Read Novel Full Chapter 1110 - 137: Come to Swamp Prefecture
Chapter 1110: Chapter 137: Come to Swamp Prefecture
At this moment, Zhao Yao was sitting by the window on the second floor of the largest teahouse in the commercial district of Swamp Prefecture City. He was sipping tea and listening to a storytelling, while appreciating the bustling and prosperous scene downstairs.
On the stage in the teahouse’s first-floor hall, a storyteller was recounting the tales of the late emperor and the current emperor’s conquering and uniting the country. The tea guests were listening very attentively. When the storyteller reached an exciting part, the guests would cheer enthusiastically.
Since Zhao Yao arrived in Swamp Prefecture, he arranged for storytellers to narrate the founding of the Great Zhou, which could provide a sense of belonging to the people of Swamp Prefecture. The evidence proves his arrangement was correct. Over the past year, the people of Swamp Prefecture have heard many stories about the Great Zhou’s founding, along with tales of the late emperor and the current emperor. They’ve gradually become proud to be citizens of the Great Zhou. They no longer deny being people of the Great Zhou and are working hard to learn the official language of the Great Zhou.
In the past, the people of Swamp Prefecture were unwilling to learn the official language, primarily because they had no opportunity or means to do so. Nowadays, Zhao Yao’s establishment of free schools allows them to learn the official language for free.
The free schools established by Zhao Yao were completed months ago and have already been put into use.
At first, Zhao Yao was concerned that no one would want to attend the free schools, but surprisingly, the people were very eager to send their children to study at the free schools.
In the past, people wouldn’t believe the government would kindly establish free schools for them to study. However, Prince Han is different; he genuinely cares for the people. They trust Prince Han.
Currently, Zhao Yao, known as Prince Han to the people of Swamp Prefecture, is like a deity in their eyes. They would unhesitatingly do what he asks.
In addition to the government’s free schools, many wealthy merchants have donated funds for free schools. So far, there are dozens of large and small schools across Swamp Prefecture. Over a year ago, there wasn’t a single school.
These free schools are filled with students. Besides learning the Four Books and Five Classics, and music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, they also learn arithmetic, commerce, farming, and weaving skills.
Each free school’s teachings focus on different content. For instance, some schools prioritize teaching the Four Books and Five Classics, preparing students for the imperial exams. Others focus on teaching arithmetic, ensuring they can manage accounts in the future. Some schools emphasize commerce, teaching students how to conduct business.
All in all, Swamp Prefecture’s schools offer a variety of education with diverse content. Of course, the free schools only offer three years of education. After three years, if students wish to continue their studies, they must attend fee-based schools.
Actually, the tuition for fee-based schools is not expensive. If students can’t afford to study, they can apply for financial aid. After entering the school, they can receive a stipend each month. Scholarships are also available, awarded for outstanding academic performance.
Now in Swamp Prefecture, almost every household has children going to school. Besides the children, many adults are also attending school. For adults, studying for three years is sufficient for them to learn to read.
In the past, only officials and the wealthy could afford education; ordinary people couldn’t afford to study. But now, even beggars can attend free schools. However, there are no beggars in Swamp Prefecture.
Swamp Prefecture has the Jimin Hospital, specifically for sheltering homeless individuals, including beggars. At the Jimin Hospital, they have a place to stay and food to eat. Of course, they aren’t allowed to live and eat there indefinitely without contributing. The Jimin Hospital helps them find jobs, encouraging them to make a living. Most people actively go out to work.
Despite this, there are those at Jimin Hospital who insist on living there without working or earning. Such individuals are evicted from Jimin Hospital and aren’t allowed back. Essentially, they are blacklisted by the Jimin Hospital.
Since last year, construction has been happening all over Swamp Prefecture, so there’s no worry about a lack of jobs. Even if one truly can’t find work, the government is constantly hiring, and they provide meals.
The Jimin Hospital only offers temporary relief, giving homeless people a temporary home.
Zhao Yao worries that numerous people leaving the Jimin Hospital have nowhere to live, so he constructed public rental housing. People can rent these homes at a low cost, affordable for most.
In Swamp Prefecture, people needn’t worry about having nowhere to live or not having food to eat. As long as you can work, you can support yourself.
Besides Jimin Hospital, there is Jisheng Hospital for orphan adoption, and Fusheng Institute for sheltering elderly and disabled individuals.