CHAPTER 608: CHAPTER 608: I WILL CULTIVATE HONORABLE SCHOLARS FOR FATHER!

On the carriage.

Bai Daoyan lightly furrowed his brows: "Sister, things might not be as simple as you think. The commoners might not have the spare money to send their children to school."

Bai Zhi’er blinked her big, shiny black eyes: "I know, I won’t charge them silver."

Merchants prioritize profit and emphasize money in everything.

Bai Daoyan, upon hearing that his sister wouldn’t charge tuition fees, immediately widened Wen Jun’s eyes.

"Not charging money? This business is really at a big loss."

Bai Daoyan carefully weighed the pros and cons: "The national treasury is not abundant right now; it is still in a state of needing funds for all sorts of developments."

"If the Ministry of Revenue is asked to allocate more silver to support your initiative to have people study for free, that would be no small sum!"

Bai Zhi’er nodded: "I’ve thought of that too! That’s why I don’t plan to ask Father for money!"

Bai Daoyan raised an eyebrow in confusion: "What do you plan to do then?"

"I want to host a banquet and auction off the treasures I like, and the money earned can be used to help others study."

Bai Daoyan deliberated.

That is indeed a way.

However...

"But it’s ultimately not a long-term solution."

In Bai Zhi’er’s watery eyes, there was a glimmer of light.

"I know, once a decision is made, one must be prepared for long-term persistence!"

"As for the money later on, I’ll slowly think of more ways. Now that I have the reputation of the Kunshan Little Immortal, I can sell more prescriptions and recipes!"

Bai Daoyan fell silent.

In his understanding, doing such things is not only laborious but also hard to win appreciation for the effort.

Bai Zhi’er seemed to see through his thoughts as well.

The little one spoke softly: "Fourth Brother may think I’m at a loss now, but in the long run, considering it from Father’s perspective, it’s a wonderful thing!"

The little one lifted the curtain.

People with wealth and power were everywhere on the streets, surrounded by their servants.

They even stepped on the backs of servants when coming down from carriages.

Her gaze was firm: "In today’s court, even the competition is a struggle among noble families."

"Their relationships are interwoven, like complex tree roots; a minor disturbance shakes everything."

"In certain policies, Father is instead constrained by noble families. This is actually incorrect; Father needs a group of true confidants and scholars to create a peaceful reign for him!"

"So, rather than saying I want commoners to be educated, it’s more that I want to cultivate a cohort of poor-family scholars with strong character for Father!"

"By supporting them and weakening the power of the noble families, over time, the court becomes more balanced, which is only going to be better for Father!"

The little one grew more and more excited as she spoke.

"Fourth Brother, I want everyone to understand that it’s not only the children of powerful families who can become officials, and I also want them to know there’s nothing enviable about being a servant to the officials and nobles."

"They can, through their own efforts, become the kind of people they once admired!"

Upon hearing this,

Bai Daoyan was already somewhat dumbfounded.

At first, he thought it was the child’s pure-heartedness that drove Bai Zhi’er to have the impulse to start an academy.

But now he realized that Bai Zhi’er was not only serious but also had such a far-reaching vision!

Bai Daoyan asked in shock: "Who taught you all this?"

Bai Zhi’er smiled sweetly: "Uncle Wen, and also from my own observations."

"Every time I nap in the Imperial Study Room, I hear several ministers arguing back and forth for their own benefits."

"Father and I both find it overwhelming! I’ve long wanted to change this atmosphere."