Li Yaonan was elegantly spoken, and the content of his lectures was all practical. Every word and sentence was thought-provoking. The students listened very carefully, and they couldn't help but feel fortunate that they had come to attend the class today. There was a reason why Lord Li was promoted so quickly.
As time passed, Li Yaonan's class came to an end. Even Li Mingzhang outside the classroom was listening with great interest, with a thoughtful look on his face from time to time.
Some children even sat upright, pricked up their ears, and listened with fascination.
Li Yaonan smiled and said, "Okay, that's all for today. If you don't understand something, you can ask questions now."
A student stood up, feeling conflicted. What Lord Li said was contrary to what he had learned before. What was even more hateful was that he actually thought Lord Li was right. The conflict between the two concepts made him contradict himself. If he couldn't find a breakthrough, he was afraid that he would suffer for the rest of his life. He asked sharply, "According to what you said, wouldn't the honest officials become unbearable? Do you have a prejudice against honest officials?"
Li Yaonan raised his eyebrows slightly. The student asked a good question, but he did not intend to become the public enemy of all honest officials. He smiled and said, "Of course not. I have no prejudice against honest officials. On the contrary, I admire the real honest officials. Their integrity is respected. Among the officials of this dynasty, Mr. Gu, the prefect of Daming, and Mr. Yu, the governor of Lianzhou, are both people I respect very much."
The students looked confused. Who are these two adults
Li Yaonan quickly gave them the answer: "Mr. Gu has been an official for twenty years. He was a Jinshi in the thirteenth year of Chengze. When he first took office, he was only a county magistrate for one term. At that time, Shikang County was not as prosperous as it is now."
"Shikang County?" A student was surprised. Shikang County had produced several juren in the past ten years, and he had heard of this place.
Li Yaonan nodded and smiled, "Yes, it is because of Lord Gu that Shikang County has what it is today. Twenty years ago, Shikang County was notoriously poor, but Lord Gu worked tirelessly, running around, lowering himself to beg local wealthy families, raising money to build roads and bridges, organizing local people to reclaim wasteland and cultivate, and building a school in the county. Step by step, he laid the foundation for Shikang County, which is why it is so prosperous today."
Someone asked curiously, "How did Lord Li know about what happened 20 years ago?"
Li Yaonan curled his lips and said, "I am the Minister of Public Administration."
The students gasped. Master Li had only been in office for a short time, but he knew everything about the past years.
Li Yaonan looked serious and taught earnestly: "Officials should be in their posts and do their work. Since I am the Minister of Public Administration, I naturally have to know everything about the government office. This is responsible for myself and my position. Since I am deeply favored by the emperor, I should live up to the emperor's appreciation."
"What about Lord Yu? Who is he?"
Li Yaonan spoke eloquently, and he knew all about Mr. Yu's deeds: "Mr. Yu was a strict official. The people in Lianzhou called him Yu Qingtian. He was an honest official, fearless of power, and he tried countless unjust cases..."
The students were somewhat puzzled: "They both tried wrongful cases, so what's the difference between him and Rui Hai?"
"Of course there is a difference." Li Yaonan said solemnly, "Lord Yu has a decisive style of action. If one person is full of hatred, others will only hate him but not the people. Of course, this has everything to do with the wisdom of the current emperor. I have said before that officials need to judge the situation and the results will definitely be different in different environments."
"What about Lord You, the magistrate of Donghe County, Lord You? Is he a good official?" a student asked with red eyes.
"Master You..." Li Yaonan pondered for a moment, shook his head, and answered very tactfully: "He is not suitable to be an official."
"Lord You serves the country and the people, and if he is not considered a good official, who can be considered a good official?" Qiao Zhixin became excited, with a hint of resentment on his face.
The other students stared at Lord Li, obviously infected by Qiao Zhixin's emotions.
