Director of the Ark: A Journey to Success
Chapter 93

Do parents need a license these days? / Theresia: Director Chen Qi actually changed the script for me

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"Although Humphrey's previous behavior had always made him appear to only care about his own interests, judging from his current actions, he actually knows very well what is in the best interest of the country and the people, but he simply puts these things aside to protect the interests of his own class."

"But it seems he hasn't completely abandoned his conscience... On the contrary, Hacker, as a politician, although he talks a lot about justice and morality, he actually has no conscience at all."

"He's only ever looking out for his own interests. If he and Humphrey are doing the same thing, then at least Humphrey knows he's acting against his conscience, while Hacker doesn't even have that much self-awareness."

At this moment, Wei Yenwu also quietly expressed his views on these two characters. The reason he found it interesting was that Humphrey's character has always been used as a "negative example" in the comedy "Yes, Prime Minister." Although he wins more often than he loses in his duels with Hacker, everyone can see that Humphrey's character is designed to create conflict.

However, Wei Yenwu discovered that Humphrey wasn't always on the absolute opposite side... or rather, the three main characters in this show weren't inherently good or bad; everything they did was to protect their own interests.

However, judging solely from Humphrey's character, the fact that he possesses a conscience is indeed somewhat surprising.

"Or rather, he actually placed some of his hopes on Hacker, but he seemed disappointed as well."

At this moment, Wenyue also expressed her opinion. As a princess of the Higashi, she and Wei Yenwu were both seasoned veterans of the political arena. Regarding the behavior of people like Humphrey in the TV series, she also expressed her views:

"It's truly remarkable that someone like Humphrey... could reach the pinnacle of civil service power while still retaining his conscience. But it's not necessarily a good thing for him either; it's too difficult for someone like him to have a peaceful end."

"Those who know they are doing evil have an extra process of self-torture compared to those who are unaware of their evil deeds. In the future, once they have relinquished all power, they will inevitably be devoured by their remaining conscience."

Both Wei Yenwu Wenyue saw the ultimate fate of the three people in this story, which was ostensibly a comedy but was actually a series of tragedies disguised as comedies.

Bernard has a bright future. He has a good grasp of his own position and the interests of both sides that he needs to protect. He may seem to lack understanding, but in fact, he is the person most likely to seize power in the future.

Humphrey, who seems to be the most heartless, actually has a conscience. The possibility that someone like him will not have a good end is too high. He will probably not have a good ending.

However, if Humphrey, who played the "negative role" in the market, deserved his fate, isn't it ironic that the most unscrupulous among them, Hacker, who was only in it for votes and to protect his own interests, might have a better future Humphrey and even be hailed as a great prime minister?

On the other hand, isn't it also a tragedy that this power, this deceit and intrigue, forces everyone within the system to protect their own interests and abandon their conscience, acting as a "public instrument"?

A closer look reveals that "Yes, Prime Minister" is full of satire and tragedy. However, the exaggerated artistic embellishments, slightly over-the-top performances, and laughter merely mask all of this.

"Thank goodness we've gotten away from all this, Wenyue... I really hope that one day we'll never have to get involved in this mess again."

Wei Yenwu also sighed from the bottom of his heart. He had finally managed to break free from that situation, and he couldn't even take care of his own brothers. This was a big part of the reason.

"Do you think I can do it?" In the show, Theresis clearly understood that this move was extremely difficult, and immediately began to doubt her own abilities, asking, "Climbing through thorns and brambles, leading by the horns?"

"Prime Minister, if you forge ahead through the thorns, you won't be able to hold onto the tumor." At this moment, Manfred once again demonstrated the "resignation trick," seemingly afraid that Theresis wouldn't understand, and even gestured as he explained:

"I mean, you can cut through thorns with one hand and hold onto the thorn with the other. But you can't hold both thorns because your hands aren't big enough." Manfred demonstrated with one hand, then continued:

"If we only pull one corner, it's too dangerous because—"

As he continued, Manfred made a gesture reminiscent of a monstrous beast nudging someone, but seemingly noticing Theresis's deathly gaze, Manfred slowly realized that his message might not have been successfully conveyed to his prime minister.

This is just a metaphor. What Manfred wanted to convey was that if Theresis were to bring education back under the control of the central government, he would not be able to handle such a large workload at the same time. In that case, not only education, but also the relatively stable issues of national defense might be thrown into chaos.

This is called "cutting through thorns (defense) with one hand and grasping the tumor (education) with the other," but Manfred also said that it is obviously impossible to do so, because the tumor (teachers' union) he is leading will not sit idly by and wait to die; they will not let Theresis lead them like this.

"That's a fitting description; this Bernard truly has a bright future."

