Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 109: Chapter 99: Influence

“Education is the foundation of a strong nation, and industry is its cornerstone.

From the Age of Exploration until now, Spain has experienced both prosperity and decline; it is time to unite and rediscover the brightness that belongs to Spain.

While European powers like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Austria-Hungary are continually developing education and industry, Queen Isabella leads a life of indulgence and chaos at the Madrid Royal Palace.

We have barely driven Queen Isabella away and welcomed the reign of His Majesty Carlo and Prime Minister Prim, only to face the problem of a literacy rate as high as 70% in Spain.

We call upon Spaniards to voluntarily join the free literacy program, thereby increasing our educational level while tangibly boosting our annual income.

According to our newspaper’s survey results, among the over 70% illiterate population in Spain, only 42% have an annual income exceeding 80 Pesseta, while nearly 52% have incomes below the national average.

Among the less than 30% literate population, a striking 64% earn over 80 Pesseta, with less than 36% earning below that threshold, including many elderly and children.

For Spain to become strong again, to enhance our income, and for the sake of our children’s future, please participate actively in the literacy education, making Spain’s future brighter and great once more!”

Similar reports have continuously appeared in newspapers across cities since January 1, 1871, becoming known through various forms of dissemination.

If it were merely promoting the idea of education as a national strength, it might not deeply impact the populace. However, directly presenting the income disparity between literates and illiterates certainly attracts public attention.

In fact, regardless of the country or era, the concerns of the lower class revolve mainly around two issues: having enough to eat and wear, and continuing the family line.

The identity of the king hardly matters to the populace; as long as the lower class can survive, they mostly don’t oppose the government.

“Pablo, did you hear today’s news? Apparently, starting today, His Majesty the King will provide a dinner each day to those participating in literacy education.” In a factory outside Madrid, two workers chatted during their break.

“Marbury, where did you hear that?” The middle-aged man named Pablo was somewhat surprised. Free literacy education was one thing, but providing a free dinner? Is there really such a fortunate event?

“It was published in the Spanish Sun, mate.” Marbury knew his friend would be skeptical, as he himself had harbored doubts when first hearing the news.

If this news hadn’t been confidently stated by the newspaper vendor, who also had the Spanish Sun to confirm it, Marbury wouldn’t have believed it.

Since birth, he had never heard of any Spanish government offering free education and free dinner policies.

Seeing Pablo’s hesitant expression, Marbury began to persuade: “Mate, I know what you’re thinking. We may be illiterate, but the children should learn something, shouldn’t they?

His Majesty the King not only encourages children to participate in free education but also offers a free dinner, which is quite a lot, isn’t it?

Even if not for us, we should think about Patrick’s future, right?

Today, the newspaper vendor mentioned that most of us uneducated people earn less than 80 Pesseta annually, whereas those with education mostly earn over that.

Old mate, if you don’t want Patrick to follow your old path, it’s best to let him learn something; literacy is better than illiteracy.”

To increase the effects of this report on the populace, Carlo specifically instructed that some of the newspaper vendors also promote the free literacy education and free dinner policy.

The newspapers contain various other news, which doesn’t affect those who already intend to buy newspapers.

Yet for those unwilling to purchase one, they can still access the news from the papers, further spreading it.

Carlo’s intention is to influence as many people as possible. Perhaps among those Spaniards who shed their illiteracy, a few may have some talent for learning?

This world’s Spain emphasizes education earlier, which hopefully won’t resemble historical Spain’s shortcomings in high-end talent.

Carlo’s ambition isn’t grand. If Spain could produce over ten Nobel Prize-level talents in the next thirty years, it would satisfy Carlo’s initial expectations for Spanish education.

Upon hearing Marbury’s persuasion, Pablo hesitated, pondering for a moment before biting his lip and deciding, “I’ll ask around during my day off. If dinner is actually provided, I’ll definitely let Patrick study for a while.”

“Don’t worry, mate. His Majesty Carlo is unlike previous kings; he’s genuinely a king who cares for the common folk.

Thankfully, Prime Minister Prim selected His Majesty Carlo to be the King of Spain; otherwise, how would we have such good days?” Marbury responded with a smile.

Both he and Pablo are employees at a small factory under the Royal Family’s enterprise. Although the income isn’t very high, the workers aren’t excessively exploited.

Their daily work hours are about 11 hours, with one day off each month, much better than many private factory workers.

Especially during Christmas and New Year, the factory gives them a day off, pleasing Marbury and Pablo, who wish to spend time with family during such important holidays.

Hearing Marbury’s praise for Carlo, Pablo not only refrained from opposing but appeared approving. “Indeed, Marbury. His Majesty Carlo and Prime Minister Prim provide free education and dinner; what more is there to hesitate?

No need to overthink; I’ll have Patrick inquire at the literacy point tomorrow. If they’re still accepting people, he’ll start learning.

I’ll handle the household expenses; surely losing one person’s earnings won’t mean starving.”

Seeing Pablo agree to let his son Patrick receive education at the literacy point, Marbury nodded happily.

The two have been friends since childhood with naturally good rapport. Marbury hopes his friend doesn’t just prioritize a small income over Patrick’s education; now that he’s successfully persuaded him, he feels relieved.

Such scenes take place in Madrid and across Spain’s factories, farms, and households.

Whenever discussing government policies, people always feel grateful towards Carlo and Prime Minister Prim.

Especially upon learning the free dinner is jointly provided by the Royal Family and the government, Spaniards start warming up to this young king from Italy.

In fact, providing a free dinner isn’t much, considering even literacy education is free. But compared with Queen Isabella’s reign, Spaniards are stunned to find King Carlo seems even more saintly.

Reflecting on Queen Isabella’s reign’s oppression of farmers and Carlo’s reign reducing agricultural taxes, the differences are as vast as a chasm.

No matter the country, public sentiment accumulates gradually.

People don’t suddenly express strong affection and support towards someone; this comes over long periods of influence, slowly altering attitudes towards someone or a faction.

Carlo doesn’t expect the Spanish to fervently adore him in the short term. The immediate goal is for Spain to accept him as their foreign king, willingly embracing and complying with his rule.

The long-term goal comprises gradually winning public sentiment through various policies and systems, transforming Spaniards’ attitudes over time.

Though this approach is slowly progressing, once Spaniards truly accept him, neither the Bourbon Dynasty nor any opposing forces can undermine his rule in Spain.

The future Savoy Dynasty is destined to leave a bold mark in Spain, intertwining with Spain and becoming a legendary saga through its revival.

“Your Majesty, your publicity has been remarkably effective.” Carlo’s opinion influence had barely begun when Prime Minister Prim approached him with a smile to report the progress of the literacy campaign.

“In the first ten days of this year, the number of people registering for free literacy education has exceeded 100,000, with at least 300,000 currently accessing literacy education.

This number has significantly increased compared to the same period last year; if successful, perhaps 200,000 people will undergo literacy education this year.” Prime Minister Prim reported the numbers, unable to suppress his smile.

“200,000?” Carlo nodded, that number is still manageable. Previously estimated for 100,000 people, providing free dinner costs at least 5 million Pesseta.

If increased to 200,000, the cost for free dinner reaches over 10 million Pesseta. However, since it’s jointly funded by the Royal Family and government, the Royal Family only needs to contribute half, making it 5 million Pesseta, a completely bearable expense for Carlo.