From cute to empress

Chapter 295 The Cornerstone of National Revitalization

Zhen Youcai's idea coincided with mine. Rather than a drastic, nationwide rollout, we should select a few academies as pilot sites, focusing our efforts on overcoming challenges. Once the model matures, we can then expand it nationwide. Pointing to a map, I said to Zhen Youcai, "Let's start with Yuelu Academy and Bailudong Academy. These two academies have a long history and great influence. If the reforms succeed here, they will serve as excellent models."

Zhen Youcai nodded in agreement and continued, "I have already drafted the regulations, please take a look, Your Majesty." I took the document he handed over and read it carefully.

"Your Majesty is wise. I also believe that the strategy of using a single point to guide the entire process is the safest." He paused and continued, "For those teachers who are worried that the new teaching method will affect classroom order, we can organize special training to teach them how to manage the classroom in this new environment and how to guide students to actively participate in discussions, rather than simply instilling knowledge."

I nodded approvingly and asked, "How should we encourage those teachers who are actively trying new teaching methods?"

Zhen Youcai confidently replied, "I suggest setting up a special reward fund to commend and reward teachers with outstanding teaching achievements. At the same time, we should regularly organize teaching competitions and experience exchange meetings to provide a platform for teachers to learn from each other and improve together."

I put down the red brush in my hand, looked at Zhen Youcai with satisfaction, and said, "Youcai, you have considered everything very carefully. Let's do as you say."

The spring breeze of reform has blown into the ancient academy. Inside Yuelu Academy, Student A listens intently to his teacher's lectures. Unlike the rote memorization of the past, the classes are now more lively and engaging. The teacher uses various examples to illustrate the principles in the book and encourages students to think actively and ask bold questions. In this learning atmosphere, Student A's enthusiasm for learning is high, and his grades have improved by leaps and bounds, quickly becoming a leader in the academy.

As word spread, other students followed suit, and for a time, the learning atmosphere at Yuelu Academy was unprecedentedly intense. White Deer Grotto Academy also underwent a dramatic transformation. Master Yi, originally a conservative and resistant to the new teaching methods, gradually came around after attending several training sessions.

He began to try new teaching methods, and the classroom atmosphere became lively. The students all liked his class. One day, Master Yi was explaining a new article in class. He put down his book, looked around at the students, and slowly said, "Today we are going to learn..."

"...Today we are going to study "Happy Rain on a Spring Night" by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. Everyone should be familiar with this poem, but today we will not talk about parallelism or prosody. Let's discuss what kind of mood Du Fu was in when he wrote this poem..." Master B gently placed the book in his hand on the podium, changed his usual serious and rigid expression, and spoke in a relaxed and humorous tone.

The students in the audience looked at each other, as if a little surprised by the teacher's opening remarks, but soon, curiosity overcame doubts, and they all straightened their backs, staring at the teacher with burning eyes, waiting for his further explanation.

"'Good rain knows its season, and it occurs in spring.' These first two lines may seem plain, but they actually contain the poet's love and praise for the spring rain..." Master B paced back and forth on the podium, sometimes reciting verses, sometimes analyzing the artistic conception of poetry, and sometimes illustrating with examples from real life. He explained things in a simple and easy-to-understand way, with witty remarks, making the originally boring poetry explanation vivid, interesting and fascinating.

The atmosphere in the classroom has also become lively. Students are no longer just listening passively as before, but are actively thinking and speaking enthusiastically. The classroom is filled with laughter and a strong learning atmosphere.

The reforms of Yuelu Academy and Bailudong Academy were a huge success. The two academies quickly became benchmarks for universities across the country, attracting countless students to study there.

One day, Zhen Youcai and I went on an incognito visit to Yuelu Academy. Looking at the vibrant and energetic students, I felt gratified. "It seems our reforms are correct," I said to Zhen Youcai, my tone filled with pride.

"Your Majesty is wise." Zhen Youcai smiled faintly. "Education is a long-term plan. Now we have taken the first step towards success. I believe..." He paused, as if remembering something, and turned his gaze to the entrance of the academy. There, a ragged young man was staring blankly into the academy, his eyes filled with longing...

Zhen Youcai followed my gaze and saw the young man. He sighed and said, "Yes, a country thrives when its education thrives. We still have a long way to go."

We didn't bother the young man, but turned and left the academy. On the way back, the young man's eager eyes and Zhen Youcai's meaningful words kept appearing in my mind.

Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to implement new policies, of which education reform is only one component. I am deeply aware that talent is the key to a prosperous nation and a peaceful and prosperous people. The successful reforms of Yuelu Academy and Bailudong Academy have set an example for other institutions and cultivated a large number of talents for society. Fresh blood has been injected into all walks of life, and the country's development has entered a fast lane.

All of this was made possible by the help of Zhen Youcai. From the initial proposal of the reform plan, to overcoming numerous obstacles, to the fruitful results we have today, he has always been by my side, offering advice and dedicated efforts. We have weathered ups and downs together, shared the joy of success, and our relationship has gradually grown stronger without us noticing.

"Your Majesty, look, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the country is thriving. All this is thanks to you!" Zhen Youcai's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to look at him. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his face, outlining his resolute features. A warm feeling welled up in my heart. "Thank you for your hard work over the years."

"It is my honor to share your majesty's worries." Zhen Youcai's eyes were gentle and affectionate.

I avoided his gaze and looked off into the distance. "The road to reform is long and arduous. We still have a lot to do."

"Your Majesty is right. I am willing to follow Your Majesty forever and help you solve your problems." Zhen Youcai's voice was firm and powerful.

I nodded, my heart filled with hope and anticipation. However, at this moment, a fast horse galloped over, and the messenger on the horse dismounted, holding a letter high in his hand. "Your Majesty, an urgent letter from Yuelu Academy!"

My heart shuddered, a sense of foreboding welling up inside me. I quickly took the letter and opened it. On the letter, the vigorous handwriting of the dean of Yuelu Academy caught my eye. However, the content of the letter made Zhen Youcai and I look solemn in an instant...