After the cabinet meeting, news came out that the emperor would officially abolish the craftsmanship system.
At first, some officials were doubtful about this, but it was not until the cabinet issued a formal notice that everyone realized that this was true, and His Majesty really wanted to abolish the craftsmanship system!
In addition to the formal abolition of the craftsmanship system from now on, the content also includes the measures previously proposed by Yan Song.
Soon, with the help of interested people, the news immediately reached the ears of all the craftsmen in the capital who were registered as craftsmen.
Beijing, in a handicraft workshop.
"Good news, good news! Your Majesty has officially abolished the craftsmanship system, which means we are free!"
While everyone was busy, an apprentice ran in excitedly and announced the news to everyone.
"Nonsense, get to work!"
"If you dare to talk such nonsense again, I'll pry out your tongue!"
When other craftsmen heard the news from the apprentices, their first reaction was not surprise, but subconscious suspicion.
"It's true, the government has posted corresponding notices!"
"There are people there reading the contents of the notice for everyone. I only rushed back to tell everyone after listening to the contents of the notice exactly!"
Seeing that no one wanted to believe his words, the apprentice immediately said aggrievedly.
"Could it be that all this is true and that His Majesty has really abolished the craftsmanship system?"
Seeing the serious expression on the apprentice's face, everyone also started to murmur in their hearts.
At this moment, the official in charge of managing the handicraft workshop walked in with his hands behind his back. He glanced at the craftsmen present rather haughtily and then said slowly.
"Your Majesty has officially abolished the craftsmanship system, which means you are free!"
After hearing this, coming from the mouth of the officer who had been responsible for managing him, many craftsmen present were convinced. After a moment of silence, there was a burst of cheers.
"Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!"
Among them, there was an old craftsman with gray hair who knelt on the ground and kept kowtowing on the ground. Perhaps because he was too excited, his body could not stop shaking.
"Everyone be quiet, I haven't finished speaking yet!"
The official glanced at everyone and then increased his volume.
Perhaps because of the power he had developed from managing this group of craftsmen for a long time, no craftsman dared not listen to what this official said, so the scene quickly became quiet.
Just when all the craftsmen present thought that there were any additional terms behind this, the official cleared his throat and continued.
"From now on, the craftsmanship system is officially abolished, and your children can choose the career they are interested in! In addition, the imperial court will increase your treatment as appropriate, and increase the amount of money from the original twenty-six yuan to forty yuan. .”
"And the imperial court will also find a few skilled and conscientious craftsmen as role models. Not only will they be exempted from corvee work, but they will also be given corresponding rewards!"
"As for your children, the government will fund a special free school. When your children reach the appropriate age, they can enter the free school!"
"If there is malleable talent among them, they can also take the imperial examination and become an official, and the court will provide corresponding help."
When the official announced the court's policy and was about to turn around and leave, a craftsman mustered up the courage to stop him.
"Sir...sir, are all of what you just said true?"
"Of course it's true. The imperial court has posted corresponding notices. If you don't believe it, you can go and see for yourself."
The official's face was full of impatience, and after leaving these words, he hurriedly left.
"Did you all hear just now? The imperial court is going to increase our salary from the original twenty-six yuan to forty yuan, which is equivalent to the income from farming!"
I saw the gray-haired old craftsman from before saying this to his companions.
"Not only that, your Excellency just said that the government will open a volunteer school so that our children can read and write! If my child can pass the examination and become a scholar, it will be a great honor for our ancestors!"
As soon as the old craftsman finished speaking, a companion responded.
"We haven't finished our work today yet, let's get to work first!"
After the old craftsman finished speaking, he picked up the tools again and began to get busy.
Compared with the previous lifeless and lazy appearance, the current handicraft workshop seems to have a little more vitality.
The efficiency of this group of craftsmen has been significantly improved compared to before! There is no other reason, there is hope in life.
Thinking that their children would no longer have to repeat their fate, coupled with the various preferential policies proposed by the imperial court, the faces of these craftsmen couldn't help but smile.
Correspondingly, their respect for the emperor has also reached a whole new level!
In their view, the emperor ordered the abolition of the craftsmanship system, which lifted the constraints on them, and their children also had the opportunity to continue to climb up the ladder! Perhaps one day, some of his descendants will pass the imperial examination and become officials.
…
In prison, after several days of recuperation, Ren Shiwang's injuries were mostly healed, but he still could not stand for a long time.
Whenever he tried to stand up again, the excruciating pain from his legs would make him want to give up.
But every time, he gritted his teeth and persisted. Even though he almost fainted from the pain, and even though he was sweating profusely, he still refused to give up! Finally, with his efforts and with external support, he was finally able to stand up for a while.
At this moment, there was a "squeak" sound, and the cell door was pushed open by the jailer.
"Oh, you can actually stand up!"
When the jailer saw this, his face was full of surprise, and he immediately took out the food from the food box.
Ren Shiwang ignored the visitor's intention, turned around and said nothing.
But the jailer was not angry at Ren Shiwang's behavior, but continued.
"That group of craftsmen pooled their money together to buy this for you. If you don't eat it, it will be wasted!"
"Oh, you are really unlucky. If only you could wait a few more days. Your Majesty has just issued an order to officially abolish the craftsmanship system!"
After the jailer finished speaking, he was about to turn around and leave, but he was stopped by Ren Shiwang.
"What are you talking about? His Majesty just issued an order to formally abolish the craftsmanship system?"
"Yes, everyone in the capital already knows about it, and the government has also posted corresponding notices."
"Not only will the wages of craftsmen be improved, but the government will also open special volunteer schools so that the children of these craftsmen can read and write and participate in the imperial examinations."
"Really, what a world!"
After complaining like this, the jailer turned around and left. He also took out the key from his arms and locked the cell door.
"Officially abolish the craftsmanship system, officially abolish the craftsmanship system!"
After the jailer left, Ren Shiwang seemed to be still immersed in the news he brought, unable to extricate himself, like a walking corpse, mumbling incessantly.
"Hahaha, why, why is it at this time?"
For a long time, Ren Shiwang smiled, and his smile was extremely sad.
Then he barely supported his body, came to the dining table, and slowly sat down.
The food on the table exuded an appetizing aroma. Ren Shiwang picked up the bowl, took a bite of rice, and began to taste it carefully.
Ren Shiwang picked up a piece of food with chopsticks and put it into his mouth. The unique taste of fresh vegetables filled his mouth. Then Ren Shiwang took a few bites of rice, and tears kept falling from his eyes.
"Wow, it's delicious, it's delicious!"
"Son, did you hear that? Your Majesty has just ordered the formal abolition of the craftsmanship system! Didn't you say that you want to take the imperial examination? Do you want to be an official?"
"You no longer have to learn the skills of a carpenter. You can also read, read, and take the imperial examinations like other people. Now you have all this, but you..."
After a long time, I saw Ren Shiwang slowly put down the bowls and chopsticks in his hands, the look in his eyes gradually became firm, and then with a 'plop', he knelt down on the ground and said slowly.
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
Ren Shiwang said it and bowed again.
(End of chapter)
