My father is Jiajing

On the vast ocean, a fleet of thirty large ships is cutting through the waves.

This was the third fleet of immigrant ships bound for the Southern Continent, carrying over five thousand convict immigrants and hundreds of craftsmen.

Inside the cabin of the flagship "Kunpeng", Zhang Wenzong was giving a lesson to a group of immigrant children who still looked bewildered and ignorant.

These children came from diverse backgrounds. Some were sons of law-abiding citizens and military households. Their elders had boarded the ship, either passively or actively, with their families, heading towards the unknown Southern Continent, hoping to settle down there and seek new opportunities.

Some were the children of officials or criminals who had committed crimes. Although their parents had made mistakes and were to be punished by the court's laws, these children were, in a sense, innocent.

Therefore, even these children who were implicated in the sins of their parents and clans and were forced to immigrate to the Southern Continent were not discriminated against, but were given the most basic education in the same way.

Of course, there will be different levels of education.

Those children who excel at learning will naturally be treated well, receiving more attention and opportunities.

As for those who are not good at learning, they will not be abandoned now. They will still be taught some basic literacy and arithmetic. Once the ship has sailed across the sea to Nanmingzhou, they will be separated and handed over to some craftsmen to learn their skills and techniques.

However, if some children still cannot grasp the concepts and cannot properly study and understand the methods of learning during this process, then the only path left for them is to sell their labor.

After all, even in the most wonderful world, it's just an ideal for everyone to be like a dragon.

In the real world, people are still divided into different classes for various reasons.

The most direct way to allocate resources is based on the level of ability.

If a person is all talk and no action, unable to do anything well, and thinks they are a waste of talent and have no opportunities just because they know a few words, then such a person can almost certainly be judged as a failure in life.

Because such people never reflect on themselves, nor do they improve themselves through learning. They only worry about their situation and never think about what they can do or what they are capable of doing.

On the contrary, when it comes to the injustices of reality, they become eloquent and articulate, as if the reason why their peers who are better than them have good jobs and treatment is because they have good fathers.

Admittedly, relying on one's father's connections is not a very popular thing in this world, but what can be done about it?

After all, this is a social reality.

Moreover, not everyone lives a comfortable life, does an easy job, and enjoys enviable benefits because of their father's connections.

There are still many people who have earned their living, working and enjoying these benefits through their own abilities.

Therefore, even if Confucius were to provide individualized education to those who never think about improving themselves or reflecting on their own abilities, it wouldn't necessarily help them much.

After all, Confucius had three thousand disciples, and only seventy-two of them were considered sages.

It is evident that the yield rate is very low.

Not all three thousand disciples will amount to anything.

Therefore, if a person wants to live the good life they desire, they should carefully consider what they can do and what they are capable of. If they don't know how to learn, they can learn some relevant skills and crafts.

Once you have these ideas, add some action.

So even if you can't live the good life you initially longed for, at least you won't have nothing but complaints without any real ability.

In the end, at least you can live a stable life with enough to eat and wear, so that you don't become so anxious that you feel helpless or mentally ill.

Of course, the reasoning behind this is quite simple.

In reality, there are still many people who fail to recognize this and remain trapped in a self-destructive and contradictory mindset.

After all, everyone's abilities and understanding are different.

The same principle may be useful to some people, but to others it may just be a paternalistic lecture that they can't accept.

Therefore, regardless of the educational approach, there's no need to have too many expectations for the outcome.

All you need to do is fulfill your responsibilities and teach those who are willing and talented.

As for those who can't be taught, we can only teach them to follow basic rules. As for other more difficult education, we shouldn't think too much about it.

Otherwise, you'll drive yourself crazy sooner or later.

Zhang Wenzong is currently on the "Kunpeng" ship, where he is responsible for teaching these children some basic things, such as the Analects of Confucius.

"A gentleman attends to the fundamentals; when the fundamentals are established, the Way arises." What are the "fundamentals"? They are the very essence of being a person. Though we are going to the Southern Ocean with sins on our hands, as long as we firmly remember the teachings of the sages, we can still become gentlemen.

Zhang Wenzong, in a self-absorbed manner, lectured the children on the principles of a gentleman. The children listened with a mixture of understanding and confusion, but a few of them were quick-witted or had received some instruction from their parents.

Therefore, one can still have some understanding of Zhang Wenzong's philosophy of gentlemanly conduct.

