506 Farewell
Within days of the Luo family taking office, they became the magistrates of Shangtang County, governing the entire county. Peaceful production, local ruffians, and idlers were all brought to the sacred land and diligently reformed, resulting in a thriving and prosperous society where the people lived in peace and contentment.
Inside Bailu Academy, Dai Lingsi sighed inwardly at the young gentleman in her eyes, who was as handsome as jade, with a folding fan, white clothes, and a scholar's hat. He was witty and easy to talk about.
Talented, straightforward, and romantic. Enjoys strategy and tactics, has a broad knowledge of various schools of thought, and is eclectic. Easygoing, kind, and benevolent.
Without weathering the storms, even the finest talents are hard to come by. But once you enter the world of dust and grime, you become corrupted. With my senior brother, Mr. Wang, by my side, I can offer some support. I imagine the journey ahead will be even longer. The current situation is far from peaceful; this is merely a temporary respite.
Behind them were two figures: Chu Ci, with a dignified and imposing presence, silent and reserved with a black sword sheath at his waist; and Bu Yaoyao, aloof and serene, wielding a red sword. Both were of considerable cultivation and poised for breakthroughs, suggesting they could protect Yuan Cangming's safety along the way.
Nodding slightly, her smile undisguised, she unfolded the paper crane and gently handed it to Yuan Cangming.
With a slight bow and respectful hands, he received a blank sheet of paper. Using a unique technique from the White Deer Academy, he channeled his inner energy into the paper, instantly revealing the characters.
After carefully studying it, Yuan Cangming smiled softly, "I didn't expect Senior Brother Wang to have also entered officialdom. It's been a long time since I've seen him. I wonder what his expression is now."
A hint of curiosity, surprise, and slight delight were revealed in her clear, bright eyes.
With a gentle smile, there was no air of a scholar, only simplicity, purity, and beauty.
He smiled slightly, confidently saying, "Brother Wang has been appointed to Changzhou Prefecture, but something must have happened. I doubt it was a royal appointment. At this moment, Brother Wang is probably unwilling to accept a royal appointment."
Therefore, it can only be Lord He who takes over Changzhou.
The Huai family of Changzhou, however, has unpredictable strength. Lord He truly possesses remarkable courage and martial prowess.
A hint of admiration and inquiry crossed his face, along with a slight surprise.
Dai Lingsi nodded slightly and said softly, "The news came a little late. Indeed, Changzhou was captured by City Lord He last night. The Huai family patriarch and his ancestors are dead, and even the City God has been wiped out."
As for the other matters, involving collusion with evil spirits and far-reaching implications, Dean Dai did not elaborate further, but the situation was becoming increasingly chaotic. Although Bailu Academy was far away and isolated from the secular world, it was not unavoidable that it would be drawn into the turmoil.
Yuan Cangming nodded slowly and said softly, "In that case, it makes sense that Senior Brother was once Lord He of City. There haven't been many rumors circulating."
The disciples have a bright future, they support their master and respect their teacher. This should be an honor and a good thing, so why are there rumors and gossip?
Dai Lingsi nodded slightly. The people in front of her each had their own characteristics, but Yuan Cangming was particularly brave in trying new things and innovating, which perfectly matched her own ideal.
Behind them, Chu Ci and Bu Yaoyao, each with their own strengths, were both steady and meticulous. They nodded slightly and said, "When you go to Master Wang's place, please help him and learn as much as you can. The outside world is different from here; do not blindly adhere to old rules in your learning and application."
Chu Ci and Bu Yaoyao nodded slightly to indicate they understood. They glanced briefly at their distant relative, their eyes seeming to say, 'You should have a word with your students. We are all taciturn people.'
Dean Dai Lingsi nodded slightly and said softly, "Go and stay with your senior brother. Observe, learn, and ask questions. Talk less. Unlike books, practical operation and situation handling may differ greatly from what is described in books."
After a short pause, he softly added, "Our Bailu Academy follows the orthodox Confucian tradition. While upholding etiquette, cultivating oneself, and respecting the virtuous and honoring ancestors are important, one must not be rigidly bound by rules. A balance can only be achieved through practice."
Yuan Cangming lowered his head, listened attentively, knowing that this place was full of complexities, unlike the academy where people were simple. Stepping out of the door meant entering the martial world, a lifetime was about to begin. Like his senior brother, he didn't know when he would return.
Or perhaps, like other senior and junior brothers who disappeared into the vastness of time, they were never heard from again, as if it were just yesterday.
Being able to listen to the dean's teachings at this moment, I realize that once I step outside, the complexities far exceed those of the academy, and the relationships between people are much more subtle and complicated.
With all sorts of people, needs, and interests, the interplay of human nature becomes more complex, requiring more careful handling of relationships and risky actions that cannot be fully described in the book.
Time and experience, learning and growth—without the protection of elders, these processes are difficult and arduous beyond imagination. The price of one wrong step could be life, loss of freedom, or a life of mediocrity.
Dai Lingsi nodded slightly, quite satisfied with her disciple's attitude, temperament, and thoughts, and said softly,
Cangming, you have a lively personality, a gentle nature, a kind heart, and are good at getting along with people, which makes you very good at winning the trust and respect of others.
You always pay attention to the needs of others, are happy to help, and never care about personal gain or loss. Helping more people is your wish and ideal, and I wholeheartedly agree. Those with the ability naturally bear great responsibility.
But governing a region is not a trivial matter. I hope you will make a prudent decision, listen first, think second, and act decisively.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with seriousness and earnestness, gazing intently at the three people who were about to leave. He softly instructed them, "On this journey, first go and meet up with your senior brother, observe more, think more, ask more questions, and ponder more."
You all know something about this border region, the territory of Lord He, but seeing is believing, so remember the Lord's rules.
Yuan Cangming, Chu Ci, and Bu Yaoyao responded in unison, "We will remember the Dean's teachings."
Baiyun watched the man descend the mountain. He carried a bag, a folding fan, and wore a scholar's robe. He slowly walked down the winding mountain path. The old farmer, whom Baiyun knew, wiped the large beads of sweat from his forehead.
Upon seeing a familiar face, he immediately cheered loudly, "Young Master Yuan, come to my house for a visit, we'll have dinner together tonight."
Yuan Cangming waved his hand from afar, raised his head and replied, "No, Uncle Min, I'm going down the mountain now, I won't go anymore. I'll come back to see you another day."
Uncle Min, please take care of yourselves.
Looking at the familiar plants and trees, and the familiar people, my heart was filled with reluctance and anticipation. I quickened my pace, as if saying goodbye.
The fields surrounding Bailu Academy belong to the academy and are rented to the surrounding villagers. The academy is also responsible for warding off evil spirits and wild beasts and protecting the peace of the surrounding area.
Outside the boundaries of Bailu Academy, there are also people who have the audacity to gather and live there, but they are not protected by any means.
This wasn't my first time going down the mountain, but this time it was a different experience.
The scenery of water and mountains stretches far and wide, with houses in the fields, wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, farmers working in the fields, and lush green rice seedlings. People work at sunrise and rest at sunset, as if it were a paradise on earth.
The three quickened their pace without realizing it, and for a moment, they felt a faint, inexplicable melancholy.
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