Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Paba looked wistful as he finished speaking.

The war between the Jin and Jing states, though a complete defeat, promoted integration in another sense.

The unprecedented unity of the various tribal alliances, coupled with the increasingly close cooperation between Da Jing and the Jin state.

Everything was developing positively, and many people harbored a desire to seize this opportunity and rise to prominence, restoring past glory.

However, this trip to Da Jing had been a blow.

The gap between the two countries had not only not narrowed but had widened day by day.

When he first sat on the train, he was so shocked that his legs trembled, and he could barely stand... Especially when he saw the accompanying officials from Da Jing inadvertently revealing a hint of pride, he felt even more ashamed.

Along the way, the factories were under construction and operating in full swing, and everything was a thriving scene.

The two countries were worlds apart. If things continued to develop like this, they might never have a chance to catch up.

However, Paba was also a seasoned strongman. After several days of emotional slump, he quickly pulled himself together and sought a way to change the situation.

Originally, he really didn't want to deal with Fang Zheng-yi on this trip to the capital.

It wasn't that he was annoyed by him or anything, but because this guy had been a puppet emperor of the Jin state for two days... He always felt an unspeakable awkwardness when they met.

But for the sake of the country and the family, he could completely abandon his personal face. This meeting was a must!

After all, the miracle of Da Jing's development was inseparable from Fang Zheng-yi.

"Brother Fang is truly a peerless talent. The great changes in Da Jing today are all thanks to Brother Fang's efforts. Throughout history, there have been very few figures who combine the roles of loyal minister, Confucian minister, strategist, politician, and diplomat. In my opinion, Brother Fang is the only one in this era!" Paba praised with cupped hands.

This guy is putting a high hat on me. It seems that he'll be asking for something later.

But being called a five-in-one figure is really underestimating me. I'm also a musician, educator, industrialist, inventor....

Fang Zheng-yi rolled his eyes and laughed, "National Preceptor, you're too kind. If you say a few more things, I'm afraid the Princess's mansion won't be big enough for me to live in."

Paba was stunned for a moment and didn't react. The next moment, he smiled dumbly.

Fang Zheng-yi said, "National Preceptor, let's get straight to the point. Let's not beat around the bush. It's rare to meet, so let's say everything you want to say."

"Brother Fang is straightforward! Then I'll be frank." Paba sorted out his thoughts. "To be honest, I hope to introduce trains and steam engines to Da Jin."

Fang Zheng-yi raised an eyebrow. "You should know that although these two things are nominally under my management, the final decision still depends on the imperial court and His Majesty."

"I know that, but I've also tested the waters with your country's officials these past few days, but the information they revealed was ambiguous. I think there's no hope. I wonder if Brother Fang has any way to help me mediate. Don't worry, Da Jin will not skimp on the price to be paid!"

Paba stared at Fang Zheng-yi intently.

Fang Zheng-yi sighed. "National Preceptor, I can't help you with this matter. Introducing trains and steam engines are both important national tools. The court certainly has to consider the aspect of secrecy, but from a practical point of view, I really can't help you. These things are also in short supply in Da Jing."

"It's not just enough to have trains and steam engines. The supporting workers for the entire production and operation process are also greatly insufficient. All of this is being cultivated. You want us to supply your country when we are in short supply ourselves?"

"I think... it will take at least a few years or even a dozen years before we have enough production capacity and talent to cooperate with your country."

Paba was greatly disappointed and speechless for a moment.

As expected, Da Jing would not let go easily. With trains, Da Jing would be unimaginable in another ten years. The gap would only widen.

Unexpectedly, Fang Zheng-yi changed the subject and said, "I understand the National Preceptor's anxiety, but this matter is not without room for maneuver."

"How to do it?" Hope rekindled in Paba's eyes.

Fang Zheng-yi said, "Trains and steam engines actually originated from Dongjiao University. Although the specific technology of these two things is confidential, the underlying principles of manufacturing them are public. As long as you learn them, you can develop them yourself, and maybe even create better machines than Da Jing."

"Moreover, Dongjiao University is under my name, and I have complete control. You can select a group of smart people from the Jin state, even nobles, to come and study, and I will help you arrange it."

Paba looked serious and fell into deep thought.

That's right, the technology of trains is just the appearance. At its root is Da Jing's scientific new policy.

If it could be completely replicated....

"Brother Fang is benevolent! I am willing to fund the construction of Dongjiao University in Da Jin. I wonder if you can lend me some manpower to serve as teachers. The price is not a problem."

Fang Zheng-yi shook his head and said, "No, you can only send people to study. National Preceptor, it's not that I want to make things difficult for you, it's just that there is not enough manpower."

"Two months ago, three branch schools of Dongjiao University were established throughout Da Jing, and most of the students who have been trained have been sent to the branch schools to serve as teachers, but the teaching staff is still seriously insufficient."

"Moreover, two months ago, I submitted a memorial to the imperial court to create a new official position, called Doctor of Science, with a rank of eight, to serve as consultants in the six ministries and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Each agency should assign two to five people to help officials in the court understand the latest technological developments of Dongjiao University and interpret papers."

"So, I have no manpower to establish branch schools abroad."

Paba suddenly widened his eyes. "Bypassing the imperial examination and directly setting up the position of Doctor of Science in the six ministries and the palace? Will your court agree?"

Fang Zheng-yi smiled slightly. "It's been dragged on for so long, neither denied nor agreed, but I think the problem should not be big. The most important thing is that the officials in the court know what is right and does not harm their interests. They should be able to figure it out."

"In fact, there are still some troubles in this, but it can be solved gently through a silent and subtle way, such as....." Fang Zheng-yi slowly recounted.

Looking back on this past year, all his work has been focused on this.

There is no doubt that the current education system and talent selection system will hinder the development of Dongjiao University.

All conflicts are caused by information communication and uneven distribution of spoils.

In order to change the views of the officials in the court, he had arranged for the officials to take time to understand Dongjiao University.

But even so, some people were unwilling to go, so he privately began to write letters of invitation one by one.

The Marquis of Jianye's name, inviting people to Dongjiao University to take a class and have a meal, they would still give this face.

Dongjiao University also made some temporary changes. As soon as the officials arrived, they were treated with good food and drink, and a welcome banner was hung up, making a big splash!

The teachers also set up special official seats to welcome the officials from the court to come and listen to the lectures.

Whenever the teachers caught up with the officials attending the lectures, they immediately took out President Fang's rhetoric, flattered them, and then morally kidnapped them.

They publicly stated that with the adults coming to listen to the lectures, the students of Dongda would be full of understanding, and the teaching level would rise!

They must come again next time, all for the sake of the students!

The officials in the court naturally felt honored, and after class, the teachers and students warmly embraced and agreed on a time to go again next time...

If you don't go, then what you receive will not be President Fang's handwritten invitation letter, but a joint letter from all the teachers and students of the school, with every word written in tears.

If you don't come, aren't you delaying the students' studies! Ruining people's future, how can you have the face not to come?

.....