Zhang Fang’s words shocked Mu Qing and the others because they resonated deeply. After all, isn’t the purpose of studying to enter the government, establish oneself for the people, and benefit the world? Although more people are becoming literate, increasing competition also means that the country is producing more talented individuals. The overall cultural level of the nation has risen several notches!
This grand perspective made the thoughts of Mu Qing and the others seem narrow and outdated. They felt ashamed and couldn’t help but admire Zhang Fang’s integrity, growing to respect and idolize him more. Initially, they regarded Zhang Fang as a classmate, but now they held him in high esteem, placing him on a pedestal of moral integrity.
Du Yan was waiting for Mu Qing to bring Zhang Fang to the academy. He never expected this student, whom he had always looked down upon, would now become a prominent figure. As Zhang Fang’s teacher, he felt the need to educate him properly and temper Zhang Fang’s arrogance, ensuring that he learned to be humble and modest.
However, when he saw that Mu Qing had returned without Zhang Fang, he frowned and asked, “Didn’t you see Zhang Fang?”
Mu Qing shook his head and replied, “I saw Zhang Fang today, but he doesn’t intend to return to the academy. He has started a school in the village and is teaching the students.”
Du Yan expressed disbelief, inadvertently mocking, “With his level, he dares to call himself a teacher? How insulting to the profession!”
Uncomfortable with Du Yan’s ridicule of Zhang Fang, Mu Qing spoke up in defense, “What Zhang Fang is doing is very meaningful. He wants to change the entire village and educate the farmers’ children to read and write.”
Du Yan chuckled sarcastically and said, “So he is teaching those farmers’ children to read; does he think they will participate in the imperial examinations like him? If these farmers’ children are all educated, then who will work the fields?”
This genuinely puzzled Mu Qing. After a while, he regained his composure and answered, “Only those who have participated in the examinations understand how difficult they are. Not every scholar can pass the exams. If they cannot achieve fame, these farmers will naturally abandon their studies and return to farming.”
Du Yan believed Mu Qing was being too naive, coldly replying, “The more people participate in the imperial examinations, the tougher the competition for you scholars.”
While this reasoning was sound, Mu Qing continued to defend Zhang Fang, telling Du Yan, “In the end, it comes down to individual capability. The court selects officials based on merit; it has always been that those with good results and exceptional talent will succeed.”
“Naive!” Du Yan was incensed by Mu Qing’s attitude. He couldn’t believe how irrational Mu Qing had become. However, because of Mu Qing’s family background, he did not want to be too harsh and left angrily without speaking further.
In the following days, Zhang Fang settled into village life, focusing on teaching. He balanced his teaching with self-study, writing chapters every night and occasionally corresponding with Manager Wang and Manager Wei. Manager Wang managed Zhang Fang’s charity foundation exceptionally well, making the financial reports public each period. Now, he was so engrossed in charity that he almost neglected running the inn, even hiring several devoted fans to share the workload.
Zhang Fang’s dedicated readers viewed working for the charity foundation as an honor. This position couldn’t simply be purchased; a person had to be a devoted fan of Zhang Fang whose character and family background passed stringent checks. Therefore, everyone working for the foundation seriously committed to their duties.
Supported vigorously by Changsheng Commercial Firm, Zhang Fang’s books were published rapidly and in large quantities. Having already established a reputation across various regions, he had set up shops that accepted pre-orders for his new books. As a result, his books often sold out before they reached the shelves, with many people willing to pay high prices for a copy from others.
The princes in the capital also heard of Zhang Fang. However, they regarded him as an insignificant figure and paid him no mind. Only the second prince, knowing he lacked the ability to vie for the throne, enjoyed a carefree life and often avoided court politics; he found joy in exploring the common folk. Recently, he became fascinated by Zhang Fang’s novels.
The second prince believed that someone capable of writing such extraordinary works must possess real understanding of the world. He developed a particular interest in Zhang Fang and intended to befriend him. Thus, he collected various information about Zhang Fang and planned to visit Jiangzhou to find him.
Once Zhang Fang established the school, the Zhang family felt the goodwill of the entire village. They noticed how everyone in the village treated the Zhang family exceptionally well! Even for minor tasks, others rushed to help them. Zhang Fang’s brothers and sisters-in-law couldn’t help but marvel at Zhang Fang’s vision. Old Zhang no longer wore patched clothes; instead, he donned the attire Zhang Fang bought for him, strolling around the village and assisting with local affairs.
As the provincial examination approached, Zhang Fang temporarily set aside his teaching duties to attend the examination. When he departed, the villagers placed high hopes on him, wishing for his success in gaining official recognition! After all, Zhang Fang was now their children’s teacher, and if he succeeded, it would surely reflect positively on their own children, who might also follow in his footsteps to fame!
Manager Wang received news of Zhang Fang’s departure date and came to the ferry every day waiting for him.
Although they often communicated, when they finally met, Manager Wang still had plenty to say to Zhang Fang.
After resting for a day at the inn, Zhang Fang began reviewing the accounts the next morning to ensure that no funds from the charity foundation had been embezzled. He also needed to audit the records from each business partner, employing a membership point system. Any purchase of Zhang Fang’s derivative products would be recorded; his readers were very particular about this. Many merchants dared not falsify their accounts or deceive Zhang Fang.
Only once he confirmed everything was in order did Zhang Fang visit Xu Chang. Once again, he went empty-handed without gifts.
If it were anyone else arriving empty-handed, Xu Chang would defiantly refuse entry. However, Zhang Fang was clever; Xu Chang didn’t dare to offend him. Even though they had known each other for months and maintained correspondence, Zhang Fang had never sent extravagant gifts, and Xu Chang didn’t hold it against him.
This time, the provincial examination was monitored not only by local officials but also by other officials sent by the court. Even if Xu Chang wanted to help Zhang Fang, he dared not tamper with this matter, as the exam supervisors were not his allies but people from opposing factions. Xu Chang, fearing exposure, advised Zhang Fang to refrain from visiting him during this sensitive period.