Fortune Across the World

Chapter 51: A Curious Encounter at Yun Zhi Pavilion (Part 1)

Ding Qiyu gazed up at Yun Zhi Pavilion, her face alight with anticipation. She felt a strong intuition that she would find texts related to mechanical arts here.

Seeing her expression, Lu Weixi asked, "Is there a particular book you're hoping to find, Qiyu?"

Before Ding Qiyu could respond, Lu Weiming interjected, "Of course! Brother Yu agreed to come to Cang Huan for two reasons: one was for you, and the other was for Yun Zhi Pavilion."

Lu Weixi was startled, a mix of nerves and curiosity swelling within her. "What do you mean, for me?" she inquired, hoping to confirm that Qiyu's presence at Cang Huan was indeed related to her.

"Well, I told him there'd be plenty of young masters trying to woo..." Lu Weiming began to divulge more, but Ding Qiyu swiftly covered his mouth, embarrassed by the revelation of her "infatuated" behavior. Her face heated up as she glanced awkwardly at Lu Weixi, trying to salvage her image. "Weixi, don't listen to him. I'm here for Yun Zhi Pavilion—to see if there are any books on mechanical arts," she explained hastily, casting a warning look at Lu Weiming before releasing him.

Lu Weixi nodded, though she felt a twinge of disappointment. So it wasn't because of her...

Not far away, Zhang Zhiyao watched the exchange between Ding Qiyu and Lu Weixi, jealousy flaring within him. His fists clenched tightly, his gaze darkening.

At the edge of the group, Yun Yi also observed their interaction, feeling a growing sense of inadequacy. How could she compare to such a remarkable lady? Only someone like her deserved to be friends with Young Master Ding...

After the Qingyi attendants familiarized everyone with the academy, they announced that classes would begin the following day. Ding Qiyu had already reviewed the schedule in her booklet. Lu Weiming's subjects included: National Affairs, covering Da Qian's politics, population, and economy; Laws and Decrees, focusing on Da Qian's legal system and important regulations; National History, detailing Da Qian and its predecessor dynasties; Literature and Poetry, involving poetic and literary pursuits; Mathematics, emphasizing applied mathematics; Natural Laws, explaining the workings of the world; and Skills, which were elective courses like music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, martial arts, and military strategy. The booklet required each student to choose at least one skill to study.

The curriculum for female students was similar, except they weren't required to study Laws and Decrees, but they had to take Etiquette classes. Their skills did not include military strategy but instead offered needlework.

Ding Qiyu found the comprehensive and flexible curriculum a testament to Cang Huan Academy's esteemed reputation and its ability to produce talent. The academy conducted annual selections to recommend talent to the court, independent of the imperial examination system—a unique path to officialdom. Whether the young nobles on Cang Mountain's main peak had special means to pass these assessments remained uncertain. Nevertheless, noble families sent their youth here to easily network with peers of similar status.

After dispersing, Ding Qiyu and her group ate lunch at the public kitchen before returning to their residence. Throughout the journey, Lu Weiming fretted over which skill to choose. Understanding his dilemma, akin to her past indecision over electives, Ding Qiyu suggested, "Why not attend the classes you're interested in first? Decide after you've tried them. No rush to choose immediately."

Sitting at his desk, Lu Weiming pondered silently for a while before asking, "Brother Yu, do you think I'm a weak young master?"

"Huh? Why ask that all of a sudden?" Ding Qiyu was puzzled.

"Just asking. Do you think I am?"

"Uh..." Ding Qiyu hesitated, unsure how to phrase her response, "Well, you're not exactly..."