Chapter 117: Chapter 96: Turmoil Gradually Arises
Translator: 549690339
Influenced by his close friend, much of the frustration originally accumulated in the academy had dissipated.
Sun Siwen answered, “Yes. Recently, due to unrest in various places, there are fewer students in the academy. Classes end earlier.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan couldn’t help but ask curiously, “I remember that after years of expansion, there should be over 500 people at Changning
Academy, right? How is it that the number of people has now decreased?”
Since reaching the peak of the second-class level earlier this year, he had been busy practicing the Bizarre Meridians Eight Channels. He spent every day in his home, studying ancient texts and not paying attention to the outside world.
Sun Siwen and the others knew he was busy, so they didn’t bother him too much.
As a result, even though he had heard about the chaos outside, he didn’t have a clear impression of the situation because he hadn’t been out much.
Now, according to what Sun Siwen said, could it be that this chaos had also affected the academy and disrupted the students who were focused on their studies?
“Yes.”
Sun Siwen sighed and said worriedly, “Just a few days ago, the Miao People in the mountains suddenly gathered and caused a disturbance. They descended from the mountains and attacked a small town in Xiaxi County, killing hundreds of people before looting and leaving.”
Most of the students at our academy come from several nearby counties, including Xiaxi County.
After hearing about the attack on their hometown by the Miao People, many students were worried about their families and returned home.
Some students from other nearby counties also left due to their worries. The academy, which initially had 500 students, is now left with just over 200.”
Used to the bustling atmosphere of the academy, the sudden quietness and the empty, expanded school buildings inevitably made this instructor, accustomed to the lively atmosphere of the academy, feel a sense of emptiness. Lu Yuan was slightly surprised, “Is Dongting Prefecture so chaotic now?”
He remembered that Dongting Prefecture seemed to be quite stable at the beginning of the year. The people were not exactly living in peace, but at least they could survive.
However, in just half a year, incidents like the Miao People causing chaos and looting the towns started to happen.
Sun Siwen looked at his bewildered friend and said with a bitter smile, “You’ve been at home for the past few days and haven’t been out much, so you’re not aware. The world today is unstable, and there are wars everywhere.
The Liang people invaded the north, and the court dispatched 200,000 troops to resist. Although they barely held off the Liang people, the war had affected Guangling Prefecture in the north, causing a large number of refugees.
The rebellions in Jianan Prefecture, though suppressed by the 100,000 imperial troops sent by the court, still had remnants of bandits causing disturbances in the local prefectures and counties.
In the south, Jinghai Countrv has captured half of Yulin Prefecture’s territorv, and now they are starting to advance towards Southsea, posing a threat to annex Southern Border.
The court has urgently dispatched the 100,000 troops that had suppressed the rebellion in Jianan Prefecture to provide relief, hoping to repel this invading country.
Disasters have frequently caused civil unrest in other prefectures throughout the world. There were always news of rebellions breaking out and new rebel kings emerging.
Compared to those, Dongting Prefecture is still considered better off.
At least only a few county towns were attacked by the rebels, and the Fu City has not been breached, still maintaining its basic stability.
But I’m afraid if the world continues to be chaotic, the turbulent times will not be far away.”
As Sun Siwen spoke, he seemed at a loss.
He couldn’t understand why yesterday was a time of peace and prosperity, and now suddenly, turmoil had engulfed Da Yue’s eight prefectures.
In addition to the confusion, what made him feel even more worried and fearful was the arrival of the troubled times.
If Da Yue were to collapse, it would be devastating news for him and for all the people in the world.
Better to be a peaceful dog than a person in chaos.
In times of chaos, people die.
After listening to what Sun Siwen had said, Lu Yuan was also secretly shocked.
He really didn’t expect that the world would turn out like this when he emerged from seclusion.
However, despite the surprise, seeing his close friend’s worried expression, Lu Yuan still comforted him, “Brother Sun, don’t worry too much. Even if the time of chaos really is upon us, with me around, I can definitely ensure your safety.” He said this with confidence because he indeed had a solid foundation.
During these six months of closed-door practice, Lu Yuan had made great strides.
Not only had he thoroughly comprehended the last two layers of the Replenishing Qi Heart Sutra’s Mental Techniques, but he also made significant progress in researching the Bizarre Meridians Eight Channels, beginning his breakthrough two months ago.
With thorough preparations, the breakthrough was naturally a success.
Just yesterday, Lu Yuan successfully unblocked the Yangjiao Meridian among the Bizarre Meridians Eight Channels, entering the seventh layer of the Replenishing Qi Heart Sutra and officially stepping into the first-class realm in the Jianghu.
Of course, this was only the first-class realm in terms of Inner Strength, while his martial arts abilities were still at the peak of the second-class level.
But even so, a half-first-class martial artist was still considered a formidable figure in the Jianghu and could dominate a city.
With such strength, as long as he wasn’t besieged by thousands of soldiers cutting off his escape route, he could go anywhere in the world.
Protecting Sun Siwen, a scholar, was a piece of cake.
Feeling the concern and sincerity of his best friend, Sun Siwen felt warmth in his heart. Then he brought up another matter, “Let’s not talk about these annoying things, let’s talk about some happy news.
Recently, there was news from the prefecture that, due to frequent civil unrest in various prefectures and counties, officials have suffered heavy casualties, and there are vacancies everywhere.
Therefore, the prefecture plans to promote a group of officials to fill the vacancies in various places.
I have been an instructor for five years and have produced three juren while establishing Changning Academy. My merits are more than enough.
Last October, after five years of accumulation and polishing, Sun Siwen’s disciples Gu Songyun and his student Guo Yun participated in the Imperial Examination together and both passed.
The name of Changning Shuangjie once again spread throughout the land. With this huge accomplishment, Sun Siwen was able to firmly secure a promotion.
In addition, after serving for five years, it was indeed time for him to get promoted.
Upon hearing this good news, Lu Yuan immediately congratulated him, “Congratulations, Brother Sun, on your promotion. It won’t be long before I have to address you as the chief official of a region.” “Thank you for your kind words, Brother Lu.”
Sun Siwen’s face was full of smiles.
After being promoted to County Magistrate, all he had to do was serve for three more years, and as long as he didn’t make any mistakes, he would be assuredly promoted to County Magistrate.
As an official for ten years and governing the region, he naturally felt the joy of success.
However, after being happy for a while, Sun Siwen thought of something, and his smile faded, “The only issue is that Changning County already has a County Magistrate, so if I were to be promoted, I would have to go to another county and could no longer stay in Changning.”
Having lived in Changning County for seven years, Sun Siwen had long considered it his semi-hometown. Now that he had to leave, he couldn’t help but feel reluctant.
“Is that so? We have to leave?”
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan couldn’t help feeling sad.
If Sun Siwen were to leave for duty, Lu Yuan would definitely accompany him.
With the current chaotic times and civil unrest everywhere, already over a dozen county officials and deputy officials have died in Dongting Prefecture alone.
Lu Yuan was truly worried for his friend going off alone, fearing he might be killed by the chaotic people.
These damn times..