"What I mean is that it's good that you're ambitious, but it also depends on your major!"
It wasn't that she looked down on the teachers in front of her, but rather that she didn't want them to take on multiple roles at once; they were still passionate at the beginning, even though it was a short time.
But after a while, no one can stand it!
The lives of working people matter too! She's not the kind of boss who exploits her employees.
Facing the puzzled looks of the crowd, Zhen Wanwan explained softly, "I know that you teachers are serious about your work, but please hear me out. As we all know, 'Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me!'"
"Your teachers are clearly more proficient in the Four Books and Five Classics, so you should just focus on teaching your own subjects. As for elective courses, we'll need to hire professionals for those."
"The essence of elective courses is not to pass exams, but to practice. I hope that after students take elective courses, they can apply what they learn in real life and also gain a skill to make money."
The scholar shook his head and sighed, "In the end, it still requires a professional to guide you."
Following his words, Zhen Wanwan asked, "What kind of person do you gentlemen consider to be a professional?"
Qu Huaiyuan lowered his eyes and said calmly, "Everyone has their own expertise. Carpentry is best done by carpenters, and farming is best done by villagers who have been cultivating the land for generations."
Zhen Wanwan gave Qu Huaiyuan an approving look, then looked at the others and said, "That's right, I suggest that these people be the teachers for these elective courses."
Since the people in charge at the academy have said so, those of us who are just employees have no way to refute them, even if we have some minor opinions.
At this moment, the teacher in charge of recruiting students stepped forward and raised his doubts: "Your Highness, since we are recruiting teachers again, shouldn't we also set the salary? And will there be a formal position for them?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Zhen Wanwan. The dowry offered by Rende Academy was not high compared to other academies, but the benefits were good.
Most importantly, this place has official government positions!
The difference between eating at the hands of many and eating at the hands of the government is that one is unstable and the other is stable.
When King Jing ascends the throne and his queen becomes empress, won't their Rende Academy be just like the Imperial Academy?
The only difference is the students they face. As long as they can be associated with the royal family, the status of Rende Academy will not change, and their status will naturally rise accordingly.
Zhen Wanwan knew what these people cared about and was happy to see it happen. Indeed, the allure of a government job has always been immense, both throughout history.
She pretended to be deep in thought, her brows furrowed as she pondered. The teachers were on tenterhooks, their palms sweating.
For them, the fewer positions available, the more valuable they are, and the higher their status.
Zhen Wanwan sighed slightly and said, "Rende Academy is not yet mature. It would be inappropriate to recruit everyone here, and it would also make it easy for incompetent people to take advantage of the situation."
Everyone nodded in agreement: "That's right, so the staffing quota needs to be determined carefully."
It wasn't that they looked down on craftsmen and farmers, but rather that the academy was a place of sages and worthies, and that being allowed to teach there was already a great bargain for them.
They studied hard for ten years to get this respectable job. If these illiterate people were allowed to come in and be on equal footing with them, it would be a huge waste.
So all their efforts over the years have been in vain?
Isn't the reason they study so hard for a better future?
Zhen Wanwan pretended not to know their little schemes. In the future, all walks of life will surely flourish. If one can only read the classics but cannot even support oneself, can such a person really benefit the people of the region?
"Headmaster, once the elective courses are finalized, you can then try to invite professionals to the academy. Elective courses are equivalent to the Six Arts, so the curriculum doesn't need to be too packed."
"As for... if these people are unwilling, you can try to see if they are willing to work part-time at the academy."
Without a permanent position, this job is precarious and insecure. Hiring someone part-time to earn extra money shouldn't be too difficult, since they already have a full-time job.
After thinking for a while, Headmaster Chu couldn't help but nod. This idea wasn't bad.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will arrange this matter properly."
She trusted Master Chu's abilities. Coincidentally, three years ago, she went to a human trafficking agency to buy a human.
They bought a young mother and son, who were actually master and servant. The little boy, Ping An, was the grandson of Master Chu.
Because his daughter's family suffered misfortune, Chu Shanzhang, the head of the school administration, lost all hope for a career in government and retired to his hometown.
Unexpectedly, when passing through Guangling County, she saw autumn leaves being purchased in the county town. After some inquiry, she learned that her grandson was still alive.
Chief Chu then followed Qiu Ye back to Meizi Village, where he revealed his identity to Zhen Wanwan, and the two were finally reunited.
At that time, Zhen Wanwan was worried about why there was no great Confucian scholar to preside over Rende Academy, but unexpectedly, Headmaster Chu delivered himself to her door.
After Zhen Wanwan's explanation and sincere invitation, Headmaster Chu agreed to stay with tears in his eyes.
She also directly returned Qiuye and Ping'an's indentures to them.
Having been immersed in academia for many years, Dean Chu certainly has a knack for managing academies.
Rende Academy became even more renowned because of his reputation, and half of the teachers there chose to come here because they admired his name.
With the course details finalized, everyone turned their attention to the library.
Headmaster Chu bowed respectfully to Zhen Wanwan and said, "Without the Princess, this library would not have been able to open. Why don't you give it a name, Princess?"
"Yes! Only the princess has the right to name the library."
Looking at the hopeful eyes of everyone, Zhen Wanwan thought it over and over and finally made up her mind: "Then let's call it Minhui Study Hall!"
Forgive her for being a country bumpkin who can't come up with an artistic name.
"Minhui Study?" the crowd murmured.
The name... is a bit old-fashioned, but it's simple and easy to understand. You can see the original intention of this library just from the name.
Benefits for the people! Benefits for the people! Benefits for the people.
Headmaster Chu pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Then let's call it Minhui Study Hall! As for this plaque..."
Zhen Wanwan said indifferently, "My handwriting is terrible. Why don't you have Headmaster Chu write it for us? We don't need to be stingy with the money for the plaque. It represents our prestige, so we'll use the best materials."
"Yes! I will have someone prepare it as soon as I get back."
Zhen Wanwan had been sitting for too long and her back was aching, so she stood up and walked to the bookshelf.
After a moment's hesitation, Headmaster Chu asked, "Your Highness, would you like me to help you choose an auspicious day for the opening ceremony?"
Zhen Wanwan casually flipped through a book. Well, the printing was very rough, but the words were still clear.
Hearing what Headmaster Chu said, she looked for the next book and replied, "Well, Headmaster, you can decide! Just tell me if you need anything."
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