Chapter 154 Creating a Golden Body
In the end, Chen Yi was stopped.
The person who stopped him was none other than Mr. Yue Ming, the dean of Guiyun Academy.
Furthermore, Mr. Yue Ming did not come out of his own residence, but rather from the study behind Chen Yi.
Seeing Chen Yi's expression that said, "Explain yourself properly, or go home," Mr. Yue Ming smiled wryly:
"Qingzhou, I am sorry for what happened to you."
"However, since that day, people have been coming to the academy in an endless stream, many of whom are my old friends."
"Besides, these people are students of the academy, so it is really difficult for me to refuse."
Chen Yi smiled noncommittally and said, "I thought the dean would be a very principled person, but I didn't expect him to be swayed by worldly trends?"
He paused for a moment, then continued, "After all, you've always been cold and distant towards the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence."
Mr. Yue Ming was slightly taken aback, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face. "I am not targeting the Xiao family, it's just that I have a grudge against Marquis Xiao..."
"So, sir, you also know that there are differences in closeness and distance?"
"this……"
Seeing the troubled look on his face, as if he wanted to disappear into the ground, Chen Yi shook his head and said:
"Dean, please don't take offense at my harsh words."
"But many things, once they happen, will happen again."
"If you can open the door for fifty students today, a hundred will be waiting for you tomorrow."
“If someone enters that study room every time, it will not be a good thing for me, for the students, or for Guiyun Academy.”
That being said, he also knew that if the matter remained deadlocked, it would only embarrass Guiyun Academy and Mr. Yue Ming and others.
However, he doesn't intend to let it go easily.
Even if it offends some powerful families, they are willing to do so.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming's face showed a hint of shame, and he bowed respectfully, saying:
"I am truly sorry for this, as I have violated the academy's rules. I hope Qingzhou will forgive me."
"But when I think that the academy can take this opportunity to reach a higher level and attract some truly talented young people, I can't give it up."
For the sake of attracting students, huh?
No wonder.
If Guiyun Academy produces a few more students who excel in calligraphy, it will solidify the academy's advantage in teaching "calligraphy".
Then, in a very short time, it will gain a great reputation, and may very well surpass the top-ranked Yuelu Academy, Jinling Academy, and others.
If this is spread, it will surely attract the attention of students from all over the three prefectures of the Great Wei.
Even some Confucian scholars, members of prominent families, and officials who aspire to master calligraphy will come here because of its reputation.
Chen Yi understood Mr. Yue Ming's intention, but still looked somewhat embarrassed as he said:
"I have limited energy and can't teach that many people."
Mr. Yue Ming hesitated for a moment, then said, “If Qingzhou has any concerns or requests, please speak frankly.”
Chen Yi thought for a moment, "In order to avoid affecting the students' progress in calligraphy, I want to make a three-point agreement with the dean."
"If the dean agrees, let's leave it at that; otherwise, the dean should seek someone else."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming nodded solemnly and said, "I agree."
Chen Yi smiled and shook his head: "Dean, listen to my request first before you agree."
"Please feel free to speak."
"Firstly, there is a limit of one hundred. If the academy wants others to come in, one person must leave."
"good."
"Secondly, anyone who wants to learn calligraphy from me in the future must obtain my permission."
"Of course. I didn't think it through before. If anyone comes to me again, I will definitely let you see it first."
Seeing that he had agreed to both conditions, Chen Yi nodded and calmly stated the last one:
"Third, every student who has achieved success in calligraphy should do something to benefit Shuzhou."
Mr. Yue Ming was taken aback. "This... Light Boat, isn't this too demanding?"
"Many students in the future may not be from Shu Prefecture. If they pass the imperial examinations and are given official titles, they will be scattered throughout the nine provinces and three prefectures, and I'm afraid..."
Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yi shook his head and said, "I don't ask them to do anything big."
"Even if it's just repairing a few houses, giving some money, or doing what you can, it's considered a blessing for Shu Prefecture."
