Chapter 587: Another Disciple Falls!

When those words were spoken, the students below the stage instantly erupted in excitement, their eyes full of surprise and excitement.

Low murmurs rose again, but with a bit more restraint and anticipation than before.

A private audience means being able to get close to the legendary Sacrificial Wine....

Not only can one receive direct guidance, but also make Lord Chen Yan remember them—a rare chance for future studies and official career!

Everyone is full of anticipation, hoping to be the lucky one selected.

Shen Zaizhou heard that and his eyes lit up instantly, his brows showing an unmistakable joy, his voice trembling with excitement as he turned to Tian Xihe, Song Tingwu and others, his tone full of astonishment and delight: "Does this mean we'll finally have a chance to meet Lord Chen Yan face‑to‑face?!"

Tian Xihe also beamed with joy, quickly nodding, his face brimming with excitement: "Yes! Exactly!"

"A private audience is a rare opportunity; we can ask the Lord about our academic doubts and make him remember us, and later, if any chance arises, the Lord might pay us extra attention!"

Song Tingwu's eyes flashed with resolve, his fist clenched in secret, and in a solemn tone he said: "I must hang my head on the beam and pierce my thighs with a awl, double my efforts in study, and make Lord Chen Yan notice me!"

Lin Jingshu immediately echoed, his face full of fighting spirit: "Me too!"

The surrounding Imperial University students all nodded in agreement, each with eyes full of steadfast fighting spirit.

The scholarly zeal already sparked by the examination appointments grew even stronger now because of Lord Chen Yan's words, and they silently resolved to seize the opportunity.

The Imperial Academy students, hearing this, also became more serious; Liu Chengye set aside his earlier disdain, a hint of contemplation flashing in his eyes, and whispered to Yang Zhao beside him: "Chen Zhuguo himself will audit our studies and hold private talks; we can't be as lax as before..."

"We must hone our knowledge well, lest we disgrace the reputation of our noble families!"

Yang Zhao also nodded slowly, his tone full of agreement: "Indeed, Chen Zhuguo is exceptionally talented, his gaze surely sharp; if our studies are lacking, we'll embarrass ourselves in a face‑to‑face talk. Hence we must study with utmost vigor and never be careless!"

On the high platform, Chen Yan took in all the students' changing expressions, pursed his lips in a light smile, and in a slightly relaxed tone said: "That's all I have to say today...."

"The future development of the Imperial Academy depends on your diligence and also on the labor of the Director of Affairs and the teachers; let us work together and not betray Great Zhou's cultivation!"

His words paused briefly, as if recalling something, his eyes flickering as he added: "Oh right, one more notice: starting today, the Imperial Academy will have a three‑day break; after three days, classes resume, and the new regulations will be announced simultaneously...."

"Everyone, go back and rest well, prepare for the resumption of studies!"

Finishing, he raised his hand in a wave and said gently: "Alright, you may disperse now!"

The students below, hearing this, bowed and said in unison: "Respectfully send off the Sacrificial Wine! Respectfully send off the Director of Affairs!"

Their voices were reverent and orderly, full of respect.

After the bow, everyone turned slowly, walking orderly toward the courtyard exit, still unable to hide their excitement, murmuring about today's news.

Their eyes were full of anticipation and yearning for the future.

As the students gradually dispersed, Chen Yan handed the loudspeaker to Zhang Lejian beside him, exchanged a glance with Yuwen Ze, and the two walked side by side down from the platform.

Just after stepping down, a figure in a red official robe approached; the person was nearing thirty, handsome, with brows exuding composure and competence.

It was Wei Heqing, the newly appointed Director of Affairs of the Imperial Academy, specially transferred by Chen someone to assist.

Wei Heqing hurried forward, clasped his fists in salute to Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, and said with admiration: "Zhuguo, these students hold you in the highest esteem!"

Chen Yan raised his hand and pressed, his tone indifferent: "They're just empty titles!"

Speaking, he turned to Wei Heqing and solemnly advised: "Brother Wei, we have known each other for years, I know your talent and composure. My daily affairs are countless, so I cannot attend to every detail at the Imperial Academy; from now on, the Academy's daily matters will rely heavily on you!"

Wei Heqing, hearing this, quickly nodded, his expression even more solemn, and said firmly: "Zhuguo, rest assured, it is my honor to share the burdens of the Zhuguo and the Prince of the Commandery, and assist you both in managing the Imperial Academy's affairs!"

"From now on, in the Academy's daily teaching, student management, and all matters of progress, I will devote myself fully, never slack, and will help Zhuguo and the Prince of the Commandery turn the Imperial Academy into a gathering place for Great Zhou talent!"