Li Yaonan was very patient: "To the people, he is a good official, but to the emperor, he is an official who embezzled. The country has its own laws, and the family has its own rules. No matter what the reason, he opened the warehouse to release grain without the permission of his superiors. Have you ever thought about what the grain was used for? When the Yellow River flooded, Donghe was one of the areas severely affected. There were many ways to raise grain, but he chose the one with the most serious consequences."
The students fell silent, and Li Yaonan continued, "These grains are for the country's military supplies. He opened the granary privately without the knowledge of his superiors. If there is an emergency, have you ever thought about what to do? He is so emotional. He may really be wholeheartedly serving the people, but I think he is not suitable for being an official. Even if he did not open the granary to release the grain, his career would not last long."
"If it were Lord Li, what would you do?" Qiao Zhixin's eyes were red. He was a commoner of Donghe. If it weren't for the kindness of Lord You, his family might have died in that disaster.
Li Yaonan sneered: "Are the rich families in the city just for show? Lord You can't bend down to the merchants, so why not forcibly collect grain? To put it bluntly, it's all because of his pride."
Qiao Zhixin's lips twitched as he retorted, "Lord You is a good official, and the rich man is also a commoner in Donghe. He would not take money from others for no reason. He is just an upright person."
"I know that this is a kind of moral constraint. If that's the case, then why did he open the warehouse to release grain? Is it justified to steal from the national treasury? Why? Because he is doing it for the country and the people, so he can openly break the law. If everyone is like him, where is the country's law?"
Qiao Zhixin opened his mouth, but couldn't find any reason to refute. Every word Li Yaonan said made sense, but as a citizen of Donghe, he was unwilling to believe that Lord You's behavior was wrong.
Seeing his bewildered expression, Li Yaonan slowed down his tone slightly, "This is just my personal opinion. I want you to think about it. It does not represent the opinions of others. You can refute or question it. I dare not say that I am right. Any good book is revised again and again before it can be compiled into a book. The allusions of our ancestors cannot be blindly followed. I think any questioning can make people progress."
"Do you have any doubts about Confucius' teachings?" a student asked.
"Confucius is a great thinker." Li Yaonan chuckled and replied, as if recalling something from the past: "You may not know that when I was in the Hanlin Academy, I was famous for being a phobic. It is not shameful to question the knowledge of our ancestors. In ancient times, people only used bronze ware, but now they have porcelain, iron, jade, and more. There may be more in the future. What does this prove?"
"It proves that our knowledge is definitely deeper than that of the ancients."
"Yes, in the way of learning, we can discard the chaff and retain the essence. The knowledge of the ancients has its own merits. However, if you blindly follow others, no matter how well you learn, you are just inheriting the knowledge of the ancients, but you cannot open up new ideas."
He talked to them for a while. The students asked questions one after another. Li Yaonan answered them until his mouth was dry and he felt a little hungry. Then he came to his senses and realized that it was already late.
"Okay, that's all for today. Go back and think about it carefully." Li Yaonan made the final decision, ending today's topic.
The students were still eager to learn more and were reluctant to leave, as they still had many questions to ask.
"Master Li, will you come back to give lectures next time?"
“There are still many things that students don’t quite understand.”
"Lord Li..."
Li Yaonan curled his lips and smiled, looking at the pairs of expectant eyes. He knew that today's class was very successful. He thought for a while, walked to the table, and wrote down a topic: "This is a famous loyal minister during the Wei Dynasty. Each of you write a policy paper and hand it in to the manager of Sihai Academy. After the correction, I will have someone send it back."
"Thank you, Lord Li." The students were very excited, their eyes shining. Lord Li was really a good person. It would be great if other officials could come to give lectures, who would be so attentive.
"Lord Li, when will you give your next lecture?" someone asked unwillingly.
Li Yaonan laughed. He had originally intended to use this opportunity to become famous, so why would he not come again? However, he couldn't say that. After a brief consideration, he smiled and said, "Let's wait and see when we have a day off next month. The Prince Consort will notify you in advance."
