The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 350 Library
Because of Jia Rong, Qian Xiucai suddenly had many more books and exam papers from the Imperial Academy in his hands.

For scholars, this is the most precious thing.

With their consent, he cherished the opportunity to share it with his teachers and classmates.

I was able to study mainly because of my teacher.

His family was poor, and after his older brother Qian Daniu went to school at the age of ten, he had no chance to go.

This is how it is in most villages. To prevent children from becoming illiterate and not even knowing how to write their own names, they send one child to try it out, and then teach the younger siblings when they come back.

Those who are talented and intelligent can be supported for a few more years, even if they become apprentices in the city, it's still better than farming at home.

Following his brother, he quickly learned how to write Qian Erniu's name, but his brother found it increasingly difficult. So, unable to wait any longer, he would often run to the school and listen to the teacher's lectures from outside the window.

There are several other children like him.

However, no one persisted as long as he did.

Finally, one day, the teacher seemed to casually ask them to recite a text. He recited it smoothly without missing a single word. The teacher then checked on a few texts he had taught before. That day, the teacher went home with him and was willing to accept him with half the tuition fee.

With great difficulty, his parents finally agreed, and the teacher gave him a new formal name, "Ruochuan." He settled down in the classroom with peace of mind. However, the following year, his grandfather fell seriously ill, and the family could not even afford half of his tuition.

By this time, his older brother had already gone home. He was persuaded by his teacher to stay, and after owing half a year's tuition, he felt really embarrassed and wanted to quit. However, his teacher took on the job of copying books for him.

It was only at this moment that Qian Ruochuan realized why his teacher had been focusing on his calligraphy for the past six months.

Reading was already difficult enough, and pen and ink were hard to come by. He tried his best to make every character exactly like the one written in the book. After six months of special training, his handwriting was recognized by the bookstore owner.

Everyone says he relied on himself, but Qian Ruochuan knows that without his teacher, he is nothing.

Over the years, his tuition fees have never increased.

He finally passed the imperial examination and became a scholar. Now the teacher can take on more students. If he leaves immediately, how pitiful the teacher will be?
So even though Qian Ruochuan knew how good it would be for his future to enter the Jia family's clan school, he still wanted to help the teacher stabilize the new batch of students while he was at the school.

I never expected the Jia family to be so generous as to send so many books, including exam papers from the Imperial Academy.

Qian Ruochuan cherished all of this and worked with her husband to organize and transcribe it.

"You must study these historical topics more."

Mr. Huang, who was in his fifties and had quite a bit of white hair and beard, looked at one of the history questions that was similar to the one he had taken in his imperial examination years ago, and felt a pang of sadness. “Study more and think more.”

Don't be like him, completely clueless when faced with these kinds of questions.

"Yes! Disciple understands."

Qian Ruochuan nodded.

He was actually quite lucky, because the bookstore owner allowed him to read freely inside the store while he was copying books.

It's just that people prefer to buy printed copies of historical books and annotations by famous scholars, which is why he didn't get similar jobs. Otherwise, he would have been willing to copy those kinds of books even if he earned less money.

"You should go to the Jia family's place as soon as possible!"

Mr. Huang glanced at his disciple, feeling both gratified and somewhat saddened.

He has taught the child everything he could; the rest... he'll have to figure out for himself.

"next year!"

Qian Ruochuan insisted, "I've already spoken to that Brother Rong."

"You~"

Mr. Huang felt even more upset.

How could he not know the students' good intentions?
When the good news arrived, he recommended two good schools to him.

For the past few years, he has been making him save money, thinking that once he passes the exam, he can go to a better school and see a wider world.

But the child insisted on staying with him until next year.

He ignored even his parents' pleas and cries.

“Sir, there’s no need to worry,” Qian Ruochuan reassured him. “Since Brother Rong is willing to send so many books, it means he approves of my staying until next year.”

This year, three members of the Jia family passed the imperial examinations and two became scholars.

He has a very good reputation in the capital.

That's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that once you're inside, they'll take care of your writing materials, even your food and drink.

How could he not be tempted when he first heard it?

But this place, too, is one he can't bear to part with.

Undoubtedly, studying at the Jia family school would pave a bright future for him.

There were more books there, teachers with experience in taking the imperial examinations, and exam papers from the Imperial Academy...

Qian Ruochuan struggled with the decision, but he still managed to talk to Brother Rong and asked if he could go back to the Jia family to study next year.

Fortunately, although he didn't understand, he respected it at the time.

Qian Ruochuan was very grateful, but at this time he did not know that Jia Rong had been punished by being sent to the ancestral hall for a night because he complained to his grandmother.

