Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 211 The White Deer Journey of the Academy

Plant a seed in spring, and autumn will be the harvest season.

Xu Xuan's nonchalant departure caused Yu Gong's heart to churn once more.

The distance was just right.

As his cultivation level improved, he became increasingly aware of the compatibility between the White Lotus Freedom Dharma and his own nature, or that this practice was taking shape from him.

Buddhism has always had an unyielding pursuit of control over the mind, and this obsessive awareness has also given rise to countless demons.

The allure of the white lotus lies in its infectious power.

Even the most powerful beings have obsessions and emotions.

Coupled with someone like Xu Xuan, whose causal connections are intricate and countless, they are simply a perfect match.

If evil is committed, chaos will surely ensue.

If it is done for good, it will inevitably lead to widespread suffering and death.

"So staying true to yourself is the hardest thing, so let's just be good people."

Thinking about this, my understanding improved slightly once again.

This exchange lasted for three days. During those three days, the students attending all the professors' courses, including Professor Xu's, of course.

If others call these personal anecdotes childish, then Coach Xu says they are thought-provoking.

Some people even volunteered to have their names engraved.

This shocking punishment, after being embellished with various layers of packaging, has exceeded its original purpose.

Xu Xuan declined the other party's request without hesitation.

This indicates that only the most outstanding and promising individuals can leave their mark in the Stele Forest.

In a few hundred years, this place will become a sacred site for academies; we cannot be careless about it.

Students from other places naturally felt extremely regretful.

Even the local students who knew the truth were somewhat confused. Was Teacher Xu really doing this with good intentions?

The exchange concluded three days later, and both sides benefited greatly.

At least the somewhat strained academic relationship has been rebuilt, and they can greet each other and call each other brothers when they meet in the future.

When they arrived in other provinces, they established connections with fellow students from Qiantang.

When I first arrived at Nanshan Academy, there was a welcoming ceremony, and naturally, there was also a ceremony when I left.

Right there on the lawn where they practiced playing the piano.

Professor Gu looked radiant and full of energy, dressed in Confucian robes and carrying a long sword, appearing as if he had become ten years younger.

"As the saying goes, we should help each other in times of need and support each other in times of need."

"The establishment of academies was most prevalent during the Spring and Autumn Period, with a headmaster appointed to preside over them and stipends provided for their upbringing; they were found almost throughout the land."

"In the past, Qi had an academy called Jixia, a gem of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and a wellspring of the Hundred Schools of Thought. King Wei succeeded him, further promoting civil administration, treating the virtuous with respect, and scholars flocked to the academy like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, a truly magnificent sight."

He can recite a long passage off the top of his head; he truly lives up to his reputation as an old professor.

This is an analogy to the present, using the grand occasion of the Hundred Schools of Thought in those days to elevate the level of this academic exchange, and it should be recorded in the academy's annals.

The main characters, supporting characters, and their positions all have clear metaphors.

These seemingly peaceful words are actually a declaration of victory; if someone from the Jintian Academy were to say such a thing, they would be overestimating themselves.

Although Yu Gong was not very happy sitting on the side, he had achieved part of his goal.

Geniuses are hard to find, and a large number of talented people are the foundation upon which the emperor stands.

Today we lost face, but we also shed our past blindness. At least the students behind us now know why we lost to our old neighbor, and we hope that they will learn from our shame and strive to improve.

I have also learned a lot about teaching and moral education, so sacrificing a little reputation is nothing.

But why have we been making a fool of ourselves ever since we arrived at Nanshan? The students had half a day to pack their bags, say goodbye to their friends, and write a few sentimental poems as a memento.

The professors then began to say their goodbyes.

We're all getting on in years, and who knows, we might all pass away unexpectedly in a few months.

Every meeting is one less time to meet, so let's let bygones be bygones with a smile.

Of course, this is based on the warm atmosphere after Chongqi wins. If he were to be swept aside by someone like Zhu Erdan, the atmosphere would be completely different.

Before leaving, Yu Gong said that Chongqi was just the first stop, and the next stop would be Bailu Academy with his students.

"It's been a long time since I've seen that old scoundrel Shen Yifu. This trip with the students is a good opportunity to take him on a visit."

"He always says that geniuses emerge from Bailu, and Lu Nan is just as outstanding. Go and broaden your horizons to see the level of the number one talent in Jiangnan."

"If Chongqi Academy is interested, we can arrange a study tour together. The waterways in Jiangnan are not very safe right now, and I can provide some protection."

Several professors showed some interest, and Mrs. Yin was also somewhat intrigued.

The practice of studying abroad can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. At that time, Confucius led his disciples to travel around various states, visit famous teachers, and seek ways to govern the country and bring peace to the people, thus creating the trend of studying abroad.

Subsequently, studying abroad gradually became a common educational method, which was accepted and admired by the majority of scholars.

Of course, the atmosphere was not as reverent as it was during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Three thousand people is indeed a lot, and there aren't enough chariots, spears, and armor to arm the academy.

The imperial court neither allowed it nor dared to.

After all, the current environment for studying abroad generally doesn't involve traversing several battlefields, nor does it require attacking or defending cities.

Therefore, it has evolved into a more academic and secular style.

Study tours allow students to engage with different schools of thought and philosophical systems, and to learn from renowned scholars and Confucian masters.

For example, Yu Gong's methods of using the Confucian spear and driving the chariot were unique skills learned from different academies.

These are all orthodox Confucian classics, but unfortunately, the environment is changing and they are at risk of being lost.

Study abroad can also broaden horizons and increase experience.

'Qi Yun' (spirit and charm) cannot be learned; it is innate, a natural gift from heaven. However, it can also be learned: read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, and cleanse your mind of worldly impurities. Naturally, the landscape will take shape within your mind, and whatever you write will capture the spirit of mountains and rivers.

Traveling thousands of miles is not always smooth sailing; you will encounter various difficulties and challenges, which can temper your willpower and coping abilities.

Many of the swords carried by old-fashioned Confucian scholars during their travels had seen blood.

Of course, it's also possible to reverse the order, to experience things first, gain profound insights, and then study, just like Shen Shanzhang of Bailu.

The term "old thief" is not just a figure of speech.

Of course, the last point is more important now: befriending famous people.

Scholars could get to know famous people and officials from all over the country, build a wide network of connections, and provide them with more opportunities and resources.

Not everyone comes from the three academies' own systems; many networks of relationships need to be constantly connected to take shape.

Therefore, the trend of studying abroad is still prevalent at this time, but of course, it is the exclusive privilege of scholars from wealthy families.

Those from humble backgrounds and commoner families diligently studied at the academy.

In those days, budget travelers might be robbed and beheaded by bandits or swallowed by wild beasts within five miles of leaving the city.

Even wealthy families need to prepare a large amount of supplies in advance.

Caravans or ships, gold and silver items, and visiting cards and tokens of friendship, etc.

If you have connections, you should contact the place you are going to in advance to make preparations for receiving you.

This time, Yu Gong brought students from Jintian Academy to Nanshan for a three-day exchange, all of which was arranged in advance.

The idea of ​​going to Bailu Academy for study tour together is indeed quite appealing to everyone.

(End of this chapter)