Chapter 28: The Radiance of Liangzhou’s Literary Heritage

Although Xu Mingyi had set off first, his carriage was not as fast as the Ning family’s. The two arrived at the Li residence almost simultaneously.

For some reason, the Li family’s main hall was filled with scholars that day. As Xu Mingyi was a prize pupil of Elder Li and the Princess was a distinguished guest, the servants hurried to announce their arrival upon seeing them.

"You arrived so quickly! The Prince’s carriage is truly swift," Xu Mingyi said with a smile.

As he spoke, footsteps approached, and a maid led in an elderly man with a vigorous spirit. Though aged, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle’s. This was none other than Master Li Tailai.

"Oh my, I heard that the Princess had graced my humble home with her presence, and I was filled with trepidation. I never imagined Young Master Xu would be here as well—today is truly a joyous occasion," Li Tailai said with a beaming smile, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity.

Ning Junruo stood up quickly and bowed respectfully. "Master Li, it is truly presumptuous of me to disturb you. I have heard that your wisdom is profound and your learning spans the ages. I have come today specifically to invite you to emerge from seclusion and serve as the head of Changning Academy."

Li Tailai stroked his beard, his gaze shifting between the two, and laughed, "I am but a mere scholar; what virtue or ability do I possess to take on such a heavy responsibility?"

Xu Mingyi interjected, "Master Li, if you were to emerge from seclusion, it would be a great blessing for the academy and for the cause of education in Liangzhou. Furthermore, the Princess holds the people close to her heart, and her aspirations are truly commendable. If you could assist her, it would be a great fortune for all of Liangzhou."

The scholars who had been waiting nearby began to whisper to one another upon hearing this.

"I heard the Princess of Liang rarely ventures out and has never paid a formal visit to anyone. I never expected her to come in person today to invite Master Li!"

"Indeed, the Princess is no ordinary woman. They say she is not only the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Ning, but her maternal grandfather is none other than Master Chang Junqian. Now, by establishing a free academy to benefit the public, she is truly a heroine among women!"

"No wonder it is called Changning Academy; so that is the connection."

"With the support of scholarly families like the Nings and the Changs, if Elder Li truly accepts, won't Changning Academy become the pride of our Liangzhou?"

Amidst the discussion, Li Tailai nodded slowly. "I have dedicated my life to literature. If I can contribute even a little to the continuation of Liangzhou’s cultural heritage, why should I refuse? Princess, I accept your request."

The room erupted in joy. Ning Junruo nodded in gratitude, the stone that had been weighing on her heart finally settling.

"Master Li’s willingness to emerge from seclusion is a great blessing for the academy and even more so for the students of Liangzhou. Please rest assured, I will not fail your expectations. I will ensure that Changning Academy lives up to its name and cultivates many pillars of talent for Liangzhou."

"Ha! Good! With such grand ambitions, I shall certainly give you my full support!" Li Tailai’s hearty laugh echoed through the room, making even the bamboo outside the window seem to sway with grace.

"If there is anything the Princess requires, I, Mingyi, am willing to offer my humble efforts!" Xu Mingyi’s tone held an unprecedented firmness and enthusiasm.

"I am willing as well!" said a young man in white robes, standing up and cupping his hands in a salute.

"I am willing, too!" added a scholar wearing a jade crown, also rising to salute.

One after another, the young men stood up. Their resonant voices gathered like a stream into an ocean, eventually resounding through the clouds like the rolling thunder of spring.

Having initially thought she was merely fulfilling her grandfather’s wish, she never expected to receive such overwhelming support.

This passionate display caused a mist to gather in Ning Junruo’s clear eyes. She looked toward Xu Mingyi and found him watching her with a smile; the anticipation and admiration in his eyes brought her great comfort.

Could it be that he had known about the scholarly debate at Master Li’s house today and brought her here on purpose?

Ning Junruo returned his smile, and her earlier suspicions and misgivings vanished in an instant. With Master Li Tailai at the helm and the support of the scholars of Liangzhou, Ning Junruo’s resolve grew even stronger.

The next day, Changning Academy opened as promised. Those who had brought their children to enroll packed the academy to the point of overflowing. Standing under the eaves, Ning Junruo watched the crowd from afar, feeling a sense of peace she had never known before.

Because the Princess lived such a secluded life, many were seeing her for the first time. They whispered and gossiped among themselves.

"I never imagined the Princess would be not only kind-hearted but also so beautiful."

"Indeed, her round face looks so prosperous, and her gentle expression reminds me of a living Bodhisattva in the temple."

In the crowd, her eyes caught a small, thin figure. He stood at the very front of the line, having likely arrived before dawn. He was still wearing the same tattered clothes, though they were noticeably cleaner this time. The brand-new, small wooden desk beside him looked particularly conspicuous.

Ning Junruo could not help but walk over to him and ask, "Did you come alone? Is everything you need prepared?"

"I came alone, and... yes, everything is prepared."

Yu Xiaonu’s voice grew softer, clearly lacking confidence. It seemed he had no money to prepare anything, and Ning Junruo made a silent note of it.

Just then, the teacher came over to register names. "You are called Yu Xiaonu?"

Like names such as 'Piglet' or 'Servant,' 'Xiaonu' was a lowly name. Yet, looking at the stubbornness in the boy's eyes, Ning Junruo could not help but intervene.

"The great roc rises with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles into the sky. From now on, do not call yourself Xiaonu. Let your name be Wanli—Yu Wanli."

"What a wonderful name the Princess has bestowed upon you! Hurry and thank her!" urged the teacher, Shen Zhongxia.

Yu Wanli hurriedly knelt before Ning Junruo, bowed his head to the ground, and said solemnly, "Thank you, Your Highness, for the name. Wanli will never fail your expectations!"

"Wanli... Yu Wanli. What a truly excellent name."

"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. The Princess is truly learned; this name is wonderful."

"The name is so grand. I beg the Princess to bestow one upon my child as well."

Just as the crowd was discussing this, they saw the Prince of Liang, Zhao Shenxing, pushing through the crowd and striding toward them.

"A dignified Princess should stay properly in the Prince’s residence instead of acting the saint here! You have completely disgraced me!"

This roar brought the crowd to a sudden silence. Where is there such a thing as a free lunch in this world? Many had been skeptical about the 'free' aspect, and his accusation of her 'acting the saint' confirmed their suspicions.

The words were vicious. Hearing the murmurs of the crowd, Ning Junruo’s expression darkened.

"May I ask what you mean by these words, My Lord? When have I ever wanted to 'act the saint'? I haven't used a single tael of your silver; I am merely doing what I wish to do. How does that disgrace you?"

Xu Mingyi had said this precisely to make the crowd believe the academy was funded by the Prince's estate, and that she was merely an attention-seeker playing the saint. He had not expected her to show him no face at all in front of such a large crowd.

Xu Mingyi raged, "What do you mean you haven't used a single tael of my money? Don't forget your status, Princess, and don't forget that this is Liangzhou! As long as I do not agree, this academy will never open!"