At this moment, even Wei Yenwu gave Manfred's portrayal of the character high praise. After all, what leader wouldn't appreciate a subordinate like Bernard who is capable and knows how to manage his position?

In the show, Theresis soon meets with Dorothy, played by Talulah. Talulah is there to discuss a visit to the Northwest and to try and win votes in marginal districts. Theresis also tells her about his concerns about education.

"Are you really going to do it, or just pretend you are?" Talulah had brought this up out of the blue beforehand, clearly indicating that she now understood what kind of person Theresis was.

Theresis's reply was equally swift, "It looks like I'm doing it, but of course I can't actually do it."

Such a short-term goal was easy to achieve. Soon, Talulah arranged for him to visit the "St. Mary's College Young Enterprise Scheme." This college had set up a factory to manufacture a range of tools, including cheese boards, paperweights, and toast racks. The students produced and sold their own products, and donated all the money they earned to charity. This was perfect for Theresis to do some positive publicity for education.

"Hmm... an academy of this kind? Will Kazdel need an academy like this in the future?"

In Londinium, Theresia was also paying attention to the academy mentioned in the story. Theresia seemed to agree with St. Mary's College's self-sufficiency, but she had some doubts about this kind of free charity.

"... No, this kind of academy is not suitable yet. The students of the Sarkaz race may still retain the plundering habits of the mercenary era. A charity academy like this is not suitable for them to study."

"But can we implement this kind of academy, where more Sarkaz children can learn a skill and put it to use?"

Theresia's eyes lit up slightly as a framework gradually took shape in her mind. She slowly devised an academy suitable for the Sarkaz children, an educational system even more suitable for Kazdel's development...

Chapter 159: Do you need a certificate to become a parent these days?

"Grand Tutor, do you think the Great Yan could also emulate Victoria's academy system and establish multiple skills-based academies to fill some of the vacant positions in the Six Ministries?"

Inside the palace, after deciding to have Imperial Calendar Bureau represent the Great Yan Dynasty to express their friendly attitude to Chen Qi and invite him to Lungmen to film a work with "martial arts" as its theme, the Great Yan Emperor also made sure to watch the last two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister".

The Emperor of Yan and Theresia had the same idea: the "St. Mary's College" model in the drama could teach children a skill, and the self-sufficient academy model might help the future of the Great Yan and solve the future employment problem for many children.

The Grand Tutor pondered this carefully for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes it is feasible. Although the Great Yan is currently in a prosperous era, the Six Ministries and local government offices are still short of personnel, as are the various Celestial Masters' Manor."

"This opportunity can be used to professionally train a portion of the students of the Great Yan, filling the numerous vacant positions in the Six Ministries and various Celestial Masters' Manor. Furthermore, if some individuals can be trained to achieve a minor level of proficiency in Originium Arts, it would be even more beneficial for the Celestial Masters' Manor."

"Even if not, students with professional training will have a skill that is enough to make a living, and there is no shortage of positions in the various subordinate departments of the Six Ministries where they can use their skills."

Because the Great Yan was a feudal dynasty, generally speaking, if one wanted to become an official, the only way was to study and take exams in various places, going through layers of selection, which was quite difficult. Those who could enter the palace examination were basically the best of the best.

This method can indeed fill the current vacancies in the Six Ministries and the Celestial Masters' Manor, further reduce the possibility that some talented people will be unable to use their skills in the common people, and give some students who have not passed the exams at all levels but have other undiscovered talents the opportunity to change their fate.

"Then let the Ministry of Rites discuss and come up with a strategy based on this, analyzing the Doli. In addition, we must try our best to avoid the problems of academic exaggeration and politicization of teaching mentioned in the drama."

"The problems mentioned in 'Yes, Prime Minister' must be avoided by the Great Yan. The Great Yan still has the ability to change some hidden dangers, so it must not perish in comfort like Victoria in the drama."

The Emperor of Great Yan quickly formulated a new strategy to be implemented. Looking at the penultimate episode of "Yes, Prime Minister," he couldn't help but purse his lips—he was truly reluctant to see the show end.

Returning to the story, Theresis's visit to St. Mary's College was met with a very positive response. He publicly praised St. Mary's College on television, calling it "a model of Victoria education," and solemnly accepted a chair made by the students of St. Mary's College.

"I will cherish your gifts; no prime minister will easily relinquish his 'position'."

It can be said that this visit was quite successful. At home, Theresis boasted about his achievements to his wife and Dorothy, played by Talulah. During this process, his wife, played by the Shapeshifter Collective, asked a proposal that was very similar to those of Theresia and the Emperor of Yan.

Why can't we send more students in (St. Mary's College)?

"There's no room left," Theresis explained, adding, "Then we'll have to squeeze in other schools."

