Jia Xu smiled. "With this method, the difficulty of learning to read is solved as well. Still, I believe the Imperial Court must establish public schools throughout the land."
"A method alone won't suffice if there is no one to teach it."
Teachers were crucial to anyone wishing to study and learn. This was also why teachers could stand alongside "Heaven, Earth, sovereign, and parents."
A teacher passed on the Way, imparted knowledge, and resolved doubts.
Liu Xie said, "I will begin preparations for this. As for teachers, I will specifically select a group of sons of humble families for training at the Imperial Academy, then send them to teach at local schools for three or five years."
"Those who excel in their evaluations may enter government service directly."
Liu Xie had mentioned his idea for the Imperial Academy to Guo Jia and the others during their conversation just now. In truth, it was no different from the Hongdu School.
It likewise bypassed the existing recommendation system, allowing the Son of Heaven to select talented people directly for admission, with outstanding students eligible to enter government service directly.
With Emperor Ling of Han's Hongdu School as a precedent, establishing the Imperial Academy would not attract too much attention. At most, others would think the Son of Heaven wanted to follow the Former Emperor's example and select his own talent.
Of course, the Imperial Academy's curriculum would have to be drawn up anew.
Guo Jia nodded in approval of the Son of Heaven's idea, but then said hesitantly, "But Your Majesty... this will be an enormous expense."
Establishing the Imperial Academy, opening public schools and public libraries throughout the land, compiling, printing, and distributing books-all of these required money.
A great deal of money.
For the Great Han, which had only