Chapter 65: Clan Praises

Jia Jing also had no intention of dealing with Jia Zhen today, facing the clan's gaze, he spoke loudly again.

"Now I see many in the clan living in hardship! I intend to build a Relief and Life Hall in the clan to aid the orphaned, widowed, elderly, young, and those without support, guaranteeing their basic livelihood."

"Furthermore, clan members aged sixty or older, or orphaned children, will receive monthly one string of cash and five dou of rice, support provided until the elders pass or the children turn sixteen; the funds come not from public coffers but from my personal sponsorship."

Upon Jia Jing's words, the clan members exclaimed in approval.

One must know that at this time, one string of cash and five dou of rice are no small amount.

A second-class maid in the Rong Guo Mansion earns only one string of cash per month, and one string equals one thousand wen.

Theoretically it equals one tael of silver, but privately, one tael can fetch at least thirteen hundred wen, giving silver greater purchasing power.

When Liu Laolao entered the Rong Guo Mansion, she said that an ordinary Da Han household of five spends only about twenty taels per year.

On average, each person spends roughly four taels of silver annually.

And five dou of rice equals sixty catties.

Therefore, the money and grain Jia Jing provides are absolutely sufficient for an ordinary family's survival!

Jia Dai Xiu praised in a deep voice:

"Jing boy truly cherishes the clan, his virtue deep. Carrying out this good plan lets the elderly have support and the young be nurtured—truly boundless merit!"

He originally thought Jia Jing would show no mercy in publicly rebuking Jia Zhen, and assumed Jia Jing, young and successful, was a reckless youth!

Unexpectedly, Jia Jing's actions are so virtuous; he appears to be an upright person, speaking out for the clan's injustice alone!

"Zhen boy has indeed become increasingly outrageous these years! He deserved the scolding!"

Jia Dai Ru likewise nodded and said:

"Quite reminiscent of the spirit of the two founding ancestors of Rong Ning!"

Both are over sixty, the highest-ranking elders in the clan, and their words carry considerable weight.

Jia Mu's expression slightly stiffened; watching Jia Jing, she felt uneasy as the clan unanimously praised him.

She silently sighed: now the whole clan speaks well of Jia Jing; with this good reputation, she can no longer rein in this grandson!

After Jia Jing waited for the crowd's discussion to finish, he spoke loudly again.

"Besides the young and old, another matter is the clan school! I intend to fund its renovation, invite renowned teachers to instruct in literary and martial arts, and give the clan's youth a promising path forward."

"Any clan youth of suitable age may enroll for free; if they achieve success, I will additionally fund their civil and military examination expenses. Perhaps later I could even recommend them for office or generalship."

"Adult clan youths who seek a livelihood, I will set up a steward training class, teaching basic literacy and accounting for free; those who excel may become stewards of my shops and estates."

Upon these words, the scene erupted in uproar, especially youths hoping to secure a position from Jia Jing, who cheered exuberantly.

Unexpectedly, the Marquis had considered everything so thoroughly, not only providing training but also arranging steward positions.

Is that not exactly what they seek—a way forward?

The Marquis is the Marquis; he has thought of every aspect.

Not only does he relieve the young and old, educate the youth, but he also gives the strong a path—this is truly a virtuous person who plans for the clan!

Jia Dai Xiu's face showed delight, and he praised again:

"Jing boy truly lives up to being our clan's qilin son, considering every aspect for the clan's people!"

Jia Zheng echoed:

"Jing boy truly possesses both talent and virtue, benevolent and righteous. Upon returning home he considers the clan, having enjoyed no day of ease himself; I feel inadequate."

Although Jia Zheng himself dislikes worldly affairs, he is greatly pleased and supportive of Jia Jing's deeds of clan kindness and promotion of literary education.

Only Jia Mu beside him changed expression slightly, speaking softly to Jia Jing:

"Jing boy, there are no steward positions left in the mansion! You'd better not think..."

She obviously feared Jia Jing would seize the existing steward posts in Rong Guo Mansion; if true, she could not oppose, for the clan would surely side with Jia Jing.

Before Jia Mu finished, Jia Jing interrupted:

"No need for you to worry, Grandmother; I have my own estates and shops to arrange positions for the clan."

After Jia Jing was ennobled as a military marquis, the Jing Sheng Emperor rewarded him with many estates, not to mention his shops now lack workers!

No one is more suitable to manage these than the clan members themselves!

As long as they are capable, Jia Jing is willing to employ them; in a feudal clan society, clan folk are more reliable than outsiders.

Upon hearing this, Jia Mu finally relaxed.

Meanwhile, Jia Zhen wore a look of contempt, merely a fool who only knows how to spend money!

Again caring for the elderly and young, building a school, training stewards—how much silver will this cost?

Not mentioning this year's expenses, thereafter each year will require continuous outlays of several hundred to thousands of taels; how much wealth can withstand such depletion!

What for?

For a good reputation?

A good reputation is useless! All show, no substance!

Only one's own silver is true confidence.

Still claiming talent and virtue, benevolence and righteousness—just fooling idiots!

Why don't we see the Western Mansion spending money on these things? It's simply reluctance to spend.

On the contrary, sitting opposite Jia Zhen, Jia Dai Ru, whose expression had just been calm, couldn't help but change slightly and ask Jia Jing:

"Jing boy, regarding the clan school..."

Jia Jing naturally understood his meaning, and spoke in a low voice:

"The clan school concerns the future of all young descendants of my Jia Clan; to call it a top-tier clan affair is no exaggeration!"

"I plan to divide it into literary and military divisions, hire renowned teachers, enforce strict management; at least for the literary side, I must hire instructors who have achieved the juren degree..."

Although Jia Jing hadn't finished, Jia Dai Ru clearly grasped his meaning; lacking even a xiucai degree himself, he is naturally unsuited to manage the clan school!

Though he felt somewhat reluctant inside, he also knew this was a great undertaking for the clan's benefit, and he could not stand in the way.

Moreover, Jia Jing had just promised them a monthly stipend for the elders over sixty, so they wouldn't be unable to survive.

Jia Dairu still has feelings for the clan school; on the one hand, after all, he has managed it for many years.

On the other hand, managing the clan school also brings a certain income; his family's situation is also poor, and without income they cannot survive.

Jia Jing didn't bother much about Jia Dairu's feelings, and it was even less possible to let him return to the clan school to serve.

After all, the clan school's previous atmosphere was corrupt, and Jia Dairu bears responsibility.

Whether it's because he's old or because he can't control those young masters, it's no excuse for negligence.

It would be better to let him go home and properly look after his grandson, so as not to end up with the old sending the young to their death.

Jia Jing looked around, saw that everyone had stopped discussing, composed his expression, and spoke loudly.

"Good! Today I'll only talk about these points; they will be implemented within these few days."

"Besides, I'll say a few harsh words up front: although the training class is free, those who don't study seriously or wholeheartedly will not only fail to get a steward's position, but will also be expelled from the training class."

"I want to help those clan members who are truly determined to improve and willing to work hard, not those who are lazy and deceitful."

"Besides, our Jia Clan now has some influence; do not go out and engage in illegal, disorderly, or bullying behavior! If I find out, don't blame me for showing no mercy."