Weijing Academy had sixteen houses in each of its two halls.
As soon as one crossed the gate to the hall, they could see the signboard of the "Hall of Hundred Affairs" hanging in the main hall. This name was taken from a phrase in the Book of Documents: "to be entrusted with managing all crucial affairs, ensuring they proceed in a timely and orderly fashion." It implied that the Day New Studio focused on practical knowledge but also harbored aspirations for its students to reach high government positions.
(The term "Hundred Affairs" signifies all crucial matters and also refers to the ruling officials.)
In front of the hall, there was a half-mu pond, home to koi fish. The main hall was flanked by three-bay lecture halls, all facing south like outstretched wings. To the east and west, there were four-bay dormitory rooms for students. Additionally, a rear courtyard housed structures like an archery range, a kitchen, and latrines.
The dormitory rooms were available for scholars attending the academy. The three taels of silver that Teacher Wang had given Xu Xing covered not only the tuition and meal expenses but also the rent for staying at the academy. Xu Xing collected his proof of residence for a dormitory room.
The dormitory attendant was an old man surnamed Zheng, who was very cordial. Hearing from Teacher Wang that Xu Xing came from a poor background, Zheng took the initiative to give him spare bedding from the academy. He then carried it on his shoulder and accompanied Xu Xing to the dormitory room.
Weijing Academy had been established through the efforts of the Qin Province Supervisor of Education, and many local gentry had donated funds for its upkeep. Money was not an issue, and the academy often provided financial aid to impoverished students.
The dormitory room was a large, communal sleeping space, already occupied by two other students.
As soon as Xu Xing pushed open the door and entered, he saw a tall, square-faced young man lounging on his bed, his legs propped up on the railing. The young man was engrossed in a book. Xu Xing slanted a glance; the book's cover read "Flying Flowers Gorgeous Thoughts."
It was an erotic, forbidden book!
Zheng Zhaifu went over and exchanged a few words with the young man. The young man then closed the book, got off the bed, straightened his clothes, bowed in greeting to Xu Xing, and stated his name.
His name was Chen Jian'an. His family was from Hu County, near Chang'an, and his father was a well-known local herbs merchant. Most of the scholars who attended Weijing Academy came from wealthy and influential families. Chen Jian'an's background, among the many scholars at Weijing Academy, was quite ordinary.
Despite sayings like "Swallows that once graced the halls of Wang and Xie now fly into commoners' homes," and "High officials often rise from humble origins, while the scions of nobility seldom prove worthy," supporting a full-time student was simply beyond the means of an ordinary family.
"Brother Xu, if you ever need to buy medicinal herbs, just let me know. Coming to me, you can get a thirty percent discount," Chen Jian'an said with a smile. He tidied up his bed, tucked a few books under his arm, and then walked straight out of the dormitory, heading towards the lecture hall.
Soon, it would be time for the academy's evening lecture.
Zheng Zhaifu explained the absence of the other roommate. "The other fellow went home for a funeral. He probably won't be back at the academy until next month."
"I see." Upon hearing this, Xu Xing abandoned his intention to get acquainted with the other student for the time being.
After the four characters representing "Death by Misfortune" in his Destiny had shattered and dispersed, a new one had been slow to coalesce. However, just moments ago, while interacting with Chen Jian'an, the speed at which his Destiny was consolidating had noticeably increased.
A little thought, and Xu Xing understood why.
Fellow students, classmates from the same year, and people from the same hometown—these formed the relational networks for scholars. By befriending Chen Jian'an, he had essentially tapped into the network of fellow students at Weijing Academy.
This was what they called a fated connection with a benefactor.
Of course, Chen Jian'an couldn't be considered a true benefactor, merely someone who could slightly influence his luck.
「...」
Once Zheng Zhaifu had left, Xu Xing didn't rush to settle in. After making his bed, he left Weijing Academy and hurried towards the Xiaoyi Hall's temporary outpost. Because he was a new student, the academy supervisor had granted him three days' leave. He didn't change out of his long gown on the way.
