In the spring of the fifth year of Wei Xing'an, the Ministry of Industry had built "elementary national schools" in thirty major counties across Wei State, and also built "higher national schools" in every county-level county.
There are about 30 elementary state schools and 11 higher state schools.
As Fenyin is a large county of Hedong County and the seat of the county government, two schools were built in the city. After the construction of the two schools was completed by craftsmen from the Ministry of Works, they were handed over to Fenyin County.
Today's Hedong County is also full of talents. For the army, there are Hedong Shou, Lintao Jun Wei Ji, and Pu Banwei Wenfeng, the former deputy general of Sima An. On the government office that manages people's livelihood, there are Kou Zheng and Liu Bing.
, Mu Ziyong, Shang Yang and other civil servants made Fenyin County, a county that had been torn by war, now look prosperous.
Fenyin, as well as Anyi, the fiefdom of King Huan Zhao Hongxuan, are currently the most prosperous counties in Hedong County.
After the two schools were built in Fenyin City, Kou Zheng took his teacher "Shang Xun" to visit the two schools and informed the teacher of the various policies of the imperial court.
When he learned that these two schools were set up to teach the people of Hedong County free of charge, Shang Xun, who was over seventy years old and leaning on a cane, sincerely praised them. He praised the wisdom of their Wei monarch Zhao Run and the imperial court.
Benevolent government, after all, in his view, running schools and educating people is a major event that will last forever!
"I wonder, does this school teach Confucianism or law?" Shang Xun asked curiously.
"Confucianism and Legalism should be promoted simultaneously, supplemented by side schools." Kou Zheng respectfully answered the teacher's question: "Moreover, the imperial court will soon send teaching books and ask us to use these books to teach students."
"Oh?" Shang Xun stroked his beard thoughtfully, and said after a while: "When those books are delivered to Fenyin, remember to lend me a few copies."
He was very curious about what his disciple Kou Zheng said was the "book printed by the Ministry of Rites of the Imperial Court".
Of course, Kou Zheng would not refuse the teacher's request and agreed respectfully.
About ten days later, the carriage delivering books arrived at Fenyin County along the Chi Road, and delivered a full carriage of books that were supervised and printed by the Ministry of Punishment.
On that day, Fenyin Ling Kou Zheng came to the teacher's home carrying several textbooks for the elementary school and handed them to him respectfully.
Shang Xun leaned on a cane and sat on a chair, looking at the books on the table.
There are four books on the left, namely "Hundred Family Surnames", "Yue Yue", "Yi Tan", and "Arithmetic". According to Kou Zheng, they are textbooks for elementary national schools.
On the right side of the table, there are several books, namely "Lun", "Mo Yan", "Yin Yang", "Famous Law", "Bing Tao", "Confucianism", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases",
"Zongheng Lun", "Compendium of Materia Medica", "Geology", etc. are the teaching materials of higher education institutions.
Compared with the four books in "Hundred Family Surnames", the last nine books can be guessed by just looking at their names that they are advanced scholarship.
But the first book Shangxun read was "Hundred Family Surnames".
I saw him holding the book in both hands, carefully examining the three square words "百家surnames" on the cover, frowning and saying: "This doesn't look like it was copied by someone's hand. Could it be the "printing" method you mentioned before?
?”
"Yes, teacher." Kou Zheng replied respectfully: "The imperial court has mastered a technology that can use instruments to copy books. As far as the students know, a thousand books can be copied in ten days."
"Oh?" Shang Xun frowned slightly, then looked at the book in his hand and muttered to himself: "Blessing? Misfortune?"
As if he had guessed what the teacher was thinking, Kou Zheng said with a smile: "Teacher, don't worry, this kind of craft is currently under the control of the Imperial Court's Ministry of Rites. Unless your Majesty or the Ministry of Rites approves it, no one else will use that craft to flood the world with books."
of."
Shang Xun was stunned for a moment, and then he laughed at himself and said: "Haha, I am unfounded... Yes, what I want to achieve, how could that wise king and the great sages in the court not think of it?"
