Chapter 28

September 25th.

For the entire capital of Daxia, something minor happened over these seven days.

The Lantern Office suppressed various rumors circulating among the people, arresting many but not severely punishing them, only giving verbal warnings.

This effectively stopped the spread of rumors.

At the same time, other rumors began to circulate.

This time, the head of Daxia Academy was not appointed by the Minister of Rites. It was said that the Minister of Rites had covered up for his granddaughter, deliberately framing Gu Jinnian, the eldest grandson of the Gu family.

As a result, he lost his integrity as a scholar and was impeached, losing his position as the head of Daxia Academy.

This kind of gossip was not particularly significant on its own, but when combined with the Daxia Academy, it took on a different meaning.

For a moment, it sparked heated discussions among the people.

After all, since discussions about Gu Jinnian were forbidden, there had to be some topic to talk about.

However, these were just matters of public opinion.

Currently, the most important concern for the entire capital of Daxia was the upcoming opening of Daxia Academy.

During this period, many new faces also arrived in the capital, making it much more lively than usual.

At this moment.

Inside Daxia Academy.

A carriage slowly appeared within the academy.

Daxia Academy is located in the western suburbs of the capital, covering 3,500 acres. It has 36 grand halls dedicated to Confucian and Daoist sages, countless courtyards, and magnificent buildings with green tiles and red eaves, all interconnected.

This is Daxia Academy.

The student residences alone number over a hundred, making it the highest institution of learning in Daxia.

As the carriage arrived.

Hundreds of people gathered at the academy gate, showing great respect.

Among them were no shortage of great scholars.

But they still showed respect.

Because the person in the carriage was one of the representatives of Confucianism in Daxia, Su Wenjing.

Sigh.

As a voice sounded.

The carriage stopped.

Then, an elderly man in simple clothing slowly descended from the carriage.

The old man had white hair but was full of energy, with a kind face and clear eyes, free of any murkiness.

More importantly, he exuded a presence, the righteous aura of Confucianism.

This aura, visible only to great scholars, was a blend of blue and white.

"I pay my respects to the Half-Sage."

In the next moment, hundreds of people bowed to the old man, calling him the Half-Sage.

"You are too kind."

"You are too polite."

Su Wenjing descended from the carriage, returning their bows without any pretense.

"Sir, though not a Half-Sage, you are but a step away. We respect you and calling you a Half-Sage is only fitting."

"Yes, yes."

"Sir Su Wenjing's presence at Daxia Academy brings great honor."

The people spoke again, their faces showing respect and courtesy.

This person was a contemporary representative of Confucianism.

Now, he was invited by the emperor, holding a high status that made them dare not act rashly.

"Sir, please follow me."

At this moment, Zhang Yunhai appeared, his face respectful, inviting Su Wenjing into the inner hall of the academy.

The latter nodded, his face gentle, and walked into the hall.

Soon, after about a quarter of an hour.

The people arrived at the inner hall.

Before Su Wenjing could say anything, he was seated in the place of honor, and the others found their seats.

"Sir Su Wenjing, the journey must have been tiring for you."

Zhang Yunhai spoke, representing the Minister of Rites, Yang Kai.

"The scenery along the way was pleasant, so it wasn't tiring."

Su Wenjing smiled slightly.

He sat in the main seat of the hall.

Although he did not show any sharpness, his kind face exuded a righteous aura that made everyone present feel intimidated.

This power was terrifying, a manifestation of the will of a sage.

Su Wenjing, though not yet a Half-Sage, was indeed close, otherwise, he could not have produced such a terrifying aura.

As everyone took their seats, a voice sounded.

"Sir Su Wenjing."

"Never did I think that one day the emperor would invite you to take charge of Daxia Academy."

"We are overjoyed. With Sir Su Wenjing here, Daxia Academy will surely reach new heights."

"However, as a newcomer, the academy is complex with many people. If there are any unclear matters, just speak, and we will arrange everything for you."

It was Zhang Yunhai who spoke.

Upon hearing this, everyone smiled.

Because this statement had another layer of meaning.

"Whatever you need, we will arrange it for you." The underlying message was: Since you are a respected figure and invited by the emperor, we cannot say much. However, Daxia Academy is complex with many people and places. Teaching is fine, but other matters can be handled by us.

If you have any requests, we will do what we can, and if not, we hope you understand.

In the main seat.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenjing's expression did not change.

He only looked at everyone.

But this single glance.

Instantly, an invisible force spread throughout the hall, making everyone feel a terrifying pressure.

This pressure shook their souls.

In an instant, everyone became cautious.

They realized how ridiculous they had been.

This person was almost a Half-Sage, a representative of the Confucian elite, and a great figure invited by the emperor.

How could they bargain with such a person?

Were they not afraid of death?

"Of course, we will follow Sir's wishes."

"Sir's wisdom is beyond our reach. I believe it will not take long for Sir to understand everything."

