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Chapter 64: Sixty-Four Treasures ?

The fields stretched out in orderly squares in all directions, with yellow sand blowing across the arid land, leaving stones scattered.

Xu Zhen wasn't necessarily expecting these farmers to yield remarkable crops. She had the means to purchase from surrounding areas if necessary. However, if these farmers produced more, it would significantly drive prices down.

With this in mind, Xu Zhen went off to attend classes at the academy.

Recently, with the young beggar back in the barracks, Xu Zhen found life dull and decided to continue devising her schemes.

The imperial spring examination was approaching, creating a studious atmosphere at the academy. Ge Xi'er was preparing for the examination and no longer visited, leaving Xu Zhen with a new companion.

This new companion was Ming Yue, a student who had previously accompanied her to the flower house at Longmen.

Ming Yue was a young woman who differed somewhat from the typical martial-enthusiast students of Pingliang. She appeared intelligent but seemed to lack a certain practicality. After receiving help from Xu Zhen, she became quite attached, often insisting on becoming Xu Zhen’s personal maidservant.

Xu Zhen declined her offer.

Yet, Ming Yue remained persistent, frequently asking, "Teacher Xu, how did you come up with your military strategies? When will I be able to think like you?"

Xu Zhen was skilled at handling such inquiries. She replied earnestly, "Through diligent study, of course. At your age, I would rise every morning at the hour of the rooster, arrive at the academy by the time of the dragon for morning reading, strengthen my body on the field after studying, and return home at the hour of the dog. I would then spend many hours on homework in the evening."

Ming Yue was astonished. "Teacher, that sounds like an entire day with almost no rest! It's even more exhausting than martial arts training."

Xu Zhen replied, "More or less. My classmates were all hardworking. Even previous scholars read by the light of borrowed lamps and tied their hair to beams so they wouldn’t fall asleep. I couldn't afford not to study."

Ming Yue felt deeply ashamed after hearing this.

Reflecting on her past school days, Xu Zhen felt a sense of nostalgia. She realized that it had been a year since her arrival in this world. It had been a rich and eventful year: she had taught a few students, earned some money, met an ancient emperor, and experienced both promotion and demotion. Now, she lived peacefully in a border area.

In a few years, she might forget her life before crossing over, perhaps fully immersing herself in her current existence. She felt a desire to leave something meaningful behind.

Regardless, she was grateful for the presence of the young beggar and her students.

Xu Zhen smiled.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhen felt a twinge of reluctance in her heart. The students, lost in their own thoughts, kept their heads down.

After a moment of reflection, Xu Zhen closed her book, stood up, and addressed the students, "Dear students."

They looked up at her, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Xu Zhen continued, "The journey to Chang'an is long. For this imperial examination, please take good care of yourselves."

A silence filled the classroom following her words. The students had attended many of Xu Zhen’s lectures and heard her teachings countless times, but this farewell touched them deeply.