Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 48 Instructor Xu Strikes Back with a Powerful Blow

Seven days later, Chongqi Academy returned to its former tranquility.

All of the more than twenty students from non-aristocratic families have been listed on the honor roll.

These are all talented young people from various parts of Jiangnan; otherwise, they would not have been able to pass the academy's three-tiered assessment.

The reason for such strict control is to ensure that the top students who enter can quickly establish themselves, thus creating more space for non-aristocratic disciples in the future.

In the words of Coach Xu, it means: to expand the strategic depth.

Lady Yin did not understand the term, so she changed the wording.

As Sun Tzu's Art of War states: "Where I can go and they can come, this is called 'access'."

The control of Chongqi Academy by powerful families was not a matter of a single day, nor was the impact of the imperial examination system on these aristocratic families achieved overnight.

Both sides are engaged in small-scale skirmishes and large-scale standoffs.

The reform of academies must be carried out in an orderly manner and requires a "open" environment.

The friendships between students are relatively simple, and the bonds formed between classmates after entering officialdom can be a source of strength. Therefore, this period is indeed the best opportunity for reform.

Madam Yin could also see that Instructor Xu seemed to be very experienced in this kind of thing, so she let him do as he pleased.

All she needs to do is pay.

After the assessment concluded, the admitted students completed their registration and prepared to leave.

Not everyone is like Xu Xuan, who was all alone, completing the assessment and onboarding in one day, and even checking into the Third Affiliated Hospital without any luggage.

It is insignificant among the many legendary deeds of Instructor Xu since he entered the academy, but it is quite astonishing to ordinary people.

A normal person would first go home to be notified of their admission, handle trivial matters, say goodbye to their classmates and teachers from their original academy, and if they were particular, they would even hold a farewell banquet.

It can take anywhere from three to five days to a month or two. For someone like Qiao Feng, getting married might take two to three months.

After tidying up his clothes, he prepared to go to the mountain gate to greet each of the students who were about to enroll, exchange a few words, and then take them on a tour of the academy.

Just over three months ago, he was being shown around the academy, so this can be seen as a transition from the past to the future.

The reform of the academy began with the instruction of teachers.

In fact, he himself was guided by Professor Gu. Having a retired Hanlin scholar as a tour guide was indeed a privilege that most people could not afford.

In theory, he is now in charge of these students from non-aristocratic families, similar to a teacher who also serves as a tutor.

Daily life, academic progress, and physical health are all included.

Although he wasn't a student's teacher, there's still a lot of teacher-student affection between them.

This hidden asset will grow larger and larger as the person gets older and has more students.

Compared to other instructors, this power has become somewhat excessive.

Even with the important task and merit of leading the reform, many veteran teachers are envious.

However, this will not shake the position of those who advocate reform.

The academy even posted a notice acknowledging Instructor Xu's contributions.

Otherwise, how could we say that Lady Yin was a woman of great talent and ambition? Her spirit surpassed that of countless men.

As they approached their destination, Xu Xuan realized he had acted hastily; he might not be able to handle everything alone.

Unlike children from aristocratic families, children from poor families had no understanding of the style of Chongqi Academy, so everything had to be explained from the beginning.

For example, even if a powerful family doesn't know what to bring, they can simply form a caravan with several carriages, bring everything, and then take it back if they don't need it.

Students from poor families are different; they have to consider everything carefully before going on a long journey, let alone when it involves studying for several years.

So Xu Xuan had an idea and turned to go to the football field to catch someone.

The tour guide and handover duties were assigned to Xie Yu and others. Some students, concerned about their status, expressed resistance in their words.

But they forgot that it was right here in this square that the entire student body of the academy was given a good talking-to.

Xu Xuan immediately perked up; he liked people who weren't afraid of death.

With their attire neat and tidy, their aura blended seamlessly into the academy, as if they were possessed by ancient sages.

"Those who know where the roof leaks are those under the eaves; those who know where the government fails are those in the countryside; those who know where the classics are wrong are those among the philosophers." What does this mean?

Even officials in the court who want to understand the way of governance and the way of learning must come to the common people to learn. You people do not have official positions yet, but you dare to sit on high platforms.
The man's face turned deathly pale after hearing those words.

"There are three kinds of beneficial friends: those who are upright, those who are forgiving, and those who are knowledgeable. What does this mean?"

Confucius said that it is beneficial to befriend upright people, honest people, and knowledgeable people. Why then do you sever ties with those students who have gone through rigorous selection processes?

The students felt their skin crawling from the stares of those around them, and wished they could disappear into the ground.

"Those who study under the same master are called friends; those who share the same ideals are called comrades. Friends gather to discuss and learn about morality. What does this mean?"

Those who study under the same teacher are called "friends," and those who share the same interests are called "acquaintances." Friends gather together to discuss and learn moral principles. This is the most suitable relationship among the students of Chongqi Academy—you.
snort!
This cold snort was like a huge boulder pressing down on the student's waist.

"Instructor Xu, we know we were wrong."

Led by Xie Yu, the students behind him immediately bowed, indicating that they recognized their mistake.

The conflict between students from aristocratic families and those from non-aristocratic families was forcefully suppressed before it even began.

The professors watching from a distance nodded in satisfaction. Truly, Professor Xu lives up to his reputation.

Xu Xuan was about to lead the young masters from aristocratic families to the classroom when he realized something was wrong while taking attendance.

"Where is Qian Zhongyu?"

A student with several layers of powder on his face said that Qian Zhongyu had been on leave for the past few days and had not returned.

Oh, we're missing one good helper, no problem.

"Hey, you over there who writes the character '早' (early) really well, come over here for a moment. Would you be willing to do me a small favor?"

The other person stammered that they couldn't be happier, saying that it was only right for classmates to do this. They went on and on, basically saying that they were a good student and asked the other person to be lenient.

And so, Xu Xuan led the tools people to find the new life that was about to leave.

Soon, the group of students began to chat honestly with the previously distinct group of poor scholars.

Although the start was a bit stiff, it was still a good beginning.

"Wang, let me show you the classrooms and dormitories in the academy. You don't need to bring anything. Just..."

Under Xu Xuan's gaze, the two communicated very smoothly, though there were occasional gaps in information or differences in common sense.

A student from a noble family actually asked what millet rice was.

Xie Yu was speechless, understanding why Master Xu had asked them to do this kind of thing.

There are many poor people in the north, so he has some knowledge.

In poor households, unhulled grains can be steamed directly for consumption, which can increase satiety and reduce costs.

Families that could afford millet porridge were considered relatively well-off; those that couldn't afford to support a scholar were not well-off.

This knowledge initially shocked the scions of aristocratic families.

The knowledge of food held by scions of aristocratic families also challenged the understanding of many children from poor families.

The interaction between the two worlds will inevitably lead to more problems, which is unavoidable.

Compared to hundreds of years ago, these people are fortunate because, apart from bloodline and marriage, education is almost the only normal way to cross social classes.

(End of this chapter)