The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

36. Thirty-Six Treasures ✨

When Xu Zhen arrived at the academy, classes were just being dismissed. Students in blue and white uniforms surged out like a tumultuous wave.

The head official was seated at the entrance, engrossed in writing something.

Xu Zhen called out to him, and he quickly set down his pen and paper, standing up to lead the way. "Assistant Minister! This way."

The two headed toward the lush green foothills.

As they walked, Xu Zhen asked, "Have the parents of the other two students arrived yet?"

The head official replied, "We still need to wait. One has come, while the other is out today and is riding back to Chang'an."

Xu Zhen nodded. "What are we going to discuss when we're all together?"

The head official said, "Naturally, we'll be discussing how to educate the students."

Xu Zhen inquired further, "Do the two of them hold official positions? Should I offer them my respects?"

The head official responded, "No need for that, we're just having a casual chat."

Xu Zhen added, "But if they both have positions, why don't they just send their children to the Taixue to study?"

The head official was at a loss for words. He responded dismissively, "Well, naturally, the standards at the Taixue are quite high."

As they exchanged questions and answers, they reached a bamboo house, where mats were laid on the ground, and a round table was set in the center surrounded by several cushions.

When Xu Zhen stepped inside, she saw a woman in a red robe sitting by the round table, drinking wine and appearing quite intoxicated.

The woman looked vaguely familiar, so much so that Xu Zhen found it puzzling. She wondered if this woman had a twin-one living in Jiangling, the other in Chang'an.

Xu Zhen took a seat across from her.

The woman raised her cup and urged Xu Zhen to join her in drinking.

The head official hurried over, approaching the drunken woman and exclaiming, "Jijiang! Jijiang!! Stop drinking! We have a discussion to have shortly!"

This red-robed woman, Jijiang, was the same one Xu Zhen had encountered in Jiangling, often carrying a flask of wine, and she seemed to have a good relationship with both the headmaster and the old madam.

Xu Zhen greeted her politely.

The Jijiang asked, "Who is this?"

The head official replied, "This is the new Assistant Minister! Jijiang, why have you started drinking already? How will you participate in the discussions later?"

Jijiang stared at Xu Zhen for a moment before breaking into a broad smile. "Isn't this the lady scholar from Jiangling? What brings you here?"

Xu Zhen, caught in the spotlight, replied courteously, "I've come to serve in an official capacity."

"In an official capacity? What position?" Jijiang inquired vaguely.

Xu Zhen answered, "Assistant Minister."

"Oh-" Jijiang responded, pausing for a moment before suddenly collapsing onto the soft mat with a thud, seemingly passed out.

This left both Xu Zhen and the head official dumbfounded.

Xu Zhen, shocked, stood up to check her breathing.

The head official quickly said, "Assistant Minister, don't worry."