Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 531 The outside world is wonderful
Yet countless heroes still fell at the feet of women, and it's too difficult to expect everyone to control their desires, let alone the romantic figures of the Wei and Jin dynasties.

Well, well, even Buddha can't manage so many things. I can only wish him less suffering in the afterlife.

Xu Xuan then began his first lesson of the new year, hoping that his students would stop misbehaving.

There aren't any major events this year. Those who were going to make a name for themselves have already done so, and those who were going on study tours have finished theirs. Everything is geared towards the autumn examinations.

Needless to say, the three outstanding individuals are in high spirits and ready to take up their posts in this year's autumn imperial examinations.

They were confident in their abilities no matter what the exam was; the most difficult part was the palace examination in the capital.

Who knows what kind of questions the Jin Emperor will ask in his current mental state?

The three scholars were now confident of passing the imperial examination, but this made it even more difficult for them to make arrangements.

Hmm. They're all emotional people; they're likely to cause trouble no matter where they're placed.

Li is knowledgeable and well-connected, but unfortunately, he is devoted to nature and has made it clear that he will not participate in officialdom.

Liang Shanbo is currently slightly lacking in ability, but he can still get a feel for the atmosphere.

There's really no need for Zhu Yingtai to experience this result. It's just that the young girl is interested, so let her go. Anyway, she definitely won't be living the life of a female imperial consort.

After the start of the school term, everyone's restless emotions were instantly suppressed.

There was no need for any slogans about a hundred-day sprint for the autumn examinations; Professor Gu started applying pressure directly.

As the chief professor of the Mingjing Department, he faced the greatest pressure.

This year's situation is particularly unique.

A three-thousand-word strategy was devised on the imperial steps, and the name was inscribed on the golden list in the vibrant spring.

Before getting a name, you need to come up with a strategy. At this point, even the reputation of the three great academies is useless; only real ability and talent will do.

The old professor said that if one doesn't work hard in the end, even the Three Heroes and Three Wonders of Chongqi, or the number one talent in Jiangnan from Bailu Academy, might not be able to make the list.

The students were not intimidated. Xie Yu and Lu Nan's talents had reached a level that commanded the respect of their classmates. Weren't they much better than the previous year's students?

Professor Gu sneered, "A bunch of young people!"

What good is talent if even the most renowned scholars fail the imperial examinations repeatedly?

This is not an exaggeration; the purpose of the exam is to select talent for the country.

But in reality, the emperor's favor is the most important thing.

The descendants of Huang Guan, who was involved in the case during the Hongwu era, had virtually no chance of advancement.

In the cases of Chen Shi in the fourth year of the Yongle reign and the examination of children in the twenty-first year of the Qianlong reign, the emperor's presence was fully highlighted.

Therefore, exams are not just exams, but also a way to curry favor with superiors.

The negative example of Zhuge Liang is known to almost everyone, and he has become a pariah.

Even if the candidates from aristocratic families have their own support, what if the emperor goes mad? It's not uncommon for such a person to do something.

Especially Zhang Tianzi, who had cultivated immortality for thirty years and had even been slapped in the face.

It's hard to predict exam questions in this kind of mental state; even a seasoned expert like Professor Gu finds it a headache.

The information obtained from the capital was also chaotic and could only be examined after the sacrificial rites to Heaven and Earth.

As the saying goes, the five emperors were foretold in the four suburbs, and the same applies to the four categories of people in the four directions.

After the transition from Zhou to Qin, suburban sacrifices became rituals to consolidate the destiny of the land, the majesty of the emperor, and the hearts of the people.

Hopefully, Emperor Jin will find some solace in his visit and return to normalcy.

This group of students is just unlucky; there's no specific focus for their pre-exam cramming yet, so they all have to study!
What could the students say? Of course, they had to obey.

Xu Xuan then went out again under the cover of night.

This year's work has already begun, and he needs to collect a large amount of data on the northern regions.

