As the prince, Li Chen was already extremely benevolent by giving such a huge benefit. If he said any more, he would lose his identity.
Mr. Mirror's status is not low either. He wants to agree, but he also needs a step down.
You can't agree immediately as soon as Li Chen said that he would erect a statue for you and accept him as a national master. Wouldn't that make Mr. Jingzhi very philistine?
"Sir, don't you often say that scholars, farmers, industry and merchants should all take it as their own duty to serve the country. It is our duty to manage the family and the country to bring peace to the world."
"Everyone in the world knows that Mr. Xiang has no ambitions in government and public affairs, but if this country really needs him, he should give up his freedom like a wandering cloud and a wild crane and think about the people of the world. Only in this way can he live up to his reputation as a virtuous man."
Su Jinpa bowed to the gentleman in the mirror and said: "If you are willing to become an official, I think it will be a blessing for the court and all the people in the world."
Mr. Mirror frowned and looked at Su Jinpa. After pondering for a long time, he sighed: "Well, in that case, I will agree."
After saying that, Mr. Jingzhi faced Li Chen and said, "But I want to make a three-part agreement with His Highness."
"I am getting old, and my energy and physical strength can no longer keep up. Therefore, if there is no important matter during the morning pilgrimage every day, please allow me not to light the moon and not go to court. If there is something important to discuss, I will arrive there myself.
.”
Li Chen nodded and said: "It makes sense, yes."
"In addition, no matter what official position or rank His Highness plans to give me, please do not give me specific tasks, because I just want to teach well and teach my skills to more people. I really don't have the energy or the energy to do other things.
Ability governs. People have their strengths and weaknesses. My ability is all about teaching and educating people."
Li Chen continued to nod and said: "It's reasonable, yes."
"The last item."
Mr. Jingzhi solemnly said: "I have only served the imperial court for three years, so I hope that before this year's spring plowing, His Highness can fulfill his promise to me and open schools across the country!"
Li Chen readily agreed to the first two conditions, but it was only the third one that made Li Chen frown.
He didn't want to go back on the promise he made. In fact, if a country wants to become truly prosperous, universal education is the only way to go. The current illiteracy rate in the Qin Empire is horribly high.
In fact, this was the case in all dynasties in the feudal era. Studying was always the privilege of children from rich families. Children from poor families had to herd cattle and help with housework early, so how could they have spare money and time to study?
The so-called scholars from poor families, there are so many poor families in the world, but how many scholars can be produced?
Therefore, popularizing education is what Li Chen must do.
But not now.
"Sir, you should know that the current treasury of the Qin Dynasty cannot support universal education nationwide."
Li Chen said: "Let's put aside the huge amount of money. Ordinary poor families can earn more money with one more labor. How can we persuade them to send their children to school? Moreover, how can we send so many teachers across the country?
Educate those children everywhere?"
Many times, it’s not because the higher authorities don’t have good policies.
But the actual situation does not allow it.
The current Qin Empire wants to popularize education, which is simply a fool's errand.
Mr. Mirror frowned and sighed: "But I'm eighty years old now, how many more years can I live? I'm anxious."
Li Chen said warmly: "Sir, don't worry, within three years, I will definitely popularize education, but you have to eat every meal. Before that, I won't let you idle. I will first establish an academy in the name of the royal family in the capital.
