Cao Dejiang was somewhat surprised by the sudden visit of Tang Ning and her companion. Cao Old Madam took the unfinished ice cup from him. "They are not here because of the Lu family matter, are you?"
"Probably not," Cao Dejiang replied. "Xiao Yan is a man of discretion. The matter with the Lu family has already been decided by His Majesty. There's no point in him coming to me about it. It must be something else."
He turned to instruct the servants to lead Tang Ning and her companion to the flower hall before turning back to his wife. "Have some tea prepared. Bring me the Qingfeng Xueya tea that I got earlier."
Cao Old Madam raised an eyebrow. That tea was something Cao Dejiang prized highly. He was actually willing to bring it out to entertain Xiao Yan?
The Cao family was quite esteemed and unlike other noble houses, their residence lacked any showy luxury. From the front yard to the flower hall, there was nothing extravagant to be seen.
After a short while, Tang Ning and her companion saw Cao Dejiang coming from the back room.
"What wind brings you two to my humble abode?" he asked.
"Cao Gong," Tang Ning quickly turned and bowed respectfully.
Though Xiao Yan only nodded and greeted him with "Cao Gong," it was far more polite than his usual indifference in the court.
Cao Dejiang smiled. "A guest is a guest, please sit."
Once seated, Tang Ning immediately explained the purpose of their visit. "We apologize for the sudden visit. The academy in the southern part of the city is almost completed. Previously, we agreed that when the academy was finished, you would inscribe the Wen De Monument for the academy. Now that the academy is nearly done, I wanted to ask if the Mr. Shi you mentioned has arrived in the capital yet."
Cao Dejiang froze when he heard this. "The academy is finished? So soon?"
He had thought that it would take at least half a year to build the academy, and if delayed, it could even take one or two years. But from the time of the Lu family’s "book donation" to now, it hadn't even been two months. This was far faster than he had expected.
Tang Ning softly explained, "With His Majesty's approval and the frequent oversight of the court officials, the Jingzao Division naturally couldn't delay. The books from the Lu family have been stored in Jiyun Alley, and both my brother and I have felt uneasy about it. It’s better to finish the academy early so we can move the books there and benefit students nationwide."
She didn’t mention Xiao Yan’s contribution as she had done in front of Rong Yue but instead attributed it to Emperor An and the officials of the righteous faction.
"The academy will be completed in a few days. I had already discussed with the officials that when the academy is finished, they will join you to inscribe the stele. I wanted to come early to inform you, so it doesn’t seem rushed and disrespectful later on."
Cao Dejiang remembered this matter, and he could easily tell that this young lady was intentionally handing over the good reputation of benefiting scholars and the common people to him and the righteous faction behind him.
Cao Dejiang was incorruptible but not foolish. Even though he didn't seek wealth or fame, he couldn’t refuse the honor of having his name in the annals of history.
He became more kind-hearted towards Tang Ning. "Rest assured, Princess, I have kept this matter in mind. I will notify the officials in advance, and when the academy’s Monument is erected, I will definitely attend."
Tang Ning replied softly, "Thank you, Cao Gong. There’s one more thing—has Mr. Shi arrived in the capital yet?"
When Cao Dejiang heard her mention Shi Chang’an, he frowned. "He left Puyao more than half a month ago, so he should have arrived by now. However, his character is eccentric, and he hasn't contacted me. But don't worry, I will find a way to get in touch with him as soon as possible. Even if he doesn’t make it in time for the academy’s opening, it’s no problem. I can find someone else to temporarily take the position of the academy’s head."
"The person I have in mind is my uncle, the former head of the Lingyan Pavilion, Cao Yanzhong."
Tang Ning was surprised. Even if she wasn't well-versed in court affairs, she had heard of this person. If Cao Dejiang was the current leader of the Cao family, then Cao Yanzhong was the pillar of the family. No one would object to him becoming the head of the academy. It was clear that Cao Dejiang was thinking of the academy’s future sincerely.
However...
Tang Ning hesitated for a moment. "I would still prefer to wait for Mr. Shi. Cao Gong’s uncle is already of advanced age and should not be troubled with such matters. Moreover, I genuinely wish to invite Mr. Shi to the academy, and sincerity must be conveyed. The position of head can remain vacant for now, and we can start recruiting students."
People like Shi Chang’an, who were truly talented, had a natural pride. If she wanted to invite him, she needed to show real sincerity. Otherwise, if Shi Chang’an found out that he was only "an alternative" and the position could be replaced by anyone, he would never agree.
Cao Dejiang didn’t disagree. "It’s up to you. Have the teaching staff been selected for the academy?"
Tang Ning nodded. "Previously, Cao Gong had someone send a list over, and I had also privately investigated the background of those people. From the list of names provided, I selected twenty-three teachers for now, including those for the classics, literature, mathematics, and martial arts. In addition, I also selected a few who are skilled in the arts of agriculture and craftsmanship to teach those subjects."
In those days, scholars placed more emphasis on Confucianism and looked down upon practical skills, but there were quite a few books in the academy on agriculture and craftsmanship. Moreover, Tang Ning’s goal was to cultivate capable officials for the future, not just bookworms. Hence, she set up specialized departments for agriculture and craftsmanship so that anyone with a talent in these fields could receive proper training.
Cao Dejiang did not look down on these practical skills. Instead, he nodded in agreement as he listened carefully, occasionally asking questions.
The old man and the young lady were engrossed in the conversation while Xiao Yan sat quietly beside them, listening attentively. It seemed as if he was just accompanying her, and he didn’t interrupt at all.
After hearing Tang Ning’s plans, Cao Dejiang became even more invested in the academy's future.
"Has the name of the academy been decided?" he asked.
Tang Ning nodded. "Yes, it’s been decided. It will be called Rong Sheng Academy."
Xiao Yan suddenly raised his head.
Cao Dejiang only asked, "Which 'sheng'?"
Tang Ning’s eyes sparkled. "It means ‘standing tall, looking at the rising sun.'"
"I hope that every student who enters the academy will be proud of it. I hope they will use their knowledge for the country and the people, and that their future will be bright, with the sun rising ahead."
As she spoke of the students, her gaze fell on Xiao Yan. Her words were deliberate and sincere.
She wished for her brother’s success.
She hoped his future would be smooth, with a bright and radiant future before him.
Xiao Yan felt as though something had struck deep in his heart. As his fingers involuntarily curled, he softened his gaze towards the young girl.
His... little Tang Ning.
Cao Dejiang didn’t notice the exchange between them and only thought that "Rong Sheng" was an excellent name, symbolizing prosperity, brilliance, and brightness. He nodded. "This is a good name."
Tang Ning smiled, her eyes crescent-shaped. "I like it too."
==============
You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment