Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Jia Jing had no intention of punishing Jia Zhen today. Facing the gazes of his clansmen, he once again spoke loudly:

"I see that many people in the clan are struggling to make ends meet. I intend to build a 'Saving Hall' in the clan to help the elderly, widowed, and destitute, and to ensure their basic living needs are met."

"In addition, for elders over sixty years old or orphaned children in the clan, one string of cash and five pecks of rice will be given each month until the elders pass away or the children turn sixteen! The money will not go through the public funds, but will be provided by me personally."

As soon as Jia Jing said this, the clansmen cheered!

It should be noted that at that time, a string of cash and five bushels of rice were not a small amount.

A second-class maid in the Rongguo Mansion received only one string of cash a month, which was equivalent to one thousand coins.

Theoretically, it was equivalent to one tael of silver, but in private, one tael of silver could be exchanged for at least 1,300 coins, so silver had a stronger purchasing power.

When Granny Liu entered the Rongguo Mansion, she said that an average family of five in the Han Dynasty would only spend about twenty taels of silver a year.

On average, each person spends about four taels of silver per year.

Five dou of rice is equivalent to sixty jin.

Therefore, the money and provisions that Jia Jing provided were more than enough for an average family to survive!

Jia Daixiu exclaimed in a clear voice:

"Jing-ge'er truly cares deeply for his clan and possesses profound virtue. His virtuous plan ensures the elderly are cared for and the young are nurtured; his merit is immeasurable!"

He initially thought that Jia Jing was arrogant and conceited because he had achieved early success. He had seen Jia Jing reprimand Jia Zhen in public without any mercy.

Unexpectedly, Jia Jing did something so virtuous. He seems to be an upright person who was just speaking out against injustice against his clansmen!

Brother Zhen has really gone too far these past few years! You're absolutely right to criticize him!

Jia Dairu nodded in agreement:

"It has the style of the Rong and Ning ancestors!"

Both of them were over sixty years old and were the most senior members of the clan, so their words carried considerable weight.

Grandmother Jia paused slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy as she watched Jia Jing receive unanimous praise from the clansmen.

She sighed inwardly: Now the whole clan is praising Jia Jing. With this good reputation, she will have even less way to control this grandson!

After Jia Jing and the others finished their discussion, they spoke up again in a loud voice:

"Besides the elderly and children, the other important thing is the clan school! I intend to fund the reconstruction of the clan school and invite renowned teachers to instruct in both literature and martial arts, so as to provide a good path for advancement for the children of the clan."

"All school-age children in the clan can attend school for free. If they achieve academic success, I will also subsidize their expenses for the imperial examinations and military examinations. Furthermore, I may even recommend them for official or military positions in the future."

"For any able-bodied young man in the clan who is interested in finding a way out, I plan to hold a management training class, teaching some basic literacy and accounting skills for free. If there are any outstanding ones, they can also become managers in my shops or estates."

These words caused a stir among the crowd, especially among the young men who hoped to find work for Jia Jing.

I never expected the Marquis to be so thoughtful, not only training them in skills but also arranging for them to be managers.

Isn't what they're looking for just a way out?

The Marquis is indeed a Marquis; he has thought of everything.

Not only did he provide relief to the elderly, children, orphans, and widows, and educate young people, but he also found a way out for them. This is truly a virtuous person who plans for the benefit of his people!

Jia Daixiu's face lit up with delight, and he praised again:

"Jing-ge'er truly lives up to his reputation as the pride of our clan, considering everything for the sake of our people!"

Jia Zheng echoed:

"Jing-ge'er is indeed virtuous and talented, and possesses both benevolence and righteousness. As soon as he returned to the manor, he thought of the clan members. He has never enjoyed a single day of happiness for himself. I am ashamed of my own inferiority."

Although Jia Zheng himself disliked mundane affairs, he was very pleased and supportive of Jia Jing's actions in promoting friendship with the clan and carrying forward culture and education.

Only Grandmother Jia's expression changed slightly, and she whispered to Jia Jing:

"Jing-ge'er, there are no more steward positions in the household! Don't even think about it..."

She was clearly afraid that Jia Jing would take away the current manager's position in the Rongguo Mansion. If that were to happen, she wouldn't be able to object, since the clansmen would definitely side with Jia Jing.

Before Grandmother Jia could finish speaking, Jia Jing interrupted:

"No need for you to worry, old lady. I have my own estates and shops to take care of my clansmen."

After Jia Jing was granted a military rank, Emperor Jingsheng bestowed upon him a considerable amount of land and estates, not to mention that his shops are currently struggling to find customers!

There is no one more suitable to be a leader than these people!

As long as they were capable, Jia Jing was willing to use them. In feudal patriarchal society, clansmen were more reliable than others.

Only after hearing this did Grandmother Jia feel relieved.

Jia Zhen, standing to the side, looked on with disdain, thinking that he was nothing but a fool who only knew how to spend money!

It involves showing compassion to the elderly and children, building schools, and training managers—how much money must that cost?

Not to mention this year's expenses, there will be a continuous expenditure of hundreds or thousands of taels every year in the future. How many production capacity can withstand such losses!

What's the point?

Want a good reputation?

What good is a good reputation! It's all show and no substance!

Only your own money provides true confidence.

"Virtuous and talented, benevolent and righteous"—that's just fooling idiots!

Why doesn't the West Mansion spend money on these things? They're just unwilling to spend the money.

Sitting opposite Jia Zhen, Jia Dairu, who had remained calm just moments before, slightly changed his expression and couldn't help but ask Jia Jing:

"Jing-ge'er, about this clan school..."

Jia Jing naturally understood what he meant, and said in a deep voice:

"The clan school concerns the future of all the young children in our Jia clan; it is no exaggeration to say that it is the most important matter in the clan!"

"I plan to divide the subject into two sections: civil and military studies. I will hire renowned teachers to instruct in them and manage them strictly. For the civil studies section, I will at least hire a teacher who has passed the imperial examination..."

Although Jia Jing didn't finish speaking, Jia Dairu clearly understood his meaning: with his own lack of even a Xiucai degree, he was naturally not suitable to manage the clan school!

Although he was somewhat reluctant, he knew that this was a great thing for the sake of his people, and he couldn't stop it.

Moreover, Jia Jing had just promised them, the elderly over sixty, a monthly allowance, so they wouldn't be unable to survive.

Jia Dairu still had feelings for the clan school, partly because he had managed it for so many years.

On the other hand, managing the clan school also provides some income, and his family is not well-off; they cannot survive without income.

Jia Jing paid little attention to Jia Dairu's feelings, and it was even less likely that he would allow Jia Dairu to return to his post at the clan school.

After all, Jia Dairu bears some responsibility for the chaotic and corrupt academic atmosphere of the clan schools in the past.

Whether it's because of old age or inability to control those young masters, neither is a reason for dereliction of duty.

It would be better to let him go home and properly manage his grandson, so that he doesn't end up like an old man burying his young son.

Jia Jing looked around and, seeing that everyone had stopped talking, straightened his expression and said loudly:

"Okay! That's all for today. We'll get to the point within the next few days."

"There are a few unpleasant things to say upfront: Although the training course is free, those who don't study seriously or diligently will not only fail to get a job in charge, but will also be removed from the training course."

"I want to help those who are truly motivated and willing to work hard, not those who are lazy, cunning, or deceitful."

"Furthermore, now that our Jia clan has gained some influence, we must not engage in any illegal, disorderly, or bullying activities outside! If I find out, don't blame me for being ruthless!"