Zhou Zheng's question caused the group of workers to pause slightly.

Wang Xiao looked at Zhou Zheng and said loudly, "Sir, who among us doesn't want to study? But... we can't afford it..."

"Yes, those books are too expensive; they're beyond our means!"

"That's right, and we work all day long, so we don't have any spare time to read and learn to read!"

"......"

All the workers then spoke up, pouring out their grievances.

In most people's minds, they dream of studying, but unfortunately, circumstances don't allow it.

Zhou Zheng listened quietly to the workers' accounts of the situation, nodding with a smile on his face.

"Gentlemen, please hear me out...!"

Feeling that it was about time, Zhou Zheng also stretched out his hands and pressed them down, stopping everyone from talking.

The workers immediately fell silent and all looked at Zhou Zheng.

"What you all say is true. It is indeed very difficult to learn to read and write, but do you know where those difficulties come from?"

"I don't know!!"

Everyone stared wide-eyed and shook their heads in bewilderment.

Zhou Zheng's expression turned solemn, and he said in a loud voice: "The reason why studying is so difficult is because some people don't want you to study."

In their eyes, you commoners should work from sunrise to sunset, be obedient and listen to their words and be subject to their control.

Therefore, they take control of the possibility of reading and use the ability to read and write to control and exploit you!

You are unable to read and understand reason, and thus you are forced into this situation; your descendants will suffer the same fate... and so it will continue endlessly!

Zhou Zheng's words left everyone present stunned.

Yes, because I am illiterate, I can only rely on physical labor to earn my living.

If the previous generation was like this, and so is our own generation, must the next generation, and the generation after that, also be like this?

Are we and our descendants destined to become mere tools for those people?

So what is the purpose of all my efforts today?

For a moment, the scene fell silent, and everyone's face showed a hint of resentment.

Seeing that the crowd's emotions had been stirred up, Zhou Zheng was secretly delighted.

Zhou Zheng then smiled slightly and asked loudly, "I wonder if any of you have sent your children to the Taiping Sect to learn to read and write in the past few days?"

"My son went!"

"My family went too!"

"Me too!"

"....."

A group of workers raised their hands in agreement, and looking around, it turned out that more than half of them were in the same boat.

Zhou Zheng smiled and nodded: "Indeed, it seems you all understand the benefits of reading. So, have your children changed at all?"

"Putting everything else aside, my child has become much more mature in his speech and actions these days!"

“That’s right. My child used to say that when he grew up, he wanted to work in a factory like me, but now he says he wants to serve the country like Envoy Chu Qian!”

"Yes, indeed! With our child having aspirations, we also have hope!"

All the workers, with joyful expressions, told Zhou Zheng about the changes in their children.

After everyone finished speaking, Zhou Zheng sighed softly, then said angrily:

“What you all say is correct. Reading can teach people manners, open their minds, and give your descendants a better future.”

However, those same people have come to the South Palace today, demanding that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor abolish the schools. Do you know why?

Upon hearing Zhou Zheng's question, everyone fell silent.

"Because they are afraid. They are afraid that you will break free from your current predicament. They want to continue to control the right to education and literacy. They want to continue to exploit you and your descendants..."

By the end, Zhou Zheng's face was flushed red, and the workers below were also furious, their chests heaving violently.

Zhou Zheng slowly scanned the crowd, then mustered his strength and asked loudly:

"Let me ask you, do you want your children to be able to study? Do you want to break free from the control of those people? Do you want to live the life you desire...?"

"think....!!!"

Hearing Zhou Zheng's question, the workers' faces flushed, and they shouted loudly, their voices immediately spreading throughout the surrounding area.

Judging from its loudness, it reflects the shared sense of discontent, expectation, and vision buried deep in everyone's heart.

Zhou Zheng clenched his right fist, then raised it high and asked in a loud voice:

“We are all subjects of the emperor. If they can read and write, so can we. But now they are gathering to petition for the abolition of schools. This is extremely rude and shameless!”

What should we do?

Li Si was the first to stand up, raise his fist, and shout: "Beat them! Give me back my school!"

"Defeat them and give my school back!!!"

The workers raised their fists and shouted, venting their anger.

"Well said! Then you should put it into action immediately! Today you can earn the money and food you need to survive with your own hands, and you can also earn a future for your descendants with your own hands... Don't you agree?"

"yes!!!"

Then Zhou Zheng shouted loudly, "If they can volunteer, so can we. Are you all willing to follow me and fight for your descendants?"

"willing!!"

"willing!!!"

"Very well, then you may all follow me..."

After saying this, Zhou Zheng stepped down from the platform and walked out of the ironworks, followed closely by a group of workers.

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