Originally, he wanted Mr. Yue Ming and the Dingyuan Marquis's Mansion to reconcile their old relationship, so that the students of Guiyun Academy could join the Dingyuan Army.
But upon closer reflection, he realized that if such a request were to spread, it would surely cause him trouble.
Furthermore, there is a high probability that it will affect the Xiao family, making their already difficult situation even worse.
Therefore, he made a compromise request—to benefit Shu Prefecture.
Just as Mr. Yue Ming was about to speak, Ma Guan, who was standing next to him, bowed and said, "This student is willing."
"Benefiting Shuzhou is the fundamental reason why students are determined to study. Even if the teacher doesn't mention it, the students will still do it."
After thinking about it, Mr. Yue Ming agreed.
In his opinion, none of the three requests made by Chen Yi were excessive.
The third point, in particular, will not only bring Chen Yi a good reputation, but also elevate the reputation of Guiyun Academy, which is already based in Shuzhou, to a new level.
Seeing this, Chen Yi smiled and said, "In that case, let's go to class."
The three then returned to the study.
The students who were feeling anxious were relieved.
But before they could celebrate for long, Mr. Yue Ming announced in public the three demands that Chen Yi had just made.
To be precise, it's the first and third points.
These two points concern all the students in this school, and they should be informed.
"It's one thing to benefit Shuzhou, but we study precisely to benefit the people in our region."
"But the number of people is limited to one hundred. If someone joins, someone else has to leave. Doesn't that mean we might all be kicked out of this school?"
"Otherwise, the dean and Mr. Qingzhou should have certain rules."
"For example, an improper attitude, slow progress, or someone not doing something well, etc."
"Is this considered an assessment? I don't agree."
"What complaints do you, a newcomer, have?"
Chen Yi ignored the crowd's comments.
Whether you agree or not, his rules have already been established.
After scanning the room, he began his lesson for the day.
Chen Yi did not slow down the pace to accommodate the new students. He simply reviewed the content of the first lesson and continued teaching.
"Both calligraphy and painting are for the purpose of expressing one's true feelings..."
This time, Chen Yi learned from his previous experience and, to prevent anyone from achieving success in calligraphy during class, he simply didn't set aside time for practicing calligraphy on the sand table.
After a long and eloquent lecture lasting an hour, he instructed the people to go back and practice writing.
Even though Chen Yi had considered all of this, unexpected situations still arose.
It wasn't the students, but Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying who had audited the class and returned home.
Both of them were originally renowned calligraphers.
The reason I hadn't yet achieved even a minor level of mastery in calligraphy was simply because I was going in the wrong direction.
Perhaps it was due to the rigidity of the Wei Qing style, or perhaps it was due to weaknesses in the foundation.
In short, after listening to Chen Yi's explanation, they understood their own root causes and returned to their homes to begin practicing calligraphy.
Every word exudes beauty.
This situation left Chen Yi, who had just finished his class, come over to say goodbye, and was about to leave, feeling both amused and exasperated.
However, after seeing Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying, who were both very excited, thanking him profusely, he could only reluctantly accept it.
However, Chen Yi had no intention of letting them go:
"Dean, Mr. Zhuo Ying, although you two are not students of Xue Zhai, you have still achieved success in calligraphy."
"Don't forget to do something that will benefit Shuzhou."
Mr. Yue Ming was still immersed in the joy of his success in calligraphy. Upon hearing this, he nodded and said, "Let alone one piece, even if it were a hundred, I would still do them."
Chen Yi loved to help others: "Then the dean will make a hundred."
Mr. Yue Ming paused in his smile, then looked at him speechlessly: "Actually, I was just joking."
A gentleman's word is as good as his bond.
"Alright, alright, one hundred it is. Consider it an example for the students."
Compared to him, Mr. Zhuo Ying was more cautious and reserved. "Dean Gao Yi, cough cough... just two items."
"..."
Whether it was noble or not, Chen Yi didn't know.
But he knew that if word got out about Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying's achievements in calligraphy, Guiyun Academy and the Xiao family would become even more lively.
Fortunately, he had already made a three-point agreement with Mr. Yue Ming.
