"Teacher!" A group of people, like ants on a hot pan, swarmed around Kayal, who was disheveled and following behind a pair of knights.
Kayal was in an extremely sorry state, revealing a side of himself never seen before, yet it wasn't a total loss of face; rather, another side of him was completely witnessed by his disciples.
"How are the people in town reacting?" Kayal took the towel and comb handed to him by a quick-witted disciple and tidied his appearance.
Though his clothes were still disheveled, Kayal's face was completely refreshed.
The refreshed Kayal exuded immense confidence.
From now on, he would underestimate no one!
"Staff." Kayal reached out.
His staff came to his side, like a lamp connected to electricity, its strikingly prominent diamond emitting a faint, soft, and heartwarming glow.
This was his method of training.
"Nothing! We haven't told the populace anything, only that the second bell has rung. This way, even if we announce the decision, there won't be any major upheaval." Kayal's third disciple, Rayler, stepped forward.
He was responsible for military matters; although he was only a squad leader in the five-thousand-strong city guard, all military research in the manor revolved around him!
Kayal nodded slightly at Rayler's report.
This was a foolproof plan devised after his disappearance, and it was commendable that they had thought of it.
"This was Al's idea." The next words startled Kayal, then filled him with emotion.
The rigid knight loli who used to toddle after him was now a capable general, knowing when to advance and retreat.
"Well done," Kayal hastily took a robe and hurried towards the square, "I'm sure everyone is getting impatient. Let's go quickly."
A large group of people followed behind Kayal, their faces filled with excitement and joy.
It was rare to see such a large group of humans so exhilarated, a sight that greatly piqued Holo's curiosity.
The scene that followed left Holo unforgettable.
Countless people crowded the roads, rooftops, railings, and steps, like a moving colony of ants.
But the moment Kayal appeared, the clamor in the dense crowd spread like a tide.
What surprised her even more was that despite the immense crowding, people still began to make way as Kayal walked forward.
One could see from their faces that those who cleared a path showed no fear, surprise, or negative emotions; only honor and excitement.
If one person showed such an expression, it could be said to be currying favor, but for everyone making way along the entire path to have faces full of honor, it could only mean that this was the will of the people!
Though Kayal remained composed, meticulous observers frowned, noticing that Kayal's attire was clearly out of place.
Many immediately connected this to the second bell and Kayal's tardiness.
"Today, there was a small issue that caused me to be late, and for that, I apologize to everyone here." Kayal said with a slight smile, holding up a megaphone.
Though he smiled calmly, the events themselves were truly beyond simple explanation.
"What I am announcing today is a matter of great importance concerning all of Red Leaf Ridge.
This decree has undergone much deliberation and five years of practical implementation, finally leading me to make this decision to promote this initiative."
Kayal's words made everyone involuntarily tense.
The farmers were nervous because they had grown accustomed to their easily obtained happiness, but Kayal could turn their happiness into nothing with a single decree.
Clearly, commerce brought not only social progress, but also information about the harsh and tragic disparities faced by farmers in other regions to Red Leaf Ridge.
Only with comparison could there be happiness!
The system in Red Leaf Ridge was not merely about making people more comfortable, but about giving them a stronger drive for self-improvement.
The contribution system allowed ordinary people to have a chance to rise, which meant ambitious young talents would not be limited by wealthy families or humble origins.
With this system, they only needed to do things that interested Kayal to easily earn many contribution points, and contribution points were the guarantee of a prosperous life and the source of honor.
With this continuous cycle, there would never be a talent gap in Red Leaf Ridge, and technology would stack higher and higher like a pyramid.
Even a far-sighted strategist like Kongming did not foresee twenty years into the future; it must be said that the information volume Kayal brought from the twentieth century offered an unparalleled long-term perspective.
"Schools." Kayal softly uttered this absolute weapon, beneficial to the nation and its people.
"Red Leaf Ridge will implement universal education." The ease with which this was said belied significant benefits and a massive plan.
Many merchants caught wind of its implications.
"Citizens with merits, and nobles, will receive free education from the Red Leaf Ridge government.
For those below the status of citizen, each child will pay five silver coins per year." The merit system in Red Leaf Ridge was paramount!
This was a policy above law and fairness!
If the merit class could not even guarantee basic welfare, then the system would exist in name only.
It wasn't that Kayal didn't want to implement universal free education, but welfare, so-called, required comparison.
The US government's annual welfare spending accounts for fifteen percent of its revenue, yet no unemployed vagrant is grateful for a few hundred dollars of monthly subsidy.
If you put that in China, they would probably be eternally grateful—not working, not striving, yet still getting thousands of yuan every month, thank the government, thank God!
And if everyone received free education, how could the privileges of the merit class be highlighted?
Therefore, there must be a reference point: the merit class and contribution class, to demonstrate their privileges!
This was essential!
"I will establish a school that includes one hundred subjects.
These subjects require six years of study, and children from six to twelve years old must attend school.
So, even though it costs five silver coins per year, these children will receive one hundred contribution points upon graduation." Kayal, of course, knew that some small-peasant mentality would cause farmers to resist due to money, but if there were benefits: contribution points that even money couldn't buy, then students would probably flock to the school.
As Kayal expected, the people of Red Leaf Ridge were instantly stirred by the good news of receiving one hundred contribution points upon graduation!
But an even stronger reaction followed: "Among the one hundred subjects, each subject will have an exam once a month.
The top three in each exam will receive rewards: first place, thirty silver coins; second place, twenty silver coins; third place, ten silver coins.
Every subject has this!"
In Red Leaf Ridge, the cost of living was such that one silver coin was enough to feed a family of three for a day.
In other words, thirty silver coins were enough for a family of three for a month!
Study, get money, and get contribution points upon graduation!
Even if it cost ten silver coins a year, people would madly demand entry!
The entire Red Leaf Ridge went wild!