Chapter Five: Quhe Academy

In Gao City, a rigorous academic atmosphere stands out as a defining characteristic. Since ancient times, there has been a well-known saying: “For the nation’s learning, look to Hesu; for Hesu’s learning, look to Quhe.” This age-old adage reflects the enduring pride of Gao City’s educators in their city’s scholastic tradition.

Throughout history, Gao City has produced countless top scholars and distinguished figures. However, due to multiple periods of turmoil and misfortune, the city’s educational development suffered a significant interruption—a gap that has remained unfilled for decades. Yet, despite these setbacks, Gao City’s education still commands respect far and wide.

Times have changed, and so has the education system in Gao City. Traditional private schools and old-style academies have quietly transformed into modern institutions, embracing reform without abandoning the rich cultural heritage of the past. The old and new advance side by side.

Among these institutions, the Quhe Academy stands foremost in Gao City today. Its origins trace back to a private school founded with funds from Wang Qingshan, the wealthiest man in Gao City. Wang was a shrewd businessman who lived by the principle, “If the mountain will not come to me, I shall go to the mountain.” Though somewhat domineering, this philosophy gained widespread approval, especially for his educational endeavor.

Wang invested heavily to recruit renowned scholars and gave the school a name unfamiliar even to himself—Quhe Private School. The character “Qu” was inspired by the phrase from the Book of Changes: “Curved paths complete all things without omission,” symbolizing that development is not linear but winding and flexible. The character “He” reflects the city’s close relationship with its waterways — the land that nurtures its people, deserving of gratitude.

Thus, the name Quhe Private School was chosen. With Wang Qingshan’s prestige backing it, the school attracted children from wealthy families in Gao City, as well as students from other regions. Later, when Wang purchased a government position and moved his family to the capital, the private school was left vacant. It was then bought by Sun Yan, a Gao City native who had studied abroad, who transformed it into a modern academy.

From then on, Quhe Private School was renamed Quhe Academy. As more teachers joined, it solidified its position as the premier school in Gao City, maintaining this status for decades.

Ma Jianguo’s heart was set on Quhe Academy. Deep down, he was determined that if he were to be a carpenter, he would be the best in Gao City—and if his son was to study, it must be at the finest school. Why waste money otherwise?

On the second day in Gao City, Ma Jianguo and Ma Yuan had breakfast near the tubular dormitory buildings before setting off by donkey cart toward a remote part of the city. Ma Jianguo planned first to find someone to inquire about a matter, then seek help from Chen San, the owner of a breakfast shop.

The Ma family had relatives in Gao City. Ma Jianguo’s second uncle, Ma Yunfeng, had moved from Huixiang to Gao City long ago. Disdainful of the family’s carpentry trade and unwilling to remain in a small town like Huixiang, he left home young and opened an antique shop in Gao City. His business had thrived in recent years, earning him some standing in the city.

To understand the Ma family’s background, one must look to the previous generation. Ma Jianguo’s father, Ma Yuntian, was the third of four brothers. The eldest, Ma Yundong, left Huixiang long ago, even before Ma Yunfeng, and had since disappeared without a trace—his family presumed him dead. Ma Yunfeng, the second brother, was a harsh man who disliked carpentry from youth but made a successful career running the antique shop in the city, gaining connections and influence.

Ma Yuntian, the third brother, inherited the family carpentry business, working diligently in Huixiang. Known for his skill, honesty, and good reputation, his craftsmanship was well respected in the neighboring regions, allowing him to earn a decent living. However, Ma Yunfeng never looked kindly upon him.

The youngest brother, Ma Yunlong, nicknamed “Ma Biao,” was a feared bandit from Huangmang Mountain. When he decided to take to the mountains, the family patriarch was so distraught he fell ill, coughed up blood, and disowned him. After the patriarch’s death, Ma Yuntian had only sporadic contact with Ma Yunlong; the rest of the family refused to acknowledge him. Though disowned, their blood still tied them.

Among the brothers, it is unknown if Ma Yuntian left descendants. Ma Yunfeng and Ma Yuntian both had sons, while Ma Yunlong reportedly died in a violent conflict, leaving no heirs.

Ma Jianguo had not originally intended to seek out this relative. Ma Yunfeng had since passed away, and the antique shop was now managed by his son, Ma Jianqun—a man even more snobbish and ruthless than his father. An old saying goes, “Those not of one family do not enter the same door,” perhaps reflecting the hereditary nature of such traits. Over the years, whenever Ma Jianguo sought Ma Jianqun’s help, he endured much resentment but tolerated it out of respect as the elder brother and because he was asking for favors.

This time, Ma Jianguo’s purpose was precisely to enlist Ma Jianqun’s assistance. With his vast connections in the city, Ma Jianqun could surely find a way to get Ma Yuan admitted to Quhe Academy. Enduring some hardship was a small price to pay to secure his son’s future.

Ma Jianqun’s shop, Ma’s Antique Shop, was nestled in a quiet alley filled mostly with antique dealers. Though Ma Jianguo knew little about antiques, he often heard that “nine out of ten antiques are fake, and the tenth is a guest appearance.” He believed those in this trade were foolishly risking their own fortunes by preying on others.

After winding through many twists and turns, the duo arrived at the alley’s entrance. Unable to bring the donkey cart into the narrow lane, Ma Jianguo tied it outside and led Ma Yuan on foot.

Soon they reached the shop’s entrance. The front hall was aged, exuding an antique aura, but the finely carved peachwood plaque above the door remained strikingly elegant, with the five gilded characters “Ma’s Antique Shop” shining brilliantly. One door was wide open, the other half-closed, with voices inside suggesting the presence of customers.

Adjusting his collar and smoothing his clothes to appear tidy, Ma Jianguo led Ma Yuan confidently inside.