After saying that, his worries disappeared, he opened the pages and carefully read the book "Hundred Family Surnames" in his hand: "Zhao Qian, Sun Li, Zhou Wu, King Zheng... Hahaha, it is really as rumored.
It’s easy to understand.”
Kou was about to explain, but he saw Shang Xun nodded and said: "But as a book for teaching children how to read, this is enough. The only drawback is that this book only records the surnames of the world, which is not enough to cover the daily needs.
, I hope the court can improve it in the future..."
After that, he put down "Hundred Family Surnames" and picked up "Yu Le" again.
Open the first chapter of "Yu Le", which is "Catching Chickens", which tells the dialogue between a former Song Dynasty official and Mencius.
The main idea of the article is:
The official of the Song Dynasty said to Mencius: "The tax rate is 10%, and the taxes on checkpoints and markets are exempted. If we can't do it this year, how about reducing it first and waiting until next year to implement it?" Mencius said: "Now there is a person who pays taxes every day.
When he wanted to steal a chicken from his neighbor's house, someone advised him: "This is not what a person of high moral character would do." He said: "Please allow me to reduce the number of times I steal chickens, steal one chicken every month, and wait until the next year."
Just stop (stealing chickens). If you know it is immoral, stop it immediately. Why wait until next year?”
At the end of the chapter, the book also teaches: You must correct your mistakes in a timely manner, and you must not delay deliberately or make mistakes knowingly. The same is true for learning. What you can do today must not be postponed until tomorrow.
"This is... "Mencius"?"
There was a little surprise on Shang Xun's face, but more of it was surprise, as if he was surprised to see something new and interesting to him.
He couldn't wait to flip through the whole article, and saw that most of the "Yu Le" contained classic remarks by Confucian sages, using vivid short stories to explain principles, encourage people to learn well, and encourage people to do good.
Although the full text is very brief and far less profound than the excerpted "Mencius", and there are even many annotations in the full text, it is in line with that sentence. The words are simple but the truth is not shallow.
“Great book!”
Shang Xun patted the table and said with a smile.
He originally had some worries about the textbooks compiled by the imperial court, fearing that the imperial court would mislead his children, but as it stands now, it seems that the imperial court knows how to educate young children better than he does, so his worries are completely unfounded.
In the third book, he picked up the "Anecdote" and carefully read the first chapter "A Hundred Sheep Destroyed the Enemy". He suddenly realized and nodded: "It turns out to be a novelist's book... Hmm, that's it.
I never thought that this novelist could be so effective. Hahaha..."
After casually flipping through a few articles, he put down "Anecdotes". After all, he was not very interested in these exaggerated celebrity anecdotes.
Then, he picked up "Arithmetic" again.
At this time, Kou was standing by and said: "Teacher, I heard that this "Arithmetic" was written by an unknown person before, and was later recorded by Zajia. This Zajia presented it to Your Majesty, and was personally revised and supplemented by Your Majesty, and the imperial court
The official document clearly stated that arithmetic must be taught in national elementary schools, and the Ministry of Rites even revealed that in future examinations, the proportion of arithmetic will be increased accordingly..."
While reading "Arithmetic", Shang Xun nodded and said: "You are far-sighted. That young Majesty is really far-sighted!"
As he spoke, he put down "Arithmetic" again and turned his attention to the textbooks from higher education institutions on the table.
Since it is a textbook for an institution of higher learning, the academic content described in the text is naturally much more profound than that of a textbook for an elementary school, such as "Dharma", "Moyan", "Confucianism", "Compendium of Materia Medica", and "Geology".
He can still understand some of them, but he can hardly understand "Bing Tao", "Yin Yang Xue" and "Treatise on Febrile Diseases".
And he couldn't understand the "Dharma of Names" at all. He really didn't know what the famous scholars were talking about, such as "The greatest without outside is called the Great One; the smallest without the inside is called the Small One."
