Chapter 9: Huatian Academy

Page (1/3)

When he first heard the number, he didn’t pay it much mind, thinking it was just a child’s idle babble. But after he calculated the result himself, he began to take the little boy before him seriously. The child looked like an ordinary kid from a common family, barely literate, yet how could he be so proficient in arithmetic?

Could it be that he had already asked multiple people earlier out of fear of being deceived?

“Calculations... right!” Chen Ping touched his nose and gave a foolish smile.

Chen Duohai observed Dr. Zheng’s reaction and realized his son’s calculation was indeed correct. He stood there stunned, amazed that his son could grasp such a complex subject as arithmetic—this was truly extraordinary.

“Not bad, not bad. Your boy is quite gifted!” Dr. Zheng glanced at the silly smile on Chen Ping’s face and had already made up his mind.

“From now on, if you bring such herbs, you can sell them here, and the price will be the same!”

“Then it’s settled!” Chen Ping nodded repeatedly and tugged at his still-dazed father.

Chen Duohai, having come to his senses, quickly put on a sheepish smile, “Thank you very much, Dr. Zheng!”

After speaking, he took the copper coins from the assistant and prepared to leave with his son.

Today was a huge windfall; they had earned a lot of money. Just then, Dr. Zheng suddenly caught up from behind, still smiling.

“Please wait a moment, sir!”

“Is there something else, Doctor Zheng?” Chen Duohai stopped, instinctively clutching the money tightly, his face wary as he stared at Dr. Zheng.

They had just earned some money; surely the man wouldn’t go back on his word?

“Sir, your child is very smart. Today happens to be the enrollment day of Huating Academy. If you have time, you might want to take a look!”

Grateful for Dr. Zheng’s kindness, Chen Duohai’s heart was full of appreciation.

“Thanks, thanks, I’ve noted it!”

Dr. Zheng stood at the entrance of the pharmacy, watching the two hurried figures disappear, then smiled and turned back inside.

After leaving the pharmacy, Chen Duohai pulled Chen Ping into a quieter corner and swallowed hard.

“Tell me honestly, were those numbers you gave already calculated beforehand?” This honest man didn’t even care if there were more herbs to be found to earn money.

For him, his son’s potential was more important than anything else.

“On the way here, I thought about it. After hearing Dr. Zheng’s price, I had a clear number in mind!” Chen Ping spoke cautiously so as not to scare his simple-minded father.

“Is that so... Ping’er, you really are remarkable!” Chen Duohai smiled and patted his son’s little head, his face full of pride.

Even if he had thought ahead, to arrive at the answer so quickly was no small feat; at least it proved that this boy was made for study.

Page (2/3)

“By the way, do you still remember the herbs Grandpa Wang told you about? The exact locations, do you still recall?” Chen Duohai asked with a sly grin.

“Of course, I remember there are many more!”

“Good, good, that’s excellent!” Chen Duohai patted Chen Ping’s small shoulder, then glanced around and gave further instructions.

“I’m going to buy some oranges. You stay right here. Don’t move.”

Chen Ping: ???????

Those words sounded oddly familiar.

Isn’t this just plain taking advantage of me?

Oh no...

It seems he really is my father! Looks like the memories of past and present lives are still merging and adapting.

Before long, Chen Duohai returned carrying a few oranges. Although they had earned over a tael of silver, he only allowed himself to spend a few dozen copper coins on fruit, saving the rest for his son’s education.

“Ping’er, have one. They’re really sweet!” Chen Duohai handed an orange to Chen Ping as he approached.

Chen Ping looked at it carefully and solemnly tucked it into his bosom. “I’ll wait until I’m back to eat it with mother.”

“Silly child, aren’t there more?”

Looking at his father’s indulgent gaze, Chen Ping felt the happiness of this world for the first time.

After packing the oranges, Chen Duohai exhaled deeply and looked up at the sky. Based on experience, Uncle Pan was probably still in line.

As the town’s leading pharmacist, Dr. Zheng was certainly well-informed. Since he had spoken so highly of Chen Ping, why not seize the moment and take the boy to see Huating Academy?

With that thought, Chen Duohai led Chen Ping toward Huating Academy. As the only orthodox academy in Qingsong Town, its location was well-known.

...

Huating Academy.

At this moment, it was a sea of people; the entrance was completely packed.

Most were commoners curious to observe, while the youths participating in the enrollment stood at the very front. Despite the crowd behind them, their faces showed no impatience, only pride and a deeply concealed arrogance.

In the Great Yu Dynasty, scholars held high status. Achieving success in the imperial examinations to enter government service was a great honor; even ordinary scholars were highly sought after by local families as prestigious connections. Having a scholar in the family brought glory to one’s ancestors.

Because of this, the townsfolk eagerly witnessed this lively scene, even though it was only the first step toward becoming a scholar.

As for the young candidates and their families, they cherished this moment—who would refuse such public admiration?

Page (3/3)

“Make way... please make way!”

“Excuse me, please!”

Chen Duohai struggled to pull Chen Ping through the crowd, trying his best to squeeze inside.

He wanted Chen Ping to see what a real academy was like. It was akin to how parents in later times would take their children to visit Tsinghua or Peking University in Beijing.

If possible, Chen Duohai would spare no effort to get his son admitted here.

Chen Ping followed behind, his right hand firmly gripped by his father, almost crushed in the crowd.

He had anticipated the crowd but not to this extent.

After great effort and enduring much scolding, Chen Duohai finally arrived at the front with Chen Ping. When they saw the scene inside the academy, both were momentarily stunned.

Inside Huating Academy, it was extremely quiet, a stark contrast to the hustle outside. All the young candidates wore official hats and formal robes, sitting upright and dignified. Even those at the back gazed intently at the elders in the great hall, who sat with closed eyes in meditation.

Where Chen Ping looked, everyone’s faces were burning with passion. The gathered crowd, though knowing they could never be part of this, still looked on with envy and longing.

The people of Qingsong Town all understood: this was a path that could change one’s life.

“Clang...”

A clear bell rang out, and everyone immediately fell silent, their expressions solemn.

The eldest elder, seated in the highest place in the academy, stroked his beard. At his side, a young man stepped forward slightly and addressed the crowd:

“My name is Song Qiao. I apologize for the disturbance today.”

The man nodded slightly, his every gesture elegant and refined.

“This gathering is for one purpose only: to enroll a new group of students for the academy. If there are outstanding talents, tuition fees will be reduced by more than half.”

“Hasn’t enrollment already ended this year?” A woman carrying a vegetable basket asked suspiciously.

Chen Ping was also puzzled when a familiar figure suddenly appeared beside him.

“What a coincidence, isn’t it?”

Chen Ping looked up and recognized the gray brocade robe immediately.

“Dr. Zheng, you’re here too?” Chen Duohai appeared somewhat embarrassed, unsure where to put his hands.

Dr. Zheng smiled, “Just joining the crowd. Huating Academy recently acquired quite a bit of academic land. The scholar Wang is a kind man, so it looks like more students will be admitted this year.”