Chapter Seventy-Five: Establishing the Academy

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In the early morning, all was silent. The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the darkness was retreating. The dawn gently awakened the slumbering creatures of the world.

Inside the main hall of the Prefect’s residence...

“Hmph! Young man, you’ve imprisoned me here, ignoring me all this time. Now you summon me—what is the purpose?” Cai Yong addressed him solemnly, bowing with dignity and raising his brow ever so slightly.

“Scholar Cai, please be patient. I owe you an apology for failing to visit you, being occupied with affairs of the residence,” Zifan replied with heartfelt courtesy, then gazed at Cai Yong.

“The reason I called you here today is to propose establishing a grand academy in Youzhou. Not only will all children of humble origin be able to attend, but even girls will have the right to learn. What are your thoughts on this, Scholar Cai?”

“This... this...”

“Tch... Easier said than done. Allowing girls to attend school would pioneer a revolution in education.”

Cai Yong bowed his head in contemplation for a moment, then sighed softly. “At present, education serves only the children of nobles. Commoners have no right to be educated.”

“The thousands of humble Han students are left with nothing!”

“Precisely. That is why we must privately establish schools, open enrollment to all, and break this mold so everyone may learn.”

“This...”

“This would be unprecedented. Before this, during the Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou dynasties, education and scholarly culture were monopolized by the authorities. That’s why so many literary masterpieces could not be widely disseminated.” Cai Yong was stunned upon hearing this, then, in astonishment, dropped to his knees.

The saying ‘learning resides with the authorities’ refers to this idea. In matters of education, people are divided into two: those with the right to be educated, and those without. Those with the right to be educated also have the right to provide education, while those without are deprived of both. Education is a privilege reserved for the aristocracy; common folk are denied the right to learn.

“To study for the rise and fall of the world...”

“In these turbulent times, with chaos on every side, I hope the people may gain wisdom and progress through learning, achieve something worthwhile, broaden their horizons, treat others with tolerance, and make this country and world a better place. Scholar Cai, would you be willing to lend me your support?” Zifan looked at Cai Yong with solemn intent.

“I never imagined you harbored such lofty ambitions. Though I am but a humble scholar, I am willing to lend my strength, to study for the nation, to strive for the people,” Cai Yong replied gravely, bowing deeply.

“Excellent... With your support, Scholar Cai, the academy is sure to succeed!” Zifan immediately stepped forward to help Cai Yong up, bowing with deep gratitude.

“Haha... Let us encourage each other!”

“I hope you will accept the position of dean of my humble academy.”

“That cannot be, cannot be...” Cai Yong refused outright, “I am advanced in years now, and it is rare to abandon my official duties. I can devote myself to teaching, but as for the post of dean, you must take it upon yourself.”

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“In that case, I hope you might serve as the academy’s director.”

“What is this director position?” Cai Yong turned to ask.

“The director oversees and manages all student affairs. If you take on this role, your presence will surely awe every student in the academy.”

“Very well! I shall no longer decline.”

Zifan’s plan to establish the academy immediately set all of Youzhou abuzz. The academy practiced universal education—free for all students. The people of Youzhou were moved to tears, eagerly sending their children to study. Of course, the name Cai Yong was a shining banner; who wouldn’t wish for their children to learn under such a renowned scholar? Many tried every means to secure a place for their sons and daughters.

However, with so many students, teaching them all together was impossible. Their ages varied greatly, as did their levels of knowledge.

Cai Yong thus grouped the students by age, assigning a few elders to lead each group.

He also advocated ‘refined in both appearance and virtue—a true gentleman,’ believing that only when inner and outer qualities matched could one be considered a noble person. Thus, his curriculum balanced moral education and knowledge.

He felt the ‘Four Teachings’ mentioned in the Analects—literature, conduct, loyalty, and faith—were not precisely defined, so he did not divide Confucius’s teachings along these lines.

Cai Yong believed learning to be a good person was the foundation. If a person’s character was poor, then no matter how learned he was, he would be a danger to society. Thus, the core of education was moral cultivation.

For example, to help disciples understand and grasp benevolence, Cai Yong often answered their questions in detail.

He explained, “Firm, resolute, simple, and reticent—these are close to benevolence,” meaning strong and upright, decisive and honest.

Carefulness in speech approaches benevolence as well. He further specified filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, faithfulness, diligence, righteousness, courage, respect, sincerity, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, humility, thrift, yielding, modesty, harmony, tolerance, sensitivity, and benevolence—a series of concrete concepts enriching moral cultivation. He insisted disciples distinguish good from evil, ‘act with shame.’

“To love goodness and hate evil, to do some things and avoid others—such feelings manifest as ‘knowing shame.’”

One day, Zifan tiptoed into Cai Yong’s room, afraid to disturb him. Cai Yong was busy at his desk, surrounded by stacks of books, immersed in the academy’s affairs. The room echoed with footsteps and sighs.

“Director Cai, how is the academy faring? Have there been any problems lately?”

Upon hearing Zifan’s voice, Cai Yong immediately put down his brush, shook his head, and stood.

“There are no major issues. It’s just that some students are too young, and the books are too advanced for them. They don’t understand. Alas... Living so long, only now do I feel the hardships of the common people.”

“How pitiful...!”

“Scholar Cai, do not sigh so. In a few days, I will send some books—simple and easy to understand. The children will surely comprehend them; they’ll make perfect textbooks,” Zifan said with a smile.

“Oh! What books are these? Could you explain?” Cai Yong asked curiously.

Zifan smiled, “The book is called the ‘Three Character Classic.’”

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“The Three Character Classic...! I don’t recall such a book! Where did you obtain it, Prefect?”

“Ah! Yes, yes, yes... I wrote it myself out of boredom.”

Cai Yong was astonished, then chuckled lightly.

The ‘Three Character Classic’ is a traditional primer. Among ancient classics, it is one of the most accessible and easy-to-read texts. Its format—three characters per line—makes it rhythmic and concise. Drawing on Chinese history and rooted in tradition, it emphasizes virtue as the foundation of education, values perseverance, and the influence of environment on learning, discussing the importance of education and study.

Of course, Zifan had shamelessly begged for it from the system.

A few days later, Zifan sent the book to Cai Yong. At first, Cai Yong paid it little attention, smiling as if it were merely idle scribblings. But as he read further, his eyes widened in astonishment. He couldn’t help but recite aloud: “At birth, human nature is good. Natures are alike, habits make them different...”

Word by word, the Three Character Classic flowed from Cai Yong’s lips. Though he was well-read, he was deeply moved by its elegance.

“Every line is three characters, easy to recite and understand—an excellent primer for young learners!”

Cai Yong’s eyes shone with excitement. “This, this, this...” He was so moved he could hardly speak. “This text is the best for opening young minds! Truly, you are a talent of rare caliber.” Cai Yong clasped his fists and bowed deeply to Zifan.

“Ha, it is nothing...!” Zifan replied modestly. “Scholar Cai, I suggest pairing each line with an illustration. That way, children can easily grasp the meaning.”

Cai Yong sipped his tea. He had never heard of such a method. After all, there were few artists in the troubled times, and everything was difficult.

“It’s a good idea, but I fear there won’t be enough funds. Those who can paint are mostly masters, and with so many illustrations needed, the costs would be enormous.”

Zifan waved his hand dismissively. “No matter, just give the order. Scholar Cai, you need not worry about the funds.”

The treasures unearthed from the tomb were more than enough to handle any financial issue. With a bulging purse, his words carried weight.