, "Heaven and earth are humble, mountains and rivers are flat" and so on. What other "Jianbai theory" and "White horse theory" are there.
I have to say that this book took Shangxun the longest time to read, but he gained nothing. In the end, he could only shake his head and laugh at himself, mocking his own qualifications and really being unable to understand books by famous writers.
But it’s no wonder. In fact, looking at the entire Wei State, not many people can understand this book.
But it is undeniable that those who have mastered the knowledge are all talented and eloquent.
"OK."
Touching these precious classics of various schools of thought, Shang Xun couldn't help but look at Kou Zheng, with some emotion in his heart, and couldn't help but say: "Your Majesty has broadened the way for common people to study. This move is indeed a great success and a benefit.
Chiaki!"
Kou Zheng nodded with deep understanding.
After all, he was also born as a commoner. If Shang Xun, a learned clan member in his hometown, had not accepted him as a student and taught him his studies, how would he have had the opportunity to get in touch with knowledge and finally pass the exam and enter an official career?
If he hadn't met Shang Xun, perhaps he, Kou Zheng, was farming in the fields or cutting firewood in the mountains to make a living.
In this era, it is really difficult for ordinary people to get access to knowledge.
At this time, Shang Xun stood up, patted Kou Zheng's arm, and said earnestly: "Your Majesty is wise and has granted you benefits for a long time and the foundation of eternity. As the Fenyin Order, you must remember not to slack off or neglect.
"
"Students, please remember." Kou Zheng bowed his hands and bowed.
The next day, Kou Zheng went to Fenyin to recruit young children. Although the court recommended children between the ages of eight and twelve, this was only a suggestion and not an absolute standard. In fact, as long as they were willing to learn, even if they were
If you are over 15 or 16 years old, you will still be admitted to elementary school.
As for another higher education institution, the admission standards are much stricter.
The imperial court clearly stipulated that only students who passed the township examination and county examination were eligible to enroll in higher education schools in the county.
In addition, the imperial court also changed the examination method: unless someone recommends it, only students enrolled in higher education institutions are eligible to participate in the examination. The reason why the recommendation system is retained is to appease the nobles and aristocratic families.
These privileged children get some special treatment.
Speaking of which, the reform of the examination system has made students preparing to take the examination somewhat dissatisfied.
After all, in previous years they only had to pass the county examination to get the opportunity to go to the royal capital to take the examination. However, this year the court changed the system and required these young students to attend higher education institutions in their respective counties and learn knowledge in addition.
At first, these students were very dissatisfied. After all, they were the best in each county and thought they had achieved some academic achievements. But when they arrived at the higher schools in each county with dissatisfaction, they saw those "Dharma Treatises"
, "Mo Yan", "Yin Yang Xue", "Famous Methods", "Bing Tao", "Confucianism", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", "Zongheng Lun", "Compendium of Materia Medica", "Treatise on Geology" and other books, their
Then I realized that I was just a frog in the well.
According to the requirements of the imperial court, the four books "Confucianism", "Dharma Theory", "Moyan", and "Bing Tao" are compulsory subjects, while the remaining subjects are electives. Therefore, the Legalists can only hold their noses and study hard.
Looking at Confucianism, Confucian disciples can also suppress their dissatisfaction and read "Dharma Commentary" and "Moyan".
On this basis, each student also chose some minor subjects, including novelist books that are purely extracurricular readings, as well as advanced "Yin Yang Theory", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", "Zongheng Lun", etc., as for "Compendium of Materia Medica".
"Treatise on Geology", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", the number of students selected is relatively small, but it is not exhausted.
The least popular one is "The Law of Fame" by a famous artist. Firstly, the famous artist has become very famous since he was given the bad name of "sophistry". Secondly, the theoretical principles described in the book are really not accessible to ordinary people.
You know, only those students who are talented and have strong logical ability can understand the theories of famous experts. Otherwise, the words in the book will easily make people dizzy.
