The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Back at the academy, Cen Jiexiao also never rested, despite bearing immense pressure from all sides and constantly dealing with various matters during the reform process. After all, everything is difficult at the beginning. Once they can successfully achieve the goal of going from 0 to 1, then...

At that moment, Cen Jiexiao was in her study, compiling the latest enrollment materials. Seeing the final page clearly indicating the number of women admitted in the first cohort was 108, a complex mix of joy, excitement, and bewilderment welled up within her. This not only confirmed her yearning for future ideals and challenges, but also revealed her hesitation about the unknowns of the future.

Yet, having reached this point, Cen Jiexiao once questioned whether she should continue to drift along as she had in the past. But fate had given her a chance to make a new choice. Since I refuse to be mediocre, I will ensure that those who love me and those who hate me will never forget me.

After a moment of inner struggle, Cen Jiexiao pulled a booklet from a drawer. It contained the neatly written "Announcement of Tuition Exemption for the Implementation of Compulsory Education at the Academy." Cen Jiexiao understood that while exempting all students from tuition demonstrated her commitment to reforming the academy, it was undoubtedly a risky move. If successful, she would win the support of students and many ordinary people; but if she misstepped, she would inevitably face a powerful, perhaps even irreparable, backlash from the opposition, led by her uncle.

Sister Cen Xiao put down the pen in her hand, slowly closed the book in her hand, walked out of the study, and looked at the lush green bamboo forest not far away. A bamboo leaf fell on the surface of the pond, as if she herself was like a stone, falling into this strange vortex of time and space. Perhaps it would not be able to stir up huge waves, but it would definitely stir up layers of ripples.

"Dean!" A voice interrupted Cen Jiexiao's thoughts, and Xiaozhi ran hurriedly from the other end of the academy.

"I have sorted out the academy's account books, but..." She looked a little uneasy, as if there was something unspeakable.

Sister Cen Xiao gently patted Xiaozhi's shoulder and said gently, "It's okay. Just tell me what you have to say. If there are any difficulties, we can find a solution together."

Xiaozhi's voice trembled slightly: "Dean, as you guessed before. The current funds of the academy are sufficient to support the first semester, but if the dean implements a tuition-free policy and relies solely on funding from the court, then the academy will be difficult to maintain, so..." She suddenly stopped talking, her eyes flashing with anxiety, and she was worried about Cen Jiexiao's plan.

Sister Cen Xiao took a deep breath and said firmly, "The compulsory education tuition-free system must be implemented. No matter what, we must not stagnate because of these difficulties. This is the key to the academy's new policy. We can't stop, nor can we retreat. Give me two days, and I will find a way to solve the funding problem."

Cen Jiexiao's unwavering determination and attitude made Xiaozhi feel extremely impressed. Just as the two were discussing, Chen Zigui hurried over.

Cen Jiexiao looked at Chen Zigui, who was not far away. His figure was particularly striking under the willow trees by the roadside. His deep gaze pierced through the flying catkins and fell directly on Cen Jiexiao. Their eyes met in mid-air, and in the silence, a tacit understanding quietly sprouted.

Seeing her senior brother Chen Zigui, Cen Jiexiao, who had been full of thoughts, showed a little relief and relaxation on her face.

"Dean, it's really exciting to learn that the academy has enrolled a lot of new female students. Perhaps this time the academy can be revived, all thanks to your courage and determination, Sister Cen." Chen Zigui slowly approached, with a hint of admiration between his brows. His words were like a warm spring breeze, dispelling the doubts in Cen Jiexiao's heart.

"I am so grateful for the recognition from my elder brother."

"When I was little, you were like a strong city before me, protecting me from wind and rain. Now that I've grown up, you've become a mighty fruit tree, still shielding me from the wind and rain. When the tree is in full bloom, I'm overwhelmed; when it's laden with fruit, you're generous to me."

Cen Jiexiao raised her head slightly, her lively eyes filled with sincerity towards him. For a moment, there was silence, and her eyes slightly raised, their gazes meeting and merging.

Cen Jiexiao hurriedly looked away, interrupting their renewed gaze. As she was in the midst of a critical period of reform at the academy, Cen Jiexiao understood that there were some things she couldn't be certain of, and she didn't dare to be distracted.

"Big Brother, I don't need to hide or conceal myself in front of you. I invited you here today for two very important matters."

Chen Zigui was silent for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on his face. He said, "Dean, ever since you started reforming the academy, I've been mentally prepared. No matter what the matter is, as long as it benefits the future development of Zhaoyin Academy, I will definitely do my best."

"Big Brother, you should know that since I took over the position of dean, my uncle Li Chongguang has been staying at home due to illness and has not participated in any recent work of the academy."

Cen Jiexiao then said, "The work of the abbot is of extraordinary significance to an academy, and we are currently at a critical stage. Therefore, I hope that you, my eldest brother, will serve as the deputy abbot and work with me to manage the academy's various tasks."

