The Little Consort's
Eps. 37: Visit the Royal Academy
Li Anlan couldn't keep quiet without doing something. If he continues to remain silent, then gradually he will lose his identity as a modern human who lost his way to ancient times. For this reason, she does everything she can to not forget her origins, that she is a modern freedom-loving woman who accidentally travels through time.
Being an outcast concubine whose favorite items were seized by the king was a bad fate for Li Anlan. There is no fate more terrible than this. Li Anlan had to think of something in order for his modern items to return. But, it must be a difficult thing considering the opponent he faced was the king, husband and leader of the strong Dongling country.
Li Anlan dug back the treasure he had buried under the peach tree in the courtyard of Xingyue Palace. He planned to sneak out of the palace again, meet his brother and ask about the development of his business which some time ago was abandoned due to the sudden arrival of Long Ji Man. Fortunately, the building was written in the name of Li Afan, not in his own name. If Long Ji Man finds out the building belongs to him, then he's finished.
The treasure that Li Anlan buried was still intact. The number is still the same as before. That means no one knows about his whereabouts. Good, that way, Li Anlan did not have to worry about someone robbing him. The woman took out a treasure box filled with land, then brought it inside Xingyue Palace to be cleaned and combined with the others.
Xie Roulan had just returned from the royal kitchen when Li Anlan started cleaning up his money. The servant girl was surprised to see her master's hand covered in dirt and stains. He immediately approached her, then helped Li Anlan clean up the gold that was exposed to dirt.
“What does my brother send you a letter?”
“Nothing, Mistress.”
Li Anlan was a little disappointed. Has Li Afan forgotten about it? Or the beautiful man was busy managing the family business so he did not have time to visit it like before? Ah, Li Anlan did not want to think negatively. Perhaps, Li Afan was indeed really busy.
“Oh yes, Eunuch Bi left a message from His Majesty,” always Xie Roulan while thrusting an envelope patterned with dragons and red stamped.
Li Anlan was about to throw it in the trash because he knew the letter must have come from Hongwu Palace. However, Xie Roulan prevented it by saying that the contents of the letter were very important, regarding Li Anlan's life and death in this palace. Hearing the words life and death, Li Anlan so undo his intentions. Long Ji Man usually did not mess with his threats.
The letter then he read. A moment later, Li Anlan let out a tired sigh. What's that important? The letter contained only a notice that Li Anlan had to come to Hongwu Palace today as well, carrying a change of clothes that were not too simple and not too luxurious. The letter also mentioned that Li Anlan should come alone, not bring his personal servant.
“Find me clothes that fit the terms in this letter!” li Anlan's orders to Xie Roulan.
“Good, Mistress.”
As Xie Roulan handed over the clothes in question, Li Anlan immediately rushed off to Hongwu Palace. Its nimble little legs climb over the rocks that form a foothold along the road from the Houchi Lake park to the majestic and sparkling Hongwu Palace. In front of that palace gate, several guards lowered their heads in salute to him.
“Mistress, please. His Majesty is already waiting for you inside,” welcome Xiao Biqi while opening the main door of Hongwu Palace building.
Long Ji Man seemed to be sitting while eating food. At his desk, some of the deluxe food was served, still warm until the aroma pierced Li Anlan's nose. The woman stood beside Long Ji Man, staring at the good food that made her saliva drip. Without being told, Li Anlan immediately sat down on the chair located in front of Long Ji Man, and began to eat food at the table voraciously. Long Ji Man just gawked at the behavior of his concubine who was still brash. Surprisingly, he did not feel annoyed or angry in the slightest. If the one sitting before him was someone else, Long Ji Man would have been furious and chased him away.
“Quick change your clothes! Come with me to the Royal Academy!”
Li Anlan almost choked in surprise.
“Royal Academy?”
Long Ji Man nodded.
“Quick!”
Li Anlan immediately finished her sudden breakfast. After which, he immediately changed into the clothes he brought from Xingyue Palace. So, this was the reason why Long Ji Man had told him to bring a change of clothes, as the man was about to make a personal visit to the Royal Academy today. But, the question was why did Long Ji Man invite him? Wouldn't it be better if the man took Xu Lingshu or Empress Dowager Han Yuemei along? Why must he himself?
Ah, maybe Long Ji Man is being kind. This is a good opportunity. Li Anlan was able to enjoy time outside the palace legally and not stealthily, unlike before. Making a visit to the Royal Academy also didn't seem like a bad thing. Incidentally, Li Anlan also wanted to know what this educational portrait in ancient times looked like.
Li Anlan and Long Ji Man rode a luxurious horse carriage specially used by the king. Behind the carriage, there were several people in special clothes and riding followed, it seemed like the royal guard troops. In front of the carriage were also two specially dressed people who were slightly different from the troops at the back. It seemed like they were also royal bodyguards, just that it was possible that his rank was higher than the one behind. Xiao Biqi sat on the side of the coachman, while Wang Tianshi was on the edge of the carriage, riding on a horse that was higher and more dashing than the other horses.
