Old Mr. Tong furrowed his brows. "Isn't this a bit too harsh?"
Tang Ning replied seriously, "The pursuit of knowledge is all about progress, or else it will be a regression. The academy only charges half of the tuition. If we aren't strict, they'll think that as long as they enter the academy, everything will be easy, and they won't strive for improvement."
"Moreover, if the imperial examination is held next year, most of the students here might not fare well. After two months of exams, if there has been no progress at all, and they're always at the bottom, even if they are given a chance to take the exams, it will be useless."
Seeing that Old Mr. Tong had some doubts, Tang Ning's voice softened.
"I know that you came to the academy to teach and educate, and you believe in treating all students equally. But Rongsheng Academy is not like the others; we can't just teach well without any consideration for other factors."
"Both His Majesty and the officials are watching us. If we don't show them the value of this academy early on, today’s flourishing academy will become tomorrow's joke. Rongsheng Academy cannot afford to lose."
"Moreover, during your time at the academy, you've probably noticed how many people want to enter. Due to limited space, we have to select candidates through exams. However, among those eliminated, there may be some who simply had a bad day."
Tang Ning spoke softly, "I will have someone spread the word that for every student we expel, we'll offer a vacancy. Then, you and the other teachers can create a test, and let everyone who wants to claim a spot take it, selecting the best candidates."
"This way, not only will the students in the academy work harder to avoid being eliminated, but it also gives those who failed this time a second chance. What do you think?"
Old Mr. Tong initially thought Tang Ning's idea was a bit too strict, and that expelling students so early might lead to criticism. However, if the spots were given to those on the "waiting list" as she suggested, it didn't seem like a bad idea.
When entering the academy, it's like sailing against the current. All the students who passed the entrance exam were not fools. Even if they lag behind once, they can catch up through hard work. But if they're always at the bottom, there's no need to waste effort on them.
Old Mr. Tong nodded. "What the County Lord says makes sense. Let's do it your way."
Tang Ning nodded. "Then, please inform all the teachers in the academy and include this rule in the academy's regulations."
"Understood."
Old Mr. Tong agreed. "Classes will start on the 9th of next month. Will you be coming that day?"
Tang Ning answered, "I will."
She had studied under her grandfather when she was young, but after he passed, she had never attended a proper school. Now, with this opportunity, she naturally wouldn't miss it.
"I will attend classes with the students and study for a period of time. After a month, I will take the exam with them."
Old Mr. Tong was a bit taken aback. "You will take the exam as well?"
Tang Ning smiled. "I want to give it a try."
She was going to take over the academy in the future and even wanted to set up a women's academy to do more things. All of that depended on her understanding of her own abilities.
She had never intended to become a great scholar or aimed to surpass others in literary talent. She just wanted to give it a try.
If she could, she would do it herself. If she didn't have the talent, she would find someone who did.
She also wanted to pioneer the concept of mixed-gender learning, at least letting the academy students "get used" to taking exams with female students. If she could perform better than the others, that would be great. Even if she didn't, it would still leave an impression that female students could also attend the academy in the future, preparing for what's to come.
Old Mr. Tong didn't know her thoughts. He just thought she was eager to learn, and he was even more pleased when he saw that.
==========================
The two continued discussing the academy's matters. After refilling the tea three times, and with someone arriving from the examination area, Old Mr. Tong stood up to leave.
Tang Ning saw him off to the door of Shengning Residence and only spoke when he stepped onto the stone path. "Old Mr. Tong."
"Hmm?"
"When the Eastern Palace was burned down, how old was the Crown Prince's eldest grandson?"
Old Mr. Tong paused for a moment. "He should have been around twelve or thirteen. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, just curious." As she noticed people on the small bridge glancing in their direction, Tang Ning smiled and said, "They're calling for you over there. You should go ahead. I'll come again on the 9th."
Old Mr. Tong didn't think much of it, nodded, and left.
As his figure disappeared into the distance, the front of Shengning Residence became quiet again. The sound of flowing water accompanied by the breeze rustling through the bamboo forest filled the air.
Tang Ning looked up at the three characters of "Shengning Residence" and, for a moment, it felt as though she could see Xiao Yan, half-joking, telling her about his father and the matters of his clan.
"My father was once a very wise man, highly regarded by my great-grandfather. He showed his talents at a young age and was chosen by my great-grandfather to inherit the family business..."
"...But he lost my grandfather's favor. Because he was too outstanding, my grandfather became suspicious of him..."
"My father thought the clan was full of parasites and believed that to make the family strong, he had to first clean up the inside. He thought my grandfather supported him, but he forgot that the parasites couldn't survive without nourishment. After the matter failed, my grandfather pushed my father out to appease the uncles in the clan..."
Tang Ning's expression changed, her lips pressing together.
"Do you know why my father was named 'Shang Yan'? Because when my mother was pregnant with him, my great-grandfather dreamed of a fierce beast hanging from a beam. He was both scholarly and martial and believed that a gentleman should rise to the top, and even kindness requires signs."
"Rise to the top."
"The ruler rises to the top."
Xiao Yan's words about his great-grandmother, the mad empress dowager in the palace, his disgust for the aristocracy, his plans for the imperial family, and his control of the Northwest military...
She hadn't considered this before.
The Crown Prince's eldest grandson.
Xiao Yan.
Tang Ning pressed her lips tightly together.
Standing beside her, Yue Jian noticed the change in her expression and grew tense. The young lady had just asked about the Crown Prince's eldest grandson's age back then. Could it be that she had discovered something?
She wasn't sure what the Governor had told the young lady, or if he had ever revealed his true identity. He had only instructed her to obey the young lady in everything. But this matter concerned the supervisor's biggest secret. If the young lady asked, how should she respond? Should she speak, or remain silent...?
"Yue Jian," Tang Ning spoke, "This plaque is a bit crooked. Can you straighten it later?"
"Huh?"
Yue Jian, who had been tense, froze for a moment, her mouth open as she looked at Tang Ning.
"What's wrong?" Tang Ning frowned. "You can't do it? Should I call over Hang Li?"
"No, no need. I can do it!"
Yue Jian quickly came to her senses, let out a sigh of relief, and gave a guilty smile. She hopped onto the stone drum at the wall and leaped up to straighten the plaque.
"Miss, is this okay?"
Tang Ning looked up. "A little more to the left."
"Like this?"
"That's it."
When Yue Jian let go of the plaque and landed, Tang Ning's expression showed no signs of abnormality. She simply held her waist pouch and remained calm.
No matter who her brother was, or what his identity was, he was the one who had pulled her out of the mire and given her a new life. No matter what he wanted, she would help him with all her might, even if...
She looked toward the direction of the palace, her gaze firm.
Even if it was... the entire world!
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T/N: TangNing is growing up and getting her own ideas. I love character development!
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You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
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