By May and June, except for Hetao, Hexi and other border counties that have not yet fully implemented the policy of enrolling students in private schools, the remaining counties already have many students studying in elementary schools and higher schools.
Some of the teachers who taught these students were recruited from the local area by the local governor, and some were sent by the imperial court.
It cannot be denied that since this is the first time to try this teaching model, problems will inevitably arise during the period. For example, students from the Confucian and Legalist schools protested against the imperial court forcing them to learn each other's theories. There are also some teachers who cannot keep up with the teaching and may not understand what they have learned yet.
Self-taught students are fast, but given the strength of Wei King Zhao Run and the imperial court, these complaints and complaints were all suppressed.
The imperial court made it very clear on this: Unless you give up the examinations, the four subjects of Confucianism, Law, Military Affairs, and Mohism are compulsory courses. In the future, the provincial examinations, county examinations, general examinations, etc. will also revolve around these four academic subjects.
to issue examination questions.
At this time, the disciples of various schools finally understood the true meaning of "major" and "minor", and the four schools of Confucianism, Legalism, Bing, and Mohism were very happy that their own schools had occupied a place. This was simply the imperial court expanding for them.
What a momentum!
As for the eight academic disciplines that serve as minors, although they envy the status of Confucianism, Legalism, Military Affairs, and Mohism, they are quite satisfied that their own school can occupy a place in the minors.
For example, famous scholars have found it really difficult to recruit students since they have been given the reputation of sophistry.
Compared with the three schools of Confucianism, France and Mohism, medical schools, Yin-Yang schools, etc. are simply small academic schools. Without the support of the Wei court, I really don’t know how long it will take for them to flourish.
As for the most fortunate person, there is no one more than the novelist.
"Yitan" written by the novelist is the only book that is not limited to national schools. Under the instruction of King Zhao Run of Wei and the tacit approval of the court, the novelist's "Yitan" was printed in large quantities by the Ministry of Rites.
Available everywhere.
Coupled with the low price, this "Yitan" quickly spread throughout the Wei Kingdom and became a time-killing book for many people from all walks of life.
Although there are still many people who look down on this kind of book, it cannot be denied that the noble children bought this book, and the common people also bought this book, and even the soldiers and generals of the army also found ways to get this book.
.
It is said that when Sima An, the governor of Hexi Province, saw the allusion of "A Hundred Sheep to Destroy the Enemy" based on him in the book, the usually gloomy and steady general couldn't help laughing in front of his soldiers.
It was hailed as a "rare spectacle" by the soldiers of the Hexi Army.
And similarly, like Hedong Shou, Lintao Jun Wei Ji, Shangdang Shou Jiang Bi, Hanoi Shou, Yan Wang Zhaojiang, Wu Ji of Shang Shui Army, Qu Cheng of Yanling Army, Shao Hu, Long Ji of Wei Wu Army, etc.
etc., all of which became famous throughout the Wei Kingdom because of this "Yitan". Many Wei people who were not familiar with these generals in the country have now become familiar with these generals through this book.
Even some good people couldn't help but discuss the topic "Which general is more brave" when they had nothing to do, and argued with great interest, which in disguise once again expanded the popularity of Sima An and other Wei generals.
It is no exaggeration to say that although this "Anecdote" is looked down upon by many literati, it cannot be denied that it is actually the most successful.
The Ministry of Rites collected part of the money from the publication of "Yitan" and its sales throughout the country as costs, and the rest was given to Zhou Chu, the leader of the novelists.
Looking at the boxes full of gold coins from the Kingdom of Wei, Zhou Chu and the other disciples of the novelist widened their eyes in disbelief.
They had never thought before that their novelist would one day be able to be proud and proud.
Seeing that these young novelists seemed to be shocked by the money, Du You, the Minister of Rites, who went there in person, secretly praised Wei Wang Zhao Run for his foresight, while urging Zhou Chu and others, hoping that they would not forget their original intention and keep up their efforts to write the next work.
