"Song Yannian, Zheng Zifang... Wei Yishou, Shi Buchang."
Cao Wen frowned as he studied with great concentration.
Cao Mao sat beside him, watching him with a smile.
There were many primers available at present, from the Three Cang Chapters of the Qin and Former Han periods to the "Quick Learning Primer." By now, there were more than thirty texts used for elementary instruction.
Cao Mao rather liked the "Quick Learning Primer." Its contents were simple, beginning with common names, moving on to everyday objects, and ending with a few simple lessons.
Cao Mao remembered a famous primer from the Wei-Jin period, but he did not know who had written it. Still, the primers available now were sufficient.
Cao Mao did not put too much pressure on his son, patiently teaching him to recognize characters.
Cao Wen's performance could not be called excellent, but it was not bad either.
He recited very earnestly. Clearly, he had reviewed his lessons after returning to his mother.
Cao Mao took education very seriously-not only his son's education, but also education in the present age.
The educational system of the Two Han Dynasties had reached its peak during the Later Han.
The capital had the Imperial Academy.
Commanderies had schools.
Counties, marches, domains, and marquisates had schools.
Townships had local schools.
Settlements had community schools.
But by the Wei-Jin period, never mind townships and settlements-even the commandery schools were mere shells.
The educational system had deteriorated so badly entirely because the common people's lives were too bitter. Only when people had enough food and clothing would they send their children to study.
You could not even fill your belly, yet you wanted to attend school?
Never mind tuition-you could not even afford the most basic living expenses.
Only when the common people's standard of living