Planning the Clearwater Academy

Early the next morning, the village chief came to discuss with Su Li and Yuan Jie about building a school in the village. Su Li told her four apprentices to temporarily take over the Vegetarian Bistro, and she would go there in the afternoon.

The village chief smiled and said, "Since the New Year is over, let's finalize the school plans so we can build it early and let the children start schooling sooner."

Su Li nodded and smiled, "Village chief, you're right. Education is extremely important and can't be delayed."

Yuan Jie then called the steward Xiao Yuan and said, "Go and bring the master who designed our family courtyard."

Xiao Yuan obeyed and left. Yuan Jie explained, "The house next to ours is almost finished; we expect to move in by March. Since the master who designed our house is here, let's have him plan the school layout."

The village chief was flattered and said, "Oh, our rural school doesn't need such complicated planning. That's too much trouble for you! We just thought of building a few rooms and putting in some desks and chairs."

Su Li said, "That won't do. If we're building a school, we need to think long-term and get it right the first time to avoid disruptions later. Don't underestimate our Haizi Village now; everyone is on the path to prosperity. In a few years, I guarantee the Haizi school will be better than Qingmiao Academy! Maybe nearby villages will compete to send their kids here!"

The villagers listened with shining eyes, rubbing their hands, "If that really happens, that would be wonderful! If our village has a school, our standing will be stronger! Take the land and water disputes for example — there are often fights between two villages, but if we have a school, others wanting to send their kids here will have to listen to us. Our villagers will have more face when they go out!"

While the three chatted, outside Xiao Yuan led the school design master in. The master was an experienced designer who brought several blueprints. After discussion and exchanging opinions, the school plans were finalized by noon.

The cost of building the school would be shared equally by Su Li and Yuan Jie, while the labor and land would be provided by the village.

The village chief imagined the children all getting educated and some bringing glory to the family, feeling excited just thinking about it!

The rest of the matters were entrusted to steward Xiao Yuan, so Su Li only needed to provide the funds.

"Bailu, you and steward Xiao Yuan take care of the school construction," Su Li called Bailu over. Bailu was now the head steward of the Su family, handling the money.

Bailu responded crisply with a smile, "Building a school is a virtuous deed. Madam, I'm more than happy to take care of it!"

The village chief smiled and said, "We've agreed with the villagers that in the school’s shrine room, besides hanging a portrait of Confucius, we will also hang portraits of A Li and Master Yuan, so the children will remember that they can attend school thanks to these two great benefactors. No matter where they go or how successful they become, they will remember it was because of you two that they had a good life."

"Oh, no, that's not appropriate! We are not worthy to have our portraits hung!" Su Li and Yuan Jie repeatedly waved their hands, feeling unworthy. Hanging the portraits would be like receiving the master-disciple ceremony alongside Confucius, making all the students in the school their disciples by name.

The village chief said, "You are worthy! Why wouldn't you be? It's settled then! If you don't agree, I won't let the school be built!"

Seeing the village chief was determined, the two could only smile and agree.

Li Yanhao lifted the curtain and came in, smiling at Su Li, "A Li, I'm good at calligraphy and painting. How about I paint portraits for you?"