Dream of the Red Chamber: I can upgrade my entries!

Chapter 120 Xishan Academy: A crucial step in the development of civil officials!
At noon, the banquet at Rongxi Hall was gradually cleared away.

"Sister-in-law."

"You should take your sister back and rest first."

Jia Yan handed the little Xichun, whose eyelids were closed and blinking, to You Shi.

"it is good."

Lady You carefully took Xichun and held her in her arms. Now, she was the true darling of both households.

At this moment, apart from Grandmother Jia, all the heads of the Jia family, young ladies, and young men were present in the hall, and their attention was focused on Jia Yan.

“Let’s discuss the clan school. The clan school is neither too big nor too small.”

"Being close to both prefectures and the bustling capital, it's unlikely that one can concentrate on studies."

"There are many descendants in the Eighth Branch of the Capital. Each family has hundreds of children. The continuation of offspring is a major event."

"The first thing to solve is the issue of education for our clansmen. Only by passing down our knowledge from generation to generation can the Jia family continue to develop."

"Excellent!!!"

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen all agreed with this.

“Yan-ge’er is right.”

Grandmother Jia was a little tired on the couch, and she, who was not particularly interested in these matters, gave a perfunctory reply.

“People like Jia Rui should not be allowed to remain in the clan school, as they are misleading the students.”

"Jia Dairu is old and senile. Give him some silver so he can live out his remaining years in peace."

"All other relatives, however distant, should be sent home to prevent the clan school from becoming a chaotic mess."

"Since Baoyu is unwilling to study, then there is no need to torment him any further. Just treat him as a wealthy idler, and the entire household will not lack for such a person."

"After he comes of age, he will be sent back to Jinling to start a new lineage. Perhaps he will be able to be baptized by the spirit of Jinling scholars and have an epiphany."

"Can!!!"

Although Jia Zheng wanted to say something, seeing that Jia She and Jia Zhen both agreed, he had no choice but to nod.

Inside the hall, Qin Keqing and Xue Baochai's faces darkened; it seemed that Qin Zhong and Xue Pan would never be able to enter the Jia family school again.

“On Dai Ru’s side, the public will be granted two hundred taels of silver.”

“Those relatives have all paid tuition fees. It would be rather unfair to kick them out like this.”

"The accounts will be processed through the public treasury, with each household contributing fifty taels of silver. Let's settle on that for now."

Grandmother Jia was tactful and made a decision based on the principle of not interfering with each other.

"According to Mother."

Jia She and Jia Zheng exchanged a glance. It was only a few thousand taels of silver; they figured they might as well pay it off.

"From now on, the clan school will be used as a private school. All boys who are three years old or older will be sent to the school for their first education."

“The school provides for all the expenses, including writing brushes, ink, paper, and three meals a day, and also allocates clan property to support the school.”

“I think there’s no need to look for a tutor. Uncle Zheng has four scholars who can easily do these things.”

'Whoosh!'

Everyone couldn't help but look at Jia Zheng.

Scholars and literati often made a living by entertaining and pleasing others. They were skilled at flattery and reading people's expressions. However, their talents, such as "good handwriting, second-rate talent, and a three-jin capacity for alcohol," made them most suitable for teaching young children basic education.

"Zhan Guang, Shan Pinren, Cheng Rixing, and Wang Zuomei were all scholars from Jiangnan, skilled in poetry, calligraphy, and painting."

“Normally, I received three taels of silver per month, plus holiday gifts.”

Jia Zheng offered an explanation.

'.'

The Jia family was somewhat taken aback, as just supporting these few retainers would cost over a hundred taels of silver a year.

"No problem, it's settled then. Three taels of silver per month, plus a bonus for the New Year."

With a wave of his hand, Jia Yan made the decision.

“If Yan-ge’er thinks it’s acceptable, I’ll discuss it with them.”

Jia Zheng hesitated for a moment, but still agreed.

