Chapter 311: Chapter 310: Graduation and Setting Out Alone for the New Post

Ling Chengyan squinted her eyes and smiled, saying, “If the old gentleman doesn’t mind, I’d like to humbly share some thoughts on this matter. It is said that in unofficial history, Emperor Yongzheng was the fourth among his brothers, and he had a full brother ranking fourteenth… Actually, the Qing Dynasty’s edicts were divided into two parts, sometimes even three, with two parts being in Chinese and Manchu, and three parts including Mongolian… Therefore, the idea of adding a horizontal stroke to the ’ten’ to change it to ’yu’ is merely a historical fabrication, a rumor from unofficial history, and is not credible.”

“Wow… Wow… Mom (Sis), you’re amazing!” exclaimed Shi Tou, Xiao Xing, and Xiao Yu, who all looked at Ling Chengyan with starry eyes, applauding her words.

The old man, casually holding his hands behind his back, nodded with a smile: “You’re so young, yet your historical knowledge is so profound. May I ask if you specialize in history? You didn’t study in Beijing, did you?”

Such an outstanding character, if studied in Beijing, he would have known her.

Ling Chengyan smiled and cupped her hands, saying, “The old gentleman is too kind; I’m not specialized in history, just enjoy reading related books in my spare time.”

“An amateur? How is that possible!” Before the old gentleman could speak, a young man following him exclaimed in surprise.

The old man turned to glare at the disciple in annoyance, then turned back with a smile to speak with Ling Chengyan.

Seeing this, Ling Chengyan had to introduce herself: “I’m Ling Chengyan, currently studying at a certain academy.”

“In the army?” The old gentleman couldn’t help but be surprised this time.

There’s a saying, “A scholar meets a soldier, reasoning becomes unclear,” referring to soldiers often being rough and unrefined. Yet this lady’s historical and literary qualities surpass those of the students behind him. It’s unusual, simply unscientific!

How could the old gentleman keep his composure?

However, the shock was brief, and the old gentleman soon regained his composure, humbly introducing himself as Wu Weiwu, a history expert from Jing University.

After shaking hands, Ling Chengyan switched from leading the group alone to leading with two people. Wang Liansheng mingled with the old professor’s students, exchanging discussions occasionally. This led those committed to academic research to have a different perception of Wang Liansheng, a local official who entered service early. Apparently, grassroots workers are not all coarse and ignorant; this one is not only knowledgeable but worldly, distinctive.

Ling Chengyan mostly shared her firsthand experiences with emperors, civil and military officials, nobility, and the harem. The old professor’s speeches were based on decades of academic research, often referencing classic works and drawing parallels—a typical scholarly style, harmonizing with Ling Chengyan’s experiential perspective.

With these two leading the way, the explanations became interesting and fresh, making the tour of ancient architecture vivid and lively. The tour of the Imperial Palace unknowingly extended until, upon exiting Shenwu Gate, people awoke from their dreams after discussing Shou Mountain’s historical and current affairs with Ling Chengyan and Professor Wu. Dusk approached as staff began preparing to close up for the day.

The accompanying tourists reluctantly dispersed, leaving only Ling Chengyan’s family and Professor Wu’s group. Professor Wu was delighted, taking the initiative to write down his address and contact information, inviting Ling Chengyan and Wang Liansheng to visit with their children.

Wang Liansheng accepted with both hands, slightly bowed his head, and smiled: “Our family has long admired the highest academic institution. If given the chance to go, we will surely visit.”

Professor Wu smiled and nodded, then introduced his students one by one, saying if they couldn’t find him, any of them could guide them around.

Ling Chengyan and Wang Liansheng expressed their gratitude before parting ways with Professor Wu’s group.

As the sun sets over the western hills and twilight arrives, the family returns to school by car.

Afterward, Ling Chengyan found some time between classes to take the children to the zoo, and during the weekend, they ventured further to the Great Wall.

During this time, Ling Chengyan attended classes, and Wang Liansheng leisurely took the three children to tour various places in Beijing, including several major museums, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. He also visited two major famous universities, allowing the children to glimpse the charm of the country’s top academic institutions.

During the trip, Zhang Yuanhong hosted an event for fellow Huicheng locals. Liu Yongnian and Zhang Yuanhong, literary and military figures, respectively, found common ground with Wang Liansheng over drinks;

Returning from the Great Wall, they bought return train tickets, and the next day, Wang Liansheng took the three children back to Huicheng after bidding farewell to his wife.

As he was about to leave, Wang Wenzhang enthusiastically declared, “Mom, wait for me. I’ll come to Beijing with you when I get into university.”

The family laughed, and Ling Chengyan crouched down, cupping Wang Wenzhang’s chubby cheeks, kissing them: “Alright, mom will wait for that day.”

After sending off her family, Ling Chengyan returned her focus to her studies, resuming her busy, whirlwind-like routine.

Before you know it, autumn comes and goes, and Ling Chengyan’s year of study is about to end.

Qi Yanli clung to her with notable reluctance, sticking with Ling Chengyan when she had free time, even taking her to the renowned Lao Mo restaurant to taste Russian cuisine…

Separation, however, does not change due to reluctance. At the end of June, Ling Chengyan’s batch completed their graduation exams, received their certificates, and successfully completed their learning tasks.

After a year of full-time study, it was finally time to return.

The professors and classmates showed tender sentiments, and to Ling Chengyan’s surprise, Professor Wu Wei also sent a parting gift—two historical books he wrote.

Professor Wu’s handwritten note said: If you weren’t devoted to serving the country, I would surely strive to have you stay as my colleague.

Ling Chengyan was somewhat touched and wrote back to Professor Wu: I have limited knowledge and inadequate scholarship; I am unworthy of the professor’s favor.

A day later, carrying her luggage, Ling Chengyan returned to Huicheng.

Upon reporting to the district, she found an official transfer awaiting her, assigning her to the provincial special training team as team leader, a regimental rank.

Three days later, the district sent a car to take her to the provincial capital to officially assume her role as the provincial special operations team leader.

Before the Spring Festival, Wang Liansheng was promoted to the second-in-command of the planning department; he had just taken on a significant investment and commercial task, temporarily unable to transfer. Thus, in the apartment assigned by the provincial district, Ling Chengyan lived alone, only accompanied by Xiao Yu returning from the provincial key high school on weekends.

Upon her arrival, Ling Chengyan discovered that she basically was alone in the leadership role, with only an instructor and two deputy team leaders available. Their first task was to assemble the special operations team within a month.

Their selection scope encompassed all troops in the province, unrestricted by military branches or positions, in other words, they could choose whoever met their standards.

Ling Chengyan and the few available held a brief meeting, finalizing the selection process and methods in less than an hour. It seemed simple: competition-based selection, choosing the best and eliminating the rest.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep