Chapter 45 045 I am as I am.
Zhao Jialing has a strong desire to leave the palace, but he has been too busy lately to consider leaving for the time being.
The money was raised under the name of "Mingde Academy," but since the academy's expenses came from the Imperial Treasury, there was no need to worry about it. As for the money that came in, it would naturally be used to build the specialized factories categorized according to the system's requirements. Zhao Jialing directly ordered the Imperial Household Department to carry out the construction. The Imperial Household Department managed palace affairs, and even the prime ministers of the Southern Court couldn't interfere, thus avoiding some troublesome issues.
After Zhao Jialing finalized the construction plans, Li Zhaoci entered the palace. Firearms weren't just for show; they were different from bows and arrows, and practice was needed to learn how to use them. The troop deployment would also require some adjustments. Besides selecting suitable people for training, Li Zhaoci also proposed selling the "fireworks."
"Firearms haven't been mass-produced yet, have they?" Zhao Jialing asked Li Zhaoci. Seeing Li Zhaoci nod in agreement, she continued, "I will select suitable candidates from the Northern Guards and the Secret Guards to form a firearms battalion. As for the 'fireworks,' it's indeed a suitable time to sell them as the year draws to a close. Go to the An family's shop and discuss it with An Yuchan and Mu Lu." There were more knowledgeable people about business than Li Zhaoci; judging from her expression, she wasn't very interested in running a business.
The "Firearms Battalion" would be the first group of people to be exposed to the new type of weapons, so the selection had to be careful, and only the emperor's confidants would be suitable. Zhao Jialing thought it over and over, and then consulted with the Empress Dowager. After the selection of the "Firearms Battalion" was finalized, news came from the Huangyong Printing House that the three volumes of "General Knowledge" had been printed and some had been sent to the palace in exquisitely packaged letters.
Although the system claims that "General Knowledge" is a book for stimulating children's interests, its coverage is quite broad, and it also involves some basic knowledge of engineering and agriculture, so even adults can read it.
Zhao Jialing ordered the Hanlin Academy scholars and the Huangyong Printing House to continue their efforts to print the complete set of teaching materials. He then sent copies of "General Knowledge" to imperial relatives and the residences of prime ministers to demonstrate the emperor's boundless favor. Notably, the "Lord Zhong's Residence" was omitted. The court officials knew perfectly well what was going on, but none dared to speak up for the Lord Zhong.
Whether you're interested or not, you have to venerate the gifts bestowed by the emperor and submit a memorial of thanks. Zhao Jialing, too lazy to read the flattering words, summoned his ministers to the palace and began discussing the enrollment of students for the Mingde Academy. Literature, mathematics, calligraphy, law, medicine, and military science were no problem; the Great Yong Dynasty had plenty of talent. Natural history was already being taught, comparable to the "Gao Shao" style. However, suitable instructors for engineering and chemistry had yet to be found.
The plans were laid out one by one, but when it came to implementation, there were still many things to worry about. Some craftsmen certainly knew the skills, but they couldn't take on the responsibility of teaching and nurturing people. They couldn't really explain the underlying principles; they just did it that way because of the accumulated experience of generations.
Zhao Jialing needed a combination of scholar and craftsman—someone capable of writing lengthy treatises and also skilled in practical work. Although the current dynasty lacked the terrifying divide between the gentry and commoners of the past, certain outdated practices persisted, making finding such talent virtually impossible. Zhao Jialing issued edicts to the prefectures and states to recruit such individuals, but it was uncertain when any would arrive in Chang'an, or even whether they would be able to shoulder the heavy responsibilities.
“In the early stages, there’s no need to follow the rules in everything. Since there are classic texts available, Your Majesty might as well let the person study on their own. If they become proficient, they can stay at Mingde Academy as a teacher,” Xie Lanzhao said.