These people spend all day drinking, composing poetry, and discussing the affairs of the nation with him. It would be better to use them to educate the children of the clan and enlighten the young.

“We previously discussed moving the Jia family ancestral hall to Xishan. I think it would be better to build another academy.”

"Since ancient times, education and governance have been the foundation of the country. The four great academies with a long history and a wealth of talents are Yingtian Academy in Shangqiu, Henan; Yuelu Academy in Changsha, Huguang; Bailudong Academy in Jiujiang, Jiangxi; and Shigu Academy in Hengyang, Huguang."

"In addition, Songyang Academy is located in Dengfeng, Henan, while Ehu Academy, Donglin Academy, Dongpo Academy, Xiangshan Academy, Linru Academy, Bailuzhou Academy, and Zhushan Academy are mostly located in the Central Plains and Jiangnan regions."

"The reason why science and education in Hebei are not thriving is primarily because there is no renowned academy. The Jia family has two dukes, and now that I am still alive, why not build a Xishan Academy to cultivate elites for the nation?"

"After the completion of Xishan Academy, we will first recruit the children of the Jia family to enroll, and then recruit impoverished students from the capital and even Hebei and Liaoxi."

"Given time, countless people will pass the imperial examinations, and Xishan Academy will surely become a sacred place for national study, and the name of the Jia family will be remembered for generations to come."

"it is good."

Before Jia Yan could finish speaking, Jia Zheng slapped his thigh and shouted his approval, saying that this kind of important matter of promoting education was exactly in line with his style.

"Yan-ge'er".

"Isn't doing this making too much of a commotion?"

Grandmother Jia suddenly opened her hazy old eyes and stared at Jia Yan.

Not only her, but Jia She and Jia Zhen also hesitated to speak, as building a Xishan Academy was no small matter.

"The vast forests of Xishan, with their misty haze and shimmering shadows, are beautiful in all four seasons. For hundreds of years, countless scholars and literati have been captivated by its scenery throughout the four seasons, visiting and enjoying it; or leaving behind poems and inscriptions to enhance the splendor of this scenic spot."

"For now, I'll set aside all worldly concerns and immerse myself in a forest on the Western Hills. A spring drips from withered roots, and tender butterflies seduce the blossoms. At midday, cicadas sing lazily, and the courtyard is shaded by deep shadows. If the white clouds have any intention, they will drift through the bamboo, accompanying my gentle murmur. Building an academy in such a scenic spot will surely be praised by the people of the nation."

“I will personally visit the Daming Palace tomorrow to request the Emperor Emeritus’s calligraphy to name the academy.”

Meeting their gazes, Jia Yan spoke calmly.

"call!!!"

Grandmother Jia, Jia She, and Jia Zhen finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Yan-ge'er".

"Was that poem you just wrote your new one?"

Jia Zheng stared intently at Jia Yan.

Many people present noticed the poem, and the beautiful eyes of Li Wan, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Yingchun, and Tanchun shone brightly.

This poem, written in an impromptu style, uses the techniques of blending the poet's own feelings with nature and expressing emotions through the scenery to reflect the poet's affection for springs and rocks and his yearning for a tranquil and elegant ancient realm. It also demonstrates the author's keen observation, his affinity for things, and his skillful command of language.

The entire poem unfolds before the reader like a picture of tranquil recitation in the Western Hills, inspiring a longing for the Western Hills.

"Let's just consider it as such, shall we?"

Jia Yan originally wanted to say that it was written by the poet Chen Zhisui, but Chen Zhisui was a modern poet who would be born more than 200 years later, so he simply accepted it.

"Brother Yan."

Is this poem famous?

Lin Daiyu couldn't help but ask.

"Summer Retreat in the Western Mountains".

Jia Yan blurted it out.

“What a fine poem, ‘Summer Retreat in the Western Hills,’ I suppose it was written when you visited Brother Jing in the Western Hills a few days ago.”

