Chapter 185 Chapter 185 School Bullying
Jing Mingze looked at the students. "Xu Yunfan doesn't have the status of a scholar, but so what? Even I have to ask him for advice and receive his guidance. This alone is enough to prove that he has considerable ability. Where on earth do you get the guts to criticize someone I treat as a distinguished guest? Go back and tell the other students that Xu Yunfan is someone I value highly. Anyone who dares to question his abilities is questioning my judgment."
How could the students refuse and agreed immediately?
With a loud bang.
Jing Mingze's words immediately caused the people present to explode.
What?
Xu Yunfan actually has such great abilities?
How could an official actually treat Xu Yunfan as a guest of honor?
Wow, Xu Yunfan is even more amazing this time.
Although this person is not a scholar, but a teacher without the status of a scholar, so what?
Didn’t you see that there was someone above Xu Yunfan?
It's incredible.
It's incredible.
He used to curry favor with the Sun family and laughed at the Sun Mu family for currying favor with the Xiao Qin family. He regretted it so much.
But Xu Yunfan had already left without looking back, completely ignoring them.
On the way to Xiaoqing Village, Xu Yunfan, on horseback, had a sudden thought, a bit confused, about Lu Jin's situation. "Why do you have to pass the scholar exam to become a teacher? Can't there be a professional qualification exam for teachers?"
Jing Mingze subconsciously asked back, "Do you think this is feasible? If the teacher is not a scholar, how can we prove their true talent and knowledge?"
"Why not? I know that in your place, those who can pass the exam to become a scholar must be absolutely capable, but for those who fail, can you say that their knowledge is not good enough? Why can't some people pass the exam to become a scholar? Some because of poor physical fitness, some because their families are poor and can't even afford the money to take the exam, and some because of bad luck. Some students, although they only reach the level of Tongsheng, have as much knowledge as scholars. Although there are not many such people, if all scholars can serve as teachers without examining their character, it would be better to have fewer than fewer people, you know. I would rather promote those who have good moral character and real talent and knowledge, rather than using the status of a scholar as an unshakable threshold to exclude other people with real knowledge and character. Of course, I don't mean to abolish this minimum threshold, but what our Great Yan Dynasty needs now is people with both moral character and ability, not scholars."
"In your minds, passing the imperial examination means one has real talent. But some of you, officials from the prefectural cities who come from merchant and official families, ultimately cannot empathize with the common people, truly understand their suffering, or even know where their suffering lies. Because of your different class backgrounds, let's not talk about you, let's talk about others. What kind of poor people do they see? Or, what kind of poor people do they understand in their minds? The poor people they see are probably those who only have one meat and one vegetable per meal. Compared to their Manchu and Han banquets, the former are poor. But you have traveled to so many places, what kind of poor people are you seeing with your own eyes? Do you know how many students in our academies and private schools have to drop out every year because they can't afford to pay? How many people today are willing to sell everything they have to support a student?"
"Do you know what kind of situation these failed students will find themselves in when they return home? Some will find themselves in an awkward position, neither up nor down. Without the status of a scholar, what good will it do even if they have studied hard for ten years? Some, lacking work experience, will have a hard time finding a decent job. They lack the physical strength to work in the fields and can't even lift a shoulder pole. Why are scholars considered useless? Because although they are full of knowledge, they can't put it into practice in real life. Do you expect them to write poetry and prose in the fields? These students who have been forced to drop out of school, although they have ideals and ambitions, are powerless to change reality. This is the helplessness and predicament of scholars from poor families. And among these students, can you say that every one of them is without any talent? Therefore, if they can be given an opportunity to work, the people will know that studying, even if they can't pass the exam to become a scholar, is not useless. Naturally, they will be willing to support a scholar."
Jing Mingze was greatly shocked by Xu Yunfan's idea. After thinking about it carefully, he found that Xu Yunfan's idea was not unfeasible.
Jing Mingze had discovered the problems Xu Yunfan mentioned during his inspection.
