The county school, San Sheng Hall.
"The case has been thoroughly investigated, and Zhan Feiyu can now enroll in the county school." Teacher Dou said with a stern face, still clearly upset with Instructor Zhao.
Previously, Instructor Zhao had refused to admit Zhan Feiyu due to rumors, to which Teacher Dou had vehemently objected, firmly believing that "the clear will remain clear, and the turbid will remain turbid." Unfortunately, Instructor Zhao was the official in charge of the county school.
By noon, the yamen's investigation had concluded, and Zhan Feiyu's name had been cleared. Upon receiving the news, Teacher Dou, without even eating lunch, rushed to find Instructor Zhao.
"That's a given, Brother Wenhan, there's no need to rush," Teacher Niu awkwardly tried to smooth things over.
For the past few days, Brother Wenhan had been ignoring the instructor. Although the instructor hadn't held it against him, he had maintained a stern demeanor daily, leaving Teacher Niu in a difficult position.
Instructor Zhao remained silent, his gaze fixed on the book in his hands, as if he hadn't heard Teacher Dou's words.
"Are you still going to refuse Zhan Feiyu?" Teacher Dou stood up abruptly, his patience worn thin, and glared at Instructor Zhao. "As an official of the county school, you should have stood up to protect Zhan Feiyu, instead of spreading rumors and cowering in fear within the county school. Now that the truth is out, you refuse to admit Zhan Feiyu for your own reputation. I am ashamed to be associated with you!"
After his stern rebuke, Teacher Dou's face flushed with anger. He flicked his wide sleeves and turned to stride out of the door, seemingly unwilling to share the same space with a hypocrite like Instructor Zhao who prioritized self-preservation.
Uh...
Zhan Feiyu, who was at the doorway and hadn't yet entered, offered an embarrassed smile to the stunned Teacher Dou.
"You..." Teacher Dou's anger subsided, and he looked at the fair-skinned Zhan Feiyu with a sense of guilt. He then cupped his hands in a bow, saying, "As elders, we failed to protect our student. We are truly unworthy of being scholars!"
Startled, Zhan Feiyu quickly sidestepped to avoid Teacher Dou's bow, stammering, "You are too kind, Teacher."
The teachers at the county school held the rank of Juren. Even Magistrate Chen treated them with deference. She was merely a young student; how could she possibly deserve a bow from Teacher Dou?
Teacher Niu also noticed Zhan Feiyu at the door and quickly pulled Teacher Dou back. He, a middle-aged man not known for his eloquence, displayed a gentle, fatherly smile. "Little Yu, are you here for enrollment? Teacher Dou was just being impatient; it was merely a misunderstanding. The instructor is inside. Little Yu, please come in."
If any students of the county school were present, they would surely be astonished, their eyes wide with disbelief. Teacher Niu, who usually barely uttered a word outside of lectures, speaking such a long sentence was a rare spectacle at the county school!
Seeing Zhan Feiyu enter, Teacher Dou maintained his stern expression. After being pulled by Teacher Niu, he reluctantly turned to leave, not out of deference, but out of concern that Instructor Zhao might bully the young girl!
Unlike Teacher Dou's unwavering stance or Teacher Niu's attempt to force a smile, Instructor Zhao, clad in a blue robe, remained with a stern face and a cold, sharp gaze. "Since Magistrate Chen has concluded the case, bring your letter of recommendation tomorrow, and you will temporarily study under Teacher Dou."
Before Zhan Feiyu could speak, Teacher Dou, with a displeased expression, glared at Instructor Zhao again.
The young girl had suffered an unjust calamity, being pointed at by everyone. As the instructor, shouldn't he offer some words of comfort? His attitude was so indifferent!
"Instructor, I am not here today for the matter of studying..." As soon as Zhan Feiyu spoke, Instructor Zhao's expression instantly turned cold.
The book in Instructor Zhao's hand fell to the ground with a snap. He sternly rebuked, "The county school is a place for students to study and advance. If you do not wish to study, then leave!"
Confused by the scolding, Zhan Feiyu stood frozen, wondering where she was and what had happened.
"If you want me to leave, I will! From today onwards, you will study with me, and we don't need this county school!" A louder, more indignant voice rang out. Teacher Dou grabbed Zhan Feiyu's arm and pulled her towards the exit.
Pulled along for a few steps, Zhan Feiyu looked at the furious Teacher Dou and could only helplessly squat down. Her plump little body was like a scale weight, forcing Teacher Dou to stop.
Zhan Feiyu looked up, her small arm, held by Teacher Dou, swaying slightly. She said meekly and adorably, "Teacher Dou, I haven't finished speaking."
