"I understand everything you've said."

But without the support of powerful families... how can the world be governed? How can the common people, who may be illiterate but possess a skill, possibly govern this world well?

Upon hearing Zhao Hao's words, Liu Yu frowned deeply.

He could already imagine how miserable the common people would become if the Han Dynasty were to be taken over by those powerful families in the not-too-distant future.

"Hehe, Uncle Liu, have you seen the books I recently published?"

Liu Yu was taken aback. Those strange novels?

"I have heard about these things...do they have anything to do with what we're talking about?"

Zhao Hao smiled and said, "The reason why aristocratic families monopolize the ways of being an official is simply because they also monopolize knowledge."

Liu Yu suddenly realized, "I understand... Lord Qin, you've played a very grand game!"

Liu Yu excitedly pounded his feet and chest, saying at the same time.

"Since the aristocratic families have monopolized knowledge, then with the mysterious paper mill and book factory of Duke Qin, a large number of books will soon be produced."

The imperial court could first use these captivating novels to encourage the people to buy these paper books and begin learning spontaneously!

Zhao Hao nodded in satisfaction. Sure enough, no one who makes it into history is simple.

"Excellent! Not only that, but after we return from this expedition, I will also issue an order."

The imperial court is responsible for teaching the people knowledge. As for the textbooks needed for this purpose, it requires the joint consultation of all you great scholars and Uncle Liu. I will go and organize their printing.

At that time, everyone in the world will have access to education, and all of China will be able to thrive like dragons, living in peace and prosperity, with the world at peace!

Only then can the ultimate ideal of "ensuring that people do not only love their own parents and children, that the elderly have support, the able-bodied have opportunities to use their talents, the young have opportunities to grow, and the widowed, orphaned, lonely, and disabled all be cared for" be realized!

Liu Yu finally understood why so many ambitious, courageous, and exceptionally talented individuals were willing to work under Zhao Hao.

Why did those members of powerful families feel more awe than genuine admiration for Zhao Hao?

"Very well! From now on, I'll stand by your side!"

Liu Yu was also thrilled by Zhao Hao's words.

He finally began to understand why, despite his hard work in Youzhou, his progress was far behind that of Gongsun Zan.

With the guidance of a great master like Zhao Hao, even a cripple could probably develop a prefecture into a place that could rival the entire state.

With just one state, one can have a watchful eye on the world!

"However, I have a request. These people are, after all, His Majesty's trusted advisors. If possible, could you spare them...?"

"Uncle Liu, if they are sensible and take the initiative to admit their crimes and hand over the illegally obtained land and money, then they will naturally be fine."

"I understand... Young man, while there's still some time, could you tell me about the matter between the common people and the Dragon Head?"

What I've mentioned so far is mostly about the harm caused by powerful families and the countless problems they've created.

But what are Zhao Hao's views on the common people and those in power?

This is what Liu Yu most wanted to hear.

"It's actually very simple. The common people just want to live without being bullied for no reason, without having their money and food robbed, and to be able to eat a meal."

If they could still enter the court as officials and have the hope of bringing glory to their ancestors, then they would absolutely not gather together to revolt and risk their lives to rebel.

Therefore, after the implementation of the education program to enlighten the people, the practice of recommending candidates based on filial piety and integrity was abolished, and the imperial examination system was implemented!

"Imperial examination?"

"It involves posing questions based on official teaching materials, having students answer them, and then selecting the best students to participate, regardless of their wealth or social status."

Liu Yu's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard in disbelief.

Zhao Hao not only wants to enlighten the people, but also to uproot those powerful families.

"In this way, Duke Qin, all the powerful families in the world will become your enemies."

"It's alright. I never expected these people to be very obedient. As long as we put our heart into it and proceed gradually, we can eventually remove the troublemakers among them, and those who are willing to compromise will gradually change their ways."

Of course, I will also make concessions to some obedient people, so that they know that things are different now and they can't talk to me, Zhao Hao, with the same old tricks.

In this way, by combining kindness and severity, things will become much simpler.

Liu Yu seemed to sense something, "The generals and civil officials in the Duke of Qin's mansion all know about this? That's right! And that Li Ru, was he the sharp sword you, Duke of Qin, specifically brought in to deal with the aristocratic families?"

Zhao Hao simply nodded without replying.

This Liu Yu is getting smarter and smarter.

"Let's talk about those in power. As for the people, as long as we treat them as human beings and don't kill or treat them unfairly, the problem isn't that big."

The most important thing for someone to rise to a high position is to have a grand vision and know how to cherish, nurture, and utilize the people.

In this way, the people's labor will not be abused, and there will be no lack of tax revenue.

In terms of law, we must keep pace with the times; in terms of productivity, we must…

(The rest is omitted.) Seeing that Liu Yu wanted to hear more, Zhao Hao shared many groundbreaking insights with him.

Although Liu Yu couldn't fully understand, he felt more respect and trust for Zhao Hao.

Soon, another two months passed, and it was August.

After the autumn harvest, Zhao Hao's army completed its preparations and officially set off.

The people of Yanzhou were overjoyed to receive news of Zhao Hao's personal expedition.

Zhao Hao was invincible in battle and could not be stopped wherever he went. The Yellow Turbans, who had troubled them for many years, could finally be dealt with.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hao has gained a few more capable people.

Yu Qian, courtesy name Yanyi, was a pillar of the Ming Dynasty and a national hero.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!