Chapter 52: Cooperation 2
TL: Etude
Paul was deeply intrigued by Hansels words.
Facing the widespread illiteracy in his territory, Paul found himself in a difficult situation.
The expansion of various workshops necessitated training apprentices through more than just oral transmission; as the number of craftsmen increased, those in charge at all levels at least needed to be able to read rosters; the territorys increasingly complex income and expenditures made it too burdensome for the old steward, Philip, to manage the accounts alone; the intelligence system needed improvement, obviously requiring a large number of literate talents; moreover, Paul planned to establish a modern administrative system, which would need a large number of clerks.
The Talent Recruitment Decree had been posted long ago, and many had come forward to apply, but it was still not enough to meet the current needs of the territory.
Before setting out for Port Fran, he approached the Dean of the North Shore Monastery, Leonard, hoping to recruit some educated monks to serve him, but was initially rejected by Leonard on the grounds that monks do not interfere in secular affairs.
Paul had no choice but to change his strategy. He claimed that he wanted to spread the gospel of God and was preparing to establish a school to teach the locals to read so that they could understand the scriptures.
Hearing this, Dean Leonard became somewhat interested. Paul further promised that his workshop would supply new types of paper to the North Shore Monastery without limit and free of charge. Eventually, Mr. Leonard agreed: he would not interfere with the personal choices of the monks in the monastery, and how many Paul could recruit was entirely up to his own abilities.
Thus, a school named Weiss Academy was established by the lakeside.
During the day, Paul forced the residents of Lakeheart Town to send their children to the college to learn to read and write. At night, he had the military go from house to house, rounding up idle adults under 40 to attend night classes at the college.
Paul cunningly recruited 10 young monks from the monastery, all of whom were just of age. They had been sent to the monastery as children and spent their days in boring prayer and scripture reading, making them very curious about the outside world.
Of course, as Abbot Leonard put it, they lacked firm faith in the Lord and couldnt resist the temptations of the outside world.
All 10 young men were placed in the college, transforming from monks to teachers, teaching the townspeople to read in shifts of five, day and night.
After returning to Lakeheart Town from Port Fran, Morrison, who had served as a military chaplain for a while, was appointed as the head of the college for certain purposes. He was responsible for setting the curriculum and compiling teaching materials. The obscure scriptures were clearly too advanced for the townspeople who had just begun to learn to read, but stories about the great lord leading his brave people to fight against pirates were much more accessible.
Sometimes Morrison would personally engage in not brainwashing, but some form of ideological education for the teachers and students.
But all this required time, and Paul could not wait any longer.
Watching the Count stand up, Hansel felt secretly pleased; he had guessed correctly.
Pauls establishment of the college was something Hansel had observed. It was not uncommon for some nobles to show their benevolence by educating a few talented commoner children, often to cultivate capable servants. However, a noble like Count Grayman promoting education so extensively in his own territory was unprecedented.
Too much knowledge among the common people was not a good thing for the nobility; their role was simply to farm and pay taxes obediently.
All signs indicated that this Count had far-reaching plans. Considering his ancestors were exiled to the remote Northwest Bay, this was intriguing.
Could he become the next Jars? Possible, but highly unlikely.
The Jars familys current strength, apart from the efforts of successive family heads, also owed much to luck, opportunity, and the location of their territory. Who could guarantee that the Grayman family would have the same fortune? Especially situated in the remote Northwest Bay.
Besides, achieving the success of the Jars family was not an overnight feat. It required generations of patience and development to accumulate such achievements.
Hansel knew that the widely circulated new type of paper was produced by this lord, so when Paul talked about improving agricultural and smelting techniques, he judged the credibility to be quite high.
For Hansel, he had some connections among the lower nobility in the south. He could dig out those who, like him, were frustrated and bring them to the northwest to meet the lords needs.
As long as this lord was willing to cooperate and continuously provide military supplies to His Majesty the King, Hansel would achieve a great feat. He could enter the vision of the kingdoms high level, approaching the core of power.
He resented his status as an illegitimate child, his mixed heritage, and his lack of recognition. He had to seize every opportunity to climb higher. As for whether the Grayman family harbored certain ambitions, it wouldnt be evident in this generation anyway. After his death, what did it matter if there was a flood or chaos?
Hansel looked at Paul, who had stood up, as the setting suns rays fell on him, and his heartbeat quickened.
Finally, the young Count extended his right hand with a smile: Lets get acquainted again, Paul Grayman, the lord of Alda on the Northwest Bay.
Hansel also stood up, extending his hand with a smile: Hansel Abbott, the Kings representative assigned to Alda.
Pleasure to cooperate.
Pleasure to cooperate.
Their hands clasped firmly together.
In the south, at Thorn Pass.
Two figures stood quietly on the towering city walls: an old man with white hair but spirited, and a young general with a somewhat indifferent demeanor.
They silently gazed at the rebel camp in the distance for a while. The elder sighed, It seems were in for some tough times.
The young general was puzzled, Why do you say that, Lord Dodge? We just need to wait for Her Highness the Princess to arrive with her troops, and then we can attack.
Dodge, the old Duke, handed a small cloth piece to the young man: This just came by pigeon. Take a look for yourself.
The young man glanced at the cloth, worry mingling in his expression, A granary fire? What timing.
The old Duke shrugged: Most likely the work of a spy. Considering the previous attacks, Jars main force isnt here. What do you think, Leicester?
Leicester looked southward: He just wants to pin us down. This frees him up to slowly deal with those isolated royalists in the south.
Duke Dodge sighed again: If Her Highnesss main force cant reach here, well have to hold out. Hopefully, we can resolve the grain issue before Jars main force moves north.
Leicester suddenly turned to him: Lord Duke, we cant just wait like this. Tonight, I want to lead the cavalry to raid their camp.
The young man was eager to achieve merits, which Dodge secretly admired. The young mans demeanor reminded him of his experiences defending against beastmen with the Northeast Legion, and his comrades from that time. They were just as young and eager for achievements.
The old Dukes spirit rose: Good, its time to teach the enemy a lesson.
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