The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 475 Development of Private Schools (3)_1

Chapter 475: Chapter 475 Development of Private Schools (3)_1

"Quite impressive." Mei Hanqing began to observe the environment of the Academy carefully as he followed Lin Ziyin into the yard.

The main entrance of the study room had a guard. Random people could not stroll in casually. Inside, all sorts of flowers and tall trees were planted. The place was landscaped with little bridges over flowing water, hinting at the charm of Jiangnan. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, Mei Hanqing would find it hard to imagine that a private school could possess such elegance. Different forms of chairs and stools were arranged in an orderly fashion along the lengthy wooden corridor.

The sound of reading echoed from various courtyards, a feature seemingly not different from other academies.

Lin Ziyin was calm, while Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong seemed rather relaxed. Only Mei Hanqing was scrutinizing the surroundings in all seriousness.

"Sir, I believe there is a problem here." A student’s questioning voice was heard as they approached a courtyard.

Mei Hanqing frowned slightly.

In Daqin, teachers and students shared a relationship akin to that of father and son. The audacity of the student in this private school to question his teacher directly was shocking. In other academies, such behaviour would definitely lead to punishment. The most severe consequence would be expulsion from the academy.

"Let’s hear it." What surprised Mei Hanqing was that the teacher inside did not react angrily. Instead, he gently encouraged the student to express his opinion.

Next, they heard the student’s immature voice conveying his understanding on the Analects.

Mei Hanqing was slightly taken aback by the student’s interpretation. From the voice, he could tell that the student was young, but his uncommon and yet sensible viewpoint was surprisingly impressive.

"Does anyone else have a different opinion?" The teacher inside asked again.

"I do."

"Sir, I also have an opinion."

There were several different voices appearing in the room.

Lin Ziyin halted, careful not to disturb the teacher and students inside.

After a moment of quiet listening, Mei Hanqing finally understood why the Prince of Ling had brought him here.

"Memorized the formula?" After some time, Lin Ziyin started to move again, leading them to another room. What surprised Mei Hanqing was that this little private school was actually teaching arithmetic. In Daqin, where literature was valued over martial arts, only large academies would occasionally discuss a few Chapters of subjects like arithmetic. And the purpose was not to ensure that everyone understood, but rather a means for students to relax.

Yet in this private school, arithmetic appeared to be regarded as an important subject on par with literature.

"Column addition?" Mei Hanqing, listening at the window, was so shocked at what he heard that he couldn’t get a word out.

The method of column addition and mental arithmetic taught by the teacher was unknown even to a widely learned man like him. The teacher inside the room, fairly young, taught with structure and earnestness. As Mei Hanqing listened, he gradually became fascinated.

"Mr. Mei, there’s a martial arts class in the back, would you like to go and see?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"Yes, let’s go there. Thank you, Miss Lin." Mei Hanqing could no longer underestimate this private school.

Behind the private school, there was a large open space, surrounded by a huge circular path where the students were running. There were many odd-looking devices around, with students busily occupied with them.

In the centre of the open space, a young man was seriously instructing the children in sparring.

Despite their young age, the movements of the children were professional, suggesting that they would be the hope of the Northern Land in the future.

"Good, good, very good." Mei Hanqing couldn’t help but utter his admiration multiple times.