Chapter 978 - 974: Everlasting Prosperity
Since the beginning of each dynasty, the Emperor must choose the location of the Imperial Mausoleum and begin its construction. This is predetermined, and since Bai Qingyan is the founding Emperor of Zhou, according to the regulations... this is a top priority for Zhou.
"The Imperial Mausoleum concerns the future national fate, so naturally, it is a top priority," Wei Bugong stated solemnly.
"If the Imperial Mausoleum could truly ensure a prosperous national fate, why did the Jin Kingdom eventually decline?" Bai Qingyan rolled up the bamboo slip Wei Bugong had handed over and placed it aside. "What truly brings prosperity to the nation is not the mausoleum... but the people, the young talents about to mature."
Bai Qingyan had once seen such content in the books and writings left by Empress Ji, sent by Xiao Rongyan...
Empress Ji wrote thus, "If the youth are strong, the nation is strong. To strengthen the youth, more young people need to be enlightened, more need to study diligently, broaden their horizons and thoughts, draw the essence from the teachings of various schools of thought, and comprehend their ideas for national prosperity. Through collective wisdom and practice, explore suitable methods for a nation’s growth, repeating this cycle... generation after generation of aspiring talents will be nurtured, and a nation will transform with the changing times and trends, endlessly thriving."
Bai Qingyan deeply agrees, so she believes... establishing schools, letting the youth study, enlightening them, expanding their horizons and thoughts, is the top priority for Zhou.
For the first time, Wei Bugong heard an Emperor speak such words, and couldn’t help but look up at the Empress of Zhou, who was sitting in front of the desk with a smile on her face.
"In the early days of Zhou... seeking talent eagerly, why? Because talents are scarce! Are talents and great talents not important, Master Wei? If they weren’t important, why did the various countries offer high positions to students from other countries in those days to retain talent? Establishing schools is to enlighten the populace, to let more Zhou youth learn the virtues of ancient sages, thereby forming determination and ambition, learning from the books and writings left by sages, mastering methods governing for the benefit of the nation and its people!" Bai Qingyan raised the bamboo slip about the expenses for establishing schools that Wei Bugong handed over. "This is to cultivate talents for the future of Zhou, this is the national fate, not... the mausoleum!"
Bai Qingyan’s words stunned Wei Bugong, yet somehow stirred a torrent in his heart, like a revelation that opened up a new perspective.
Indeed, to build a strong nation, we need talent; rather than recruiting talent, why not address the root cause... and cultivate talent ourselves?