Chapter 342 - 132: Splendid Years (Part 2)

Chapter 342: Chapter 132: Splendid Years (Part 2)

’Whether it’s healthcare or education, in this world, they are both premium, extremely scarce resources.’

’I don’t mind that parents and students are drawn by self-interest. It’s a two-way street.’

’I’ll take any truly bright, clever child with a disposition like uncarved jade—a promising seedling worth nurturing—even without tuition. As for the dull ones, I can’t be bothered to accept them, no matter how much money they offer.’

Indeed, Fang Rui was extremely goal-oriented. He hoped his students would one day enter the highest echelons of the Great Yu and give back to him in return. He wasn’t running a charity school in this Otherworld.

...

「Half a day later.」

Fang Rui looked at the hall, filled with eager students aged five, six, seven, and eight. It was as if he were seeing a field of green seedlings, and a smile like that of an old farmer spread across his face.

In this world, there was only primary school and university. Primary school lasted three to five years, and university five to eight.

Of course, this was the standard for ordinary people. In truth, one could take the provincial examination at the age of twelve, much like a twelve-year-old who had achieved the rank of Scholar in his previous life.

Primary school, also known as foundational studies, was generally taught in private schools with a dedicated teacher.

University, on the other hand, was more akin to an academy. There were no dedicated teachers, and students were divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, promoting to the next level by passing examinations.

’I’ll select only the brightest. Their foundational education can be compressed into two years. With a new crop every two years, I’ll be able to harvest the first wave after one sixty-year cycle!’

Indeed, compared to the long-lived Martial Artists, the vast majority of people in this world were ordinary.

Take these students, for example. Due to their aptitude, family background, heritage, or resources, they had set upon the path of scholarship. Even if they became great figures in the future, they would have already missed the window of opportunity to train in martial arts.

Without becoming a High Grade Martial Artist, an ordinary person’s lifespan was like that of a normal ancient world, where living to one’s sixties or seventies was considered a long life.

Just look at Yuan Haogu. Didn’t he pass away in his early seventies?

’I’m in my early thirties now. After a sixty-year cycle, I’ll be over ninety. By then, this first wave of students will also be nearing the end of their lives.’

With Fang Rui’s Medical Skill and his reputation for promoting longevity, it wouldn’t seem too out of the ordinary for him to publicly live to be a hundred.

By then, when a white-haired old teacher who looks like he could kick the bucket any day asks a few questions of his own students, who are themselves at death’s door, their guard will surely be at its lowest. How could they have the heart to refuse him?

"Divine Doctor Fang... no, Master Fang, I’m entrusting my child to you. If he misbehaves, you can hit him. Hit him hard, I have no objections!"

"Yes, same for my child! Thank you for waiving half the tuition!"

"Master Fang, I’m begging you, please take my child! I’ll kneel for you!"

"Old Chen, kneeling is useless. It was your own child who didn’t make the cut. Who can you blame for not being chosen?"

"Exactly. Didn’t you hear Master Fang say he’s out of spots? He can’t handle any more students."

...

Fang Rui sent away the crowd of parents—some joyful, some sorrowful—and prepared to begin the first lesson.

Just then, an old scholar entered. His name was Cai Chong, an old friend of Yuan Haogu, and what Fang Rui would consider half a friend to himself.

The man had announced his visit in advance; he was here to audit the class. He had also declared that if Fang Rui’s teaching was up to a certain standard, he would vouch for his reputation. But if Fang Rui was merely misleading the youth and tarnishing Yuan Haogu’s good name, he would cut his robes and sever all ties.

Fang Rui was a man who had seen the world. His composure was unshakable, so naturally, he didn’t panic. He simply gave Cai Chong a slight nod, his expression serene.

"Yu Qian."

"Sit down. Your father and I have been old friends for many years. With a name like yours, you may bear a great burden. Though you must be loyal and upright, you must also learn the art of self-preservation..."

...

"Bai Shiren."

"Shiren, that name... I will grant you a courtesy name: ’Steadfast’..."

...

"Zhang Heng."

"An excellent name. I hope you will study diligently, think deeply, and pursue your research with passion..."

...

Fang Rui got to know each of the students, offering earnest advice to every one of them without a hint of favoritism.

The true selection had already been completed. Everyone seated here was a promising talent, so of course he would treat them all equally.

After all, his purpose was to impart wisdom and bestow favor, not to make enemies.

"Now, let’s begin the first lesson..."

