Chapter 2278: The Most Sensational Third Thing

Chapter 2278: The Most Sensational Third Thing

"This sounds intriguing. I only heard yesterday that the new top scholar opened a school here, and I hurried over to take a look. I'm not quite sure about the details. Can you explain it to me?"

Other people who were not well-informed also gathered around, and the man pointed to the red silk cloth-covered plaque above the gate, saying, "Do you see that? Do you know who wrote the characters on that plaque?"

"Who?"

"The current Emperor himself."

Gasps of surprise could be heard as someone suddenly realized that among the crowd, some had come to see the new top scholar opening a school, while others were just passing by, following the large group out of curiosity.

Hearing that the newly established school had been personally inscribed by the Emperor, everyone felt that the academy had gained considerable prestige.

No wonder even the Prefect and the County Magistrate had come.

The man continued, "Apart from this, there are three things you probably don't know. I came from the capital myself, and Meng Yunzheng's resignation as an official to open a school and become a teacher was a sensation in the capital for quite some time."

Others eagerly asked, "Tell us, what are the other three things?"

"First, this academy has two prominent scholars."

Some people were aware of this. "I know that. They are both great scholars, and one of them was recommended by the Emperor." Those who knew explained the backgrounds of the two scholars to those who were unaware, causing a series of surprised exclamations.

The scholar continued, "Second, the renowned Mountain Dweller has painted a picture, the distant view of Zhenglu Academy. It is said that he even stayed at the academy for some time."

Some people were still puzzled because they were not familiar with the Mountain Dweller.

The scholar went on, "The most sensational of all is the third thing."

He paused for dramatic effect, waiting for the crowd to hang on his every word, before he continued, "The third thing is that Meng Shanzhang, in the Emperial grand hall, made a military pledge to the Emperor. In three years, Zhenglu Academy is to produce five successful Imperial Examination candidates. Five! Can you imagine how difficult that is?"

This was something many people hadn't heard about. Those present widened their eyes in disbelief.

Five? That seemed like an incredibly high number.

The scholar explained the contents of the military pledge in detail and concluded, "So, if you have the opportunity to enter Zhenglu Academy now, you must seize it. In the future, when the academy produces Imperial Examination candidates, it will become much more difficult to enroll. Moreover, if they can truly cultivate five Imperial Scholars from the same academy, the connections between these students will be invaluable for their future."

These words resonated with the crowd, and those who had initially come out of curiosity started considering transferring to the academy.

Others were already eagerly preparing to rush in as soon as the gates opened.

The scholar, seeing that people were engaged in conversation, smiled and withdrew from the crowd, quietly returning to the academy.

When the time reached the third quarter of the hour of Chen, and people were growing a bit impatient, a "creak" sound suddenly came from the gate.

Soon after, the gap in the middle of the gate widened, and the interior's light grew brighter. Gradually, two figures appeared in the opening.