The students are in high spirits. The next month of vacation is enough for them to finish their assignments and digest what they have learned today. I wonder what Master Li will talk about next time...
When Li Yaonan returned to the side room, Li Mingzhang had already set out the wine and food, and the children all looked thoughtful.
"Brother Donglin is a man of great talent." Li Mingzhang admired him in his heart. He had known that Li Yaonan had great ambitions. Listening to his speech today, he was still amazed and many things were enlightening.
Li Yaonan chuckled: "It's just a slight feeling."
Li Mingzhang knew clearly that Brother Li must have experienced many setbacks when he went to Yunnan. In addition, Brother Li liked to take unconventional approaches, so it was not surprising that he came to the current conclusion.
Li Yaonan allowed him to misunderstand, and even though they had a good relationship, he would not confess everything.
Li Xi rolled his eyes in the dark, and felt even more that his father's talent was beyond the reach of others. He didn't know when he would be able to escape from the old fox's clutches in this lifetime.
"What are your plans for the future in Donglin?" Li Mingzhang hinted.
"Let's wait and see." Li Yaonan sneered, "I am the emperor's subject, and I only need to obey the emperor's orders."
Li Mingzhang shook his head: "I'm afraid things won't be that simple."
"So what?" Li Yaonan's eyes dimmed, and when he saw Li Mingzhang's concerned look, his heart couldn't help but warm up: "The prince dare not act blatantly. As long as the emperor is on my side, I have nothing to fear."
Li Mingzhang sighed softly: "I'm just afraid that the prince will do something desperate."
Li Yaonan chuckled and couldn't help but laughed slowly: "Only you dare to say that."
Li Mingzhang pretended to be helpless and spread his hands, saying, "My father is timid and can't stand being scared. Except in front of you, I don't have so many restrictions. I dare not speak freely in other places."
"Alas!" Li Yaonan sighed. Time is really unforgiving. He still remembers that Li Mingzhang was a young man from a wealthy family. His words and deeds were all very elegant. Now he has become casual.
Li Mingzhang smiled bitterly. Since he couldn't change the environment, he could only change himself. When Sihai Academy was first opened, all the students who came were from poor families. If he put on airs, how could he interact with others? His status alone would probably scare people away.
Fortunately, he persisted and now lives a good life. Although his relationship with the princess is not very good, it can be said that they respect each other.
Li Yaonan had some understanding in his heart. Li Mingzhang facing the poor student was like a princess facing her prince consort. The difference in status was like a thick wall. If the princess did not put down her airs, there would always be a layer of separation between the couple. No matter how good they looked on the surface, in fact, they had never touched each other's hearts.
After dinner, the two chatted for a while, and then Li Yaonan took the children back home.
Little did he know that the content of his lecture today spread all over the capital at lightning speed. Some people pondered over it, some sneered at it, and some even cursed loudly, especially some honest officials who were seeking fame and reputation. They were very angry this time.
It was two days later that the emperor received the news. He was neither angry nor angry. The Li Qing family's actions were indeed unexpected. Look at what he had taught them, all of which were tricky and unorthodox.
However, if you think about it more deeply, it makes sense. Ruihai was an honest official, but what right did he have to challenge the emperor? No matter how good Ruihai's reputation was among the people, for an emperor, his actions were nothing short of a provocation. It made him famous, but destroyed the emperor's dignity.
No emperor would like an official like Rui Hai. Rui Hai's words and deeds have long exceeded his duty. His fearlessness can only show the stupidity and incompetence of Emperor Han Yuan. It is possible that it was because of his actions that Emperor Han Cheng lost the support of the people and the Jin Dynasty was able to take this opportunity to rise.
The emperor already knew the nature of some honest officials, and after Li Yaonan explained it to him, he felt as if he had suddenly realized something.
