Zhang Quan's eyes flashed, knowing that he was being challenged. But he generously invited him, "Sir, please speak."
"That's presumptuous." Su Jian was polite before asking, "As the saying goes, a gentleman is concerned with righteousness, while a villain is concerned with profit. What do you think, sir?"
How unambiguous and direct! In one sentence, the question got to the core of two ideas.
Everyone around immediately widened their eyes and pricked up their ears, something exciting is about to happen~~~
Even the Emperor of Su held his breath, quietly waiting for Zhang Quan's answer.
In the back, Princess Ning Xiaolan is also waiting for Zhang Quan's answer. This is the first time that Zhang Quan has been challenged head-on by Confucianism. How he responds to this challenge and what the outcome will be, whether Zhang Quan wins or loses, are all crucial.
It is about Confucianism, and even more about Zhang Quan.
If we win, will it be a narrow victory or a crushing victory
If you fail, will it be a narrow defeat or a complete defeat
Ning Xiaolan was even more concerned. This was Zhang Quan's biggest crisis, but also Zhang Quan's biggest opportunity! If Zhang Quan could win this debate, then Ning Xiaolan could rest assured to implement the reform in Ningguo.
Essentially, from a political perspective, Ning Xiaolan believes that capitalism is more suitable for governing the country than Confucianism; but if Zhang Quan loses the debate, it will also cause many problems.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Zhang Quan raised his head proudly, "Sir, this is a very good question. But Zhang Quan wants to say..."
Swish! Everyone's spirits reached their peak.
Zhang Quan slowly uttered the following words, "As long as there is one gentleman in the country, that's enough!"
It was so quiet that no one dared to breathe. Zhang Quan's answer was simply brilliant. He did not refute or explain, nor did he criticize Confucianism like in a general academic debate, nor did he exaggerate his own views. Instead, he perfectly changed the topic.
In a word, the topic of the debate shifted from academia to politics.
"Good!" After a while, the audience burst into admiration. It was the admiration of Zhongshu Ling Zhang Jiande. Then there were countless cheers and applause.
On the high platform, Emperor Su was very satisfied with Zhang Quan's answer; although he didn't say anything, the upturned corners of his mouth were enough to tell it all.
If there is only one gentleman in the country, it is self-evident who this gentleman is.
But Su Jian's face turned black. He wanted to have an academic debate, but Zhang Quan changed the topic from academic to political. And the change was perfect!
But it doesn’t matter. Confucianism will not admit defeat. As for politics, Confucianism understands politics better.
Su Jian continued to ask, "One person's plan is short-sighted. A country has so many things to do that it cannot be accomplished by one person. We should recruit talented people so that we can rule the country."
Zhang Quan shook his head unceremoniously, "Mr. Su's words make sense. But!"
At this point, Zhang Quan's tone became even more impolite, and he looked around proudly: "However, we are only here to offer advice. How to consider the strategy is your majesty's responsibility. We only need to offer our wisdom to your majesty, and your majesty will choose. Zhang Quan has come all this way not for debate, nor for targeting a certain school of thought. Zhang Quan's purpose is very simple, which is to spread the ideas that I think are beneficial to the country, the people, and the world. What Zhang Quan wants to convey is just an idea, a new strategy for governing the country. The purpose of this new idea is not for debate, but for governing the country. Give your majesty and the people of the world one more choice, one more new way of thinking and direction. Capitalism is not an exclusive idea. On the contrary, capitalism can accept any idea that is beneficial to the development of the country."