Zhao Jialing nodded; that was the only option. She added, "In the early days, Mingde Academy will not admit many students, with a maximum of forty per subject. Adults will need to take an exam before enrolling, but this is a special period and cannot be a fixed rule in the future."
"Is the beginning of enlightenment only when children start learning? Your Majesty, this time there is no age limit for children starting learning. When will this be unified?" the minister asked again.
Zhao Jialing and Xie Lanzhao had discussed the issue of age, but they only mentioned it briefly at the time. Later, upon reflection, they realized that having all the children in the same class didn't seem quite right. She frowned and asked, "What suggestions do you all have?"
"Why not add more classes for adults to learn early childhood education, and for children to start their education, the age limit would be five to ten. The books would be divided into academic years, and when new students are enrolled the following year, the first class would be used as the basis."
"Your Majesty, if the elementary school class only accepts forty students, how will they be selected? Other subjects can be selected through examinations, but these children only know a few characters."
...
Zhao Jialing pursed her lips.
[Third Three, you had a great time doing the mission, but you didn't tell me it would be so troublesome afterwards! The mission is complete, so how about—]
[Host, have some decency! Don't leave this project unfinished.] The Wise Ruler System was almost scared to death by Zhao Jialing. The mission was complete, but the host wanted to continue slacking off. It, it, it seemed there was nothing it could do.
[I was just thinking about it; I aspire to be a wise and benevolent ruler for all time, someone whose story, along with Xie Lanzao's, will be remembered as a legendary tale.]
Even though they had heard His Majesty's thoughts many times and knew about her and Prime Minister Xie's untold romantic past, the ministers couldn't help but look at Xie Lanzhao again after hearing it once more.
As expected of the handsome and dashing Xie Zhongshu, he remained unfazed even after hearing His Majesty's passionate and heartfelt words, surpassing even the composure of Prime Minister Zheng in the past.
"I will reserve twenty positions for orphans of martyrs," Zhao Jialing said. According to ancestral precedent, most of these orphans would join the Northern Imperial Guard or the Secret Guard after they grew up, while the weak and vulnerable would be far from the palace and their lives would not be easy.
She decided on half the candidates in one go, and the ministers only dared to mutter to themselves, thinking, "We can't say these orphans aren't qualified, can we? It would be too disheartening for the soldiers if word got out." "And the remaining twenty?"
Zhao Jialing lifted his eyelids and said, "Those with a clean background and no bad records in their family or descendants will be given priority, first come, first served."
The news of Mingde Academy's enrollment had been circulating for some time, but this time the time and place were officially set. No imperial edict was issued; the announcement was made through the newly opened Huangyong Bookstore. Like the printing press, the bookstore was affiliated with Mingde Academy. Currently, the bookstore didn't have many printed books; besides the rhyming books edited by the Imperial Academy, it only carried the newly published *Tongshi* (General Knowledge).
There were bookstores of all sizes in the East Market, West Market, and even in the streets. Scholars had their regular haunts and wouldn't normally pay attention to a new bookstore unless they couldn't find the books they wanted. But this newly opened bookstore was named "Huang Yong," which meant what? It meant that it had intricate connections with the palace.
"Won't they forbid us from reading or copying books there?" The winter wind howled through Chang'an, and snowflakes danced in the air. How many scholars came to participate in the imperial examinations? Many of them were from poor families. Unable to afford books, they would choose to read or copy them in bookstores. Some merchants, willing to befriend scholars, happily went with them, while others, finding them an obstacle to their business, drove them away.
"Haven't you heard about Jianmingde Academy? This bookstore belongs to the academy, right?"
"I've heard about it, but those sons of noble families say that the distinction between engineering and chemistry has nothing to do with the provincial examinations." After years of hard study, all for the sake of passing the imperial examinations, what's the point of studying if it has nothing to do with the examinations?
The scholar who answered was reluctant. She came from a poor family, and her widowed mother had devoted herself to her studies, hoping that she would succeed. She had devoted her whole life to the imperial examinations, and even if she was interested in other things, she could not allow herself to be distracted by superficial appearances.
