Chapter 22: Children Are the Future

The sun rose in the east, its rays spreading endlessly across the horizon. The people of the desolate city eagerly gathered outside the Lord’s Manor, many of whom had not appeared the previous evening. They were curious to see what the new city lord looked like—and more importantly, to hear if there were any announcements to be made. Rumor had it that the lord had promised every household a share of the resources won in the recent war.

A temporary platform, over ten meters high, had been erected outside the Lord’s Manor. When the time was right, Yang Tian ascended it, ensuring even those further away could see him clearly. The space outside the manor was limited, yet nearly ten thousand citizens filled the surrounding streets—men, women, the elderly, and children. Judging by their numbers, nearly every household was represented. Yang Tian’s fledgling prestige was already having an effect.

“Greetings, everyone. I am Yang Tian, the new lord of the desolate city.” With the power of cultivated eloquence, Yang Tian’s voice carried distinctly to every ear.

“We all know the situation our city faces. I hope we can work together. I won’t waste your time with empty words; instead, let me announce some genuine, practical news.” Yang Tian was not one for ornate rhetoric, nor did he see the need. The people of this city were numb at heart; they preferred to see results with their own eyes, not just hear promises. Only through concrete action could he win their respect and support.

“Please, be calm. There is no need to rush. In the recent war, we slew hundreds of savage beasts. As I promised, every household will benefit. Instead of distributing the beast meat directly, we are arranging for traveling merchants to come and trade, so that each of you will receive a share of grain. This is a benefit I offer to all.”

A sincere joy lit up the faces of the crowd.

“However, you must understand—there is no such thing as a free meal. Only through labor can there be reward. But don’t worry, I have no intention of oppressing you. Listen to me carefully.”

At these words, most people’s expressions changed. They realized they had been too quick to rejoice; it was foolish to expect such good fortune without a catch. The new lord clearly had his own intentions. The citizens here, more than most, understood human nature. Their estimation of Yang Tian dropped, though they still wanted to hear what he planned.

“Your children are your dearest treasures. Do you truly wish for them to follow the same path as you—living lives of mediocrity and confusion, struggling from meal to meal, never knowing when death might come?”

Few in the world neglect or do not love their children.

If there were no means, they would strive to create them—unless truly impossible.

From the shifting expressions on their faces, Yang Tian could see their hearts were touched.

“Children are the future of our city. My plan is to establish a school, so that our children can learn to read and write. Once qualified, you will not need to spend anything at all—indeed, I will even provide food and clothing for the children. All I ask is that you help with the construction of the school. It is a fair exchange, and I prefer not to give orders.”

No one needed to think twice to know this was a good thing. They did not worry about distant prospects or whether literacy would be useful in this desolate place. What mattered was that if the lord provided for their children’s needs, it would greatly lighten their burdens.

They also understood the meaning of his last words. The lord was fully entitled to simply command them to work, but now, by his proposal, their labor would be for their own children’s sake. If they truly wished the best for their children, how could they refuse?

“As for the grain benefit I mentioned—if your child is selected for the school, your household will forfeit the grain share, as I’ll be taking on much greater responsibility. I trust there are no objections. I hope no one is shortsighted.”

Anyone with sense could do the math. The grain distributed to each family could not compare to a child’s food and clothing for several years.

“The first batch of free students will be children aged four to ten, with a tentative course of study lasting three years. Their food and clothing will be my responsibility. Children over ten who wish to attend may do so without tuition, provided their families have contributed to the city, but you must provide for their needs yourselves. As the city prospers, I will make adjustments. My wish is for everyone to have enough to eat and wear, and for all children to have a joyful childhood and a bright future.”

“The city will soon adopt a new contribution system, and we will send people to explain the details. If you want a better life, let’s work together to build our home.”

“Starting today, for three days, families with children aged four to ten should bring them to the Lord’s Manor to register. Miss the deadline, and the opportunity is lost. Three days from now, we will begin building the school for the children.”

“That’s all for now. If you wish to know more, you may speak with the officials of the Lord’s Manor.”

With that, Yang Tian stepped down from the platform. The major points had been made; the details were not his alone to manage. There were simply too many people, and even with his cultivated voice, he could not explain everything at once. Soldiers would be assigned to explain the policies district by district, ensuring every household understood. With just over ten thousand families in the city, this was manageable.

Yang Tian withdrew from sight.

The citizens, however, lingered, discussing animatedly among themselves. Many felt ashamed of their earlier suspicions, thinking the new lord must have had ulterior motives, that the promised benefits were a ruse. Who would have thought the new lord would be so generous?

Building a school and providing for the children’s needs would require no small amount of resources. Was it truly necessary for children to learn to read in such a harsh place? They could not see far ahead, for they did not know the depth of Yang Tian’s resolve to improve the city. Once the city was revived, the children’s learning would find its use.

This single measure caused Yang Tian’s prestige to soar once again.

Many of those closest to the platform sought out officials to learn more about the policy. No one wanted to miss a chance at a better life. In the past, no such opportunity existed. Now, a glimmer of hope appeared, and the new lord certainly seemed more dependable than any of his predecessors.

It was said the new lord was a descendant of the Champion Marquis. The Champion Marquis’s renown had lasted for generations. Even in this isolated city, the people had heard tales. No matter what had befallen that noble house, they believed its heirs would not be found wanting.

Everyone had their own thoughts, their own plans for the city’s future. Yang Tian chose to focus first on the children. This was but the first step; whether it would bear fruit, only time would tell. Yet his vision was not limited to childhood education. By making children the heart of his program, he hoped to gradually awaken the energy of the people.

The city was in utter decay. Centering his efforts on building a school, Yang Tian would also clean up the city’s environment and clear the ruins. By using the savage beasts as trade goods, he would attract merchants and signal to the outside world that the city was changing.

He had not chosen to use this trove of resources to strengthen his soldiers, for the city’s population was too small to increase its forces meaningfully, and soldiers could not be trained overnight. With his own presence, unless another calamity on the scale of the recent siege occurred, the city would not be destroyed. For now, the city’s defensive strength was barely sufficient.

The true solution lay in seeking sustainable resources, attracting merchants, and reviving economic trade. Only then could the population grow, and only then would the time come to expand the army.