This article discusses the development of the study of the Confucian classics, focusing on a single county, Jishui, in Jiangxi Province in the Yuan dynasty.  By focusing on the village level, it illuminates classical studies as a local phenomenon, comparing their development in different regions, and also paying attention to the role of local elites and clans, which sustained the study of Confucianism by establishing local academies. The Zhu Xi school of Confucianism made considerable progress in the Yuan dynasty, coming to dominate other schools due to its close relationship with the civil service examinations. However, even the Zhu Xi school, like other strands of Confucianism in the locality could not sustain itself for long periods.  This fact highlights the variety of concrete conditions facing Confucianism in different localities, and it reminds us that research on the village level is necessary to avoid overly broad generalization.