Xu Zhen remarked, “I think my—my younger sister is quite exceptional; if she were to take the examination, she might actually pass.”
Tang Yan Zhi praised her, “That must be your teaching, am I right? I’ve heard how you taught quite a number of brilliant students while in Jiangling.”
Xu Zhen humbly replied, “Oh, no, no.”
Tang Yan Zhi continued to compliment her.
Xu Zhen quickly shifted the topic, saying, “We’ve arrived at the academy!”
The academy was solemn and expansive, more spacious than a typical county government office.
In the small room by the entrance, the head official sat on a stool.
Upon seeing Xu Zhen and Tang Yan Zhi arrive, he stood up to greet them, but he was only cordial toward Tang Yan Zhi and showed little warmth to Xu Zhen. After congratulating her, he proceeded to update them on the recent status of the students.
The head official’s attitude toward the Assistant Minister was decidedly cold.
Tang Yan Zhi found this somewhat strange.
However, the cold reception couldn't entirely be blamed on the head official.
His indifference stemmed from the fact that someone had subtly warned him earlier that morning. The informer, also from the Ministry of Rites, had given him a sachet and mentioned that the newly appointed Assistant Minister was not particularly esteemed.
Anyone who managed to become the head of the academy, particularly someone who served in the palace, was sharp-witted.
The head official immediately suspected that this new Assistant Minister must have offended someone—certainly not a minor figure! Furthermore, while the country was nominally under the emperor’s domain, the true power dynamics were quite murky.
If the new Assistant Minister had genuinely offended someone, then he certainly couldn’t ingratiate himself with her; instead, he needed to distance himself.
After all, this Assistant Minister was merely someone bestowed with a title.
With this calculation in mind, the head official maintained a distant attitude toward Xu Zhen. He would answer her questions but wouldn’t volunteer any information unless she asked.
Xu Zhen didn’t take it too personally, assuming that the people at the academy were just serious by nature.
She followed Tang Yan Zhi around the academy, familiarizing herself with how to assess academic affairs and review students’ progress.
Once they were done, she approached the head official and asked, “Are you accepting students here?”
The head official would dare not make things convenient for Xu Zhen, responding coldly, “No, no, no, we aren’t accepting any.”
Xu Zhen inquired, “Not even for those with exceptional grades?”
The head official hastily replied, “No, we’re not!”
Tang Yan Zhi, overhearing this, dashed over to ask, “Why aren’t you accepting students? Just a few days ago, I heard you say you would be enrolling students!”
The head official had no way to express his grievances.
Of course, more students meant better prospects for the academy, but if he were to give the new Assistant Minister any leeway, he would be offending someone much more significant. How could he dare?
The head official emphasized repeatedly, “We’re not accepting any students; the Assistant Minister can check with the nearby Manyue Academy.”
Tang Yan Zhi was even more curious about this situation.
32. Thirty-Two Treasures ?
Start from the beginning