Several days later, Jia Rong returned.

This time, however, he brought a whole cartload of books.

The Three Character Classic and Thousand Character Classic inside were all things that people would memorize and copy down while practicing calligraphy.

They both checked it and made sure there were no problems before he delivered it directly.

"When my grandmother heard about Brother Qian's situation, she deeply felt the difficulty of sending children from poor families to school."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Rong-ge'er got straight to the point, "I specifically asked the boy to deliver some books, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones that everyone needs."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Besides that, I have some good news to tell you, sir. Her Majesty the Empress heard about the hardships faced by scholars from poor families and transformed the former Prince Jin's residence into the Dazhao Academy. Now, eight thousand books covering various fields have been moved from the Hanlin Academy, the Imperial Academy, and even the royal library."

As long as you are a citizen of my Great Zhao Dynasty, you only need to pay thirty coins per month to freely copy these texts.

When Qian Ruochuan delivered the book last time, he mentioned his teacher's shortcomings in historical theory. He told his grandmother about this when he got back, and she sighed and said that his great-grandfather was not very good at this either. She wondered how he had talked to the Empress and that's how the library was set up.

"Even without a monthly subscription, it only costs three coins to go in and study all day."

Jia Rong said, "Whenever you come to the capital, sir, you can go and take a look over there."

"Alright, alright, thank you very much, young man."

Mr. Huang never expected such a good thing. "I still don't know which family, Ning or Rong, this young man is?"

"No, no, I come from the Ningguo Mansion."

Ningguo Mansion?
Mr. Huang's heart skipped a beat, "Then Madam Shen of the Ningguo Mansion is..."

"It is indeed my grandmother!"

That's it!

No wonder.

Madam Shen coerced those Jurchen princes into entering the Great Zhao Kingdom without bloodshed, and then, by having her own son beaten ten times, she managed to acquire a large tract of land from the Russian Kingdom.

Who in the world doesn't know about this nowadays?
Mr. Huang was so excited that he momentarily forgot the importance of Dazhao Academy to him.

At this time, people outside were unaware that Shen Ning was also searching through her family's book collection to donate it there.

She had wanted to build a library for a long time.

However, the Jia family already had influence in the army, and if they were to build a library, it would only make the emperor wary of them.

In particular, the Jia family also has a 'Baoyu'.

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, she readily encouraged the Empress.

The emperor may seem good now, but there are many emperors in history who were wise and powerful when they were young, but became inhumane when they got old.

Therefore, it would be best if the empress also had her influence.

That way, if the emperor becomes confused, the empress can also help calm him down.

The Empress didn't think that much about it at the moment.

Her family background wasn't high either, and the longing and regret for good books were shared by the whole family.

It sounded like a great idea as soon as I heard it.

She had the deeds to the house and land of the Prince of Jin's mansion.

She doesn't have many books, but she can ask the emperor for more!

When the emperor heard that it was Lady Shen who made the suggestion, he had someone investigate the difficulties faced by scholars from poor families in answering historical essay questions. After sighing, he immediately agreed.

Thus, the Dazhao Academy, supported by the Emperor and Empress, was built quietly.

"...Accept donations?" The Empress chuckled. "Isn't it mainly because Sister Shen wants to stuff books there?"

What books doesn't the royal family have?

"Your Majesty, don't you remember the book on boiling salt?"

The Empress was taken aback!
She had heard Shen Ning and the Emperor mention it.

This year, the major salt factories under Lin Ruhai's management have all had a bumper harvest.

Nowadays, the price of salt in Dazhao is not only one coin less per pound, but at least one coin less for two pounds.

Oil and salt are of great importance to ordinary people.

For every penny saved here, the elderly and children in the family can have an extra egg.

"My fault!"

The Empress realized her mistake and corrected it, saying, "There are many extraordinary people and strange talents among the common people, but I don't know if accepting donations from the people means only accepting books?"

"of course not!"

Shen Ning laughed, "It needs to be checked by a specialist!"

Since the Han dynasty exclusively promoted Confucianism, all other schools of thought have declined.

But Shen Ning investigated and found that the Qin Straight Road has remained an important military route to this day.

Last year, when fighting against the various Mongol tribes, the Qin Straight Road transported a large amount of grain, fodder, and military equipment to the front lines.

"For example, the books of the Hundred Schools of Thought that were once lost."

This?
The Queen's eyes widened slightly. "You mean..."

"I hope that they will all have books to pass down."

Shen Ning sighed, "Take the Qin Straight Road for example. Throughout history, countless roads have been built by various dynasties, but which of those roads can remain in good condition for thousands of years like the Qin Straight Road?"

"..."

