Chapter 875 – Northern Overlord (Part 12)
“Gift to the famous scholars of the world?”
Except for a few people who saw through Jiang Pengji’s intentions, everyone else felt a pinch in their wallets.
This set of books was undoubtedly a treasure, worth its weight in gold, not to mention being a family heirloom. Their master was wealthy beyond measure, and not only did he want to donate to the academy, but he also intended to give it away for free? To them, the cost of this set was no less than twenty thousand guan. How could he just give it away?
Dian Yin and the others had their cheeks twitch with pain. They wanted to dissuade him but didn’t know how to persuade their master not to squander his wealth.
Meng Hunyun, who had always remained in the background, spoke up in surprise, “Master, is your intention to attract the famous scholars of the world with this set of books?”
If that were the case, the price seemed excessively high.
In Dongqing alone, there were no fewer than five hundred scholars with a name. If every one of them was gifted a set, at the outrageous price of twenty thousand guan, wouldn’t their master be losing an outrageous amount?
Meng Hunyun had seen many so-called “scholars” accompanying Meng Zhan. To him, most of these people were all fluff, grand on the outside but useless on the inside, spending their days together singing praises, mourning the seasons, and feigning modesty, clearly desiring to take office while acting all high and mighty. Honestly, their only skill was their smooth talk, with gossiping capabilities that could rival any.
To put it bluntly, many “scholars” were more like elite socialites, their abilities to maneuver through connections enviable.
However, did the current master need such fluff?
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “It’s just a set of books. How could it attract all the famous scholars of the world? It’s merely a stepping stone.”
In Jiang Pengji’s eyes, the group of scholars served as a promotional platform.
Once this set of introductory materials was in their hands and spread by their mouths, it would quickly disseminate far and wide.
However, this was just Jiang Pengji’s first step.
“Just… a stepping stone?” Meng Hunyun’s heart skipped a beat.
“Of course, scholars have their pride, and ordinary trinkets are unlikely to sway them.” Jiang Pengji revealed a sly smile, “We won’t need to expend much treasure, simply deliver this set of introductory materials, and the wise will know what to do.”
Everyone was speechless. The materials were made from extraordinarily precious superior Xuan paper, a total of twenty-one volumes, far more valuable than gold and silver.
Not only was their master a squanderer, but her math also seemed off.
The military generals felt a pang in their hearts, while only a few civil officials remained unmoved. Qi Guanrang smiled and said, “What the master says makes perfect sense. If this set of introductory materials can truly be implemented, it could enlighten the scholars of the world, which would be a beacon for future generations. It could not only bring fame in this era but create a legacy lasting for millennia.”
He deliberately emphasized the last part.
The soldiers began to understand, their expressions improving considerably.
Since ancient times, only Confucius was regarded as the teacher for all time.
After that, scholars aimed for this lofty goal, but how many succeeded?
Even the illustrious Master Yuanjing, having taught many students and made a name across five countries, still fell short.
If this set of introductory materials could indeed be refined and enlighten the people, anyone whose name was left on it would undoubtedly be remembered for generations.
The wise could see the immense wealth hidden within, while the foolish would think it was just children’s literature.
Jiang Pengji giving this set of books to the scholars was not merely to promote herself, but also to subtly inform them—Wanzhou has the cake.
“This is just the first step; to attract esteemed and talented scholars to jointly compile the materials.” Jiang Pengji smiled and continued, “I also have a second step. Which scholar doesn’t want to publish a book? Many valuable manuscripts have been lost simply because they lacked avenues. I have an idea: when we distribute the materials, we can declare to the world that we’re willing to open a publishing house for scholars—twenty copies for one book. In exchange for publishing, the house will keep ten copies as samples. If they don’t want to keep samples, they’ll have to pay out of pocket.”
This idea was undeniably bold.
As soon as Jiang Pengji voiced it, the previously composed civil officials suddenly lost their calm.
This was not just any matter; this was about publishing a book!
What scholar wouldn’t wish for their thoughts and creations to be passed down through time?
While the set of introductory materials could attract scholars, publishing the book would draw countless knowledgeable common scholars to her cause! In a world dominated by aristocracy, the cake Jiang Pengji offered was incredibly enticing and would have many learned individuals scrambling for it!
Even Feng Jin and the others, who had done their psychological prep work, couldn’t help but feel their hearts race upon hearing Jiang Pengji’s words.
The crowd exclaimed, “Master is indeed benevolent!”
Feng Jin’s reaction was relatively calm, while Xu Ke and Yang Si’s eyes turned red, tinged with bloodshot.
Only they understood the pains of common scholars.
The aristocratic families monopolized knowledge and education, thereby controlling court positions and power.
Why do people often say “commoners struggle to produce nobility”?
Is it because children from common families are all dimwits?
Certainly not!
The children from common families want to study, but they can’t even find books.
Illiterate fools can’t possibly compete with the well-read sons of nobility, can they?
What Jiang Pengji was doing was undeniably a strike to the heart of the aristocratic families!
Why are aristocratic families so powerful?
Because they hold the most important knowledge, each clan possessing countless precious texts.
They were born with opportunities that ordinary people could only dream of.
Years of development later, the children of noble families and their connections were entrenched everywhere, forming deep-rooted influence, further solidifying their power through blood ties, thus closing the path for common scholars to rise. Common bastard sons often had to align themselves with aristocrats, submitting themselves, enduring humiliation, and carrying heavy burdens.
Put simply, this was a twisted and deformed power hierarchy.
If there’s any wealth shared by everyone in the world, it would undoubtedly be—the written word.
Jiang Pengji understood that her actions would provoke numerous opposing voices, perhaps drawing the wrath of offended aristocrats.
But that didn’t matter.
Yang Si thought about this matter and felt a pause in his heart.
He hesitantly said, “Master, should we take a step back on this? If it spreads suddenly, it could stir up controversy among the scholars of the world…”
Yang Si didn’t want Jiang Pengji to come to harm; if she fell, the commoners would see no hope.
Jiang Pengji scoffed, “Let them talk then. The barking dog doesn’t bite, and the dog that bites doesn’t bark. Your master has plenty of money, and I’m willing to take the fall for publishing; what do they have to be jealous of? This matter, I’ve discussed thoroughly with Cheng Cheng and laid out the general framework. Besides these two steps, I have a third step: to establish a free and publicly accessible book club.”
Though it’s called a book club, it’s essentially the oldest type of library, an institution for collecting, organizing, and preserving books for public viewing and reference. In Jiang Pengji’s memory, this was an ancient term, and in her time, libraries had lost their original value, becoming mere attractions for tourists. She had once visited one as part of a military school organization.
