Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 10 Seeing Through
Professor Gu led Xu Xuan to the playground.

Several long-handled wooden sticks on the sidelines caught his attention.

It looks a bit like a golf club, but much thicker.

"This is the mallet of Chuiwan, a tool used to hit the ball on the ground."

"Originally, we wanted to set up a polo course, but unfortunately it was difficult to get warhorses in the South, and even the army was short of them, so we had to use this as a substitute for now."

A middle-aged woman emerged from what appeared to be a warehouse.

Her skin was slightly dark, her hair was tied up at the back of her head, her features could only be described as delicate, and there were already quite a few signs of aging on her face.

She has a capable and cheerful demeanor, and a very strong presence.

With her sleeves rolled up, she held a ball that looked like it was made of vines.

"Madam Yin."

Professor Gu bowed, and Xu Xuan followed suit.

It turns out that this is the person in charge of the academy, which is quite amazing.

Although it has only been less than a week since I transmigrated, the social atmosphere in this world is indeed quite open, but the female headmaster...
Wait, this strange sense of familiarity...

Seemingly having thought of something, but still in the midst of an interview, Xu Xuanqiang suppressed the pounding in his heart.

"At my age, I'll just call you Hanwen."

"This thing in my hand is part of a movement I'm planning to promote in the academy."

"My husband often complains in court that the scholars of today are becoming weaker and weaker every year, and that the bravery and martial spirit that Confucius had when he traveled around the states has completely disappeared."

Scholars are incapable of carrying heavy loads or lifting heavy objects. Let alone wielding a bronze water clock or a spear, they can't even handle a sword; they truly disgrace the literati.

One of the reforms implemented by Chongqi Academy to help students revive traditional customs was this.

Xu Xuan was stunned, feeling a surge of emotion, as if to say, "So this is what a scholar is like."

Thinking back to the tough old man I just saw, who was over 2 meters tall, it really did look retro.

What Lady Yin said reflects the characteristics of the changing times.

Originally, gentlemen were taught the Six Arts, which also distinguished between aristocratic education and that of commoners.

Ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.

After the imperial examination system was popularized, the subjects studied by these nobles gradually changed.

Now only books and etiquette are being carried forward, music is rarely studied anymore, mathematics is quickly becoming a miscellaneous subject, and driving and archery have basically disappeared.

But without horsemanship and archery, spending all day studying will lead to a loss of physical strength, and most people will also lose their courage and fighting spirit.
Now that Madam Yin had taken charge of Chongqi Academy, she naturally did not want to see this situation continue to escalate.

Cuju (ancient Chinese football) was a course she prepared for everyone.

At the same time, they were observing Xu Xuan's reaction; if he couldn't even accept this...
Chongqi Academy, undergoing transformation, did not need such ubiquitous scholars.

then
“During the Warring States period, people would use leather, cloth, or rattan to weave these balls, and then people would divide into two teams to compete against each other.”

"This is Cuju (蹴鞠)."

"However, the rules of the competition need to be studied carefully, after all, this is the Warring States period and this time."

Madam Yin earnestly explained the science to Xu Xuan, but she was somewhat displeased when she saw that he didn't seem to take it seriously. This scholar couldn't even understand this?

"Ahem, Madam Yin, I have some thoughts, but I'm not sure if I should say them."

"speak."

It would be a real pity if Xu Xuan were also a pedantic scholar.

The young scholar naturally walked to the sand table, took out the chess pieces symbolizing students, and placed them on it.

"I think the field can be rectangular, with a center line set up, and the area near the goal should be a penalty area."

"The rule allows for eleven players per team, with one player serving as the goalkeeper."

"If the ball is taken from midfield, it becomes a throw-in if it goes out of bounds from the boundary line, and a corner kick if it goes out of bounds from the byline."

"Teams can change formations during matches. For example, a 4-4-2 formation emphasizes a balance between offense and defense, while a 4-2-3-1 formation leans towards a more balanced approach of offense and defense."

Next was Xu Xuan's science lesson, and Madam Yin remained silent for a moment before silently taking notes.

Two words: Professional!