As for those children who only vaguely understood what he was talking about, Zhang Wenzong knew he couldn't ask for too much.

After all, there were quite a few fellow clansmen who studied with him in their hometown back then.

They were all taught by the same teacher, but some of them had already become successful candidates in the imperial examinations, preparing for the Jinshi examinations, or had already passed the Jinshi examinations.

But many more people not only failed to learn anything well, but also couldn't even pass the basic preliminary examination for children.

This shows just how vast the differences are between people.

Now Zhang Wenzong can be considered a role model for teachers.

While educating these immigrant children on the ship, Zhang Wenzong finally experienced firsthand what it meant to have a mixed bag of good and bad.

However, Zhang Wenzong was also pleased that although these children had different learning abilities and paces, they were generally well-behaved and obedient, and did not do too many outrageous things.

Of course, not many dared to do anything outrageous. After all, their parents couldn't back them up at this time, so they could only restrain their personalities and obediently listen to them.

Just as Zhang Wenzong was continuing to explain the concept of a gentleman, the cabin door was suddenly pushed open, and an officer walked in, politely saying to Zhang Wenzong, "Mr. Zhang, the Admiral requests your presence upstairs."

Upon hearing that it was the Admiral who was looking for him, Zhang Wenzong quickly settled his students and followed the officer onto the deck.

The sea breeze on the deck swept over him, and Zhang Wenzong looked at the magnificent ocean view, feeling deeply moved.

In the past, he had only seen descriptions of the sea and sky merging into one, and of the vastness of the sea and sky, in books; he had never actually seen the sea.

But ever since he made up his mind to come to Nanmingzhou, he finally saw the sea for the first time in his life at Quanzhou Port. However, the sea at the port was very different from the vast ocean at this moment.

At this moment, the giant ship "Kunpeng" is sailing on the boundless ocean, with no land in sight, not even a small island or reef.

However, the giant ship "Kunpeng" was still able to rely on its compass and the celestial phenomena it had observed at night to continue moving in the right direction.

It is evident that even the vast and boundless ocean can be navigated in the right direction if one has the means to control it.

Yu Qiang stood at the bow of the ship in front of the deck. After hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around and looked Zhang Wenzong up and down.

"I heard you were a scholar who passed the imperial examinations?"

"In reply to the Admiral, I once passed the imperial examination at the county level, but later... later, due to some incident, I was stripped of my academic title and am now a criminal."

Zhang Wenzong lowered his head in shame, now truly regretting his impulsive actions.

Yu Qiang chuckled and said, "It's alright."

Then Yu Qiang waved his hand and said, "Once we arrive in Nanming, all past grievances will be wiped clean. Although His Highness has not yet taken up his post in Nanming, his thirst for talent is still very sincere. In particular, he will definitely give important positions to scholars like you. As long as you are willing to work hard and diligently, His Highness will not hesitate to give you any opportunities."

Zhang Wenzong couldn't help but feel excited as he listened to Yu Qiang's words.

After all, such an opportunity has only come a handful of times, even if we look at the entire history of thousands of years.

If I can truly demonstrate my talents and abilities in the Southern Underworld Continent.

When Jingfan has fully settled down in Nanming in the future, he may very well become an important figure who influences the future history of Nanming Continent.

Therefore, it is understandable that Zhang Wenzong was very excited at this moment.

Zhang Wenzong took a deep breath, looked at the admiral who was not much older than himself, and bowed respectfully again.

"Your Excellency, I have another question if I may ask: Is Nanming truly a desolate and uncivilized place as rumored?"

As Yu Qiang listened to Zhang Wenzong's words, his gaze involuntarily turned to the bow of the ship, looking into the distance.

Yu Qiang remarked with a sigh, "It's not entirely accurate to call it a wilderness. There are vast plains and fertile land there, just undeveloped. Although there are many natives, they do not pose a threat."

Hearing this, Zhang Wenzong couldn't help but look over out of curiosity. Yu Qiang continued, "These natives are like savages. They have no written language or history, and rely solely on instinctive wisdom to form tribes. They also engage in brutal feuds and even cannibalism!"

"However, this is not their original sin. According to His Majesty, the reason why these people are so barbaric is that their continent lacks the prosperous corners of the world like the Ming Dynasty, so they are as if they are locked in time, without the opportunity to learn from each other and develop."

