The Ming Dynasty took an unconventional approach

“I went to school, and I have read and learned all the books in the school.”

“Then go to the county school, the prefectural school, or the Imperial Academy,” Pan Yun said with a smile, his gaze sweeping over his face. “Military status allows you to take the imperial examinations. If you want to protect your family and friends and if you want this world to continue to develop in a fair and orderly manner, you need to have enough power. You can’t just rely on farming in the fields.”

Shen Shukang asked excitedly, "Could it be that I also have the Wenchang Nobleman, the Academy, and the Huagai?"

Pan Yun smiled but remained silent.

Shen Shukang tacitly agreed, and his mind began to wander.

Shen Boxiu caught up and heard the second half of the story.

He immediately said to Shen Shukang, "You should take the county school exam next year."

Pan Yun did not interfere, even though for someone of her status, getting Shen Shukang to attend the county school would be a simple matter of a word.

But she didn't want to get involved in this cause and effect, and Shen Shukang was capable of getting in on his own.

The only help Pan Yun could offer was books—lots of books, all of which had been confiscated from the Feng family.

These books are all recent printed editions, with a few handwritten copies containing annotations and comments.

But in the eyes of the officers and soldiers who raided the house, these books were not as valuable as the bookshelves on which they were placed.

So the books were scattered everywhere.

Pan Yun had seen them before and knew that most of these books would be sold as waste paper, so she collected quite a few.

Now all these books have a home.

Pan Yun presented the book to Shen Shukang, saying, "A precious sword is for a hero, a precious book is for a scholar; I'm giving it all to you."

Shen Shukang was deeply moved as he held the book.

Just as Shen Shukang was about to settle down and study, the newly appointed Guangdong Military Commander finally arrived in Chaozhou Prefecture. Logically, he should have first taken up his post in Guangzhou Prefecture before coming out to inspect Chaozhou Prefecture.

However, the new commander seemed to know that the various prefectures were still dealing with the aftermath, especially Chaozhou Prefecture, because the situation was complicated and involved a long period of time, so the process was slower.

So he decided to take the official seal and run affairs in Chaozhou Prefecture, and then run them all the way to Guangzhou Prefecture, and then head south.

Xue Shao was also in Chaozhou Prefecture at the time, and immediately went to see the new commander, mainly to hand over the post-disaster work to him.

This new commander was also an acquaintance; his surname was Jiang and his given name was Gui.

But unlike his previous careless and domineering image, this time Jiang Gui had washed his hair, put on a new official robe, and sat upright in the grand master's chair, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

Upon seeing Xue Shao, his gaze immediately shifted to the person behind him, only to find Xi Jin carrying a pile of official documents, which disappointed him.

Xue Shao pretended not to see it, handed the items to him and said, "Since we have met Lord Jiang here, I will give these things to you here."

After flipping through the document, Jiang Gui asked, "Is Imperial Censor Xue leaving?"

Xue Shao nodded: "I have completed my inspection of Guangdong and submitted my report. Of course, I must leave now."

Jiang Gui pressed down on the booklet in his hand: "As far as I know, Imperial Censor Xue still has a batch of embezzled funds whose whereabouts are unknown, and the amount is not small."

Xue Shao: "It has already been stated in the memorial that the Imperial Preceptor will bring it back to the capital soon."

"Where is the Imperial Advisor now? I am the new commander; shouldn't this matter be handed over through me?"

Xue Shao thought for a moment and realized that it would be more reasonable if the booklet had Jiang Gui's signature and seal. So he said, "The Imperial Preceptor doesn't like crowds and hides in the fields. If Lord Jiang wants to see her, he has to go to the military garrison in the countryside."

Jiang Gui was already on his way to inspect the military settlements, and upon hearing this, he stood up without hesitation: "Let's go, let's go now. Which military settlement is the Grand Preceptor in?"

Xue Shao: ...Isn't there a need to be in such a hurry?

There's no need to rush.

Pan Yun comes and goes without a trace. She can fly, so can he? If he doesn't seize the opportunity to catch her now, where will he find her once she's gone?
Moreover, he cannot leave Guangdong.

He knew that Pan Yun had rushed back to the capital not long ago, and that he got his position as commander half because of her.
Then, she flew away in a flash.

Jiang Gui couldn't wait.

Xue Shao shook his head, thinking that Jiang Gui had become more composed, but he was still so impatient.

He still led the people to the military settlement.

On a grassy field, a boy was engrossed in reading a book, while Pan Jun sat cross-legged on a large rock not far away, meditating and cultivating.

As soon as the group walked up the hillside from the edge of the field, Pan Yun opened her eyes.

Pan Xiaohei also peeked out from under her clothes, staring at them with his big, dark eyes.

Shen Shukang couldn't help but turn back to look at Pan Yun, and only left after she nodded.

Jiang Gui rushed forward excitedly, taking three steps at a time, and immediately clasped his hands in a salute: "Imperial Preceptor."

Shen Shukang slipped over to Xue Shao's side and asked, "Lord Xue, who is this person?"

"General Jiang Gui, the new commander of Guangdong."

"A high-ranking official of the second rank!" Shen Shukang immediately stood up straight.

This is his goal.

Pan Yun pointed to the stone beside him and said, "Lord Jiang, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

Jiang Gui didn't sit down; he was just excited. He first thanked the Imperial Advisor, because it was because of her and the Emperor's suggestions that the Emperor had asked for the opinions of several other people.

Then Wang Ji recommended him, Chen Huai also recommended him, and Yu Qian did not object. So he surpassed the previous candidates recommended by Yu Qian and became the new Guangdong Military Commander, jumping three ranks in one leap.

Jiang Gui was very grateful to Wang Ji, Chen Huai, and Pan Yun.

If it weren't for her interference, he probably wouldn't have been able to become a second-rank provincial official for another ten years.

Pan Yun: "You came to see me just to thank me?"

Jiang Gui became even more humble, bowing deeply and saying, "Besides that, this humble official would also like to discuss with the Imperial Advisor the development plan for the Guangdong garrison..."

Verbal gratitude would only be awkward. The Grand Preceptor has no shortage of money, no need for beauty, and while longevity is something he pursues, he has no talent in that area…

Therefore, all he could do was inherit the will of the Grand Preceptor, reach an agreement with her, and allow this sky to develop as she envisioned.

The continuation of this will and the implementation of policies are the highest form of appeasement and gratitude.

Typically, only descendants inherit the will of their ancestors.

Jiang Gui stared at Pan Yun with a look of gratitude and subtle admiration, hoping she would understand his unspoken meaning.

Pan Yun understood, so she smiled and became even more amiable towards Jiang Gui, pointing to the stone beside her and saying, "Sit down and talk."

Jiang Gui then sat down on one side of his buttocks.

Pan Yun asked him directly, "Has Lord Jiang seen Imperial Censor Xue's memorial?"

“I’ve read it,” Jiang Gui praised without reservation. “Imperial Censor Xue’s plan is very comprehensive. If he weren’t a civil official, he could definitely be a commander and bring peace to the region.”

Pan Yun said, "I agree with him."

Pan Yun said, “Although Guangdong is far from the capital and seems remote and poor, in my opinion, these are all temporary, especially when maritime trade is reopened and Guangzhou Port is rebuilt.”

“The Guangdong garrison shouldn’t just be a border army guarding Lingnan; it should also set its sights on the sea,” Pan Yun said. “There is much to be done at sea, and there is much for military households to do as well.” (End of Chapter)