Chapter 42 Queen Victoria Is Critically Ill

Following the opening of universities, Australia's basic education schools, that is, primary schools, also opened.

Compared with universities with strict admissions, the admission requirements of Australian primary schools are very low, or even basically no requirements.

Compared with universities, basic education does not require expensive tuition fees, and Arthur has exempted half of them, so Australians are still very happy to let their offspring receive basic education.

More importantly, compared with universities with relatively high investment, the investment in primary schools is basically zero except for teachers and textbooks.

Even an ordinary high school graduate can barely become a primary school teacher. Under such circumstances, the cost of opening a primary school has been infinitely reduced, and the cost of primary school construction in Australia is even equivalent to that of an Australian National University.

On October 21, Arthur embarked on a journey to White Island again.

It has been more than four months since the last trip to White Island. Under Arthur's management, Australia has shown a trend of vigorous development and order has basically stabilized.

But at the same time, Queen Victoria's body is also gradually aging. Although her life span has been extended compared to the three months her private doctor said before, it is indeed that her life has been exhausted and she will not live long.

It was Prince Edward who notified Arthur this time, and he came from the UK on a warship.

When he saw his uncle again, Prince Edward seemed to be a different person, with a slick face and a happy face compared to the depressed look a few months ago.

Although the bad news about Queen Victoria made Prince Edward lose his smile, his inner satisfaction and relaxation were also revealed involuntarily.

"Arthur, long time no see!" After seeing Arthur, Prince Edward patted Arthur's shoulder vigorously and said with a smile.

"Yes, uncle, I haven't seen you for more than half a year." Arthur nodded calmly, thinking about Prince Edward's intentions in his heart.

"Are you doing well in Australia?" Prince Edward smiled and asked.

"Very good." Arthur nodded.

. . .

The atmosphere was a bit awkward, but the good news was that they soon arrived at the port of the Isle of Wight, and the warship slowly docked at the port, and Prince Edward and Arthur also got off the ship.

This time, no one greeted them. Everyone was busy taking care of Queen Victoria, and there was really no one available.

"Let's go, Arthur, go see your grandmother." Prince Edward chuckled twice and walked straight to Queen Victoria's manor.

When he entered the manor, Arthur smelled a strong smell of medicine, accompanied by the pungent smell of disinfectant.

The servants in the manor were busy and some did not notice the arrival of Prince Edward and Arthur. Some who noticed were also signaled by Prince Edward not to salute.

He walked quickly into Queen Victoria's room. At this time, the room was full of Queen Victoria's descendants. Queen Victoria was talking to all of them with a smile.

Seeing Prince Edward and Arthur come in, Queen Victoria's eyes lit up and she quickly said, "Arthur! Come to Grandma."

Hearing Queen Victoria's words, everyone quickly made room for Arthur, allowing him to easily come to Queen Victoria's side.

"Arthur, good boy, how are you doing in Australia recently?" Queen Victoria trembled and took Arthur's hand, asking with a smile.

"I'm fine, grandma. You don't have to worry about me. With the Guards here, I'm the safest in Australia." Arthur responded with a smile.

"That's good, that's good, child. I really pity you, my good child. Australia is a poor and poor place, and you suffer there." Queen Victoria touched Arthur's forehead skillfully and said.

"Mother, since everyone is here, why don't we eat first? These little guys should have been hungry for a long time. Why don't we talk after dinner, okay?" Seeing that Queen Victoria was in a very good mood, Princess Beatrice asked hurriedly.

In recent days, perhaps because of the dual physical and mental illnesses, Queen Victoria's appetite has become worse and worse, and she even barely eats two slices of bread and drinks a glass of milk every day.

This time, it was not easy to see that Queen Victoria was in a much better mood, and Princess Beatrice also wanted the Queen to have a good meal.

Seeing the Queen nod, Princess Beatrice hurriedly ordered the servants to bring lunch.

Because the room couldn't accommodate so many people eating at the same time, most people had to go to the restaurant next door to eat.

Seeing Arthur was about to leave, Queen Victoria quickly pulled Arthur and said, "Arthur, why don't you accompany your grandmother to eat today?"

Looking at Queen Victoria's hopeful eyes, Arthur couldn't say anything to refuse, so he could only nod vigorously.

Queen Victoria's lunch was simple. Considering that it was difficult to digest, the staple food was a portion of mashed potatoes and milk, and a few pieces of stewed beef that was already very soft.

"How is life in Australia? There are not so many delicious foods, especially when Australia can only barely maintain food self-sufficiency." Queen Victoria asked while stirring the mashed potatoes in the bowl.

"It's OK, Grandmother. Australia has a large arable area. Even if the population increases in the future, it can still be fully supported. Although the food variety may not be so rich, it is enough for me. As for you, in such a remote area as the Isle of Wight, although New Zealand's animal husbandry is relatively developed, the basic food supply still mostly depends on the support of the UK. If Australia didn't have any special products, I really wanted to send you something every once in a while." Arthur said apologetically.

"I heard that you founded a university in Australia some time ago. How is it going? Do you need support from the UK?" Queen Victoria asked tirelessly.

"Very good, Grandmother. In view of the number of students and teachers in Australia, the university only enrolls 800 people each year. This year's enrollment has ended and the university has officially started operation. So far, the establishment of the university is still very successful. Conservatively speaking, in three years, the university will be able to train at least 800 outstanding college students for Australia every year. These college students will enter all walks of life in Australia and accelerate the development and construction of Australia." When it comes to the achievements of the university, Arthur is basically satisfied.

In this era when universities are basically small, the Australian National University, which enrolls nearly 1,000 students each year, is already considered a relatively large university.

Although the current teaching quality of the university is not high, the college students it can teach are completely sufficient for the development and construction of Australia.

Second update, please support! Queen Victoria's era is about to end, and Arthur's era is about to begin. Please support, please collect, please comment, please invest, please read, please support!