Chapter 917 – Two Years of Hibernation, the State of the World (Part 8)
Hui Jun showed a hint of hesitation on her face, but something seemed to come to her mind, and in the end, she backed down.
“Is… is this really okay?”
Jiang Pengji was happily teasing the boy, whose eyes were spinning in every direction, while simultaneously holding the little girl’s tiny feet, thoroughly enjoying the moment.
“What’s wrong with it?”
The atmosphere in Wanzhou was far more open than the outside world; not only were there large, formal female units, but about thirty percent of the patrol soldiers on the streets were women.
What’s wrong with Hui Jun tinkering with a little invention?
As Jiang Pengji spoke, the boy seemed to notice her, his pitch-black eyes fixated on her, moving in sync with her actions.
Hui Jun stammered, “I’m afraid I won’t do it well and ruin Young Master’s reputation.”
“What’s there to be afraid of? If the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up, and if it doesn’t work out, you still have me. If it succeeds, though?”
Jiang Pengji squeezed the girl’s little feet and finally managed to rouse her from sleep.
The little girl, undeterred by anyone, reached out with her chubby arms toward Jiang Pengji, asking for a hug.
Jiang Pengji picked the child up, cradling her neck with one hand while passing the other hand under her chubby legs, supporting her like this proved quite comfortable for the baby. The little girl smacked her lips, lazily blowing bubbles and gazing intently.
“Your two kids are quite bold; they didn’t cry at the sight of me.”
Jiang Pengji held a special fondness for children who weren’t afraid of her, much like Changsheng from Feng Jin’s family.
Seeing Jiang Pengji play with the little girl, Hui Jun’s originally anxious heart suddenly calmed down, and she even felt a bit braver.
“Seems they’ve taken after that rough man, very daring indeed.”
Hui Jun smiled faintly, a sense of relief filling her gaze.
Since becoming a mother, she had become more cautious in her thinking.
One can’t keep fire wrapped in paper; she feared that her past might be exposed. She didn’t mind for herself but was worried about the impact on her children.
Now with Jiang Pengji’s promise, she sighed in relief, no longer anxious and even feeling a bit eager.
If the water-powered spinning wheel really worked out, how much labor could be saved, and what great help could it provide to Young Master?
Hui Jun began to think in terms of water conservation, while Jiang Pengji continued to amuse the two little babies.
Jiang Pengji had been in Wanzhou for over half a month, checking on the administrative affairs of various counties and paying attention to the progress of students learning pinyin at Golden Scales Academy. After watching for a few days, she found that the kids were exceptionally diligent, even self-disciplined enough not to need supervision from others.
【Midnight Epilepsy】: An ancient classroom, all filled with pale blue-white radish cubes, looks fresh and tasty.
【Clouds Weeping Rain】: Anchor, may I suggest that you let these kids have shorter lesson periods? Otherwise, they might get too tired.
【Li Wushuang】: Exactly, after all, people’s attention spans are limited, and they are still children, their energy levels can’t compare to adults. Those teachers go on for a whole morning; not only is it tough for the teachers, but the students must also be exhausted, decreasing learning efficiency.
Jiang Pengji secretly observed the classes, and the audience was also forced to watch for two days.
After the first day, many viewers expressed they couldn’t take it any longer.
Why? Because a single class period was far too long!
Golden Scales Academy was mostly under the purview of Cheng Cheng and the others, so Jiang Pengji didn’t have much understanding of the academy. This was her first time actually attending a class.
After listening in for just one morning, she noticed numerous issues and diligently wrote down a summary based on the audience’s suggestions.
Mr. Yuanjing, with decades of teaching experience, was a pillar in the education field, but he was easygoing. When Jiang Pengji offered suggestions, he listened attentively. If it was feasible, he would make changes; if not, he would discuss the pros and cons with Jiang Pengji.
No need to say more, just this spirit and attitude were worth learning from others.
After some time, Mr. Yuanjing asked in confusion, “Does the Liu Xi mean splitting the classes?”
Jiang Pengji replied, “Yes, that’s exactly it. I noticed that you teach for at least an hour at a time. Even adults feel tired, let alone a bunch of young kids. If they’re learning while fatigued, how much can they actually absorb? In my opinion, why not split the classes and set a specific time? For instance, half an hour or a quarter-hour for each session. After finishing, give the kids a little time to rest and adjust before the next session. Each session could also cover different topics, with alternating subjects. This way, the pressure on the teachers would be eased, and the kids wouldn’t feel exhausted. It’s like saying you can’t eat until you’re full in one go; a long journey requires taking one step at a time.”
Mr. Yuanjing paused for a moment, contemplating Jiang Pengji’s suggestion carefully.
His students were usually over ten years old, whereas most students at Golden Scales Academy were between five and seven years old.
After hearing Jiang Pengji’s perspective, Mr. Yuanjing felt that his previous teaching methods indeed weren’t suitable for young children.
“Lan Ting… let me think for a moment!!!”
Golden Scales Academy was not solely dictated by Mr. Yuanjing; if they were going to adjust class times, he would still need to communicate with a few other teachers.
While observing the group of kids studying, Jiang Pengji noticed one kid standing out exceptionally—Feng Yi, the only son of Feng Zhen.
“Study hard, and take over your father’s duties when you grow up.”
Jiang Pengji called him over to take advantage of the moment, pinching his little cheeks and ruffling his hair.
Despite Jiang Pengji’s playful antics, Feng Yi remained utterly still, merely tightening his lips.
He said solemnly, “I will definitely live up to the Governor’s high expectations.”
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “You really don’t look like Feng Langzi’s child; only an ancestor’s graves were smoking to get such a good kid.”
Feng Yi knew Jiang Pengji was complimenting him; hearing her disparage his father, a discontented glare flashed in his eyes.
“Oh, got a little temper, huh!”
Jiang Pengji teased his cheeks, refusing to stop until they flushed a rosy red.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Jiang Pengji said, “You’re a bit frail; a man should be stronger, or else you won’t even be able to carry the girl you like.”
Feng Yi frowned.
The Governor of Liu Xi, in front of him, it was no wonder he could conspire alongside his father like that.
These two spoke so casually, discussing such things in front of a child over seven years old, didn’t they fear corrupting him?
Suddenly, Jiang Pengji recalled something and asked Feng Yi, “How is your study going these days?”
“Pretty good.”
Feng Yi had been learning for several years and had a high aptitude; the curriculum at Golden Scales Academy was too easy for him.
He could even recite the “Great Summer Rhyme Book” backwards!
“I’m assigning you a task.”
Feng Yi was momentarily startled and bowed seriously to Jiang Pengji, “Please speak, Governor.”
“Six months from now, take a few of the top students from Golden Scales Academy to Golden Scales Pavilion for a sparring match.”
Feng Yi: “…”
Jiang Pengji added, “You need to show those spoiled scholars a thing or two, understand? If anything goes wrong, I’ll take the blame.”
The son of Feng Langzi, who didn’t behave recklessly; could this be the so-called balance after extremes?