Yes, although scholars have a high status, what Xu Yunfan said is absolutely correct for those scholars who failed the exam.
Nowadays, some families are reluctant to spend a large amount of money and time to support a student. That is why other students are so valued.
Rather than employing a scholar with poor character as a teacher, it is better to employ a student who has certain knowledge but missed the opportunity to become a scholar due to other reasons.
Even if these students do not have the status of scholars, they are able to serve as teachers in the village and provide basic education to children.
Of course, Xu Yunfan’s words were the reason why Jing Mingze was most excited.
If students who fail the college entrance exam can still use their abilities to gain important positions, wouldn't this be an incentive for other students and ordinary people?
Jing Mingze had visited so many places to discover these things, but what about Xu Yunfan? The farthest place he had been was Qingling County. How did he know all this?
It’s not in vain that Xu Yunfan interacts with so many students in the college. For some things, he doesn’t need to do too much investigation and some things will be naturally promoted with a little promotion.
After talking with students from the same college, Xu Yunfan was deeply touched. He wanted to change the situation of scholars, but his power alone was too small.
Xu Yunfan had previously discussed the policies with Jiang Lanfang, believing that they would be able to address the plight of students dropping out of school. However, he discovered today that these changes alone were not enough.
That's why he said so many things. He didn't believe that Jing Mingze would remain indifferent.
Jing Mingze finally understood why Jiang Lanfang hired Xu Yunfan against all odds.
Jing Mingze didn't want to delay this matter, as it would take several months for him to return to Beijing.
Moreover, some things need to go through procedures. After discussion at the top, they are handed over to the person in charge to finalize the charter, formulate rules and plans, etc. It takes a long time to go through all of this.
Although some things are not urgent, Jing Mingze knows that if some things are delayed, it will be a loss.
Thinking of the oil press he visited yesterday and the fertilizer issues, Jing Mingze's heart was burning with excitement. He took out the notebook he carried with him and started working.
When they arrived at Xiaoqing Village, one of Jing Mingze's guards was missing. Xu Yunfan didn't know where the other person was going. He only knew that Jing Mingze gave the other person a letter and said only one sentence before delivering the letter to the person. The other person took the letter and rode away on horseback.
Who is that?
Xu Yunfan didn’t know and didn’t want to ask. It was none of his business anyway.
After visiting the fruit factory in Xiaoqing Village, Xu Yunfan took Jing Mingze up the mountain and introduced the black-seeded fruit to him. Upon learning that the black-seeded fruit could actually produce edible oil, Jing Mingze tried hard to suppress his excitement. His hands holding the notebook were trembling slightly, and the handwriting he wrote down became a little crooked.
What on earth is the shape of Xu Yunfan's head?
In the early days, it was Qi Xiu Ze and his three companions who first took over the canteen and now have built so many factories. No wonder they are envied.
He processed ordinary fruits into products that are in short supply and are now sold all over Qingling County.
The hard black-seeded fruit on the mountain, which they considered inedible, underwent a major transformation into edible oil in Xu Yunfan's hands.
If such talents are determined to pursue a career in politics in the future, they will surely be valued by the emperor. In this way, it is only a matter of time before they hold a high position.
It’s a pity that Xu Yunfan actually cooperated with me.
Jing Mingze felt that Xu Yunfan might be too young to consider some things long-term. If he thought of it, he had to say it. Otherwise, if Xu Yunfan really ruined his future because of him in the future, he would feel guilty.
"I promised to cooperate with you before, but today I discovered that if you're willing, you don't actually need to cooperate with me. You know Qi Xiu Ze and the other four, so you don't lack partners. And you've seen my situation. Perhaps one day, in the eyes of outsiders, my abnormal love affair with Liu Er will become an invisible black hand that pulls me down from this position. Being associated with me isn't necessarily a good thing."
