PDLP Chapter 350
Chapter 350
Many students came to the academy to study, and Hai Rui was one of them, and he was from a poor family.
Although Wang Yangming claimed that the academy taught not only Confucianism but also other subjects, most people, or rather, most parents who brought their children to study there, hoped that their children could learn the words of the sage so that they could enter officialdom through the imperial examinations in the future.
Who is Wang Yangming? He is the one who attained enlightenment in Longchang. He is almost praised to the skies among scholars. He quelled the rebellion of Prince Ning, and after the emperor ascended the throne, he rose rapidly through the ranks, eventually becoming the governor of Southern Zhili.
If it weren't for the sudden death of Wang Yangming's father, everyone would believe that his official career would have been much longer than this. Compared to his official career, this Mr. Yangming's talent and learning were even more astonishing, and his disciples were all renowned Confucian scholars.
Such renowned teachers set no entry requirements and only consider students' aptitude, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have called you here today to introduce the man next to me. This is Zhou Hengqi, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and also my old friend despite our age difference. The founding of this academy was originally intended by Hengqi."
Wang Yangming introduced Zhou Chudao to the students and their parents.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Zhou Chu and sensed the aura of authority emanating from this young man. Their eyes lit up. They never imagined that this academy had any connection with such a powerful figure as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Although the Embroidered Uniform Guard was notorious among officials and even hated by many scholars, this did not mean that the parents of these students looked down on the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It should be noted that every position in the Embroidered Uniform Guard was extremely coveted.
Especially the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the capital, who were three ranks higher than officials, could practically walk sideways. Many of the Embroidered Uniform Guard members were former civil officials who had done a lot for the court and the Ming Dynasty.
In addition, given the numerous major events Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had accomplished in the past two years, these people might not know everything, or even only a few fragments, but that didn't stop them from understanding that Zhou Chu's identity was extraordinary.
If their son could be favored by this commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and enter the Embroidered Uniform Guard system, it would be like a meteoric rise. You know, even if you take the imperial examination, you don't know how many years you have to take it. Even if you pass the imperial examination with great difficulty, you still have to go to the Hanlin Academy and wait for many years to climb up the ranks.
Most of them didn't even qualify for the Hanlin Academy and were directly sent to serve as officials in other regions.
The officialdom is treacherous and unpredictable; no one knows when they will be plotted against. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is much safer. Although there may not be as many paths to promotion as there are for those who pass the imperial examinations, it is still a good option.
"In the academy, we do not discuss official positions, but only scholarship. Today, I have asked Master Yangming to gather everyone here to demonstrate another branch of scholarship in our academy: the study of investigating things."
Upon hearing this, the crowd immediately began to discuss it. The study of things has existed since ancient times, but it is nothing more than minor arts such as numerology. In their opinion, learning these things might keep one from starving, but it would certainly not lead to much success.
"I don't know what this commander was thinking. Why not just teach the teachings of the sages? This study of the investigation of things can't be taken in the imperial examinations."
One of the middle-aged men whispered to his companion.
"Keep your voice down, are you out of your mind? This commander is not someone we can talk to!"
His companion glared at him and whispered.
Upon hearing this, the man trembled with fear. He then remembered that Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was notoriously ruthless; countless officials had been killed by him. If he were to offend this man…
He became increasingly frightened as he thought about it, and hurriedly looked around. When he found that no one was paying attention to him, he breathed a sigh of relief.