NOVEL NEXT Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Academics Should Be Given
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Translator: 549690339
Given the widespread deficiency of grains, if we could acquire more properties, it would alleviate this pressure.
So, during the casual talk after dinner, Mrs. Yun shared this idea with Wei Ruo.
“Ruoruo, I heard that the Xie Family purchased some farmland outside the city; perhaps our family should do the same.”
Wei Ruo. sipped her tea calmly, replying, “That’s fine, if Mother wishes to purchase, she simply needs to register with the Dao County Government Office.”
“What I mean is, I hope you could take responsibility for improving the productivity. You’re most skilled at this, and even the officials have learned techniques from you,” Mrs. Yun elaborated.
“Although I shouldn’t refuse Mother’s proposal, I have a lot of homework assigned by my teacher recently. The little leisure time I do have is typically spent discussing future work with the county officials and Madam Qin. I really don’t have any spare time,” Wei Ruo responded.
Before, it was Mrs. Yun who urged Wei Ruo to go to school and not worry about farming matters; now the situation was reversed—she wanted Wei Ruo to attend to farming matters, but Wei Ruo was busy attending class.
Then Wei Ruo sighed, “Studying is really mentally taxing, and the content the professor talks about is both extensive and profound. For someone like me who started halfway, keeping up the pace is very difficult. Now, most of my mental energy is spent on this. I would love to help alleviate Mother’s worries, but I simply don’t have the energy.”
Wei Ruo’s earnest explanation seemed flawless and hard to refute.
For a moment, Mrs. Yun didn’t know how to counter Wei Ruo’s words.
While Mrs. Yun was still contemplating, Wei Yichen spoke up first, “Mother, Ruoruo should prioritize her studies. If you want to buy and improve the wasteland to the south of the city, you can hire people to do it. If there are any problems, you can ask the government officials for guidance.”
With things said to this extent, Mrs. Yun could only nod and agree, “Yichen is right, Ruoruo should indeed focus on her studies.”
Then Mrs. Yun changed the subject and turned to Wei Yichen, “Yichen, how are things going with your master selection?”
This matter has been troubling the Wei family for more than half a year.
A few years ago, Wei Yichen was studying in the county academy. But last year, his professor told him he had nothing left to teach him, suggesting that if he wanted to advance further before the imperial examination, he would need to find a better academy or a more esteemed teacher.
Xingshan County is remote, to say the least, without any good academies close by.
Prestigious academies are not accessible to just anyone; with only hereditary titles as their shining glory, the Wei family lacks both connections and funds. Therefore, it’s extremely hard for them to get into a good academy.
Compared to that, apprenticing under a great teacher might be relatively easier. If a discerning individual could recognize Wei Yichen’s talent, the task would be more manageable.
Having a celebrated teacher would also benefit Wei Yichen greatly during his examination in Beijing.
With a furrowed brow, Wei Yichen apologized, “I’m sorry. Mother, there hasn’t been much progress yet.”
“Yichen, if you really cannot apprentice under the teacher you desire, you should perhaps lower your standards a little,” Mrs. Yun had no choice but to persuade. “Time waits for no one; if this goes on, I’m afraid it will hinder your studies.”
“Mother, this matter is not to be taken lightly. Once a teacher is selected, it’s a lifelong commitment that cannot be revoked. I believe we should proceed more cautiously,” Wei Yichen answered.
“Fair enough. You can make your own choices; I’m just a little worried,” Mrs. Yun said.
While sipping her tea, Wei Ruo, who was listening to their conversation, suddenly realized that her second brother had been staying in her small courtyard for years, and had neither attended school nor selected a teacher.
Her second brother mentioned that he also wanted to take the imperial examination. Should she start thinking about a solution for him?
With the entire family preoccupied with her older brother’s problems, Wei Ruo didn’t need to intervene. But her second brother’s issues fell solely on her shoulders.
After leaving the Cangyun Garden, Wei Ruo asked Xiumei upon returning to the Tingsong Garden, “Meimei, do you know which academy in Taizhou prefecture is the best?”
“Why are you asking about academies, Miss? Academies are where men study; I haven’t heard about an academy that allows women to attend.”
“It isn’t for me, I’m asking for my second brother.”
“Then Miss, wait a moment, I’ll ask someone!”
Where would Xiumei know this? It’s not something she normally concerns herself with, but since Miss asked, she would surely find the answer.
Certainly, someone within the Military Prefecture would know, considering they have a young master currently studying and are slightly influenced by his scholarly pursuits.
Soon enough, Xiumei had found the answer for Wei Ruo. The three most famous academies in Taizhou prefecture are the Fangyan Academy, the Tongjiang Academy, and the Anzhou Academy.
However, these three academies have two issues: they are far away and admission is prohibitive.
Xingshan County is a remote small county, far away from the bustling areas of Taizhou prefecture. More dauntingly, all three academies have high admission standards, making it quite difficult for the average scholar to gain admission.
“Miss, these three academies are all good, but it is not about us choosing which one our young master should attend, but rather which one is willing to admit someone from our household,” Xiumei said.
“If the academies won’t work out, there must be a way to find a teacher…”
Weighing things carefully, Wei Ruo had an idea.
###
June went by in a flash, and before they knew it, it was already July.
The past few days in Xingshan County were peaceful. The reinforcement troops for the court passed through the city, heading east, prompting speculations among the citizens about the intensifying conflict along the East Coast.
The land improvement in the southern part of the city was orderly. Because they own whatever they harvest, people worked hard, and many chose to sleep next to the land they were developing.
The seventh day of the seventh lunar month was the Weaver’s Festival(Qixi Festival). It was one of the few days in the year when young girls could go out without elder chaperones.
Wei Ruo and Xie Ying agreed to celebrate the Weaver’s Festival together.
Before leaving, Xiumei made many delicacies for Wei Ruo, packed them in an exquisite food box, ready for Wei Ruo and Xie Ying to enjoy later.
Just as she was about to leave, Wei Qingwan suddenly appeared.
“Sister, I heard you’re going to celebrate the Weaver’s Festival with Miss Xie. I would like to go with you, may I?” Wei Qingwan asked hesitantly.
Wei Qingwan also wanted to join Wei Ruo. Therefore, she asked her when Wei Ruo was about to leave.
“No,” Wei Ruo refused flatly.
“Why? Are you still upset with me? I know I did something wrong, and I apologize. Please, sister, give me a chance to make it right,” Wei Qingwan asked, biting her lip..
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