e. I haven't left them with nothing to eat. For example, this year I had them pay one thousand taels of silver in taxes. Next year, I will find a way for them to earn one thousand and one hundred tael...Chapter 443: Academy

"And the primary purpose of this academy was two-fold: first, to cultivate talent for the imperial examinations for the government."

The second is to prepare a talent pool for the nationwide education system in the future. We should recruit talented individuals from all over the country. The royal family can allocate special funds to support these students.

But Li Chen's true intentions remained unspoken.

He's going to select science talents from among these students!

A scientist who can be of use to him!

Li Chen certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to dabble in modern technology. However, things like defensive fortifications, military equipment, and agricultural implements are entirely within the realm of possibility with current technological capabilities.

With his knowledge of the future, he believed that as long as there were enough talented people, he could raise the technological level of the Qin Empire to a level at least thirty years ahead of the world average in a short period of time.

A single stroke of brilliance, almost destroyed the development of science and technology during the entire feudal era.

Li Chen's goal now is to tear open a crack, and when he first noticed Guan Zhiwei at the Ministry of Works, Li Chen already had this plan.

Now, with Mr. Jianjing opening the Royal Academy, this plan has moved from paper to reality for the first time.

Li Chen's attitude was sincere, and what he said was all practical. Despite Mr. Jing's helplessness, he had to say: "In that case... then everything will be as Your Highness says."

Li Chen laughed heartily and said, "Sir is righteous."

No matter how the process went, this result is satisfactory for both parties.

After talking with Mr. Jing, the three treasures returned with Zheng BaoRong too.

Seeing Zheng Baorong kneel before him again, Li Chen knew that what he had said before was probably mostly true.

Otherwise, the three treasures would show no mercy under their blade.

"Your Highness, it has been verified that Zheng Bao Rong's words are true."

Sān Bǎo's words also confirmed Li Chen's thoughts.

Li Chen nodded, quietly looking at Zheng Baorong. He was considering how to deal with the person in front of him.

Zheng Baorong is a typical specialist, his talent lies only in management, but in other areas, he is a mess.

Especially in terms of officialdom, with Zheng Bao'rong's current level, if he were rashly placed in a very high position, I fear that he would be immediately devoured by those old foxes, leaving nothing but bones and scraps.

But Li Chen is really short-handed right now.

Thinking of this, Li Chen said slowly, "Zheng Baorong."

"Your humble servant is here," Zheng Bao-rong replied immediately, knowing the moment of his trial had arrived.

"You arbitrarily created pretexts to impose exorbitant taxes, causing widespread resentment among the people. You also misused imperial instruments, such grave offenses cannot go unpunished."

"But considering that you are a first-time offender and the taxes collected were indeed not embezzled, but rather used for local purposes, it is understandable."

Therefore, you are hereby removed from your post as the magistrate of Weihaiwei.

Zheng Baorong heard this and his body went limp, as if his backbone had been pulled out. He cried mournfully and prostrated himself on the ground, saying: "Your humble servant thanks Your Highness."

"No need to thank me yet."

Li Chen continued, "The court employs people based on a comprehensive assessment of their scholarship, character, and ability. Although your character may be flawed, your scholarship and ability are still commendable, and your heart to serve the country is not to be disregarded. Therefore, this palace has ordered you to take up the position of City Magistrate of the capital city immediately."

To jump from the position of Weihaiwei's magistrate to that of Beijing's prefect is like ascending from a prefecture-level city to a municipality directly under the central government. The magnitude of this leap is truly remarkable, a testament to divine favor.

Zheng Baorong was dumbfounded, staring blankly at Li Chen for a long time without saying a word.

"How come you've forgotten to thank me now" Li Chen said calmly.

Zheng Bao-rong awoke as if from a dream, and eagerly kowtowed, joyfully exclaiming: “Your humble servant thanks Your Highness, thanks Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince! May Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!”for Lin Ziba, leaving him with no chance of survival. What no one expected was that Zhao Xuanji, who was the most loyal to Lin Ziba, had already begun making preparations in advance. He seemed to know...