Chapter 118: Reactions
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“Isn’t it obvious? Different categories mean different things to do after graduation,” Scholar Du said matter-of-factly.
“That’s why it’s strange. The sages taught us that studying is for self-cultivation, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world. It’s about becoming a high-ranking official and serving the nation and its people. If that’s the case, why does the Bowen Academy need so many categories? The classics, history, philosophy, and literature should suffice,” one scholar argued.
“I disagree. I think the Bowen Academy is different from private schools. Scholars don’t have to focus solely on passing the imperial exams. They can do other things too,” another scholar countered.
“Brother Su, are you saying you won’t take the imperial exams anymore?” Scholar Du asked a scholar wearing patched clothes.
Scholar Su nodded. “I take the imperial exams every year, and every year I fail. My family is getting poorer, and I can’t even afford the travel expenses for the exams anymore. Rather than copying books in the bustling market, I’d rather take the Bowen Academy exams. Even if I don’t become an official, I can still live a decent life.”
“Brother Su, that’s not the right attitude. As the saying goes, ‘Wealth cannot corrupt, poverty cannot sway.’ Even if you don’t take the imperial exams, you can still apply for the political history category at the Bowen Academy. Serving in Qingzhou’s government would be a good path.”
“Brother Zhang, it’s not that I don’t want to. But just look at the number of applicants for the political history category. It’s like ten thousand people trying to cross a single log bridge. I’m already in my twenties; I can’t afford to waste more time.” Scholar Su sighed deeply.
The atmosphere grew awkward. Scholar Du said, “We’ve gone off-topic. We were talking about the Sun family’s rebellion, and now we’re discussing the Bowen Academy.”
Everyone laughed bitterly. It was precisely because of the fall of the Sun family and other noble clans that they were paying attention to the Bowen Academy. With the nobles gone, there would be many vacancies in the six states. Now was the perfect time to become an official.
Unlike the scholars’ reactions, when the newspaper reporters read the news to the villagers of Zhu Family Village, there was an outburst of cheers, followed by continuous shouts of “Long live the Prince!”
The reputation of the Prince of Qi was once again deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. He was a feudal lord who feared no noble clans and worked for the benefit of the common people. Now, this feudal lord stood tall in their hearts like a hero.