After being reborn as a man, the woman improved her family's fortunes through education.

蒋府

The area in front of the door was crowded with black heads of all sizes.

The Jiang Clan School has been established for over twenty years. Although the number of students in Class A has remained around twenty, the number of students in other classes is quite large.

Take Class D for example. The entry requirements are relatively low, but the age range is wide. Basically, children aged 6 to 12 can come to Class D.

Generally, those in Class D are either there to learn something new or to learn to read.

Most students in Class D felt that if they could be promoted to another class, that would be fine; if not, they would just stay for two years. They believed that those who could read would be more successful than those who couldn't, at least they would be better off finding work.

Class D receives a new batch of students almost every year, usually a dozen or so, which eventually adds up to eighty students.

There are quite a few students in Class C and Class B as well. Class C currently has 56 students, and Class B has 38 students.

Therefore, there are more than 170 people in the three classes of Guangyi, Bing, and Ding combined.

The twenty-odd people from Class A were hardly noticeable here, especially since not many people came.

Ironically, when the monthly exam results for Class A were announced, most of those who came to the Chiang residence to demand an explanation were not actually from Class A.

As Madame Chiang was about to leave that day, she saw a large group of children in front of her house and called the gatekeeper over to ask what was wrong.

She was speechless. When had the clan school ever been involved in something like this? If she said there wasn't someone pulling the strings behind the scenes, she wouldn't believe it even if you beat her to death.

Hmph, you've really improved. Do you think you're some kind of unparalleled hero?

Madame Chiang ignored the commotion at the gate and had no intention of interfering in the affairs of the clan school.

Madam Jiang turned around, and the butler hurriedly followed: "Madam, there are so many students outside, should we go to the yamen and call the master back?"

"Okay, go there, but don't go through the main entrance."

After saying this, Madame Chiang also left through the side gate, not wanting anything to delay her schedule.

The steward repeatedly told everyone to go back to the clan school when they gathered, but everyone seemed rooted to the spot.

There was nothing else to do; the lady wouldn't listen, so we had no choice but to go to the yamen (government office) to find the master.

The steward left in a hurry, and to avoid leading people to the yamen, he didn't even hitch up the carriage, and went on foot instead.

It was a tough job for the old man, who was worried that his servant might make a mistake, so he took on the task himself. Fortunately, the distance was not far, and he arrived at Jiang Changqing's office in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

After being informed by a minor official, I soon met Jiang Changqing, who was working in his office.

He recounted the whole story and awaited his master's decision.

"Sir, this is the situation. The main gate is blocked, and there are people coming and going on the street. It won't look good if this goes on for too long."

The housekeeper wiped the sweat from his face; he had sweated more on the way here than he had in the summer.

Jiang Changqing frowned upon hearing this, for it concerned the reputation of the clan school and he had no choice but to intervene.

But he knew that Mingfei would never do such a thing for a mere reputation. Moreover, Master Yan had been in the clan school for more than ten years and was a rigid and strict person; he would never do such a thing for a particular student.

There must be some misunderstanding, or someone wants to deal with Mingfei, or maybe they're targeting the Jiang family's clan tradition.

Jiang Changqing even thought of the county school and several other private schools in Xinghe Prefecture.

It's no wonder he overthinks things, since his clan school has the most students who pass the imperial examinations.

"I understand. Go back first and tell them I'll be there soon," Jiang Changqing instructed. "Also, send someone to invite the teachers from the clan school here as well."

The steward accepted the order and left, while Jiang Changqing took off his official robes, changed into casual clothes, and had a sedan chair prepared.

He wanted to see who was trying to ruin the reputation of his Chiang family school.

Jiang Changqing got out of the sedan chair and saw many people pointing and gossiping about his house.

He walked into the crowd with a somber expression. When the students saw him, they all made way for him.

Jiang Changqing walked to the door and went up to the top of the steps: "Why are you all here instead of studying hard at the clan school?"

More than a hundred boys of all ages remained silent for a moment, and the student who had first pointed out that there were too many math problems had disappeared.

Finally, an older student from Class D couldn't help but speak up and hesitantly stepped forward.

"Lord Jiang, your clan school has been found to have a teacher colluding with students to cheat. As the founder of the Jiang clan school, you must come forward to uphold justice!"

"Yes, Lord Jiang, we can't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch!"

"That's right, that's right! Everyone got into the clan school based on their own abilities. Getting into the top class is everyone's goal at the clan school. How can we accept that someone like this has taken our spot!"

"Yes, yes, it's an unfair victory!"

The foot of the steps immediately buzzed like flies.

Jiang Changqing raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"This matter concerns the reputation of our clan school. Whether someone actually did this or someone is maliciously framing my Jiang clan, I will thoroughly investigate and give everyone an explanation!"

"You have always been fair, we all trust you!"

"Yes, yes, Lord Jiang will certainly handle this matter impartially!"

"Yes, we will definitely not show favoritism to our own children!"

Very good, an ancient version of moral blackmail.

At this moment, several teachers from the clan school also arrived. After bowing to Jiang Changqing, they expressed their willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

Jiang Changqing nodded and instructed the teachers to first calm down the students in their respective classes and prevent them from acting impulsively or doing anything inappropriate.

Then, the first step was to conduct an internal investigation.

Of course, the investigation is not about whether Jiang Mingfei and Yan Fuzi cheated or how they cheated.

Master Yan's mathematical skills were indeed impressive, but he had a feeling that Mingfei's mathematical abilities subtly surpassed those of this master known for his mathematical prowess.

Therefore, the best approach is to let Mingfei prove himself through his abilities.

Of course, the culprits who instigated the students to cause trouble should not be let off the hook. Even if it's a bit troublesome, we must find the source.

We cannot let the phrase "the law does not punish the masses" get by. Indeed, the law cannot punish the masses because it involves too many people and the network of relationships is too complex.

Okay, then let's not get involved. Let's follow the thread of "the masses" to find the worst and most evil one behind it all.

Apart from Master Yan, who was involved in this matter, the other masters all took their students back with them.

At this moment, only about thirty men from Class B remained in front of the Jiang residence, looking at each other in bewilderment.

Students in Class B: Uh...we're really stuck, not knowing whether to stay or leave. Who can save them?

Finally, the savior, Master Ouyang, arrived riding on auspicious clouds—no, riding on the dust and chaos.

Master Ouyang walked down the steps, turned his back to the students of Class B, and stepped forward to bow to Jiang Changqing: "Greetings, Lord Jiang. This junior has come here on behalf of Master Yan to bring back the students of Class B."

"No need for formalities, go ahead. When you get back, tell Master Yan to prepare a math exam, and set it to ten questions."

"Yes, sir. I will certainly deliver the message. I will take my leave now."

After saying that, he left with the students from Class B.

"Steward Qiu, arrange for a few people to deliver my letter to the instructor of the county school and the teachers of several private schools."

Jiang Changqing decided not to return to the yamen at all, but went straight back to his study, wrote a few letters and handed them to the steward, who also sent them to the county school and several nearby private schools.

He then summoned the servant boy who usually served him with his writing implements and sent him to the clan school to learn how to use the "leading wire".