Tour of Mengyinhu (6)

As Yasushi's group approached the storied Yuelu Academy, Heinz seized the opportunity to share its illustrious background.

"Yuelu Academy, established in 976 AD during the Song Dynasty, ranks among China's oldest and most prestigious learning centers. Its reputation as a beacon of knowledge has endured through the ages, drawing scholars from across the nation and leaving a profound imprint on China's intellectual and cultural landscape.

"The academy is a fusion of Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist philosophies, woven into its very fabric. Its curriculum goes beyond mere academic instruction, going into the realms of moral development, critical analysis, and a profound appreciation for both the arts and sciences. Students here explore a broad spectrum of subjects — literature, history, philosophy, agriculture, and medicine — reflecting a holistic approach to education.

"Among its distinguished figures is Li Minghua, a philosopher and educator whose influence permeated Yuelu Academy. His explorations of ethics and governance left a lasting mark, shaping the intellectual milieu of his time.

"Mei Jianhong, a poet whose work thrived in the academy's tranquil surroundings, found her muse within its ancient walls. Her poetry, rich in vivid imagery and deep contemplation, remains a subject of study and reverence.

"Chen Yuelin, a pioneer in agricultural science, introduced innovative irrigation techniques that revolutionized local farming. His contributions significantly boosted crop yields, directly enhancing the community's welfare.

"Lastly, Wang Zhihao, a master calligrapher, transformed traditional Chinese writing through his unique techniques and styles. His influence endures in contemporary calligraphy, a testament to his lasting legacy."

After Heinz wrapped up his description, the group stood before Yuelu Academy. The Love People Tower dominated the view, its multiple levels and elaborate carvings showcasing traditional Chinese design. The tower was more than a landmark; it embodied the academy's focus on humanistic education.

Entering the Main Courtyard, they found themselves in a space bordered by ancient trees. The sprawling area, with its tranquil ambiance, served as a gathering spot for both students and scholars, encouraging deep thought and lively discussions.

Beyond the courtyard lay the Classical Gardens. These gardens featured skillfully arranged rockeries, serene ponds, and a variety of well-tended plants, all reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese landscaping. The environment was crafted to offer a peaceful space for study and reflection.

"Woah," Yasushi said softly, taking in the surroundings. "It's a lot more modern-looking than I imagined," he noted, his eyes scanning the area.

Heinz, with a hint of pride, replied, "Indeed. Over time, many parts of our town have been renovated, and Yuelu Academy has been a key focus. The main courtyard, the classical gardens, and the Love People Tower are just a few highlights you'll see here."

Yunxue provided the details of the academy's schedule. "The usual visiting hours are from eight in the morning until six in the evening. Entry fees are set at 50 CNY for adults and 25 CNY for students, while children under twelve can enter for free. There are guided tours available, which generally last between an hour and a half to two hours. A group tour, accommodating roughly ten people, costs 100 CNY."

Jingliu added further details. "Don't forget about the workshops. Calligraphy sessions are priced at 30 CNY per person. Traditional Painting Classes are available at 40 CNY per participant, and there's a lecture on Confucian Philosophy for 20 CNY per person."

Yasushi checked his watch, then said, "It's around ten in the morning now. We still have a fair amount of time before our next stop and lunch. How about we explore the academy a bit more before heading to our next destination?" The others nodded in agreement.

+-+

Yasushi's lips curled into a slight grimace as he wrestled with the calligraphy brush. Despite his quick grasp of many skills, this one proved to be a persistent challenge. The group had decided to give it a try after Heinz had suggested it several times, and they had agreed to indulge him.

Around him, the others seemed to be managing adequately, each finding their own rhythm with the brush strokes. Yasushi, however, was a different story. His previous attempt at calligraphy in Japan had not been disastrous, but that had been some time ago. Now, as he bent over his paper, his focus was absolute, his brow glistening with perspiration from the intense concentration.

A few onlookers, noting the strain on his face, exchanged worried glances. It looked as if he might burst a blood vessel from the sheer effort he was putting into each stroke. Yunxue struggled to suppress a chuckle, her amusement barely contained. Jingliu's concern was evident, her eyes fixed on Yasushi with a hint of anxiety.

Heinz, on the other hand, observed the scene with a sense of satisfaction. The intensity with which Yasushi was applying himself to the task was exactly what Heinz had hoped for.

A teacher approached Yasushi with a concerned expression. "Are you alright, young man? You seem quite... absorbed in your work."

Yasushi, his eyes locked on the paper before him, responded without changing his focus. "I'm fine, just... trying to get the hang of it."

The teacher stayed there for a moment, studying Yasushi's intense concentration before offering a few pieces of advice. Yasushi listened intently and attempted to incorporate the guidance, but it felt akin to teaching a fish to walk on land — an endeavor fraught with difficulty, unless one could somehow adapt to an entirely new way of being.

Time passed, and as the class drew to a close, everyone finished their work, including Yasushi. He wore a weary smile as he surveyed his creation. To be honest, his attempt resembled something more like to a child's drawing than a piece of calligraphy. Despite the results, Yasushi took solace in the fact that the ordeal was over, and a sense of relief washed over him.

