Chapter 51: We, the children of ordinary people...
51
"The imperial edict also states that the paper mill and paper sales were intended to open a school, where children of ordinary people could attend school free of charge. Children of small vendors and farmers alike could attend school. Not only was tuition free, but upon successful graduation, they could also work in the government. Only the first three years of schooling were free; those who wanted to enroll after that would have to pay tuition and textbooks."
Lin Baige set it up this way to make the public feel a sense of urgency, and to make some parents who were hesitant about whether to send their children to school anxious and worried about leaving them behind, so that they would rush to the school to grab places, so that the school would be full quickly.
He also specially arranged for someone to explain to everyone under the imperial edict what the school was for, how many years of study they would have, and what positions were waiting for them.
Sure enough, when people heard that only the first three years were free and that they could also study in the government office, they all ran over to inquire.
"There are two classes. One is a five-year course. Students can enroll at the age of ten. After passing the assessment and graduating successfully, they can enter the government office to work. Generally, those who are not too stupid can pass the assessment. There are clerical and errand positions. At that time, it will depend on their physical fitness and the level of their cultural studies." said the consulting official.
"What about the other kind of class?" someone asked.
"The other type is specifically for the imperial examination. They study for a longer time, starting from ten years. Students can enter school when they are eight years old. After entering school, they learn the knowledge of the imperial examination. Those who pass the examination can enter the court as officials."
"Become an official in the court? Can children from ordinary families like us become officials?" An aunt couldn't help but shout.
"Of course you can. His Majesty has issued an edict that this imperial examination selects talented people. Even if his parents are farmers or peddlers, as long as he has the ability, he can enter the court and become an official. It's different from before." said the official who gave the explanation.
This official came from a poor family. Although his family used to be a declining noble family, they could barely afford to eat with just this status. Fortunately, His Majesty opened the imperial examination in time, giving him the opportunity to enter the court and become an official. The whole family was able to survive.
That is why he wants to help more people from poor backgrounds to succeed.
"Is there such a good thing? If I study for ten years, I will get ten years of free education?" someone asked curiously.
"The ten-year class is like this. The first three years are free, and whether the remaining three years are free depends on the student's own ability. If the grades are not up to standard within three years, he or she can either continue studying by paying the tuition himself or go to a regular class." The official explained.
"Three years isn't bad. If you can't finish in three years, you'll have no chance of studying. You'd better go home and farm." The aunt who had just spoken said with a smile, "Where can I sign up? I'll sign up both of my children."
"The school hasn't opened yet, but construction is expected to begin next month. Please stay tuned, and we'll notify you when the school starts recruiting students," said the official.
Everyone took this matter to heart and paid attention at all times so as not to be left behind.
After this incident spread, everyone focused their attention on the school and had long forgotten who Qian Wan was.
Some families have many children and want to choose one or two to enroll in school to try, one in a regular class and the other in an imperial examination class, so that both their children will be guaranteed a place in school.
Some families have fewer children, so one goes to school while the other stays at home to farm.
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