The Lucky Farmgirl
Chapter 964 - 943: Entry (Additional - for Patron "Al Pacino")

Chapter 964: Chapter 943: Entry (Additional Chapter for Patron "Al Pacino")

Dr. Zhang directly led them into an empty room and then handed them a sheet of paper, "Fill this out. Do you decide to live on campus, or outside? Also, take a look at the rest of it and make your own choices for filling it out. This isn’t difficult, right?"

Since they were all literate, of course, the task wasn’t difficult. Everyone promptly agreed, and Dr. Zhang nodded, saying, "Alright, please fill it out first, I’ll go have someone bring the books over."

After the Emperor had expressed his intent to generously support the descendants of meritorious officials, with just a single decree, it was the Imperial Academy that had to run around tirelessly and come up with all the ideas.

Since the support was to be generous, it naturally had to cover both studies and living expenses. After all, some descendants of meritorious officials were truly impoverished. If the Imperial Academy only focused on their education but neglected their livelihood, it was likely that the students wouldn’t stay long at the Academy.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Libationer Kong argued with the Ministry of Revenue for several days and successfully secured a portion of the education fund specifically for this group of students.

After they were ranked and entered the Imperial Academy, the textbooks for their studies were provided by the Academy. They could choose to live on campus for free...

Of course, if they chose to live outside, the Academy had no objections, but those without money clearly came from families that weren’t lacking in funds.

In addition to accommodation, there was also the matter of food. The Imperial Academy had a dining hall, and each student received a certain amount of grain and money each month. They could choose to take it with them or opt to eat in the dining hall.

These subsidies ensured they wouldn’t live in abundance, but they would be able to seriously study and make daily progress within the Academy.

Bai Shan filled out his form quickly, just a few swishes of the pen, and he was done. Bai Erlang, who was beside him, saw him finish and directly snatched the paper, copying everything from it.

Bai Shan said, "Just don’t copy my name too."

Bai Erlang replied irritably, "I’m not stupid."

Feng Chenxiang happened to be standing not far away, and seeing they got along so well, he felt envious, "You brothers seem to have a really good relationship. By the way, who’s older?"

Bai Shan and Bai Erlang both claimed in unison, "Me!"

Not only Feng Chenxiang, but the others also looked up at the two brothers. Age could be a matter of dispute?

Bai Shan said, "I’m the Senior Brother."

Bai Erlang clarified, "He asked about age, I’m one year older than you."

Bai Shan huffed, turned away, then thought better of it, reached over, and snatched back his paper.

Bai Erlang didn’t mind at all; after all, he had already finished copying.

Everyone: ...

Bai Erlang blew on his form to dry it and then handed it over to Bai Shan to hold. He turned around to look at others, and it wasn’t long before he was befriending many people, especially his classmates from the Highest Institute.

After filling out the forms and receiving their books, as well as two sets of student uniforms, they were led to the neighboring Six Academies for a tour.

They split up, of course; Bai Shan and his group went to the Imperial Academy, Bai Erlang and his group took a detour to the Highest Institute, and the remaining people went to the Four Academies.

The Six Academies were together, sharing the main gate of the Imperial Academy, but within the gate, they were divided into six large courtyards—hence the Six Academies.

Within these six large courtyards, there were many smaller yards, designated for students of different levels and classes.

Both the Highest Institute and the Four Academies were the largest because they had the most students.

Not just Bai Erlang, even Bai Shan felt tired walking towards the Imperial Academy.

The Academy occupied such vast grounds that Bai Shan, who had been contemplating giving Bai Erlang more guidance in the future, dismissed the thought. If he had to travel such a long distance to the Highest Institute to find Bai Erlang every time, he would rather not teach him at all.

Bai Erlang was also worried, "So far away, how will I be able to find Shanbao to play with in the future?"

Feng Chenxiang, who was nearby, asked with a smile, "Is Shanbao Bai Shan’s nickname?"

Bai Erlang gave an embarrassed smile.

