The continent's advanced academies, counted carefully, fell into just three categories: those directly administered by the authorities, standing firm like towering halls; those jointly founded by the authorities and private forces, each complementing the other; and those run entirely by private forces, as free and unfettered as a breeze through the woods.
The "private forces" here were by no means ordinary people, but nongovernmental powers of considerable strength.
Outside the government, there were countless aristocratic houses, a forest of sects, a profusion of associations, gatherings of gangs, and rising powers in both martial pursuits and commerce. Those capable of running an academy were the cream of the crop.
Chang'an Academy, for example, was an academy administered entirely by the authorities, one of the Five Provincial Academies.
Within the academy, however, the Power Structure was rather delicate.
With its deep foundations and extensive connections, the Aristocratic Faction held roughly a third of the positions carrying real authority. Its roots ran deep and its branches spread wide; its influence could not be underestimated.
Meanwhile, backed by the government and supported by the "commoners," the officially sponsored Commoner Academy Faction firmly held half the territory.
As for the highest-ranking positions—the Vice Dean positions—they were firmly in the hands of the Chang'an Three Elders, three highly respected seniors.
Only the remaining positions were left for the other minor factions to divide among themselves.
This arrangement had only changed with Chen Cong's arrival, finally allowing someone from the Aristocratic Faction to enter the highest ranks.
Generally speaking, directly administered academies were powerful. Fasinuo Province had only three: Chang'an Academy, Canghui Academy, and Siyue Academy. Like three brilliant stars, they illuminated the province's educational skies.
However, directly administered academies also had their shortcomings: they were highly political institutions and subject to strict official control.
By comparison,