Seeing the well-behaved Zhan Feiyu, Teacher Dou's heart melted. He disliked Instructor Zhao, the instigator, even more. "Very well, let's clarify things before we go!"
Turning around, Teacher Dou glared at Instructor Zhao, ready to sever ties completely!
Walking back with a few quick steps, Zhan Feiyu picked up the book from the ground and first stated her intention, "Instructor, I will come to study tomorrow."
Seeing Instructor Zhao's stern expression soften slightly, Zhan Feiyu continued, "I came today because of my teacher's matter, and I need the instructor's help."
Although the case of Teacher Lin being poisoned had been clarified, it still had an impact on Teacher Lin's reputation. As soon as Zhan Feiyu spoke, Instructor Zhao understood her intention.
"Teacher Lin was merely harmed by a villain. You don't need to worry," Teacher Dou was more than satisfied with Zhan Feiyu. The young girl was not only talented in her studies but also loyal and righteous, unlike some people!
Thinking of this, Teacher Dou glared at Instructor Zhao again.
Teacher Niu, standing nearby, also showed a hint of admiration. It was easy to speak of respecting teachers and valuing the Dao, but how many people would be so dedicated to an introductory teacher?
Thinking this way, Teacher Niu suddenly understood why the instructor's emotions had been so volatile just now. He was probably thinking of Wan Yunhao.
Instructor Zhao spoke with a serious tone, "No matter what others say, it is not as useful as your future success in the examinations. Facts speak louder than words. When your studies flourish, Teacher Lin's private school will surely be bustling with students."
As the instructor, he could indeed vindicate Teacher Lin, but he could not force students to attend Teacher Lin's private school; it would not address the root cause.
"I understand, but I have thought of a method, and I need the instructor's help," Zhan Feiyu raised the book in her hand.
"When I went to Wenxing Bookstore before, I saw many poor scholars copying books in exchange for money. Most of the books in small bookstores were hand-copied, while larger bookstores used woodblock printing. However, woodblock printing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and material-intensive, so the books are expensive."
The classics and historical texts, such as the Four Books and Five Classics, were mostly printed by publishing houses for scholars across the land to study, and the price was not too high because the woodblocks could be reused thousands of times.
However, "The Model Essays and Exemplary Prose" that Yin Wuyan had previously given to Zhan Feiyu contained over five hundred essays, all hand-copied, which could be considered priceless treasures.
It was said that during the previous dynasty, to print Buddhist scriptures, it took twenty-two years, totaling one thousand and seventy-six volumes, five thousand and forty-eight scrolls, and over 130,000 woodblocks, which could not fit into ten large houses.
This was why it was said that it was difficult for the poor to produce noble sons. Precious classics were only available to families of scholars, passed down through generations, not lent out, not publicly shared.
If poor scholars could enter the county school, prefecture school, or academy to study, they could also go to the library. If they only studied diligently at home, they might never achieve anything in their lifetime.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu, whose eyes revealed confidence, Instructor Zhao asked, "How do you plan to help Teacher Lin?"
Did she intend to have Teacher Lin copy books in the county school's library during his mourning period for scholars to borrow?
The county school's library did indeed have some precious books that were not lent out, especially many related to the imperial examinations. If Teacher Lin did this, it would indeed help restore his reputation.
"I heard someone on the street mention a new printing technique that could solve this problem," Zhan Feiyu said. Seeing the confusion on the faces of Instructor Zhao and Teacher Dou, she directly stated, "This method is movable type printing."
"Engravers carve characters on small wooden blocks, with one wooden block for one character, several blocks forming a sentence, and several sentences forming a page, which is then printed into a book. When used again, the wooden blocks can be rearranged to print new books."
A deathly silence spread through the room. Zhan Feiyu's explanation was simple and easy to understand. Instructor Zhao and the other two, all Juren graduates, were certainly more intelligent than ordinary people. These few sentences made them understand the importance of movable type printing.
This was a benevolent act that would be remembered by countless scholars for a lifetime. Not only would it vindicate Teacher Lin, but upon reporting it to the imperial court, it could even lead to promotion and honors.
After a moment of silence, Instructor Zhao finally found his voice, looking at Zhan Feiyu with a complex gaze, "What are your plans?"
"I originally wanted to involve my teacher, but I know his character; he will definitely not agree," Zhan Feiyu rubbed her nose, concealing a tiny bit of guilt in her heart.
When the idea flashed through her mind, she wanted to attribute the credit to Teacher Lin, which would be like a golden shield, protecting her teacher for life. However, thinking of Teacher Lin's upright character, Zhan Feiyu abandoned this idea.
