boyutpedia Chapter 145 Life in the Marquis's Residence
Chapter 145 Life in the Marquis's Residence
Of course, attacking one family and then winning over another is always a tactic of rulers. Shen Lian has several masters in this field around him, so he naturally understands it!
While suppressing the Kong family, Shen Lian deliberately elevated the status of the Yan family. He not only personally visited the Yan family to pay respects, but also wrote an article praising the Yan family for their noble character, calling them a model for scholars throughout the land.
The Yan family certainly deserved this, whether it was Yan Hui, Yan Zhenqing, Yan Gaoqing in history, or Yan Zhitui, or even now. The Yan family's character far surpasses that of the Confucius family.
Yuntianlou Hotel was personally requested by Shen Lian to be built, and a designer from Beijing was commissioned to design it. Directly funded by the provincial government, it will be developed into the most luxurious international hotel in China.
It was only natural for Shen Lian to attend the groundbreaking ceremony! I won't go into the details, as we've all seen similar scenes in modern times.
At 2 p.m. sharp, Shen Lian arrived at the Education Bureau.
"Well, has the budget been finalized? How much will it cost per year to implement primary and secondary education throughout the province?" Shen Lian asked a group of officials from the education department.
“If we build a primary school in every village and a middle school in every township, it won’t be a problem! The current teachers are basically competent. We estimate the annual cost will be under one million taels of silver!” Wang Kaiyun said.
Shen Lian assigned him to be in charge of the Department of Education, where he would work with the provincial education commissioner to manage the education work of the entire Shandong province.
The education administration office used to be very in charge of very few things; it was basically only responsible for examinations and the evaluation of officials below it.
Shen Lian wants to vigorously develop Shandong, but talent will be the biggest challenge. He has no choice but to focus on improving basic education first. Then he'll attract talent from all over the country and train them on the job.
“But the high school and university that you mentioned are difficult! On the one hand, they conflict with the imperial examinations, and on the other hand, we lack the teachers you need.”
“The imperial examinations can be conducted simultaneously! The pass rate for the examinations is too low. We should also give those students who did not pass a way out! These are the students we are looking for.”
"If they can finish high school, they can do something after graduation."
"As for universities, we need your collective wisdom and efforts. We've recruited professors both domestically and internationally, and I'll also recruit some qualified teachers from other countries."
"No matter what, we have to do this job. Let's take it one step at a time! We'll open as many schools as there are teachers!"
"Education should never be neglected, no matter how poor we are. I will ask the provincial government to provide these funds!"
"Your Excellency truly benefits the world and enlightens future generations. On behalf of all the students in the province, I thank Your Excellency for your great kindness!" The provincial education commissioner stood up and bowed deeply to Shen Lian.
Throughout history, no dynasty has ever exempted students from tuition fees. Many children from impoverished families were unable to attend school simply because they could not afford the fees.
Now Shen Lian is directly covering the cost of tutoring, so primary and secondary school children can study for free. This is truly an immense act of kindness.
"Hey! I'm just making some money, you guys still need to do the work!" Shen Lian waved his hand.
"Such a momentous occasion, how could we dare not obey!" All the officials stood up and respectfully bowed to Shen Lian.
Shen Lian had initially been criticized by scholars for suppressing the Kong family. However, once his policy was implemented, it immediately won him widespread praise from scholars across the land.
"My lord, the two ladies have sent someone to tell you to go home as soon as possible!" Yan Tao said in a low voice.
Shen Lian nodded. "Alright! I have to go now. You guys continue working! If you have any problems you can't solve, come find me."
Shen Lian left with his men! After the new year, Xiao Yue'er finally became pregnant. As Nie Xiaoqian's due date approached, she became increasingly attached to her husband. Shen Lian tried to go home early every day to spend time with them.
The new Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion covers more than 200 acres, and the courtyard is so large that Shen Lian can't even take it all in. This was formerly the residence of a prince. If it were the former De Prince's mansion, it would have occupied a third of the entire city of Jinan.
I don't know what these princes are doing with such a big place! Shen Lian thinks his house is too big.
They have only moved into the two main halls at the front; the large residential area and gardens at the back are still under renovation.
"The Marquis has returned to the manor!" Ruyi blushed and skipped into the house.
Now that Xiao Yue'er and Nie Xiaoqian are both pregnant, Shen Lian's room is empty. Nie Xiaoqian has already suggested that Shen Lian take Ruyi as a concubine, and the little girl is now anxious every day. She's both looking forward to it and a little scared.
Shen Lian didn't refuse his wife's arrangement regarding this sixteen-year-old girl. However, he had been too busy lately to do so.
For someone of Shen Lian's status, he already had relatively few women. Even the old man had urged him to take more concubines before. Now, with both women pregnant, he hasn't brought it up again.
"Sit down, why are you standing up!" Shen Lian entered the room and saw that the two women had both stood up, so he quickly went over to them.
"How was it? Was the baby good today?" Shen Lian first helped Nie Xiaoqian sit down.
"It was fussing for a while earlier, but it's quiet now!" Nie Xiaoqian stroked her belly with a loving expression.
"Let me feel it!" Shen Lian reached out and gently stroked Nie Xiaoqian's large belly.
"Husband..." Nie Xiaoqian was about to become a mother, but she still felt a little shy.
"And you? Is the baby fussy?" Shen Lian turned to Xiao Yue'er and asked.
"My lord, it's only been a little over a month! What could possibly happen!" Xiao Yue'er rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh! Hehe! Look, I'd forgotten!" Shen Lian shook his head.
"Don't stay indoors all the time, move around often, it will also be good for your production."
"I know, my lord! You've told me so many times already. I even took a stroll in the back garden with Sister Yue'er this afternoon!" Nie Xiaoqian shook her head helplessly.
I don't know why, but my husband has become so fussy and talkative lately. He's nothing like the powerful and decisive marquis he used to be!
"The Marquis is so considerate; I'm sure my future will be just as wonderful!" Ruyi thought, her little face flushed.
The family dinner that evening was naturally incredibly lavish, and the whole family sat together in a joyful atmosphere. Normally, women weren't allowed to sit at the table during meals, but with Shen Lian's arrival, the rules were changed.
Shen Hu sat at the head of the table with a big smile on his face. Every time his eyes swept over his two daughters-in-law, he immediately showed a satisfied expression.
The second aunt sat to the side, constantly serving food to Nie Xiaoqian and the other woman! Shen Lian didn't know why her father wouldn't let her remarry, and he didn't dare to ask.
The younger sister, Shen Lian'er, sat obediently to one side. She was being taught various etiquette rules every day by the nanny her mother had hired. She was being raised to be a princess or a noblewoman.
Shen Lian didn't dare to say anything more about this, lest he displease his second aunt!