"Huangyong Bookstore also prints books. Many bookstores are starting to print small books now, but the text editing is quite crude. This technique came from the palace, and I heard it was edited by the Imperial Academy and Hanlin Academy scholars. It can't be too bad, right? Come on, let's go take a look. You're always cooped up in your room reading, I'm afraid you'll develop problems." The scholar's friend smiled and pulled her towards Huangyong Bookstore.
As the year drew to a close and the weather turned cold, the roads became muddy and slippery, yet Huangyong Bookstore was bustling with activity.
Because of the Mingde Academy's enrollment notice, people gathered around, whispering and asking what was going on, regardless of whether they were buying books or not.
Families with many children don't need to think twice; as long as there's a child of the right age, they just wait for the time to register them. But families with only one child, especially merchants, have to consider things carefully. They all want their child to participate in the imperial examinations, to take a path that won't be looked down upon.
If one cannot enter the Imperial Academy, one can return to the prefectural or county schools, which have no restrictions, or hire a tutor. In any case, what one learns is the Four Books, Five Classics, and Six Arts required for the imperial examinations. But the Mingde Academy is different. Although it is said to be the palace's doing, an academy is still an academy and cannot be compared with official schools. It also seems that what one learns is not what is required for the imperial examinations.
One wrong step and it's all over!
The layout of Huangyong Bookstore is different on the east and west sides. On one side are bookshelves displaying toothpicks and scrolls, while on the other side are desks with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Many scholars are already seated at these desks, writing diligently. In one corner, there is a charcoal brazier tended by a dedicated person, providing warmth and comfort.
"How can it be so bright all around, and there's not a breath of wind?" The scholar, who had dragged his classmate along, couldn't help but cover his mouth and exclaim in surprise, his eyes filled with wonder.
“That’s Liuli.” A lazy voice rang out, and the one who answered was Pei Wuwei, dressed in a Taoist robe. She had come with Xue Yuanshuang. As promised, Princess Jinxian’s residence had sent her a set of books. She hadn’t wanted to go out in the snow, but she couldn’t refuse Xue Yuanshuang, so she had to go with her. While Xue Yuanshuang focused on reading, she wandered around, getting a good look at everything in the bookstore.
What a grand gesture the sage made! The windows used to be carved, and when it got cold, a biting wind would blow in, chilling you to the bone. Now, they've all been replaced with large panes of glass, which neither let in the wind nor block the light.
The two scholars were not from the two capitals. Although they were impressed by the prosperity of Chang'an, that was all they were impressed by. They were stunned when they saw the "glass windows," as if they had been greatly shocked. This year, the Emperor has been making continuous reforms to the imperial examinations and the Imperial Academy—is this because he values scholars? If not, how could he have achieved this? Even in the homes of the powerful and wealthy, one never hears of windows decorated with crystal-clear glass, let alone in a small bookstore.
"Your Majesty possesses profound wisdom and unparalleled strategic acumen; this is a blessing for the nation!" The scholars were moved by Pei Wuwei's words. The prohibition of public recommendations and the anonymization of examination results—weren't these all for the benefit of the scholars? Did the Mingde Academy also have a deeper purpose? The scholars who came here, though curious about the *Tongshi* (General Knowledge), were ultimately there for the examination preparation materials, and now their resolve wavered.
Pei Wuwei held a jade whisk, raised an eyebrow, and said, "One volume of 'General Knowledge' contains two hundred and twenty articles."
The scholar exclaimed, "!" He knew that buying books for the imperial examinations at a bookstore would cost a hundred taels of silver. Knowing the prices well, he dared not inquire about newly printed editions. Who would have thought that a thick volume of *Tongshi* (General Knowledge) would cost only two hundred and twenty coins—how incredibly cheap!
Pei Wuwei added, "The owner of the bookstore is quite refined; one can also request a book by writing a poem."