The raindrops gently brushed across the bluestone path, making a soft and pleasant sound. The Holy Father's procession was small, and they soon arrived at Dongyang County.

The prison guards felt a bit cold here, but they didn't dare to complain at all, and they didn't even dare to let their deputies greet them.

Visiting prisoners at night is against the rules, so those who can get through to this place are definitely not normal people.

There might be some conspiracy or scheming going on; the world is a dangerous place.

But then again, without so many conspiracies, how would he have made so much money?

"Sir, please."

crunch~~
The dungeon gates of Dongyang County were opened again at night, and the prisoners dared not utter a sound.

Opening the door in the middle of the night is just a way to find a scapegoat; nobody dares to show off at this time.

Xu Xuan arrived at Zhuge Wolong's prison cell once again.
"Instructor Chongqi, Xu Hanwen from Qiantang, greets the old gentleman."

The old man turned around in a flash, without putting on any show of turning his back to everyone.

He knew that using his old tricks on this young man would only lead to humiliation.

This time, we finally got to see them.

In fact, ever since he was tricked by someone that day, Zhuge Wolong had been reviewing the situation in his mind, thinking about how to face this young man next time.

Yes, he believed that Xu Xuan would definitely come again.

The other party is of extraordinary status and is hiding something.

He himself was a rare sage among men, yet he was in dire straits, so it was only natural that he would attract the covetous eyes of others.

That's called confidence!

Who else in Jiangnan would be the most suitable advisor?

Therefore, the confrontation will definitely not be a one-time event. When they meet again, they must take the initiative and not let the other party lead them by the nose. To this end, they have designed many ingenious little traps.

The names of Guiguzi, Wei Liaozi, and Gongsun Longzi flashed through my mind; this was going to be a tough battle.

This shows that Zhuge Liang and Xu Xuan were a perfect match.

They both like to make contingency plans, both like to research, both understand military strategy, and both are very confident.

Of course, this is not a reason to work together; rather, it's a reason to dislike each other.

Old Wolong absolutely did not want to get involved in the turmoil, for a simple reason: he was afraid of dying.

Although I've become indifferent to worldly affairs, although I've experienced many hardships and wanderings, and although I'm utterly disappointed with the court and the world, I still believe that it's better to live a miserable life than to die.

Staying in prison at least provides food and can save your life.

Xu Xuan was well aware of the other person's fear of death, and actually admired this character's willingness to face his own nature. Being afraid of death is good; who isn't?

Having died once himself, he understands that feeling even more—that resentment, that hatred, and that attachment to life.

Death is the only hardship throughout history; even ants try to survive, let alone humans.

The fear of death does not preclude one from sacrificing oneself.

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's decision to extend his life through the Seven Stars at Wuzhang Plain was also a sign of his fear of death. He feared that if he died, the Shu Han dynasty would end, and there would be no hope of restoring its empire.

Many people of noble character are also afraid of death, and it is precisely because of this that they can demonstrate their greatness when they overcome the constraints of instinct.

Therefore, Xu Xuan never looked down on instinct.

I believe that if this Wolong can find a mission and belief for which he is willing to give everything, he will also surpass himself.

Thinking of this, he took out his prop goose feather fan and started waving it.

The old man surnamed Zhuge, impotent and furious in his cage, is at it again?!
The Holy Father smiled slightly. Today, he was here to work at the prison and recruit people along the way.

"Last time I said that you were going to die soon, but that was just my presumptuous talk."

"He dares to speak frankly, does not care about trivial matters, and is unpredictable in his silence; this is the style of a wild man."

“It’s a bit much to speak frankly about the pros and cons in front of senior colleagues.”

This combination of soft and hard tactics in self-reflection and criticism made Wolong somewhat wary, sensing that the person before him was about to employ some other means.

Xu Xuan, however, didn't have that many schemes.

There's too much work to do, and I need someone to share the burden. Even being in jail doesn't matter; the dark room can actually unleash my work potential.