Zhang Yunhai quickly spoke, changing his previous words.

"You are too kind."

"As long as the students are taught well, everything is fine."

Su Wenjing smiled faintly, and the pressure instantly disappeared.

Then, he took out a small book from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

"I have been in seclusion for fourteen years and have many insights into teaching."

"This time, the emperor has invited me, and it is a good opportunity to put these insights into practice, to see if I can cultivate some talent for Daxia."

"Throughout the history of Daxia, the three emperors have always respected us scholars."

"Even providing annual funding to establish academies and cultivate students."

"However, in recent years, I have noticed that most people read books without understanding them."

"After fourteen years of reflection, I have had an epiphany, and thus wrote this article to promote new learning at Daxia Academy."

Su Wenjing spoke, sharing his thoughts.

But upon hearing this, everyone was shocked.

They did not expect that Su Wenjing's visit was not just to teach but to promote new learning.

This was not a small matter.

"May I ask, what is this new learning?"

Zhang Yunhai asked.

"Virtue comes first, then reading."

"Teach according to the individual, without discrimination."

Su Wenjing spoke calmly, then continued.

"All academies teach reading, but in my view, it is just rote memorization."

"Without virtue, how can one understand the principles in books?"

"Furthermore, we scholars should not judge each other solely by poetry and literature. We should encourage diversity and individual strengths."

"This time, the selection for Daxia Academy should not follow the old rules."

"Instead, we should focus on virtue. Those without virtue should not be admitted."

"We should also offer courses in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, engineering, geography, and agriculture, placing poetry and literature at the back, and implementing education without discrimination."

"In other words, anyone with a special talent can enter Daxia Academy, regardless of gender or profession."

Su Wenjing explained his new learning.

At this moment, everyone was thoroughly unsettled.

At first, it seemed like nothing, but now they realized the magnitude of the issue.

Education without discrimination?

Courses in music, chess, painting, engineering, geography, and agriculture?

More importantly, admitting students regardless of gender or profession challenged their bottom line and interests.

What was Daxia Academy?

The highest institution of learning in Daxia.

Those who could study here were the best candidates for learning, and where did these candidates come from?

They came from noble families or talented individuals from humble backgrounds.

However, even the talented individuals from humble backgrounds often had connections to noble families. Without support from noble families, it was nearly impossible for a million scholars to produce one.

In other words, the students of Daxia Academy were basically their people.

Perhaps not direct descendants, but friends, colleagues, or descendants of their noble families.

This created a vast network of relationships and power.

Throughout history, no dynasty has been eternal, but noble families have endured.

The roots of these noble families were mainly in the academies, especially the highest institutions like Daxia Academy.

Now, Su Wenjing's words made them realize trouble was coming.

Education without discrimination.

Establishing a variety of courses, they did not care about that.

But not prioritizing poetry and literature meant the selection process would be directly taken away. This would foster a new generation of talented individuals from humble backgrounds, a new force.

When these individuals entered the government, they would pose a threat to them.

But this was not what made them uneasy.

The real issue was, who invited Su Wenjing?

The current emperor.

Did this mean the emperor intended to foster a new force, independent of the noble families, to suppress them?

They did not know.

And they dared not be sure.

But regardless of whether it was true or not.

They could not agree to this.

"Sir."

"The concept of new learning is indeed excellent. Education without discrimination is unprecedented and truly admirable."

"However, this matter should be discussed with Minister Yang. After all, the recruitment for Daxia Academy will begin in about ten days."

"Making last-minute changes might cause some trouble."

Zhang Yunhai spoke.

They could not agree to this, but he did not refuse outright, nor could he challenge a near-Half-Sage.

He could only use a tactful approach.

However, before anyone could agree.

Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

"Yang Kai?"

"I haven't seen him in decades. I vaguely remember that when I was in charge of Tianlu Academy, Yang Kai was one of my students."

"Now he is the Minister of Rites, truly impressive."

"Bold enough to negotiate teaching methods with me."

"Seems he has really grown."

"You all are also impressive, it's just that I am no longer capable."

Su Wenjing said calmly.

In an instant.

Everyone quickly stood up and bowed to Su Wenjing.

"Sir, you are too kind."

"We did not mean it that way."

They bowed hurriedly, not daring to accept it.

No one dared to speak more.

"Enough."

"There is no need to consult Yang Kai."

"Whether he agrees or not."

"I am stubborn, and once I decide, I will not change."

"As for the opening, do not worry. I have already prepared everything. Just issue the announcement as planned."

Su Wenjing spoke calmly.

His tone left no room for doubt or defiance.

Looking at Su Wenjing's stern expression.

Everyone understood that this person was about to make a significant change.

However, just as someone was about to speak.

Suddenly.

A thunderous voice.

Echoed throughout the heavens and earth.

The sound.

Was deafening.

Everyone present heard it clearly.