As long as they did not single-mindedly preach "Universal Love" and "Against Offensive War," but instead put the Mohist School's strengths to use, they too could be entrusted with important duties.
Although this approach went against the principles his Mohist School had always upheld, ensuring its survival mattered most.
That was also why Meng Yang had chosen to accept rather than refuse, despite knowing full well that the Son of Heaven valued their technical expertise.
After hearing Meng Yang out, Liu Xie gave him a long look and nodded. "You are truly no ordinary Juzi. The Mohist School will surely flourish again because of you!"
"I intend to establish a Foundry Bureau and gather skilled artisans to devote themselves to technical research. Would you be willing to bring your Mohist disciples into it, Juzi?"
This generation's Mohist School Juzi was not as hidebound as his predecessors. That surprised Liu Xie somewhat, but it was a good thing.
The sophistication of the Mohism Mechanism Arts was one consideration. More importantly, Mohist disciples possessed a distinctive spirit of innovation and research. Those two qualities mattered most.
That was where the difference between ordinary artisans and Mohist School disciples lay.
Meng Yang bowed slightly. Rather than rushing to agree, he first asked, "May I ask, Your Majesty, what would the Foundry Bureau primarily be responsible for?"
Liu Xie answered frankly, "Its primary focus will be research into smelting and mechanisms. It will also train artisans and manufacture military equipment, and it will answer to no one but me."
"You may also invent and research devices of your own, whether for the army or the common people. As long as they are useful, I will reward you handsomely."
"You could even be made a marquis for an invention."
Liu Xie painted a grand promise