"Other schools have no students and will have to close down."

"That's wonderful!" But upon hearing this, his wife had another brilliant idea and immediately said, "St. Marie can take over their houses too."

"Darling, this isn't fair." And Theresis also rejected her wife's somewhat naive idea. "What about the teachers in the schools that are going to close?"

However, Theresis still felt it was inappropriate for his wife to suggest that "good teachers should go to popular schools," and immediately said, "What about the less good teachers? That's unfair to them."

Randomly, Theresis also stated that no one can judge whether a teacher is good or bad. However, Talulah didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

"If we compare schools to doctors, the national healthcare system allows patients to choose their doctors, and they are paid according to the number of patients. Why can't schools be treated the same way? Parents choose schools, and schools are paid according to the number of students."

To this end, Talulah even proposed that Theresis abolish the Ministry of Education, which would spark protests. However, such a radical proposal quickly drew frowns from astute high-ranking officials in various countries, who all felt that this seemingly good plan might not be effective in practice.

"Sounds pretty good, huh?"

Amiya's eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this, completely oblivious to Kal'tsit's furrowed brows, and she continued:

"This way, parents will have more choices and can send their children to better schools. Moreover, if schools charge fees based on the number of students, the average cost per student will be reduced."

"In this way, even children from ordinary families will have the opportunity to enjoy a better education, Dr. Kal'tsit. What do you think?"

As she spoke, Amiya turned her innocent gaze toward Kal'tsit beside her, only to find that Kal'tsit's brows were furrowed as she spoke, word by word:

"--This is bad, Amiya, this could have very serious consequences."

"In this scenario, good teachers will cluster in a few schools, while bad teachers will have no choice but to go to a few bad schools. And schools that are not good enough will only be maintained by students who are even less qualified or from poorer families."

Kal'tsit frowned slightly, immediately sensing the serious consequences that the overly "naive" part of the proposal would cause, and promptly said:

"This creates a vicious cycle: good schools get better and bad schools get worse, which only exacerbates class division. While it may seem to provide upward mobility for some ordinary people, in reality, a larger portion of children from families who still cannot afford tuition will receive even worse education, making it even harder for them to improve their lives."

The problem that Kal'tsit could see was naturally also seen by Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, in the show. Therefore, when the Bloodborne Archon came to see Talulah and Theresis the next day and heard them propose "parents can choose their own schools," his reaction was even more intense.

"We can't expect parents to make the decision! How would parents know which school is better?"

"--Which school did you attend, Humphrey?" At this moment, Theresis suddenly asked the Bloodborne Archon this question, and the Bloodborne Archon, very proud of his past, proudly stated the name of his former high school:

"Wessex Private Secondary School (the school Melantha attended)."

"Is it good?" Theresis continued to ask. The Bloodborne Archon, still proudly declaring, "The best in the school!"

However, the Bloodborne Archon was unaware that he had fallen into Theresis's trap. Therefore, when asked by the Prime Minister, "Who helped you choose them?", the Bloodborne Archon instinctively replied, "Naturally, my parents..."

The Bloodborne Archon, realizing his mistake in a moment, immediately changed his expression from pride back to a slightly angry one. Staring at Theresis, who was grinning from ear to ear after winning a round, he solemnly said:

"That's different, Prime Minister. My parents are discerning individuals. How would an ordinary person know where to send their child?"

However, Talulah disagreed with this view, immediately saying, "Parents naturally know whether their children can read, write, and do math, what the school's reputation is like, and how good their exam results are, right? Parents who dislike formal schooling can send their children to specialized schools."

"Exam scores aren't everything!" However, the Bloodborne Archon unexpectedly refuted this point, and then he also had his own unique insights on whether parents have the right to make these choices for their children.

"Teachers have professional qualifications, and parents are the least qualified to raise children!" The Bloodborne Archon's words were a direct AOE attack on most parents worldwide, but he remained unfazed, continuing his argument, "They are uncertified, untrained. Teachers without qualifications shouldn't teach, and parents shouldn't either."

"... So you think parents should receive training before having children?" Theresis found this viewpoint amusing and jokingly replied:

"Perhaps we should improve this? Should they be required to take an exam, a written test, or a practical assessment to have children? Or both? And then issue them a child-raising license?"

"Hahahaha!" XN

However, this joking and impossible method once again elicited chuckles from the audience, but this time, many parents with children couldn't quite laugh.

In particular, those parents who were hurt by the Bloodborne Archon's words, just as the Bloodborne Archon said, do not know which school to send their children to, are unaware of the reputation of their children's schools, and may not even know their children's exam results.