By the time he reached the farmhouse, it was already getting dark. Three oil lamps brightly illuminated the main hall. Master Ma and more than ten gang members were seated imposingly in grand master chairs, their expressions stern.
"You should know the gang rules," Master Ma said sternly. "Miss the appointed hour, and you're out!"
Although Xu Xing had not formally acknowledged him as his master, Master Ma had been teaching him these past days and could be considered his informal master. Now that Xu Xing had made a mistake, Master Ma felt he also bore some responsibility.
"Master Ma, I know, and I am willing to accept the punishment," Xu Xing replied, not shirking responsibility. He knelt immediately and admitted his mistake directly.
He was the lowest-ranking member of the Xiaoyi Hall, responsible for procuring supplies. Returning a little late wouldn't normally have mattered, but he had spent too much time answering questions at Weijing Academy, causing a significant delay. The mistake was neither grave nor trivial. But as long as he spoke earnestly and honestly, allowing everyone to save face and let the incident pass, Xiaoyi Hall wouldn't subject him to the "three cuts and six holes" for this. If they did, no one would dare join the Elder Brother Association anymore.
Hearing this, Master Ma's expression softened considerably. He waved his hand for Xu Xing to rise. "You made everyone wait for a long time. Your punishment is to wash everyone's warhorses. After that, we'll consider the matter closed."
Xu Xing was quite diligent in his martial arts practice, and Master Ma had taken note of this. There was no need to make a major issue out of such a minor error. Of course, it was necessary to establish some authority. Otherwise, if tardiness wasn't taken seriously now, it could become a critical issue during important matters. Missing the appointed time then could cost not only their own lives but also drag their brothers down with them. Intimidation to establish dominance, coupled with a judicious use of punishment—this was the art of leading men.
"Thank you, Master Ma," Xu Xing said as he stood up.
"What's with the long gown?" Master Ma asked, noticing Xu Xing's attire was different from usual.
"I've joined Weijing Academy," Xu Xing said solemnly. "I enrolled today."
"Today?" Master Ma furrowed his brow. "Were you delayed because you went to Weijing Academy?"
The Four Great Academies of Guanzhong were Guanzhong Academy, Hongdao Academy, Weijing Academy, and Chongshi Academy. Weijing Academy was one of them. Master Ma had been active in Qin Province for many years and had recently settled in Jingyang County, so he was naturally well-informed about the local Weijing Academy. The First Normal School, where the assassination attempt on Governor Fang Yun of Qin Province had originated, was formerly Guanzhong Academy, also one of the Four Great Academies.
(Guanzhong Academy was renamed The First Normal School in the 32nd year of the Guangxu era. This is mentioned a little earlier here.)
"You..." Master Ma scrutinized Xu Xing closely. He knew perfectly well that getting into Weijing Academy was no easy feat. Although the young man before him wore a long gown and had a somewhat scholarly air, after knowing Xu Xing for some time, Master Ma felt he was more like a farmer's son than a well-read scholar.
"By a stroke of luck, I managed to enter the academy," Xu Xing said, his words elusive.
Anyway, Master Ma would find it challenging to verify the truth. By the time he could, Xu Xing would likely have firmly established himself. At that point, a few minor doubts would no longer be significant enough to warrant discussion. Moreover, the more he said, the more mistakes he might make. His answer could also be seen as a modest statement.
"A gentleman is slow to speak but quick to act." - The Analects, "Li Ren."
"Now that you've joined the academy, you're a scholar..." Master Ma began. "I reckon this long gown of yours is rented. Here are ten taels of silver. Take it and study hard."
Although Master Ma had a thousand questions he wanted to ask Xu Xing, these were the words that eventually came out. He sighed deeply, took out two silver ingots, and placed them in Xu Xing's palm. Each silver ingot weighed five taels; together, they were ten taels.
Respecting teachers and valuing education was a national tradition.
Scholars are far more valuable than ruffians who live by fighting... The Elder Brother Association had always focused on recruiting scholars. However, having a deeply-rooted gang member like Xu Xing—one of their own—enter an academy and become a scholar was far more gratifying than simply winning over other educated men.