Chapter 825: Envy Only the Scholars—No Need for Farming or Weaving

Since the emperor died during his northern tour at the end of the Yongle era, he had not left the capital during the Hongxi and Xuande years. Thus, when Zhu Zhanji went on another inspection tour this time, early in the morning, after the military authorities and the Jinyiwei cleared the streets, many people gathered on both sides of the road to watch. At first, there was some noise, but as the imperial procession drew near, the crowd gradually fell silent under the control of the soldiers, and people began to kneel by the roadside.

Although the court had decided on a grand procession, Zhu Zhanji ordered simplicity, so there was no need for palanquins or large vehicles. Flags such as the Bai Ze flag, Xuan Wu flag, and leopard-tail flags were absent; only the Su Jing flag, Jin Gu flag, golden dragon horns, golden cymbals, and war drums were used. However, all eighteen types of weapons, flags, and spears were present. From afar, one could see the gleam of swords and the imposing figures of the soldiers. Though many tried to peek, the emperor remained hidden behind heavy curtains in his carriage, his face unseen.

It was not until the sun was high in the sky that the grand procession fully left the city. The people, who had been kneeling until they were dizzy, helped each other stand up and discussed the magnificent sight, filled with admiration. Some talked about the officials riding tall horses at the back—though they were also important figures, they were still closer to the common people. Those with sons studying naturally took them as role models, and even those who had previously been too poor to send their children to school began to consider which private schools had fair fees and good reputations, so they could send their sons to learn to read.

Thus, those who were fortunate enough to witness the grand occasion of the emperor’s inspection, with both civil and military officials seeing him off, saw even more activity at the Zhang family’s school, which already often gathered information. Many people came to inquire, hoping to enroll.

Due to the growing number of merchants and travelers in the capital over the past few years, the population had increased, and the number of people taking exams to study had risen several times over. Although the Shuntian Prefecture School was a capital school, it only had sixty students receiving government support. At the beginning of the Xuande era, another sixty students were added. To enter, one had to pass various exams—literacy alone was not enough; even a basic knowledge of writing was insufficient. Therefore, before entering school, students either went to private schools or hired tutors. Now, out of the 120 students in the Shuntian Prefecture School, 20 were from the Zhang family’s school, including Li Guoxiu and Rui Yixiang, who had just been added as additional students after returning from Guangzhou.

Though it’s only one-sixth, twelve out of twenty students in the clan school are scholars receiving stipends, all with grades above third class. Thus, the Zhang family’s clan school is renowned far and wide. Most commendably, the seasonal fees required at the school are merely symbolic; there’s also a monthly allowance, and those who rank high in monthly, quarterly, or annual exams receive silver, money, and rice. If a family manages frugally, it can cover their expenses. With such excellent conditions and a place like this, who wouldn’t want to send their child here?

As the number of students grew, the original courtyard became insufficient. Two months ago, Lian Hu informed Zhang Yue and purchased a four-section courtyard across from the South Bridge in Wuanhou Hutong to the west. After minor renovations, everyone—teachers and students—moved in. Not only was the space spacious, but the innermost section also had ten rooms, including the main house and side rooms, enough to accommodate several teachers and students from other places. The southern rooms on the outermost level were used by servants, while the western side room served as Lian Hu’s office.

Lian Hu was a year older than Zhang Yue. Though a servant, Zhang Yue had previously stated that his son had also studied in the school since childhood, learning not only to read but also Tang and Song poetry, as well as the Four Books and Five Classics. Jing Guan took Liang Jin as his teacher, and his sons, Lian Le and Lian Sheng’s son Lian Mao, followed as companions. Although Lian Hu was a respected administrator in the Zhang family, he knew well Zhang Yue’s character. Faced with so many people eager to send their children there, he couldn’t simply turn them away harshly and found himself in a difficult position.

“Everyone, everyone! It’s not that I’m unwilling to make an exception. It’s really that the number of students to admit was ordered by my master, and I dare not act on my own. As for the gifts you’ve brought, please take them back. Next year, when new students are recruited, you can send your children according to the rules!”

“My child is already eight years old. Waiting another year will only delay things!” A burly man pushed his way to the front, his stern square face becoming round as he forced a smile. “Please, Manager Lian, show some flexibility. I’ll surely reward you generously! Don’t we work hard our whole lives just so our children can succeed through education?”

