The academies were even less of a problem; if anything, the disciples of the academies would be the quickest to see results. However, Qian Lang had already devised a solution for this.
Wasn't the greatest advantage of the Qian family their vast collection of books?
Even in the current Great Song Dynasty, where papermaking and movable-type printing had reached new heights, the cost of books remained stubbornly high.
Most ordinary poor scholars still preferred to copy books themselves rather than buy finished copies.
The books they could borrow were naturally few and far between. If the Qian family were to share their own collection with these scholars, it would be truly astonishing if they weren't met with immense gratitude!
"Hoo—"
"No need, no need. Let's do as you say!"
After a long, slow exhale, Li Gang finally came around.
"Uncle, do you really mean that?"
Hearing Li Gang's words, Qian Lang was overjoyed. His bottom line was to cover at least one-third of the costs for the academy in Mingzhou, but he hadn't expected Li Gang to so readily agree to cover it all!
"Of course, I mean it. Do you think I need to provide you with a written statement?"
Seeing the ecstatic expression on Qian Lang's face, Li Gang began to wonder if he had said something wrong.
"If a written statement were possible, that would be even better. How about this: let's set a term of thirty years. Within these thirty years, no matter how large the expenditure, my Qian family will bear it all. Even if my Qian family can no longer afford it in the future, if anyone else wishes to take over, they will need my Qian family's consent. What do you think, Uncle?"
Although this might have been considered somewhat undignified, in a matter of such importance, Qian Lang dared not leave any loophole.
"Thirty years?"
The more Qian Lang acted this way, the more Li Gang felt as if he had made a grave mistake. He meticulously recalled all the previous conversations between himself and Qian Lang, but he couldn't understand where he had gone wrong.
"If thirty years is truly not feasible, then twenty years would also be acceptable..."
Seeing the hesitation on his face, Qian Lang quickly probed.
"No, no, no. Let's do as you wish. Or, how about this: my eyes tend to blur in the evenings, so why don't you organize our conversation and draft a written agreement?"
Although he didn't understand what Qian Lang was scheming, Li Gang felt that he hadn't lost out in this transaction.
Someone was willing to pay for the court to educate the people, allowing scholars across the land to have books to read. No matter how he looked at it, this was a profitable venture.
Moreover, here was a generous soul willing to pay for all thirty years of future expenses upfront. Such an opportunity was like finding a needle in a haystack!
Even if Qian Lang hadn't mentioned it, he himself would have wanted him to write a formal agreement.
"When a disciple can serve their master, it is only proper. Please wait a moment, Uncle, your nephew will be right back!"
As Qian Lang spoke, he quickly went to the table. After a brief contemplation, he spread out a piece of Xuan paper and rapidly wrote down the draft he had prepared. He then carefully presented it to Li Gang, looking at him with trepidation.
Seeing the cautious expression on his face, Li Gang quickly took the contract he handed over, brought it close to the lamp, and meticulously studied every word several times before contentedly signing his name and affixing his official seal.
Regardless, Li Gang had finally signed. Qian Lang also quickly signed his name and pressed his seal. Once everything was prepared, he tucked one copy into his怀, and then respectfully handed the other to Li Gang.
"It's late today. Since the main business is concluded, your junior will not disturb Uncle's rest and takes his leave now!"
"My eyes are blurry in the evening, so I won't see you out. Zong'er, escort nephew Qian out for your father!"
"Yes!"
Upon hearing Li Gang's words, Li Zong quickly stepped forward and walked with Qian Lang towards the door.
As they reached the door, Qian Lang deliberately glanced at the shadow behind the screen. A gentle breeze blew, and the shadow swayed with the wind.
Seeing this, Qian Lang couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
It seemed he had arrived at the perfect time. Huang Linghe probably hadn't had a chance to say anything before he burst in!
Long after leaving the Li residence, Qian Lang finally burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Li residence, Li Gang couldn't help but laugh heartily as he looked at the contract in his hand.
He never would have imagined that something he initially considered a troublesome matter would be half-completed even before he officially took office.
"Father, someone outside has delivered a calling card. It's Huang Linghe of the Huang clan from Quanzhou..."
"Huang Linghe?"
Upon hearing Li Zong's words, Li Gang was taken aback. What was going on this evening? Why were these people flocking to him?
"Father, should I let him in?"
Seeing the puzzled expression on Li Gang's face, Li Zong tentatively asked.
"Since he's already here, let him in!"
After a moment of hesitation, Li Gang said with a frown.
He also wanted to hear what Huang Linghe had to say.
After going through the same process, Li Gang stared at the two almost identical contracts before him, completely unable to comprehend why they would do such a thing.
According to his agreement with Han Mo, two of the three academies had been disposed of in the blink of an eye.
And both of them, without exception, had signed thirty-year contracts.
After pondering for a long time, Li Gang suddenly recalled a detail: both of them had looked towards the screen as they were leaving. Could there be something special about this screen?
He stroked his beard and looked at it for a long time, but Li Gang couldn't figure out what was so appealing about it.
Although the wood appeared to be fine parasol wood, and the calligraphy and painting were merely passable, this item would be worth a mere few hundred coins at the Mingzhou market. It was unlikely to catch the discerning eyes of either of them.
Perhaps there was something behind this screen?
"Zong'er, what is placed behind that screen?"
"Replying to Father, it's some items used by women. Since neither of us needs them, I had someone place them there temporarily, with a screen to block the view, and asked them to clear them up tomorrow morning!"
Hearing his father's question, Li Zong quickly stepped forward, moved the screen aside, and allowed Li Gang a glimpse.
Once he removed the screen, it revealed a set of women's clothing. In the flickering candlelight, it swayed gently, appearing quite alluring.