Xiaoxiao listened to the commotion on the side, and sure enough, everyone’s thoughts were like this. There’s no way around it, the situation is what it is.

The Village Chief signaled for everyone to be quiet again, and everyone calmed down.

Li Chuntao continued, "I know everyone’s thoughts, I’ve thought of it all. You all think pen, ink, paper, and books are too expensive, so I’ve come up with a way so you don’t have to spend so much Silver but can still learn to read."

Someone asked in confusion, "What is the way?"

"The School will have some books prepared for the children, so you won’t have to buy additional ones. These books will remain in the School for the children to use during classes, but they cannot be taken away as they are meant to be shared among all. This way, it saves everyone the cost of buying books, which is quite a sum for you."

Everyone was shocked when they heard this. If the School provides books, it’s indeed great news. It’ll save a lot of Silver, as a book costs several taels and even the cheapest is one tael. If studying, you must buy quite a few books, which are unaffordable. If this way eliminates that need, maybe they can afford to have their children study. But pen, ink, paper, and inkstone are also expensive, aren’t they?

While everyone was wondering, Li Chuntao spoke again, "As for pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, although they’re expensive, they’re much cheaper than books. Except for paper and ink, which need buying often, only one inkstone is needed, and a pen can last several months. If you really can’t afford this Silver, I have another way."

"What way?" someone asked in surprise.

"Our School will teach everyone to read and how to write each stroke, how to hold a pen, it will all be taught to the children. If a child can’t afford pen, ink, paper, or inkstone, they can practice writing on the sand with a stick first. Once the strokes are taught, anyone can write, though whether it looks good or not is another matter."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt it made sense. Even the Village Chief can write, though it’s not pretty, crooked and messy. But even so, for any matter in the village needing written work, they turn to him when there’s no one else.

Teaching children to recognize characters may not work without practicing writing. If one wants to pursue scholarly achievement, good penmanship is essential. Isn’t it said that writing is the appearance?

This concern was dismissed by Li Chuntao, "It’s definitely good to know more characters. Without literacy, one would suffer outside, like when working, some employers require signed agreements. If you can’t read, you won’t know what’s written, so an ink-pressed fingerprint could mean wage deductions or even being sold off, you never know."

"Our School mainly teaches children to recognize characters, promoting literacy, but also nurtures those aiming for scholarly achievement. It’s not just me teaching; I will hire several teachers. If later you feel your child is proficient and wants to pursue scholarly achievement, then buying pen, ink, paper, and inkstone for practice would not be too late."

These words truly resonated, but they began to worry again about the hired teachers.

What if a child has potential for scholarly success? If the teacher doesn’t meet expectations, wouldn’t it be a waste?

Then again, giving up good teachers in town just to save Silver may not be worth it.