"A minister who merely made up the numbers."
"..."
Xu Chuo did not elaborate. She merely glanced at the daylight and stopped there, saying evenly, "In 'Eight Rows of Dancers,' Duke Ding asked, 'How should a ruler employ his ministers, and how should ministers serve their ruler?' The Master replied, 'A ruler should employ his ministers with propriety, and ministers should serve their ruler with loyalty.'"
"Now, in 'The Advanced,' it says 'serve the ruler according to the Way.' Those interested may write an essay on serving a ruler with loyalty or according to the Way and submit it to me. Remember to include your background and name." Xu Chuo put her book away in its case. "That concludes today's lesson. You may go."
Yet no one moved. The students all sat upright, watching the woman on the dais. Once she had retied her robe and glanced toward the back, Pei Ye immediately closed his book, hastily said goodbye to Fang Jidao, and followed her.
"I've spoken to the academy. From now on, you're a student here, and you may attend classes whenever you like. There's just one thing: you won't receive Academy Student status upon graduation." Pei Ye took the book case, and the two walked along a corridor dappled with shade from the trees. "For those without a family's protection and privileges, these places are awarded through selection. You aren't literate enough, so a place cannot simply be granted to you."
Pei Ye nodded. "That's only right. I wouldn't have any use for it anyway."
Xu Chuo smiled. "You seek neither rank nor fame. That makes you one of the few here who studies with a pure heart."
"...Oh, true."
As they spoke, they reached a secluded pavilion beneath a tree. Xu Chuo lowered her head to unlock