Seeing that everything was settled, Si Jia prepared to head back.

Rose knew it wasn't convenient for him to stay any longer, so she didn't try to stop him. However, she gave him a whole set of newly printed paper books.

Si Jia was indeed very happy. Although most of the words in the book were written by himself, there were many books in it with novel insights and great reasoning, which he liked very much.

"Boss, where did you get these books? There's no signature on them. I'd like to pay them a visit and see what kind of person could write such books?" he asked curiously.

Loxi: "..."

"It was stolen from a bandit's den." She lied through her teeth.

Si Jia: "..."

Her eyebrows curved slightly, and she wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Boss, I'm leaving now. Take care."

After saying goodbye to Luo Xichuzhe, he chatted with Le Zhengfeiyuan, who had come to see him off, for a while before getting into the carriage.

Many people had heard about Luo Xi's plan to establish academies in various counties. Some of the more idle people would often peek at the gates of the academies under construction, and today was no exception.

"Do you think the chief really wants to start an academy?"

“It looks like it to me. Look at this villa. It was renovated by Magistrate Su and his yamen runners. And the layout is indeed like that of an academy. I can’t be wrong.”

This is a conversation between several villagers at the entrance of a quiet mountain village in Cangfeng County.

At this moment, the door, which had been tightly closed, creaked open, and a young man in official robes stepped out—it was Su Jing.

He took a notice and walked to the bulletin board by the door. With the help of the constables, he carefully posted it there, then turned around and looked at the crowd that had gathered around him.

"I'm sure you've all heard recently that the chief is going to open academies in every county."

He looked around, then smiled and nodded: "Your information is correct, it is indeed true, and the academy has been completed, and you can start registering now."

"From now on, no matter your background or age, as long as you want to learn, you can come here to study and learn to read and write, or even learn a trade. Once you enter the academy, each person will be provided with a set of books and writing materials, accommodation and food will be provided, and you will also be given two sets of clothes. The annual tuition fee for each person is only ten taels."

"What?"

As soon as Su Jing finished speaking, the scene erupted in chaos.

It doesn't restrict your background at all, it even provides books and writing materials, and includes room and board, all for only ten taels?

Is this possible?

You should know that there are some academies in Cangfeng County, but the cost of a single cultivation course is frighteningly high. I heard that it would cost at least tens or hundreds of taels of silver a year. You also have to buy books and writing materials yourself at bookstores, and food is extra.

Most importantly, even if you have money, people may not be willing to teach you.

"Sir, should we ask for a letter of recommendation?" a young man asked cautiously. He had been rejected by many academies for this reason, so he immediately thought of this question.

He wasn't the only one who had suffered this treatment; many people stared at him expectantly.

Su Jing didn't disappoint them, and said with a smile, "No need, as long as you pay the tuition, anyone who wants to come can come."

"Very good!"

Everyone present cheered, their eyes red with emotion. No one knew what they had sacrificed for their education.

They endured countless scornful looks and insults, were kicked out like dogs, and told that people of low birth were not qualified to study. Yet they never received even the slightest opportunity to learn.

But they didn't want to give up. The scions of powerful families were human, so why weren't they?

So, as soon as they heard that the chief was going to build an academy, they eagerly came to see for themselves.

Su Jing, who also came from a poor family, could understand their feelings very well.

He stood there silently until their voices quieted down before continuing, "Not only that, anyone who thinks they have good talent can come to the academy as a teacher. As long as they meet the requirements, they will receive five taels of silver per month, with room and board included."

"What? There's such a good thing?" The crowd erupted in excitement once again.

Today's Chaoyang Manor is not what it used to be. Few people would resist it because it was founded by bandits, especially those talented but poor young men who had nowhere to serve.

This was a real lifesaver for them.

However, Su Jing wasn't finished yet: "Once you've completed your studies, the head of the gang said that as long as you pass the assessment, regardless of your status, you can directly take up positions in various places under the head of the gang."

Upon hearing this, everyone was so shocked that they forgot to speak, and the scene fell silent.

It should be noted that in the Tianqi era, people were selected from all walks of life, including court officials, either through recommendations, succession from father to son, or arrangements made through family influence.

People from poor families like theirs have absolutely no chance; it's incredibly difficult for them to change their social standing.

"Lord Su, is it possible to register now? Students can start school right now," a relatively quick-witted young man asked respectfully.

Anyone who's slow to act on something this good is a fool.

Good heavens, the others realized what was happening too: "Sir, students should sign up as well."

"And for the students, this is your tuition fee. My name is Li Wen, a local from Cangfeng County..."

"Sir, do you accept children?" A burly farmer, sweating profusely, squeezed in and asked cautiously, "I have two sons, both quite intelligent, and I'd like to send them both in."

"Receive!" Su Jing nodded.

Actually, the younger the better, but Chaoyang Villa has too weak a foundation, so for them now, adults with some foundation are more suitable.

The farmer was relieved and stood aside happily in line to register.

Without wasting any words, Su Jing quickly led the other officials to register them.

Such incidents were occurring in various counties of Nanyue Prefecture.

Such a big matter naturally reached the imperial court quickly. Another imperial edict was issued, reprimanding Du Hong and making him so angry that he reopened the wound on his back and had to lie back in bed.

There were angry people, and naturally, there were also many who mocked. Many aristocratic families felt that Luo Xi's academy, which taught regardless of social status, was violating the rules.

Throughout history, a ruler is a ruler, a subject is a subject, and aristocratic families are aristocratic families. Those at the bottom should be forever treated like beasts of burden. What right do they have to study and understand reason?

"There are quite a few people who criticize you, especially in the capital. They all think that you, as a woman, should stay at home and take care of your husband and children." Qinglong was so angry that smoke was coming out of his head.

Before Luo Xi could speak, Jiu Xian, with a sharp look in his eyes, uttered a single word: "Kill!"

Qinglong's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together before standing up.

Loxi: "..."

"Wait a minute." Luo Xi quickly stopped him: "People can say whatever they want, let them talk. We have more important things to do here."

Spring planting is just around the corner, and she'll have to soak the seeds again.

Now, almost the entire Nanyue Prefecture is under her control, and the amount of seeds is several times greater than before. If the Nine-Stringed Azure Dragon and White Tiger didn't help, she would be exhausted.