Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 837: Chapter 10: Population Problem (Part 2)

Everyone was skeptical about this benefit: ”Reading can’t fill our stomachs.”

”Reading costs a lot of money. Where would we get money to study?”

Lao Li tapped his old pipe, signaling the crowd to quiet down.

The crowd gave Lao Li face, quieting down to listen to him continue.

”You people really understand nothing. Why can those officials hold office? Isn’t it because they know how to read?” Lao Li said seriously, ”This reading and literacy not only help in becoming an official but also in trade and earning money.”

”Lao Li, we also know reading can lead to becoming an official and earning money. But where would we get money to study?”

”Exactly, we can’t even eat our fill. Where would we get money to study?”

”Even if we sold all we have, we couldn’t afford to study.” Although they hadn’t studied, they knew it was costly, only the wealthy could afford it.

”That’s the other benefit I wanted to mention.” Lao Li said, keeping them in suspense.

”Lao Li, what’s the other benefit? Hurry and tell us!”

”Uncle Li, don’t keep us in suspense, tell us now.”

Lao Li, seeing everyone eagerly looking at him, was satisfied, and then calmly said, ”Another benefit is that in the future, our children can go to the school Prince Han is building, free of charge.”

Upon these words, the crowd was stunned.

”Lao Li, what did you just say?”

Lao Li was very pleased with the stunned expressions. He smiled as he said, ”Government officials have said that from next year, Prince Han is going to build a school in Swamp Prefecture, anyone who wants to study can go, and it’s free.”

”Impossible?!”

The crowd showed disbelief.

”Lao Li, even ghosts wouldn’t believe your words.”

”Exactly, how could Prince Han be so generous?”

”Studying costs a lot, why would Prince Han let us study for free.”

”Lao Li, don’t exaggerate your tales.”

Lao Li, seeing disbelief in their faces, glared at them and sternly said, ”Why would I lie to you, these are words straight from the officials. If you don’t believe, go ask them yourselves. Besides, even with a thousand guts, I wouldn’t dare lie to you about this.”

The crowd was convinced by Lao Li’s words.

”Is Prince Han really going to let us study?”

”Studying does cost a lot, why would Prince Han be so generous to let us study for free? What’s his motive?”

”Does Prince Han really have such good intentions?”

”Lao Li, quickly tell us, what’s going on?”

Lao Li saw everyone eagerly waiting and with pride on his wrinkled, dark face, he said, ”Even this free education isn’t simply given, you have to register, become a good citizen to qualify for the school Prince Han builds.” Lao Li added, ”The officials say the school will provide books, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, we common folks won’t spend a penny.”

The crowd was amazed and found it hard to believe such a good thing could happen.

”Is there really such a good thing in this world?”

”How could such a good fortune fall from the sky?”

”Lao Li, could Prince Han be deceiving us?”

”What nonsense, Prince Han is a noble prince, how could he deceive us common people,” Lao Li said, suddenly his expression turned mysterious, and his voice lowered, ”Let me tell you something secretly.”

Seeing Lao Li ready to spill a secret, everyone became serious and leaned closer to him.

”What secret?”

Lao Li whispered, ”Old Niu heard talks when registering at the government office.”

Curious, people asked, ”What talks?”

A crowd huddled closely, paying tense and excited attention to Lao Li’s words.

”I hear Prince Han didn’t commit a wrong to be sent to Lingnan by the Emperor.”

Someone, giving Lao Li face, impatiently asked, ”Then why did Prince Han come to this poor place?”

”Of course, because Prince Han has a kind heart.”

”A kind heart?”

”I hear the Emperor knew corrupt officials bullied us folks, so he sent his son here. You know those corrupt officials are arrogant, if other officials came, local ones would surely bully them, but a royal prince is different. He’s a royal, higher in status than the local officials here.”