Bai Jiao looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes, and hesitated before saying, "Let me think about it..."
"What are you thinking? Do you still plan to use scions of aristocratic families? Even if you did, I'm sure they wouldn't even look at this tiny Wutu County."
Although Qi Nuan's words were harsh, Bai Jiao understood the truth of the matter.
But is it too expensive to open a school now?
However, most schools nowadays are privately run. Ordinary people cannot enter schools built by the government, and the tuition fees required for private schools are unaffordable for ordinary people.
Education is basically monopolized by the upper class. Qi Nuan's suggestion to open a school would undoubtedly infringe on the interests of the upper class, but the rewards would obviously be enormous.
In times of chaos, this presents a good opportunity, as all rules and traditions are broken when chaos ensues.
Bai Jiao never expected that the girl in front of him had such grand ideas.
What Qi Nuan was thinking was...
Hedong is not far from Shangjun. If Jiang Yu wants to gain a foothold in this world, then Hedong and Shangjun will inevitably clash.
Therefore, Qi Nuan is not in a hurry to return to Shangjun.
Perhaps she can enable Jiang Yu and his men to take over Hedong without losing a single soldier.
What she needs to do now is to help Bai Jiao occupy Hedong as soon as possible and develop Hedong.
Although Wutu County is small, it has a good geographical location. Many water transport transit points are located here, but the location is extremely hidden. People pass by, but no one pays attention to it.
Moreover, this place is very suitable as a rear base for Hedong, and it is also perfect for cultivating talents.
Bai Jiao pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement.
But the most important issue now is manpower; recruiting is urgent.
The next day, Qi Nuan posted the recruitment notice.
Anyone with a skill, whether scholar, farmer, craftsman, merchant, shaman, doctor, or any other artisan, can register at the county government office and take an exam seven days later.
Those who pass the exam with excellent results can become officials.
Those who perform well are willing to be paid a salary by the county government to serve in the government, and those who are reliable in their work can be promoted to officials.
Those with a special skill can be hired as teachers or employed by the government.
The public reacted differently to the notice, but all were eager to try it out. However, those with a little more knowledge were still observing.
Qi Nuan's eyes flickered slightly when she saw the Wang family members returning from Luoyang in the crowd.
He stepped forward and said, "If you have teaching experience or are exceptionally knowledgeable, the county government can hire you as a teacher with a high salary. The county government will open a school in the city, and both students and teachers are welcome to come."
"Sir, you said that anyone with a skill can apply. I'm an excellent carpenter, so I wonder if I can apply?"
Qi Nuan looked over and saw a simple, unassuming middle-aged man standing somewhat awkwardly in the crowd asking a question. When he met Qi Nuan's gaze, he was clearly a little nervous.
Qi Nuan smiled at him, her voice calm, "Of course, as long as you pass the exam."
"And the entire examination process will be made public."
"Is it okay if we can't read?"
Before the middle-aged man could speak, the person next to him asked eagerly.
Qi Nuan nodded, signaling everyone to be quiet, and raised her voice, "I just said that the county government will be opening a school. Anyone who wants to learn can come to the school for free. The school will not only teach reading and writing, but also other skills."
She paused for a moment and then said, "But not all courses are free. Apart from reading and writing, only one course is free. If you want to learn other skills, you have to pay a fee."
"For example, carpentry, embroidery, weaving, arithmetic, etc. And if someone feels that they have good skills in these areas, they can come to teach after passing the exam, and the county government will pay them accordingly."
What does this mean?
"I don't share my craftsmanship with outsiders, how could I possibly teach others..."
"This school is quite interesting."
...
The crowd was buzzing with discussion, but Qi Nuan didn't interrupt them and let them talk.
When faced with life and death, everything else is meaningless. Even if some of them have some skills, in this chaotic world everyone is struggling to survive, and some people have skills but cannot make a living.
Qi Nuan wasn't worried about not being able to recruit people; she would do whatever was available first, as education is inherently a slow process.
Besides, they can learn from each other.
"Anyone who is interested can register now."
As soon as Qi Nuan finished speaking, an old man walked out of the crowd, trembling.
The old man had gray hair, wore a blue long gown, and leaned on a wooden cane; though old, he was not weak.
His voice was very deep.
"I wonder if the county government will accept this old man who has come to register?"
Qi Nuan bowed to the old man and looked at him earnestly, saying, "Of course I will accept it. May I ask if the old gentleman wants it?"
"I have been teaching for ten years. Putting aside everything else, I am willing to give it a try in teaching students the Six Arts of a Gentleman. However, there is one thing I must say."
The old man looked at Qi Nuan with bright eyes, "I have the final say on all the students who attend my classes, regardless of their social status or power. The county government cannot interfere."
Qi Nuan stared intently at the old man. The old man was dressed plainly, but he had an extraordinary bearing. The people around him treated him normally, but when they heard the old man's words, they all turned their heads to look at him.
Judging from his reaction, he did not recognize the old man.
However, two or three people in the crowd, along with members of the Wang family, seemed to be paying close attention to the old man.
After a moment's thought, Qi Nuan asked the old man, "What are your criteria for selecting students, sir?"
"A thirst for knowledge, good character, and perseverance."
Qi Nuan bowed and said, "This junior would be honored."
The old man looked at Qi Nuan and laughed.
Back at the county office, Bai Jiao looked at Qi Nuan and said, "You've gone too far with this business. Be careful you don't end up in a bad situation."
Qi Nuan shook her head. If it's going to be done, it should be done in a more attractive way. For the poorest people, reading and writing are too lofty. Although they yearn for literacy, they would rather learn and master a craft than make a living.
To learn these things, one must naturally be literate and able to read. For now, we should first motivate the public to learn.
As for academic studies, that's naturally something specifically for training students.
Qi Nuan looked at Bai Jiao and said, "There are indeed private schools in Wutu County, and quite a few private school teachers, but they don't have much influence."
"What do you want?"
Qi Nuan nodded.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Jiao said, "Alright, I'll go to the Wang family with you tomorrow."
The Wang family has been officials for generations. Although most of the officials in Luoyang are now dead, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Even in Wutu County, the Wang family has its own academy.
The Wang family is full of talented people.
If we can get the Wang family's help, the school will naturally be established.
"County Magistrate, someone requests an audience."
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