Chapter 465 The Meaning of Life (Ⅱ)

"Actually, we can't blame owner farmers for tax evasion, and large plantation owners are also reluctant to pay taxes."

"The most powerful person in our Yalfheim name is His Excellency the Governor, but the government's financial and taxation power is actually in the hands of the Parliament. After all, even Your Excellency the Governor has to rely on the Parliament's allocation of funds to pay his salary."

Mr. Jefferson made a casual joke, and then said to Joanne:

"Take Leiden Port as an example. The councilors are either wealthy businessmen or large manor owners with tens of thousands of acres of fertile land. Do you think these gentlemen will agree to increase the tax burden on their own properties?"

Joan shook his head helplessly.

In reality, as Mr. President said, the big plantation owners who control the parliament will never agree to impose heavy taxes on large plantations.

As a result, even though the agriculture in the Alfheim area is developed and the harvests are abundant year after year, the colonial government cannot receive enough agricultural tax, and the finances cannot make ends meet, so they have to cut expenses. The education funding of Leiden College is one of the public budget items that have been cut .

"Agricultural taxes are not raised, and the authorities can still collect commercial taxes and tariffs, but you probably know how rampant smuggling activities in the New World are. Imposing tariffs is tantamount to declaring war on all smugglers. This is no joke!" Mr. Jefferson accepted With a smile, "Mr. Vader, have you ever heard of a gang organization called 'Sons of Liberty'?"

Joan nodded awkwardly: "I know this organization, and it is said that it is closely related to smuggling gangs."

"The 'Sons of Liberty' association is actually a 'criminal kingdom' formed by many smuggling giants in the New World. What are you fighting with others?"

"So when Mr. Snow proposed to crack down on smuggling activities, I supported him emotionally, but rationally concluded that his efforts were destined to end in failure, and the result was as expected."

Jefferson sighed, and then vomited bitterness to Joan.

"Agricultural taxes and tariffs cannot be collected. The colonial government's two 'pocket bags' are very dry, so they have to deduct education funds. If tuition fees are cut, what do you want me to use to pay teachers?"

"I understand your difficulties, Mr. Principal, the high tuition fee of Leiden College is one of the necessary conditions for the survival of the college. My previous thoughts were too shallow." Joan said shamelessly.

"It's not your fault, my child. No matter how many hardships there are, unfairness is unfairness. I am also trying to find a way to improve this problem. If I can get more commercial sponsorship and charitable donations, the college can give students from poor families Provide more scholarships to help them complete their studies."

In other words, the financial resources of colleges are based on the kindness of rich people. Can this really make education fairer?

Joan was deeply suspicious of this, but he didn't feel ashamed to raise it to Mr. Principal.

"Mr. Vader, you also pointed out in your letter that professors have too much power, just like guild masters who control the future of apprentices. He graduated, and the students have nothing to do."

Mr. Jefferson put down his pipe, got up and paced, his face gradually becoming serious.

"This problem does exist. I consider establishing a 'professional ethics review committee' composed of all teachers in the school. If any student feels that he has been abused by the instructor, he can lodge a complaint with the committee. What do you think of this method?"

"Sounds good." Joan replied reluctantly.

In fact, he is not optimistic about this so-called "professional ethics review committee".

Teachers are reviewed by an organization composed of teachers. This is like being both a referee and an athlete. Professors usually look down and see each other. Who can not give each other a little face?

Students who file grievances may not be treated fairly.

Of course, having such a committee is better than nothing, and it is also a deterrent to people like Walter Lee.

As the principal, Mr. Jefferson was able to achieve this step, which is very rare.

"Mr. Principal, I am just a small person. I am really grateful that you attach so much importance to my bold letter..." Joan bowed deeply to Mr. Jefferson with excitement, and stammered: "Although I I am leaving Leiden College, and although I am not qualified to say these words, I still want to pay tribute to you on behalf of all the poor students at Leiden College, and thank you for your efforts in helping us complete our studies."

Mr. Jefferson smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's my job, boy, and one shouldn't take credit for doing what one is supposed to do, and to do so is to accept that negligence is a normal and forgivable phenomenon."

Qiao An was stunned for a moment. The more he thought about it, the more thought-provoking the principal's words were.

"Mr. Vida, you just mentioned that you want to leave the academy, and you also mentioned this matter in your letter to me. I believe you have already considered this decision maturely, but I still want to remind you that you still have to Didn't meet graduation standards."

"If you insist on leaving the academy, you can only be treated as a dropout, but you won't get a diploma!"

Mr. Jefferson looked at Joan solemnly.

"Mr. Vader, you are a rare high-achieving student in our academy. I sincerely hope that you will take your studies and future seriously, and seriously consider quitting school."

"Mr. Principal, thank you very much for your retention, but I...but I really don't want to stay here anymore."

"Leiden College has left me with many good memories. I have learned a lot of knowledge and made many good friends here, but there is no longer what I am looking for here. I have to leave here and continue to pursue elsewhere."

Joan stammered, and finally managed to express his thoughts.

Mr. Jefferson patiently listened to him, and asked with a little curiosity: "Mr. Vader, can you tell me what is that thing you are looking for in your heart? Is it a more profound knowledge of magic?"

"Not just magic, Mr. Principal, I also want to seek the answer to a question."

"What's the question?" asked Mr. Jefferson with interest.

Joan blushed, lowered her head a little shyly, rubbed her hands together and said, "This... may make you feel childish and ridiculous when you say it."

"This made me wonder even more, what problems plague the brightest students at Leiden Academy?"

With his eyes, Mr. Jefferson encouraged the young mage to be brave and speak his mind boldly.

Qiao An lowered his head and remained silent for a long time. After sorting out his confused thoughts, he raised his head and stared at the tall, refined and learned man in front of him with an almost solemn expression.

"Mr. Principal, I want to know that human life is so short, what is the meaning of our life in this world?"

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