Chapter 131: The Great Confucian Arrives

As for the personnel within the Research Institute, they were relatively few in number. There were only about two hundred craftsmen, and they were merely tasked with producing minor items. The true technological secrets, such as those of papermaking, were beyond their reach; these were manufactured in locations strictly kept secret by Liu Yao.

A few days ago, Mo Tian and Ma Jun finally perfected paper and movable type printing, and the very first authentic book had been produced. With this initial success, the subsequent tasks became straightforward. The vast collection of ancient texts from Cai Yong’s side finally proved useful, and books were printed one after another in an endless stream.

Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai had spent the last two months under the care of Hua Tuo. When Hua Tuo first examined them, he was shocked. Xi Zhicai had been born with a constitutional deficiency, and because it had been neglected for so long, he likely would not have lived for another five years without immediate treatment. As for Guo Jia, although his condition was slightly milder, his long-term consumption of Five Minerals Powder had gradually ruined his health, and his life expectancy would certainly not have been long either.

However, these issues were nothing to Hua Tuo. Having successfully treated terminal cases like Huang Xu, he found Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai’s problems manageable. After more than a month of treatment, their health was largely restored, though they still needed to follow Hua Tuo’s regimen. There were two requirements that were particularly painful for them: they had to learn the Five Animals Frolic, and they were forbidden from drinking a single drop of alcohol for an entire year.

The former was manageable, but the prohibition on alcohol left Guo Jia feeling utterly devastated. To him, life without wine was unbearable. His love for drink surpassed even that of Zhang Fei, especially given the abundance of fine spirits in Youzhou. Ultimately, however, under the firm insistence of Liu Yao and Hua Tuo, he had no choice but to comply.

Of course, Guo Jia had little say in the matter. Liu Yao had dispatched two personal guards to confiscate all the wine from Guo Jia’s residence and issued a strict order forbidding anyone in Youzhou from selling alcohol to him. Faced with such tactics, Guo Jia had no choice but to accept his fate.

Another month passed, and the opening of the Youzhou Academy was set for the following day. Enrollment was largely complete. Most of the students were children of local civilians, aged between seven and eight. Liu Yao did not charge tuition; on the contrary, he provided free room and board. Over five thousand children applied, forcing Liu Yao to select the best two thousand, while providing financial compensation to the others before sending them home.

These children were just the first step; they needed to start by learning to read and grow gradually. Once the academy’s reputation was established, scholars would naturally flock to join. With the existence of printed books, the Youzhou Academy was destined to become a holy land for every man of letters.

During these days, Liu Yao, the most leisurely man in Youzhou, spent his time listening to Cai Yan play the zither and watching Diaochan dance, nurturing their affections.

As for Liu Xin, once she left Luoyang, she became quite wild. After the Research Institute was established, she seemed to have discovered a playground, frequently causing chaos there and leaving Mo Tian with a massive headache. However, as Liu Yao’s younger sister and a princess, her status was absolute. Seeing that there were no critical secrets exposed, Mo Tian let her be, as long as she didn't cause any major disasters. Liu Yao saw all of this and chose not to intervene, his doting affection for his sister being absolute.

On this day, Liu Yao was summoned by Cai Yong, who wished to introduce him to several great Confucian scholars.

Liu Yao was overjoyed and, accompanied by Shi A, flew to Cai Yong’s new residence in Ji County. He knew that these great scholars were the living advertisements for the Youzhou Academy. If he could persuade even a few to stay, it would be ideal. Naturally, he brought along his secret weapon: books—an irresistible lure for such men.

Upon entering Cai Yong’s residence without announcement, Liu Yao found eight individuals—six old and two young, all dressed as scholars—engaged in a lively discussion. He recognized one of them: Kong Rong, the Administrator of Beihai. It was a surprise to see him there, given that the remnants of the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou were still active and the province was in dire need of reconstruction; his presence bordered on dereliction of duty.

"Teacher," Liu Yao greeted Cai Yong.

Cai Yong finally noticed him and, pulling Liu Yao by the hand, introduced him with pride: "This is my disciple, the First Imperial Prince and General of the Cavalry, Liu Yao."

Liu Yao offered a wry smile, realizing that Cai Yong was using him as a point of pride.

"Greetings, Your Highness," the other seven men bowed respectfully.

"Please, no need for formalities. You are all great scholars of this age and my elders," Liu Yao replied modestly.

Cai Yong, knowing Liu Yao’s temperament, added, "My disciple dislikes such displays, so you old fellows can dispense with these rituals."

Cai Yong then introduced them one by one: "Yao'er, you know Kong Beihai. These two are Guan Ning and Bing Yuan, known as the 'Dragon's Belly' and 'Dragon's Tail' respectively. These three are the 'Three Elders of Jingzhou': Master Water Mirror Sima Hui, Huang Chengyan, and Pang Degong. And finally, this is Master Kangcheng, Zheng Xuan."

Liu Yao was inwardly ecstatic. Every one of them was a renowned scholar of the era. The reputation of the "Three Elders of Jingzhou" was especially legendary; most notably, Sima Hui was the mentor of the future Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong. Pang Degong was Pang Tong’s uncle, and historically, Huang Chengyan was Zhuge Liang’s father-in-law. Their connections were inextricable.

It was a pity that Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were likely still infants, making recruitment impossible. As for Zheng Xuan, he was arguably the greatest scholar of the age, holding even higher status in the scholarly community than Cai Yong. With such luminaries attending the opening of the Youzhou Academy, its fame was guaranteed.

"I greet you, elders," Liu Yao said calmly. "Shall we take our seats?"

"Thank you, Your Highness," they replied casually. They held no particular awe for Liu Yao, having come at Cai Yong’s invitation rather than to seek official positions under him.