Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 768 Chapter 314: Appointing Prime Minister Once More! Zhao Feng Displays Authority! Military Recruitment Reform! Academic Palace System!...

All eight ministers bowed deeply, their waists bent low, toward Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.

"We will definitely not let down Your Majesty and the Crown Prince."

"We shall bear the duties of State Governors and bring peace to the states and prefectures."

The eight ministers declared together.

"The State Governors of the Jiuzhou will each oversee an entire state, holding exalted status and immense authority."

"Their rank matches that of a Senior Minister."

"Regarding candidates for Prefectural Governors in the Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Counties, besides those I've already selected, the rest of the open positions will be filled once you nine esteemed ministers reach your assigned states and prefectures, compile lists of names, and send them up. I shall decide on granting the seals." Ying Zheng addressed the eight.

"We ministers humbly obey the Holy Decree." the eight ministers responded immediately.

"The State Governors of the Jiuzhou have been formally appointed. Each state in the Jiuzhou boasts Prefecture Soldiers numbering nearly ten thousand or even tens of thousands, requiring generals to lead them."

"Crown Prince, regarding these generals, have you prepared a list of candidates?" Ying Zheng smiled at Zhao Feng.

"Royal Father."

"The troop commanders for the Jiuzhou have been selected."

"They hail from the meritorious Wanjiang of Qin's Five Camps."

"The detailed assignments have already been issued by your son." Zhao Feng stated.

"Excellent." Ying Zheng nodded, inquiring no more.

"You eight ministers."

"Upon returning to your states and assuming control of affairs, your top priority must be erecting Academic Palaces across counties and states." Zhao Feng instructed.

"If I may ask, Your Highness."

"Once the Academic Palaces stand, how shall students be gathered from the populace? From whence will teachers hail? What fees will each tier of Academic Palace demand? And how long will terms last at every level?" Yan Bing inquired politely.

"Well asked."

Zhao Feng grinned, then explained, "When the Academic Palaces of Daqin's Nine Provinces rise, all between eight and twenty-five years old can join county Academic Palaces for learning. These county ones charge no fees, offer simple lodging, though students provide their own meals."

"A county Academic Palace term spans two years."

"Exams follow those two years. Top performers advance to the County School Palace, charging five hundred cents, meals self-supplied, lasting one year! Exams again after, promoting the talented to the State Academy at eight hundred cents, meals self-supplied, one-year term! Then exams for the Capital City Academy for final trials; passers become officials!"

Hearing Zhao Feng's words,

civil and military officials throughout the grand court nodded fervently, eyes gleaming with wonder at this Academic Palace framework.

Best of all, their Crown Prince had crafted these very rules.

The county Academic Palace's two-year course focused mainly on literacy and foundational writing.

Prefectural City Academic Palaces introduced the Hundred Schools of Thought, plus governing skills.

The State Mansion Academy delved deeper still.

Capital City Academy served to test Jiuzhou arrivals, with successful ones entering officialdom.

"Thus,"

"in just four years after Academic Palaces complete, Qin can nurture endless brilliant minds. Entering the capital, the capable will take posts and shine." Ying Zheng boomed with laughter.

He could already envision the Academic Palace triumph birthing hordes of geniuses across Qin.

"Concerning Academic Palace teachers."

"For the instructors required by Academic Palaces."

"I've dispatched envoys to Qi Land to summon numerous scholars."

"Xunzi, Jixia Academy's Great Sage, agrees to lead the Capital City Academy and even Daqin's worldwide Academy, guiding pupils beneath the heavens."

"At Xunzi's call, numerous talented geniuses from every corner of the realm are eager to join the Academic Palaces and instruct scholars beneath the heavens." Zhao Feng declared leisurely once more, a grin spreading across his face.

Upon hearing those words,

the assembled ministers were utterly shocked.

"Xunzi stands as a paramount Sage of this era; both Chancellor Han and the Tingwei hail from his lineage."

"Xunzi possesses immense virtue and resounding fame. He has long lectured at the Jixia Academy. Never did I dream the Crown Prince could draw forth such a mighty Sage."

"The Crown Prince truly deserves his title, capable of swaying even a Great Sage."

"Led by Xunzi, how could the world's scholars not rally?"

"Yet,"

"Qin's founding of a Daqin Academy for all nations, to illuminate the realm and awaken the masses' intellect—how could Xunzi turn away from such a monumental act of benevolence?"

"This endeavor guarantees his legacy etched eternally in history's pages."

"Precisely so."

"Guided by Xunzi at the helm of the Academic Palaces, they will undoubtedly thrive, birthing endless prodigies for Qin in times ahead."

"The Crown Prince's Academic Palaces are destined for monumental triumph."

...

The mere mention of Xunzi left countless court ministers in awe.

Han Fei and Li Si themselves stood stunned in that instant.

"The Crown Prince's prowess is unmatched. Our master has dwelled steadfastly at Jixia Academy without venturing forth, and at his advanced age, he sought only tranquil retirement—yet the Crown Prince has successfully summoned him."

"With our master's direct guidance, the Academic Palaces will flourish beyond measure."

"Across the lands, our master sets the standard for every scholar."

Han Fei and Li Si shared a look, their faces etched with wonder.

In today's tumultuous world,

when naming a Great Sage whose fame echoes universally, only Xunzi truly qualifies.

Countless disciples have emerged from his tutelage; formerly, many rose to key posts in the rival states—take Han Fei and Li Si, now pinnacle officials.

Within this age, he defines excellence among literati.

One could assert

that Xunzi's involvement ensures the Academic Palaces of Qin earn global acclaim. Herein lies the immense value of rallying the elite scholars.

"Might I inquire, Crown Prince?"

"When the Academic Palaces rise, shall they impart Confucianism, or the Legalists' doctrines? Or maybe the myriad Hundred Schools?"

Chunyu Yue advanced then, his face tense with worry.

Since Fusu's departure from Xianyang, Chunyu Yue had kept a low profile, as had the court's Confucian faction.

Bearing the stark warnings from Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang's fates, how could Chunyu Yue risk further mischief?

He was, after all, just a Confucian adherent, having come to Qin to propagate and exalt his school.

With the Academic Palaces now rising, Chunyu Yue brimmed with profound anxiety. Should they prioritize Legalist teachings, every pupil there would embrace Legalism, dooming Confucianism to oblivion.