"To deliver more pillar‑talents to Your Majesty and the Grand Preceptor!"

Chen Yan looked at Wei Heqing's earnest eyes, a faint calm smile curling his lips, and in a tone weighted with counsel said slowly: "Brother Wei, the upcoming curriculum arrangement for the Imperial Academy must match the students' foundations and potential; the teaching of the Classics must balance depth and accessibility, and the courses on strategy and warfare should proceed step by step...."

"When planning class assignments, do not cling to the old boundaries of the Imperial University and Imperial Academy; base them on scholarly depth and specialties, allowing students to spar with each other and complement one another's strengths and weaknesses!"

"Training in the six arts of the gentleman—ritual, music, archery, chariotry, calligraphy, and mathematics—must all be present; we must forge both the students' physique and skills, and also cultivate their gentlemanly spirit!"

"There is also a new recruitment plan, breaking the shackles of lineage, welcoming talented individuals from across the world, regardless of humble birth or noble families; as long as they are of upright character and lofty ambition, they may be cultivated by the Imperial Academy."

"All these matters will proceed according to the plan I have already handed you; no need for excessive concern—just go ahead and do it!"

Knowledge is important, and physical fitness is also important....

Chen (the speaker) intends to cultivate these students for future official positions!

And the ideological construction (political thought class) will be handled personally!

Wei Heqing's expression grew even more solemn, and he immediately bowed and nodded, responding firmly: "I understand!"

"The plan Zhuguo previously drafted is detailed and comprehensive, balancing the Academy's tradition and innovation while meeting the students' development needs; I will implement it step by step, daring not to deviate at all."

Having said that, he lifted his gaze to Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, fists clasped, his demeanor sincere and resolute: "For all future essential matters of the Imperial Academy, I will fully cooperate with you both!"

"Whenever coordination is needed, I will report immediately, never shirk or be lazy, and ensure every matter is handled safely and thoroughly, not betraying your trust."

Zhang Lejian, standing nearby, stepped forward two paces, his face beaming with a full smile, his tone courteous and earnest, promptly stating: "Zhuguo, Prince of the Commandery, Director Wei is coordinating the whole picture; I will also do my utmost to assist Director Wei!"

"Whether it's document organization, message transmission, or the students' daily administrative details, I will follow up on each, never letting Director Wei be distracted, nor causing you both to worry about the Academy's minutiae!"

Zhang Lejian has lived so many years; how could he not know that serving under Chen Zhuguo and the Prince Yuwen is an opportunity many could never obtain?

At this moment, he must seize it, showing utmost loyalty and diligence.

If he gains the favor of these two, his future official career will be smooth and open....

Chen Yan, hearing this, nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Wei Heqing, raised his hand and gently patted his shoulder, the pressure carrying a weight of entrustment, and in a steady tone said: "Brother Wei, the matters of the Imperial Academy will require more of your attention from now on...."

"Myself and A Ze have too many burdens; it won't be long before you have to take over!"

"Your talent is outstanding, your temperament steady, and you understand the way of scholarship; only with you at the helm can the Grand Preceptor and I truly be at ease!"

Yuwen Ze, having followed Chen Yan for so long, had already absorbed the routines, and smoothly echoed from beside, nodding: "Indeed!"

Immediately, taking the cue, his gaze landed on Wei Heqing, full of expectation: "Running the Imperial Academy well is no small matter...."

"Now Great Zhou is in a critical period of employing talent; the Imperial Academy is the foundation for cultivating pillar‑talents. The students will become the arm‑bones of Great Zhou, affecting the stability of the realm and the welfare of the people. It is both a matter of national benefit and a historic responsibility!"

"That burden is now entrusted to you; just go ahead and act freely. In the court, Brother A and I, the King, will back you up!"

Wei Heqing, hearing these words, was moved, immediately bowed deeply with fists clasped, his forehead nearly touching his fingertips, and in a resonant, forceful tone declared: "Zhuguo, Prince of the Commandery, rest assured!"

"I will not betray the trust and expectations of you both; handling the Imperial Academy's affairs, I will devote myself completely, even to death, even if it exhausts my mind and spirit!"

Wei Heqing knows Chen Yan is not merely daydreaming; everything the elder promised will indeed be fulfilled....

Moreover, as a prime‑age scion of a noble family, he could not refuse the temptation to achieve something great and leave a vivid, illustrious mark in the annals!

Chen Yan, seeing this, quickly reached out to grasp Wei Heqing's arm and helped him to his feet, a look of satisfied smile appearing on his face, his tone softening a bit: "With those words from you, this Duke can rest easy…."

