Chapter 343

Money is all that matters. Wang Xiujin did not ask for much; he only wanted to cover the losses of the shipyard. He had no intention of using this to make a fortune. After returning, he instructed Manager Wang to calculate the losses at the shipyard and report the figure to the Fourth Prince. After sitting in the teahouse for a while, he did not linger, as the Fourth Prince had to return to the palace to report on the new weaponry. Seeing the prince off, Wang Xiujin sighed inwardly. He found it difficult to adapt to the ancient political systems; even after living here for many years, he still felt a sense of aversion.

Having spent only a short while with the Fourth Prince, he felt as exhausted as if he had been in a physical brawl, weary from his heart to his very core. Upon returning home, Wang Xiujin collapsed onto his bed for a nap to recover his strength. Only then did he feel revived. While wiping his face, he sent a servant to summon Manager Wang. The matter of compensation could not be delayed; he had to act quickly. While he didn't plan to profit from it, he knew the budget must be estimated on the higher side rather than the lower.

Thinking of the officials who had sabotaged him, Wang Xiujin felt a surge of hatred but could do little about it. To put it bluntly, such people were committing treason. What if someone were to attack the Great Liang from the sea at this very moment? With the shipyard unable to maintain or build large ships due to the fire, how many people would suffer? How many families would be torn apart? These officials were sinners through the ages; even if they were hacked to pieces, it would not be enough to vent his anger. Even if their clans were wiped out, it would not compensate for the lives lost or the national damage caused by their actions. However, he could not voice his dissatisfaction, and the higher-ups understood the gravity of the loss better than he did. Yet, even they could only resort to executions to vent their rage.

While waiting for Manager Wang, Wang Xiujin held a book, his eyes unfocused, unaware that he was holding it upside down. When the manager arrived, Wang Xiujin gathered his thoughts, sighed, and gestured for him to sit. "Sit. I asked you here because I want you to go to the shipyard before the new year, take two accountants with you, and thoroughly audit the losses."

Manager Wang did not know what had happened, but since his employer ordered it, he did not refuse and agreed immediately. He then spoke about the school project. He had found a three-courtyard residence that could be converted into a school. The middle and back courtyards would serve as classrooms for the children, while the front courtyard would be for the workers. The arrangements for teaching the workers to read and write had already been delegated to the stewards, so nothing would be overlooked.

"As for the teachers, you will need to speak to them yourself, Master." Manager Wang had already made a trip, and while the teachers had not refused, having students from the Xinlou Academy teach was not something that could be settled by a few words from them. Wang Xiujin himself had to step in; otherwise, he feared trouble might arise.

Wang Xiujin pondered for a moment and understood the implication. "The matter of the school must be accelerated. Whether it's the back courtyard or the front, we must be quick. There are so many workers involved and so many children—we cannot delay their education."

Manager Wang could hardly refuse. He had several grandchildren of his own in school, and he had even considered asking his employer for a favor. Everyone knew the Xinlou Academy was the best in the capital, but only two types of people attended: the royal family and the Wang family. Although he could technically enroll his kin under the Wang name, and his employer trusted him deeply, he was not like those scholars who could freely inspect the various shops and workshops.

Manager Wang understood clearly: he was an employee, whereas those scholars were people the master had "bought" at a great price. Compared to them, he knew his place. Previously, the master had mentioned building a general school, but one thing after another kept delaying it. Now that the master had made up his mind, Manager Wang certainly wouldn't let it drag on. He believed that even a "general" school run by his master would be better than any other.

"Furthermore, the three-courtyard residence may not be enough. My thought is that in the future, when we hire, we should prioritize the descendants of our current workers. This requires them to learn various technical skills. For instance, we need specialists for the pig, cattle, and sheep farms, and for the various workshops and shops besides the oil mill. Even the waiters at Sister Liu’s snack shop and the clerks at the grain store require professional skills. We also need stewards, managers, and more tailors. Even though I don't plan to open more shops at the moment, relying on just a few master tailors won't yield large-scale production."

Wang Xiujin felt the three-courtyard space was a bit small. He decided that apart from basic literacy, those with outstanding academic potential could attempt the imperial examinations, while others could be transferred to a vocational school. He wouldn't force those who were determined to follow the path of the imperial examinations into vocational training, but he wouldn't sponsor them either. He was already providing the venue and covering many costs—essentially paying out of his own pocket—so he wouldn't waste money on those who had no chance of success yet refused to give up.

