Five days later, in front of Marquis Ju Lu's residence, which had been renovated into Julu Academy, the residents of Handan City gathered in front of the academy. They stared at the tightly shut doors of the academy and the cement road that led to Madam Ya's residence.
After ten days of construction, the entire southern outskirts of Handan City, from Madam Ya's Residence to the current Julu Academy, as well as the streets leading to the palace, the Fragrant Book House, and the restaurant were all changed into flat and neat cement roads, replacing the original loess streets.
Under the anticipation of the crowd, time slowly passed.
"Could it be that Marquis Ju Lu was frightened by the scene here and didn't dare to come?" In a certain corner, among a group of youths who were dressed like the children of a big family, a man said with a face full of mockery.
The person who spoke was none other than Prince Shaoyuan, Zhao De, who had a conflict with Zhao Ya and was taught a lesson by Sei Itō in the end.
"That Marquis Ju Lu is probably regretting it at home. He shouldn't have said that he would accept the academy for free. Now, even his intestines are probably green with regret." Another young master added.
"Hahahaha." The young masters at the side were amused by this and laughed exaggeratedly.
Hearing their words, even though the Handan City residents were unhappy, they didn't dare to refute. Instead, their anxious hearts wavered even more.
"Could it be that it's like what those young masters said and he's regretting it?"
However, his worries were quickly dispelled by a sudden commotion.
"Look!"
"It's Madam Ya's carriage!"
As a prominent figure in Handan City, Zhao Ya's carriage and the driver were clearly remembered by the residents of the city. Thus, the moment the carriage drove over, it was recognized by the sharp-eyed residents.
"It's Marquis Ju Lu and the others!"
Hearing this. The Handan City residents immediately relaxed and heaved a sigh of relief.
At the same time, there was a strange creak. The tightly shut doors of Marquis Ju Lu's residence, which had been renamed as Julu Academy, were slowly opened. Dozens of men in martial attire with weapons at their waists ran out and stood on both sides of the street, shouting for the residents to keep quiet.
Under the support of these warriors, the originally chaotic procession due to the appearance of the carriage gradually stabilized. They watched with anticipation as the carriage stopped in front of the academy.
Then, the curtains were pulled open and Sei Itō walked out. Then, Zhao Ni, Zhao Ya, Zhao Qian, Wu Tingfang, and Guo Xiu 'er came out.
Whoosh!
Almost as soon as they appeared, the surrounding citizens of Handan City immediately pulled the children beside them and knelt down, bowing their heads deeply to show their respect for the Duke and Marquis.
"Rise," Sei Itō's voice, as if there was a megaphone of the academy. His voice reverberated throughout the entire academy.
Whoosh!
The civilians stood up and looked at Ito Sei in the car.
"I know what you're looking forward to. Yes, as the rumors in the city have said, I am indeed going to open an academy and accept students regardless of gender. I will also waive the fees for students. Now, I will personally admit it. You can rest assured, "Sei Itō said with a smile as he looked at the many residents on the street.
During the Warring States Period, even though the Marquis had all kinds of problems, their credibility was unquestionable, even if they were notorious nobles. The words spoken in public and the promises made would also be believed by the civilians. It was completely different from the later generations, where there was a lack of trust. Even the words between two friends could not be trusted. So the moment Ito Sei finished speaking, a loud cheer immediately sounded from the mouths of the civilians.
They had no choice but to cheer! In the current era where documents were controlled by the government and the School of the Hundred Schools, having the opportunity to study meant that there was a chance to change one's fate and make one stand out. In the future, one could even enter the imperial court as an official, become a minister, a doctor, or a noble. This would give one a name and a status that was comparable to the situation in the future where one could study and enter a university.
"Thank you, Marquis Ju Lu!"
"Thank you, Marquis of Julu!"
"Thank you, Marquis of Julu!"
Following this, it started out as a small group, but it soon became more and more. In the end, it became the cheers of all the residents present, which reverberated like thunder in the sky above Handan City.
This situation continued for more than a minute before it calmed down under Sei Itō's signal.
"Alright, let's not waste any more words. I now announce that Julu Academy is officially open for students," Sei Itō said with a smile as he looked at the residents. Then, he turned his head to look at the six men standing at the entrance and continued, "Zhao Ren, Zhao Yi, Zhao Li, Zhao Zhi, Zhao Xin, Zhao De, begin the registration."
With that, he brought Zhao Ni, Zhao Ya, Zhao Qian, Wu Tingfang, and Guo Xiuer down from the carriage and walked into the academy, disappearing from the sight of the residents of Handan City.
"Yes," Zhao Ren, Zhao Yi, Zhao Li, Zhao Zhi, Zhao Xin, and Zhao De replied in unison.
