"My Lord, are you planning to establish schools?"
After a mere glance at the contents, Qian Lang looked at Han Mo with some confusion.
"Of course, everyone, this is our opportunity!"
Han Mo spoke as he said it.
"We are not sure what opportunity my Lord is referring to?"
Hearing him say this, everyone couldn't help but exchange glances again. Didn't this smell familiar?
"Everyone should know that the three-year system selects officials, and the sons of official families naturally have more opportunities than others. Everyone knows this, right? But the re-opening of special imperial examinations is different!"
"My Lord's meaning is?"
"Since everyone here is considered one of us, I won't hide anything. I come from a noble family, and I naturally know the ins and outs of it all. The sons of noble families entering officialdom are bound to be burdened by their families, and often have to do things against their conscience. But those from humble backgrounds are different; they are the truly free people!"
"This world has never lacked a thousand-mile horse, but there are few Bole who can discover them. There are plenty of people who are poor and cannot afford to study. If someone can lend a helping hand to them in their most difficult moments, when they soar to success, within their capabilities, won't they..."
Hearing him say this, everyone's eyes immediately lit up. It had to be said that this was indeed a good idea!
"In this era, with wars everywhere and the people suffering, isn't this precisely our opportunity? A hundred children in a primary school require an annual expense of not much more than the teacher's tuition, the children's three meals a day, plus some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. The total is no more than a hundred strings of coins, but what it brings is a truly good reputation!"
"If, among these children, one or two can pass the Jinshi examination in the future, do you all think this deal is worth it?"
As Han Mo said this, everyone suddenly became a little eager to try.
It seemed like spending money, but what was gained was people's hearts!
"As for industrial education, mathematics, and medicine, I don't even need to mention them. You are all in the maritime trade. I said before that our presence in Wa is just the beginning. The vast ocean means our business will only grow larger, and we will need more and more personnel. Don't you think the talents who come out of these academies are precisely what we are short of?"
"Recruiting from other places is always less reassuring than nurturing our own people, isn't it? Everyone, think about it, is this not the case?"
Han Mo observed everyone's expressions as he fed them "poisoned chicken soup."
Seeing that everyone's faces looked as if they had drunk fake wine and were getting high, he then threw out the final heavy blow.
"As for this last item, I don't even need to mention it. Regardless of background, regardless of origin, as long as one is willing to learn, we will naturally be willing to open doors for them and provide funds for travel, food, and accommodation to study at the newly established academies in Mingzhou, Quanzhou, and Guangzhou!"
"Unlike primary education, this can show results within two to three years! Although the cost is indeed a bit high, it's only a few hundred thousand strings of coins a year. Spread out, it's only a few tens of thousands of copper coins per household. Is anyone interested in this deal?"
"My Lord, my Cai family is willing to be a part of this. If the other gentlemen have any concerns, my Cai family can bear the burden alone!"
After listening to Han Mo's words, Cai Sitong stood up without hesitation.
"Old Cai, you're not being honest. How can such a good thing happen without my Qian family? My Lord, my Qian family is willing to make our family's collection of books public to all students of the Mingzhou academies!"
As soon as Cai Sitong finished speaking, Qian Lang stood up directly.
However, his words did remind Han Mo. Speaking of book collections, Han family's Jinchu Hall also had ten thousand volumes of books!
This matter could not only be carried out in Mingzhou, but also in Fuzhou and Xiangzhou!
If the Zhe family did it, it seemed they would have more advantages than others!
After all, at this time, the distribution of the Zhe family's shops was definitely more than the combined total of these seven families!
They were doing wholesale, while the Zhe family was doing both wholesale and retail!
"Yes, Old Cai, how can such a thing happen without our Huang family?"
...
In just a short while, several of the head shopkeepers had begun to express their positions.
"Alright everyone, what's on the ground is considered a meeting gift for you. You might as well take some back to show your families. As for establishing schools, if you are interested, you can go to the Governor's office tomorrow morning to find Lord Li Gang!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Han Mo say this, everyone finally got up and each took some gold and silver before leaving.
Han Mo, however, quietly picked up his share from the ground, weighed its heft, and then walked towards his room.
It had been a long time; Zhe Yourong's anger should have subsided by now.
Although the gold would undoubtedly be stained with the blood and tears of countless Japanese people in the future, thinking about their actions in later generations, Han Mo felt his mood improve.
Either don't do it, or do it thoroughly. Since he knew they would do the fifteenth, he should complete the first!
With such a good opportunity before him, if he didn't make a strong impression, wouldn't that be letting down the immortal who kicked him here!
"Father, Father!"
Lord Han had returned with gold and silver cakes to show off his treasures, but Li Gang was just about to get a good night's sleep when he was woken up by his silly son.
"What is it now?"
Having just felt a slight drowsiness, he was woken up. Even his own son, Li Gang, had a bit of a temper when woken up.
"Father, someone from the Qian family of Qiantang sent a calling card, saying they wanted to talk to Father about establishing schools?"
Seeing the displeasure on his father's face, Li Zong felt a shiver and immediately spoke.
"The Qian family of Qiantang?"
Hearing him say this, Li Gang also perked up. Although it was indeed not a convenient time, the Qian family's influence in the Two Zhe Circuit was unparalleled. Moreover, they were talking about establishing schools, so he really couldn't refuse at this moment.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help me get dressed!"
After giving his son a scolding glance, Li Gang ordered again.
"Yes!"
"Qian Lang, a junior from the Qian family of Qiantang, pays his respects to Master Liangxi!"
Seeing Li Gang walk in from outside, Qian Lang quickly stood up and bowed to Li Gang.
"It is said that the Qian family of Qiantang produces outstanding talents. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary!"
After sizing up Qian Lang, Li Gang immediately engaged in some mutual flattery.