Upon seeing the figure on the platform, Wang Xiao pushed forward with admiration in his eyes.

This person was Zhou Zheng, courtesy name Fangming, one of the key members of Xi Zhicai's military and political affairs department.

Not long ago, Xi Zhicai assigned him to the ironworks to be in charge of the workers' ideological education.

Because Zhou Zheng was kind and approachable, he was deeply loved and respected by all the workers in the ironworks.

As the last wave of workers arrived, Guo Sheng, the director of the ironworks, also came to Zhou Zheng's side with a smile.

"Mr. Fang Ming, everyone has arrived!"

"Yes, thank you for your trouble!"

Zhou Zheng nodded to Guo Sheng, then looked solemnly at the group of workers, and with a deep breath, shouted loudly:

"Workers, I've called you here today because I have a question to ask you...!"

"question.....?"

The workers were slightly taken aback.

In their view, it was quite surprising that Mr. Zhou, who was always so knowledgeable and omniscient, would ask them for advice. They looked at each other, somewhat bewildered.

Wang Xiao stepped forward and said loudly, "Mr. Zhou, please ask us any questions you may have. We will answer them to the best of our ability!"

"right!!"

"Please ask!"

The workers chimed in with their agreement.

Zhou Zheng smiled and nodded: "Alright, then let me ask you all, do you think reading and writing are useful?"

"This...of course it's useful. If Old Li weren't literate, he wouldn't be paid more than me!"

"That's right. And people who can read and write can live a comfortable life simply by using their pens and brains, unlike us who have to work ourselves to the bone."

"That's right. If you can read and write, you might even become an official in the future, which would bring honor to your ancestors!"

"........"

The workers also spoke up, explaining the many benefits of reading.

"Alright, since you all know the benefits of reading, why don't you read?"