Cen Jiexiao added, "Big Brother, I'm alone right now, and I don't know what obstacles I'll encounter in the future. But I've worked so hard so far, truly for the academy, and even more so for the many women who feel ashamed. So, for the academy, please help me?"

Chen Zigui gazed at her silently, his heart filled with tenderness, concern, and love. His complex gaze held both anticipation and hesitation. Clearly, this request took Chen Zigui by surprise.

"There are no outsiders here, so I'm still used to calling you Sister Cen." Chen Zigui's voice was still steady and calm.

"Sister Cen, during this time, I have been following the various reforms you have been carrying out. I have witnessed your intelligence and courage firsthand, and watched you successfully put your ideals into action. You have done what many people want to do but fail to do, and I admire you very much."

Chen Zigui paused and said, "At first, I was quite worried about you, worried that you would retreat due to difficulties and obstacles, worried that you would be let down by reality. However, with your own determination and ability, you have proved that my worries and concerns were unnecessary. I am so grateful. You have single-handedly guided the great ship of Zhaoyin Academy to a completely new navigation chart... Perhaps, I should come aboard."

"Thank you, senior brother... I am finally not alone anymore. Being able to work together with you, one of my dreams has come true." Cen Jiexiao said, trying her best to suppress her excitement.

"Sister Cen, you worry too much. I am the senior brother of Zhaoyin Academy, and even more so your senior brother."

Chen Zigui looked at Cen Jiexiao, whose eyes were reddening, and a warm feeling instantly welled up in his heart. Actually, when he thought about it, it was so nice to have someone with whom he could be honest and open his heart. It was so nice...

When his thoughts returned to reality, Chen Zigui solemnly asked about the second question.

"Sister Cen, what is the other thing?"

Cen Jiexiao said with difficulty, "The issue of funding has always been on my mind. I'm sure you've heard about the academy's policy of waiving tuition, but this also means we need more funds to maintain such a large scale."

"Indeed, funding is a key factor in maintaining the operation of academies. I've traveled extensively and learned a bit about academies in other regions. Besides receiving funding from the imperial court, these academies also organize so-called lectures. These lectures are attended not only by literary masters but also by many high-ranking figures. Consequently, many merchants flock to these institutions hoping to establish close relationships with them, and the amount of funds raised is naturally considerable."

"Therefore, I suggest that our academy hold a similar rally to promote the crossbow, four-wheeled cart, and newly designed school uniforms that you recently invented and designed. We should first increase our visibility around Linkang Prefecture. This will surely attract profit-seeking businesses to seek cooperation with the academy!"

Chen Zigui gave his own insights and suggestions, hoping to open up Cen Jiexiao's thinking.

After hearing this, Cen Jiexiao's frown gradually relaxed and a slightly relaxed expression appeared on her face.

"Big Brother, what you mean is that we hold a multifunctional exhibition that not only displays new artifacts but also promotes the academy's new-style education?"

Chen Zigui nodded, his eyes full of recognition.

"Not only that, we can also promote and guide students' academic creations and various design inventions to people from all walks of life who come to the exhibition, from court officials to ordinary people. If this initiative can be known to the court, it will be a great benefit to us."

"This way, not only can we highlight the academy's research achievements, but we may also be able to gain more support from the court."

Chen Zigui stated his suggestions with confidence.

After hearing this, Cen Jiexiao's heart suddenly became clear, like a ray of light in the darkness, guiding her path forward. She began to understand that the academy's new policy reforms not only required the concerted efforts of all teachers and students, but also relied more on the wisdom and foresight of her senior brother.

Cen Jiexiao's current mood was like encountering a hot spring in the cold winter, or bathing in the clear spring on a scorching day, and her mood instantly became clear.

She hugged Chen Zigui with deep affection. This hug, full of frankness and sincerity, caught Chen Zigui, who always followed tradition, off guard.

A noticeable blush suddenly appeared on Chen Zigui's originally deep and wise face, just like the scene described in ancient books when a hero meets a beauty. He looked at Cen Jiexiao in astonishment.

"Sister Cen, what are you doing..." Chen Zigui's voice was trembling. His usually gentle and elegant image seemed a little confused and helpless in the face of this sudden enthusiasm.

Cen Jiexiao suddenly realized how bold her actions were, but she had no intention of sticking to those old-fashioned etiquette at the moment.

She smiled happily and gently opened her tightly clasped arms. Her smile was like the warm sunshine of spring, which not only made Chen Zigui's heart feel unprecedented warmth, but even the small branch beside her couldn't help but smile knowingly.

After bidding farewell to her eldest senior brother, and looking at Chen Zigui's shy back as he left, Sister Cen Xiao knew that perhaps she was not alone in this time and space.