After hastily jotting down a few strokes, Jason Allen, holding a brush in his mouth while flipping through piles of books, exclaimed again:

“Hmm, the power of money truly is everywhere. Even something like the Jinshen Register can be bought.”

To put it plainly, the Jinshen Register is a list and résumé of officials from all over the country.

This thing has existed in every dynasty. Successful officials would search for fellow townsmen in this book to establish their own “hometown factions”; unsuccessful officials would look for targets to curry favor with; accomplished scholars would seek out officials who might appreciate their poetry and writings; and less fortunate scholars would look for those who had resigned but might return to office, hoping to join them.

“The statistics for the Jinshen Register are out. Currently, among the five countries, there are about 5,700 civil official positions at the county magistrate level and above (excluding clerks). More than 2,500 of them have received academy education. Among these, Donglin Academy accounts for 7%, and Wude Academy for 5%........”

As Jason Allen gradually refined the data and entered it, the table on the rice paper also neared completion. A series of information was intuitively reflected......

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Chapter 3: Peril Under the Moon, Smoke Under the Moon

Donglin Academy

Influence: Very strong

Doctrine: Confucianism

Academy Features: According to various records, the statue of the sage Mencius in Donglin Academy often displays miraculous signs, and the revered classic, the Analects, also protects the region. Therefore, it can be confirmed that students here have an increased chance of “sudden inspiration,” and under the subtle influence of the Analects’ spiritual energy, their comprehension is also enhanced.

***

Legalist Academy (named for the idea of ruling the world by law)

Influence: Very strong in Xirong, moderate in other countries.

Doctrine: Legalism

Academy Features: According to various records, the academy enshrines the rare book Han Feizi, which inspires people far and wide. There are even rumors of Shang Yang’s spirit manifesting. Students here, subtly influenced by the spiritual energy of Han Feizi, often gain greater authority and presence. When they later take office, they are more likely to win the support of their subordinates, and the regions they govern tend to have better public order.

Students from this academy are more likely to become renowned ministers in the Ministry of Justice or as military supervisors.

**

Feigong Academy

Influence: Very strong

Doctrine: Mohism

Academy Features: The academy values action over words, and hands-on practice over mere thought, becoming famous for its mechanical arts.

The academy enshrines the rare book Mozi and the sacred artifact: Luban’s Ruler. According to investigations, the rare book Mozi can boost students’ morale (the higher the morale, the easier it is to stay calm and quickly get into the right mindset in any situation). The sacred artifact, Luban’s Ruler, gives students greater talent for innovation.

Note: This is a non-binding inference. Although the major academies maintain a transcendent status in all countries and have no explicit political leanings, it seems that Nanzheng has secretly set up a manufacturing workshop near Feigong Academy, suggesting that Luban’s Ruler may also have a special effect of increasing manufacturing success rates.

***

Wude Academy

Influence: Very strong in Zhongtang, average in other countries

Doctrine: School of Yin-Yang

Academy Features: The academy’s feng shui is exceptionally beautiful. During construction, the principle of the five elements generating each other was considered. It is said that inner disciples are taught the Qi-nourishing method, Tianyi Formula, and those who reach the highest level can achieve unity with nature. Because the academy is said to be a blessed land, students’ fortunes are also improved to varying degrees.

Besides the Dongshan Goat, the most famous figure from this academy is Dongxia’s top scholar Gavin Howard. He graduated from Wude Academy and originally ranked eighteenth in the palace examination. However, Dongxia had suffered a long drought, and the monarch, seeking good fortune upon seeing his name, promoted him to top scholar. The chief examiner objected, but then a torrential rain fell from the sky, making Gavin Howard’s promotion a settled matter.

Note: Wude Academy began constructing a statue of the sage Zou Yan three years ago; the effects are currently unknown.

***

Hezong/Lianheng Academy

Influence: Strong

Doctrine: School of Diplomacy

Academy Features: Great emphasis on eloquence. Lianheng Academy possesses a painting of “Piercing the Thigh and Hanging from the Beam” as its treasured artifact, as well as a statue of Zhang Yi. Students here are especially diligent and excel in rhetoric.

It is rumored that the academy holds a copy of Guiguzi, but this is unconfirmed.

***

Zhige Academy

Influence: Extremely strong

Doctrine: Military Strategy

Academy Features: Student selection is extremely strict, requiring not only academic achievement but also physical fitness. The academy enshrines the rare book The Art of War, which can strengthen students’ bodies and grant extra growth in martial prowess.

Note: Even students from this academy who do not join the military often achieve success in military affairs, and the incidence of bandits and robbers in their jurisdictions is low.

***

Shangshan Academy

Influence: Extremely strong

Doctrine: Daoism

Academy Features: Advocates entering the Dao through learning, through affairs, and through people, governing by non-action. The academy’s rare book, the Dao De Jing, can protect the land for a hundred miles, preventing plagues. Daoist yin-yang cultivators are found throughout the world.