The Lucky Farmgirl
Chapter 931 - 910: In a Dilemma

Chapter 931: Chapter 910: In a Dilemma

They brought all their family money this time, although they could rent or buy a place, everyone knew that Ms. Qian preferred to buy it outright.

For things like shops, of course, owning one provided peace of mind; otherwise, what would one do if kicked out midway through?

Once they bought the shop, they would have a foundation in the capital, and their family would feel more confident there.

Manbao thought for a moment and said, "There’s no rush for this. Let Fifth Brother and the others take some time to explore, or find some work in the capital first. Once they’re familiar with the place, we can inquire about buying a shop. If we don’t have enough money, I’ll think of another way."

Manbao chuckled and added, "In just over a month, it will be Mid-Autumn Festival, and we should admire the chrysanthemums."

Zhou Lijun blinked and asked, "Cousin, you’ve just arrived in the capital; could you possibly find rare and beautiful chrysanthemum varieties?"

Manbao proudly replied, "There isn’t a flower or plant in the world that I can’t find. If not now, I will definitely find it in the future."

"Indeed," mused Zhou Lijun, "Every time we enter the city, you must visit the flower market, and even while walking, you could stoop down to dig up a nondescript plant that you nurtured into flowering. Cousin, could this be considered a talent?"

After thinking it over, Manbao nodded and said, "Yes."

Zhou Lijun nodded in return, "Just like the little dogs in the village that naturally sniff out scents..."

Manbao reached for a pillow on the bed, "Say that again, I’m like what?"

Zhou Lijun suddenly snapped back to reality and immediately shook her head, "Cousin, I didn’t say you were like a puppy..."

Zhou Lijun then sprang up and ran outside, successfully dodging a pillow thrown by Manbao.

Manbao hummed indignantly and decided not to talk to her until before dinner that day.

But soon, Zhou Lijun peeked her head back in, smiling, "Cousin, let me help you organize your clothes."

Manbao glanced at the trunk piled beside her and reluctantly agreed somewhat painstakingly, "Come in."

Having just arrived in the capital, there seemed to be many things to handle, yet upon careful consideration, there weren’t that many—it was just that this was their first time in this unfamiliar place, causing some trepidation, making everything seem overwhelming.

Mr. Zhuang, feeling much refreshed after an afternoon nap, noticed that the three of them had also settled into their rooms and said, "Put your things down. In a moment, after taking the official documents, I’ll take you to the Imperial Academy. Shanbao, send someone to the Yang Family with an invitation for them to come and retrieve County Magistrate Yang’s belongings..."

Mr. Zhuang organized everything efficiently. The three of them took note, feeling much relieved immediately; even Bai Da, who had been somewhat anxious, calmed down and listened obediently.

Bai Shan directed Liu Gui to deliver the invitation to the Yang Family and ordered Daji to prepare the carriage. After their afternoon rest, figuring that the Imperial Academy would be back in session, they set out.

Mr. Zhuang had Bai Da ride in the same carriage, having not been to the capital in many years, he was unsure of the current state of the Imperial Academy or the capital, although Bai Da’s knowledge might also be limited, it was at least up to date.

Their residence was not far from the Imperial Academy. Exiting the alley, they reached a main street; a turn later led to another main street, and following this street a short distance brought them to the gates of the Imperial Academy.

The gate of the Imperial Academy was narrow, facing directly onto the main street, A simple two-courtyard compound, but next to it was an entrance with four large doors and a plaque bearing three characters—"Imperial Academy."

Manbao found it strange, and after stepping down from the carriage, stared intently at the two gates, full of curiosity.

Mr. Zhuang, helping Bai Da out of the carriage, saw all three looking up intently at the two gates, tapped their heads gently and explained, "Don’t stare anymore, this side is the Imperial Academy office, mainly for the academic officials’ offices, next door is where the Six Academies are located."

The Imperial Academy did more than oversee the Six Academies; it also managed all the prefectural schools, county schools, and all private academies across the empire.

The prefectural and county schools required yearly additions of books, appointment of academic officials, adjustments in student numbers, and related financial affairs, all managed by the Imperial Academy.

It also kept tabs on private schools.

For instance, if Mr. Zhuang wanted to open a school and teach, nobody would interfere if it was only for a year or two, but if he taught for a longer duration, it would require registration and record creation at the County Governmental Office. Each year, a copy of these records would be sent directly to the Imperial Academy in the capital.

This way, the number of instructors and students studying across the empire, while not exactly countable, could at least be roughly estimated.

It also made sure the emperor wouldn’t one day whimsically inquire about a renowned instructor from a certain place only for the Imperial Academy officials to be clueless.

Mr. Zhuang said, "Originally, the Imperial Academy was housed within the Imperial City along with the Six Ministries, but His Majesty places great importance on the Six Academies. During the previous emperor’s reign, it was proposed to move the Imperial Academy next to the Six Academies. Now, the Imperial Academy is divided into internal and external parts; the external part operates here, while the internal part remains within the Imperial City, mainly responsible for compiling books and managing the imperial presence. Since you are here by imperial grace to study, you should just register here in the external part."

Bai Da nodded repeatedly, "Just here, this will do."

Mr. Zhuang then led the four of them into the Imperial Academy office, where Bai Shan took out the official document. The officials at the Academy understood that this was also a mission under imperial decree.

Though they inwardly disdained, they didn’t show it on their faces. In recent days, there had been many arrivals, few with notable scholarship, yet they were descendants of meritorious officials, and in a time when imperial grace was abundant, only a fool would make things difficult for them now.

Speaking of fools, here came one.

Lian Yucheng entered, saw another group in the office, and knowing their young age deduced their purpose; he frowned involuntarily, put down the document in his hand, and stepped forward with hands behind his back, "Another one on imperial orders to study in the capital?"

Bai Shan looked up at him and did not respond.

The academic official attending to them glanced at the three and spoke on their behalf, "Yes, they came from Jiannan."

Lian Yucheng scanned all five, his gaze resting on Bai Da, "Is it you who wants to enroll?"

Bai Da promptly bowed and replied, "Not a student, but my younger brother."

He introduced Bai Shan and Bai Erlang, "These are the two younger brothers of the student; they are here in response to the enrollment call."

Lian Yucheng frowned at the two, deeming them too young, and looked up at Mr. Zhuang, "How many years have they studied? Are you their family tutor?"

Mr. Zhuang smiled lightly and began, "I am Zhuang Xun, and—"

"They are our tutor," Bai Shan interrupted, frowning slightly as he glanced at Lian Yucheng and turned his attention to the academic official behind him, his brows still furrowed, "Can we proceed with the enrollment now?"

"You sure have quite the temper," Lian Yucheng’s anger flared, and he questioned, "How many years have you studied? Have you completed the ’Four Books’? If not, entering the Imperial Academy will be pointless..."