The Queen fell into deep thought.

The "Strategies of the Warring States: Strategies of Han" records that the Qin crossbow had a range of 600 paces.

Moreover, the parts of the Qin crossbow, like Sister Shen's revolver, can be replaced at any time.

hiss~
She was indeed narrow-minded.

“Sister is right. Some books are passed down through generations, but the descendants gradually lose their knowledge and have no idea how precious the family’s collection of books is.”

I used table corner pads, stuffed mouse holes, and made kindling...

The Empress took a deep breath. "I will have a serious talk with the Emperor about this matter."

"Okay!"

Shen Ning smiled, "When the library receives donations from the public, our Jia family will be the first to donate. At that time, we'll have the library issue us a certificate of reward, which I'll then place in the ancestral hall."

"Pfft, definitely, definitely!"

The Queen smiled, "I'll get you a gold one then."

First of all, you always have to be different from others.

The Empress thought for a moment, "If we come across a rare, unique book that even the royal family doesn't have, what do you think about our library giving it as a reward?"

"That's even better."

Shen Ning smiled, "These books can be further divided into categories A, B, C, and D. Ordinary ones are classified as category D, and after paying a certain amount of rent, you can take them home to read on your own."

Ok?
"Then let's categorize this category as ordinary scientific research books!"

These types of books are the most printed and the most copied.

Even so, buying books is still a significant expense for ordinary farming families.

If it could be rented out and people could freely copy it, it could save some people a lot of money.

The two looked at each other, understood each other's meaning, and couldn't help but smile.

"Once the library in the capital is established, Your Majesty can order people to establish similar libraries in other prefectures."

Shen Ning said, "If we sell some books in addition to renting them out, we shouldn't lose money."

"Hmm~"

The Empress also had the same idea.

Many scholars are also wealthy.

If I see a good book, I want to take it home and enjoy it slowly. Since I can buy it anywhere, why can't I buy it at her bookstore?

"Don't worry, sister. Even if I lose money at first, I won't give up. I'll just ask the Emperor to make up for it."

She never mentioned "this palace" in front of Shen Ning.

Although I didn't want to show off our relationship, I unintentionally did.

The emperor was unaware that his empress was scheming to steal his money.

Now, he is also an emperor with a private treasury.

However, so far, apart from the Empress, no one has been able to take any money from him.

When Shen Ning went home, she brought back a lot of snacks.

Just as Qingzhu was being sent out to various places as usual, a maid came to report that a woman surnamed Feng from Jiangnan had come to the capital to look for her daughter.

Oops, I almost forgot.

After Yinglian changed her name to Xianglian, because her early education was delayed, although her side prepared a room for her, the girl stayed by Mr. Zhan's side.

"Go and invite Miss Xianglian over."

The Feng family was found by someone hired by Shen Ning.

The old master of the Feng family was no good man; he even coveted his daughter and son-in-law's belongings.

Rather than letting Madam Feng take Xianglian back and let her marry anyone she wants, it's better for her to stay here and find a good family for her.

"Yes!"

Xiaodong left in a hurry.

Before long, the weary-looking Feng met Shen Ning in the flower hall.

After they met, she had just finished her greetings and was about to ask about her daughter when Xianglian arrived.

Although she now has the appearance of a young woman and is very different from when she was a child, the tiny rouge mark between her eyebrows remains the same.

"My son..."

Feng's tears fell in a downpour. "My son, I've finally found you."

She rushed over, hugged Xianglian, and cried, her whole body trembling.

All these years, she has never given up looking for her daughter.

The family spent all their money on asking her father and brothers to help them find out where their daughter was.

Although she knew they had hidden a lot, the master had also disappeared, and her daughter was her only hope, so she had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.

I just hope they still have some conscience and can help me find out more.

"My son~, ah ah~, my son~~~~"

Xianglian felt a pang of sadness at her tears.

She couldn't remember what her mother looked like, but as the woman cried, she slowly felt a sense of familiarity.

Tears streamed down her face. "Are you really my mother?"

"I am your mother, your mother, sob sob~, sir, I have found our child."

Feng cried until her whole body went limp, pulling Xianglian to the ground with her.

When Shen Ning saw Xiang Lian also hugging her mother and crying, she sighed softly, then silently withdrew with her maids and servants, leaving the space entirely to the mother and daughter.

She has a daughter and can't imagine what she would be like if Xiaoyue'er were lost.

"Have someone prepare water and some food. After Lady Feng has been crying for a while, go in and try to comfort her."

You've vented enough; crying any longer will harm your health.

This book is almost finished. There will be some extra chapters next month. If you want to see any of them, please leave a comment.