"It is said that Master Zhuge is knowledgeable in astronomy and geography. I also have a few questions I would like to ask."

Where exactly is the chaos in the North?

"What are the needs of the powerful families in the capital?"

"After the autumn provincial examinations, during the palace examinations..."

"If I enter the capital and accidentally offend the Jia family..."

When it comes to worldly matters, ask worldly people. Even professors have many things they don't understand. Specializing in one field naturally leaves little energy to pay attention to too many other things.

Zhuge Liang was different. He couldn't be an official, he couldn't write books, and he just wandered around aimlessly, pondering things.

His life experience includes writing history, criticizing current affairs, reading many books, knowing many powerful figures, dealing with prominent families for a long time, and also mingling among ordinary people. Naturally, he knows a lot.

The information and analytical abilities in one's mind are of immense value.

The veteran didn't relax even though he didn't hear any recruitment talk, but since the other party had asked sincerely, he couldn't ruin his reputation.

He answered every question, and each answer was well-written and professional, which made Xu Xuan very satisfied.

It may not be entirely accurate, but it can still be used as a reference.

It's like an ancient version of artificial intelligence; Baoantang is desperately lacking such talent.

As the two interacted more and more, Xu Xuan began to express his views in reverse, using questions to articulate his opinions.

The atmosphere instantly became lively, and the Holy Father, in his white lotus form, could chat enthusiastically with anyone he wished.

Zhuge Liang was no exception, and was even prompted to talk about sex, something he had suppressed for a long time.

Tsk tsk, Xu Hanwen's knowledge is not bad, he has the shadow of my younger self.

Some of his insights were truly astonishing; he came up with brilliant ideas one after another that even the ruthless people in the court couldn't have come up with.

Some of these ideas are downright idiotic, completely impractical, and can even enrage powerful figures with just a few casual remarks.

Furthermore, the other party seems to be paying too much attention to the boundaries and structure of aristocratic families and imperial power, exceeding the boundaries of ordinary people.

Even more impressive is the scene depicting the Luo River hanging upside down over the capital, and a red-clad Nuo priest slapping the emperor.

It was explained in great detail, with a very focused perspective.

That was really enjoyable to listen to.

Then it was just a bunch of random ramblings about all sorts of things, like the connection between Taihu Lake and Dongting Lake.

It's been a long time since anyone has been able to talk to him for so long.

And they weren't talking about anything vulgar like competing for family fortune or currying favor with those in power.

It's about the big picture, politics, people's livelihood, development, and the future.

It's like we're really reorganizing the Nine Provinces, it's so interesting. This perspective would keep him entertained even if he spent another ten years in prison.

We talked and talked until dawn was almost breaking.

The two became drinking buddies who could talk freely with each other.

Xu Xuan was very satisfied with this interview. Although the other party was quite old, his thinking ability and knowledge were excellent.

As for one's mindset, after being persecuted for so many years, it's impossible to say that one doesn't harbor resentment.

It just lacks a spark to ignite it.

Since that's the case, we'll talk about it next time.

"Mr. Wolong, this junior must return to class now."

"I'll come see you again next time."

Zhuge Wolong was also satisfied and welcomed him to come again next time. He was also a little sleepy. Oh, wait a minute.

Is this kid trying to recruit me?

He actually asked that question, and to his surprise, Xu Xuan's answer was very sincere.

“I know you are of noble character and have grown weary of worldly affairs, so I will not humiliate you.”

"When Lord Zhu Fan is transferred to Linhai County, I will come again to offer you a cup of wine to bid you farewell."

He left right after saying that, without looking back at all.

Zhuge Liang's feelings were incredibly complex.

No, that's not it. You make things sound so exciting outside, but then you turn around and bring me drinks.

Lying in the prison for a while longer, I suddenly felt a bit bored of just sitting around doing nothing.

Oh no, we still fell for this kid's trick!
(End of this chapter)