Chapter 2449: Extra - Staying Steady

Chapter 2449: Extra - Staying Steady



Xiao Shi didn't arrive too late, but she wasn't early either.


Before long, the noise from downstairs began to reach them. The group preparing to step onto the central platform in the lake had started moving forward.


Shu Yu and the others lowered their gaze, watching as the students from Zenglu Academy, led by Ye Li and others, lined up in an orderly fashion and walked toward the bridge and corridor.


In Haina Tea House, the academies represented were some of the more prestigious ones from different regions, totaling about twelve academies this time. This meant that over forty students from these academies were going up, along with some other students who were not part of any academy.


The central platform on the lake was spacious, and it could comfortably accommodate fifty people.


Thankfully, the platform was large enough to accommodate all fifty students who went up.


Once on the platform, they introduced themselves to one another, exchanged greetings and courtesies before delving into discussions. Rather than diving straight into the topic, they chatted about the customs and scenery of the capital city.


Since the platform was close to the palace, the topics discussed within the palace would be shared outside, allowing the students to engage in discussions. Furthermore, timely reports about the viewpoints and opinions of the leaders, scholars, and Confucian scholars from various academies within the palace would be conveyed to them.


At this moment, they were waiting for the topics to be announced from the palace.


Mengmeng looked curiously at them, counting the students one by one with her little hands. After a while, she turned her head and asked, puzzled, "Mom, where are Senior Brothers Si, Yan, and Qiao?"


Shu Yu smiled and explained, "For this morning's session, only four of our academy's students can participate. Your Senior Brothers Si, Yan, and Qiao aren't in a hurry. They'll have their turn later."


With so many students, it was necessary to take turns.


Some academies might select the most outstanding students, and they would have the opportunity to perform throughout the three days.


But Zenglu Academy was different. They aimed to give every student a chance to express their opinions, whether it was to build their confidence or articulate their viewpoints. Even if they only spoke a sentence, it would be beneficial for them.


Mengmeng nodded as if she understood, then enthusiastically introduced the students from their academy to Dou Dou.


Dou Dou nodded while feeding her the snacks from the tea house. On the other hand, Xiao Shi squinted her eyes as she observed them with great interest.


Before long, they heard the sound of gongs from downstairs, followed by a waiter rushing in.


"The topic from the palace is out: 'To be neutral without leaning towards force or righteousness.'"


The first topic was relatively mild, focusing on the conduct and behavior of a gentleman without involving decision-making.


A buzz of discussion quickly erupted both on the central platform in the lake and among the students by the lakeside.


Soon, people began to express their opinions and provide examples.


Shu Yu had spent most of her time at Zenglu Academy, so she was quite used to hearing the students engage in debates like this.


However, this was a new experience for Xiao Shi, and she watched with great interest. Thanks to her connection with Shu Yu, she paid special attention to the students from Zenglu Academy.


"Your students from the academy seem quite steady," she commented.


Shu Yu smiled and replied, "They've learned from Ah Yun." They both liked to observe before speaking.


As the number of participants increased, the voices from below gradually became more intense.


After a while, another waiter hurriedly brought the viewpoints of the scholars from the palace.


However, in several instances, they did not mention Meng Yunzheng's name.


This time, Xiao Shi believed what Shu Yu had said. It seemed that her students, like their teacher, could stay steady and composed.


The two adults were engrossed in the discussions, but the children were utterly bewildered.


The main reason was that the discussions were too profound, and even though Huohuo had started learning, it was still challenging for them to follow.