After detailing his thoughts to Manager Wang, the manager agreed immediately. He didn't find the arrangement odd at all. He had originally intended to suggest charging a small tuition fee, but his employer was so generous that he waived it entirely, even promising to provide books, brushes, and ink, with paper issued periodically. If a student were frugal, their only expense would be food. Manager Wang asked, "Master, would this be too generous? Might it breed greed in them?"

Wang Xiujin was stunned for a moment. He hadn't thought that far ahead, but hearing it from Manager Wang, he realized it made sense. "Very well, let's waive the tuition, but they must pay for their books. For those who achieve high rankings in the city-wide competitions, we will provide scholarships."

Manager Wang was dumbfounded. Everyone knew that the top spots in the capital's academic competitions were always swept by students from the Xinlou Academy. Those in the know understood that these exams were fair, while those who were ignorant or jealous claimed the competitions were rigged, saying other students were afraid to compete against the royals. Regarding such rumors, his master never defended himself, and the Xinlou teachers said nothing. For the ignorant, no amount of explanation would be seen as anything but excuses, so why waste breath?

As the two were talking, Li Linshan returned. Seeing the manager, he simply nodded and went into the inner room to change. Manager Wang, not wanting to intrude, decided to carry out the master’s orders and took his leave, noting that they could discuss further details at the shop if needed.

Wang Xiujin did not stop him; he had things to discuss with Li Linshan. Li Linshan emerged in different clothes, saw that the manager had left, and raised an eyebrow. "Working on something new again?"

"No. I saw the Fourth Prince today. He said he could compensate for the shipyard's losses. I sent Manager Wang to calculate the amount. Also, we are building a school for the workers' children." Wang Xiujin’s understanding of a thriving nation had always been "martial arts first, culture second." Without strong military power, no matter how sophisticated the culture, the nation remained a fat sheep ready to be slaughtered. Only by possessing the strength to inspire fear could one have the confidence to let scholars speak; even when in the wrong, one could still argue a point if backed by overwhelming power.

Li Linshan was taken aback. "Compensation?"

"Yes, compensation." Wang Xiujin did not want to elaborate, sensing that Li Linshan understood.

Li Linshan pondered for a moment and truly grasped the meaning. "Did your father-in-law ask you to come and talk about anything?"

"No, I haven't seen my father in many days." Wang Xiujin certainly knew his father understood more than Li Linshan did. For example, he felt there was more to the mysterious fire at Minister Liu’s residence than met the eye. Li Linshan couldn't find out who was responsible, but his father definitely knew more, including the identities of the unnamed officials involved. "Some things, when the time comes to know, you will know. There is no need to dig for answers now."

Li Linshan patted Wang Xiujin on the shoulder, agreeing that this was the right way to think. Wang Xiujin felt puzzled by the gesture and looked at Li Linshan with confusion. Li Linshan said nothing and simply shifted the topic to the school. "What is this school for the children about?" Wang Xiujin explained; it wasn't a secret, and once it was operational, it would surely be a major event.

After hearing Wang Xiujin's explanation, Li Linshan shook his head helplessly. "Building a school is a good thing, but consider how much of the capital's population is made up of workers and shop staff. Think about how many schools are already in the capital. If you open your school, waive tuition, and use the Xinlou Academy as a model, workers will naturally send their children to you. Other schools will be hit hard, and it will surely spark a war of words."

"If they want to make a fuss, let them. I'm not afraid of them." Wang Xiujin rolled his eyes. He was annoyed by those pedantic people who knew nothing but spouting empty eight-legged essays. He couldn't change them, though he respected those with real talent. He had nothing but contempt for those who lacked ability but prided themselves on being great teachers.

"It would be better to avoid it if possible."

"How? Should I go and say, 'I want to build a school, I need your cooperation, I can buy your school, and I'll pay for everything so the children can attend for free'? Believe me, some of those essayists would jump to accuse me of insulting them with money. Is it an insult? They claim to see money as dirt, so why do they charge tuition? They shouldn't charge at all!" Wang Xiujin rolled his eyes again. "It’s not that I look down on all teachers, but some of the ones in the capital are truly incompetent. Letting them teach is a disservice to the students; they could ruin even a good child."