"It's done," he murmured to himself, catching sight of Jingliu and Yunxue stifling their laughter. He returned their amused glances with an awkward smile, feeling a mix of embarrassment and acceptance.

Once their calligraphy session concluded, the group continued their exploration of the academy, with Heinz assuming the role of guide. His advanced age suggested a wealth of knowledge about the institution's history, in contrast to Jingliu and Yunxue, who were relatively newer to its history.

Yasushi, ever the history enthusiast, listened with rapt attention. Having experienced life in multiple cultures — English, Japanese, and now a touch of Chinese — he found the various historical perspectives fascinating. Each country's interpretation of historical events offered him a fresh lens through which to view the world.

As they meandered through the academy grounds, they arrived at another garden. This one was less crowded, with only a few individuals present. Jingliu and Yunxue wandered off, engrossed in conversation about the surrounding scenery. Yasushi took this opportunity to approach Heinz directly.

"Heinz, could we have a moment to talk?" Yasushi's tone was marked by a seriousness that contrasted with the leisurely atmosphere.

Heinz, noting the gravity in Yasushi's demeanor, responded, "How can I assist you, Lord Yasushi?" His tone was respectful, recognizing the importance of the conversation Yasushi was about to initiate.

"Earlier today, I noticed that we seemed to have a few shadowy figures trailing us, keeping a close watch on our movements. I suspect it might be Yan Jia and her associates. If possible, could we address this issue before it escalates into something more serious? I had intended to inform Yinhaie about this as well," Yasushi murmured, his voice low and steady, careful to avoid drawing attention from any potential observers.

Heinz's face broke into a knowing smile as he nodded. "It appears Yinhaie's observations have proven accurate. Your instincts are remarkably sharp. Rest assured, I will alert our team to manage this situation. However, since you have raised the concern, how do you propose we deal with Yan Jia? As you initiated this discussion, your perspective on the matter would be valuable."

Yasushi fell into a thoughtful silence, weighing his options for dealing with Yan Jia. Given the past actions of the Yang family and his desire to resolve the situation without further legal complications, he began to formulate a plan. The idea that surfaced seemed rather extreme — perhaps even bordering on madness — but it might be effective.

"Let me discuss this with Jingliu first," Yasushi said finally. "I have a concept in mind, though it might seem a bit unorthodox. I may come across as somewhat eccentric with this approach."

+-+

Jingliu and Yunxue looked at Yasushi with expressions of utter disbelief, as though he had suggested something completely outlandish.

"…are you serious?" Jingliu asked, her gaze locked onto Yasushi's face with a seriousness that sought any trace of a joke. Her eyes searched for even the smallest hint that he was merely playing around.

Yasushi shook his head slowly, his expression unyielding. "I'm serious. No one will be harmed, but the threat will be real. Given the limited time we have, do you think this plan is feasible? Now that I think about it, visiting Huanglong Waterfall for our last stop might actually provide the perfect opportunity for them to confront or attack us."

Jingliu reached out and lightly pinched Yasushi's cheeks, her eyes still scrutinizing him closely. "Are. You. Sure?"

"Yesh, I'm shure," Yasushi replied, struggling to keep his composure while feeling a bit awkward under Jingliu's affectionate but perplexing gesture.

Jingliu withdrew her hands from Yasushi's cheeks and shifted her attention back to Heinz, who watched their exchange with a bemused smile. "Have you reached out to Yinhaie and the others yet?"

"Yes," Heinz replied. "I notified them of the plan earlier. While Yinhaie expressed some skepticism, she has agreed to proceed with it. Anfeng is also on board; she will be accompanying Yasushi for his part in the operation. Yinhaie and the rest will join us for the remainder."

Jingliu's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Anfeng is joining us? I didn't think this situation warranted her involvement."

"Anfeng? Who's that?" Yasushi inquired, puzzled by the unfamiliar name.

"Anfeng," Heinz began, his tone filled with a touch of pride, "is the current Head Maid of our staff. When Yinhaie was promoted to the position of new head maid, Anfeng stepped down. However, after Yinhaie moved away with Lady Jingliu, Anfeng reclaimed her role. She was instrumental in training Yinhaie, along with many others. I, however, had the honor of training her myself."

Yasushi nodded, accepting the information with a quiet agreement. Until now, he had not been aware of Anfeng, nor had anyone previously mentioned her. His only knowledge of her came through Heinz's description and the fact that she had trained Yinhaie, whose exceptional skills had impressed him greatly. Yasushi was curious about how Anfeng's abilities compared to those of Yinhaie.

"Well, let's get moving," Yasushi suggested, glancing at the others. "We still have several places to explore before we set our plan in motion. It's important to keep up appearances and not reveal our intentions."

The group nodded in agreement, and with that, they departed from Yuelu Academy. Their focus shifted to continuing their tour of Mengyinhu, blending seamlessly into their surroundings as they went about their day.