Chapter 2277: Chapter 2277: Divided Into Two Factions

A group of people ascended the mountain, and soon, another group reached halfway up, led by Erniu to continue upwards.

Those who were receiving guests at the halfway point and inside the academy were former students of Master Wen and others.

With the opening of Zhenglu Academy, these students will all merge into the academy for their studies, and the original schools will no longer exist.

Students like Shurui, Erniu, Dabao, and Jiang Yi, along with Jiang Huaiwen, son of Madam Deng, all became the first batch of students at Zhenglu Academy.

Of course, some schools were unwilling, as they could still adjust tuition fees and receive secret benefits, but once merged into the academy, they would not only be restricted, but any extra gifts would result in being expelled from the academy.

Yunzheng himself had no intention of persuading such schools. Incorporating these schools into the academy would only mix a pot of stew with rat droppings, tarnishing their reputation.

Anyway, when Zhenglu Academy opens and gains fame, students will naturally flock over, and by then, those schools will regret it but be too late.

Shurui led the group up the mountain, stopping only at the main entrance.

Ms. Kang and Madam Hou had visited before, but there were many in the crowd who were visiting for the first time and were immediately captivated by the scenery.

"The scenery is delightful, it’s really refreshing."

Many people had already gathered at the front gate, with some standing or sitting, some admiring the scenery, others talking softly, or asking the students when the doors would open, creating a lively buzz.

However, there was one thing that was particularly noticeable.

Among the many people present, two distinct groups seemed to form.

On the left were people dressed in luxurious attire, with slightly arrogant expressions, bearing a poised and relaxed smile.

These people were evidently Lords, Ladies, and Young Masters from wealthy families.

On the right stood a group of people with cautious expressions, speaking softly, while tightly holding their children’s hands.

These individuals were mostly from ordinary, or even impoverished families.

The distinction between the two groups was starkly apparent.

Ms. Kang exchanged a glance with Madam Hou, then silently followed Shurui into the academy through another entrance.

Some noticed but said nothing, knowing that those allowed inside before the gates opened were naturally affiliated with the academy.

People outside began to gather more and more, gradually increasing in number.

At the auspicious time, someone suddenly shouted, "The magistrate is here, the magistrate has arrived."

"And the County Magistrate as well."

The crowd burst into an uproar, turning their heads in surprise, seeing Xia Yan leading two middle-aged men climbing up the mountain.

The crowd hastily made way, and the onlookers instinctively wanted to kneel.

Lord Fei smiled cheerfully, "There’s no need for formalities, we’re just here to witness the inauguration of Zhenglu Academy. We’re not at the Office today, so relax, alright?"

Upon hearing this, people stopped trying to kneel.

Some who knew Lord Fei wanted to approach for a chat but were surprised as the two Lords didn’t linger and followed Xia Yan into the academy.

As they left, the crowd erupted into buzzing conversations.

"I never expected the newly opened academy to attract the magistrate and County Magistrate, Top Scholar Meng truly has a lot of prestige."

Someone nearby clicked their tongue and chuckled, "You really lack knowledge, don’t you? This academy isn’t just any ordinary little school."

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