"Xue Qinghe" is currently very confused; she doesn't know how to proceed on the path ahead.
The second fire burned fiercely, killing many people, but it also saved even more.
From a broader perspective or the standpoint of the common people, this action was wholly beneficial and without harm.
Countless commoners wept with gratitude, calling her a deity descended to save humanity.
Of course, what troubled Xue Qinghe wasn't the second fire, but the third.
As a new official, she lit three fires, and the first two had already been set. Naturally, the third fire wouldn't be ordinary.
After listening to Zhongli's words, "Xue Qinghe" explained her purpose.
"Guest Elder..."
Yes, in private, "Xue Qinghe" still referred to Zhongli as her advisor. Only with this title did she feel a closer bond between them.
Titles like Geo Archon, Emperor, or State Preceptor didn't feel as intimate.
"Now that many arrest teams have been severely hit, the nobles have also cooperated in releasing the slaves..."
But slaves are ultimately just slaves!
In this world, they essentially possess no specialized skills.
Although they have been granted physical freedom, their hearts remain shackled.
Even if "Xue Qinghe's" sword is sharp, it cannot sever these chains.
Hearing this, Zhongli stroked his chin and fell into deep thought.
Such a situation was something he had anticipated the moment "Xue Qinghe" issued her decree.
Some people, after kneeling for so long, find it hard to stand up, a perfectly normal occurrence.
Oxen and horses remain oxen and horses because they believe themselves to be so.
Freedom and aspirations have little to do with oxen and horses; their sole purpose is survival.
If this were a normal world, initiating a reform to help these slaves stand tall again would be feasible.
But this isn't a normal world. Here, there exists a force not overwhelmingly strong, yet far superior to ordinary people.
"Do you wish for the empire to continue, or do you want to hand over power to the people?"
"Whichever path you choose, you should carefully consider it."
"Under a powerful empire, an exceptionally wise and enlightened ruler is needed to lead the people to prosperity."
An empire, ruled by a single voice, might be more efficient than the second option if led by a wise ruler.
Handing over power to the people would necessitate forming a federation. Regardless of the empire's direction, the managers would ultimately reflect the people's will, chosen by them.
"Xue Qinghe" was moved by his words. Naturally, she wished to hand over power to the people, but now was not the time.
If power were given to the people now, who knows how many nobles would rebel? How many would declare themselves kings or emperors?
"For now, the continuation of the empire is the best approach. When the time is right, power can be returned to the people."
Zhongli nodded, seeing that she had some understanding and clarity.
"In that case, strengthen education. The time of a hundred flowers blooming will be when you lay down your burden."
At this point, Zhongli's expression turned slightly odd, feeling that the path Qian Renxue was taking was remarkably similar to his own.
Hearing this, "Xue Qinghe" seemed to have an epiphany, her beautiful eyes clearing.
Regarding education, Bibi Dong had started making arrangements several years ago, though mostly targeted at children.
Specifically, children who had awakened their martial souls but had no chance of becoming spirit masters.
These children have yet to graduate, and the outcome remains uncertain.
As for the slaves, what measures should be taken?
"Let them learn a skill, so they are no longer so lost in life."
"Learn a skill?"
"Yes, it can be called a vocational school."
Most of these people are too old to learn the basics; they simply can't grasp them.
It would be better for them to acquire practical skills, whether in cooking, weaving, or other trades, giving them the means to survive.
Offering free skill training, along with accommodation and meals, is a negligible burden for the empire.
After roughly explaining the concept of vocational schools, Qian Renxue had an epiphany, inwardly marveling at Zhongli's wisdom.
He had solved the problem in minutes.
She had pondered many methods but never considered the adage: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
Teaching these slaves skills would provide them with a means of survival.
Qian Renxue's previous gloom dissipated, and she left Zhongli's residence with a spring in her step, ready to draft detailed plans and implement them.
The time of a hundred flowers blooming is when she will step down from the throne.
She believes that day is not far off.
When "Xue Qinghe" presented the plan to her ministers, they were stunned, bewildered, and incredulous.
They never expected the new emperor to be so thorough.
Teaching the slaves a skill would enable them to engage in related work upon reintegration into society, potentially boosting the empire's tax revenue significantly.
They had thought the new ruler was killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, but it turned out "he" had grand ambitions!
"Your Majesty is wise!"
If all slaves and commoners could learn a skill and continuously create wealth, the empire might become more glorious than ever!
Even Xue Ye, deep within the palace, nodded in approval of "Xue Qinghe's" decision. It was truly commendable, and the initial investment was negligible.
Moreover, learning a skill wouldn't take long before they could master it.
Only "Xue Qinghe" knew whether she was truly wise; her wisdom was merely a result of being "open to advice."
With her previous perspective, she could never have conceived such a solution.
Indeed, her vision had been limited.
Turning these slaves into "workers" was a necessary measure; their mindset was fixed, their goal clear: survival.
The true direction lay with the younger generation.
"This matter must not fail. I will send people to conduct random inspections. If I find anyone being duplicitous, I will show no mercy!"
"Xue Qinghe" spoke expressionlessly, her tone resolute.
While she made the overarching decisions, the actual implementation rested with the court officials and the empire's administrators.
If these individuals caused trouble, even the most perfect policies would fail.
Hearing this, everyone trembled and hastily assured her they wouldn't dare.
They truly didn't dare, given the numerous precedents. How could they defy the emperor's decisions?
Regardless of whether "Xue Qinghe" conducted random inspections, they would ensure no one interfered, lest they lose their lives.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will spare no effort!"
At this moment, the court officials' role finally became evident. Under their coordination, vocational schools quickly sprang up across the empire.