Post by Lei Yong on Jan 31, 2011 23:51:09 GMT
"'To lead an uninstructed people to war is to throw them away.' That is what the master has taught us Wu Gan. Therefore if we are to build the strength of the nation, we must build the minds of the people." He walked along as the official led them to a government owned building. Continuing he said, "To build these minds, we must have ample education ready for them."
They had soon arrived, and after making sure everything was in order, the official waited away from the father and son so that they could continue their discussion in relative privacy. Though he kept close enough in case they had need of him. After he had left, Long asked this question of his son, "So knowing this my son, how do you think such a thing can be attained?"
Gan pondered, holding his hand to his chin, making the faces one normally does when they're thinking hard, and he generally had an unknowing appearance as he tried to think of an answer that his father might accept. Finally, he came to the conclusion that any attempt of saying something witty would be futile, so he spoke in a sincere tone to show that he was not being impudent, "We can build schools for them?"
Long laughed at the response. He knew his son would say something like this, but not realize how such a thing could not easily be done. At least not if the schools were to have any degree of competence. So he answered him and said, "Well, you are only partly correct with that. There are already plenty of schools across the country, but they are all private, and in lots of cases the costs are tremendous and the prospects are dull. What we need is to broaden the spectrum of where we can draw talent.
Feeling his legs get tired, he walked over to where there was a table, and seated himself. After getting comfortable, Long continued, "There are a great number of individuals who know many things, but because they lack the money to enroll in schools, their potential has been wasted. Instead of becoming part of the government, and perhaps reforming something, they are simply stuck to fend for their miserable existence and either die from starvation, or be drafted into the armies and die in the wars."
Gan made a motion as if to interject his own thoughts, but Wu Long held up his hand and said, "My son, I know what you are thinking. It is true that not everyone can be instructed. But look at how many people are wasted? If the opportunities were given for ones who have talent, but have a poor station in life, why should we not help them in this regard?"
Wu Gan nodded in approval, but did not really have anything else to offer. He never knew his father could be such a learned man when he was not drinking.
With the silence of his son, he knew there was no objections, so Wu Long called the official in. He spoke to him saying, "I believe you have heard much of what we were speaking of. Therefore I would like to have this building redesigned as a new government office to regulate the schools that have been set up around the city, and throughout Lord Cao Cao's territory."
The official brought forth some writing implements, and began to write what Wu Long had dictated to him, outlining all of his thoughts. All of the schools were to become property of the state, and the instructors would receive a stipend. All of the schools were to teach a curriculum consisting of; reading and writing, the classics of literature and history, horseback riding, archery, fencing, military tactics, as well as mathematics and the sciences. Certain schools that were renowned for their specialties, would also continue to teach them. This way there would still be schools that students could learn medicine, economics, and other endeavors that they may show talent in. When the dictation was complete, the official then asked, Where will the money come to fund this?" Wu Long answered him, "Of course, that is an important question. Obviously if we are to expand the pool of available men who can enroll, it should not be too expensive for them. However the state is not here to provide for their existence. There will be certain fees that have to be set up, that will cover the expenses paid."
He quickly did some calculations in his head, and then said, "The costs of all these things added together should be deducted by 60%, that way even the nobility will be encouraged to continue to partake. However a new tax system will also be implemented. It will apply to all of the people, and the percentage will be determined by how much base income a family receives. This tax will be placed on all other taxes as well, though the effect will not be significant to the people."
After all of the sitting that was done, his legs began to feel cramped. Wu Long laughed at the effects of his old age; having to continually move about, and relax, over and over, so he stood up from the table and paced slowly before the official and his son, who while relatively quiet, had previously offered his own insights into the things that should be taught at the school. Wu Long then began to speak again, "Also, 30% of all the finances that officials have currently, will be surrendered to the state upon their death, for the reason being to help with the costs of maintaining the school system. That way the school can become self filling in a way. Previous students then provide the opportunity for other students to enroll upon their death, and the deceased official's family still gets to keep a significant portion of the finances. Also, we should encourage nobles to provide donations as well. These people will be the future of their government, and it would be wise for them to invest in it's success."
The official finished writing this up, and then replied to all that Wu Long had said, "I think it is a rather interesting idea, and I hope that it will succeed. I shall pass this document onto Lord Cao Cao, and after he has read it over, he will contact you about either his acceptance or rejection of it. If it is accepted, you of course will receive all the credit for it. Now, if you will excuse me."
With that the official stood up, and left the building, quickly making his way back to the palace to give this proposal to Lord Cao Cao. He had been persuaded by Wu Long into accepting this, and to Long and his son that had been a good thing. If Cao Cao accepted it as well, then there would be a significant increase in the pool of men who could be called upon as officials and junior officers in the army.