Jing Mingze didn't want to implicate Xu Yunfan in the future. "You know, if you need anything, I won't refuse you. So, you don't need to be tied to me. You have to know that being on good terms with me will even become an excuse for others to criticize you in the future."
"Abnormal love? That's a bit funny. I only know that there is only one sexual orientation, and that is what the heart desires, regardless of gender."
Xu Yunfan smiled indifferently. "Some people hate, despise, and cannot accept the relationship between Long Yang and Yang. That's their business. You have to know that there are always two sides to a thing. If someone likes you, there will be someone who hates you. For me, a man liking another man is just a normal orientation. Just like a man liking a girl liking a boy, they are all flesh and blood relationships with true feelings. If I choose to break up with two friends because I care about what others think, or I am afraid of what I might lose because of something that hasn't happened yet, I don't think I will be very happy and comfortable if I do that. I believe in myself. If one day your affairs cause me trouble, then I will do my best to overturn such unfairness instead of choosing to compromise. I am not wrong, so why should I be the one to admit my mistakes and compromise? You are afraid, but I am not."
Xu Yunfan's seemingly youthful and frivolous words made Jing Mingze silent for a long time.
After a while, Jing Mingze suddenly laughed.
His smile was like a sudden enlightenment after finally finding the answer to a puzzle he had been puzzled for a long time. It was also like being trapped in a dark place and finally finding a way out after searching hard, and catching a glimpse of the dazzling light.
Jing Mingze hadn't felt this kind of relief and ease for a long time. Xu Yunfan's words were like a ray of light that parted the mist, instantly lighting up his world.
"You kid, your words are so convoluted. They obviously sound a bit far-fetched, but they also give people a kind of spiritual shock and relief."
Some things are easier said than done.
In the eyes of the common people, continuing the family line is of utmost importance. Otherwise, how did the saying "There are three types of unfilial behavior, and the worst of them is to have no descendants" come about?
How easy is it to overturn the idea that Long Yang's love is a deformed love that is deeply rooted in the minds of the people?
The law does not allow it, and secular concepts do not allow it, so it is nothing but a pipe dream to get this matter recognized.
But when Xu Yunfan said this impossible thing in a sonorous and powerful way, Jing Mingze seemed to see hope again.
Yes, as a human being, why should we think so much? Worrying about things that have not happened yet is just asking for trouble.
Sometimes, if people act a little badly, they can actually live an easier life. After all, there is always a way to go when you reach the mountain, and the boat will naturally straighten out when it reaches the bridge. Everything is just a matter of fighting back against the enemy and covering up the water with earth.
Jing Mingze laughed as if relieved. "Before, I couldn't understand why you became friends with Qi Xiu Ze and the others. Now I finally understand."
It's just like-mindedness.
"Do you know a few of my brothers?" Xu Yunfan thought so too. The imperial merchant was not an ordinary merchant, so it was not surprising that Jing Mingze knew Qi Xiu Ze.
Jing Mingze nodded, "I know them. They are quite famous in the capital, known as the Four Young Masters of the Capital. Just like the Four Young Masters of Wenjie, they are very famous."
Xu Yunfan: "What the hell? The Fourth Young Master Wenjie?"
"Yes, you probably don't know that Qi Xiu Ze and his four companions are rivals of the four young masters Wen Jie. I heard that Qi Xiu Ze and his four companions couldn't stay in the Imperial College. A big part of the reason wasn't because the Master persuaded them to leave, but because they themselves couldn't stand it anymore."
"Even though every student in a place like the Imperial College should prioritize their studies, where there are people, there are also the underworld. The so-called Four Young Masters of the Capital are merely relative to their family backgrounds, while the Four Young Masters of Wenjie are truly worthy of the title of Wenjie. Xu Yunfan, do you think that the influence of these four in the Imperial College is greater than that of Qi Xiu Ze and his four companions?"
Jing Mingze's smile did not reach his eyes, and there was even a hint of sarcasm in it.
"You mean, my brothers and I were bullied in the Imperial College?" Xu Yunfan was not happy.
