Chapter 81: When the Youth Are Strong, the Nation Is Strong

After a satisfying meal, Sun Wukong, Fat Ox, Iron Fan, and Su Daji gathered to play mahjong. Ever since Chu Xiaoyu, bored and idle, taught them the game, both the monkey and the fox spirit had become utterly obsessed. If they didn’t play a couple of rounds each day, their hearts would itch with restless unease. Even food seemed less appealing.

King Zhou, Su Hu, and Bi Gan, as if discovering a new world, watched Sun Wukong and the others play mahjong in fascination—peeking, touching, utterly delighted. They clamored loudly, eager to learn, but in the end, no one paid them any heed, leaving them to stand awkwardly aside like fools.

With three lacking one, Chu Xiaoyu beckoned the trio over and opened another table, personally instructing them in the game. Thankfully, none of them were fools; after a few rounds, they quickly mastered the rules—able to draw, win, and even self-draw with ease.

Chu Xiaoyu sighed inwardly: Never underestimate the intelligence of the ancients; their minds are no less sharp than those of modern people.

After more than ten rounds, King Zhou gradually collected himself and asked Chu Xiaoyu, “Sir, I have followed your instructions and promoted widespread planting of sweet potatoes and potatoes across the nation. I believe that by next year, we will enjoy a good harvest, and then the issue of feeding the people will be resolved.”

“Now, I wish to ask you, what should be the next step in the art of governing?” King Zhou inquired sincerely.

Su Hu, being a military man, had little interest in the ways of governance, seeing it as the domain of civil officials and rulers. Bi Gan, however, was immediately intrigued.

Bi Gan looked at Chu Xiaoyu with bright, intent eyes. “Sir, could you share your insights on this matter?”

History records Bi Gan as a loyal minister who served two generations of kings, earning him the title of “eternal loyalist” from later generations.

Bi Gan was a man of great talent.

Chu Xiaoyu asked in return, “Mr. Bi Gan, you’ve assisted two kings, haven’t you? With your experience, you must have some understanding of statecraft. Why don’t you share your thoughts—how should one govern a nation?”

“Well… to be honest, though I’ve served two kings, I can’t claim much achievement. My journey has been muddled, like a pony crossing a river, fumbling through uncertainty. I’ve made no significant contributions and am even more ashamed to speak of accomplishments. Truly…” Bi Gan spoke hesitantly.

Chu Xiaoyu slowly drew a tile and self-drew, then began shuffling the tiles as he continued, “The art of governance is a broad concept, almost too vast to define. Let me start with smaller concepts.”

“When it comes to a country, the core principle remains: he who wins the hearts of the people, wins the world. The common folk are the foundation of a nation. So, the first step is to focus on the people.”

“This focus is multifaceted; you might compare it to assembling an army for the protection of home and country.”

“And starting from the people, we must begin with the youngest. What I mean by this is the implementation of a universal education system.”

“It’s well known that learning unlocks wisdom. Education must begin with children, instilling in them the concepts of patriotism from a young age, teaching them to cherish and respect their country and fellow citizens.”

“The importance of universal education cannot be overstated. Cultivating patriotism from childhood creates habits that become second nature, passed down through generations. When the youth are strong, the nation is strong—how could the country not prosper?”

“The youth are strong, the nation is strong? Wonderful! Sir, your words make my blood boil with excitement!” King Zhou exclaimed, deeply moved. “Please, continue.”

“Given your current conditions in the Shang dynasty, nationwide universal education may pose difficulties. Yet, even if it is as hard as climbing to the heavens, if you do not wish to be a third-rate nation, I have only one thing to say: the universal education of children must be implemented as soon as possible.”

“Sir, regarding universal education, what age range do you recommend for children?” Bi Gan, always quick-witted, immediately grasped the essence of Chu Xiaoyu’s words.

Reading opens the mind and inspires ambition. Those who do not study as children grow up to be farmers or butchers; those with means become officials or scholars, admired by the world.

Knowledge can change destiny; this is the power of learning.

Chu Xiaoyu pondered, then replied, “Children should enter school between the ages of three and five, beginning with basic education.”

Bi Gan continued, “Three to five years old? That sounds suitable. Sir, how should this basic education be initiated?”

Chu Xiaoyu considered and said, “You can establish various schools in every city, dividing education into four stages: preschool, primary, junior high, senior high, and finally university.”

“Use semester examinations to assess students’ academic performance. Outstanding students continue to advance, receiving better and higher education. For those with average results or moderate skills, you can create specialized schools according to their abilities or interests, allowing them to apply their learning.”

“For example, some students are unique, preferring to explore unusual crafts or skills. Industry, commerce, agriculture—all require talents in every field.”

“Some students may struggle academically, but their practical abilities are strong, and their ideas are excellent. Such talents should be placed in suitable positions, where they can benefit the country and the people, realizing their own value.”

“Blacksmiths, butchers, masons—they are not worthless; each contributes to the nation in their own way.”

“In any classroom, there are students who excel and those who do not. Some learn in a single lesson, others remain confused even after ten or a hundred repetitions. But this does not mean they are fools; perhaps their true talents lie elsewhere. Such cases are common.”

“Remember, every person is born with a purpose; Heaven does not create useless people.”

After speaking, Chu Xiaoyu felt parched and took a large sip of tea.

As the last mahjong round ended, silence fell over the room.

Sun Wukong and the others, at some point, had gathered around too. Everyone sat on small stools, listening intently, utterly absorbed.