Zhan Feiyu took a step back and thought that Teacher Lin's only enemy was Scholar Zhang. As long as there was some credit associated with movable type printing, it would be enough for Teacher Lin to protect himself.
Unless Scholar Zhang dared to offend all scholars in the world, he would never dare to scheme against Teacher Lin again. That would be enough.
Having resolved a major issue, Zhan Feiyu left the county school with a relaxed expression. Her bouncing little figure appeared full of vitality.
"Instructor, do you think she understands the importance of this matter?" Teacher Dou asked, completely forgetting that he had intended to sever ties with Instructor Zhao.
"As long as it is submitted to the court, given the Emperor's regard for scholars, she will at least be enfeoffed as a county princess," Instructor Zhao looked at the troubled Teacher Dou and sighed, "You think she couldn't have figured this out, being able to uncover the truth of Madam Lin's poisoning by herself?"
As for Zhan Feiyu's claim of hearing it in a conversation with passersby, Instructor Zhao didn't believe a word of it. The young girl probably didn't want to claim this immense credit, so she found an excuse.
After a long period of contemplation, Instructor Zhao couldn't help but lament, "If she were born into a noble family or a scholarly household, this would be adding flowers to the brocade. But Zhan Feiyu is just a farmer's daughter. The consequences of this matter for her are unpredictable."
Instructor Zhao was so cautious that he didn't even utter the words "movable type printing."
...
When Zhan Feiyu returned to Leshan Residence, she happened to see Chen Fei bidding farewell to Doctor Ji with his subordinates. They were preparing to return to the衛所 (wei suo - military barracks/station).
After watching the several horses depart, Doctor Ji looked at Zhan Feiyu, whose eyes were filled with relief, "Have you finished your meddling?"
"Let's talk about it back in the house," Zhan Feiyu smiled mysteriously and cautiously glanced around, worried about being overheard.
Doctor Ji was amused by her exaggerated actions. He entered the backyard of Leshan Residence, opened the doors and windows, and there was no need to worry about anyone eavesdropping outside. "Alright, you can speak now. I'm all ears."
Zhan Feiyu leaned close to Doctor Ji and explained everything in detail.
Doctor Ji initially thought it was just for fun, but after listening, he was as if struck by lightning, staring blankly at Zhan Feiyu, who was grinning foolishly and acting as smug as could be.
"You... you... what are you so happy about? You actually went to the county school to say such a big thing! Where is your brain?" A roar erupted. Zhan Feiyu was definitely the first person to provoke such fury from the proud and sharp-tongued Doctor Ji.
Her ears hurt from the shouting. Zhan Feiyu took a few steps back, cautiously looking at the furious Doctor Ji, and weakly defended herself, "This is a matter for scholars, so of course, I had to go to the county school."
"Zhan Feiyu!" The roar, loud enough to shake the roof, sounded again, audible even to the customers drinking tea in the front of Leshan Residence.
Doctor Ji glared at the innocent-looking Zhan Feiyu. After a long moment, he gritted out, "Turn right at the door, otherwise, I'm truly worried I might not be able to resist poisoning you!"
"Doctor Ji, anger harms the body. I'll go home now." Zhan Feiyu left before he could get more angry, running out with her short legs.
"This foolish girl, she's incredibly foolish!" Doctor Ji paced angrily in the room for a few laps, then hurried to the desk, wrote a letter with a brush, and rushed out.
...
As the sun set, Jinlin Village was bathed in golden light, but the village was in an uproar and commotion. Cries of grief could occasionally be heard from the old Zhan family residence.
"Little Yu, you're finally back." Zhuzi, who was guarding the village entrance, rushed forward. Before Zhan Feiyu could dismount from the ox cart, he urgently said, "The village chief and the old clan elder are both waiting for you. Hurry and come with me!"
To be precise, they had been waiting since noon, and since Zhan Feiyu hadn't returned, the village chief had sent Zhuzi to guard here.
The village chief's courtyard was crowded with people, even outside the walls. They were all talking at once, the noisy chatter creating a cacophony.
"Make way, aunties, make way! Little Yu is back!" Zhuzi shouted at the top of his lungs, finally clearing a path through the women gathered at the courtyard entrance.
Inside the main hall, besides the old clan elder, the village chief, and the clan elders sitting on chairs and stools, there were seven or eight men standing on both sides. Seeing Zhan Feiyu enter, everyone's gaze immediately turned towards her, filled with anticipation and hope.
"Great-grandfather..." Zhan Feiyu greeted everyone one by one and, unable to refuse the warm invitation, sat down on a small stool. "May I ask why Great-grandfather and the elders are looking for me?"
It couldn't be about the punishment of her second aunt, could it? The beating had already happened, and it was too late to discuss it now.
