I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 67 Graduation Thesis

During the Frost's Descent period, most areas of Yizhou are in the final stages of the autumn harvest.

Meanwhile, in the experimental fields, the agricultural science students were still working enthusiastically.

Students not only have to plant wheat and early rapeseed in soybean fields, but also learn the "plowing-harrowing-rafting" drought prevention and moisture conservation system.

First, plow deeply, then use a harrow to break up large clods of soil, and finally use a hoe to smooth the surface, forming a "soft cover" that can effectively lock in soil moisture, achieving the goal of "no matter how much labor is done, the land will be fertile and dry even in drought".

This means that even if there is a spring drought, the yield is more guaranteed than before.

Furthermore, the agricultural tools used by the students in the agricultural science class were all improved iron plows, curved plows, etc., and they even used oxen to plow the fields.

The people of Chengdu watched from afar, their faces beaming with joy as they thought about how they would be able to use these new gadgets next spring, making farming more efficient.

In contrast to the busy agricultural research institute, the training program also ushered in the "graduation season" for its first batch of students.

After more than four months of study, the trainees are finally about to enter the final assessment stage.

This concerns their future careers.

On an autumn afternoon, Liu Shan was reviewing memorials in his study.

The Prime Minister's office has already drafted the questions for the first graduation exam of the Imperial Academy, and is now awaiting Liu Shan's final decision.

Zhang was brewing tea nearby, and the aroma of the tea filled the air.

During this period, tea leaves were simply dried, steamed, and pressed into cakes. The production process did not involve "pan-frying," "sun-drying," or "steaming," so boiling the tea directly would result in a slightly bitter, astringent taste.

But this slight bitterness is better than adding ingredients like scallions, ginger, dates, orange peel, and dogwood.

Liu Shan really couldn't drink that stuff.

And after drinking this tea for a while, you get used to its bitterness.

"Your Majesty's way of drinking tea is truly unique. I followed suit and also found that it was bittersweet."

Liu Shan said, "Hua Tuo once said, 'Drinking bitter tea for a long time is good for the mind,' meaning that the bitter taste of tea, if consumed over a long period of time, can make one's thinking more acute and deeper."

He now needs to think deeply about how to improve the tea-making process so that tea can become a stable source of income for the imperial court.

"Your Majesty's profound knowledge has broadened my horizons."

What is virtuous and capable?

This emotional value is what makes someone virtuous.

Just as the atmosphere was getting warmed up, an uninvited guest arrived.

"Your Majesty, Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, Zhao Tong, and Zhuge Qiao have entered the palace to request an audience."

Liu Shan squinted, completely bewildered.

Why are these four people not at the academy preparing for the exam, but instead at the palace?

Could it be that you've come to ask me to highlight some important points?

"Let them in."

Although the four of them spoiled the mood, Liu Shan was still quite happy to see them.

A short while later, the four of them entered the study.

Zhang Bao was the first to enter the study.

He treated the emperor's study as his own home, striding with great momentum and swagger.

Zhang raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that her younger brother was being very impolite, and fearing that he would call her "brother-in-law" as soon as he opened his mouth.

Just as she was about to reprimand them, Guan Xing and Zhao Tong walked over almost simultaneously.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

The two bowed simultaneously.

Zhang Bao realized he hadn't bowed properly, so he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Zhang Bao greets Your Majesty."

Zhuge Qiao was the last to enter the study.

He bowed calmly and with perfect form.

"Your subject Zhuge Qiao pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Liu Shan waved his hand and said with a laugh, "Alright, this isn't the imperial court. No need for formalities, please sit down."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bao immediately found a seat close to Liu Shan and sat down.

Before he could even settle in, he immediately felt the murderous intent in Zhang's eyes.

Although Zhang Bao was impulsive, he still understood the rules of the palace, and immediately stood up obediently and sat down next to his sister.

Guan Xing and Zhao Tong sat opposite Zhang Bao, and Zhuge Qiao sat last.

