Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 44 Jiangnan Shakes
Two major events occurred in the literary world of Jiangnan.

One of them was the Jiangnan Literary Gathering.

Chongqi Academy sent a letter to the Emperor and Bailu Academy, suggesting that since the three academies were going to hold a literary gathering to showcase their academic spirit, they should instead hold a literary gathering in Jiangnan.

All talented young people who have not yet obtained an official position can participate, giving scholars from all over the country an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

They are also willing to cover all expenses for this cultural event, including the venue.

Strangely enough, what was originally an internal communication correspondence within the academy somehow went wrong and ended up being circulated throughout the world without anyone noticing.

The entire Jiangnan region was shaken, and the whole country was shaken.

The reason why scholars value fame is because it brings immense benefits.

The more famous one is, the fewer obstacles and difficulties one faces on the path to the imperial examinations. In fact, after entering officialdom, one can avoid decades of detours and reach the emperor directly.

Some people were puzzled as to why Chongqi Academy was pushing this matter so forcefully. Had some literary star descended to earth?

The second thing in the literary world.

It is still Chongqi Academy.

The academies, which had always been the private domain of aristocratic families, began to enroll students from non-aristocratic families.

Professor Gu's personally drafted "Edict for Seeking Talented Individuals" has been rapidly posted in major county towns.

It elaborates on how the transformation of academies was in accordance with the will of Heaven and the needs of the people, and put into practice the sage's teaching of education for all.

The article is good, but the content is even better.

The benefits were clearly stated, attracting countless students from impoverished backgrounds to participate.

Those who knew the truth secretly marveled at the extraordinary talent within the academy.

For example, Bailu Academy, which just suffered a crushing defeat.

Despite being the undisputed leader of the three powers, it still couldn't withstand Zhu Erdan's relentless and fierce attacks.

The voices asking for guidance were like resounding slaps to everyone's faces.

Students at the academy, whose morale was equally low, complained that the Jiangnan Literary Gathering was making them lose face in front of the world.

However, Mr. Bailu, the headmaster, and the academy's higher-ups did not think so.

One should not boast of one's abilities because of temporary success, nor should one lose heart because of temporary setbacks.

As a long-established academy, it has witnessed countless extraordinary talents rise from humble beginnings.

The transformation from dragon to snake, from wood to wild goose, decades later the academy will still be an academy, while the talented may have ascended to the highest heavens or been cast into the dust.

Therefore, Zhu Erdan's appearance did not shake them in the slightest.

On the contrary, the transformation of Chongqi Academy made them somewhat interested.

This academy was built by a prominent family and has a rich history. Each generation of headmasters has been outstanding and has close ties with the imperial court.

Originally, they thought the other side had fallen behind after the imperial examination system became popular, but who would have thought they could rise against the tide? That's amazing.

These methods and techniques are unlike anything that the Yin family girl or those old guys like Gu Wei could come up with.

Those scions of aristocratic families would not rashly loosen the restrictions on the academy.

"Yin Shidan won't make a move."

"Go and find out what kind of extravagant people have recently come to Chongqi Academy."

The old men completely ignored Zhu Erdan and instead began to investigate Xu Xuan's existence.

This is the spirit of the First Academy.

On the other hand, the Jintian Academy was naturally overjoyed.

"In the end, Chongqi Academy finally gave in."

"Although Zhu Erdan has become increasingly arrogant lately, he has talent to back him up, so he should still be given more care."

"Six months from now, I, Jintian, will be the leader of the Jiangnan cultural heritage and compete with Bailu."

"In that case, the venue for the literary gathering cannot be as Chongqi wishes. How can such a small place like Nanshan accommodate so many scholars? How about West Lake?"

"Very good."

The academy's leadership was overjoyed, naturally elated by having such a powerful asset.

As for the old rival's reform efforts, there's no need to pay much attention to them. It's too late to recruit non-aristocratic family members now.

One step behind, and you'll be behind at every step! Zhu Erdan himself learned that the Three Academies Literary Society had been renamed the Jiangnan Literary Society, and he became extremely excited, his face showing an undisguised madness.

"Six months later, he suppressed the literary scene in Jiangnan."

Upon hearing that Chongqi Academy had begun enrolling students, he laughed triumphantly, his expression becoming even more arrogant.

Do you really think that someone as talented as me is someone that others can compare to?

"A bunch of chickens and dogs, how can the mediocre talents of the world compare to even a fraction of my abilities?"

The beautiful woman beside him, with a silk ribbon tied around her neck, felt somewhat frightened by her husband's madness, but out of consideration for their marital bond, she still whispered some unpleasant words.

Zhu Erdan's face immediately turned cold. He turned his head and looked at the silk scarf around his wife's neck with some disgust, as if it were a flaw on a beautiful piece of jade.

Now he doesn't even want to look at this face anymore. Looking at it too much will remind him that everything he has gained is just a mirage.

"Hmph! I know."

"Remember, don't go out."

Then, carrying some wine and meat offerings, they arrived at the Ten Kings Palace outside the city, the place where the dream began.

"Brother Lu is a person of the divine way; his arrival and departure are unpredictable."

"I can never repay this kindness."

"When I become the leading figure in the literary world, I will surely write a book and a biography for you."

After saying that, he turned and left, as if he would feel uncomfortable if he stayed even a moment longer.

After nightfall, Zhu Erdan, who had been sleeping in separate beds, suddenly sat up and stood at the window, looking towards the Qiantang River.

Little monk?
That's a really clever tactic; it resolves the dilemma perfectly.

The younger generation these days is truly remarkable.

The problem is that six months is too long.

For countless years, he has been rewarding the good and punishing the evil, and he believes he has a good understanding of human nature.

It's unclear whether the righteous path is declining while demonic forces are rising, or whether human nature is simply fickle.

The fact that a courageous and virtuous scholar could change so quickly after gaining power was something he never expected.

I hope I can hold on for six months.

Zhu Erdan fell into a deep sleep again.

Amidst the outside world's turmoil, Qiantang County was bustling with activity.

Magistrate Song stopped sitting in the county office and instead went outside to greet and see off guests.

Zhao Hu, along with his constables, directed traffic and maintained order along the streets.

The roads from the county town to Nanshan were completely blocked. The opportunity for Chongqi Academy to enroll students was a once-in-a-century event, and countless students rushed here hoping to leap over a small dragon gate.

The mountain gate was packed with horse-drawn carriages.

"Zhang brothers, what brings you here? Didn't you say at Yuehua Tower that Chongqi Academy only admits those kinds of students?"

"Ahem!!! Professor Gu's recruitment notice states: 'Fire in the marsh signifies revolution. A wise man uses this to govern the times and clarify the future.' Chongqi Academy is undergoing a period of transformation, and we have come to assist in this endeavor."

"As Brother Sinan said before..."

"Ahem, I did a divination earlier, and it turned out to be Dui above and Li below, so I had to come."

Similar conversations have taken place countless times.

Is Chongqi Academy good? Of course it is.

If they can't go in, it's not too much to say a few bad things.

Now that we can get in, we should at least make up for it with a couple of comments.

Moreover, the tactic of throwing money around is much more effective than expected.

Or rather, providing assistance with dignity has made many people set aside their pride, exchanging their talent for better treatment. Listen to that, this is the kind of talk that scholars want.

As for whether or not one can pass the assessment
"How can Chongqi and his group of young masters from aristocratic families compare to my years of hard study, rain or shine?"

"Watch me take the lead and dominate the scene."

"The transformation of Chongqi will be seen today."

(End of this chapter)