Wei Yu came to the manor this time specifically to talk to Fusheng and the others about the academy, so after entering the manor, he went straight to the courtyard where Fusheng and the others were staying.

In the medium-sized courtyard, about a dozen people were all crowded inside.

Some were flipping through chemistry books inside the room like cats, others were squatting in the corners scratching their heads over certain concepts they couldn’t understand.

They were all science scholars—no one cared about messy hair, no one mocked anyone’s hair tangled like a bird’s nest.

So when Wei Yu entered, he saw Yuan Qiuzi and Xuan Lingzi, senior and junior disciples, both with messy hair, squatting under a tree, debating something back and forth.

Wei Yu approached and stood behind them to take a look.

Yuan Qiuzi was holding a piece of iron whose origin was unknown, and the two were huddled together discussing how to purify the iron thoroughly.

Wei Yu: …

Sorry to bother you.

He, an empty-headed good-for-nothing, better not get involved in this kind of thing.

Wei Yu turned to leave but was noticed by the sensitive Xuan Lingzi.

“Eh? Your Highness! You’re here!”

The heartfelt call instantly woke the thinkers in the courtyard.

Wei Yu heard footsteps coming out of the house.

He nodded in response to Xuan Lingzi’s hurried salute, then turned to look at Fusheng coming out.

The old man’s face immediately brightened like an old tangerine peel—looking exactly like he was seeing family.

“Your Highness—”

Fusheng shouted while rushing toward Wei Yu.

“Ah? What’s the matter? Do you need something?”

The attitude was so enthusiastic it felt strange to Wei Yu.

Just like the saying “no reason to visit the temple,” it felt like a trap.

Fusheng tightly grabbed Wei Yu’s arm, under the wild white hair, his old eyes welled with tears, “Your Highness, this humble man has been studying chemistry books for more than half a month and has countless experiments to try! So when will you bring me materials?”

Oh, it was just about lacking materials for experiments, a small matter.

Wei Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

“Don’t worry, I’ll have someone prepare the materials soon. Whatever you need, just ask Steward He, he’ll get it ready for you.”

Upon hearing there would be materials, Fusheng immediately straightened up and wiped his tears, “Good, good, that’s fine, no problem then.”

Just as Fusheng was about to go back inside, Wei Yu quickly grabbed him.

“Hey, don’t rush off. I still have something to tell you.”

Being quite old, Fusheng was not particularly reserved; other than his devotion to chemistry, he was otherwise without desires or demands.

His attitude toward Wei Yu wasn’t like the disciples who were full of awe, but gentle and kind as if treating a younger family member. Whenever he saw Wei Yu, it was basically to ask for materials.

Fortunately, Wei Yu was not the type to act high and mighty.

He pulled Fusheng inside and said, “Master Fu, I told you all before, you’re all talents needed by the court. I just went to the palace and spoke to my father the Emperor. His Majesty highly values you and has decided to set up an academy…”

Wei Yu explained to Fusheng about the court’s plan to establish an academy, including what kind of work the academy would do, who could enter, and what benefits the researchers would have.

Fusheng stroked his beard, nodding appreciatively, “This assessment method is not bad. Though similar to the imperial examinations, it’s more relaxed in terms of talent restrictions. But for the written and oral exams, Your Highness, who will be setting the questions?”

Wei Yu smiled at him, “Right now, the academy only has chemistry, so naturally it only admits chemistry talents. Among all who study chemistry in the world, besides you and your disciples, you are the master in this field. Who else but you should set the questions?”

Fusheng glanced at him, eyes teasing, “Your Highness, that’s dishonest!”

Only those studying chemistry; Fusheng did not believe the prince himself—who possessed rare and precious books—would not be able to set questions.

The prince expressed innocence.

He blinked and said seriously, “Master Fu, as the saying goes, the capable take more responsibility. You’re the master here; if even you refuse, who else can the court count on? As pioneers in chemistry, we must promote it greatly!”

Fusheng: …

No need to flatter him so much.

Facing Wei Yu’s eager eyes, Fusheng sighed half resigned, half proud, “Well, alright. Since in chemistry, I, the master, have learned better than Xi Liuzi and the others, then I’ll take the job.”

Wei Yu grabbed the old man’s hand, “Good, good, thank you, thank you! The capable take more responsibility, from today you’re the head of the academy and the chemistry division!”

Huh??

Fusheng was stunned and quickly waved his hand, “Let go! I didn’t agree to that! Setting questions is fine, but head of the academy, no way. Too many trivial matters. Go find my senior disciple!”

Wei Yu patted his hand with an expression of ‘I understand’ and ‘It’s decided’, “The capable take more responsibility. I trust you for this. It’s just an honorary title, don’t worry. It’s settled then, no backing out. Let’s go!”

Watching Wei Yu slip away, Fusheng stomped his feet anxiously.

“I didn’t agree! You brat… really infuriate the old man!”

—

Wei Yu slipped away quickly and then led Fang Sheng to the canteen.

The canteen was a place where everyone in the manor could eat.

The difference was that children studying at the school ate free, but others had to pay according to the price of the dishes.

Wei Yu had only looked outside the canteen before, not entering. Now, seeing people eating inside, he brought Fang Sheng in as well.

Originally, he did not want to attract attention, but perhaps because Wei Yu’s face was too well-known, the moment he entered, he was recognized.

“Your Highness!”

A burly man shouted loudly, standing out in the spacious canteen.

Wei Yu looked over and saw the man holding an empty bowl immediately kneel down joyfully.

Then, one after another around echoed “Your Highness.”

Seeing so many people suddenly kneeling, Wei Yu told them to stand up first.

“I’m just here to look around. Everyone get up, those who need to eat, eat. No need to pay attention to me.”

Wei Yu smiled and helped a little girl standing in front to get up.

“Thank, thank you, Your Highness.”

The voice was tiny and soft. Wei Yu looked down and met the girl’s moist, joyful eyes, then involuntarily reached out to pat her head.

“You’re welcome.”

Wei Yu smiled and noticed some food still left in the girl’s bowl, so he asked, “How is it? Is the food tasty?”

“Mm!” The girl nodded vigorously, “Tasty! Little girl thanks Your Highness for the great kindness, Your Highness let little girl eat enough!”

Wei Yu bent down and smiled, “Then, little girl, after eating full, have you been studying seriously?”

The girl proudly puffed out her chest, “Yes! Little girl can recognize all the characters in the Three Character Classic, and Master He even praised little girl for being smart!”