Chen Qingwan's heart stirred upon hearing this. These words, though seemingly simple, were in fact incisive and to the point.
She originally just wanted to test Lu Yan's opinion.
I never expected him to have such profound insights into national affairs.
Seeing that Chen Qingwan was listening intently, Lu Yan smiled mischievously and continued:
"Miss Chen, the way to govern a country is just like doing business,"
"You have to be good at increasing revenue and reducing expenditure, and you also have to know how to win people's hearts."
He paused, deliberately keeping everyone in suspense.
"These people are like customers; you have to make sure they have money in their hands and that they're willing to spend it."
"Only when this money circulates can the country become prosperous and strong."
As Lu Yan spoke, he held up two fingers.
"Open source, of course, means developing commerce, encouraging agriculture, and giving people work and money to earn."
"As for cutting costs..."
He deliberately lowered his voice.
"We must clean up all those corrupt officials and make them spit out everything they've taken!"
As Chen Qingwan listened, the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Seeing that she was engrossed in listening, Lu Yan put on an even more enthusiastic "performance".
He spoke eloquently and fluently, covering topics ranging from economic development to military reform, from universal education to improving people's livelihoods.
"The army is better in quality than in quantity."
"Instead of supporting a bunch of good-for-nothings, we should streamline our forces and improve our combat effectiveness."
"Besides, warfare has to adapt to the times; we can't always fight with swords, spears, and clubs."
"We need to get some new stuff, like firearms..."
He then spoke about the importance of popularizing education.
"This educational effect is like spring rain nourishing things silently, subtly changing people's hearts and improving the quality of the nation."
"If everyone is knowledgeable, reasonable, and can distinguish right from wrong, how can this country not prosper?"
As Lu Yan spoke, he didn't forget to wink at Chen Qingwan.
Chen Qingwan blushed slightly at his sudden action.
He coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and said:
"Lord Lu is absolutely right. I have heard about the educational reforms in Shannan Prefecture. I wonder what your opinion is?"
Lu Yan stroked his chin with feigned profundity and said:
"I wouldn't call them profound insights, just some basic ideas."
"In my opinion, education should start from childhood."
"Instead of letting children wander aimlessly in the fields, it's better to send them to school to learn to read and write, so they can serve the country in the future."
"However, Shannan Prefecture is located in a remote area, with a shortage of teachers and limited funding for education,"
"How did you solve these difficult problems, sir?"
Chen Qingwan pressed for an answer.
"What's so difficult about that?"
Lu Yan waved his hand dismissively.
"As for the teaching staff, we can hire them from other places, or simply train them ourselves."
"As for funding, we can apply to the imperial court or mobilize local wealthy merchants to donate. We can always find a way."
"You seem to have an easy way of thinking, sir."
Chen Qingwan looked at him with a half-smile.
"The imperial court's funding is limited, so why would those wealthy merchants willingly part with their money?"
"Hehe, Miss Chen, you don't know this."
Lu Yan smiled mysteriously.
"There's nothing in this world that money can't solve. If there is, it just means you don't have enough money."
He paused, then added.
"Of course, it depends on how you spend your money."
Lu Yan took the opportunity to express his hopes to Chen Qingwan.
“Miss Chen, as you know, education is a long-term project that can be accomplished overnight.”
"If the imperial court can attach importance to education and increase investment, in time, it will surely cultivate countless talents and make contributions to the development of the country."
Chen Qingwan was moved by Lu Yan's sincerity and foresight, and secretly pondered:
Lu Yan is not only a man of great talent for governing the world, but also a man of deep concern for the country and its people. He is truly a rare talent.
After returning to Beijing, she decided to set about this matter and promote Lu Yan's education reform plan nationwide.
"What Lord Lu said is very true, Qingwan will definitely keep it in mind."
Chen Qingwan said solemnly.
The two chatted for a while longer, and Chen Qingwan suddenly remembered the muskets Lu Yan had mentioned earlier, so she asked:
"By the way, Lord Lu, how's the progress on that batch of muskets you mentioned before?"
Lu Yan smiled mysteriously:
"It'll be ready soon, Miss Chen. Don't worry, we'll send these muskets to the capital as soon as they're finished."
"We'll exchange money for goods."
He looked completely relaxed and carefree.
It was as if these muskets were not particularly lethal weapons.
Instead, it was some rare and precious antique porcelain.
Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, but secretly grumbled to herself.
Lu Yan really can't shake his greedy nature.
But he said politely:
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Lu. This batch of muskets is of vital importance to the imperial court."
Lu Yan raised an eyebrow and smiled meaningfully:
"Don't worry, Miss Chen. How can you not trust me? I'm absolutely honest and fair to all, and the quality is excellent at a low price."
Upon hearing this, Chen Qingwan's heart was filled with anticipation.
She couldn't wait to see the power of these muskets.
Finally, when Lu Yan talked about improving people's livelihoods, his tone became serious.
"The people are the foundation of the country. Only when they live a good life can the country be stable."
“If the people can’t survive, then the country is not far from destruction.”
Chen Qingwan listened with rapt attention.
These ideas are so similar to the goals she has strived for over the years!
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