The yamen runner said as he walked, "Ten Provincial Graduates make one class, and three such classes are admitted each year. Five Academy Students make one class, and only one class is admitted each year. Both Academy Students and Provincial Graduates may study for three years, but must leave after those three years. The Prefectural Academy holds a Provincial Graduate examination once a year. Anyone who places in the top five will enter the Jing Kingdom Academy in the capital. There are not only Provincial Graduates and Metropolitan Graduates from our kingdom there, but also Provincial Graduates and Metropolitan Graduates from other kingdoms studying abroad, as well as descendants of the Sage Aristocratic Clans."
As Fang Yun listened to the runner's introduction, he looked around the Prefectural Academy. He had previously only visited the places where officials worked; this was his first time in the school residence district.
This place was practically a garden: small bridges over flowing water, long corridors and short pavilions, fragrant flowers and luxuriant trees. It seemed wholly removed from the clamor of the world, returned to nature's tranquility.
Fang Yun nodded. This was what a place for studying should be.
The two proceeded along a cobblestone path, rounded an artificial hill, and saw a round-arched gate bearing the two characters "Ink Fragrance."
"This is Ink Fragrance Lodge, where the first Academy Student class is located."
Ink Fragrance Lodge was a courtyard. At its center stood a red-roofed pavilion, with lush vegetation on either side. Ahead was an utterly ordinary room, with black tiles and white walls. Its door stood open, and desks, chairs, and students could be seen inside.
After taking several steps, Fang Yun heard the students inside talking.
"Teacher, is Fang Yun really coming to our class? I love his 'Year's End' most