Feng Chenxiang then said, "This isn’t considered far. The Highest Institute and the Imperial Academy are adjacent to each other. There must be side gates or smaller gates for access between them. If you were to go from the Highest Institute to the Arithmetic School, that would indeed be far."

Bai Erlang, driven by curiosity, asked, "What about the Music School and the Calligraphy School?"

"These two are not far either, also bordering our Highest Institute, right behind us."

"Then why is the Arithmetic School the farthest from us?"

"Because the Arithmetic School is beside the Six Academies," Feng Chenxiang laughed, "We are separated by a big Six Academies."

All of a sudden, Bai Erlang’s eyes lit up, and he cheerfully said, "Hey, we’ve got the Imperial Academy on this side and the Six Academies on the other, and we’re right in the middle. Doesn’t that mean I can go find my elder brother whenever I want, or find Bai Shan just as easily?"

Feng Chenxiang was briefly stunned and asked, "Your elder brother is at the Six Academies?"

"Yes, he was admitted after passing the grand examination this year."

Feng Chenxiang smiled slightly, "Your family really has some talent."

Bai Erlang, feeling bashful, chuckled, "Not at all, not at all... The talent all lies with Bai Shan, and, well, with Manbao too."

At noon, Bai Erlang followed the other eleven classmates to the cafeteria for lunch. In less than half a day, they had all become well acquainted with each other.

Meanwhile, Bai Shan, who was also headed to the cafeteria for lunch, walked ahead alone, while Peng Zhiru and Lu Xiaofu from the Imperial Academy felt they needed to support each other as they had similar circumstances—especially since they needed to join other classes—so they followed Bai Shan, and they all had their meal together.

The three sat at one table. Bai Shan and the other two were only nodding acquaintances and were not yet on familiar terms.

When Feng Zongping stormed into the cafeteria with a group of friends, he immediately sensed the different atmosphere and, following everyone’s gaze, he spotted Bai Shan.

He smiled faintly, picked up his own food, and sat at their table.

Peng Zhiru and Lu Xiaofu caught sight of his clothing’s embellishments and their hearts skipped a beat—for he was a Senior Brother.

Both rose to pay their respects, but Feng Zongping quickly gestured with his hand, saying, "No need for such formality, no need for such formality. This is the cafeteria, eating is what matters most."

Bai Shan nodded in agreement.

Seeing his response, Feng Zongping smiled and said, "Bai Shan, my junior brother, congratulations on being admitted to the Imperial Academy."

Bai Shan nodded again, "Thank you."

"No thanks necessary. Oh, and you might not know this yet but the libationer posted your essay on the announcement wall of our Imperial Academy. He said your policy discussion was quite good. This praise is no small matter—you’re now a celebrity in our academy."

Bai Shan frowned slightly, as he had no desire for fame.

Feng Zongping, noticing this, was slightly taken aback, "Junior brother Bai, aren’t you happy about your esteemed reputation?"

Bai Shan lowered his gaze and said, "Not unhappy, just a little surprised, that’s all."

Feng Zongping raised his eyebrows, although not conspicuously, he still perceived it. Bai Shan didn’t seem pleased that Libationer Kong had posted his article. Feng Zongping mulled over it, wondering: Was it a dislike for fame, or was there another reason?

What scholar doesn’t wish for recognition?

With fame comes the opportunity for official appointments. How many seek to make a name for themselves yet cannot?

Unfortunately, Bai Shan didn’t give him the chance to probe further. Bai Shan quickly finished his meal and then asked, "Senior Brother Feng, how do I get to the Book Collection Tower?"

"The Book Collection Tower? Oh, you mean the Book Collection Tower. When you exit the cafeteria, turn right, and then take another turn to go around the back, and you’ll be there."

Feng Zongping’s directions were unclear, not specifying how far to walk, but Bai Shan didn’t ask. He nodded his thanks and, after greeting Peng Zhiru and Lu Xiaofu, he left.