Chapter 2422: Extra - The Prosperous Zhenglu Academy (Patreon)

Chapter 2422: Extra - The Prosperous Zhenglu Academy


Shu Yu, Yuan Gui, and Kang Shuxian exchanged greetings and inquired about the caravan's situation.


Yuan Gui approached the carriage and shook hands with the little girl who had peeked out, known as Little Mengmeng. He then spoke, "Everything is prepared. This time, we're delivering goods to both the capital and Changjin Prefecture, so the caravan is larger, and we'll be traveling at a slower pace. We'll speed up after passing Changjin Prefecture."


Shu Yu nodded, saying, "No problem, we're not in a hurry."


While they were talking, Meng Yunzheng got off the carriage and carried Mengmeng, walking into the middle of the caravan.


He approached an elderly man, placed Mengmeng down, and greeted, "Master Hejiang."


Master Hejiang had his back turned to Meng Yunzheng but turned around upon hearing his voice. He first smiled at Mengmeng and handed her a woven grasshopper before nodding to Meng Yunzheng, saying, "This journey has a large number of people, and it will be laborious for the brothers in the caravan."


Meng Yunzheng smiled and replied, "Their extra wages are all allocated by the academy's accountants."


Master Hejiang gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Listening to the Young Master, our academy seems quite wealthy."


Meng Yunzheng replied, "My wife is a businesswoman, so I consider myself half a businessman."


Master Hejiang remained silent, thinking, "Aren't you quite the businessman yourself?"


At the foot of the mountain, there was a vast vegetable garden owned by the academy, where the students grew their own vegetables. Behind the academy, there was a large area for raising livestock, and experienced farmers were hired to teach them. As a result, the livestock raised at the academy were healthier and better fed than those bought elsewhere.


Did you not see how the employees from County Princess's workshop came here to buy their products?


Furthermore, the families of students who rented houses nearby were mostly well-off. They would go to great lengths to buy meat and vegetables to ensure that their children and themselves would eat well.


Of course, many parents protested against this, but no one could argue with Meng Yunzheng's silver tongue. He argued that even the court provided agricultural leave for the students, indicating support for the development of agriculture. So why couldn't they participate in farming activities themselves? Moreover, Meng Yunzheng had personally worked in the fields to prove that even a top scholar like him could engage in such work.


With his persuasive arguments, even Master Hejiang and Master Huai'an were convinced.


As a result, Zhenglu Academy began to generate its first income.


Later, Meng Yunzheng expanded into handicrafts. For example, the woven grasshopper that Master Hejiang was crafting had been learned in the handicraft class. These items might not sell for much individually, but headmaster Meng didn't mind a few copper coins here and there.


Following this, he encouraged the students to excel in their writing and publish their works in bookstores.


This not only improved the students' writing skills and confidence but also increased their reputation and even bolstered their courage. Especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, this could provide them with a substantial income.


With students earning an income, they wouldn't need to rely on the academy for everything.


Meng Yunzheng seized every opportunity to increase the academy's income. Especially last year when the academy produced several Jinshi graduates in one go, it created a sensation throughout the city.


Therefore, based on Shu Yu's suggestion, Meng Yunzheng decided to seek investment.


Merchants were more than willing to invest; they had nothing but money.


With that, Zhenglu Academy became incredibly prosperous.


In all likelihood, among all the academies in the city, except for those receiving government subsidies, none were wealthier than Zhenglu Academy.