It can be said that parents who watch "Yes, Prime Minister" but can't laugh are the kind of "unqualified" parents that the Bloodborne Archon is talking about. In fact, many ordinary people in various countries even agree with the seemingly joking saying that "you should get a license before having children."

"That's a good thing, isn't it? While it might make things more complicated before having children, at least there won't be so many irresponsible parents... at least there will be fewer."

Meanwhile, at the Lee's Detective Agency in Lungmen, Lee, a loyal viewer of "Yes, Prime Minister," was watching the show with the three kids at the agency when he couldn't help but sigh. However, he suddenly realized that he had said something unusual.

Because in his firm, there really was a child he had been taking care of because his parents were irresponsible— Waai Fu.

Lee subconsciously looked at Waai Fu, intending to apologize for unintentionally mentioning the girl's painful past. However, Waai Fu, who had been silent all along, shook his head and said:

"I'm fine... Lee, you're right, some parents... do need to get certified, so that many children won't get hurt."

"However, Lee, you told me to study hard so that such things would become less and less common in our generation, right? So I will never follow in my father's footsteps, don't worry."

"... Sometimes, I really wonder how that Huai the Martial Arts Fanatic managed to have such a wonderful daughter. Where did he get such good fortune?"

Upon hearing this, Lee couldn't help but sigh. Seeing that Hong and A Ye were comforting Waai Fu, he wondered what he should say to ease the tension. After hesitating for a moment, he asked Waai Fu:

"By the way, Waai Fu, I recently heard from some rumors that the famous director Chen Qi might come to Lungmen to film a movie about 'martial arts'?"

"What?! That director Chen Qi?!"

However, as soon as Lee said this, almost all three of them turned their gazes to Lee. Seeing that this news had indeed attracted Waai Fu's attention, Lee couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"I'm afraid even Officer Wei doesn't know this news yet... although it was intentionally made so that he wouldn't know. I have some of my own channels, and I've gotten this inside information."

"Waai Fu, if you're interested now, I'll act as your go-between. If you really get the chance to act, I'll talk to Director Chen Qi and ask him to arrange a suitable role for you. What do you think?"

"At that time, your father, who's nowhere to be found, might also have a chance to see your prowess. You can show off your martial arts skills to him. Knowing him as I do, if he sees it, he'll at least write a letter to point out your shortcomings... Of course, that's if there's a suitable role for you."

"--I'll participate!"

However, when it comes to her father, even she, as his daughter, dares not say she understands him. But Lee's words gave Waai Fu the determination to speak.

Seeing Lee 'Waai Fu unusually solemn, even determined, gaze, Lee nodded with a sigh, feeling a pang of bitterness in his heart.

It seems... if Director Chen Qi really has the chance to come to Lungmen, I'll have to give him a gift...

Chapter 160: Theresia: Director Chen Qi actually changed the script for me

However, for Chen Qi, going to Lungmen to film a movie had to come after " To the To the Moon." Besides, Chen Qi had not received any invitation from Yan at all, and even Wei Yenwu was something the Yan court had deliberately concealed.

The Yan's court was quite aware of the feud between the two brothers. The conflict between them could be serious, even escalating to the point of open confrontation; but it could also be minor, easily resolved with a meeting, a cup of tea, and a heartfelt conversation.

However, nowadays, no one would go against the emperor's wishes and inform Wei Yenwu. Therefore, even if Lee had his own channels to learn of this news, and even if all the officials in the Yan's court knew about it, they would guarantee that Wei Yenwu Wenyue would absolutely not know—leaking secrets could cost them their heads.

Wei Yenwu was completely unaware of what his emperor brother was planning behind his back. He was watching the events unfold on television with great interest as Talulah and Theresis used various examples to silence the Bloodborne Archon.

For example, after they proposed abolishing the Ministry of Education, the Bloodborne Archon's first reaction was "The end of our civilization has come!" However, Talulah and Theresis further confirmed that Victoria's Ministry of Education was completely useless.

Talulah cited some Victoria government departments as examples, saying, "Humphrey, government departments are like tombstones."

"The Ministry of Industry marks the graveyard of industry; the Ministry of Employment is the graveyard of employment; the Ministry of the Environment is the graveyard of the environment— Ministry of Education marks the burial of the corpse of Victoria education."

This is certainly an outrageous argument, but it leaves no room for argument for any Victoria. As is widely known, modern Victoria is in a terrible state in terms of industry, employment, and environment, making these examples quite apt.

The Bloodborne Archon's attempt to explain the Ministry of Education was quite useful, for example, in formulating policies, centralizing funding allocations to education authorities, and setting standards for university scholarship committees, etc.

However, in response, Theresis and Talulah each raised a question about the most crucial aspects of education:

Does it offer courses?

"Choosing a research group leader?"

"Repairing school buildings?"

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