Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator

Chapter 137: Immortal "Leap"

Compared to the Jiangdong region, the prevalence of scholarship in the Central Plains is more than ten times greater.

And among the scholarly atmospheres of the Central Plains, Yingchuan is the most prominent!

Furthermore, with the Han dynasty's system of recommending and recruiting officials, reputation and connections were the most important indicators for官 career.

As long as one's reputation was high enough and one's connections were broad enough, then naturally one could easily become an official.

Under such circumstances, Yingchuan, with its flourishing scholarship and prevalent private schools, increasingly attracted scholars from all over the world, gradually forming a closed loop that made Yingchuan a sacred place for countless scholars to travel and study.

Once Cai Yong announced the establishment of the "Ren De Academy," the first to be affected would undoubtedly be Yingchuan.

Originally, it was a place where one school dominated, a place yearned for by scholars all over the world, but now it was changing from one to two, which would undoubtedly affect the prestige represented by Yingchuan.

For Guo Tu, who highly valued the identity of a "Yingchuan Notable," this undoubtedly harmed his personal interests.

However, in terms of righteousness, the establishment of the "Ren De Academy" was for the benefit of scholars all over the world, and it also aimed to cultivate more talents for the Han Dynasty, which immediately garnered the support of countless scholars present.

Even those peddlers and hawkers who were originally just there for the excitement felt a bit of activity and hope in their hearts when they heard Cai Yong's words about not discriminating based on background.

This made Guo Tu feel angry, but he didn't dare to show it at all.

Cai Yong then introduced Sima Hui, Sun Qian representing the great Confucian Zheng Xuan, and famous scholars such as Lu Cui, Ruan Yu, and Guan Ning who would serve as instructors.

For a time, the faculty strength displayed by the "Ren De Academy" could be described as a gathering of heroes, giving the scholars present a sense of excitement, even forgetting that they had gathered here for the sand table deduction mentioned in the rumors.

"Master Cai!"

Finally, a scholar closest to Cai Yong shouted, then squeezed to the front, bowed to Cai Yong, and asked.

"This student is Guo Liang from Liaodong, and my journey of study has been more than ten thousand miles? What I seek is knowledge!"

"However, this student has traveled to many places, and the threshold for learning knowledge is high! Extremely high!!"

"Now that I hear Master Cai has established the 'Ren De Academy,' regardless of wealth or status, without discrimination, teaching without prejudice, my heart is filled with joy and eagerness to study under you, so I boldly ask Master Cai, what are the conditions for entering the 'Ren De Academy'? Could it be that one needs to have a reputation of 'Ren De' to enter?"

It must be said that this scholar named Guo Liang asked beautifully.

If Li Ji hadn't had no impression of this person, he would have suspected that this person was a plant arranged by Liu Bei, so much so that the plant Li Ji had originally arranged in the crowd hadn't had time to speak, but was preempted by him.

Cai Yong, facing Guo Liang's inquiry, replied.

"The main purpose of the Ren De Academy is to prioritize Ren De, but not to use Ren De as the standard for seeking knowledge. Ren De lies in the heart and in action, but is not merely a superficial name."

"Therefore, unless one is extremely treacherous and evil, all can enter the academy to seek knowledge."

"And the academy is divided into Inner and Outer divisions."

"Outer division, as long as one has the desire to learn, one can study. At that time, Ren De Academy will send people outside the gate of Ren De Academy every day to teach the basics of all knowledge. Those who are interested can just learn."

"Inner division, then will enter the academy and be personally taught by various instructors, and the academy will also classify various subjects. In addition to ideological education, which is a required course, students can decide which subject to study, or even study multiple subjects at the same time."

As Cai Yong began to explain the specific rules of the "Ren De Academy," it undoubtedly made the scholars present even more fascinated.

Especially those scholars who had been studying for many years were even more aware of how advanced the rules set by the "Ren De Academy" were.

Previously, even if scholars were fortunate enough to have famous scholars lecture them, or to study under a certain private school, they could only gratefully learn whatever the famous scholars or private schools lectured.

Scholars had no choice at all, nor could they have the slightest doubt.

But in the "Ren De Academy," students could actually choose the subjects they wanted to study, which not only gave students freedom and respect, but also allowed students to spend their limited time and energy on their favorite subjects.

As for the so-called Outer division, it was enough to show that the "Ren De Academy" was indeed practicing the doctrine of teaching without discrimination, regardless of wealth or status.

If there is talent, one can enter the Inner division;

Even if there is no talent, one is still taught in the Outer division.

At this moment, the scholars present consciously bowed to Cai Yong and Sima Hui at the same time, and then bowed to Liu Bei's direction.

It can be said that the mere act of the "Ren De Academy" has earned Liu Bei countless favors from the scholars.

Liu Bei looked at this scene and quickly returned a salute to the many scholars. After getting up, he looked at Li Ji beside him with a bit more admiration.

The entire rules of the "Ren De Academy" were all formulated by Li Ji, and each one was very different from the current private school system.

Of course, in addition to the Inner division students being able to freely choose their studies, what Liu Bei and Cai Yong were most worried about was the matter of teaching the Outer division.

