The heat of midsummer intensified each day. When Tang Ning went to the academy, she arrived early in the morning, but there were already many people standing outside the academy gates. As she walked along the corridor towards the back courtyard, she encountered many young people with joyful expressions on their faces.
These individuals were holding their academy uniforms, and when they saw her, they were momentarily stunned. Once they realized who the stunningly beautiful woman in front of them was, they quickly stepped aside and greeted her.
"Greetings, County Lord of Yiyang."
"You don't need to be so formal at the academy," Tang Ning said with a warm smile, allowing everyone to stand.
Afterward, she looked at a few of them and asked, "Did you all finish your academy assessments?"
The student who was questioned beamed with joy. "Replying to the County Lord, we've already finished the assessments. The teacher granted us a few days off to visit our families and pack our belongings. Official lessons start on the ninth day of the month. Once the academy reopens, we’ll only have one day off each month."
Seeing Tang Ning frown upon hearing this, another student quickly added, "Although we only get one day off, the teacher said that there will be activities every ten days, and we will also have breaks for fieldwork and distributing clothes."
Tang Ning relaxed upon hearing this. The rules of Rongsheng Academy were modeled after those of the Taixue (Imperial Academy). However, due to the broader curriculum and the desire to prevent disturbances from the outside world, all students, regardless of whether they were from the capital, had to remain at the academy and could not leave without reason.
Strict as these rules were, they were designed to keep the students focused on their studies. However, being too strict was not ideal either.
Tang Ning smiled and said, "You may go ahead with your business. Once you're inside the academy, focus on your studies and work toward a good future."
"Yes, County Lord."
After Tang Ning left with Yuejian, the students still looked excited.
"The County Lord of Yiyang truly is unparalleled in beauty."
"Though she seems so young..."
"What's wrong with being young? Aspiration is not bound by age. Besides, if it weren't for her, who would have fought with the aristocratic families to establish Rongsheng Academy for us common students?"
On the bridge in the corridor, the few students spoke with heartfelt gratitude.
Their families were not wealthy, and though they had scraped together enough money to attend the previous academy, the aristocratic families monopolized the court and kept most of the good books hidden in their homes. All they had access to were the lowly materials.
Though they were reluctant to admit it, they could never compare to the young gentlemen from noble families in terms of natural talent. Whether in academic achievement or ambitions to enter the government, it seemed impossible. However, Rongsheng Academy had given them the chance.
"Did you all see the Wende Monument outside? That was personally given by the Emperor. Even the academy's plaque was written by the Emperor's hand. I was lucky enough to visit the book repository yesterday, and the books inside are ones we could never even dream of seeing before."
"I heard those books were almost all seized from the aristocratic families by the County Lord of Yiyang. To establish this academy, she even risked her life, almost being harmed by the aristocrats. Though the County Lord is young, she is our benefactor. If any of us ever succeed, we will repay her."
The student who spoke had a solemn expression.
The others nodded in agreement. No one could deny the County Lord's merits or the opportunities she had brought to them, the commoners.
Without a doubt, if anyone dared to slander the County Lord, they would be the first to stand against it.
Tang Ning had already walked far and was unaware of the conversation behind her. However, Yuejian, with her excellent hearing, caught a few of the remarks. Looking at her mistress, Yuejian’s gaze held more respect.
They had followed their master through numerous hardships. The Governor, known for his ruthless nature, had gained immense power, but with it came a notorious reputation. People feared and despised him. In contrast, the County Lord was just as famous, yet she was admired by the students.
These reputations might seem insignificant, but when the time came for their master to reveal his identity, such support would change everything.
"What's the matter?" Tang Ning noticed Yuejian’s gaze and looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Yuejian lowered her voice and said, "Earlier, there were several groups following you, Mistress."
Tang Ning had expected it. "Let them follow. As long as they don’t do anything inappropriate, we don’t need to pay them any attention."
Instead of going to the place where the students were being assessed, Tang Ning took the side route towards the back of the academy, where the back mountain housed her private residence, Shengning Ju.
There were two courtyards, one large and one small, next to each other. The outer area had a stream from the outskirts of the city, forming an inner lake that encircled the courtyard. Around the lake, there were clusters of dark bamboo and crabapple trees, isolating the courtyard from the front. Only a small bridge and a pebble path led to the entrance.
When naming the residence, Xue Ru had curiously asked her why she chose the name Shengning Ju. Tang Ning had simply said she liked it, but in truth, she had wanted to make sure that every corner of this academy reminded her of her elder brother. She still remembered the look on Xiao Yan’s face when he first heard the name—his expression softened like an ice mountain melting, his eyes filled with a smile.
Tang Ning gazed at the plaque in a daze, wondering when her brother would arrive in the northwest.
"County Lord."
Tang Ning snapped back to reality and saw an elderly man with a serious expression standing on the bridge.
"Old Mr. Tong."
Old Mr. Tong was the eldest teacher at the academy, introduced by Cao Dejiang. He had been a scholar of the southern region, well-versed in literature. He had once served in the court but had retired after growing tired of the politics, and it was only thanks to Cao Dejiang that he agreed to come out of retirement.
Tang Ning greatly respected him and hurriedly invited him inside the Shengning Ju. "What brings you here, sir?"
Old Mr. Tong’s face remained serious, but his eyes softened. "I heard from the front courtyard that the County Lord has arrived, but why didn’t you go to the assessment?"
"The academy’s assessments are for you and the other teachers to manage. The students you approve will surely be outstanding. As for me, my learning is shallow, and I wouldn’t want to disturb the proceedings."
The young lady was modest, and when she smiled, her dimples formed sweet indentations.
Old Mr. Tong’s gaze softened further. "I can tell that you just want to avoid working. What do you know about learning? Do you think I can’t tell?"
When Cao Dejiang first sought him out, he had been unwilling to come to the academy. Although it was for common students, he had private concerns. Tired of the intrigue in the capital, he didn’t want to get involved again. It was only when this young lady personally visited him, spending days playing chess and accompanying him, that he agreed to come back.
Though she was young, she was incredibly intelligent. She was astute and transparent in her thinking, with a sharp mind, yet she was never unlikable. She would often ask him about state affairs, the capital, and even the world, while also acting like an ordinary child, pouting and nagging him until he agreed to her requests.
Old Mr. Tong had lost his wife and child in his earlier years, living alone afterward. When this young lady coaxed him with soft words, he found himself agreeing, though he pretended to be unwilling.
He knew full well that if it had been anyone else, no matter how much they begged or acted childish, he would never have agreed. But for this young lady, he was more than willing.
You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
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