Chapter 1032: Deep Affection

"Deputy General, although the economy has developed, we cannot ignore education and culture," Gu Yi raised a new problem in another meeting. "Only when the people’s knowledge level is improved and cultural life is enriched can the border be truly strong and stable."

The deputy general nodded in agreement: "Indeed, education and culture are the foundation of the border’s development. We should set about establishing more schools, hiring excellent teachers, and letting every child receive an education. At the same time, we can also hold some cultural activities, such as festival celebrations, literary and artistic performances, etc., to enrich the people’s spiritual life."

An education official stood up and said: "General, Deputy General, the education resources in our border region have been relatively lacking, and it is very difficult to recruit excellent teachers. How should this problem be solved?"

Gu Yi thought for a moment and answered: "This problem is indeed tricky, but not unsolvable. We can, on one hand, improve teachers’ treatment to attract more talents to teach in the border; on the other hand, we can also cooperate with education institutions in the interior, inviting them to send teachers to support us, or through remote education, let border children receive higher-quality education resources."

Another official from the cultural department also spoke: "Regarding cultural activities, I think we can combine the characteristics of the border to excavate and inherit local ethnic culture. For example, we can hold some ethnic song and dance competitions, handicraft exhibitions, etc., which can not only let the people participate in them but also display the unique charm of the border."

The deputy general nodded: "This idea is good. We can also encourage the people to spontaneously organize cultural groups, such as opera troupes, dance teams, etc., letting them enjoy the nourishment of culture in their daily lives."

The meeting lasted for a long time again, and the participants discussed actively, putting forward many feasible plans. Gu Yi and the deputy general integrated these plans to form a detailed education and cultural development plan.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and the deputy general led the officials and commanders of the border to set about implementing the education and cultural development plan. They established more schools, improved teachers’ treatment, and established cooperative relationships with education institutions in the interior; at the same time, they also held colorful cultural activities, excavating and inheriting the border’s ethnic culture.

Under the joint efforts of Gu Yi and the deputy general, the border’s education and cultural undertakings gradually flourished. Children had the opportunity to receive high-quality education, and the people’s cultural life became increasingly rich. The unique charm of the border was better displayed and spread, attracting more people to pay attention to and understand this land.

However, Gu Yi and the deputy general still maintained a clear head. They knew that the border’s stability and development was an endless process that required them to constantly explore and innovate.

"Deputy General, which aspect do you think we should focus on next?" Gu Yi asked in a private conversation.

The deputy general pondered for a while and answered: "I think we should strengthen the border’s infrastructure construction. For example, improve traffic conditions, build more roads and bridges; improve medical and health levels, and establish a more perfect medical system. These are practical things related to the people’s immediate interests and are also the foundation of the border’s development."

Gu Yi nodded in agreement: "You are right. Then we will take infrastructure construction as the focus of the next step of work. We must let the border people enjoy more convenient and comfortable living conditions."

Thus, Gu Yi and the deputy general began to formulate an infrastructure construction plan again. They went deep into the grassroots to investigate and understand the people’s actual needs and expectations; at the same time, they also actively strived for the support and financial aid of the imperial court.

Under the leadership of Gu Yi and the deputy general, the border’s infrastructure construction gradually advanced. Roads and bridges were repaired and expanded, traffic conditions were significantly improved; the medical system was also perfected, and it became more convenient and fast for the people to see a doctor. These tangible changes made the people feel the results of the border’s development, and their sense of happiness and satisfaction continuously improved.

Time flowed, and the border underwent earth-shaking changes under the guard of Gu Yi and the deputy general. Economy prosperous, education popularized, culture flourished, infrastructure perfected, the border had become a place full of vitality and charm. And Gu Yi and the deputy general also became heroes and models in the hearts of the border people because of their outstanding contributions and selfless dedication.

"General, looking at the border’s development today, I feel incomparably gratified and proud," the deputy general said with deep affection, standing by Gu Yi’s side.

Gu Yi looked into the distance with a smile: "Yes, we also experienced countless difficulties and challenges, but as long as there is belief in our hearts and strength under our feet, nothing can stop our steps forward. The future of the border will surely be even better."

Gu Yi and the deputy general stood on the high mountains of the border, overlooking this land they irrigated with their lives and sweat. The afterglow of the sunset shone on their faces, reflecting the traces left by time, but their eyes were still firm and full of hope.

"Deputy General, do you still remember the scene when we first came to the border?" Gu Yi asked softly, as if falling into deep memories.

The deputy general nodded, and his gaze also became gentle: "Of course I remember, at that time the border was desolate and barren, and the people lived in poverty. What we faced was not only the threat of external enemies but also various internal contradictions. At that time, I really didn't know if we could change all this."

Gu Yi smiled slightly and patted the deputy general’s shoulder: "Yes, we also felt lost and confused. But it was these difficulties that stimulated the power and wisdom in our hearts. We walked step by step, and only then did we have today’s border."

The two fell into silence, as if both were recalling every bit of the past. After a while, the deputy general broke the silence: "General, although we achieved great achievements, the border’s development is still a long way to go. We cannot stop our steps; we must continue to move forward."

Gu Yi withdrew his thoughts, and his gaze became firm again: "You are right. We cannot be satisfied with the status quo; we must have higher pursuits. I think we should set about promoting the border’s scientific and technological innovation and environmental protection undertakings. Only in this way can we let the border stand in an invincible position in future competition."

Hearing this, a flash of light crossed the deputy general’s eyes: "Scientific and technological innovation and environmental protection undertakings? This is indeed the direction we should focus on next. However, the foundation of the border region in this respect is relatively weak; how should we start?"

Gu Yi took a deep breath and said slowly: "First, we must strengthen the training and introduction of scientific and technological talents. We can establish cooperative relationships with scientific research institutions and universities in the interior, inviting them to send experts to guide and train in the border. At the same time, we can also set up a science and technology award fund to encourage border people and soldiers to actively devote themselves to scientific and technological innovation."