He is a protective person, and this protection not only covers his relatives, but also his friends. He will let anyone who touches them down experience it.
"I heard it was true, but I believe this rumor is not groundless." Jing Mingze's fists hanging at his sides tightened and unclenched several times before he finally confided, "Because in the Imperial College, I was also ostracized, isolated, and ridiculed."
Jing Mingze was not born as a top scholar. He passed the imperial examination and entered the Imperial College to continue studying for a year. Later, for some reasons, he was valued by the emperor and gradually reached his current position within a few years.
Of course, luck is a factor in getting to where he is today in just a few years, but it is undeniable that without certain strength and ability, luck alone would not be enough to allow him to sit in the position he is in today.
"According to my status, I should have continued studying at the Imperial College for two or three years, but I learned most of what I needed to learn in just one year. This was partly because I wanted to enter the government as soon as possible, but also partly because I couldn't stand the environment."
Xu Yunfan was shocked. He knew that school bullying had nothing to do with the past or the present. He was just surprised that Jing Mingze had actually been bullied in school. "They must have used your sexual orientation as an excuse."
He didn't ask Jing Mingze, why were you isolated and excluded by them? Why did they bully you?
These questions are nonsense in themselves.
Some bullies don't need a reason to bully others. They may be bored or lonely, or they may want to show off. Or they may just dislike you because of a word or an event.
How could Xu Yunfan possibly ask a bullied person why he was bullied?
"Yes." Jing Mingze admitted frankly, "There are students in the Imperial College who are from the provincial capital. When Li Liu left, I argued with my family about going to look for him. Naturally, I couldn't keep this from happening. Although the Imperial College is the top institution of higher learning in our dynasty, it doesn't mean that all the students inside..." Jing Mingze stopped talking about the matter of talking about students behind their backs.
Xu Yunfan's eyes were cold, and he asked in a bad tone, "Why are they targeting my brothers?"
Jing Mingze shook his head. "I don't know about that. I went to the Imperial College two years ago and happened to hear some things. But I can tell you one thing. Shen Ruxi's father was a deputy first-rank official. Xie Baizhou's grandfather was the left prime minister. Lin Xiaoran's grandfather was a first-rank official. The Shen and Lin families are from the same faction as the left prime minister, while the fourth young master Wenjie is from the right prime minister's faction. The left and right prime ministers usually have different views. Let me tell you bluntly, the right prime minister does not recommend re-employing poor students, but the left prime minister believes that for talented people, background is not the only consideration, only strength is considered."
Hearing this, Xu Yunfan pursed his lips, "That's amazing! They haven't even left the Imperial College yet and they've already split into factions and divisions."
Jing Mingze sighed heavily, "The Imperial College is not what it seems from the outside. Outsiders only think that once you enter the Imperial College, students only need to study and discuss the classics, and after graduation they are directly assigned to various places to become officials and rise to the top. In fact, this is not the case. Most students in the Imperial College come from merchants and officials, which inevitably means they have to make a choice."
Xu Yunfan is very smart. Jing Mingze thought that Xu Yunfan must understand what the so-called choice is.
"The Fourth Young Master Wenjie?" Xu Yunfan touched his chin. "I'll meet them when I get to the capital."
Xu Yunfan felt uncomfortable and aggrieved if he didn't retaliate against the person who dared to bully his brother.
He had just mentioned Xie Baizhou and the other three. In Qinghe Town, Qi Xiu Ze and the other three were arguing fiercely with other private school students in the Qingshu shop.
The Qingshu shop is the shop of County Magistrate Zhou. Qi Xiu Ze has an exclusive private room here. Every time he comes, Qi Xiu Ze and his three companions don’t have to choose books outside. They can just go directly into the private room and have someone deliver them to them.
The other students were unaware that Qi Xiu Ze and the others were in the private room, and they began to discuss in a low and moderate voice some recent rumors about Master Xu of Qingfeng Academy that had been circulating in the county.
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