Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

"Uncle, let's go home and talk!" Xiao Ran said quickly.

"Good, good, good!" Yan Liben lifted Yan Yao down from the carriage. "This is my girl, Yan Yao, along with her mother, Fifth Sister Yao, and young master Xiao Ran."

"Young master, Fifth Sister," Yan Yao greeted them quickly.

"Mmm!" Xiao Ran really liked the little girl; Yan Yao seemed to be the obedient and sensible type.

"Young master, I've come here this time because I have a favor to ask." Yan Liben was a little embarrassed.

"Uncle, don't be so polite, just say it." Xiao Ran probably guessed it.

"I heard about the school in Kaolao Village before. I wonder if it still needs a teacher? I happen to be free."

"Uncle, this is perfect timing. If you have some free time, you could teach me how to draw."

People like Yu Shinan and Chu Liang are fine, and even Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang would be enough.

However, compared to Yan Liben, even great Confucian scholars like Yu Shinan and Kong Yingda were somewhat lacking in painting skills.

"Haha, okay, okay, it's settled then," Yan Liben said with a smile.

The qualifications of the teachers at Kaolao Village School are getting higher and higher, to an alarming degree.

Xiao Ran initially established the school to prevent the villagers from becoming blind, and now that a great Confucian scholar has arrived, he has not changed his goal.

Since the core need is literacy, the arrival of a great scholar is icing on the cake and does not conflict with the previous goal.

Xiao Ran knew that the foundation of education was literacy, and that the imperial examination was not the only way out, but the resources of great scholars were an additional opportunity.

As the saying goes, "Practicality comes first, while opportunities are also taken into account."

Secondly, the status of great Confucian scholars in the Tang Dynasty was indeed high. People like Yu Shinan and Yan Liben, with their vision and connections, could bring opportunities to children that the villagers could not access on their own.

For example, being recommended to do clerical work or learn a skill does not necessarily mean taking the imperial examination; these paths are not necessarily inferior to the imperial examination.

The imperial examinations in the Tang Dynasty were still somewhat lacking.

Once children have a foundation in literacy, they can be favored by great scholars and, whether they study painting or literature, escape from simple farming and find new livelihoods.

Having such great scholars in the village will elevate the village's status, potentially attracting more resources in the future, creating a virtuous cycle.

Xiao Ran hadn't thought about these things at first, so it was an unexpected surprise.

"There's one more question I need to trouble you with, young master."

"Uncle, you're being too polite. I'll do everything in my power to help." Xiao Ran glanced at Yan Yao, already understanding the situation.

"I'd like to bring Yao Niang to study at the Kaolao Village School. Is that convenient?"

"This is nothing, no problem, this is definitely no problem." Xiao Ran agreed immediately.

Yan Li was originally going to teach in a rural area and take care of his own child; that's not excessive.

When Yan Liben heard Xiao Ran readily agree, the worries in his eyes instantly disappeared.

He brought his daughter to the school, seemingly to "study there," but in reality, he was paving a path of connections for the Yan family that was difficult for others to access. This "connection deal" was not just "profitable," it was a sure-fire way to make money.

Putting everything else aside, the most important connections in the academy are Princess Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang.

Yan Yao is now studying with the two princesses, and their relationship is far more than just that of "classmates" as they spend every day together.

The social circles of noble ladies in the Tang Dynasty were already very close-knit. Yan Yao grew up with the princess, learning her words and actions and becoming familiar with the ways of the royal family. This childhood friendship was far purer and more solid than the relationships she gained through family marriages and official social interactions after adulthood.

When Yan Yao grows up, whether it's marriage or the Yan family's actions in the court, as long as the two princesses remember their friendship from today, even a casual word of approval can save the Yan family from countless detours.

It's important to understand that it's incredibly difficult for ordinary noble families to even let their daughters meet the princess, yet Yan Yao was able to study and eat pastries with the princess. This kind of opportunity is something that no amount of gold or silver can buy.

The favored princess of the Tang Dynasty wielded considerable influence.

Furthermore, there's Xiao Ran's crucial connection.

Yan Liben had long heard that Xiao Ran had deep ties with the royal family and could produce "extraordinary things" such as coal and printing technology, which even made Li Shimin look at him differently.

Even if Yan Yao learns some "novel skills" by following Xiao Ran, the mere fact that she leaves an impression on Xiao Ran as a "well-behaved and sensible little girl" is of immense benefit.

Xiao Ran is insightful and doesn't care about social status. If he thinks Yan Yao is of good character, and if the Yan family encounters difficulties in the future, or wants to participate in Xiao Ran's businesses, he only needs to say a word to give them a better chance than others.

Moreover, Xiao Ran had close relationships with Li Lizhi, Sun Simiao, and others. Yan Yao's familiarity with Xiao Ran indirectly opened up communication channels with these "important people."

