Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1110 - 137: Come to Swamp Prefecture

Right now, Zhao Yao sat beside the window on the second floor of Swamp Prefecture City's grandest teahouse in the bustling commercial zone. He savored his tea, enjoyed the storyteller's performance, and admired the vibrant, thriving spectacle unfolding below.

In the teahouse's ground-floor hall, on the stage, a storyteller vividly narrated the legends of the late emperor and the current emperor's epic conquests that unified the land. The tea patrons listened with rapt attention. Whenever the tale hit a thrilling peak, the crowd burst into excited cheers.

Ever since arriving in Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao had arranged for storytellers to share the saga of Great Zhou's founding, fostering a deep sense of belonging among the locals. The results clearly validate his wise decision. Throughout the past year, Swamp Prefecture's residents have absorbed countless accounts of Great Zhou's origins, the late emperor's feats, and the current emperor's triumphs. This has sparked genuine pride in their identity as Great Zhou citizens. No longer do they reject their status as Great Zhou people; instead, they're diligently mastering the empire's official tongue.

Previously, Swamp Prefecture folk resisted learning the official language due to a sheer lack of access and resources. But these days, Zhao Yao's free schools let them pick it up at no cost.

These free schools, set up by Zhao Yao, finished construction months back and are now fully operational.

Initially, Zhao Yao fretted that folks might shun the free schools, yet to his delight, parents clamored to enroll their kids.

In the old days, no one trusted the authorities to offer truly free education out of goodwill. Prince Han stands apart—he truly cherishes the common folk. The people place their faith in him.

To the Swamp Prefecture masses, Zhao Yao—as Prince Han—is nothing short of a godlike figure. They obey his every directive without question.

Beyond the official free schools, affluent merchants have poured money into building more. Today, dozens of schools of all sizes dot Swamp Prefecture—a stark contrast to over a year ago when none existed.

These schools brim with eager pupils. Alongside the Four Books and Five Classics, plus arts like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, kids master arithmetic, trade basics, agriculture, and textile crafts.

Different free schools emphasize varied curricula. Some drill deep into the Four Books and Five Classics to groom imperial exam hopefuls. Others hone arithmetic skills for future bookkeeping. Still more spotlight commerce, training young merchants.

In essence, Swamp Prefecture's education scene bursts with options and specialties. Naturally, free schooling lasts just three years. For further learning, students shift to paid academies.

Truth be told, fees at those academies remain quite modest. Needy students can seek aid, earning monthly stipends once enrolled. Top performers snag scholarships too.

These days, nearly every Swamp Prefecture family sends kids to school. Adults flock there too. A three-year stint equips grown-ups with solid reading skills.

Once, only elites and the rich could chase education; commoners stayed shut out. Now, even beggars could join free schools—though Swamp Prefecture boasts none anymore.

The Jimin Hospital in Swamp Prefecture shelters the homeless, beggars included. There, they get beds and meals. Yet idleness isn't tolerated forever; the hospital links them to jobs, urging self-reliance. Most step up eagerly.

That said, some stubbornly lounge without laboring. Such slackers get booted from Jimin Hospital, permanently barred. They're effectively blacklisted.

With nonstop construction across Swamp Prefecture since last year, jobs abound. Even the truly jobless find government gigs, complete with meals.

Jimin Hospital provides only short-term aid—a brief haven for the destitute.

Concerned that Jimin Hospital graduates might lack homes, Zhao Yao built affordable public rentals. These low-rent units suit nearly everyone's budget.

In Swamp Prefecture, residents face no fears of homelessness or hunger. So long as one is capable of labor, self-support becomes entirely feasible.

In addition to Jimin Hospital, Jisheng Hospital handles orphan adoptions, while Fusheng Institute offers shelter to the elderly and disabled.