The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Xiao Ruojun’s arrival was neither late nor early.

Soon, the commotion below echoed up, indicating that the group preparing to ascend the platform at the center of the lake had begun to move forward.

Shu Yu and the others shifted their gaze downward, as the scholars of Zhenglu Academy lined up in the middle and proceeded methodically towards the bridge corridor.

At Haina Tea House, the academies were those renowned from various regions, with approximately twelve attending this time.

Therefore, just among these academy scholars alone, more than forty people ascended, with some scholars who weren’t studying at any academy also making their way up.

The vast platform at the center of the lake held a full fifty people.

Fortunately, the platform was large enough that accommodating fifty people was more than sufficient.

Once everyone was on stage, they first carried out introductions, bowing to each other and exchanging pleasantries without rushing into discussions, instead talking about the customs and scenery of the capital.

This location was close to the Imperial Palace; hence, when lectures began inside the palace, topics would be transmitted outside for the scholars to discuss.

Moreover, reports about the opinions and viewpoints of Mountain Masters, scholars, great scholars, etc., inside the palace were promptly shared.

So at this moment, they awaited the topics sent from the palace.

Mianmian tilted her head, curiously observing them, counting with her small fingers one after another. Moments later, she turned her little head and asked in confusion, ”Mother, Senior Brother Yan, Senior Brother Qiao, aren’t there.”

Shu Yu chuckled, ”In this morning’s session, only four from our academy can go up. Your Senior Brother Yan and Senior Brother Qiao are not in a hurry; they’ll go up when it’s their turn.”

With so many scholars, naturally, they must go round by round.

Some academies might choose a select few who stand out for all three days as their opportunity to shine.

But Zhenglu Academy is different. They strive to provide each student a chance to express their opinions, whether for courage training or articulating viewpoints, even if it’s just uttering a single sentence; it benefits them greatly.

Mianmian, half-understanding, nodded, then enthusiastically introduced their academy’s members to Doudou.

Doudou nodded while feeding her snacks from the tea house, causing Xiao Ruojun, watching from the side, to squint with delight.

Before long, the sound of a gong came from below, followed quickly by a staff member rushing in.

”The palace’s topic is out: ’Neutral and not leaning towards power, interpret with righteousness.’

The first topic was relatively gentle, discussing a gentleman’s conduct without involving decision-making.

A buzzing sound quickly arose from below; not only on the platform at the center of the lake but also scholars by the lake began to discuss.

Soon, people started expressing opinions and providing examples.

Shu Yu, spending most of her time at Zhenglu Academy, is accustomed to hearing such debates among scholars.

Xiao Ruojun, witnessing this for the first time, watched with great interest. Due to Shu Yu’s connection, she paid particular attention to Zhenglu Academy’s members.

”Your academy’s scholars are quite stable.”

Shu Yu smiled, ”Learned from Yun.” They all preferred to observe first before speaking.

As the number of discussion participants increased, the sound from below began to gradually intensify.

Before long, another staff member hurried over to relay the scholars’ viewpoints from within the palace.

Several rounds ensued without mentioning Meng Yunzheng’s name.

Xiao Ruojun now believed Shu Yu’s words; indeed, his students were just as composed as he was.

The two adults listened intently, while several children remained puzzled.

They spoke too profoundly; even for Huohuo, already enlightened, listening was quite laborious.