Chapter 58

Jia Mu's aged face showed a hint of hesitation, and she said:

"You, being ennobled and appointed a general, sharing benefits with the clanspeople, I have no objection."

"Although the Dong Fu has some clan fields and other communal property, at present they yield hardly any produce and can only be used for the annual sacrificial rites. If you are willing to spend money to care for the elderly and young, that would be best."

"But regarding education, the clan already has a clan school overseen by Dai Ru; is there any need to set up something else?"

Jia Jing replied:

"The clan school has long been unusable; I myself once stayed there, so I know the situation well."

"Elder Dai Ru is old and lacks energy, often letting his grandson Jia Rui manage the school, which has become a mess."

"Inside, there's a mixed crowd—either fighting or gambling, indulging in pleasure, even homosexual practices; it's a den of filth! The atmosphere is terrible."

"Moreover, Elder Dai Ru isn't even a licentiate himself; his learning is limited—what talent could he teach?"

"Just look at the clan school's results these years: not a single licentiate or scholar has emerged, let alone a recommended or presented candidate."

"Such a clan school is better nonexistent. Ask Sister-in-Law Wan, Jia Lan studies there; she should know the situation!"

Li Wan today wore a plain, elegant lined jacket; her figure was slender, giving off a rather gentle and graceful air.

She was quietly attending to Lady Wang beside her, not expecting to be suddenly mentioned by Jia Jing, and for a moment felt flustered,

especially when meeting Jia Jing's calm gaze, she felt some pressure.

As a general who fought his way out of battle, his eyes are sharp, as if they could pierce straight into one's heart.

Li Wan slightly averted her gaze; she inwardly regretted not having established a good relationship with Jia Jing earlier.

Otherwise, with Jia Jing's support and help, Jia Lan's path would be much easier.

But then she resigned herself, being a widow's household, she naturally avoids getting too close to any men in the mansion, lest she invite gossip.

Moreover, Jia Jing's rise was too sudden; one cannot blame her for not having placed her bets earlier.

Facing Jia Jing's question, under the gazes of Jia Mu, Lady Wang, Jia Zheng, and others,

Li Wan thought for a moment, then nodded and said:

"Brother Jing is right! Jia Lan actually told me that the atmosphere in the clan school is not good!"

"These days, Jia Lan's studies are mainly taught by me at home, but my learning is superficial; I fear I won't be able to teach him much longer!"

Li Wan cares deeply about her son's education; now that Jia Jing proposes to reorganize the clan school, she is wholeheartedly in favor.

Therefore, even if it might not please Jia Mu, she chose to speak frankly.

Jia Mu sighed; she did not mean to blame Li Wan, she simply hadn't expected the clan school to be so rotten!

She had thought the clan school was fine, often putting Jia Dai Ru's praises of Jia Baoyu on her lips, likely being laughed at behind her back.

Jia Zheng actually had some understanding of the clan school's situation, but he usually neglects worldly affairs, and since Jia Dai Ru is an elder, he also finds it inconvenient to interfere much.

At this point he said:

"My son has also heard of some unsavory things in the clan school; I had originally planned to hire another tutor to teach Jia Baoyu and the others at home!"

Since even Jia Zheng said so, others naturally had no further doubt; thus Jia Jing's effort to reform the clan school's customs is entirely justified.

And Jia Jing's efforts to relieve the distressed and reform the clan school are certainly not because he has too much silver with nowhere to spend it.

Still, as he said, he wants to orderly the Rong Guo Mansion and the Jia clan, but he cannot come home and brandish weapons recklessly.

First he must win people's hearts; by bestowing favors and gaining a good reputation, later reforms will follow naturally.

Combining kindness and authority is the true way of kingship!

Internal rectification and external struggle are different; one must consider the people's inclinations and cannot proceed by force.

In a feudal clan society, the function of the clan is still great.

Being of the same clan means sharing honor and suffering together.

One could say that, aside from absolutely loyal subordinates granted by the system, his most reliable foundation is the clan!

Feudal propriety stresses covering for kin; if a person has no good reputation among his relatives, how can he expect good relations with fellow officials, friends, in-laws, or the common people?

Therefore, Jia Jing must spend money to buy this reputation; first establishing a good name within the clan to solidify his base, only then can he wield authority boldly in the Jia Mansion and the court.

At the same time, this also puts at ease those who are wary of him; after securing control of the Bashang Daying's military power, he can then strike with thunder and sweep away all.

Jia Jing then said:

"The problem with the clan school is actually weak teaching staff and lax management. Regarding teachers, for the literary track I plan to hire at least those who have achieved the rank of recommended candidate to instruct the clan's youth; for the martial track I plan to hire military instructors to teach archery, martial arts, and strategy."

"As for management, it must be strict: first, student intake must be rigorously screened, not accepting just anyone; also implement a boarding system, closed-off study, returning home only once every half month, absolutely no 'three days fishing, two days drying nets'; meanwhile hold regular exams, rewarding those who do well and expelling those who do poorly."

"A hundred-year plan, education is fundamental! This is a foundational issue that a clan must emphasize."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng praised again:

"Good plan! Hit the nail on the head! If we can truly follow Brother Jing's advice, what worry is there that our Jia family will not prosper!"

"Brother Jing values our clan's education so highly; I will certainly give my full support!"

"I will send Jia Baoyu and Jia Huan as well to study; from now on we must not let them loaf around, becoming what sort of people!"

Having said that, Jia Zheng glanced at Jia Baoyu beside him; Baoyu was then looking at the lip color of a maid in Jia Mu's chamber, seemingly wondering what rouge it was, wanting to try it when he had the chance.

At that moment, seeing Jia Zheng's icy gaze fall upon him, he instantly lowered his head in fright, like a partridge.

Seeing Baoyu frightened by his father, Jia Mu hurriedly said:

"Baoyu is still young and frail; he cannot endure daily grinding in the clan school. Better to have someone come teach him in the mansion—I cannot be apart from him!"

How could Jia Mu bear to let Baoyu go to the clan school? Hearing Jia Jing say it would be boarding, returning home only once every half month—this simply won't do!

Jia Zheng let out a long sigh and said:

"Mother! Indulgence must have limits! Baoyu is already this old, yet he spends all day idling, mingling with the maids in the inner quarters—what will he become!"

"Look at Brother Jing—only a few years older than him, yet after many battles he has become a pillar of our Jia family!"

Lady Wang rubbed her forehead, never expecting that all this talk would end up concerning her own Baoyu.

Regarding Jia Zheng's saying that Baoyu is inferior to Jia Jing, she inwardly strongly disagreed!

Our own son is naturally blessed with good fortune; his life is destined for wealth and honor.

Jing Ge'er looks fine now, but who knows how he'll turn out later!

As for Jia Zheng letting Jia Baoyu go to the clan school to study, she certainly wouldn't agree; after all, we have only this precious son, and we absolutely can't bear to let him suffer!

Not to mention being apart for half a month; even not seeing each other for a day or two on ordinary days makes her uneasy.

Lady Wang put on a mournful face and said:

"Master! Baoyu is still young; let's first invite a renowned teacher to come teach at home!"

"Think about Zhu'er; if she hadn't ruined her health from hard study at a young age, how could her body have broken down? I now only have this one son!"