Moreover, Du You also told Zhou Chu and others about the response to "Yitan" in the domestic market. There is no need to go into details. In this era of lack of entertainment methods, if such an interesting book suddenly appears, it will of course become popular all over the country immediately.
.
"Don't worry, Lord Shangshu, and please don't worry, Your Majesty!"
After receiving Du You's reminder, Zhou Chu and others immediately calmed down and vowed that they would never lose their ambition because of money.
Yes, even if you are always looked down upon by others, even if you are a novelist without any core ideas and theories, you still hope that more people will read and talk about your works.
Inspired by the great success of "Yitan", Zhou Chu and others immediately compiled the second issue of "Yitan". In this issue of "Yitan", they were no longer limited to famous generals of Wei, but
According to the previous instruction of Wei King Zhao Run, Wei's civil servants and local county magistrates were also added.
For example, "Chen Bing", the magistrate of Zhaoling County who died more than ten years ago because of the Chu State's attack, would rather die than surrender and die calmly.
Under the vigorous rendering of Zhou Chu and others, "Chen Bing of Zhaoling County" suddenly rose to the level of a "hero" in the Wei State and became one of the models of "literary pride".
In addition, Zhou Chu and others also did not forget to show their favor to the other eleven schools of thought that looked down on them, such as Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and military strategists, and described anecdotes about celebrities from other schools, which made other schools interested in the novel.
My opinion has changed slightly: this novelist is still of some use!
Especially Confucianism, France and Mohism, as one of the four major schools of thought, they are competing for the position of the most prominent school, and the novelist's "Yitan" can obviously expand their influence and recruit more students.
Provide help.
As a result, the novelist Zhou Chu and others were invited by Confucianists, Legalists, and Mohists for the first time, and were invited to various academies as guests.
After that, even politicians, famous figures, etc. also invited novelists one after another.
This is no wonder, after all, the novelist does not have his own unique theoretical thoughts of the school at all. It is purely a recreational book. Such a school is simply not enough to become a rival to other schools of thought.
After the second issue of "Yitan" was released to the Wei Kingdom, the response was still enthusiastic.
Even later, this "Anecdote" gradually spread to other Central Plains countries, during which time it caused dissatisfaction among some individuals.
For example, Han general Jin Yao felt very hurt after reading this book.
In fact, Jin Mao was also a Korean general who was upright and loyal and patriotic. However, because he was the opponent of "Wei General Jiang Bi" in the book, he was cleverly written as a villain by the novelist.
"When did I ever challenge Jiang Bi in front of the battle?"
Looking at himself in the book, Jin Biao couldn't laugh or cry. He was not like the 'Jin Biao' in the book, who used rude and vulgar words to stimulate Jiang Bi before the war, which made Jiang Bi furious and fight naked.
Defeated that 'Jin Mao'.
Then I saw that 'Jin Bo' in the later book was horrified after seeing Jiang Bi's force and ran away in a hurry. Jin Bo couldn't laugh or cry, but felt ashamed on his face.
In fact, when Jiang Bi conquered Anyi, he paid a heavy price, and Jin Biao's choice to retreat was only a strategic retreat. It was not at all like the description in the book that he was frightened by Jiang Bi.
When he thought that before long, everyone in the world would think that he was afraid of Jiang Bi and abandoned the city to escape, Han General Jin Yao felt very hurt, and it was worse than death.
Someone who had similar feelings was Xiong Tuo, King of Chu.
Because in an article in "Yitan" about Wei Gongzi Run's efforts to protect his family and country, there was a villain called "Chu Tuo". He was majestic at first, but in the end he was defeated by Wei Gongzi Run in a weak way. Isn't this right?
Aren't you alluding to him, Xiong Tuo?
"How long have you been begging for mercy from that dwarf? You bastard!"
Xiong Tuo threw the "Yitan" into the brazier in anger.
In addition to Han and Chu, "Yitan" also quickly spread to Wei, Lu, Qi, Qin and other countries in the Central Plains, once again expanding the reputation of Wei.