"However, it is precisely for this reason that Nanming Continent needs you scholars to spread the teachings of the sages. Because in the near future, these barbaric natives will also be regarded as subjects of the Ming Dynasty. Once they have learned our sage principles, understood the shame of being human, and acquired morality, then they will become normal."

"So you don't need to be afraid of what these natives will do. In dealing with them, you need to have the benevolence of a Confucian scholar, but also the ruthlessness of an iron fist. If they are disobedient, don't bother with patient persuasion; just kill them if necessary. Only keep those who are willing to learn and obey."

Zhang Wenzong took a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock.

Finally, he nodded solemnly and said, "I understand. When I arrive in Nanming Continent, I will certainly live up to your teachings today."

Yu Qiang patted Zhang Wenzong on the shoulder with satisfaction and encouraged him, "Go and teach those children well. They will be the first generation of scholars in Nanming."

Back in his cabin, Zhang Wenzong looked at the children diligently copying the Analects under the oil lamp and suddenly felt an immense weight on his shoulders.

They brought not only farming tools and seeds, but also the torch of civilization. On this unfamiliar land, they would rebuild a new world belonging to the Han people.

Time flew by and it was spring of the fifth year of the Longqing reign. The outline of Tunan City had begun to take shape.

Although the city walls are still made of rammed earth, the four gate towers have been completed; the foundation of the palace has been laid, and the main hall's beams and pillars stand tall.

Han Dong, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Jingfan Commander in charge of overseeing the construction, stood on the high platform of the temporary palace, looking at the rising city with a sense of accomplishment.

In just two years, this once barren land has begun to resemble the land of China, growing from nothing to something.

"Captain, the latest batch of immigrant lists has arrived."

Han Dong's assistant, Zhao Si, came over carrying a thick booklet. "This time there are two hundred craftsmen, eight hundred farmers, and, uh, three hundred women and children."

Upon hearing this, Han Dong sighed again, "Is it another case of insufficient female relatives?"

"Reporting to the Commandant, there are very few women willing to cross the ocean."

Zhao Si said helplessly, "Although the imperial court has increased the reward, this is still a one-way journey to the ends of the earth."

"Pass down the order," Han Dong said decisively, "For all those who bring their families to Nanming, the men will be granted 800 mu of land, and the women will be granted an additional 200 mu of mulberry and hemp land, as well as 150 local slaves!"

Zhao Si quickly jotted it down and added, "There's one more thing. Following Admiral Yu's suggestion, we started recruiting indigenous women to marry immigrants. After those women learned Chinese and Han etiquette, they became quite popular."

"Hmm, that's one way."

Han Dong nodded and continued, "But we must set a rule: any man who marries a native woman must have his children enrolled in school, otherwise a portion of the land he was granted will be taken back."

"I understand."

Zhao Si bowed and said, "There is also the matter of the imperial examination. The first batch of children's examinations will be held next month. As instructed by the Commandant, the difficulty of the questions will be reduced by 30% compared to those in the local area."

Han Dong pondered for a moment: "No, we can just lower it by 20%. Although the Nanming Imperial Examination is newly established, the standards cannot be too low. Otherwise, when we compete with the local candidates in the future, we will inevitably be looked down upon."

"The Commandant's insight is brilliant," Zhao Si said admiringly. "Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice sent a document inquiring whether the laws of Nanming are entirely in accordance with the Great Ming Code?"

“In principle, we should follow the ‘Great Ming Code’,” Han Dong had already considered, “but we should make appropriate adjustments based on local conditions. For example, those natives who steal cattle should not be executed, but compensated with forced labor instead. We should have the legal advisor draft a specific clause.”

Zhao Si noted everything down and was about to leave when Han Dong called him back: "Wait, there's one more thing. Order all the military settlements to establish community schools and hire scholars who have migrated from elsewhere to teach. Children must be seven years old to attend school, and those who violate this rule will have their parents punished with forced labor."

"With the Commandant placing such importance on education, the literary culture of Nanming will surely flourish."

Zhao Si praised sincerely.

Han Dong looked north, his gaze seemingly traversing thousands of miles of ocean: "Your Majesty is right. Oranges grown south of the Huai River are oranges. But for these oranges to be sweet, they need suitable soil and water. And the best soil and water is poetry, books, rites, and music."

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