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24.24% The Reborn Emperor. / Chapter 8: Chapter 7: The Birth of a New Idea.

Chapter 8: Chapter 7: The Birth of a New Idea.

Li Wei had cautiously won over General Cao Ren, which sparked many ideas on how real change could happen. To rebuild his kingdom, he knew it required more than just new laws, it would take the people's faith that life could improve. But without technology at his disposal, how could he make change happen with only the fundamentals? He began to recall what he knew about modern engineering principles and ancient Chinese inventions, like water wheels, rudimentary mills, and basic pumps. Introducing just one of these innovations could make a big difference.

Li Wei then had General Cao Ren introduce him to the best blacksmith in the capital, an experienced craftsman named Old Fu who specialized in fine weapons and tools. When Li Wei approached, Old Fu looked askance at the emperor's simple robes, finding it hard to believe a royal would appear without grandeur.

Old Fu growled, scratching his rough beard. "Royal or not, I don't work for royalty. You guys expect miracles without knowing anything about the craft."

Li Wei only smiled. "I understand, Old Fu. What if I could show you a design that might help the people? Would you consider working with me?"

Old Fu raised an eyebrow, interested but still wary. "Deal, but if you waste my time, you pay for it."

Li Wei immediately sketched a design for a water wheel powered mill, showing how it could grind grain into flour faster than the back breaking, hand powered tools farmers used. Old Fu started with doubt, but became curious as Li Wei explained.

Old Fu muttered, running his finger along the rough sketch. "This'll take time. I've never tried anything like it."

Li Wei nodded. "Take your time. I want lasting change, and for that, I need skilled people like you."

With Old Fu agreeing, Li Wei saw new possibilities opening up. He walked out of the workshop with pride. Though it was a small step, it felt like the beginning of a real transformation toward his dream of a prosperous kingdom.


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Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Teaching Is the Best Way to Learn.

The People's School began to take shape. Li Wei, with help from a few loyal scholars and quiet support from General Cao Ren, set up basic classes in nearby villages. These schools were modest, small groups of children and adults learning by candlelight, but they provided a chance for commoners to gain knowledge, something they had never had.

Of course, running these schools came with challenges. One morning, while visiting a village school, Li Wei noticed students fidgeting and yawning as the scholar taught from a thick, dry book. He saw the younger children especially struggling to keep up.

Li Wei sat at the back and, raising his hand like a student, got the scholar's attention. The scholar laughed nervously and allowed him to speak.

"Maybe we could try another approach," Li Wei suggested. "Why not teach through practical examples?"

He stepped over to a small stack of grain sacks nearby. "Let's say each sack is worth ten coins," he said, showing the class. "If I give three to one person and four to another, how many are left?"

The students' eyes lit up, and they eagerly gave their answers. Li Wei saw their understanding grow as they practiced adding and subtracting with real objects. He realized teaching practical skills was key to empowering the people.

From then on, Li Wei regularly visited the schools, teaching what he knew about practical topics, from basic math to early engineering. Scholars began to adopt his approach, and soon, the People's Schools became known for teaching skills students could use every day.

But not everyone was happy with these changes. News of Li Wei's unorthodox methods reached the court, where Chancellor Wu was especially angered. He saw the People's Schools as a threat to the noble control over knowledge.

Determined to curb Li Wei's influence, Chancellor Wu planned to challenge him in the upcoming council meeting. But Li Wei was prepared, ready to confront the sly chancellor.


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