The next day, November 20, the weather was sunny and neither hot nor cold.
According to Liu Shicheng, this day was an auspicious day and suitable for opening, so he set the day for the unveiling of Qiongzhou Fu School on this day.
Coincidentally, November 21st was not a bad day. Based on the principle that good things should come one after another as much as possible, Qi Yu designated this day as the lottery day of Qiongzhou Institute of Technology.
Two days back to back, it felt like a double happiness.
So, how good are these two institutions of learning?
One word: great; two words: great; three words: great!
Let’s talk about the upcoming Qiongzhou Fuxue.
This newly built school was carefully designed by Qi Yu and then built by the skilled craftsmen of the workshop. At present, it has been completely completed and can be put into use with confidence.
In terms of architectural style, this building inherits traditional Chinese elements, such as cornices and brackets, glazed tiles and white walls, bluestone paving in the corridors, scattered green pines and bamboos, elegance and beauty everywhere.
The Polytechnic Institute directly opposite is completely opposite. It has a different architectural style, with ceramic tiles on the walls, cement paving, and pruned cypresses dotted with greenery. It feels like a whole new world.
Qi Yu stopped to watch, nodded with satisfaction, and then walked towards the gate of the mansion.
Today, he is not wearing the official uniform of the prefect, but is dressed elegantly with long sleeves, and he looks very much in the style of the Wei and Jin Dynasties.
The implication is that he is attending today as a division commander, not an official.
At this time, many scholars had gathered in the square of the mansion where the statue of Confucius stood tall. When they saw Master Qi arriving, they all bowed and saluted to show their respect.
"See my lord!"
"no!"
"Thank you, sir."
"..."
Qi Yu took a glance and saw that Liu Shicheng, Tan Junyan and the ceremonial officials from each county were all in place. Only then did he realize that he was the last one to arrive.
After that, these people and the newly recruited evangelists came over to greet them, and Mr. Qi also nodded to express his gratitude. Finally, he took a special look at the old man Sun Bao. Oh no, it was Sun Yue Gong. He always felt that the name Sun Bao suited him better.
After the auspicious time arrives, the rituals begin: setting off firecrackers, unveiling colorful cloth, worshiping Confucius, etc.
Liu Shicheng then announced: After the ceremony, I would like to ask the prefect Qi to send you a message.
Ci.
Cough, spit!
Qi Yu walked leisurely to the main stage with steps unique to the Wei and Jin Dynasties, ready to say something.
But, what to say?
If I had known earlier, I would have made a draft, but now I can’t find a topic, so forget it, let’s just improvise.
In fact, in addition to the unveiling of the lottery, today also has another meaning, that is, the 'opening ceremony' for the first batch of students of the government school. The scholars standing in the audience now are the first batch of new students to enroll.
Among them, there are mostly young people and very few old people. They all look like the morning sun, full of vitality.
This situation made Qi Yu couldn't help but think of the opening ceremony when he enrolled in Yongchuan Prefecture School. Now times have changed, but he has gone from the stage to the stage, from listening to other people's teachings to teaching others. people.
What a sigh!
Wherever Qi Yu stood, who was approaching his thirtieth year, what he saw in his eyes was what he looked like when he was young.
"There are talented people from generation to generation, each leading the way for hundreds of years! I feel so relieved to see you so high-spirited..."
This encouraging opening speech made people feel uplifted. However, what the scholars cared about was that Mr. Qi did not address himself as an official but called himself 'I'. This straightforward address was really too kind.
In an instant, the atmosphere became much softer.
"Today, I won't make any speeches. Let's discuss it with each other instead... I have a question for you. What is the purpose of your studies?" Qi Yu asked with a warm look on his face.
This is a question about the value of reading.
At the same time, this is also a topic worth discussing.
"Don't be nervous, everyone. Let's express our opinions and speak freely." Qi Yu waved his hand, signaling everyone to relax.
Then there was silence. Apparently, the scholars were stumped by this seemingly simple question.
Yes, what is the purpose of reading?
This question can be big or small, and it feels like any answer is fine, but when I think about it carefully, I feel like the answer is imprecise.
Qi Yu didn't urge them, he just looked around at them with encouragement.
After a long time, a bold man finally stood up and said, "Sir, the purpose of students studying is to become an official."
Well, this sentence must be true!
Qi Yuxiang
Yes, most people would think so.
However, some people hold different opinions: "Being an official is too vague, and it is basically impossible to hope for it. My purpose in studying is very simple, just to gain fame and honor my ancestors."
Pursuing personal glory?
Not bad either.
Then, some people came forward to express their opinions, and the topic became wider and wider.
Among them, there are also some relatively realistic people who know that their talents are average and basically cannot achieve anything, so they are more inclined to survive in the future. For example, finding a bookkeeper or opening an elementary school for enlightenment are feasible solutions.
Maybe it's because people have different ambitions and different interests, so arguments started to arise while talking.
Qi Yu smiled and said, "Don't argue, please listen to my opinion."
This... adults want to share their own understanding?
You must know that the old man was a dignified Dingjia Jinshi, a veritable disciple of the Emperor. His experience is definitely worth learning and learning from.
“Students are all ears!”
"Please sir, please give me some advice..."
Qi Yu pressed his hands to calm down the buzzing sound in the audience, and then said: "I was born in a poor family and grew up in a commoner's family. My family was bare and I didn't have enough to eat. Affected by this family background, I studied My initial dream was very simple, just to improve the living conditions of me and my family through the imperial examination..."
"Later on, I studied hard and worked hard, and finally I was awarded the top three, the third flower, and was retained as a capital official by my holy emperor. But at this time, my understanding of reading changed, and I felt that I should learn what I have learned. Use it to achieve your ideals and ambitions..."
"Now that I have come to Qiongzhou to guard herds, I have a new understanding of reading. Reading can help people get rid of ignorance and become smarter. This is its greatest value."
Having said this, Qi Yu paused deliberately to let the students think carefully and digest it.
Finally, Qi Yu made a conclusion, saying: "Reading is a kind of practice. It allows you to understand the truth, distinguish good from evil, distinguish between loyal and evil, and become an upright person. Only by studying things can you gain knowledge, and by practicing sincerely can you get far. Only in this way can you benefit. lifetime."
"Students are taught!"
This explanation of the values of reading made many scholars feel enlightened, and their originally twisted obsessions became calm in an instant.