"We will now begin the registration process. Everyone, please come forward in order. The surrounding warriors will maintain order. If there are any troublemakers, chase them away. If there are any troublemakers, chase them away. If there are any who cut in line, chase them away. If there are any who force themselves on the weak, chase them away. " Then, one of the six people took a step forward and announced loudly in front of the crowd.
Then, the surrounding warriors dispersed into six groups. They stood at the six square tables that were just brought out of the academy and slapped them twice. Their hands were on the hilts of their swords as they glared at the surrounding residents and helped the man sitting on the chair behind the table maintain order.
"Child's name." The man sitting behind the table held a brush in his hand and lightly dipped it in ink. He used his left hand to press down on the paper with the form in front of him and raised his head to look at the nervous middle-aged man in front of him.
"Er Wa," The man said with a trembling voice.
"Do you have a surname?" The man asked softly.
"No, no," The man quickly shook his head and said.
"Age," The man wrote down Er Wa's name on the form and asked again.
"Thirteen," The man replied.
"Home address," The man nodded and asked again.
"North of the city …" The man said his home address.
"Okay, this is your child's registration certificate. Three days later, bring it here." After registering the child's information, the old man picked up a half-broken bamboo stick with an engraving on it and handed it to the man.
"Remember to take good care of it. Without it, you won't be able to enter the academy."
"Okay, I got it," The man held the half-broken bamboo stick tightly and said nervously.
"You may leave. It's time for the people behind," The man said gently.
"Okay." The man answered and hurriedly led the child away with a thousand thanks.
"Name," The man looked at the person in front of him and asked.
… …
"Now that I have the document, I'm just missing the military merit." Sei Itō thought to himself as he stood in the inner room of Julu Academy and looked at the Handan City citizens who were registering at the entrance.
Noticing Sei Itō's contemplative expression, Zhao Ni walked to Sei Itō's side and asked softly, "Husband, what are you thinking about?"
Sei Itō turned around and smiled at Zhao Ni. "I'm thinking that the Wei Kingdom's diplomatic group should be here soon."
"Husband, are you talking about Qian 'er's marriage?" The intelligent Zhao Ni suddenly asked.
Hearing Zhao Ni's words, Zhao Qian, Guo Xiu 'er, and Wu Tingfang, who were originally sitting at the side and reading the teaching books Sei Itō had prepared for the academy, all looked at Sei Itō.
"Yes, after all, we were the ones who broke our promise first. I wonder how the Wei Kingdom will react." Sei Itō chuckled.
"Husband, are you worried about the Wei Kingdom's attitude?" Zhao Ya walked to Sei Itō and asked curiously.
Based on her understanding of Sei Itō during this period of time, her husband, who even dared to control King Zhao, was not the kind of person who would care about the attitude of other countries.
"Worried? No, I'm looking forward. I'm looking forward to the Wei Kingdom's attitude being tougher. It would be best if they were angry enough to send troops to attack Zhao. "Sei Itō wrapped his arms around Zhao Ya's body and sniffed her neck deeply.
"Ah!?" Zhao Ni, Zhao Qian, Wu Tingfang, and Guo Xiu 'er, who did not expect Sei Itō to say this, all let out a cry of surprise.
"Husband, why do you have such thoughts?" Zhao Ni asked with a look of surprise.
"Because I need military merits." Sei Itō stretched out an arm and wrapped it around Zhao Ni's waist. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her on the lips. "It would be best if it's the kind of unworldly military merits. This way, I can cooperate with the influence of the current civil affairs and let your brother abdicate the throne and become King Zhao."
This was the first time he had spoken his thoughts to someone other than Zhao Ya.
"Ah!?" Naturally, these words once again caused Zhao Ni, Zhao Qian, and the others to cry out in shock.
"How about it, are you willing to accompany this rebellious husband of mine?" Sei Itō chuckled as he looked at Zhao Ni in his embrace, as well as Zhao Qian, Wu Tingfang, and Guo Xiu 'er not far away. As for Zhao Ya, she had already submitted. So there was no need to ask.
"My body and mind already belong to you. No matter what husband does, Zhao Ni is willing to be an ox or a horse and serve you forever." After a moment of silence, Zhao Ni decisively said.
Sei Itō slightly tightened the arm around Zhao Ni's waist, letting her body stick closer to him. Then, he raised his head and looked at Zhao Qian, Wu Tingfang, and Guo Xiu 'er.
"Just as Sister Ni said, Xiu 'er is willing to be an ox or a horse and serve you forever." Although Guo Xiu' er's tone was soft, her expression was full of determination.
"It won't affect father and mother, right?" Wu Tingfang said with some worry.
"Then what if it does?" Sei Itō asked back.
"…" Wu Tingfang's face immediately revealed a hesitant expression. However, she still said straightforwardly. "Fang 'er naturally wants to follow husband, but father and mother …"
Sei Itō nodded slightly and turned his head to look at Zhao Qian.
"Husband, do you know, Qian 'er is very grateful to you …"
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