Getting angry

Chapter 45: Getting angry

After finishing their meal, Zhao Hai asked Merine to join him in her room. He requested her help in brewing some tea while he discussed matters with her. Zhao Hai addressed Merine, saying, "Merine, Grandma, what do you think we should do now? How can we ensure that these slaves safely learn to read and write?"

Merine pondered for a moment and then looked at Zhao Hai, asking, "Young Master, do you truly want to hear my opinion?"

Zhao Hai quickly responded, "Of course, Merine Grandma. You have been in charge of managing the people in the Buda Family, and I acknowledge that my management skills may not have been excellent in the past. So, in this matter, I believe your experience will be invaluable."

Merine smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Young Master. But I think you've been too lenient with these slaves. It might be better to be a bit stricter."

This statement caught Zhao Hai off guard, and he didn't understand. He asked, "Merine Grandma, why do you think I should be stricter?"

Merine smiled and said, "Young Master, you must understand that a leader, especially a high-ranking one, must balance being kind and strict. If you are only kind and lenient, your subordinates might perceive you as being too soft. Although the slaves may not have such thoughts, they may feel that you are being overly generous to them without them deserving it. This can demotivate them in their pursuit of literacy because they believe that working for us is their duty and value, whereas learning to read and write is something we grant them. As a result, they feel troubled because they haven't earned it."

Zhao Hai was taken aback by this realization. He had not considered this perspective before. He had assumed that these slaves would be similar to students on Earth, where education is seen as a privilege. Many students even wished for shorter school days and fewer classes. Zhao Hai paused for a moment, realizing that in this world, most knowledge and technology were kept away from slaves. Slaves were primarily seen as laborers, and some nobles didn't even regard them as human beings.

Zhao Hai expressed his understanding and gratitude, saying, "I see now. Thank you, Merine Grandma, for helping me see things differently. I need to figure out how to address this situation."

Merine nodded with satisfaction, understanding Zhao Hai's point of view. She recognized that Zhao Hai was truly exceptional, at least in her eyes. However, she also acknowledged that there were still many things for Zhao Hai to learn.

Zhao Hai sat there for a while, contemplating how to handle the situation. To be honest, it was the first time he had encountered such a matter and hadn't dealt with it before.

After thinking for a while, Zhao Hai stood up, took a deep breath, and turned to Merine, saying, "Merine Grandma, let's go out. I want to talk to these people."

Merine nodded, and the two of them left the thatched-roofed hut and approached the group of slaves. The slaves were currently practicing writing characters on the meadow. They were pushing aside the grass to reveal the soil and using corn stalks to write on it.

However, Zhao Hai noticed that the slaves appeared somewhat listless, lacking the enthusiasm they had during their initial writing practice. There was a stark difference from their earlier excitement.

With a serious expression, Zhao Hai approached them and calmly said, "Everyone, please stop."

These slaves immediately set down the corn stalks in their hands and knelt down to salute Zhao Hai. However, unlike before, Zhao Hai didn't ask them to stand up and speak politely. Instead, he spoke solemnly, saying, "I've heard that you haven't been taking your writing practice seriously these past few days. Is that true?"

His voice was not loud, but it carried a calm authority. The slaves couldn't help but shiver, and they immediately replied, "Please punish us, Master."

In a cold and stern tone, Zhao Hai continued, "You still haven't understood something. I didn't ask you to learn how to write for your own reward. It's to make you better serve the Buda Family. You fools! Do you even realize the current situation of the Buda Family? Buda Family needs your utmost dedication to serve them. Do you understand? What skills do you possess besides basic physical labor? What knowledge or expertise do you have? If I were to give you a book, how many characters would you recognize? Right now, you know nothing. If these Undead Creatures were under my control, they could easily defeat ten of you, and I wouldn't need to waste resources on feeding them! In terms of strength, you are compared to horses. So why would I need you instead of horses? Because you have the potential to learn and understand, while horses don't. By learning how to read and write, you can be more valuable to the Buda Family. If I wanted you to only do manual labor, why would I bother having you learn? If you don't study and learn, do you not want to serve the Buda Family better?"

All the slaves trembled as they knelt there, frightened by Zhao Hai's harsh words. It was the first time they had heard such stern language from him.