Sun Simiao's medical skills and Li Lizhi's royal resources are both potential assets that the Yan family may use in the future.

Furthermore, renowned Confucian scholars such as Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, and Chu Liang were invaluable "connections and support" for the Yan family.

These people were not only literary leaders, but also had students and former officials all over the court and the country, and were trusted by Li Shimin.

If Yan Yao could receive a compliment like "This girl is intelligent and kind-hearted" while studying at the school, it would greatly enhance the reputation of the Yan family.

If Yan Yao were to display her talent in the future, Yu Shinan and others could casually mention to their colleagues, "Yan Liben's daughter, I once taught her, and she was very good," which would allow Yan Yao to gain a foothold in the circle of noble ladies and also give Yan Liben more support in the court through "mutual appreciation among scholars."

It is important to understand that the Tang Dynasty valued literature and etiquette, and gaining the approval of great Confucian scholars was more likely to earn respect than holding real power.

More importantly, Yan Liben bringing his daughter was itself a signal of "sincerity" to Xiao Ran and the princesses.

He didn't come to teach in rural areas for official positions or personal gain; he genuinely wanted his daughter to receive a good education and wanted to become "one of us" with everyone.

This kind of selfless intimacy is far more effective at building rapport than the insincere politeness required in the officialdom of Chang'an.

Now that Yan Yao is at the school, Yan Liben can eat and chat with Xiao Ran, the princess, and the great scholars every day after teaching. They talk about scholarship and children.

Rather than political maneuvering, this "daily friendship" accumulates, and the network of connections becomes "human relationships," which is far more reliable than a cold "alliance of interests."

As the group entered the courtyard, they saw Sun Simiao, Li Yuan, and Empress Xiao.

Yan Liben went to greet him immediately.

They're all big shots!
Li Lizhi and Xiao Ran stood on the other side, and Li Lizhi laughed.

"Young master, I think the school needs to be expanded and more buildings need to be prepared."

Seeing Yan Liben bring Yan Yao, Li Lizhi suddenly thought of this matter as well.

This is just the initial phase; more and more people will come later.

"It really is time to expand," Xiao Ran said, looking at his house. "We could also build some more around here."

Xiao Ran building a few more rooms is not against the rules; it's not a courtyard in the city.

Even if it's against the rules, no one else should say anything.

Zhang Erya brought some pastries for Yan Yao, while Princess Yuzhang ruffled Yan Yao's hair, saying, "She's about the same age as Third Sister."

“Sizi and the others have gained another friend,” Xiao Yu said.

After Yan Liben and Li Yuan finished their conversation, he said, "Young master, Fifth Sister, do you have time to go to the school now?"

“Yes, let’s take Yao Niang to see her!” Xiao Ran said.

"Okay!" Yan Liben waved, and Yan Yao ran over.

As the group walked outside, Yan Liben said, "Young master, I heard about the photos. Is it possible for others to copy them?"

"I can't learn this!" Xiao Ran shook his head; he wouldn't give his phone to anyone else.

I suddenly thought of the influence of the photograph on Yan Liben.

Yan Liben is most famous for his portrait paintings.

"Uncle, the photos are just a minor matter; they can't shake your position."

Xiao Ran knew that the true essence of portrait painting was never just about "likeness".

When Yan Liben painted "Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy," he deliberately made Li Shimin's eyebrows wider to express his imperial demeanor, and his eyes conveyed both majesty and kindness. When painting Lu Dongzan, he intentionally tightened the lines of his cheekbones, making his eyes reveal both humility and shrewdness.

These subtle artistic touches elevate history to a political symbol in an instant, something that purely realistic photographic records cannot achieve.

Xiao Ran continued, "This photograph is like a reflection in a bronze mirror, accurate to the millimeter, but the painter's brushstrokes can add three parts of elegance to the eyebrows and eyes, and seven parts of profound meaning to the posture."

"The difference is obvious; the photo is inferior."

Portrait paintings in the Tang Dynasty have always served a function far beyond mere recording.

Yan Liben painted "The Eighteen Scholars of Qin Mansion" to promote Li Shimin's efforts to recruit talented individuals.

The portraits of meritorious officials in Lingyan Pavilion are a testament to their achievements, ensuring their names are remembered in history.

These paintings, hung in the palace, served both as a reward for the officials and as an education for future generations.

Even the clearest photograph is still just a privately held image and cannot bear the political mission of "using images to convey moral principles".

Upon hearing this, Yan Liben laughed heartily, his eyes filled with agreement and relief. "Young man, you are too modest. The authenticity of a photograph is something that brush and ink, and painting skills, cannot replicate."

Taking photos is a personal privilege for Xiao Ran and cannot benefit too many people.

"Uncle, when I was wandering in the Western Regions, I happened to see a very special painting technique. I wonder if you have heard of it before?"

