Chapter 2279: The Official Establishment of Zhenglu Academy!

Chapter 2279: The Official Establishment of Zhenglu Academy!

The ones who opened the gates were Meng Qi and Gan Rui. After both of them fully opened the gates, Meng Yunzheng, the two scholars, the two officials, and others from the academy were revealed standing inside.

The people outside the gates immediately stood up straight, and there was a collective attempt to move forward.

However, halfway through the attempt, they suddenly realized where they were and who they were facing. They quickly stopped in their tracks, afraid of leaving a bad impression on the scholars and others from the academy. They immediately clasped their hands and said, "Meng Shanzhang, the gentlemen, we pay our respects."

One person led the way, and others quickly followed suit. Even those who didn't understand the formalities tried to mimic the gesture of paying respect.

Meng Yunzheng stepped out of the gate with a smile. "You have been waiting for a long time. On the day of the academy's founding, there were many tasks to attend to, and I apologize for any delays."

"Meng Shanzhang, you are too polite."

Everyone waved their hands, and some who were seeing Meng Yunzheng for the first time couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Meng Yunzheng was indeed young, but standing before the two great scholars and two officials, he didn't appear overshadowed in the slightest.

Meng Yunzheng walked to the side of the gate and raised his hand to make a gesture of invitation to the two officials. "The appointed time has arrived. I kindly ask the two gentlemen to unveil the curtain."

Master Huai'an smiled and shook his head. "Zhenglu Academy was established by Meng Shanzhang, so it's only fitting that you perform the unveiling. We are relying on our old age and have already received a lot of care from the headmaster."

"That's right. Let Meng Shanzhang and the Prefect Magistrate handle the unveiling," Master Hejiang added.

Meng Yunzheng didn't insist any further. As the head of the academy, he naturally represented the institution, and the Prefect Magistrate represented the official side. It was indeed suitable for them to unveil the curtain together.

Therefore, he smiled and invited Prefect Magistrate Fei to join him.

Then, he looked at Meng Qi, who was holding a fire starter and a bunch of firecrackers. At Meng Yunzheng's signal, Meng Qi quickly lit the firecrackers.

The onlookers hastily stepped back.

The sound of firecrackers, "pop, pop, pop," echoed through the open gate. Amid the applause and cheers of the crowd, Meng Yunzheng and Prefect Magistrate Fei simultaneously pulled down the curtain.

The silk cloth fluttered down, revealing the solemn yet free-spirited four characters - "Zheng Lu Academy," accompanied by the Emperor's seal.

The onlookers gulped, realizing that these were the Emperor's personally inscribed characters.

While the firecrackers were still popping, the applause continued for a long time.

After a while, the vast mountain area finally quieted down.

Meng Yunzheng took a step forward and raised his voice, "Zhenglu Academy is officially established today!"

The applause resounded like thunder, and congratulations filled the air.

Once the applause subsided, Meng Yunzheng continued, "On the day of Zheng Lu Academy's founding, thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. The academy will be open to the public throughout the day. If you wish to visit, please feel free to enter. We have prepared tea and refreshments inside. However, by the time the academy gates close at the fourth quarter of the hour of You, please ensure not to miss the timing."

"Of course, the most important matter today is about admissions. Those who wish to enroll in the academy, please proceed to the right side. We have students to guide you to Peach and Plum Hall, the first room on the right. There, you will receive detailed information about the admission rules. Those who meet the criteria can confirm their enrollment date today."

Someone in the crowd was eager and asked, "Headmaster Meng, I heard there will also be job opportunities today. Where should those who want to work go?"

"Yes, is there job recruitment today?"