Chapter 148

Hearing Cai Yong's reprimand and complaints, Su Xuan smiled sheepishly and quickly apologized: "It's my fault! I've been busy recently, and I went to Jizhou and Qingzhou, didn't I?"

"I basically won't leave for a long time next; if you have anything, just order me, and I will handle it properly for you!"

"Hmph! That's more like it!"

Hearing this, Cai Yong snorted, and his expression softened a lot, then he returned to the main topic: "The preparations are almost done!"

"The books are also all prepared!"

Mentioning this, Cai Yong also looked at Su Xuan with a complex expression: "I didn't expect that you, brat, not only created white paper that can be written on and bound into books, but even printing technology and such divine arts were brought out by you!"

"I really don't know how your brain is grown;"

"However,"

Speaking of this, Cai Yong looked at Su Xuan seriously and warned: "Both of these technologies are of great importance; you must do a good job of keeping them secret, and never let them leak out!"

"Especially that printing technology, the impact is too great!"

"And you must never print those classics and books on a large scale, otherwise, I am afraid you will be boycotted and targeted by all the noble clans."

Hearing this, Su Xuan also put on a serious face and nodded affirmatively: "That goes without saying! I have always been doing this!"

"Even you are no exception;"

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have had you sign the relevant spiritual confidentiality contracts, right?"

Could he not know the importance of this issue? It was precisely because he knew that he had been enduring it.

Paper books and paper would mainly be used in Jiangling Academy, the Medical College, and the Prefect's Mansion next.

He wouldn't release them elsewhere.

Even if he wanted to sell white paper, he would definitely set a high price, so as not to touch the interests of those noble clans.

As for printing technology, the Great Han was not in chaos, and he didn't have the absolute strength to protect himself, so he wasn't prepared to release it yet.

"That's true!"

Hearing this, Cai Yong was somewhat enlightened and relieved: "I forgot that you, brat, also master the spiritual contract technique, which can fundamentally ensure confidentiality;"

"In that case, I was overthinking it."

"However, when the time comes, the students of the academy will probably also have to sign confidentiality contracts regarding books and paper."

Being careful is never wrong.

Su Xuan had truly treated him well over the past month or so.

Extremely respectful, giving him enough face.

Moreover, his progress in the Confucian cultivation method had been rapid over the past month, and he was even more grateful to Su Xuan in his heart.

Naturally, he didn't want anything to happen to Su Xuan.

"That goes without saying!"

Su Xuan nodded affirmatively.

Even if Cai Yong didn't say it, he would do so.

It just so happened that he was cultivating these people to cultivate talent for himself, not to make wedding dresses for others.

Xuzhou, Dongcheng County, Linhuai Commandery, Lu family.

Lu Su and his family met the secret guards and saw Su Xuan's personal invitation letter.

For a time, Lu Su's parents were indecisive.

"Su'er, what do you think?"

They immediately looked at Lu Su.

Because this son of theirs had shown extreme intelligence since childhood and also had his own opinions.

They would refer to his opinions on many things in the family.

Today, it concerned Lu Su's own future, so they naturally had to ask for Lu Su's own views.

"You guys!"

The old lady Lu to the side saw this and looked at her son and daughter-in-law with hatred for their lack of ambition: "You only know how to ask Su'er about everything; when will you guys grow some brains?"

"And, what is there to hesitate about this matter?"

"That is an academy opened by the General who guards the south, and he even invited famous scholars like Cai Yong and Xun Shuang to serve as deans and teach; what kind of opportunity is this? How can we miss it?"

"Su'er!"

Saying this, the old lady looked at Lu Su and said: "Grandmother's meaning is that we absolutely cannot miss this opportunity;"

"Not only to go and learn, but also to build a relationship with the General, Cai Yong, Xun Shuang, and other great scholars;"

"This will be of great benefit to your future official career and the future of my Lu family;"

"Although my Lu family is a powerful family, in the end, it is only a small local force; if you want to become a true noble clan, it is impossible without good relationships!"

"Although I, your grandmother, don't know why the General would know you and invite you;"

"He is undoubtedly your noble person; such an opportunity should not be missed;"

The General wouldn't be unfavorable to a young son of a small, unknown family, right?

They weren't worthy!

"Of course!"

Seeing Lu Su still deep in thought, the old lady's expression relaxed: "The final choice still depends on yourself; what are your thoughts?"

"Grandmother! Father, Mother!"

Hearing this, Lu Su bowed to his three elders: "The child is prepared to accept the invitation and enroll in Jiangling Academy;"

"What Grandmother said is very correct; this is an opportunity for me and for our Lu family that cannot be missed;"

"As the most outstanding descendant of the Lu family in this generation, I should naturally shoulder the burden of bringing honor to my ancestors and leading the family toward prosperity;"

"And this is the best opportunity!"

Although he was only 12, his intelligence far exceeded that of his peers, and he could already clearly feel the harsh shackles of class promotion in this world.

Local powerful families, if they want to break the shackles, become noble clans, and enter the ranks of generals and ministers, they must meet noble people, meet famous teachers, work hard enough themselves, and have enough talent.

Hearing this, the old lady's eyes turned slightly sour, and she reached out to touch Lu Su's head with a look of heartache and gratification: "Good child! It's been hard on you! Letting you shoulder such a heavy burden from a young age."

Then, she turned to look at her son to the side, her face sank, and she scolded: "Look at you, and then look at Su'er! Compared to him, you, as a father, are simply a piece of trash, losing face for me;"

"What are you still standing there for? Why don't you go and entertain this messenger properly?"

"Yes!"

Hearing this, Lu's father's face turned black, but the fear of his mother in his heart made him dare not say anything more, and he immediately stood up, smiling and preparing to greet the secret guard to rest.

"No need!"

The secret guard waved his hand immediately: "My main trip was to deliver the letter; since the letter has been delivered, I will take my leave!"

"Afterward, you can take this token to find the Su Family Chamber of Commerce in the city; they will arrange and escort your son to Jiangling to ensure safety along the way."

"Now, there are many bandits outside; it is best to be careful if you travel."

"Farewell!"

After saying this, the secret guard handed over a token and left directly.

That was what he said, but secretly, they would still send people to follow and escort Lu Su to Jiangling when the time came.

After all, this was a talent the lord valued highly and could not afford to lose.

If they really failed to protect him and he encountered some small thieves on the road and was killed, their crime would be great.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

Lu's father bowed and thanked him.

Afterward, they started packing their luggage immediately, and on the third day, they contacted the Su Family Chamber of Commerce in Dongcheng, and under the escort of the guards arranged by the chamber of commerce, they took a boat west and headed to Jiangling.

— Author's Notes —

PS: The new book is on the shelves; I am asking for first subscriptions, self-subscriptions, and support!