The Empror's Trap-Chapter 89: Ch - To The Holy Country

Camelot had its own talent selection system.

From Kenji’s perspective, Camelot’s talent selection was basically similar to the imperial examination system, just with more open content and more detailed categorization.

For example, military officers needed to be tested on military strategy, geographical map interpretation, formation diagrams, and various skills related to warfare. Those studying civil governance were mainly tested on administrative issues and basic skills related to economics and accounting.

However, only those from wealthy or noble families were eligible to participate in these examinations. At the very least, one needed to be from a family with substantial assets.

This wasn’t to say that Camelot’s talent selection was entirely based on one’s background, but rather that many subjects in these examinations required certain resources.

Take the military examination as an example: horseback riding and archery were subjects that required training to pass, but people from humble origins found it difficult to obtain standard training resources.

For instance, the examination included archery, and a suitable training bow that met requirements wasn’t cheap. One couldn’t simply not purchase one, as it would be difficult to adapt to the military bows provided at the examination site.

Moreover, archery often required instruction, which was another expense. Ordinary families struggling for basic subsistence throughout the year couldn’t afford to support their children in learning horseback riding and archery. Even if there were some exceptionally gifted individuals who could use military bows, they would certainly have to endure much more hardship, and might still not achieve good results.

Therefore, each year there was a large group of people who possessed knowledge but couldn’t pass the examinations due to their financial circumstances.

These people had basic education and had learned certain knowledge, yet they became burdens on society—they had knowledge, but not enough to stand out; when it came to productive labor, they were inferior to ordinary people who had been working since childhood. Many could only make a living by writing for others.

In this case, why not arrange for these people to go to various parts of the country and be responsible for educating the common people?

"If the common people learn to read and write, it would indeed greatly facilitate the implementation of my policies," Pluvia admitted Kenji’s point, but also expressed her own opinion. "However, Kenji, you should understand that once the common people learn to read and write, they might not be as easy to govern."

"Your Majesty, in your opinion, would it be better for Camelot’s people to be enlightened by Camelot’s thoughts and principles, or by those of the Western Holy Church?"

"Naturally, it would be better for them to be enlightened by Camelot’s."

"Then Your Majesty should accelerate the process," Kenji smiled and said.

He didn’t continue, but Pluvia understood his meaning.

While illiterate people might be easier to control, they would likewise be more easily controlled by others—the Holy Church’s desire to evangelize Camelot had never ceased.

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If the people were completely ignorant and had not received systematic indoctrination of Camelot’s principles, could they truly remain calm when faced with the Holy Church’s almost fanatical evangelizing methods?

It should be noted that one major reason the Holy Church was able to establish itself firmly in most countries initially was that knowledge was controlled by the church, giving them absolute authority in interpreting doctrine. Experience tales at novelbuddy

What about Camelot’s citizens? If they were truly illiterate and unwilling to think for themselves, honestly, they would likely be easily deceived by the church. Although Camelot’s ancient customs were ingrained in the people’s blood, these customs might well be usurped by the Holy Church.

"I believe that while it’s not good for the people to know too much, it’s also not beneficial for them to know nothing," Kenji gently tapped the railing and said. "I once... once traveled to a now-destroyed country where the people remained ignorant. Because of this, the citizens had no cohesion whatsoever. When the country faced the danger of being plundered, the people were indifferent."

"In their eyes, they were merely surviving for survival’s sake. Currently, Camelot’s people admire Your Majesty, and this is precisely the time for Your Majesty to strengthen the people’s loyalty to Camelot. We don’t have much time. If we allow the Holy Country to initiate evangelism against us, the domestic situation might become chaotic again."

"It’s not a good thing for the common people to know too much."

"But, for a wise ruler like Your Majesty, it’s beneficial if the people know more," Kenji, facing her question, decisively chose to flatter her first before continuing. "Of course, if replaced by an incompetent ruler, knowledgeable citizens would be a disaster for them. The issue doesn’t depend on how much the people know, but whether Your Majesty can consider the welfare of the state."

Pluvia turned her head, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, then asked:

"Do you have a detailed implementation plan?"

"I do."

Kenji answered.

He indeed had a plan, though it wasn’t one he had created himself. In fact, it was what Yunis had realized in the final moments of his life.

Although Yunis initially struggled with education reforms, after long contemplation, he had largely figured out how to implement education effectively.

Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to improve his methods, and these plans ultimately ended up in Kenji’s hands.

If he hadn’t been so hasty, if he had acted more cautiously, perhaps he would have become a historic figure. But he didn’t.

Upon receiving these materials and plans organized by Yunis, Kenji naturally studied them thoroughly. He also made some modifications to make the plan more feasible.

"You’ve been busy lately, and adding this matter might be too burdensome," Pluvia said, looking at Kenji. "I’ve heard that you haven’t even had time to practice your cultivation techniques recently."

"This is my duty. Cultivation techniques are already ingrained in my body; I don’t need that much time to practice them. Compared to me, Camelot’s state and society are the priority."

"For the empire’s Grand Marshal, the highest military commander, to not practice cultivation—how inappropriate. Besides, you’ve been very tired lately," Pluvia said. "How about this: you only need to provide a general plan, and the specific implementation can be left to the Chancellor. You should know that the Chancellor’s duties have lightened considerably recently. This would help share some of your burden."

"It’s no trouble, Your Majesty. Regarding education matters, I can establish a department specifically to manage this area. As for the subsequent operations, the Chancellor and I can select suitable leaders to run it, which would save both our time," Kenji explained.

The reason Kenji said this was partly because he genuinely believed that establishing an independent department would be better for handling this, and partly because...