As for who stays in that study and who leaves, that will naturally be left to the next generation to figure out.
He definitely won't get involved.
Even the old master of the Xiao family couldn't do anything about it.
Unless the lady and the eldest sister are together...
Not long after.
Because of the achievements of Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying in calligraphy, Guiyun Academy became bustling again.
"First it was Brother Heming, then the two gentlemen were accomplished in calligraphy, and Mr. Qingzhou's calligraphy skills are truly astonishing."
"Yes, there have been many great calligraphers throughout history, but few have been able to teach many students who have also achieved great success in calligraphy."
"In addition, besides Wei Qing's style, Mr. Qingzhou is also proficient in a new style. The two styles are different, but the attainments are comparable, which shows how high his level of calligraphy is."
"I regret not registering in the first place. Alas, it's difficult to get into that school now."
"What's so difficult about it?"
"If even Bai Yutang can get in, so can we."
"Heh, Bai Yutang has his father as guarantor, but who do you have in your family?"
"Besides, after today, there will definitely be more people with this idea, making the competition fierce. How can we, who come from humble backgrounds, compete with them?"
"In the end, it all comes down to a single misjudgment. We had doubts about Mr. Qingzhou's abilities before, so we can't blame others for it..."
Not to mention the students who regretted it, even the other teachers were extremely envious and regretted not going to the study hall to audit the classes.
After all, at their current age, their knowledge is largely fixed, and it's difficult for them to make further progress.
The way of calligraphy is different from others.
Having beautiful handwriting is always something to be proud of and talk about.
"Speaking of the three requests Qingzhou made, the first two are nothing special, but I feel that there's more to the last one than meets the eye."
"oh?"
When Mr. Yue Ming heard an old man speak, he calmed his joy at his success in calligraphy and asked, "Tell me about it."
"Think about it, Qingzhou taught calligraphy. In the future, when those students benefit from it and bring good fortune to Shu Prefecture, who among them won't remember Qingzhou's kindness?"
"It's fine if it's just one or two, but if there are many students who have achieved success in calligraphy, tsk tsk tsk."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming exclaimed, "It will benefit him greatly, and it will also benefit my Guiyun Academy."
Mr. Zhuo Ying nodded and said with a smile, "It's a pity that Qingzhou is now just a son-in-law of the Xiao family, and such a reputation is unlikely to be of any use to him."
"If he were in officialdom..."
The sound stopped.
The gentlemen looked at each other and understood the benefits involved.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Chen Yi might have earned a golden statue among the people of Shuzhou because of this.
...
Leaving aside the various disturbances at the academy.
After leaving Guiyun Academy, Chen Yi went straight to Baicaotang in the West Market.
Fortunately, he had sent Ge Laosan back to the Marquis's residence earlier, and came to Baicaotang alone. It was a bit slow, but he was safe.
He didn't linger, only giving Wang Ji a look before instructing him to take Zhang Erbao and head straight for the house deep in the West Market.
After disguising himself.
Chen Yi sat in the hall and instructed, "My meeting with the young lady is scheduled for five days from now."
"At that time, you should prepare the account books and the subsequent regulations for opening Baicaotang in neighboring prefectures and counties."
Wang Jidun asked, "Sir, are you planning to join forces with the Xiao family?"
Chen Yi nodded and didn't hide anything from him, "Although Baicaotang is in a good situation now, there are still some hidden dangers."
"Firstly, our foundation is weak. We can only manage in Shuzhou Prefecture with just the two of us."
“If we go to other prefectures and counties, even if we win over the local powerful families and gentry by sharing the profits, there are still great risks.”
"Instead of being passive later, it's better to rely on the Xiao family so that we can strengthen Baicaotang as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Wang Ji nodded: "I will follow your orders, sir."
Compared to this, those ledgers and regulations are minor matters.
After finishing their business, Chen Yi dismissed Wang Ji and the others, and asked them to pass on a message to Liu Lang when they returned to Baicaotang.
"Have him come to see me."
(End of this chapter)
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