Fang Rui had long ago achieved Great Success in the *Child Canon*. With insights from two lifetimes and the collision of different schools of thought, his lectures were lively, engaging, and explained profound concepts in simple terms.

Below, the students listened with rapt attention, their eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge.

At the very back, Cai Chong began with a scrutinizing gaze. Before long, however, he gradually sat up straight, his expression turning solemn. He started to see Fang Rui as a great master of the classical teachings, an equal.

A short while later, he was nodding repeatedly, and even took out a brush and paper to take notes, adopting the humble demeanor of a student himself.

...

「Half a day later.」

Cai Chong left and proclaimed to all who would listen, "Is there anyone in this world who is born with innate knowledge? If so, it is Fang Sheng!"

"Fang Sheng’s talent is without peer in this world! I, this old man, have wasted my long years!"

He gave Fang Rui the highest possible praise and made a bold prediction: "In forty years, one of Fang Sheng’s disciples will surely enter the Purple Cloud Pavilion!"

This assessment spread through the city like wildfire, causing countless people to beat their chests and stamp their feet in regret.

"To receive such high praise from Elder Cai... what has that Master Fang done to deserve it?!" someone exclaimed, shocked beyond words.

"I know Elder Cai well. He would rather break his bones than bend his back his entire life. He’s as stubborn as they come. A compliment like that from him must be genuine."

"So, are you saying that Divine Doctor Fang... no, Master Fang, actually has real skill?"

"He doesn’t need to be all that. If he’s even half as good as Elder Cai claims, he’d still be a renowned master. I wonder... is it too late to send my child to him now?!" The man’s eyes lit up.

"Too late! He’s already full. WAHHH, I regret it so much! I actually believed the rumors in the city and didn’t go to sign up today. My son has lost the chance to study under a great master!" The man wailed.

"That Master Fang is truly a remarkable man, to have achieved such extraordinary mastery in two different fields: Medical Skill and the Holy Books."

...

In Shangluo City, there were many renowned doctors whose Medical Skill had reached the level of Mastery, and there were also many great scholars of the classical teachings. But a great scholar whose Medical Skill had also reached Mastery? It seemed there was only one: Fang Rui.

In an instant, Fang Rui’s name spread throughout the city, and his fame skyrocketed.

...

’What is fame to me?!’

Fang Rui paid no mind to the city’s praise or criticism. On his day off, he took Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, Third Lady, and the others for an outing to the Luo Riverbank outside the city.

Fang Li, the baby girl he had adopted, was now babbling her first words and wobbling as she walked. It was the most adorable time of her life.

The maids gathered around, watching over her.

Not far off, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, Third Lady, Fang Ling, and Nannan sat around a blanket laden with fruit and snacks, some playing chess, others chatting idly.

Here, outside the city walls, the open vista was a refreshing sight for the soul.

’This is wonderful!’

Fang Rui felt himself gradually growing more detached. Only in the presence of his family, sharing in their simple joys, did he open his heart and allow himself to feel any significant emotion.

Beyond that, even the splendor of Shangluo was like a flower in the mist to his eyes, and he maintained a certain distance from the very students he taught.

’Am I... becoming a proper Immortal?’

Fang Rui sighed to himself.

"Brother, what are you looking at?" Fang Ling and Nannan, now young women, walked over hand in hand.

"I’m watching the Luo River. It flows on and on, just like the relentless current of time. It makes me think of the past..." Fang Rui said with a smile.

"The past!"

Fang Ling reminisced, "I still remember when we were little in Changshan County. Everything was so precious back then. I could show off a small handful of roasted soybeans to my friends for half the day... And how we used to get up in the middle of the night to roast buns..."

"In the blink of an eye, so many years have gone by. Those memories are like mist—they feel like only yesterday, but also like a lifetime ago."

"I remember it too," Nannan added, a serene smile on her flawless, jade-like face. "The chicken soup Brother Ah Rui brought, and when he treated my mother’s illness..."

Now, she no longer thought of pursuing anything more. For things to continue just like this, simple and peaceful, was good enough.

"Yes," Fang Rui’s lips curved into a smile as he listened to them recall old times. But in the next moment, his gaze fell upon Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, whose hair grew whiter by the day, and his smile faded slightly.

He stood before the Luo River, silent for a long moment. A thousand words swirled in his heart, but in the end, they all dissolved into a single sigh. Pointing to the river, he murmured, "Thus does it flow on, never ceasing day or night."

At that moment, under the setting sun, wild geese soared high above. The brilliant colors of dusk reflected in the Luo River, its turbulent waters rushing east toward the sea, just like a river of bygone years.

...