It only took three months for the pinyin and dictionary to be completed. Yinzhen was very happy and summoned Zhu Tao that day.

"Minister Zhu has done a good job. I am very pleased. I am completely at ease entrusting the education department to you."

Zhu Tao said with gratitude, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace. This is my duty."

Yinzhen: "My dear minister, there's no need for such modesty. I've called you here today because I have something to discuss with you."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

Yinzhen: "It is like this. Nowadays, many novels are serialized in newspapers. Some of these stories are indeed educational. I want you to oversee the establishment of a bookstore. It doesn't matter what kind of books it sells—serious literary and historical works, essays and travelogues are all acceptable. You can also compile the novels from the newspapers into a collection. We can also accept submissions from talented individuals. If you think any of the books are good, compile them into a list. I want you to try opening a place in the capital where all scholars can read for free. You can decide on the location and size yourself."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Tao was immediately shocked. The Emperor wanted him to open a library!

But how large an area does a library need to accommodate so many students who can read for free?

However, upon closer examination, it's not entirely unreasonable. The proportion of scholars in ancient times was not large, and the population in ancient times was much smaller than that of modern times.

If planned carefully, it is not impossible.

Zhu Tao: "This servant obeys."

Yinzhen nodded: "I believe that you will not disappoint me. I know that if this bookstore is to be built, it will definitely take up a lot of space. How about this? When I was on my southern tour, I brought back a person who is proficient in Western architecture. You can communicate with him more. I have heard that most Western buildings are tall. We have cement. If we build the bookstore to be several stories high, it will definitely be possible."

Zhu Tao was completely bewildered. What did the Emperor mean by this? He had already given him the idea and even found him helpers. All he had to do now was build the bookstore according to the Emperor's requirements. This made him... made him feel very unfulfilled.

Then Zhu Tao left the palace at Charlie's address.