nycdaug Chapter 147 Recruiting Students and Establishing the Academy
Chapter 147 Recruiting Students and Establishing the Academy
Recruiting students to establish academies
Su Yunlan tapped her fingertips lightly, pondering Master Zhao's unfinished words.
As expected, Master Zhao asked to borrow a few books, and Su Yunlan readily agreed.
She knew that the best way to win over these well-read gentlemen was to cater to their tastes.
After seeing Master Zhao off, Su Yunlan began to work on attracting students.
A few days later, a brand-new plaque was erected outside the busiest teahouse in town—"Xiao Family Academy Enrollment Notice".
Su Yunlan and Young Master Xiao stood beside the notice board, enthusiastically introducing the academy to the students passing by.
Su Yunlan smiled charmingly, her voice clear and melodious, as she eloquently explained the advantages of the academy.
Young Master Xiao, standing to the side, added to the discussion and occasionally gave an impromptu swordplay demonstration, attracting the attention of many.
"I've never heard of this Xiao Family Academy before?" a student dressed in a blue robe, named Sun Xuezi, asked with a hint of doubt.
Beside him was a clever pageboy named Zhou Shutong, who also peeked at the notice.
“Young master, you may not know this,” Su Yunlan explained gracefully, “This academy was recently rebuilt, and it boasts a strong faculty and a rich collection of books.”
"Oh? Strong teaching staff?" Sun Xuezi raised an eyebrow. "I wonder which famous teachers are in charge?" He looked around, as if trying to find some flaw.
Zhou Shutong chimed in, "Yes, yes, the teaching staff is the foundation of the academy!"
Several students gathered around, listening curiously to their conversation.
Su Yunlan smiled slightly, confident: "The names of all the gentlemen will be announced soon, so please stay tuned."
Sun Xuezi was clearly dissatisfied with the answer: "Talk is cheap. You have to show us some real skills to convince us, right?" His tone was slightly provocative, and Zhou Shutong chimed in. The surrounding students began to whisper among themselves, and the atmosphere gradually became tense.
Su Yunlan remained expressionless, her gaze sweeping over everyone, a confident smile playing on her lips.
She clapped her hands lightly, and Young Master Xiao, understanding the gesture, walked to the side and called out to the teahouse, "Master Zhao, my sister-in-law invites you in!"
[Event occurred]
As soon as he finished speaking, Master Zhao stroked his beard and slowly walked out of the teahouse.
His refined and scholarly air immediately quieted down the surrounding noise.
The sunlight shone on him, as if gilding him with a layer of gold, making him appear even more dignified and respected.
"Master Zhao!" Someone in the crowd recognized him and exclaimed in surprise.
"It really is Master Zhao! He's the most learned man around here!"
"I never expected that Xiao's Academy would actually be able to persuade Master Zhao to join them!"
A murmur of discussion arose, and both Sun Xuezi and Zhou Shutong showed expressions of surprise.
They clearly hadn't expected that the newly opened academy would be able to invite someone like Master Zhao.
Master Zhao walked up to Su Yunlan and nodded slightly: "Madam Su".
Su Yunlan smiled and returned the greeting: "Master, thank you for your trouble."
Master Zhao waved his hand, turned to the crowd, and said loudly, "I am unworthy, but I am honored by Lady Su's kindness to serve as the headmaster of Xiao's Academy. In the past few days, I have been discussing the academy's teaching philosophy with Lady Su, and I am deeply impressed by its novelty and uniqueness. It emphasizes the inheritance of classics, but is not bound by ancient methods. It is truly a good place to seek knowledge and ask questions."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his voice growing louder: "I can tell you all with certainty that the Xiao Family Academy's collection of books far exceeds your imagination! Among them are many rare and precious editions, enough to broaden your horizons!"
Master Zhao's words were like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples.
The students whispered among themselves, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
Having the opportunity to access those precious classics was undoubtedly a huge temptation for them.
Su Yunlan looked at the scene before her, a slight smile of satisfaction appearing on her lips.
She knew that Master Zhao's words had successfully captured the attention of most of the students.
At this moment, Xiao Yuhan walked to Su Yunlan's side and handed her a cup of warm tea.
He looked at her, his eyes gentle and tender: "You've worked hard."
Su Yunlan took the teacup, took a small sip, and felt the aroma of the tea fill the air, bringing a warm and comforting sensation.
She turned to look at Xiao Yuhan, and the two smiled at each other. No words were needed; their love was already evident in their eyes.
"No matter how well Master Zhao explains it, we still need to see it with our own eyes to be at ease," a voice broke the warm atmosphere.
As soon as he finished speaking, Sun Xuezi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Master Zhao is highly respected, and I naturally admire him. However, seeing is believing, so may we go to the academy for a visit?" His eyes darted around, carrying a hint of probing.
Zhou Shutong cleverly chimed in, "Yes, yes, it would be reassuring to see it with our own eyes."
Su Yunlan's heart tightened. The academy was still under renovation. The tables and chairs had not yet been fully arranged, and the walls had only been painted halfway, making it quite an eyesore.
But she remained calm and smiled slightly: "Of course, but the academy is still under construction and looks a bit simple. I hope you will understand."
After seeing Master Zhao off, Su Yunlan walked quickly towards the academy, pondering how to revitalize it in a short time.
Got it!
On a sudden impulse, she slipped into the space.
A wide variety of tables, chairs, bookshelves, and ornaments are on display, offering everything imaginable.
She quickly selected a batch of suitable items, and also took some flowers, plants, and trees, and moved them all out at once.
Stepping back into the academy, Su Yunlan rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
She arranged the tables and chairs neatly, filled the bookshelves with books, and decorated them with flowers, plants, and trees. The once somewhat empty academy instantly became vibrant and full of life.
She even took out a beautiful tea set from her space and placed it in the courtyard for the students to rest and enjoy tea.
In less than half an hour, the once slightly dilapidated academy had been completely transformed.
The faint scent of ink mingled with the fragrance of flowers and herbs, a truly refreshing experience.
Su Yunlan looked around with satisfaction, a confident smile playing on her lips.
When Sun Xuezi and Zhou Shutong followed Su Yunlan into the academy, they were both stunned.
What they saw before them was completely different from what they had imagined.
The academy was clean and tidy, with an elegant layout. The bookshelves were filled with all kinds of books, exuding a faint fragrance of ink.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the pages of the book and reflecting a golden glow, as if one were immersed in an ocean of knowledge.
"This...this really is Xiao's Academy?" Sun Xuezi was so surprised he couldn't close his mouth, and Zhou Shutong's eyes widened as he looked around, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Su Yunlan smiled and nodded: "Exactly. How is it? Are you satisfied?"
Sun Xuezi nodded excitedly, "Satisfied! So satisfied! I never expected Xiao's Academy to be so unique and elegant, with such a rich collection of books! I...I've decided to enroll!"
The surrounding students also expressed their willingness to consider enrolling.
A surge of immense joy welled up in Su Yunlan's heart.
"Eighteenth Young Master, bring me pen and ink!"