"People only know that Zhuge Liang's military strategy is unparalleled, but they don't know that Yan Ge'er's literary talent is also exceptional, which is only being revealed today."

"As his uncle, I feel deeply ashamed!"

Jia Zheng was deeply moved. He had never heard of this poem before, and no one else could have written it except Jia Yan.

'.'

Grandmother Jia and the others were even more astonished, never expecting that Jia Yan had such talent in poetry.

Li Wan, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Yingchun, and Tanchun involuntarily recited the poem "Summer Retreat in the Western Mountains" in their hearts, becoming increasingly amazed by Jia Yan's talent. Such poetry was not something an ordinary person could produce.

"Yan-ge'er".

"What are the rules of Xishan Academy?" Jia She ignored the poems and asked directly, keenly sensing that this move was not simple.

Although the current dynasty is not as focused on civil affairs and neglecting military affairs as the former Song dynasty or as adept at using civil officials to govern military affairs as the former Ming dynasty, it is still governed by civil officials. If the Xishan Academy were completed, even if the Jia family could not produce any military officials in the future, but could produce some scholars and officials, the family would not have declined to such an extent.

"This matter also requires the help of Sister-in-law Zhu and Rong's daughter-in-law."

"what?"

Li Wan and Qin Keqing, who were suddenly called out, were somewhat at a loss.

"The Li family was originally a famous family in Jinling. Zhu Da's biological father, Mr. Shouzhong, was the former Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, with students all over the world."

"If we can invite him to serve as the headmaster of Xishan Academy, we will have no shortage of famous teachers and students."

“Rong’s daughter-in-law’s biological father is a construction officer in the Ministry of Works, so he can be in charge of all matters related to the construction of Xishan Academy.”

With a slight smile, Jia Yan added.

"Wonderful!!!"

Jia Zheng was the first to realize that his in-law was the former Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, whose reputation was renowned among scholars.

"It's really good."

Jia She and Jia Zhen agreed.

"This"

Li Wan and Qin Keqing were both dumbfounded. Why was he calling him "father" now?

"Sister-in-law Zhu".

"I would also like to trouble you to write a letter to Jinling."

“Lang’er has inherited his elder brother Xianzhu’s literary talent. He has already completed his elementary studies. He should exercise regularly and not slack off in his studies. If he does not have a good teacher to guide him, it would be a waste of his talent to study the Four Books.”

"I will write a letter to my father right away."

Upon hearing that it concerned Jia Lan, Li Wan agreed without hesitation.

"it is good."

Jia Yan then looked at Qin Keqing: "Rong's daughter-in-law, I've heard that Lord Qin lives a frugal life, is upright, and has been in officialdom for many years, suffering repeated setbacks."

"Now that you've passed the age of fifty, why not retire from your Ministry of Works post, raise your children, and enjoy the company of your grandchildren?"

"The Xishan Academy will set a salary: fifty taels of silver per month for the headmaster and thirty taels for the deputy headmaster. Houses will be built for families to reunite."

"Qin Zhong is a good boy, but he has neglected his studies at the clan school. If he goes to Xishan Academy to study, he may very well pass the imperial examination in the future."

"Let Rong-ge accompany you back to explain in detail."

"Yes, Uncle."

Qin Keqing's beautiful eyes flickered, and she happily stood up, her graceful figure drawing the attention of those around her.

'.'

Jia Zheng was offended. Qin Zhong was a good friend of Jia Baoyu, so this meant that Jia Baoyu was holding him back.

The Jia family couldn't help but chuckle as they watched Jia Yan persuade Li Wan and Qin Keqing to bring up their own father with just a few words.

"Yan-ge'er".

"Why don't we go to the study to discuss this?"

Jia She extended an invitation.

"Ah."

Jia Yan nodded, understanding his meaning.

"can."

Jia Zhen and Jia Zheng agreed as well, and what they had to deal with next was several million taels of silver.