Besides, her second aunt had at most made a false statement in court. Perjury was not a very serious crime and would not affect the entire village.
"Little Yu, the case has been clarified. What about the county school?" The old clan elder was most concerned about Zhan Feiyu's studies and enrollment in the county school. As for the troubles in the old residence, the old clan elder wouldn't bother if it didn't involve the villagers.
A smile appeared on her plump face, and Zhan Feiyu said cheerfully, "I already went to the county school before returning. Instructor Zhao told me to start studying tomorrow."
"Good!" The old clan elder laughed heartily.
Several clan elders also nodded with smiles. As long as she could enter the county school, with Little Yu's talent and diligence, achieving academic success was only a matter of time.
The dark-faced man standing at the door couldn't help but speak, "Little Yu, since you can study at the county school and are valued by Magistrate Chen, why don't you go and tell Mr. Xie at Taifu Restaurant to let us continue selling vegetables!"
The other heads of households also spoke up, "Little Yu, you must help your uncle. We are all surnamed Zhan!"
"Yes, Little Yu, you are a scholar, and your word carries weight. Mr. Xie is just a merchant, and he surely wouldn't dare to offend you!"
"Our families are waiting for the money to buy medicine for our mothers, Little Yu, Uncle begs you."
Uh... Zhan Feiyu then realized that after the case was concluded at noon, the manager of Taifu Restaurant had told the second uncle Zhan, who delivered the vegetables, that he was no longer allowed to deliver them. This meant that the village's vegetable selling business had failed within half a month.
The money they had earned was gone just like that. It was no wonder the villagers were so anxious, surrounding the village chief's house three layers deep.
"Enough! Why are you making things difficult for Little Yu regarding the Taifu Restaurant matter!" The old clan elder slammed the table and glared at the men. "Little Yu will be studying for the imperial examinations in the future. How can she damage her reputation for the sake of money!"
"Old clan elder, Second Uncle Zhan and Little Yu have a feud. Taifu Restaurant must be afraid of offending Little Yu, so they stopped Second Uncle Zhan from delivering vegetables. Little Yu just needs to say a word about this," the dark-faced man mumbled. When it involved money, even the old clan elder's words were not enough to deter them from trying.
The vegetables were being delivered smoothly, so why did they suddenly stop? There must be a reason. They had been at the village chief's house for more than two hours since they learned the news at noon. After careful consideration, they finally figured it out.
Zhan Feiyu knew the reason. Mr. Xie was making amends. Mr. Xie had also played a part in the rumors. Since he couldn't apologize openly, he resorted to this tactic.
Second Uncle Zhan had now become the enemy of the entire village. Zhan Feiyu was naturally pleased to see this.
As long as Zhan Feiyu said a word, Mr. Xie would surely allow the villagers to continue selling vegetables. This favor would then be transferred from Second Uncle Zhan to Zhan Feiyu. Not only would it enhance her prestige in the village, but at least no one would dare to offend Madam Li in the future.
"What do you know? Is it just a matter of saying a word?" The village chief said impatiently. Looking at the anxious men, he softened his tone and painstakingly explained.
"If Little Yu goes to speak, she will owe Mr. Xie a great favor. If Mr. Xie later uses this favor to demand something, what will Little Yu do?" The village chief, after all, often dealt with the yamen and had much more experience than the villagers.
"Then she can repay the favor," the dark-faced man readily replied. Isn't this normal? Villagers were like this; today you help me, tomorrow I help you.
The village chief almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He pointed at the dark-faced man, so angry he wanted to hit him.
The old clan elder and several clan elders also shook their heads helplessly. These were the muddled words only spoken by people who had not studied.
Zhan Feiyu rested her chin on her hands and watched with amusement. The village chief was like a scholar trying to reason with a soldier, unable to make himself understood! However, thinking of the village and clan's support for her, Zhan Feiyu would definitely help.
"Enough! You won't starve to death if you don't sell vegetables. What was before will be as it is now!" The old clan elder made the final decision. Regardless of anything, he would not let Zhan Feiyu owe Mr. Xie a favor for a few taels of silver.
Mr. Xie was a merchant. If he did something illegal or immoral in the future, what would Little Yu do? If she refused to help, rumors of ingratitude would surely spread. The old clan elder was already tired of rumors.
Moreover, what about next time if Little Yu helped this time?
If the villagers encountered any problems, would they ask Little Yu to step forward again and again? Little Yu, this promising seedling of a scholar, would be worn down by the village. Therefore, this precedent must not be set!
The old clan elder, the village chief, and the clan elders had already discussed it. They would be the ones to play the villain, and Little Yu only needed to study diligently at the county school!
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