Chapter 240.2
After Li Linfu left, Lin Beifan picked up the list.
It detailed the profiles of 50 teachers, evaluating them on their academic level, educational achievements, and moral cultivation, arguably the finest 50 teachers in Great Xia.
However, as the saying goes, You can know a persons face, but not their heart.
It would be funny if by carelessness, a wolf in sheeps clothing was selected.
Even worse would be if there were any schemes hidden within, and all the selected candidates turned out to be school principalsthat would be truly laughable.
Therefore, he planned to conduct a covert investigation to select the Graded Teachers who best matched his ideal.
Among the many aspects to be scrutinized, Lin Beifan valued moral cultivation the most.
A teacher with moral integrity has a significant impact on students, helping them establish virtue and the right set of values, which is beneficial to both the country and its people.
Lin Beifan flipped to the first name: Zhao De, Apprentice Scholar, 49 years old, a teacher at the Caowei Academy in the capital city!
His consciousness connected to the Empire Sandbox to observe Zhao Des situation.
Then, Lin Beifan saw an elderly man with half-white, half-black hair, sallow skin, and a slender frame standing in front of the recently announced golden list, sighing, Alas! I was not selected again this time!
He wasnt overly disappointed because after so many years of studying and still being just an Apprentice Scholar, he had long recognized his own level.
Being able to participate in the imperial examination was already a fortunate event for him.
In another country, he wouldnt even have the opportunity to take part in the imperial examination.
This time was no exception; there were no surprises.
He gradually blended into the crowd and slowly made his way back to the Caowei Academy.
On the way, he encountered many young students.
Upon seeing Zhao De, they excitedly gathered around him, chattering away.
Teacher Zhao, did you pass the exam?
Theres no need to ask. With Teacher Zhaos knowledge, how could he not pass?
Yes, the masters knowledge is so impressive!
Zhao De replied with a wry smile, Children, its not that easy! There are always stronger contenders out there; theres always a higher mountain! Compared to others, I still fall short! Besides, I might not be able to teach you anymore if I were to pass! So, would you prefer that I pass or not?
The students looked at each other, unsure of what to say.
Zhao De changed the subject, By the way, have you finished your homework? Dont think that I wont check your homework just because your teacher is taking exams!
Do we still have to check?
Ill go back and finish it right away!
Master, please dont hit me, and definitely dont let my parents know!
The students vanished in an instant.
These mischievous kids! Zhao De shook his head while a genuine smile spread across his face.
Only when he was with the children did he feel relaxed and happy.
Because he was honest and a bit slow-witted, not good at socializing, he disliked flattery and sycophancy even more.
Such a person would struggle not just in the officialdom but even in the marketplace.
He was acutely aware of his shortcomings and knew he wasnt cut out for a government position.
But as a scholar, what else could he do if not take the imperial examination?
He felt lost and helpless, swept along by the tides of the times.
Returning to the schools study room, he rested for a moment before picking up the students assignments to correct.
Their writing was crooked and hard to recognize, but he was exceptionally patient, correcting each character one by one.
Although the work was arduous, he enjoyed it immensely.
Because this job didnt require him to engage in intrigue, all he had to do was teach the students well.
Every time he taught the students well, he felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
At that moment, he paused his pen and laughed, Even if I never pass the examination, being a teacher here isnt too bad! If I can cultivate a few elite scholars, that would bring honor to my ancestors, hahaha!
After finishing the grading, he ate a bit of dinner and immediately started preparing lesson plans.
He pondered how to teach in a way that would make it easier for the children to understand.
It was late into the night when he finally went to his room to rest.
Lin Beifan, who had been observing secretly, was very satisfied: Now thats a good teacher!
He put a check next to his name.
Then, he went on to observe other candidates for the Graded Teacher program.
Overall, most of the teachers were good, but many were not perfect.
Lin Beifan was about to introduce the first batch of Graded Teachers, who were to serve as moral exemplars for teachers nationwide.
Thus, only ten were selected under his strict criteria.
Then, he called Li Linfu, These are the candidates for the first batch of Graded Teachers. Handle them with the same standards as the imperial examination elite scholars!
Yes, Your Majesty!
The next day, a group of people burst into Zhao Des classroom with gongs and drums during the morning class.
Teacher Zhao, congratulations!
Teacher Zhao, youve made it!
Zhao De was utterly bewildered: Whats going on? What is this about?
Teacher Zhao, were here to congratulate you on your success!
Success?
Zhao De waved his hands repeatedly, smiling bitterly, Everyone, please stop joking. Ive checked the golden list; my name isnt there!
Tsk! Were not talking about the imperial examination, but the Graded Teacher!
Graded Teacher? Zhao De was still confused.
Teacher Zhao, the court announced the first batch of Graded Teacher selections just now! There are a total of 10 people in this first batch, all of whom are the best of the best selected from teachers nationwide! Your name is on the list; youve become a Graded Teacher!
I became a Graded Teacher? Zhao De was stunned and couldnt believe it.
Although he had dreamed of it, he never dared to hope for it!
It felt just like becoming the top scholar in the high school exams!
Teacher Zhao, do you know the benefits of becoming a Graded Teacher? someone asked.
Zhao De turned his head and asked blankly, What benefits?
Becoming a Graded Teacher is equivalent to being a seventh-rank official in the court, like a county magistrate! From now on, you can receive a salary similar to that of a county magistrate, around fifty to sixty taels of silver a year!
Your status will be extremely revered; you can meet officials without lowering yourself. No matter how high-ranking they are, you dont have to kneel! You have all the privileges except for power. Moreover, you are held in even higher esteem because youre one of the first batch of Graded Teachers!
The person said enviously, Teacher Zhao no, thats not right, Graded Teacher Zhao, youve made it! Congratulations!
Congratulations, congratulations the other teachers came over to offer their congratulations.
Zhao De was overwhelmed with emotion and said incoherently, Thank you! Thank you
He felt that all the hard work he had put in over the year was worth it!
Zhao De knelt down in the direction of the imperial palace and exclaimed, The Emperors grace is boundless! Your Majesty, thank you for your great kindness!
***
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