Chapter 1692: Deep Affection

"Deputy, 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 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, the education resources in our border region have always been relatively lacking, and it is 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 the treatment of teachers to attract more talents to teach in the border; on the other hand, we can also cooperate with educational institutions in the interior, inviting them to send teachers to support us, or through remote education, letting 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 nodded: "This idea is not bad. We can also encourage the people to spontaneously organize cultural groups, such as opera troupes, dance teams, etc., letting them enjoy the edification of culture in their daily lives."

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

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

Under the joint efforts of Gu Yi and the deputy, the border's education and cultural undertakings gradually flourished. Children had the opportunity to receive 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 still maintained a clear head. They knew that the border's stability and development was an endless process, requiring them to constantly explore and innovate.

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

The deputy 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 let us take infrastructure construction as the next work focus. We must let the border people enjoy more convenient and comfortable living conditions."

Thus, Gu Yi and the deputy began to formulate an infrastructure construction plan. They went deep into the grassroots to investigate and understand the people's actual needs and expectations; at the same time, they also actively strove for the support and funding assistance of the imperial court.

Under the leadership of Gu Yi and the deputy, 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 let the people feel the results of the border's development, and their sense of happiness and satisfaction constantly improved.

Years passed, and the border underwent earth-shaking changes under the guard of Gu Yi and the deputy. Economic prosperity, education popularization, cultural prosperity, and perfect infrastructure made the border a place full of vitality and charm. And Gu Yi and the deputy also became heroes and role 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 stood by Gu Yi's side and said with deep affection.

Gu Yi looked into the distance with a smile: "Yes, we have also experienced countless difficulties and challenges, but as long as we have 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 stood on the high mountains of the border, overlooking this land they irrigated with their lives and sweat. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on their faces, reflecting the traces left by time, but their eyes were still firm and full of hope.

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

The deputy nodded, and his gaze also became gentle: "Of course I remember; at that time, the border was desolate and barren, and the people's lives were miserable. 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 of this."

Gu Yi smiled slightly and patted the deputy's shoulder: "Yes, we were also lost and confused. But it was these difficulties that stimulated the power and wisdom in our hearts. We walked step by step to have the border of today."

The two fell into silence, as if both were recalling the bits and pieces of the past. After a while, the deputy broke the silence: "General, although we have achieved great success, 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 technological innovation and environmental protection undertakings. Only in this way can we let the border stand invincible in future competition."

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

Gu Yi took a deep breath and said slowly: "First, we must strengthen the cultivation 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 the border to guide and train. At the same time, we can also set up a science and technology award fund to encourage the border people and soldiers to actively engage in technological innovation." ===== CHAPTER 1693 =====