Chapter 1380 - 1303: Education Act
Zhang Shi had already prepared and was ready to set out at any time. Of course, at this moment, his father Zhang Gui was still unaware of this matter; he was still in Xiliang waiting for Zhang Shi to return.
He was very interested in the affairs of the Capital City, and recently had been paying close attention to the movements of Dai Country.
Just like him, Shi Le and Beigong Chun were also watching the Capital City closely and were concerned about the situation in Dai Country.
However, they had a radio, so the news reached them much faster.
On the afternoon of the second day after the new emperor ascended the throne, they received news that Tuoba Liuxiu had become the new King of Dai. Dai Country would be under the jurisdiction of Youzhou, and though the King of Dai would have military power in the future, he would not have actual governance over local affairs.
Officials of Dai Country would all need appointments from the court.
Even the current tribal leaders must be re-endorsed by the court, even if the personnel does not change.
Upon hearing this, Shi Le was filled with contentment and laughed heartily, saying to Zhang Bin, "What is meant to be mine will be mine; you were right, Sir. There’s no need to force it; Dai Country is indeed meant to be mine!"
Zhang Bin also grinned and corrected him, saying, "It is Your Majesty’s, General. Be careful not to let it slip outside."
"I know, I know," Shi Le dismissively waved, saying, "I naturally only speak like this before you, Sir."
With eyes gleaming, Shi Le clenched his fists and said, "Dai Country, with its abundant grass and water, is a great place for raising cattle and sheep and breeding fine horses. I obtained Dai Country, and there is a vast amount of salt wells within Youzhou; coupled with the farmland, Youzhou’s imminent rise is foreseeable."
Zhang Bin’s eyes flashed with concern, which he quickly concealed, then said, "Has the General never considered serving as a frontier official in a wealthier place in the future? For instance, Jizhou, Xuzhou, or even Yu State."
Currently, the most prosperous and affluent state recognized by everyone is Yu State.
Shi Le looked suspicious, "Would the emperor allow me to be the Yu State Governor?"
Zhang Bin smiled, saying, "Why not? I see that Your Majesty employs people without regard to conventions; in the future, it is not impossible. With the General’s ability, entering the court as a prime minister is also possible."
Shi Le became silent, and after a long time, sighed while advising, "I know you care for me, Sir, but please don’t praise me like that. I still have a sense of my capabilities."
If it were in Han Kingdom, oh, I mean Liu Yuan’s Xiongnu Kingdom, he would certainly be confident enough to claim kingship or prime ministership, given that they all are rough men there; among Liu Yuan’s subordinates, if they are not from the same origins, they are bandits and robbers; he does not think he is inferior to anyone.
But when facing Zhao Hanzhang’s subordinates...
Just one Zu Ti made Shi Le feel ashamed.
In terms of warfare, Zu Ti and Beigong Chun are more adept than he is. In terms of essay writing, there is no need to mention it; any random pick from Zhao Hanzhang’s subordinates far surpasses him.
Especially Zhao Hanzhang herself, who excels in both civil and military affairs, surpassing him in every aspect.
Therefore, Shi Le had always been somewhat inferior, both proud and inferior.
Zhang Bin saw that he still had a sense of self-awareness and immediately said, "The General is not lacking either; why not start studying with me now? With your ability, attaining the title of marquis and minister is just around the corner."
Shi Le’s scalp tingled; under Zhang Bin’s earnest gaze, he reluctantly nodded.
Then, after just a few days, Shi Le received a telegram that he had been conferred the title of Marquis Xuanwu.
He immediately threw aside the book in his hand, clenched his waist, and laughed heartily, speaking to those around him, "Did you hear? I am now a Marquis."
Apparently, one can become a Marquis without studying.
Arriving Zhang Bin looked at the book thrown on the bed and couldn’t speak for a long time.
Shi Le met Zhang Bin’s gaze and explained, "Sir, I have been conferred as a Marquis."
Zhang Bin: "General, I heard it outside; I heard that Zu Ti was conferred as Beiping County Duke, and General Beigong was conferred as Duke of England."
Shi Le fell silent.
Zhang Bin advised, "Since the General constantly compares himself to those two, he should consider them as goals."
Shi Le swallowed, feeling Zhang Bin was right, but...
He compromised, saying, "I can listen to books for two hours a day."
Zhang Bin thought for a moment and nodded but still advised, "Although listening to books can teach you something, articles interpreted from other people’s mouths will inevitably carry their opinions; the General should read more, and when the time comes, you can read the most original books yourself and understand them, and there will be another kind of wonderful taste."
Shi Le: "Even though I listen to books, I have my own understanding, and it is very wonderful."
Shi Le didn’t enjoy reading himself but was very strict with his own sons and the children under his rule, forbidding them not to study.
He asked Zhang Bin to be his son’s teacher; knowing Wei Jie was knowledgeable, he even specifically invited him to teach the children.
Wei Jie looked at the child brought in front of him and remained silent for a long time. After teasing him a bit, he said, "Commander, can your son speak yet?"
Shi Le frowned, "He is two years old, only able to say simple words, hence why I’m asking you, Shubo, to teach him. You look good, and children all like you; they will listen to you speak and surely learn fast too."