She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 339 - 338: The Most Useless are the Educated

Chapter 339: Chapter 338: The Most Useless are the Educated

Qi Younian hesitated a bit, by common sense, of course, the path mentioned by Sixth Master had more prospects—a high-ranking official was, in the eyes of ordinary craftsmen, akin to a pie falling from the sky, a rare and excellent opportunity.

But he thought of what Ye Zi had said, about building one of the top construction businesses in the world, and ensuring that craftsmen could earn a fair wage, gain the respect they deserved, and lead prosperous lives.

For a child like Wong Qiao, who possessed spiritual energy in construction, if he got trapped in the bureaucratic world, he would spend his whole life as a mediocre official at best. If what Ye Zi had said were ever to come true, then Wong Qiao’s value would be greatest and his future brightest if he stayed in the construction industry.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Ye Zi once told this old man that in order for the Qi Family Construction Business to excel, it needs skilled craftsmen. In the future, whenever we encounter a craftsman with fine skills, we will certainly hire him in the construction business for a handsome wage. She also said that once the Qi Family Construction Business gains momentum and treats craftsmen so favorably, others will inevitably follow. In this way, craftsmen will be able to receive the treatment and respect they deserve, and live prosperous lives."

Jinrong, who was listening, was taken aback. In his view, being a craftsman was not bad at all, certainly much better than being a merchant.

It goes without saying for the extremely wealthy merchants, but they are a very small minority. As for the merchants struggling at the bottom, even if they can earn enough for three meals a day, the limitations of the civil exams on merchants prevent their descendants from having any opportunities to rise, leaving them to live their lives at the mercy of others in small businesses.

In comparison, craftsmen have it much better. While ordinary craftsmen at the bottom don’t earn much, it’s still better than the hard-working farmers who struggle to fill their stomachs. And for top-tier craftsmen, that is an opportunity to stand out and even to hold official positions—how glorious!

Jinrong asked in surprise, "Looking across the world, skilled craftsmen do not worry about food and clothing. For ordinary people, ensuring a family’s food and clothing is extremely difficult. Craftsmen, unlike scholars and farmers, don’t have to study or work the land. Scholars are well-read and versed in etiquette. The harvest of the land is fundamental to the world, yet generations of farmers who toil in the fields have the hardest lives. But craftsmen can simply by being clever secure a livelihood for their family. Why does Ye Zi only stand up for craftsmen?"

Recalling the identities of Qi Younian and Cheung Wusi, Jinrong followed up, "Could it be just because Father-in-law Qi was a craftsman, so Ye Zi has such thoughts out of familial affection?"

"How could that be?" Qi Younian chuckled, "How could my Ye Zi be so unreasonable?"

"Then why is it?" Jiang Yifan was also puzzled.

Cheung Wusi and Wong Qiao looked at Qi Younian. They had heard Xinyan say that if there were good craftsmen, spending more money to hire them would enhance the reputation and workmanship of the construction business. But as for craftsmen receiving respect, this was the first time they’d heard such an idea.

Qi Younian pondered briefly; Ye Zi had merely expressed her opinion on craftsmen. Even if it was somewhat inappropriate, it wasn’t a big deal, and it wouldn’t be a problem to discuss with Prince Yu and Lord Jiang. Moreover, he thought what Ye Zi had said was right.

"It’s like this. Once, Ye Zi said, while farming is important, if one only knows to bow one’s head and toil, it’s just planting seeds and hoping for heaven’s blessings to see what the harvest brings. It’s been the same method for generations with little to no improvement."

Jinrong nodded, "Right, that’s exactly it. But that still doesn’t change the fundamental truth that people rely on food as their heaven; farming remains the utmost importance for the world."

Qi Younian smiled slightly; he had thought so too, and he felt that the heavens had been unkind to farmers, who toiled all year to harvest so much grain, but couldn’t fill their own family’s bellies.

He continued, "There’s nothing wrong with Sixth Master thinking that way. But here’s what Ye Zi said: If the court of each dynasty valued the work of craftsmen, more people would enter the craft sector, and many talented individuals would be willing to delve into the artistry of craftsmanship. Not too many are needed; if each generation of craftsmen has one who accomplishes something significant, their impact on the world would be more beneficial than that of ten generations of scholars."

Qi Younian said, then glanced at Jiang Yifan with a smile, "Ye Zi said that the most useless people in this world are the scholars."

Uh, Jiang Yifan was taken aback. Did he really have to be so blatant in showing his contempt for him? He wondered when Ye Xinyan had said this. Was it because he had questioned her identity, and then she had flown into a rage from embarrassment?

Jinrong nodded at Qi Younian, "Go on, what else is there?"

Qi Younian continued, "Ye Zi’s words aren’t without basis. She said that just as the books describe, in many places in the South, the use of water wheels and numerous agricultural tools, if craftsmen were willing to put in the effort on these matters, it would be more effective than if countless farmers toiled away without knowledge of change and innovation.

Just like rail transport, if it could be used successfully, it would not only increase the transportation of goods but also save a lot of labor. This labor, turned to farming, would provide another safeguard for a good harvest. Take farming tools, for example, like the ploughshare, which according to agricultural books, has undergone many changes, many of which were brought about by craftsmen.

If a court had a large group of outstanding craftsmen, it would be far more powerful than having several times more scholars filled with bookish knowledge. Excellent and innovative craftsmen can drive an era’s progress in various aspects."

Jinrong’s gaze moved away from Qi Younian’s face. After a long silence, he finally asked, "Then what about the scholars? If there were no scholars, who would record all these things? Isn’t Wong Qiao successful because he knows how to read, write, and calculate?"

Qi Younian felt uneasy with Jinrong’s long silence. After pondering for a moment, he said, "What Ye Zi meant is the scholars whose only aim is to become officials. They study hard for decades but are of no practical use in real-world matters."

Jinrong turned to ask Jiang Yifan, "What do you think, Yuanfan?"

Jiang Yifan looked unhappy and replied, "Although it’s unpleasant to hear, there is some truth to it." Then he clamped his mouth shut, unwilling to speak any further.

Qi Younian regretted bringing up the subject. Why on earth had he started this conversation? Was he not careful enough, and were Ye Zi’s words potentially critical of the current political climate?

Qi Younian coughed dryly and explained, "These are just casual conversations between my grandson and me, not involving anyone else, and we’ve never mentioned it to anyone else. If Sixth Master and Lord Jiang find this inappropriate, we won’t discuss it again."

Jinrong waved his hand dismissively, "It’s fine. The court hasn’t yet become so strict as to forbid people to speak. Lord Jiang and I are just surprised because we’ve never heard such opinions before."

Jiang Yifan then said solemnly, "Such talk is ultimately out of step with the current trends. It’s fine to say it among ourselves, but it’s best not to mention it to others." Saying this, he gave a serious look to Cheung Wusi and Wong Qiao.

Cheung Wusi and Wong Qiao didn’t understand as clearly as Jinrong, nor could they make as many connections. They had caught the general idea, seemed to understand, but felt confused about many parts. Seeing Jiang Yifan looking at them, they quickly nodded their heads, "We understand what you mean, sir, and we will not mention it again in the future."

Cheung Wusi added with a wry smile, "Actually, I didn’t quite grasp the young master’s full intent. I wonder if Ah Qiao got it?"

Wong Qiao also shook his head, "I didn’t quite understand, but in the end, it means that craftsmen, if they do their job well, can be of great use, that’s all."