flstandardbreds Chapter 113 On Another Street
Chapter 113 On Another Street
Groups of people sat together, discussing enthusiastically: "Do you think these noble families dare to accept the challenge?" As soon as one of them finished speaking, someone next to him immediately echoed: "Of course they dare! Which of these noble families doesn't have the support of several officials behind them? How could they be afraid!" In this way, everyone talked about it at once, but no one could be sure of the final outcome.
However, surprisingly, two days had passed and no aristocratic family had responded. As time passed, public opinion intensified, with all sorts of speculation and questioning abounding.
At that moment, the Chen family was bustling with activity. A slightly overweight, middle-aged man shouted angrily, "Back then, my Gao family was reluctant to get involved in this. But it was your Chen family and the He family who solemnly promised me that if we worked together, my son would secure a government position. It was because of your words that I reluctantly agreed to join you. But now, look at what the He family is up to? They've caused such a commotion, and they're not even showing their faces!"
Upon hearing this, the representatives from the other families also expressed strong dissatisfaction. One of them shouted angrily, "That's right! Things are escalating and getting completely out of control. But the He family just walked away and left us here. They have to give us a reasonable explanation and reconciliation, right? You know, we deliberately put aside important matters and rushed here from all over the place to deal with this matter. And the result? Not only are our reputations ruined, but we also get nothing!" The man was so angry that he slapped his thigh hard to vent his anger. The whole room was suddenly filled with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
At this moment, someone in the crowd looked suspicious and whispered, "Do you think the He family got some information in advance? Otherwise, why did they pretend to be deaf and dumb and pretend to be ignorant despite our repeated invitations?"
Another person echoed, "I thought so too. With this matter now causing such a stir, it's impossible for that noble in the palace to be completely unaware of it. But from the beginning until now, he hasn't expressed any opinion at all!"
As everyone was discussing, the head of the Chen family, who had been sitting quietly in the main seat, finally spoke. His voice was steady and powerful, interrupting everyone's speculation. "Things have come to this point. Further discussions are futile. Since the Mu family woman has openly issued a challenge, there's absolutely no reason for us not to accept it. Moreover, this challenge has been issued for over two days. If we delay responding, won't outsiders think we're afraid of her? Even with such a big fuss, the person in the palace has remained silent. This is enough to show that he has no objection to the establishment of the academy and may even be welcoming of it. In that case, let's quickly send someone to invite a few respected literary figures. I want to see what makes this Mu family woman so special..."
However, before he finished speaking, someone couldn't help but raise an objection: "We're just dealing with a little girl. Is it really necessary to trouble everyone to help?"
Patriarch Chen shook his head and said slowly, "If you underestimate her, I would never dare to do that! In this vast capital, how many people dare to look down on her? Otherwise, why are you here with me, plotting how to deal with that academy that's still in its infancy? We're going through so much trouble, isn't it because we're worried that it will one day grow into a towering tree? Right now, her reputation in Zhao State is unparalleled and cannot be underestimated. If she can win this time, her status in the eyes of the people of Zhao State and the person in the palace will surely rise to a higher level!"
After hearing this, the man still looked down on Mu Yunxi in his heart, but he did not refute her. After all, every word the Chen family master said was reasonable, leaving him no way to refute it.
Shortly after the banquet ended, Mu Yunxi and Yongle received replies from the various aristocratic families. However, the contents of the letters were not what they had expected. Regarding the specific date of the upcoming debate, the aristocratic families unanimously proposed to postpone the discussion to another day.
Mu Yunxi and Yongle were not overly surprised by this outcome. After some in-depth discussion, they decided to submit a petition to Emperor Qing Zhao, requesting that he personally preside over this debate, which was of a different significance.
When Emperor Qing Zhao received Mu Yunxi's memorial, he couldn't help but frown slightly, then fell into a long period of deep thought. He knew full well that this debate was more than just a simple test of the up-and-coming "Innovation" Academy; it was also a serious challenge to his own philosophy of governance. After weighing the pros and cons and deliberating for a long time, Emperor Qing Zhao finally agreed to Mu Yunxi's proposal. However, to ensure fairness, he invited the Grand Secretaries to witness the event, including the upright Bachelor of Literature.
During this time, the two sides also confirmed the time. Thus, a debate competition concerning the fate of "Innovation" College and the future of Zhao State was about to begin. The outcome of this debate would directly affect the future of Zhao State...
With the Emperor Qing Zhao's order, the Zhao capital, Chang'an, erupted in excitement. Streets and alleys, teahouses and taverns were abuzz with the upcoming debate. This debate hinged not only on the fate of the "Innovation" Academy, but also on the future of the entire Zhao Kingdom. Therefore, both ordinary citizens and dignitaries alike were eagerly anticipating the event. The debate took place in Tianqi Square, the central square of Kyoto. Elevated stands surrounded the square for spectators to watch the action. In the center of the square stood a spacious stage, furnished with tables and chairs and a large screen with the inscription "Debate for Innovation" in large letters.