Nian Jiaojiao’s hand did not pause as she picked up her food, as if the person beside her was merely an annoying fly.
However, with someone like that ruining her appetite, Nian Jiaojiao had no interest in admiring the scenery. She ate a few bites and returned to her room.
This man had been following Zhang Jing, and even a fool could see he had ulterior motives.
It was just that Nian Jiaojiao was a little curious. Qi Qinghe, who clearly had a discerning mind, would not possibly be unable to see this. For what reason, she wondered, did she not warn her two classmates upon noticing the issue, but instead allowed the man to follow?
However, no matter what schemes they had, as long as these people didn’t involve her, she was too lazy to meddle.
During her free days, Nian Jiaojiao had basically visited more than half of Fengcheng, admired several beautiful sights, and tasted some local delicacies.
However, compared to Nian Jiaojiao’s enjoyable time, the neighbor’s side was not as peaceful.
Zhang Jing was now completely infatuated with that man, and they were already sleeping in the same room. It looked like they had done all that needed to be done.
Zhang Jing was radiant and spirited.
Chen Jie, on the other hand, was gloomy and full of jealousy.
Clearly, Chen Jie had lost the "battle for handsome men." Kuaishu Ge.
A rift had appeared between the two classmates, and they were no longer as harmonious as when they first met.
Nian Jiaojiao could not figure out what kind of tricks this man had in store for Zhang Jing.
Nian Jiaojiao was not from this world, and the original owner’s knowledge was also limited.
What she did not know was that it was not uncommon for scholars with even a little reputation to "chance upon" unfortunate men on the road.
Qi Qinghe, whose family was well-off, had also had experience traveling and studying. The reason she didn't stop her classmate was that she herself had encountered such situations several times.
These men were mostly from poor families with unfortunate fates but possessed good looks. To find a good situation for themselves, they would attach themselves to good families in this manner.
As for why they chose scholars.
It was because most families that could afford to educate their children were quite well-off, and even those from difficult circumstances might become high officials in the future.
As long as the person they chose could distinguish themselves, even as an unofficial concubine, they could still live a good life.
However, the fact that this man had accomplices to perform this act together clearly indicated that there was an unknown reason behind it.
The night before they were to go to the academy, Zhang Jing had an argument with Chen Jie because of that man, and the commotion next door did not quiet down until late.
Nian Jiaojiao listened to the noise from next door, staring at the bed beam in a daze.
Don't these people have any public morality?
It would have been fine if they kept their voices down when arguing!
Nian Jiaojiao rolled over in frustration.
Alas!
So annoying!
…
The next day.
Before dawn, Nian Jiaojiao got up with dark circles under her eyes.
When she felt sleepy last night, the commotion next door was incessant.
After they finally quieted down, she couldn't sleep at all.
At this hour, the door next door was locked, and there was no sound. Nian Jiaojiao ate a few meat buns, drank a bowl of rice congee, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked to the academy without looking back.
She refused to believe that Zhang Jing would dare to bring that man to the academy!
Chenxiang Academy.
As the academy not only accepted students from the city but also attracted students from dozens of surrounding towns, the opening ceremony was somewhat special.
The first time point was the spring equinox, when the academy would officially recruit new students.
Students recruited at this time included ordinary students and Tong Sheng (successful candidates of the imperial examinations at the county level).
Ordinary students who had not passed the Tong Sheng exam must be under 16 years old.
Tong Sheng, however, were different; anyone under 25 could register.
The second time point was not fixed.
Registration was open within two months after the start of the semester.
However, only Tong Sheng under 20 years old could register at this time.
Nian Jiaojiao presented the temporary student token given to her by Madam Yin and entered Chenxiang Academy.
Registration desk.
Nian Jiaojiao walked in after seeing the name on the wooden sign.
As she was the first person to arrive at the academy, she did not see any students going to school along the way.
Steward Pei sat on a chair, yawning listlessly.
Alas… the academy’s regulations were a bit too strict.
At this time, no new students would come to register.
"I'm here to report."
Just as Steward Pei finished thinking this, a clear female voice slapped her face.
Steward Pei forced her small eyes open, and only after she clearly saw the other person did she say:
"Little girl, ordinary students can register next year; the registration period for this year has already passed."
She looked at the person, who appeared to be only fourteen or fifteen years old.
Nian Jiaojiao placed the token in front of her and said:
"This is the token Madam Yin gave me. Please take a look."
Steward Pei picked up the token and saw the academy’s madam mark on it, so she said:
"Do you have your identification?"
Nian Jiaojiao took out the proof with the official seal from the government and handed it over.
"Nian Jiaojiao, 16 years old, from Qinghe Village, Tong Shou of Shanshui Town in the 1156th year of Dayue."
Upon seeing this, Steward Pei showed a hint of surprise.
Such a young Tong Shou was rare in their Fengcheng; over the past decade, one could count them on ten fingers.
Steward Pei, who had no expression before, became much gentler. She looked at the person kindly and said:
"This is the identity token for the Tong Sheng students of our Chenxiang Academy. Please keep it safe."
Nian Jiaojiao took the token and asked curiously:
"Are there any differences in identity tokens?"
On one hand, there were few students, and the steward had nothing to do. On the other hand, the person was a young Tong Shou, so Steward Pei patiently explained to Nian Jiaojiao:
"Our academy has many people. The new students alone number over a thousand each year, with over a hundred Tong Sheng among them. Don't look down on just being a Tong Sheng; they hold a relatively high status in our academy. Their identity tokens, uniforms, and accommodation are all different from those of ordinary students."
"Does our academy only have Tong Sheng? What about Xiu Cai (successful candidates of the imperial examinations at the provincial level)?"
"Well… there are indeed Xiu Cai. Because our dean and vice-dean are Juren (successful candidates of the imperial examinations at the provincial level), they can take Xiu Cai as disciples. However, these disciples also undertake teaching tasks for the academy. You might encounter them in class in the future. The identity tokens they hold are the tokens of the academy's madams."
"I see. Thank you for your explanation, Steward."
Nian Jiaojiao bowed to Steward Pei to express her gratitude.
Steward Pei waved her hand and said:
"You're welcome. I just found you agreeable and chatted with you for a bit. Since no one else has arrived yet, it’s best for you to proceed with other formalities as soon as possible."
Nian Jiaojiao nodded and replied "Yes" before walking towards the next building.
After half an hour, Nian Jiaojiao had received her identity token, scholar's robe, and practice writing materials.
Afterward, she was led to a courtyard by a servant of the academy.