"Why are you all here in the palace instead of preparing for the exam at the academy?" Liu Shan asked in an elder brother's tone. "Do you want to ask about the exam questions? They're right here in my hands. Would you like to take a look?"

The four looked at each other, and finally Zhang Bao said, "Sister... no, Your Majesty, we did not come here for the exam."

"That's strange. If it weren't for the exam questions, the four of you wouldn't have entered the palace together."

Zhang Bao retorted, "Your Majesty, don't underestimate us. In every monthly exam, our grades are the best among our peers."

Liu Shan had heard of this.

In the regular classes, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao's overall academic performance is among the best of the younger generation.

Although Zhao Tong and Zhuge Qiao were at the bottom of the class, they were in the advanced class and were facing seasoned generals. They were already at the top level among the younger generation.

These four men will become the leading figures among the second-generation officials of Shu Han.

"Then tell me, what brings you to the palace to see me?"

Zhang Bao scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Your Majesty, this time the academy not only has exams, but also graduation theses. We've never even heard of such a thing, so we don't know where to begin."

The graduation thesis is just as important as the exam.

If a student does not have a satisfactory graduation thesis, their graduation will be delayed, even if they pass the exams.

Zhang Bao, Guan Xing, and Zhao Tong all showed signs of difficulty, but Zhuge Qiao remained calm and composed, even somewhat speechless.

Liu Shan's impression of him was that he could write his graduation thesis, and that he was only dragged into it by the three of them.

After learning their purpose, Liu Shan slowly said, "Your graduation thesis is your reflection on what you have learned in the academy, and you must combine it with practice. In other words, the content of your graduation thesis is almost the direction you will take in the future."

Zhang Bao was even more confused after hearing this.

"Your Majesty, we're all learning the same things, how am I supposed to know what to write?"

Liu Shan knew Zhang Bao wasn't quick-witted, so he patiently asked, "If you were to go to the battlefield, how would you prefer to fight?"

Without hesitation, Zhang Bao replied, "Of course, we should take the lead, advance with unstoppable momentum, and return with the head of the enemy general."

Liu Shan placed his hand on his forehead.

You're just like your father, always wanting to be at the forefront.

"Anguo, what about you?"

Liu Shan did not respond to Zhang Bao, but instead turned to ask Guan Xing.

"Your Majesty, I do not yet know how to fight, but as long as I have enough soldiers, I have a hundred ways to win."

Liu Shan's eyes flashed with approval, then he asked Zhao Tong.

"Ziheng, tell me your thoughts!"

Zhao Tong thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I haven't decided yet."

Zhang Bao, who was standing nearby, jumped up.

"What do you mean you haven't figured it out? Didn't you say you had some ideas before we came?"

Zhao Tong was a little embarrassed.

Liu Shan said, "Ziheng, you have been by my side the longest, what is there to be embarrassed about?"

Zhao Tong pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "I enjoy launching surprise attacks behind enemy lines and cutting off their supply lines..."

Pfft!

Zhang Bao laughed loudly, "What did we have in store? It's just a sneak attack!"

"Ouch!"

Zhang Bao suddenly jumped up and covered his thigh with his hand.

"Sister, why are you pinching me?"

"Shut up!" Zhang said angrily.

Liu Shan waved his hand dismissively and said, "Sit down. There's nothing wrong with a sneak attack. If it were me, I'd also like to cut off their supply lines and throw the enemy into chaos."

"If your supply lines were cut off by the enemy, would you still be laughing now?"

Zhang Bao thought about the feeling of being hungry and immediately shook his head, saying, "I'm most afraid of being hungry. If I don't have enough to eat, I won't have the strength to fight."

Finally, Liu Shan looked at Zhuge Qiao.

He knew perfectly well that Zhuge Qiao already had the answer in his heart, but he still couldn't help asking, "Bosong, what about you?"

Zhuge Qiao cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, my strength lies not in battlefield tactics, but in rear-area strategies."

Liu Shan nodded, already having a general idea in his mind.

With a vanguard general, a central command commander, surprise attack troops, and logistical management, a standard army is formed.