"Sister Feng, Zhu'er's wife."

"Come on, all of you."

Jia She looked at Wang Xifeng and Li Wan and called out.

Jia Lian went to the military camp for training. The eldest and second branches of the Rongguo Mansion separated their households, and the accounts were managed by the two daughters-in-law. Naturally, they couldn't be left out of it.

"Yes, Father-in-law/Master."

Immediately afterwards, Wang Xifeng and Li Wan bowed to Grandmother Jia and followed Jia She and the others.

"I am tired, you may all go back now."

Grandmother Jia got off the bed listlessly and, with Yuanyang's help, returned to Rongqing Hall.

Upon seeing this, the others dispersed. Madam Xing, heartbroken, walked towards the inner hall, where she would face Jia She's punishment. At the very least, she would lose her power as the head wife and become nothing more than a mascot.

Rongguo Mansion is a building located in the southeast of the East Courtyard, adjacent to the outer courtyard. The surrounding wall is decorated with elegant brick carvings and jade bamboo. The courtyard is planted with precious plants such as white magnolia, nandina, and winter plum, and serves as a place for reading, entertaining guests, and resting.

In the past, this was where Jia Zheng handled affairs and taught his children. His study housed rare ancient books and had a quiet and elegant environment, hence the name Mengpo Studio. Now, it has changed a lot. Most of the military books and strategies, as well as marching plans, and there are also quite a few swords and knives on display around it.

Things have changed, people are gone, and all is lost!

After glancing around a few times, Jia Zheng felt a strange mix of emotions. He sat down at the lower left, opposite Jia Zhen.

The head of the table, on the left, was occupied by Jia She, and on the right by Jia Yan. Wang Xifeng and Li Wan sat in the lower seats.

"master."

The maids served tea and snacks before leaving.

"Gudu."

Picking up his teacup, Jia She took a sip and hurriedly asked, "Yan-ge'er, the two mansions..."

The people below all looked up in surprise.

"To be honest, Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, and elder brother."

Jia Yan said leisurely, "Just now during the meal, Wu Jinxiao, Wu Jinzhong, and the managers of twenty manors were all taken to the capital."

"Good servant, you've caught them."

Jia Zhen said angrily.

"Yan-ge'er?"

Jia She and Jia Zheng looked puzzled.

The imperial estates of Ning and Rong were not located in the suburbs of Beijing. When the dynasty was founded, the estates of the eight dukes, twelve marquises, and other founding nobles bestowed by the Great Qian Emperor were all located near the Lüliang Mountains, and it would take more than a month just to get to Beijing.

Normally, the village leaders would set off in mid-November to escort the goods to the capital, and deliver their orders along the way.

It's a bit too fast that Jia Yan has brought everyone back so quickly.

“When I returned from Datong, I had someone check those villages, not just ours, but the others as well.”

“Some of them are facing the loss of their ancestral property, how can they not do their best?”

Jia Yan smiled and said a few more words.

'I see! ’

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen nodded in understanding.

The founding line voluntarily relinquished their ancestral titles and mansions. Apart from those who were granted titles during the Great Unity Campaign, the rest lost their super-rank titles, and their mansions and imperial estates were taken over by the Imperial Household Department. Before that, they had already taken over everything that was due, so it's not surprising.

"Somebody come!"

Jia Yan gave a soft shout.

"Master."

A capable figure entered, placed two ledgers on the table, and turned to leave.

"Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, and elder brother, you all need to take a look at it yourselves."

"These two ledgers record all the details of the twelve estates of Ningguo Mansion and the eight estates of Rongguo Mansion, including the property, land, and mansions of the estate owners that were confiscated. I had them all sold and brought back gold and silver."

Jia Yan pointed to the account books on the table and gestured.

"Ah."

The three exchanged glances, then picked up the ledgers and began to examine them carefully.

(End of this chapter)