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Jixia Academy, also known as Jixia Academy, was a government-run institution of higher learning during the Warring States period, established by Duke Huan of Qi. The Academy was located near the Jimen Gate in Linzi, the capital of Qi State (present-day Zibo, Shandong Province), from which it derived its name.
After its establishment, the Academy actively recruited renowned scholars from across the land. According to the "Salt and Iron Debate," King Xuan of Qi praised Confucianism and respected learning, allowing figures like Meng Ke and Chunyu Kun to receive salaries without holding official positions, enabling them to discuss national affairs and engage in free teaching, writing, and debate. This open and tolerant attitude can be considered unique for that era.
Various schools of thought, including Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Mingjia, Military Strategy, Farming, and the Yin-Yang School, gathered here for lectures and discussions, subsequently forming a vibrant academic landscape known as the Hundred Schools of Thought. Among them, two prominent Confucian masters, Mencius and Xunzi, stayed at Jixia Academy for extended periods to learn from each other, proposing ideas such as "Nurturing the Spirit of Harmony" and the politically influential concept of "Combination of Rites and Law."
From its planning to the ascension of King Jian of Qi, Jixia Academy endured nearly a century of trials and tribulations. It was both a product of the political stability and economic prosperity of Qi State and a result of the rulers' open-mindedness and respect for talented individuals.
At that time, it seemed merely an effort by Qi State to stabilize and enhance its national foundation; however, it left an indelible mark on future generations' spiritual thought. You will soon discover that all confusion will find ultimate resolution here. Believe that ultimately it is our Huaxia that will lead the world to greatness!
When Queen of Qi humbly approached Luzi regarding the restoration of the war-damaged Jixia Academy, Luzi, as the Big Shopkeeper of Prosperity Record, wholeheartedly agreed. On the surface, this appeared to be a reconstruction of Qi State's cultural center; however, it was more than that.
For Qin State, which aspired to dominate the world, Qi State had lost its ability to lead Huaxia. Subsequently, Qin would take over this historically significant institution and cultivate more pillars for Qin's World.
Luzi promptly returned to Qin Capital Xianyang to report back after receiving King Zhao of Qin's approval. He then returned to Qidu Linzi with a satisfactory response for Queen of Qi. It was my responsibility as Prosperity Record to establish this historically significant cultural center!
With substantial funds and materials allocated from various regions to Linzi, the nearly abandoned Jixia Academy was rebuilt. Fortunately, during that time, obtaining land-use permits was straightforward; a decree from King Qi would secure strong support from national authorities.
To ensure construction quality, Luzi secretly recruited a large number of engineering elites from within Qin State for guidance. From the design phase to construction commencement, there were no delays whatsoever.
With experts involved in this aspect, they maximized preservation of the original architectural style during its early stages. Thus, rather than being a redesign, it was more accurately described as restoration. Throughout this process, unity among all parties involved was exemplified.
Upon learning about the restoration of their cultural center, local citizens near Qi State's capital rushed to assist the construction team. After all, this was a landmark building that all Qi people took pride in; no one complained about working overtime. Even without pay or meals provided, they were content simply to lend a helping hand.
In the forty-first year of King Zhao of Qin, it was also the first year of King Gong of Qi.
The newly renovated Jixia Academy was officially completed and reopened, attracting a large crowd of citizens who came to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony. King Gong of Qi and Tian Jian personally arrived at the venue to host the grand opening event. For King Jian of Qi, who had been on the throne for less than a year, this year was indeed a double blessing.
The first joy was his ascension to the throne of Qi State, and the second joy was the reconstruction and completion of the cultural center of Qi State. To commemorate this moment destined to be recorded in history, King Jian of Qi ordered the Qi State mint to produce coins engraved with the Six-Character Blade, known as Qi Jianbang Changfa Transformation.
However, the two individuals truly concerned about this event were conspicuously absent from this highly publicized venue. One was the former Queen, now Empress Dowager, and the other was Lu the Shopkeeper from Prosperity Record.
In their eyes, these public appearances were not important. They believed in dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to their endeavors. Their existence was solely aimed at fulfilling their dreams.
Due to regular reports on construction progress and discussions regarding certain architectural issues, Luzi would always find time to stay in Linzi for a while. The two became acquainted through Jixia Academy and eventually became close friends who shared everything.
Yet all of this was insignificant to the outside world. People were not interested in discussing positive topics; after all, no one wanted to listen. The so-called rumors catered to certain people's abnormal mindsets, leading to gossip spreading like wildfire, leaving anyone unable to defend themselves.
Fortunately, those engaged in significant matters had broad minds and dismissed such rumors with a laugh. Even Lord of the Nation King Jian of Qi felt helpless about it; after all, one couldn't execute everyone just because someone slandered the Empress Dowager! Moreover, having just granted amnesty throughout the realm, it was best to pretend he hadn't heard anything.
With Jixia Academy reopening its doors to recruit talented individuals from across the land, Qi State entered a rare period of peace. The foundation of the nation began to recover gradually, and signs of prosperity reappeared in its treasury.
Upon hearing this news, Queen Dowager merely smiled and shook her head. What good is war!? Is peaceful coexistence some kind of curse? In an era where even rats struggled to survive, how could the common people continue!?
Lu the Shopkeeper, who did not consider himself a hero, continued his routine visits to Qi King's Palace in Linzi with gifts in hand.
Knowing that her country's strength was gradually recovering, Queen Dowager expressed her interest in asking Luzi how much manpower and resources Prosperity Record had invested in repairing Jixia Academy. If possible, Qi State was willing to convert these expenses into Silver Coins for repayment in installments.
Understanding the meaning expressed by the Queen Dowager, Luzi immediately stated that the Common People should manage the affairs of the world. Moreover, this is a grand undertaking beneficial to future generations. As a member of the Descendants of Yan and Huang, there is a responsibility to uphold National Tradition.
If we must discuss the matter at hand, this is not solely about the Qi State deciding to rebuild the Jixia Academy; it is about leaving a memorial for our future Eager Students in Huaxia, a place for them to pay homage to their ancestors. That is all!
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