their dismay, the Emperor had anticipated this and had dispatched troops to surround the noble families' residences, making them as impenetrable as an iron barrel.
The officers and soldiers, clad in heavy armor and wielding long spears, stood solemnly like unshakeable statues, constantly monitoring the aristocratic family's every move.
If they make the slightest move, they will be regarded as traitors, and the consequences will be unimaginable.
This time, Qin Xiang and Su Xiang surprisingly joined forces and stood on the same side, fully supporting Qin Qianluo's actions.
In the imperial court, Prime Minister Qin was the first to stand up. He was tall and straight and his voice was loud and clear.
He elaborated on the importance of the college to national talent cultivation and social stability, speaking earnestly and forcefully.
Su Xiang followed closely behind, her eyes sharp and her analysis clear and logical, outlining the positive impact of the academy's establishment on the country's economic and cultural development, which drew frequent nods of approval from many officials.
Outside the imperial court, they traveled extensively, contacting officials who cared deeply about their country and its people, explaining the significance and value of the academy to them, and winning more support for Qin Qianluo's actions.
This made the powerful families, even though they were unwilling, hesitant to act and dared not do anything, and could only swallow their anger.
In their study, in the quiet of the night, they repeatedly weighed the pros and cons, constantly reassuring themselves.
The resources provided by King Jinrui Zhao are already more than enough. Even without this academy, the power controlled by the aristocratic families would no longer be unique.
Since even the Emperor approves of this matter, what right do they have to question it?
Faced with this predicament, the powerful families could only bury their discontent deep in their hearts for the time being, maintaining a calm facade while secretly waiting for an opportunity to salvage the situation.
After Jinxiu County Academy officially began accepting students, Qin Qianluo and Lin Fu packed their bags and embarked on their journey back to the capital.
Nearly a year has passed since she left, and Qin Qianluo's longing for her family has grown stronger with each passing day; she is eager to return home.
The carriage they were riding in had multiple layers of soft springs installed at the bottom for shock absorption, and the seats were filled with soft cotton wadding, making it much more comfortable than an ordinary carriage.
Even so, the slow pace still left Qin Qianlu feeling helpless.
She leaned back on the soft cushions inside the car, the aroma of tea rising from the teacup on the small table beside her, yet it couldn't dispel her drowsiness.
The wheels creaked monotonously over the gravel road, and for days she had been dozing off in this rhythm.
Looking at the scenery slowly receding outside the car window, Qin Qianluo was extremely anxious. At this snail's pace, it would take another month or more to reach the capital.
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