Chapter 24 Return to the Imperial Academy

Chapter 24 Return to the Imperial Academy

Jingdong Town has not seen a drop of rain for nearly half a year. The fields in the countryside have long been dry. The villagers have to draw fresh water from nearby rivers every day to nourish the fields to prevent the crops in the fields from withering due to lack of water.

After coming out of Dr. Qian's house, Jiang Zhiyu and others heard the villagers' discussions.

It turned out that in order to irrigate the fields, the villagers had to travel back and forth to the nearby river every day, which was very hard work.

After hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu immediately came up with an idea: Is it difficult to get water? Wouldn't it be solved by building a waterwheel?

Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng immediately took action. They found Dr. Qian and explained their ideas. After listening, Dr. Qian smiled and nodded in praise: "Your idea is good, but building a waterwheel is not easy. It requires detailed plans and materials."

So Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng began to study the production of waterwheels. Under the guidance of Dr. Qian, they consulted a large number of ancient books to understand the production principles and processes of waterwheels.

At the same time, they also consulted the villagers to understand the local customs and practices in order to design the waterwheel that best suits the local area.

After being fully prepared, they started to act. Liu Mengmeng was responsible for drawing the blueprint of the waterwheel, while Jiang Zhiyu was responsible for collecting materials for making the waterwheel. They explained their purpose to the villagers and received a warm response from them. The villagers donated money and materials to support their cause.

With everyone's cooperation, the production of the waterwheel went smoothly.

At night, they sat around the campfire with the villagers, listening to each other's stories and sharing the little things in life. During the conversation, they found that although the villagers were hardworking and kind, their living standards could not be improved due to the remote location and lack of education.

Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng used their knowledge to help the villagers solve problems. They started with the most basic reading and writing, allowing the villagers to realize the power of knowledge.

Under their careful teaching, the villagers gradually got rid of the trouble of illiteracy and their lives became more colorful.

Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng spent their days and nights with the villagers and established a deep friendship. They not only taught the villagers knowledge, but also learned about their living customs and integrated into this small village. The villagers also respected the two girls and regarded them as their own relatives.

The waterwheel was finally completed. It is about two meters high and made of wood and bamboo. It has a delicate structure and is beautiful and practical. Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng named it "Dongfeng Waterwheel". They took their classmates and transported the waterwheel to the fields where the drought was the most severe.

With the help of local villagers, they installed a waterwheel next to the river. As the waterwheel turned, clear river water was introduced into the fields, moistening the thirsty soil. The villagers cheered and expressed their gratitude to Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng.

Dr. Qian was very pleased to see this scene. He said with emotion: "You have changed this village with your practical actions, and I have also seen the responsibility of the younger generation. This is exactly the ultimate goal of our learning knowledge and mastering skills."

Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng smiled and replied: "Dr. Qian, we just did what we should do. Knowledge and skills can only play their true value when they are put into practice."

The drought was alleviated, and the villagers regained their vitality. Dr. Qian was also moved by the students' spirit and decided to return to the Imperial Academy to continue imparting knowledge.

Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng took their classmates out of the village and returned to the Imperial College.

After the students left, Dr. Qian hummed a little tune and walked home carrying his hoe.

Suddenly he saw a tall figure standing not far away, looking at him with a smile.

It was the Dean of the Imperial College—Shangguan Zhengming.

When Shangguan Zhengming stared at Dr. Qian, his eyes sparkled with admiration. He walked up to Dr. Qian, patted him on the shoulder, and said with admiration: "Dr. Qian, what you have done has completely changed my mind. I have heard a little about what you did in that village. You are not only an outstanding scholar, but also a person full of passion and courage to take responsibility."

Dr. Qian seemed a little shy, and with a modest smile, he replied, "Shangguan, you are too kind to me. I am just trying my best. Compared with what you have done for the Western Wei Dynasty and the people, my contribution is insignificant."

Shangguan Zhengming shook his head and said sternly, "Dr. Qian, you don't need to be so modest. Everyone's value lies in how they can be used. You can spread knowledge in the countryside and benefit those villagers. This is the best embodiment of your value."

Dr. Qian nodded in agreement and said emotionally, "Shangguan, I am truly grateful to you. It is you who gave me this opportunity and made me realize that I can make more contributions to our dynasty."

Shangguan Zhengming smiled and responded: "Dr. Qian, you don't need to thank me. You should thank yourself for seizing this opportunity. I believe you will make more contributions in the future."

Dr. Qian looked at Shangguan Zhengming with respect. He knew that Shangguan Zhengming was a man with great ambitions and had devoted countless efforts. It was the greatest luck in his life to be able to meet Shangguan Zhengming.

Shangguan Zhengming looked at Dr. Qian with deep expectation in his eyes. He asked with concern: "Dr. Qian, what are your plans for the future? Will you continue to spread knowledge in the countryside?"

Dr. Qian pondered for a moment, then looked at Shangguan Zhengming and said firmly: "Sir Shangguan, I have a plan. I want to return to the Imperial College and continue to educate my students. But I hope to incorporate my experiences and insights in the countryside into my teaching, so that my students can be closer to reality and better serve the court."

Shangguan Zhengming heard Dr. Qian's idea and nodded in praise: "Dr. Qian, this is a really good plan. I firmly support you. I believe that under your guidance, the students will surely become the pillars of the Western Wei Dynasty."

Dr. Qian expressed his gratitude to Shangguan Zhengming: "Thank you for your support, Mr. Shangguan. I will definitely do my best."

Shangguan Zhengming replied gently: "Dr. Qian, you don't have to be polite. We are all for the Western Wei Dynasty and the people, so let's work together."

Dr. Qian gazed at Shangguan Zhengming with respect in his heart. He knew that Shangguan Zhengming was his role model. He was determined to work harder in teaching after returning to the Imperial College and cultivate more outstanding talents who could contribute to the Western Wei Dynasty.

Shangguan Zhengming looked at Dr. Qian with obvious admiration in his eyes.

Dr. Qian and Shangguan Zhengming talked as they walked and headed towards the Imperial College.

"Dr. Qian, I thought it would take a lot of effort to invite you back to the Huang Class of the Imperial College. Now it seems that I was worrying too much." Shangguan Zhengming said with a smile.

Shangguan Zhengming and Dr. Qian walked through the bustling streets, turned a few corners, and finally arrived at the gate of the Imperial College.

The autumn sun shines on the ancient palace walls, appearing particularly warm.

On the plaque of the Imperial College, there are three large characters carved in a dancing dragon and phoenix style, which looks solemn and sacred.