"Young master, tell me?" Yan Liben asked curiously.

"sketch!"

Upon hearing this term, Yan Liben, Li Lizhi, Princess Yuzhang, and the others all looked puzzled.

never heard of that.

“Sketching? Never heard of that!” Yan Liben said.

"It's not done with a brush or ink; the characteristic of this type of painting is realism, but compared to paintings from the Tang Dynasty, it lacks a bit of artistic conception."

Xiao Ran gave a brief explanation.

Yan Liben was immediately captivated; this unique painting style was something he needed to study.

Learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were simply curious, while Yan Liben's eyes were full of thirst for knowledge.

"I hope we can discuss this further when you have time, young man." Yan Liben hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise upon his arrival.

The realistic characteristics of sketching are related to his expertise in portrait painting, and the "truth" of photographs is something that cannot be matched by brush and ink. As another realistic technique, sketching has a great attraction for Yan Liben.

Although Tang Dynasty painting emphasized spirit and charm, a realistic foundation was also very important, especially in many of Yan Liben's works, which required accurate figure modeling.

The core of sketching is light and shadow, structure, and proportion. These can make up for the lack of realistic details in traditional painting. Learning from these techniques can make his portrait paintings more accurate while retaining the traditional charm.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang remained silent, afraid of disturbing Xiao Ran.

The two exchanged a glance, surprised that Xiao Ran knew this.

I had never heard of it before.

Yan Liben's gaze toward Xiao Ran grew increasingly intense.

Yan Liben is now regretting that he should have come sooner.

If I had come earlier, I might have already known about the sketch Xiao Ran was talking about.

Soon the group arrived at the school.

I could hear the reading aloud from a great distance; the teacher was Yu Shinan.

It's not easy to get Yu Shinan to come to class, and it's even more remarkable that Yu Shinan came voluntarily.

The others just watched without disturbing Yu Shinan's class.

They went into the room next door, where Kong Yingda, Chu Liang, Wang Ji, and the others were.

Yan Liben was also well-known, and the other great Confucian scholars were naturally familiar with him.

"Professor Kong, Professor Chu," Yan Liben greeted them with a smile.

The villagers might not understand, but Yan Liben knew the value and status of these people.

"Lord Yan!" Kong Yingda and the others also stood up to greet him.

Xiao Ran could only sigh that everyone in the upper class of the Tang Dynasty was an acquaintance.

I know almost everyone.

After class, Yu Shinan left the school, followed closely by a group of children.

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi led Yan Yao to find the little princess and the others.

"Sizi, Yaoniang will also be taking classes here from now on. You two can mentor her," Xiao Ran said to the little princess.

"Mmm-hmm~" The little princess took Yan Yao's hand. They were about the same age, so it was easy for them to blend in.

The little princess took the initiative to introduce the other children to Yan Yao.

They weren't very talkative at first, but became quite talkative once you got to know them.

Yan Yao is not socially anxious.

Wang Ji was in charge of arranging these courses.

Although Wang Ji was not as senior as Yu Shinan and Kong Yingda, he was the first, making him the first schoolteacher in Kaolao Village.

It's rather special.

Although the village expenses are the village's reserve fund, it is generally accepted that Xiao Ran belongs to the principal.

This was proposed by Xiao Ran, not something he said. The other people in Kaolao Village will not consider this for the time being.

There will be no schools for at least the time being.

Yan Liben was relieved to see Yan Yao and the little princess.

We went to see the coal mine, the printing workshop of Li Taiwangshen, and the place where glass was made.

Li Lizhi helped sell glassware. The glassware from Kaolao Village was of good quality, and word of it spread throughout the luxury circles of Chang'an City.

The Li family deserves much credit for the peaceful development of Kaolao Village.

Xiao Ran and the people of Kaolao Village could not hold onto this wealth.

Coal mining technology, printing technology, tea-making technology, and glassmaking technology—any one of these skills could make any aristocratic family envious.

Kaolao is now peaceful and serene, not because of the kindness of others, but because of the protection of Li Shimin.

Otherwise, they would have been eaten alive, leaving not even bones behind.

The benefits that Xiao Ran did to the Tang Dynasty were obvious.

Li Shimin was also happy to protect him, and he received many pleasant surprises.

Seeing Yan Liben walk away, Cheng Chumo joked, "What a pity, even my grandfather's skills weren't good enough to be a teacher."

"Ask my elder brother if he can teach riding and archery. If he can, Uncle Shi can come too," Qin Huaidao joked.

"His riding and archery skills are probably not very good. The young master's original intention was to learn to read, but riding and archery have deviated from that intention." Li Ke had not expected that so many people would come to Kaolao Village.

Zhang Dalang glanced around the school and knew that these were all very important people. (End of Chapter)