After taking a deep breath and calming himself, Zhao Hai continued, "I have told you that if you perform well, I can restore your commoner status. But do you think that being a commoner guarantees a prosperous future? No, even as commoners, you would still be at the lowest rung of society if you lack the necessary skills. You must remember this: the Buda Family needs individuals who strive to do better, who wholeheartedly seek a better life, not those who simply wait for death while barely scraping by."

Then Zhao Hai turned to look at Chrysanthemum and said, "Many of you may wonder why I restored Chrysanthemum's commoner status. After all, she only arranges the grass, and there are plenty of others among you who can do the same, some even better than her. So why did I restore her status? Let me tell you, it's because Chrysanthemum dared to stand up and express her desire. She has the will to change her own life, to live better. She wants her younger brother, her children, to have the opportunity for a fair education, not just receiving handouts. I hope that you can learn from Chrysanthemum's example. I want to see a day when you bow to me, addressing me as Young Master, rather than calling me 'my lord.' The Buda Family needs a hundred people who give their best to serve the family, not a hundred slaves. Do you understand?"

All the slaves remained kneeling there and said loudly, "Understand, Master."

They were genuinely excited. It was the first time a noble had spoken such words to them, the first time someone had looked at them as adults, and the first time someone had given them hope to become better individuals. Despite Zhao Hai's anger, they didn't feel any resentment in their hearts. On the contrary, they were filled with gratitude and respect towards Zhao Hai, because he had ignited a seed of self-improvement within them that had not been extinguished.

Upon hearing their response, Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Rise. I don't like seeing others constantly kneeling before me. Remember, study and write well. This is not a grant; it is an order."

In unison, the slaves replied, "Yes, Master," and stood up.

Although they had been kneeling for a long time, when they stood, there was a newfound strength and vitality in their bodies. The previous appearance of weakness seemed to have vanished in an instant.

With a slight smile, Merine stood behind Zhao Hai, her eyes filled with gratification. She had not expected Zhao Hai to handle the situation so well. He exceeded her expectations and did even better than she had imagined. Not only did he assert his authority over the slaves, but he also managed to instill a sense of gratitude in them. Merine was thoroughly impressed with Zhao Hai's performance.

Zhao Hai glanced at the slaves who were now standing, satisfied with the outcome. He then turned to Merine and said, "Merine Grandma, I leave the rest to you. Don't focus solely on their studies. Too much emphasis on academics alone might make them lose interest. They won't be able to remember anything. Find a balance."

Merine smiled and replied, "Young Master, rest assured. I know how to handle it. This is not my first time teaching students."

Zhao Hai chuckled, turned around, and headed back to the thatched-roofed hut. Blockhead and Stonehead followed closely behind him, while Meg, unable to spend time with Merine, joined Zhao Hai with a look of admiration on her face. Meg thought that Zhao Hai was exceptionally charismatic today. Just the way he spoke those words made him shine, as if he possessed an inexplicable power that captivated her attention. She couldn't take her eyes off Zhao Hai for even a second.

Zhao Hai returned to his room and let out a long breath. He had prepared his words beforehand, knowing exactly where to pause and what expressions to use. Although he was a bit agitated during the delivery, he knew that the impact of his words was carefully designed. However, he couldn't deny that his heart was still racing from the encounter.

Meg followed Zhao Hai into the room and couldn't help but smile when she saw his expression. She found herself increasingly drawn to staying by Zhao Hai's side. It was as if his presence had a calming effect on her, providing a sense of tranquility and relief.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hai suddenly realized that there was someone behind him and turned to see Meg. He felt somewhat embarrassed. Being a nerd, he had never really interacted with girls before. Ever since Meg hugged him, he had been feeling somewhat lost, not knowing what to say to her. Now, seeing Meg standing behind him, he didn't know how to react.

Zhao Hai, feeling helpless, said, "Meg, how did you get in? Is there something you need?"

Meg, with a bigger smile on her face, replied, "What's the matter, Young Master? Can't I come into this room?"

Zhao Hai quickly responded, "No, of course you can come in anytime. Please have a seat and have a drink."

Meg looked at Zhao Hai and couldn't help but chuckle. She said, "Young Master, the drink is prepared for you. I dare not drink it, or else my mother will scold me."

Zhao Hai quickly said, "Oh, i'm the One asking you, It doesn't matter."