Transmigrated As A Scholar Chapter 70 Part 2

"Are all the family matters settled now?"

Fang Yu replied respectfully, "They have all been handled. After taking so many days of leave, it's only right to return early."

Master Zhang waved his hand. "Taking a long leave due to your mother's passing is understandable. It's just a pity about next year's metropolitan exam. But observing mourning for one's parents, even if it means missing the metropolitan exam, is of no consequence. You are still young; there will be plenty of opportunities."

"This student also thinks having more time for contemplation might not be a bad thing."

Master Zhang nodded. He had always been strict with students and seldom gave praise. Now, looking at Fang Yu, he couldn't help but feel pleased and patted him on the shoulder, praising, "You are outstanding. In my lifetime, I have taught countless students, including numerous xiucai and juren, but you are the only Jieyuan. I am truly satisfied!"

How could he not be satisfied? Having produced a Jieyuan under his tutelage, the dean had commended him multiple times within the academy. Among all the masters, his face shone the brightest. These past days, local wealthy families had been visiting every few days with gifts, hoping to get their sons into his class for study. A person lives for prestige. At this age, having achieved such fame, he was deeply content.

"Without my esteemed teacher's diligent and painstaking guidance, how could this student have achieved today's success? Originally, the first thing upon returning to Yuncheng was to plan a banquet to thank the teachers, but unfortunately, mourning affairs intervened."

"I am satisfied knowing you have such a grateful heart. Your current achievement is not solely due to my teaching; more importantly, it stems from your own diligence, progress, and talent. Although the metropolitan exam is still some time away, you must not slack off during this period."

Fang Yu cupped his hands in salute. "Thank you for your instruction, Master. This student will certainly bear it in mind."

"Good. Let us leave it at that for now. I trust you have your own understanding of these matters." Master Zhang took a sip of tea. "Regarding the lecture, I know you won't decline. Prepare to share some of your experience with the academy's students. The dean has also instructed that other successful candidates from this provincial exam should also give lectures and share their experiences."

Award acceptance speeches or something similar—Fang Yu knew how to handle them without preparation. Back in his school days, he had given flag-raising ceremony speeches, student council president addresses, and the like. If he meticulously wrote a speech, it would likely end up being cliched and overly formal. Casual chats and interesting anecdotes would likely engage the audience more.

"Master, rest assured. This student will certainly do his best to impart knowledge." He hadn't been at the academy recently, so he didn't know: "How many of our fellow students from Hande Academy passed the provincial exam this time?"

"This year, only sixty-six candidates from the entire prefecture made it into the final selection. Yuncheng produced a total of sixteen juren, ten of whom are students from our academy."

The Yongjiang Prefecture had nine counties under it. On average, that would be about six juren per county. Yuncheng was prosperous and indeed produced more scholars, exceeding the average by more than double. Among the academy's successful candidates this time, besides himself, he knew of Ji Yunlu and Li Yun—one ranked twenty-seventh, the other thirty-second.

Li Yun was still at the prefectural city and hadn't returned. According to Ji Yunlu, by the time he came back, he would probably be packing up to leave, as the three-year term of the current Education Commissioner would end by year's end.

"If you wish to see them, there's no hurry. You can gather and meet them all when it's time for the lectures."

Fang Yu understood what Master Zhang meant by 'gather them all one more time.' According to scholar convention, generally, after passing the provincial exam and becoming a juren, one wouldn't stay at the academy to continue studying. With the juren title, the associated land tax exemptions were enough to support a family. It wasn't uncommon for scholars to become complacent at this point and lose the drive for further arduous study.

Some who were more driven would open their own private schools or become masters at academies to teach students, accumulating reputation over several years. Those with family connections could then be selected for official posts in local government.

Naturally, there was also a portion who would continue upward, pursuing success in the metropolitan exam.

Small county towns ultimately couldn't compare to the bustling capital. In those places, juren were plentiful and often young, with sixteen or seventeen-year-old juren gathering together. But that ultimately stemmed from deep family scholarly traditions and constant exposure. The reason they continued attending lectures after becoming juren was because their families had the means, and they didn't need to bear life's burdens so early.

Scholars from small localities who managed to become juren were generally not young anymore. Their parents, having worked hard to support them until this age, deserved to enjoy their later years. Therefore, juren in county towns would get married, support families, and have children. The focus they could place on their studies was nothing like it had been in the past.

"What are your plans hereafter?"

Fang Yu said, "This student still intends to continue for the metropolitan exam."

Although he also had to support a family, he didn't have much pressure. First, unlike other classmates, he didn't have multiple wives or concubines; he only had one fulang and no children yet, and wouldn't be having any for the next couple of years. Second, the family had businesses. The income might not be considered great wealth, but it was enough for food and clothing without worry.

"That is excellent." Master Zhang said, "So besides studying, haven't you considered doing anything else?"

"Aside from family matters, I haven't made any arrangements."

Master Zhang looked pleased upon hearing this. "In that case, how about staying at the academy as a master? The dean discussed this with me recently and asked me to inquire about your thoughts."

Afraid he might refuse, he added, "The dean said remuneration and terms are all negotiable. The number of students can also be decided by you."

Unexpectedly, Fang Yu agreed readily. "If I am so fortunate, why wouldn't I? It would be a pleasure."

He had done this line of work before. Taking up his old profession in a different place was also a great joy. Moreover, the status and treatment of masters in this era were even better than in later times.

"But this student is currently in a mourning period."

Master Zhang, seeing his agreement, smiled. "That's no problem. I just need your confirmation for now. We can discuss the details with the dean later."