Chapter 24: First Normal School

Above the portal of the Sanxiang Province's First Normal School, the few characters of the school's name still retain their ink charm, exuding the solemnity of years of sediment. Li Yuxuan followed behind Yi Ke Nie as they stepped through the gate; the blue‑brick, gray‑tile school buildings stood quietly in the autumn sun, the playground bustled with figures playing ball, the reading voices drifting from classroom windows were clear and pleasant, and everywhere a peace distinct from the chaotic world beyond the walls could be felt.

Ci Lun, ah, long time no see. Yi Ke Nie waved toward a middle‑aged man in a blue‑cloth long robe by the flowerbed. The man was bent over watching a student recite, and upon hearing the voice he turned his head, his eyes behind the lenses curving into a warm, gentle smile.

Brother Dun Bai. He quickened his pace to meet them, his gaze sweeping past Yi Ke Nie's shoulder and landing on Li Yuxuan—this gentleman is…

You mentioned the lack of a physics‑chemistry teacher the other day; I've just found one for you. Yi Ke Nie lightly patted Li Yuxuan's shoulder.

Principal Zhang examined the young man before him carefully: Who is this gentleman?

He is the Li Yuxuan referred to as a section chief last time. Yi Ke Nie lowered his voice slightly: the Education Department has been downsized, and his post is now in limbo. I thought you were short of staff, so I brought him over for a look.

He is indeed Mr. Li. Zhang Gan smiled and extended his hand; Dun Bai often spoke of you, saying you are a talented scholar who returned from Study Abroad well‑versed in the new curriculum.

Principal Zhang praised him. Li Yuxuan grasped the warm hand, thinking privately that this refined principal seemed easier to get along with than the officers of the Army Department.

The three stood in the corridor chatting. Yi Ke Nie recounted Li Yuxuan's experience studying in Germany and the setbacks of his appointment, and Zhang Gan nodded occasionally, his eyes showing appreciation.

In that case, Zhang Gan pondered briefly: if Mr. Li does not mind the modesty of our school, could you stay on as a teacher?

Li Yuxuan was about to speak, and immediately replied: Honored not to be dismissed by the principal, Yuxuan is willing to do what modest help he can.

Has Yuxuan taken a courtesy name? Zhang Gan suddenly asked about the traditional scholar's custom.

Li Yuxuan was slightly startled, recalling his encounter in Yanjing: Director Duan once gave him a courtesy name.

Jingxing… Fan Yuanlian stroked his chin, quoting the *Poetry*: "Lofty mountains command respect; Jingxing's conduct is exemplary," a fine name, truly the demeanor of a gentleman.

He led Li Yuxuan toward the office: I originally intended to ask you to teach first‑grade physics‑chemistry, as those children most need the new curriculum's enlightenment. However, I'd also like to hear Mr. Li's thoughts.

Li Yuxuan already had his calculations. Though physics‑chemistry is his field, the gymnastics class would let him interact with the whole school—especially that young man he constantly thinks of.

I am willing to teach gymnastics. He spoke earnestly: while students must study, they also need strong bodies. I trained in military gymnastics in Germany; if I can teach the students, it will benefit both their health and future adaptability.

A flash of surprise crossed Zhang Gan's eyes, then he smiled: Cultivate the spirit, strengthen the body—exactly what is needed now. Then we'll have you teach gymnastics and also give first‑grade moral cultivation lessons.

I will faithfully follow the principal's arrangement. Li Yuxuan let out a silent sigh of relief.

Those first‑grade students… Zhang Gan began to speak but stopped; their minds are the most active, often uttering astonishing remarks, so the teacher will need to devote extra care.

Li Yuxuan felt a slight stir in his heart—could they be referring to that person? He kept a calm face and replied: It is good for students to have opinions; I shall gently guide them.

Inside the office, the assistant instructor presented the schedule and teaching materials. Zhang Gan instructed: With a few days before school starts, Jingxing can first become familiar with the environment. The rear courtyard has a teachers' dormitory; though modest, it is clean.

Yi Ke Nie laughed beside them: Ci Lun, this is truly a treasure. Jingxing's studies in Germany covered more than gymnastics; he mastered tactics and weaponry, so using him to teach gymnastics is a case of great talent in a small role.

The capable bear more work, indeed. Zhang Gan said warmly: Though a normal school is not a military academy, it still must cultivate students' responsibilities. Jingxing's abilities are precisely what can be taught to them.

Li Yuxuan thanked the two, grasped the brass key, and left the office. Autumn sun filtered through the corridor columns, casting mottled light and shadow; the wall bore the fresh ink of the slogan "Study for the People, Research for the Nation." Small groups of students gathered under the corridor discussing their studies, and the breath of youth brushed his face.

The dormitory faces south, its furnishings simple: a bed, a desk, a chair, an old wardrobe standing quietly in the corner. Opening the window reveals figures running on the playground, and the autumn breeze carries a faint scent of osmanthus.

He unfolded the schedule and examined it: gymnastics classes are set for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, while the moral cultivation class is on Tuesday mornings. He took pen and paper to note the gymnastics syllabus, his thoughts already flowing—drill formations, physical conditioning, perhaps even some self‑defense techniques, strengthening muscles and preparing for unforeseen needs.

More importantly, he would finally step into the classroom of Sanxiang First Normal School and see in person the young man who has left a brilliant mark in the long river of history.

There are still three days until the official start of school… He gazed at the playground bathed in golden sunset, a faint smile curling his lips, just right for getting to know this place in detail.

He strolled leisurely around the campus, his gaze sweeping over the young figures running and leaping on the playground; the petty worries he had about the children gradually eased under this vitality. Given his current situation, the chance of ever marching to the battlefield seemed unlikely. Teaching gymnastics as a teacher may seem far from swords and armor, but who can say it isn't another form of cultivation and accumulation?

His thoughts drifted to that little one in the cradle, a complex yet resolute feeling rippling in his heart. That child was initially just a burden she refused to raise after their breakup, but now it seemed more like a seed quietly sown in these turbulent times.

I'm counting on you, he said, a subtle smile tugging at his mouth, full of expectation and scheming. "When my son grows up, using the connection with the principal, once the principal wields power, I'll beg the principal for my son's future—he must become a teacher. Just thinking about that scenario is damn exhilarating. Stop, stop, I can't keep thinking about it; if I do, not even a teacher would be worthy of my son—perhaps a colonel at best. But thinking it over, by the year 31 my son will only be ten."

The sunset filtered through the dense branches of the camphor trees, scattering flickering specks of light across the muddy ground. He strolled to the edge of the playground, watching the students perform slightly clumsy drill formations; though their movements were unrefined, they radiated youthful vigor. In that moment, he suddenly thought that teaching gymnastics wasn't bad at all—at least he could personally shape these young bodies and strengthen them. Perhaps someday in the future, among them someone will step forward and become a pillar of the nation.