Having said that, he turned his head toward Zhang Lejian beside him, his gaze carrying a hint of guidance and expectation, and said slowly: "Supervisor Zhang, you must also assist Wei Siyie from the side, for after all, this position of A Ze still has to be taken over by you!"

Zhang Lejian, upon hearing this, was both startled and delighted, hurried a step forward, bowed and clasped his fists, his voice loud and firm, full of gratitude and resolve: "I, the servant, thank the Prime Minister and the Prince for their promotion and cultivation!"

"I will spare no effort to assist Wei Siyie, to manage all affairs of the Imperial Academy, and never betray the trust of the Prime Minister and the Prince!"

The dusk of early evening always carried a touch of gentle warmth.

The setting sun slowly sank behind the western hills, its afterglow washing over the towering palace walls and spilling onto the streets and houses of Chang'an, turning the blue bricks and dark tiles into a warm orange‑red hue.

Duke of Wei's mansion.

Inside the study, silence reigned, save for the occasional soft chirping of returning birds beyond the window, adding a hint of leisure.

After returning from the Imperial Academy, Chen Yan changed into a dark‑colored Brothel, its fabric subtly embroidered with fine cloud patterns.

Alone he stood by the window, the wide window frame taking in the entire outside dusk, the distant rooftops arranged in an orderly jumble.

The copper bells at the eaves swayed gently in the breeze.

He gazed at the deepening dusk outside, the steadiness and authority of daylight fading from his brows, replaced by a few shades of contemplation and sighs unseen by others, his mind swirling with countless thoughts.

A moment later, Chen Yan felt a slight rumble in his throat, then spoke, his voice modulating with a few notes of robust vigor, echoing slowly in the spacious study: "Timeless rivers and mountains, heroes without designs, Sun Zhongmou's realm!"

"The dance pavilion and singing stage, romance always swept away by rain and wind."

"The slanting sun over grass and trees, ordinary alleys and lanes, people say Jinu once dwelt there."

"Thinking back to those years, golden spears and iron horses, spirit swallowing ten thousand li like a tiger!"

After reciting those verses, Chen Yan slowly closed his eyes, exhaled deeply, the surge of emotion in his chest gradually calming; when he opened his eyes again, his gaze turned to a farther point outside the window, the dusk now deep, a faint gray‑blue spreading across the horizon, his lips parting softly as he murmured: "Another son has fallen!"

"This court's chess game is terrifying at every move; Liu Jinu's heroic ambition forged a hegemonic era, yet he could not escape the turmoil that followed. I must not follow his old path, tread his footsteps…."

As the words fell, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, the aura around him suddenly sharpening; he lifted his hand and flicked his sleeve, the hem of his Brothel tracing a crisp arc.

Immediately, with one hand clasped behind his back, his posture grew even more erect, his tone resolute, he murmured again: "We must rigorously secure talent reserves, as well as the quantity and quality of offspring!"

As the saying goes, one must learn from history to understand rise and fall.

Liu Yu and Liu Jinu were truly formidable, yet they started too low, debuted too late, and their offspring were too few…

Even if they captured Chang'an, without imperial clan confidants to restrain the proud soldiers and fierce generals, and with only one trustworthy person left in Jiankang behind, the unification of the world and a name for the ages remained just one step away, yet the achievement ultimately collapsed!

It is timing and fate.

Speaking, his gaze fell on a few returning birds fluttering in the sky; the birds spread their wings, flying toward their nests with graceful poise, the sharpness in his eyes gradually softening, gaining a few touches of gentleness, and he thought silently: "Ning Er, Mingyue are now pregnant; Qingyu, Xi Er and Ying Xue still need to work harder!"

"As for Suiwan and Zhiqing, they still need to nurture their bodies, recover their vitality before anything else!"

Thinking of the women and offspring at home, the heaviness in Chen Yan's brows eased considerably, a faint warm smile curling at his mouth.

He then gently shook his head, temporarily suppressing these familial thoughts, withdrew his gaze, and fixed it on an old locust tree not far outside the window.

In the dusk, the old locust tree's foliage was luxuriant and shadowy; his eyes were full of amusement, his mouth forming a slowly curving, meaningful smile as he whispered low: "As for now, that fellow Gao Changjing still has utility; there's no rush to eliminate him completely."

"First drain his usefulness, then deal with him later; it won't be too late…"

As soon as the words ended, a faint footstep sounded at the study's doorway; Hongye, the guard stationed outside, stepped lightly inside, bowed, and whispered a report: "Prime Minister, the heir of the Prince of Pingyang has arrived!"