The honest officials in the court really made him love and hate them. Just like the upright and honest censors, when they caught the slightest mistake, they would jump higher than chickens. It seemed to have become a habit for them to refute the emperor. "A civil official dies by remonstration, a military official dies by fighting" was a phrase used in ancient times to praise loyal officials, but when it came to him... ...
The corners of the emperor's lips twitched. The censors who did not refute the emperor were not good censors. If they did not go against the emperor, they would not be famous enough. This was a trend passed down from the previous dynasty.
Now the emperor really wants to see the expressions of these imperial censors after hearing what Li Qingjia said. Some people just want to gain fame and reputation, don't they? However, it is not completely useless. At least when they impeach ministers, they never speak softly in order to show that they are not afraid of power.
"Your Majesty, the twelfth prince, the thirteenth prince, and the sixteenth prince are here." Eunuch Wang called softly, afraid to disturb the emperor's deep thoughts.
"Well, bring it in." A smile appeared on the emperor's face, and then he remembered that he wanted to test their knowledge today.
Eunuch Wang sighed inwardly. The emperor had not been so kind and cheerful for a long time, except when facing the young prince.
"Your son greets you, father." Several princes quickly stepped into the imperial study.
"Get up." The emperor nodded slightly, feeling that he was indeed old, and had become fond of reminiscing about the past and of having children around him. Unfortunately...
The emperor's eyes darkened, and the voices of several princes interrupted his thoughts.
"Thank you, Father."
The emperor's expression softened slightly: "Have you completed today's homework?"
"My father, it has been completed." The twelfth prince was measured in his words and actions, and his royal demeanor could be seen at such a young age.
"My riding and archery master praised me." The Thirteenth Prince raised his chin and put on a very pretentious attitude, but his answer was evasive.
The sixteenth prince was only ten years old. Relying on the emperor's favor, he was very bold and said proudly: "The teacher praised me today. If you don't believe me, let your father test me."
The emperor smiled lightly and became interested: "A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute. The responsibility is heavy and the road is long. To take benevolence as one's responsibility, isn't that a heavy responsibility? To wait until death, isn't that a long way to go? Why?"
The sixteenth prince had a serious face and answered in a serious tone: "A truly responsible person must have a strong will, because the responsibility he bears is heavy, and the road to achieving it is long. He takes benevolence as his responsibility, so it is a heavy responsibility. The end of his life is the end of his mission, so the road to achieving benevolence is long and far."
"Not bad." The emperor was in a good mood and gave praise without hesitation.
The sixteenth prince was very proud and looked like a little peacock.
The Thirteenth Prince tried to minimize his presence, for fear that his father would test him.
The Twelfth Prince looked at his brother with amusement, but he gently blocked the way and stood in front of the Thirteenth Prince.
The emperor glared at the thirteenth prince, but he was not very angry. It was better for his son to be a little naughty than for them to scheme all day long. However, as a prince, he had to study. Just as he was about to test the thirteenth prince's knowledge, the eunuch Wang reported carefully: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince, the Fifth Prince, the Sixth Prince, and the Seventh Prince wish to see you."
The emperor's face darkened and his good mood was instantly ruined.
The three princes looked at each other, and the twelfth prince smiled and said, "Father has something to do, so I will take my leave first."
"No need." The emperor said calmly: "You are thirteen now. You will be on duty in a few days. It would be good for you to stay and listen." Then he looked at the thirteenth and sixteenth princes: "You should also learn more."
"Yes, father." Thirteen and Sixteen answered happily, especially the Thirteenth Prince, who had just escaped a disaster. The joyful expression on his face was not too obvious.
The twelfth prince was in a complicated mood, not knowing whether to be happy or sad. The age difference between him and his brother was too big. If he was to do the work at this time, even if he had no intention of competing for the throne, he would probably be suspected. He hesitated for a long time before saying, "Thank you, father."
The author has something to say: Thank you, I will continue to work hard.
The next emperor will come from among these three princes. o(n_n)o
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