“Success? You butcher Zhang, don’t think I don’t know you. You’re clearly trying to take advantage of the land surveys around the capital—your fields will owe more taxes. You hope your child can avoid paying taxes by attending school! Let me tell you, give up that idea. I heard even high-ranking officials of the first or second rank now have to pay taxes for their positions; exemptions are limited! Seeking such petty gains is shallow… It’s only when a child can achieve greatness like Lord Zhang that they truly bring honor to their family!”

The polite calligrapher and painter argued with a butcher with a face full of fleshy protrusions. As the argument escalated, their masters were also drawn into it. Immediately, Lian Hu understood why so many people had suddenly appeared in recent days, seeking to enroll in the school. Although many upright censors were sent throughout the country to inspect the farmlands, it was the capital region that took action first, even though the emperor was still on an inspection tour. Nobles and civil officials also owned estates, but it was the common people who were hit hardest. Their desire was to mix in with the local schools, then find a way to become students exempt from taxes and corvée labor.

Since someone had now exposed the most crucial issue, the others naturally didn’t want to be outdone. They gathered around Lian Hu, offering various perks. However, those who were truly poor but acting for the sake of their children were left out. Fortunately, because Lian Hu had warned them not to disturb the students inside, no one dared to speak too loudly, though verbal sparring was inevitable.

Thinking about how to send them away, Lian Hu simply sat down and considered them as nothing more than buzzing flies. But after sitting for a while, a servant somehow managed to squeeze in and whispered something in his ear. Hearing this, Lian Hu, who had been sitting calmly, suddenly jumped up.

“Gentlemen, my master has come incognito to inspect this school. Instead of trying to challenge me, why don’t you go talk to him?”

At these words, the noisy room fell dead silent. Seven or eight people exchanged glances before retreating. Although Lian Hu appeared respectable and was in charge of the place, he was ultimately just a servant of a wealthy family and had never used his position to intimidate others. Naturally, they weren’t afraid of him. But Zhang Yue was different. Even an ordinary official could make them bow and smile for a long time, let alone a third-rank official from the capital. So, one after another, they hurriedly said they would come back another day and left the room in no time, leaving only those in shabby clothes who seemed awkward.

“You should all go back too. Even if the children are truly talented, my word alone isn’t enough. It must be my master who decides.”

With a single sentence, he sent the remaining two or three people away as well. Lian Hu quickly tidied his clothes and exited through the west gate of the courtyard, then headed north along the narrow north-south alley. Soon, he saw a group of people turning from Beidaqiao Hutong. Although the first few were dressed as guards, he immediately spotted the two people surrounded by them. He was greatly shocked, thinking, “Wasn’t it said the young master would come? Why are it two young masters?” Puzzled, he hurriedly went up to meet them with two servants.

“My young masters, weren’t you off at school? Why have you come suddenly? And you even brought along…”

“How dare I abduct anyone? The teacher wasn’t feeling well today, so he arranged our lessons and let us go early. By chance, when we talked about the family school, Uncle Zhong said he wanted to come take a look. My great-aunt asked me to bring them along, so of course I brought them.”

As he spoke, Jing Guan looked completely justified. Seeing that Lian Hu was speechless, he smiled at Tian Ci and said, “Uncle Zhong has always been curious about what our family school is like. Want to come in with me?”

As the eldest legitimate son of the Duke of Yingguo, Tian Ci had had some health issues since childhood. Initially, Lady Wang was extremely protective of him and refused to let him go out, even after he became skilled in martial arts. Now that he was eight years old, Duke Zhang Fusi decided it was better for him to go out more often, even if more guards were assigned to watch over him, so as not to fail to live up to his title in the future. Lady Wang wasn’t at ease, but since Jing Guan brought it up and Zhang Fusi approved, she reluctantly allowed the child to go out.

Although they were uncle and nephew, they were only a year apart in age. At this moment, they were wearing blue silk coats with different patterns but the same color, black shoes with thick soles, and silver hairpins. Both had bright black eyes and fair skin; the only difference was their energy and spirit. Although Jing Guan had learned martial arts from Zhang Fu and Peng Shisan for a while, he couldn’t compare to Tian Ci, who practiced riding and archery every day. As a result, though Tian Ci was thinner, he looked more vigorous. But if one didn’t look closely, they would think they were twins.

