flstandardbreds Chapter 115 Zhang Banxian paused and continued:
Chapter 115 Zhang Banxian paused and continued:
"In fact, the 'Innovation' Academy is not an ordinary academy. There is a huge conspiracy hidden behind it! This conspiracy is to overthrow the existing regime and establish a new dynasty by training batches of people with lofty ideals! And Princess Yongle is one of the masterminds of this conspiracy!" Before he finished speaking, a deafening cry of surprise broke out at the scene.
Faced with the sudden accusation, Yongle remained remarkably calm. She stood up and responded with a firm and powerful voice, "You are spreading rumors and stirring up trouble! 'Innovation' Academy was co-founded by me and Master Xiaomu to cultivate more talented young people to contribute to the State of Zhao, not to overthrow the regime and establish a new dynasty! Your accusation is utter nonsense! You have wrongly accused me, and this is a capital crime..." Her words were sonorous and resounding. Then, glancing around, she said leisurely, "Now tell me who ordered this, and I will spare your life!"
Before Zhang Banxian could say anything, he heard Emperor Qing Zhao say sternly, "Take him away for trial..." Then he added, "I believe the princess, the debate continues." His two simple words instantly quieted the originally boiling scene.
After a heated debate, the closing arguments finally arrived. In this session, both teams summarized the debate and elaborated on their respective viewpoints and positions. First up was Li Yifeng, a representative from the Innovation Academy. He spoke passionately and passionately about the academy's future prospects, emphasizing that its mission is to cultivate individuals with aspirations to contribute to national prosperity, not to pursue any political agenda or ambition. He also urged the audience to think rationally, not to be misled by rumors, and to trust in the power of facts and truth.
Next, Li Wenyuan, captain of the aristocratic family team, spoke. With a solemn and serious tone, he summarized the aristocratic family's stance and perspective, acknowledging that his own remarks and actions during the previous debate may have been somewhat extreme. However, he also emphasized that the interests of the aristocratic families should not be ignored, and expressed his hope that Emperor Qing Zhao would value the aristocratic families' opinions and demands and give them greater attention and support. He also expressed his willingness to engage in further communication and exchanges with the "Innovation" Academy to seek a win-win solution and jointly promote the development and progress of Zhao State.
With the closing arguments from both sides, the debate drew to a close. Emperor Qing Zhao stood up, his gaze sweeping across the audience, finally resting on Mu Yunxi and Li Yifeng. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "I have heard today's debate clearly. The philosophy of the Innovation Academy is to cultivate individuals with aspirations to contribute to the future of our nation. I understand the concerns of the aristocratic families. However, we cannot refuse progress out of fear of change."
He paused, then continued, "I have decided to support the development of the Innovation Academy. However, I also hope that the aristocratic families can put aside their prejudices and work together with the Innovation Academy to strive for the prosperity of Zhao State."
Upon hearing this result, Mu Yunxi and Li Yifeng smiled at each other, knowing that their efforts had not been in vain. Li Wenyuan, the captain of the aristocratic team, was somewhat disappointed, but he also understood that this was the best possible outcome.
As soon as Emperor Qing Zhao finished speaking, the whole audience erupted in applause. People cheered for Emperor Qing Zhao's wise decision and were full of expectations for the future of the "Innovation" Academy.
Thus, a debate competition that hinged on the future of Zhaoguo came to a close. The Innovation Academy, meanwhile, gained new life through this debate. It will continue to uphold the philosophy of innovation, cultivate more talented young people for Zhaoguo, and contribute to the nation's prosperity.
Afterward, Yongle and Mu Yunxi returned to the palace with Emperor Qing Zhao. Upon entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yongle knelt without hesitation, saying respectfully and sincerely, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust in me! If you hadn't trusted me against all odds, I wouldn't have been able to come to a successful conclusion today!" Seeing this, Mu Yunxi, standing nearby, also knelt and echoed, "Your Majesty is wise. Thank you for your trust!"
Emperor Qing Zhao slowly raised his hand, motioning for the two to stand. Then, with a solemn expression, he spoke, "Just now, someone from the Zhenfu Division came to report that Zhang Banxian was under orders to do this. His family has been captured by criminals, and his children and grandchildren have been abducted and are nowhere to be found. If Zhang Banxian refuses, his innocent children and grandchildren will be in danger. Although I have immediately dispatched personnel to rescue them, I'm afraid they are already in great danger."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunxi and Yongle couldn't help but look at each other, both of them showing shock. Yongle asked, "Who dares to be so audacious?"
"That Zhang Banxian said that he didn't recognize those villains at all, because they all had their faces covered and were hiding their true faces! Humph, what a bunch of despicable and shameless people!" After saying that, Emperor Qing Zhao slammed the table in anger. They touched the people of his Zhao Kingdom under his nose. This was ignoring him. How could he not be angry?
"In my opinion, this incident was most likely caused by people from Youdu. We are now preparing to fight them, and it is not surprising that these guys took this opportunity to stir up trouble in Zhaoguo." Mu Yunxi said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, a flash of coldness flashed across Emperor Qing Zhao's eyes. "Hmph! How dare you wantonly create unrest in my land? However, this incident has also sounded a warning to me. We must strengthen our defenses within Zhao to ensure its stability."
Mu Yunxi nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty is absolutely right. At this critical juncture, only by strengthening our internal forces and uniting as one can we unite as one and resist the external enemies."
"I only hope that Zhaoyang Ship No. 3 will arrive at the Youdu East Sea preparation area as soon as possible. Once it is in place, we will immediately launch a simultaneous offensive from three directions, directly targeting the Youdu royal family. I will conquer Youdu in one fell swoop within the next two months before the New Year," Emperor Qing Zhao declared loudly and proudly. He then glanced at Mu Yunxi, who seemed to be hesitant to speak, and said, "Ask me if you have any questions."
Mu Yunxi quickly bowed and responded, "Your Majesty, I have no objection!"
"If you have something to say, just say it. Don't always look like you're hesitant. It really annoys me!" Emperor Qing Zhao frowned slightly, pretending to be impatient and shouted loudly.
Yongle, who was standing aside, couldn't help but feel a little funny when she saw the two people in front of her like this, but she still suppressed her laughter and continued to listen quietly to what Mu Yunxi was going to say next.
Mu Yunxi nodded slightly, then spoke slowly, "It's really no big deal. I just think Youdu is just a tiny place. With our current strength and the three Zhaoyang warships, we can capture it in less than two months. This battle will be a crushing victory without a doubt! And a quick victory will save a lot of military rations."
After hearing these words, Emperor Qing Zhao nodded thoughtfully, agreeing that Mu Yunxi's point of view was indeed quite reasonable. He then waved his hand to signal Mu Yunxi and Yongle to leave first. After the two left, he began to rethink and plan his strategy and tactics alone.