With a million soldiers, the empress begged me not to rebel

Chen Qingwan's heart moved when she heard this. These words seemed simple, but in fact, every word hit the nail on the head.

She originally just wanted to test Lu Yan's opinion.

I didn't expect that he had such profound insights into state affairs.

Seeing that Chen Qingwan was listening intently, Lu Yan raised a wicked smile and continued:

"Miss Chen, governing a country is like doing business."

"You have to focus on increasing revenue and reducing costs, and you also have to know how to capture people's hearts."

He paused, deliberately keeping the question in suspense.

"The people are like customers. You have to give them money and make them willing to spend it."

“Only when this money flows can the country become prosperous and strong.”

Lu Yan said, holding up two fingers.

"Open source means developing commerce, encouraging farming, and giving people jobs and money to earn."

"As for saving money..."

He lowered his voice deliberately.

"We must get rid of all those corrupt officials and make them spit out everything they've eaten!"

As Chen Qingwan listened, the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Seeing that she was fascinated by what he was saying, Lu Yan started to "perform" even harder.

He spoke eloquently and fluently about economic development, military reform, education popularization, and people's livelihood.

"As for the army, quality is more important than quantity."

"Instead of raising a bunch of good-for-nothings, it's better to streamline the troops and improve their combat effectiveness."

"Besides, warfare must keep pace with the times. We can't always fight with swords, guns, sticks and clubs."

"We need some new gadgets, like firearms..."

He then talked about the importance of universal education.

"The power of this education is like the gentle spring rain that moistens everything silently, subtly changing people's hearts and improving the quality of the nation."

"If everyone is well-educated and able to distinguish right from wrong, why should the country not prosper?"

As Lu Yan spoke, he did not forget to throw a coquettish glance at Chen Qingwan.

Chen Qingwan blushed a little at his sudden action.

He coughed lightly to hide his embarrassment and said:

"Lord Lu is absolutely right. Qingwan has also heard a little about the education reforms in Shannan Prefecture. I wonder what your opinion is?"

Lu Yan touched his chin in a pretentious manner and said:

"It's not a brilliant idea, just some superficial thoughts."

"In my opinion, this kind of education must start from childhood."

"Instead of letting children wander around in the fields, it is better to send them to school to learn how to read and write so that they can serve the country in the future."

"It's just that Shannan Prefecture is located in a remote area, lacks teaching staff, and has limited funding for running schools."

"I wonder how the adults solved these problems?"

Chen Qingwan asked.

"What's so difficult about this?"

Lu Yan waved his hand nonchalantly.

"As for the teaching staff, we can recruit them from other places, or simply train them ourselves."

"As for funding, we can apply to the imperial court, or we can mobilize local wealthy businessmen to donate. We can always find a way."

"Your Excellency thinks it's easy."

Chen Qingwan looked at him with a smile.

"The imperial court's funding is limited, so how could those wealthy businessmen willingly pay?"

"Hey, Miss Chen, you don't know this."

Lu Yan smiled mysteriously.

"There's nothing in this world that money can't solve. If there is, it means you don't have enough money."

He paused and added.

"Of course, it depends on how you spend your money."

Lu Yan took the opportunity to express his hopes to Chen Qingwan.

"Miss Chen, you also know that education is a long-term project, not something that can be achieved overnight."

"If the imperial court can attach importance to education and increase investment, it will be able to cultivate countless talents in time and contribute to the development of the country."

Chen Qingwan was moved by Lu Yan's sincerity and foresight, and thought to herself:

Lu Yan not only has the talent to govern the country, but also has a heart that cares about the country and the people. He is truly a rare talent.

She decided to arrange this matter after returning to Beijing and promote Lu Yan's education reform plan nationwide.

"Lord Lu is right. Qingwan will definitely keep it in mind."

Chen Qingwan said solemnly.

The two chatted for a while, and Chen Qingwan suddenly remembered the musket that Lu Yan mentioned just now, so she asked:

"By the way, Lord Lu, how is the progress on the batch of muskets you mentioned earlier?"

Lu Yan smiled mysteriously:

"It's almost done, Miss Chen, don't worry, this batch of muskets will be sent to the capital as soon as they are completed."

"We'll pay for the goods."

A look of ease and comfort.

It seems that these muskets are not weapons with great destructive power.

But it is a rare and precious antique porcelain.

Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, but secretly complained in her heart.

This Lu Yan really can't change his greedy habit.

But he said politely:

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Lu. This batch of muskets is of vital importance to the court."

Lu Yan raised his eyebrows and smiled meaningfully:

"Don't worry, Miss Chen. I'm doing my job, aren't you? I'm absolutely honest and fair, and the products are of high quality and low price."

Chen Qingwan was filled with anticipation when she heard this.

She couldn't wait to see the power of these muskets.

Finally, when Lu Yan talked about people's livelihood construction, his tone became serious.

"The people are the foundation of the country. Only by allowing them to live a good life can the country be stable."

"If the people can no longer survive, then this country will be doomed."

Chen Qingwan was fascinated by what she heard.

These ideas are so similar to the goals she has been striving for for many years!

The look in her eyes when she looked at Lu Yan also changed subtly.

It's no longer just pure appreciation, but a hint of respect and...admiration?

She suddenly realized that she had lost her composure and quickly lowered her head to hide the strangeness in her eyes.

Lu Yan saw all of this.

He laughed secretly in his heart, it seemed that this little girl was conquered by his charm.

He cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence.

"Boss Chen, what do you think of my high-sounding speech?"

Chen Qingwan came back to her senses and her face flushed slightly.

"Qingwan has benefited greatly from Lord Lu's insights."

"Benefited a lot? That's good," Lu Yan said with a smile.

"How about this, Miss Chen, why don't you stay and help me govern Shannan Prefecture?"

Chen Qingwan was stunned, then shook her head and said:

"This...I'm afraid it's not appropriate."

"What's wrong?" Lu Yan asked.

Chen Qingwan hesitated for a moment, but still expressed her concerns.

"Qingwan is only handling some miscellaneous matters for the Empress. She doesn't understand political affairs and I'm afraid she will make things difficult for you, my Lord."

"It's okay, if you don't understand, you can learn."

Lu Yan waved his hand disapprovingly.

"With me here, I'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

He paused and added.

"Besides, Miss Chen, you are so smart and quick to understand. I'm sure you will be able to get the hang of it quickly."

Chen Qingwan was a little shaken. She really wanted to stay and learn more about Lu Yan's philosophy of governing the country.

But due to his status, he couldn't agree directly.

"This……"

"Stop this and that,"

Lu Yan interrupted her.

"It's settled. You'll officially take up your new position tomorrow, starting as my secretary. How about that?"