The People's School began to take shape. Li Wei, with help from a few loyal scholars and quiet support from General Cao Ren, set up basic classes in nearby villages. These schools were modest, small groups of children and adults learning by candlelight, but they provided a chance for commoners to gain knowledge, something they had never had.
Of course, running these schools came with challenges. One morning, while visiting a village school, Li Wei noticed students fidgeting and yawning as the scholar taught from a thick, dry book. He saw the younger children especially struggling to keep up.
Li Wei sat at the back and, raising his hand like a student, got the scholar's attention. The scholar laughed nervously and allowed him to speak.
"Maybe we could try another approach," Li Wei suggested. "Why not teach through practical examples?"
He stepped over to a small stack of grain sacks nearby. "Let's say each sack is worth ten coins," he said, showing the class. "If I give three to one person and four to another, how many are left?"
The students' eyes lit up, and they eagerly gave their answers. Li Wei saw their understanding grow as they practiced adding and subtracting with real objects. He realized teaching practical skills was key to empowering the people.
From then on, Li Wei regularly visited the schools, teaching what he knew about practical topics, from basic math to early engineering. Scholars began to adopt his approach, and soon, the People's Schools became known for teaching skills students could use every day.
But not everyone was happy with these changes. News of Li Wei's unorthodox methods reached the court, where Chancellor Wu was especially angered. He saw the People's Schools as a threat to the noble control over knowledge.
Determined to curb Li Wei's influence, Chancellor Wu planned to challenge him in the upcoming council meeting. But Li Wei was prepared, ready to confront the sly chancellor.