"Don't look at me like that. I'm not selfless enough to use my own money to build an academy," Fa Zheng said with a glance toward the courtyard where the sounds of reading were coming from. "Maybe it's the work of a benevolent person."
Zhuge Liang gave Fa Zheng a look but remained silent. Fa Zheng, however, understood the meaning behind it. In this era, it wasn't uncommon for kind-hearted people to set up soup kitchens or repair bridges, but building an academy was another matter entirely. It required a long-term vision and substantial resources, and most people wouldn't see the immediate benefits. Usually, academies were only for the children of wealthy families, along with their servants and playmates.
"Who knows? Maybe a great scholar felt generous," Fa Zheng insisted, trying to justify his reasoning.
Zhuge Liang simply shook his head. The age of the children's voices suggested they were around six or seven years old—an age where they would typically be taught at home, not in a public academy.
"Let's go in and take a look," Chen Xi suggested as he began walking toward the academy. As they got closer, he could hear the lessons more clearly and recognized that the Thousand Character Classic he had introduced for early education had already become widespread.
"Tsk tsk, the teacher here is quite good," Fa Zheng commented quietly after listening to a few sentences.
"He's not just good. Judging by his questions and teaching methods, he's adapting his approach to each child's needs—teaching according to aptitude. It's rare to find a scholar of such caliber," Zhuge Liang added quietly. Both he and Fa Zheng knew the significance of having a teacher like this.
Though Liu Bei had made a promise, Chen Xi had prepared thoroughly for the educational reforms. Given the times, he had to consider many factors. Therefore, before the widespread implementation of education, he had to carefully plan each step.
In Han society, the phrase "children of poor families mature early" wasn't just a saying. While noble families might have their children marry at seventeen or eighteen, in poorer households, marriage and childbearing often came much earlier. For seven- or eight-year-old children, they were already considered important laborers within the family, capable of handling small tasks.
Given this reality, Chen Xi couldn't force families to prioritize education over survival. He had to be flexible, allowing breaks during busy farming seasons and conducting classes during less demanding times of the year. Typically, lessons were held from 5 AM to 7 AM and again from 1 PM to 3 PM, with full-day sessions during the harshest seasons of summer and winter. In return, the children were provided with two meals during the school day, but if they didn't pass their lessons, they couldn't continue to waste resources.
"Hmm, there are people here. Grandfather asks you to come in," a young girl, after curiously observing the three men, opened the courtyard gate and politely invited them inside.
"Thank you, little miss," Chen Xi said with a smile as he stepped into the courtyard.
Seeing the stone tables and benches in the yard, Chen Xi immediately recognized the elderly man with a ruddy complexion seated at the head as the scholar who had been teaching earlier. Despite the modest surroundings, it was clear that this man was no ordinary figure.
Before Chen Xi could introduce himself, the old man waved his hand. "Please, sit down. I'm old and my legs don't work so well, Chen Hou, Minister Fa," he said.
Chen Xi raised an eyebrow but then smiled and gestured to Zhuge Liang. "Old master, it seems you've overlooked someone. It's not just us; Kongming is here too."
Zhuge Liang sighed and stepped forward, bowing slightly. "I am Zhuge Kongming of the Zhuge family from Langya."
"Zhuge family of Langya..." The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I'm not sure which branch you're from, but you'll certainly surpass your ancestors. You should let go of some things and focus on internal affairs. You have a talent for governance. Though you may excel in military strategy with some effort, your true brilliance lies in administration. And while you're well-rounded, the man beside you is even more so."
Chen Xi's curiosity deepened. How could this man, whom he had never met before, make such accurate assessments of Zhuge Liang? Even Chen Xi himself had considered that Zhuge Liang's true potential lay in internal governance rather than military strategy.
History had shown that Zhuge Liang was a steady general, but when it came to certain opponents, his strength lay more in maintaining balance rather than outright victory. However, his skills in administration were unparalleled, even though he had divided his focus among various disciplines. The fact that this old man could discern such insights after a brief encounter left Chen Xi both impressed and intrigued.
Seeing Zhuge Liang remain silent, the old man turned his gaze to Fa Zheng. "Minister Fa, you are undoubtedly one of the most brilliant strategists of our time. However, your path is narrow, and you are single-minded in your pursuits. Your heart is too small. If you continue with your current mindset, you'll struggle to overcome the shadow that haunts you. You should observe the differences between the lives of the common people and the wealthy merchants more closely."
Fa Zheng's face darkened, but he said nothing. He knew all too well the shadow that loomed over him, the grudge he held onto. It was something that had often caused him to hesitate and second-guess himself, especially when it involved the person who had outmaneuvered him in the past. Unless he surpassed that individual, he knew he would never fully let go.
With this revelation, Chen Xi became even more curious. Fa Zheng rarely showed his vengeful side, often coming across as carefree and unbothered. However, Guo Jia had once warned Chen Xi that Fa Zheng could be quite vindictive, which made Chen Xi believe that Fa Zheng's true nature had been suppressed but not erased.
"And what about me?" Chen Xi asked with interest. "Old master, you've given them both advice. Could you give me some guidance as well? I'm dealing with a lot of frustrations."
The old man chuckled. "Chen Hou, your troubles are beyond my ability to resolve. My eyes can discern a person's potential, and I can sense their character, guiding them on how to be educated. But you, Chen Hou, are already set in your ways. While your character is not perfect, it's also beyond my ability to address." After speaking, the old man's energy seemed to diminish slightly.
"Oh, that's fair enough," Chen Xi nodded. "But from the way you speak, it sounds like you possess some sort of spiritual ability?"