With the opening of the Huangyong Bookstore, someone needed to manage it. Zhao Jialing couldn't very well assign the task to court officials, so he carefully selected two ladies-in-waiting from the palace who were literate and skilled in official matters to run the bookstore. These two, Zheng Wenzhen and Shen Juanxi, were both daughters of scholars who had been dismissed from their posts for crimes committed during the reign of the late emperor. Their fathers and grandfathers had been executed, and they, still infants, had entered the inner palace with their mothers. Both were exceptionally talented; during banquets and when attending to guests, they could compose and exchange poems with scholars. The idea of exchanging poems for books was also theirs, and it had received Zhao Jialing's approval.
In the palace.
Zhao Jialing plays chess against Xie Lanzhao, who is in charge of weighing the affairs of the state.
"Your Majesty, once a move is made, there is no going back." Xie Lanzhao, aside from giving Zhao Jialing a three-piece handicap at the beginning, showed no restraint during the game and utterly defeated him.
Zhao Jialing awkwardly withdrew her hand from the chess piece she was about to move. She was thick-skinned and said nonchalantly, "I was thinking about something and got distracted. This game doesn't count."
Xie Lanzhao glanced at Zhao Jialing and asked gently, "What is Your Majesty thinking about?"
Zhao Jialing relaxed her furrowed brows, tossing the chess piece she was holding back into the box. Resting her chin on her hand, she said, "I ordered the Imperial Household Department to replace all the windows in the bookstore with newly made glass. It will be much brighter for the scholars copying books there." She paused, then added, "Those court officials, whether they like reading or not, will all go to the bookstore to gather information, won't they? Once they see the glass, how could they not be tempted?"
Xie Lanzhao pondered for a moment and said, "I'm afraid we can't supply it in a short time, can we?"
Zhao Jialing argued vehemently: "This is called a pre-sale. My cause is the cause of the Great Yong Dynasty. The civil and military officials are my pillars of support. Do they not support me? Then who do they want to support? The Prince of Zhong? Besides, I didn't take this for nothing."
Xie Lanzhao was taken aback, and after a while, she said, "But didn't His Majesty agree beforehand that we would sell them glass trinkets?"
Zhao Jialing blinked, then raised her hand and gestured for a moment: "I want to have both hands." She observed Xie Lanzao's expression, and seeing her subtle look, she added, "However, I don't want your money. Minister Xie has rendered meritorious service to the country and deserves it."
Xie Lanzhao said, "I did not do anything."
Zhao Jialing stood up and sighed, "It was you who led me back from the wrong path; isn't that a great achievement?"
"Isn't this my achievement?" the Wise Ruler System protested.
[Silence.] Zhao Jialing coldly and ruthlessly turned his back on the system.
We met when we were young, and we will grow old together.
Xie Lanzhao stared intently at Zhao Jialing with deep, unwavering eyes.
The system couldn't help but reply: "[It's all still very early stages, aren't you overthinking it?]"
Zhao Jialing's thoughts were as assertive as ever, but he trailed off at the end: "Does she not want to be my prime minister until old age? Then I... I will—"
A soft sound was heard.
The chess piece made a soft clattering sound when it was put back into the chess box.
Zhao Jialing looked up at Xie Lanzhao, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
Xie Lanzhao smiled and said, "I saw that Your Majesty was distracted and clearly had no intention of playing the game, so I put away the pieces."
Zhao Jialing cleared his throat and hurriedly said, "I didn't, I didn't mean it. I didn't think of anyone else, my heart and mind are the same."
Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes.
It is indeed one, but there are some unrestrained and nonsensical thoughts.
If she really resigns and returns home, what will His Majesty do?
"Let's play another round. You...you can give me a ten-piece handicap." Zhao Jialing was a little guilty. "Or we can change the rules. Whoever gets five pieces in a row first wins. That way, you can give me a three-piece handicap."
Xie Lanzhao: "..."
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