After Xu Xuan finished explaining the basic specifications and several competition formats, Gu Wei suddenly spoke up tentatively.

"Instructor Xu is also skilled in military strategy? I think there's quite a bit of depth in this method of changing formations."

"not understand well."

Xu Xuan immediately waved his hand, saying that to be honest, how could an ordinary family possibly have a military treatise?

She couldn't very well tell the old professor something like "firepower sweep" or "saturation attack." Madam Yin, having regained her composure, then asked Xu Xuan a few more questions.

They all relate to the idea of ​​change.

Finally, they asked the question outright.

"Teacher Xu, do you think it's right or wrong for Chongqi Academy to only admit children from aristocratic families?"

"It was right in the beginning, but wrong in the end."

The answer was unambiguous, fully demonstrating that as long as I don't care about this job, I don't need to care too much about the boss's attitude.

Without the support of aristocratic families, the academy could not have been established, the collection of books could not have been collected, and even many of the teachers came from aristocratic families—this is a fact.

But if we are to actively seek change, then external pressure is inevitable.

Professor Gu sighed and explained the whole story.

It turns out that the Jintian Academy has enrolled a student named Zhu Erdan, who is exceptionally talented and will surely become a world-renowned minister in the future.

Bailu Academy has also reintroduced several young talents, all of whom come from commoner backgrounds.

Chongqi Academy also wanted to do the same, but the aristocratic families themselves became an obstacle.

Unable to accept this, the two elderly professors resigned from their professorships, citing their advanced age.

Therefore, the standards for newly recruited substitute instructors are being applied to young scholars.

Gu Wei said seriously.

"If you accept this position, the subsequent clashes over the reform of the academy will begin with you."

Therefore, when Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it will first test their resolve and character.

"In the future, all the impoverished students of Chongqi Academy will look up to you as their leader, and your name will resound throughout Jiangnan. It is only a matter of time!"

"Dare or not?"

Xu Xuan remained silent for a moment. "I'm being promised a pie even after traveling to another world. Enough already!"

He currently has no enmity with the nobility.

Lady Yin seemed to have noticed something.

Professor Gu comes from a distinguished family and has never lacked anything, so he doesn't understand what ordinary scholars want.

It's unacceptable to not discuss compensation when applying for a job.

So he spoke.

"A monthly stipend of thirty taels, three sets of scholar's robes, accommodation on the third floor of Building B, and the use of Huzhou brushes, Huizhou ink, Xuan paper, and Duan inkstones as you please."

"The reform of the academy is imminent, and Xu Xuan is willing to be the first in the world to do so!"

At worst, I'll become a doctor in Suzhou. What do I, a time traveler, have to fear?
Professor Gu was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.

At his age, he had long since seen through the principle that a gentleman loves money, and he laughed at himself for having some of the pedantic ways of a scholar.

Xu Xuan is also interesting; he remains unmoved under the pressure of my status, which shows he is destined for great things.

"Well done, Xu Hanwen. From now on, we'll be colleagues. But let's make it clear, don't use Iron Palm to suppress Chongqi anymore. This old man can't handle it at his age."

Having finalized everything, Xu Xuan walked towards her small courtyard, feeling elated at having found a good job.

"Huh, there's a temple inside the academy?"

A monk dressed in white robes walked towards us from the opposite side. His face looked somewhat familiar, which made us feel quite strange.

"nameless?!"

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that this person was more than just someone who looked familiar.

The monk sensed the astonishment of the person before him.

“This humble monk, Ruoxu, does not recall having any karmic connection with you, benefactor.”

"Um, I have a friend who's a lot like you; he especially loves playing the erhu."

Ruoxu, Xu Xuan suddenly understood something, and his soul trembled.

But facing this monk with supernatural powers, he really didn't know what to say, and his thoughts were somewhat chaotic.

"I see."

Ruoxu calmly put her hands together, but what she said next left Xu Xuan bewildered.

"However, your physical body has already reached perfection, your Qi flows freely through all your orifices, and your soul radiates light. Why not find a place to cultivate in seclusion to break through the limits of mortals and lay the foundation for your pursuit of the Dao?"

(End of this chapter)