Apart from visiting temples and occasionally visiting relatives, Tian Ci hardly ever went out. Since his father had instructed him not to take a carriage, he rode a horse the whole way. His mood changed from curiosity to enthusiasm and then to excitement—always following whatever Jing Guan said—so he naturally nodded his head.

With both young masters speaking in this manner, even Lian Hu, though troubled, had no choice but to take the lead. Although the clan academy had always been peaceful and there were four guards living in the western wing at the entrance, Lian Hu couldn’t afford to draw attention at the moment and let the guards follow in. When they reached the second gate, Jing Guan turned around and gave clear instructions to those behind: “This is a place for studying; don’t disturb their classes. Wait outside the gate!”

Watching Jing Guan and Tian Ci enter cheerfully, Lian Hu regretted not bringing Zhang Yue along earlier, saying that even these young masters couldn’t enter such a sacred place of the clan academy. As he thought this, he saw the doors of the rooms on both sides open, with the teacher stepping out first, followed soon by several students of varying ages.

Upon meeting each other, both sides were stunned. Jing Guan claimed to be familiar with the place, but it was his first time there, not to mention Tian Ci, who saw only Meng Ang and a few other noble youths of similar age. They stared in awe at the students’ washed-out blue cotton robes, while the students took in their appearance from head to toe before exchanging puzzled looks.

“Manager Lian…”

“Master Chen!” Lian Hu hurriedly approached the skeptical old teacher. Seeing Jing Guan already pulling Tian Ci forward to greet them as if they knew each other well, he almost popped out his eyes. He quickly stepped forward to explain, “This is the eldest son of my master, and the other one is the eldest son of the Duke of Ying.”

Two eldest sons—while the first one sounded fine, the second shocked the old teacher. But in that brief moment of hesitation, Jing Guan had already introduced himself, and without caring that he was much younger than the others, he kindly asked about the courses, food, and accommodation at the academy. If it weren’t for Lian Hu knowing this wasn’t Zhang Yue’s orders, one might think this young master had suddenly appeared for an unannounced inspection.

Fortunately, Jing Guan played it smart by not revealing Tian Ci’s identity. Though the students were surprised, Jing Guan’s skillful manner of interaction managed to defuse the situation. As they were around the same age, some students envied his noble background, but most didn’t harbor hostility. They chatted a bit, and though it wasn’t very lively, at least there was no awkward silence. Tian Ci, from behind, interjected a few words here and there, his originally faint smile deepening and his expression becoming more genuine.

Now that Master Chen knew the truth, fearing trouble, he gave a subtle signal to the other tutors, who quickly used the class time to call the students inside. In just a short while, the courtyard, which had been quite lively, became quiet. Only then did Jingguan sigh in relief. Seeing that Tianci was still reluctant to leave the two houses, seemingly longing for the unfamiliar bustle, he quickly stepped forward and whispered, “If Uncle Zhong likes it, I’ll ask Father tomorrow. It’s too boring to study alone all the time. Although we can’t be with them, it’s always more lively with more people around.”
“Will Third Brother Yue really agree?”
“How can I know unless I try? Leave it to me.”
After guaranteeing it with a firm handshake, Jingguan felt a bit uneasy when he saw Lianhu smiling faintly at him. Although his father was more agreeable than his mother, this wasn’t always the case, especially on such important matters—he had never asked his father before. Guided by Lianhu, he glanced at the students’ quarters in the back yard and finally understood the lives of ordinary people. When they left, his young face showed confusion.
If Jingguan was confused, Tianci was even more so. As the uncle and nephew talked, they arrived at the Zhang family’s gate. Although Lady Wang had instructed them to return early, Jingguan insisted on inviting them inside. Only after entering did they learn that Meng Jun and Zhang Jiu, the uncle and nephew, had arrived. Zhang Qing and Zheng Fangfei had already gone inside to talk with Lady Sun and Du Wan. Even Zhang Yue was surprisingly back early. Since they were all familiar relatives, the two hurried inside. As they walked along the path beneath the hanging flowers, they heard faint voices coming from not far away.
“The eldest young lady is pregnant again, but it’s time to consider Young Master Ang’s marriage now…”
“To be honest, Young Master Ang and our third young lady are about the same age and grew up together. It’s a pity their generations don’t match… Now that he’s reached the right age, it’s unclear which girl he’ll choose.”