“Your Highness, your other wife no one knows this right?” ask Li Anlan.
“Tenace. I'm not that cute.”
Li Anlan was only worried that his departure with the king to the Royal Academy was known by another concubine. Li Anlan could not imagine how angry and upset they would be if they knew the king they had been chasing was traveling with an outcast concubine who had not even met him for two years since entering the palace. The concubines lacking in affection would continuously look for trouble with Li Anlan endlessly.
Li Anlan was actually curious as to why Long Ji Man was acting this way. However, Li Anlan chose not to ask the reason. Talking too much and asking too many questions is sometimes not a good thing. Li Anlan had to learn to hold back. Perhaps, Long Ji Man had another reason that could not be told to him or to anyone.
About an hour in modern time, the parade of the king's introduction arrived before the gates of the Royal Academy. Long Ji Man and Li Anlan were immediately greeted by the Deputy Head of the Royal Academy and the Secretary of the Royal Academy. Both men, his age was probably ten years older than Long Ji Man.
“Your Majesty, who is this woman?” ask the Deputy Head of the Royal Academy.
“He's my waitress.”
“You want me to reveal your identity as one of my concubines?”
“But, not with the waiter too right?”
“You want your peaceful life to end? They are close relatives of my wives.”
Long Ji Man and Li Anlan were brought into the Royal Academy. This Royal Academy consisted of several large buildings of various sizes. As Li Anlan walked in, he saw some fifteen-year-old students studying under a peach tree with a teacher. Their hands hold musical instruments. Maybe it was art class.
Li Anlan also saw some eighteen-year-old students playing chess in front of a large building. They looked more relaxed than the students Li Anlan had seen before. Maybe, in the break hours or in the empty hours.
The Deputy Head of the Academy and the Academy Secretary brought Long Ji Man and Li Anlan to a classroom filled with small children. The atmosphere in the classroom was so noisy that a teacher who was teaching in front also looked tired and resigned. The Deputy Head and Academy Secretary announced Long Ji Man's arrival, and the class instantly became silent.
“Come salute His Majesty the King!” exclaims the Secretary of the Royal Academy. All the students saluted. However, there was one student who did not duck, who was standing at the very corner.
“Isn't that the brat of bratty snot?” muttered Li Anlan. Unfortunately, his small mutter was heard by Long Ji Man.
“You ever met him?”
Li Anlan nodded.
“Some time ago he called me an ape.”
Li Anlan walked over to the boy, who was none other than Prince Ding, Long Ji Mu. Apparently, this kid had indeed entered the Royal Academy. It was only fitting that he did not want to pay his respects, because the one who came was his own brother.
“Hey, boy, you still recognize me right?” ask Li Anlan.
“Oh, sister-in-law,” Long Ji Mu replied briefly.
Seeing the interaction between Li Anlan and Prince Ding, the Vice Principal of the Royal Academy became curious. He approached towards Long Ji Man, then whispered,
“Your Highness, that waitress.”.
“It's okay.”
Long Ji Man hinted for the Deputy Head of the Academy and the Academy Secretary to be quiet. He wanted to see what Li Anlan would do to that stubborn brat.
“Teacher Academy, why was it so stormy?” li Anlan asked a teacher who looked exhausted.
The man has not answered. He glanced at Li Anlan, then turned to the king and his superiors. After getting approval in the form of a nod of the head, the person then dared to answer, saying,
“These kids don't want to learn literature.”
“Sastra?”
The guy nodded. These kids are noisier. The lessons given are certainly not in accordance with their age and level of development and growth. The literature? Just be right! In the modern world, the seven-year-old is only taught to write and read, not to study literature! No wonder these children are noisy and do not want to learn.
Changing the learning system in ancient times is definitely not an easy thing. These people are dominated by disorganized and closed-minded thinking. They still cling to tradition. Li Anlan had to find a way for these children to learn without having to fuss or eliminate or change the tradition of learning here. Brain whirring.
Although he was not an education student, but because his friends were very heterogeneous and came from various backgrounds of different disciplines, then Li Anlan knew a little about education. He had several friends who became assistant lecturers of education and researchers and observers of education.
The only way is to look for other alternatives that make these children happy with literary learning but through simple and fun ways. If literature is taught directly with his theory, it would be very confusing. Moreover, their lifespan was only around seven to eight years. Children their age should play and spend time with their peers.
“Your Majesty, do you trust me?” li Anlan asked, with a serious face.
“Yes. I trust you.”
...***...
^^^Hello, dear readers of Author! Anyone know, what will Li Anlan do with the bad boys? If anyone knows or wants to think, comment below! Don't forget to send criticism and advice to the author! Stay tuned, see you in the next episode! ^^^