With the official's leaving, Wu Long and Wu Gan spent the time in relative solitude while they waited for word from Cao Cao. Wu Long however, spent this time reflecting on his thoughts about the matter. It took all of his strength and willpower to not ask for wine to be brought. It seemed to him that he was slowly getting over his drinking problem, however painful it might be...
They had soon arrived, and after making sure everything was in order, the official waited away from the father and son so that they could continue their discussion in relative privacy. Though he kept close enough in case they had need of him. After he had left, Long asked this question of his son, "So knowing this my son, how do you think such a thing can be attained?"
Gan pondered, holding his hand to his chin, making the faces one normally does when they're thinking hard, and he generally had an unknowing appearance as he tried to think of an answer that his father might accept. Finally, he came to the conclusion that any attempt of saying something witty would be futile, so he spoke in a sincere tone to show that he was not being impudent, "We can build schools for them?"
Long laughed at the response. He knew his son would say something like this, but not realize how such a thing could not easily be done. At least not if the schools were to have any degree of competence. So he answered him and said, "Well, you are only partly correct with that. There are already plenty of schools across the country, but they are all private, and in lots of cases the costs are tremendous and the prospects are dull. What we need is to broaden the spectrum of where we can draw talent.
Feeling his legs get tired, he walked over to where there was a table, and seated himself. After getting comfortable, Long continued, "There are a great number of individuals who know many things, but because they lack the money to enroll in schools, their potential has been wasted. Instead of becoming part of the government, and perhaps reforming something, they are simply stuck to fend for their miserable existence and either die from starvation, or be drafted into the armies and die in the wars."
Gan made a motion as if to interject his own thoughts, but Wu Long held up his hand and said, "My son, I know what you are thinking. It is true that not everyone can be instructed. But look at how many people are wasted? If the opportunities were given for ones who have talent, but have a poor station in life, why should we not help them in this regard?"
Wu Gan nodded in approval, but did not really have anything else to offer. He never knew his father could be such a learned man when he was not drinking.
With the silence of his son, he knew there was no objections, so Wu Long called the official in. He spoke to him saying, "I believe you have heard much of what we were speaking of. Therefore I would like to have this building redesigned as a new government office to regulate the schools that have been set up around the city, and throughout Lord Cao Cao's territory."
The official brought forth some writing implements, and began to write what Wu Long had dictated to him, outlining all of his thoughts. All of the schools were to become property of the state, and the instructors would receive a stipend. All of the schools were to teach a curriculum consisting of; reading and writing, the classics of literature and history, horseback riding, archery, fencing, military tactics, as well as mathematics and the sciences. Certain schools that were renowned for their specialties, would also continue to teach them. This way there would still be schools that students could learn medicine, economics, and other endeavors that they may show talent in. When the dictation was complete, the official then asked, Where will the money come to fund this?" Wu Long answered him, "Of course, that is an important question. Obviously if we are to expand the pool of available men who can enroll, it should not be too expensive for them. However the state is not here to provide for their existence. There will be certain fees that have to be set up, that will cover the expenses paid."
He quickly did some calculations in his head, and then said, "The costs of all these things added together should be deducted by 60%, that way even the nobility will be encouraged to continue to partake. However a new tax system will also be implemented. It will apply to all of the people, and the percentage will be determined by how much base income a family receives. This tax will be placed on all other taxes as well, though the effect will not be significant to the people."
After all of the sitting that was done, his legs began to feel cramped. Wu Long laughed at the effects of his old age; having to continually move about, and relax, over and over, so he stood up from the table and paced slowly before the official and his son, who while relatively quiet, had previously offered his own insights into the things that should be taught at the school. Wu Long then began to speak again, "Also, 30% of all the finances that officials have currently, will be surrendered to the state upon their death, for the reason being to help with the costs of maintaining the school system. That way the school can become self filling in a way. Previous students then provide the opportunity for other students to enroll upon their death, and the deceased official's family still gets to keep a significant portion of the finances. Also, we should encourage nobles to provide donations as well. These people will be the future of their government, and it would be wise for them to invest in it's success."
The official finished writing this up, and then replied to all that Wu Long had said, "I think it is a rather interesting idea, and I hope that it will succeed. I shall pass this document onto Lord Cao Cao, and after he has read it over, he will contact you about either his acceptance or rejection of it. If it is accepted, you of course will receive all the credit for it. Now, if you will excuse me."
With that the official stood up, and left the building, quickly making his way back to the palace to give this proposal to Lord Cao Cao. He had been persuaded by Wu Long into accepting this, and to Long and his son that had been a good thing. If Cao Cao accepted it as well, then there would be a significant increase in the pool of men who could be called upon as officials and junior officers in the army.
With the official's leaving, Wu Long and Wu Gan spent the time in relative solitude while they waited for word from Cao Cao. Wu Long however, spent this time reflecting on his thoughts about the matter. It took all of his strength and willpower to not ask for wine to be brought. It seemed to him that he was slowly getting over his drinking problem, however painful it might be...