Even if Cai Yong's connections were wide, it was impossible to invite enough great virtuous and famous scholars to teach the Outer division as well. More importantly, perhaps apart from a portion of great virtuous and famous scholars who adhered to the way of the ancient sage Confucius of teaching without discrimination, the rest were simply unwilling to teach the Outer division students who represented mediocrity.

However, Li Ji insisted on the "Outer division" system, saying that this was to give many common people who might have talent a chance.

Perhaps, among the countless common people who can only bury themselves in the fields for a lifetime, is there a genius whose talent is comparable to Zhuge Liang?

As for the problem that the instructors were far from enough to teach the Outer division at the same time, Li Ji proposed that the Inner division disciples could replace the instructors and regularly teach the Outer division through rotation, thus persuading Liu Bei and Cai Yong.

Looking at the response of the many scholars today, Liu Bei truly understood what the rules formulated by Li Ji would bring to the scholars, what they would bring to the "Ren De Academy," and what they would bring to himself.

From then on, Liu Bei, as the founder of the "Ren De Academy," would enjoy various kinds of immunity from criticism throughout the Han Dynasty.

Even if other private schools or Yingchuan also established academies, Liu Bei, as the one who promoted the establishment of the academy, would still receive countless people's respect and maintenance.

Not to mention the Ten Attendants and He Jin, even if the Emperor wanted to move Liu Bei, he would probably have to consider the reaction of the scholars all over the world.

Then, Cai Yong paused slightly, until most of the people present had digested the Inner and Outer division rules formulated by the "Ren De Academy," Cai Yong then continued to say.

"As for the way to join the Inner division, there are two ways, divided into military and political paths."

As soon as this statement came out, it undoubtedly made the scholars slightly confused.

Even though the scholars of today emphasize the "Six Arts of a Gentleman," what they mainly pursue is undoubtedly Confucian classics.

Similar to Lu Zhi, he was first a great Confucian who was proficient in classics, then a military strategist and a famous minister of governance...

It can be said that the scholars of this era almost all took classics as the foundation, and then developed various branches of knowledge, which is completely different from the imperial examination in later generations, which only promoted the Four Books and Five Classics.

Now, the "Ren De Academy" is actually examining content related to military and political affairs before allowing one to enter the Inner division to study, which is instead a kind of... strange phenomenon.

Cai Yong did not beat around the bush and said directly.

"Originally, if it were my idea, the main thing to be examined for entering the Inner division would be classics, but Li Zikun once said: The academy teaches more than just classics, so classics should not be the only standard."

"Therefore, after entering the Inner division, if the students want to study classics, or even truly become disciples of great Confucians, they still need to pass an additional classics assessment."

"The other subjects are also similar. Even if one enters the Inner division, there will be a certain screening to see if the students meet the requirements for learning this subject. I say this in advance so that you all know."

As soon as this statement came out, many scholars instead felt that it was much more reasonable.

The law is not lightly transmitted, and the Dao is not sold cheaply.

Even if one enters the Inner division, it is also entering a new starting point, giving the students an opportunity to strive for further learning, which does not mean that knowledge can be easily obtained.

"Therefore, the military and political paths are assessed to join the Inner division."

"The so-called 'political' path is that scholars need to join the water network planning and construction currently being implemented in Wu County as a minor official, truly seeking the welfare of the people, practicing practical actions that are in line with Ren De, and can enter the Inner division after obtaining the approval and recommendation of County Governor Liu."

As Cai Yong finished speaking, Liu Bei once again cupped his hands towards the many scholars present, which can be said to have won countless enthusiastic gazes.

Only Guo Tu, hidden in the crowd, couldn't help but secretly say three times: "Hypocritical people! Fame-seeking people! Insane!"

From a purely profit-oriented perspective, what Guo Tu saw was not a fair assessment method, but countless benefits pouring towards Liu Bei!

With Wu's remote location, there are not many truly talented scholars at all.

Previously, when Guo Tu heard about the so-called "governing the world with one county" and Liu Bei and Li Ji's attempt to greatly develop Wu, he thought it was just wishful thinking.

Not to mention the harsh geographical environment south of the Yangtze River and the sparse population, more importantly, even talents are scarce.

Under such circumstances, even if Li Ji had a million soldiers in his chest, he would be a clever woman who could not cook without rice.

Can Li Ji do anything with just one person, without the support of a large number of capable grassroots officials?

He can't do anything!

Even imperial power does not go down to the countryside.

Not to mention Li Zikun's policies, which are like castles in the air?

However, if countless scholars were truly willing to disregard their status and serve as minor officials under Liu Bei, assisting in the development of waterways and the management of irrigation, then the obstacles to Li Ji's development of the Wu region would be swept away in an instant.

‘This is free labor!’

Guo Tu's mind erupted with a near-shrill cry, fully understanding the maliciousness of this scheme.

How much money and grain would it cost to build a single academy?

And Cai Yong is Li Ji's father-in-law…

But how great would be the benefits generated by a large number of scholars willingly serving as minor officials?

For some inexplicable reason, Guo Tu recalled the immortal's 'jump' from the rumors…