From cute to empress

Chapter 291 Brainstorming to Explore Education Reform

"Gentlemen, please stand." I raised my hand, motioning for them to stand and speak. "I have not come here today to call you to task, but to have a candid exchange with you students and discuss the path to reform."

The dean of Yuelu Academy and the president of Bailudong Academy looked at each other, with a hint of surprise in their eyes. They obviously didn't expect me to be so frank.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Someone in the crowd shouted, and then more and more students echoed, and the originally tense atmosphere eased a lot.

I smiled faintly, pointed to the open space in the center of the square, and said, "I have set up the debate stage today to hear your views on reform. I believe that truth becomes clearer through debate, and only by pooling our wisdom can we formulate policies that truly benefit the country and its people."

As soon as I finished speaking, several courageous students eagerly rushed to the stage to express their opinions. I signaled the guards to set up the tables and chairs on the debate stage and ordered tea and snacks to be prepared. Then I stepped aside and quietly observed everything.

The first person to take the stage was a young scholar in a cyan gown. He claimed to be a student at the Imperial Academy and was named Student A. He passionately expressed his dissatisfaction with the reform measures, especially the uneven distribution of educational resources. "Your Majesty, your reforms are well-intentioned, but now local officials, in order to cope with assessments, often concentrate resources on a few official schools, while neglecting the development of other academies and private schools. In the long run, this will only lead to further concentration of educational resources, making it even more difficult for children from poor families to succeed!"

Student A's words resonated with many of the disadvantaged students present. For a moment, the square was abuzz with discussion, with many people murmuring in agreement. I listened attentively, jotting down notes in my notebook. Some of these questions I had already considered, while others were my own fault.

"Student A is right." I walked to the debate stage and took the microphone from the guard. "I have noticed the uneven distribution of educational resources. I will quickly instruct the relevant departments to investigate and verify the issue, and formulate corresponding policies to ensure the equitable distribution of educational resources, so that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive a good education."

My promise once again earned me applause from the students. I pressed my hand, signaling for silence, and then turned my gaze to another student in the crowd. He was a young man in a gray robe with a calm face. He was looking at me thoughtfully, as if he had something to say.

"Student, do you have anything to say?" I asked with a smile.

He raised his head, looked me in the eye, and spoke slowly: "I am Master Yi from the White Deer Grotto Academy. I would like to talk about my views on the reform of teaching methods." His voice was steady and powerful, with a scholarly air, which instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Master Yi walked slowly to the debate stage and bowed slightly. "Today's teaching is mostly based on rote memorization, which lacks students' ability to think independently and practice. I believe that students should be encouraged to question and explore, and to cultivate their critical thinking and innovative abilities."

His words, like a stone that rippled through the air, resonated deeply with the students. Many nodded in agreement, some even excitedly engaging in debates with those around them. I noticed that even the usually solemn deans of Yuelu Academy and Bailudong Academy had a thoughtful expression on their faces.

"Master Yi is absolutely right." I motioned for silence. "The rote learning method certainly needs improvement. I will seriously consider your suggestions and explore more flexible and efficient teaching models to cultivate talents who can truly serve the country and benefit the people."

I noticed that when I said the words "Serve the country and benefit the people," the eyes of the presidents of Yuelu Academy and Bailudong Academy flashed with admiration. I knew they were beginning to be moved by my sincerity.

I took a deep breath and decided to strike while the iron was hot. "I know everyone still has many doubts and concerns about reform. I've come here today to have a frank discussion with you and to jointly explore the path forward for reform. I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and build our country into an even more prosperous country!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. I knew this wasn't just a validation of me personally, but also a testament to their hope and confidence in reform. As my gaze swept across the young, hopeful faces, an unprecedented sense of responsibility and mission surged within me.

"Everyone," I pressed my hand, signaling for silence. "I've come here today to announce several important reforms..." "I've decided to establish a Royal Scholarship!" I declared loudly, my piercing gaze sweeping across the eager faces. "Every year, funds will be allocated from the national treasury to reward outstanding students with both good character and academic performance, and both moral integrity and talent! I want all children from poor families to have the opportunity to change their destiny through education and serve our country!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the students were stunned for a moment, then burst into deafening cheers. I saw many students from poor families with tears of excitement in their eyes.

"Not only that," I continued, striking while the iron was hot, "I will also improve the teaching facilities of each major college! I will allocate funds to repair school buildings, expand book collections, and purchase more laboratory equipment to create a better learning environment for students!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" The president of Yuelu Academy and the president of Bailudong Academy stood up excitedly and took the lead in saluting me, their eyes full of admiration and gratitude.

"I believe that education is the cornerstone of national development, and talent is the foundation of a country's prosperity!" I looked around and said firmly, "As long as we work together, we will be able to push our country's education to new heights!"

My words once again aroused the enthusiasm of the students. Their faces flushed, their emotions were so strong that they wanted to sacrifice their lives for the country immediately.

Watching this scene, I am filled with hope and strength. I know the road to reform will not be smooth, but as long as I hold on to my beliefs, I will be able to overcome all difficulties.

Zhen Youcai and I exchanged a smile, and everything was said without words. However, just when I thought this reform could proceed smoothly, an inopportune voice suddenly sounded...

"Your Majesty, I have something to say!"

I looked in the direction of the voice and saw an old official with white hair and beard tremblingly walking out of the crowd, a barely perceptible glint of light gleaming in his cloudy eyes...