Chapter 105: Education
“How is everyone’s reflection coming along?”
In the Kingdom’s council chamber, Mo Fangyuan clasped his hands tightly, addressing the block-shaped representatives seated before him.
Except for Fang Zhi and Zhang Lingyun, all others were present. Their faces bore solemn expressions, for they all understood that this meeting would determine the future direction of the Block Kingdom.
“I believe the freedom within the system needs to be more specific, with clear boundaries and definitions...”
Old Duan raised his concerns to Mo Fangyuan.
“I’m aware of that!”
Handing Old Duan a document outlining the relationship between freedom and the system’s arrangement, Elder Fu also showed some concession.
“Your Majesty, I think power should be more centralized to enhance the efficiency of command transmission...”
Lin Ye, combining Elder Fu’s viewpoints with what he had witnessed in the Trial Space, offered his own opinion.
“...”
[The supreme authority belongs to the king, who directly manages all departments and assists in developing the kingdom and governing its people.]
[The kingdom’s highest goal is to liberate the block people and encourage technological advancement.]
[Citizens must obey national arrangements, but no kingdom institution shall harm the safety of its people.]
[Protect the reasonable freedoms of citizens.]
These succinct statements encapsulated the political system of the Block Kingdom.
Time drifted slowly; white clouds floated across the sky as the intense and tense meeting concluded after half a day.
“Then... it is settled!”
With Mo Fangyuan’s words, everyone knew this political system was now officially enacted.
The Block Kingdom was about to undergo a profound transformation.
In truth, even before this moment, the kingdom’s internal situation had closely mirrored what this system described, though without formal regulations—people simply abided voluntarily.
[Absolute Monarchy: A political system where the highest state power is held by a monarch who ascends by abdication, exercising nominal or absolute political authority. Citizens must obey state arrangements as dictated by law. Succession is usually by abdication, with rulers serving for life. It is the predecessor of the “Head of State” system... — Encyclopedia of the Realm]
Outside the castle, fierce winds roared endlessly, snowflakes danced wildly, striking the Block Kingdom like icy crystals.
And thus, after two sessions amidst the storm and snow, the meeting drew to a complete close.
[The conclusion of the Snowstorm Meeting marked the dawn of a new era for the Block Kingdom. Politically and militarily, it entered a new phase... From this moment, the kingdom possessed enduring “growth” and “resilience,” laying a solid institutional foundation for its future rise... — History of the Block People]
[Absolute monarchy severely stifled the creativity and passion of the people, erasing much of the mass imagination... But fortunately, the great ruler who implemented this system was an unparalleled emperor — Mo Fangyuan. In fact, Emperor Fangyuan understood the dangers of this system and abolished it near the end of his reign. — Zhou Murén]
“The meeting is adjourned, fellow compatriots! From now on... let us reform!”
Mo Fangyuan exhaled deeply. As the eye of the storm, he felt the immense pressure weighing upon him.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The assembly dispersed. The chamber that bore witness to history returned to quietude, save for the torch’s flame burning steadily, illuminating the surrounding darkness.
After the meeting, Mo Fangyuan returned directly to the royal castle to summon Old Duan.
The reforms had not affected the Ministry of Education, and Mo Fangyuan intended to seize this opportunity to discuss educational reform with him.
“Old Duan, I’ve reviewed your documents. They contain excellent suggestions, but there is room for improvement.”
Mo Fangyuan planned to leverage his decade-long experience from the Information Age to propel the Block Kingdom’s education into a new era.
Though exam-oriented education had many flaws, it was undeniably the world’s most effective method for cultivating talent on a large scale.
Moreover, it was the fairest and most just.
It generated a vast number of qualified citizens and talents essential to the nation.
Although the current situation in the Block Kingdom was better suited for quality and elite education, Mo Fangyuan resolutely aimed to steer its education toward exam-oriented development—not to commemorate a bygone golden age, but because it could alleviate social stratification.
Class stratification was a terrifying reality, gravely endangering social progress and fairness.
Wherever people gathered, classes inevitably formed, leading to stratification—an immutable truth throughout history.
In the Block Kingdom, this trend was already faintly visible: former village chiefs socialized and aligned exclusively with others of similar status. As more “village chiefs” joined the kingdom, a “village chief class” would soon emerge.
Human nature inclines toward self-interest and safety, naturally gravitating toward similar types. This was unchangeable; the best Mo Fangyuan could do was slow the pace of this solidification.
“Politics... hmm, the subject of patriotism will be overseen by me, as will the study of Redstone... You in the Ministry of Education handle the other subjects first...”
Mo Fangyuan spoke decisively.
The survival and birth rates of newborns in the kingdom had risen sharply; the number of children reached school age was steadily growing; and there were already ten teachers. The previous curriculum was no longer adequate and urgently needed improvement.
[Mathematics, State Studies, Redstone, Vocations (blacksmith, carpenter, stonemason, etc.)]
Language was unnecessary for now, as Block people naturally understood it from birth.
Mathematics was essential—the foundation for mastering truth and thus indispensable.
“State Studies” replaced the more blunt “Patriotism” to avoid alienating rebellious youths during adolescence.
Redstone represented the fusion of Block people’s wisdom and was a symbol of technology. Mo Fangyuan was certain that possession of Redstone would revolutionize the kingdom.
“There’s still time before we reach the Redstone layer in the mines, but with the aid of iron tools... we will surely mine Redstone before summer!”
To prepare for the great Redstone enterprise, Mo Fangyuan resolved to cultivate the first generation of Redstone talents early.
He authored the textbooks, while Fang Zhi’s disciples—who were in their six-month internship—would teach, a perfect opportunity to test the curriculum’s effectiveness.
No need to elaborate on vocations; every villager awakened their profession at age five. Among the ten teachers, seven were experienced professionals covering all vocations within the kingdom, responsible for instructing children who had awakened their respective trades.
“Block people must be able to live and work independently. Free citizens must also learn vocational skills! Assignments should match their talents... Seven days a week, classes every day... mornings spent learning theory with teachers, afternoons following parents to factories—no, to acquire practical knowledge!”
Mo Fangyuan fervently shared his vision with Old Duan, who quietly listened to the king’s “grand blueprint.” Only the young official behind them, tasked with record-keeping, looked fervently inspired.
“Children begin formal learning at nine and continue until maturity at fourteen. The Human Resources Department will assign jobs based on their regular and graduation performance...”
“Once education develops, we will implement a second reform to establish a grade classification system... the timing will depend on circumstances...”
Mo Fangyuan pondered quietly.
“Now, everyone, begin your work—for the Block Kingdom, and for the kingdom’s blossoming future!”
After inspiring the staff, Mo Fangyuan returned to his office to begin his own work.
His desk was strewn with countless documents awaiting his attention.
Silent and unseen, the reforms of the Block Kingdom had begun.