In the Ming Dynasty 1498, my restaurant connects two worlds.

Chapter 105 Xiao Yi's Heated Debate at Wenhua Hall (Part 4)

Seeing that he was starting to waver, Song Xiaoyi pressed his advantage, delivering the final blow: "My suggestion that His Highness leave the palace for experience is not to have him learn a trade to make a living, but rather to let him gain firsthand knowledge."

"What does 'understanding' mean? It means understanding the people's sentiments, understanding their livelihoods, and understanding the true pulse of this great Ming dynasty."

"This is not some strange skill or trick," but rather "the investigation of things to acquire knowledge." It is to investigate the things of the world and acquire knowledge of governing the country. Only in this way can Your Highness become a wise and compassionate ruler, one with courage and insight, and continue and carry forward the "Hongzhi Restoration" initiated by you and His Majesty!

"Excellent! Xiao Yi! Your understanding of the true pulse of the Ming Dynasty and your description of a wise ruler who is flesh and blood, compassionate, courageous, and insightful are all excellent! I support you!"

Zhu Youcheng, who had been eavesdropping outside the door, stepped into the Wenhua Hall with an old eunuch.

Wang Shu remained silent, not immediately bowing as usual, but instead falling into deep thought.

Zhu Youtang stopped the old eunuch behind him from doing anything.

The emperor's thoughts are very straightforward, and it's a good thing to let him think about them.

If Wang Shu can truly understand the key to this, it would be a blessing for the Ming Dynasty.

Wang Shu's gaze was sharp and fixed on Song Xiaoyi, as if trying to see through the young man's thoughts.

He had to admit that Song Xiaoyi's words, although contrary to his own preconceived notions, possessed an irrefutable power.

Having dedicated his life to the country and its people, what he hates most is officials who are detached from the masses and only know how to talk empty words.

Now, should I really stop the Crown Prince from learning about the country and people he will be governing in the future?

Have I become the very thing I hate most?

Isn't this yet another kind of irony?

Seeing Wang Shu remain silent, Zhu Houzhao mustered his courage, turned and stepped forward, tugging at Zhu Youcheng's sleeve. In his childish yet sincere voice, he said, "Father, your son... your son wants to go out of the palace with Mr. Song. Your son doesn't want to only read in books that 'the people are the foundation of the state,' your son wants to see with his own eyes what 'the foundation' really looks like."

"Mr. Song just said that only by knowing how the people live can I know how to make their lives better. Your son... Your son wants to be a good emperor, like Father, and like Mr. Song said, a good emperor who makes the people live in peace and prosperity."

Zhu Youcheng did not answer, but gestured with his lip towards Wang Shu's direction.

The quick-witted Zhu Houzhao then turned to Wang Shu and ran to tug at Wang Shu's sleeve.

Looking down at the child in front of him with his small, clear eyes and upturned face, Wang Shu recalled Song Xiaoyi's resounding words, and his defenses finally crumbled completely.

Wang Shu recalled his youth, when he was full of vigor and wanted to do something for the people of the world.

He recalled the hardships he witnessed firsthand when he was the governor of Yunnan.

He recalled the floods he witnessed firsthand when he was managing the river channels.

It was these firsthand observations that strengthened my belief in serving the country and its people.

Perhaps—this young man is right?

The end of the paper is so shallow that I know that this matter must be carried out.

If the crown prince only knows how to be aloof and doesn't understand the realities of life, how will he ever truly understand the meaning of "benevolent governance"?

How can we truly inherit and carry forward the hard work of their generation?

After a long while, Wang Shu let out a long sigh, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

Wang Shu looked at Song Xiaoyi, the sharpness in his eyes completely gone, replaced by a complex expression, tinged with a mixture of admiration and helplessness.

"Song Shao Zhan Shi..." Wang Shu's voice was somewhat hoarse, "What you've said... I've never heard of such things before. Throughout my life, I've considered myself upright and dedicated to the country and its people. Yet, I never imagined that in the matter of educating the Crown Prince, I would fall into the quagmire of 'conservatism'."

Wang Shu paused, his tone becoming serious: "You're right. The people are the foundation of the nation. How can one govern a country if one doesn't understand the people's livelihood? I... have been bound by these two words, 'rules,' for far too long."

Song Xiaoyi was overjoyed. Holy crap, it actually worked!

"That Wang Taibao thinks this way is truly a blessing for the Crown Prince and for the Ming Dynasty!"

Wang Shu waved his hand and continued, "However, Lord Song, there are indeed risks involved in leaving the palace, and the rules cannot be completely disregarded. I can agree to your proposal, but we must have a foolproof plan."

Song Xiaoyi said solemnly, "Of course, everything is at Taibao's disposal."

Wang Shu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "First, the matter of leaving the palace must be kept absolutely secret. We must not alarm the local people, disturb the public, or let anyone with ulterior motives find out."

"no problem."

"Secondly, the location must be carefully chosen; it must be a safe and reliable place, and there must be someone I trust secretly protecting it."

"Yes, how about the newly appointed commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Mu Bin? With my skills and the Embroidered Uniform Guard's covert protection, there will be no chance of failure."

"Third, the time should not be too long, so as not to affect the Crown Prince's normal studies of classics and history."

"That's natural. With the Crown Prince running around outside the palace every day, even Xiao Yi himself is not up to the task."

"Fourth, each trip out of the palace must have a detailed plan and purpose. Upon return, the Crown Prince should write down his reflections and share them with us ministers. Lord Song, what do you think?"

"That's a must!"

Travelogue! Short essay! The homework that children under the red flag of our new era hated the most when they were young, Zhu Houzhao must experience the whole set.

Song Xiaoyi felt much more at ease.

I won this debate.

Moreover, this not only won them a chance to leave the palace, but also the understanding and support of a heavyweight ally.

"Wang Taibao's considerations are thorough, and I completely agree."

Wang Shu nodded, his gaze shifting to Zhu Houzhao, his eyes softening considerably: "Your Highness, this old minister agrees to your departure from the palace to observe the people's lives. But you must promise this old minister that you will be cautious in your words and actions, that you will observe and learn diligently, and above all, that you will ensure your own safety. You are the hope of the Ming Dynasty; your safety is of paramount importance."

"Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Wang has agreed."

Only then did Wang Shu notice Zhu Youcheng at the door, and hurriedly prepared to bow, "Your Majesty..."

'

"Wang Taibao," Zhu Youcheng stepped forward and personally supported Wang Shu, "Today's debate was truly brilliant. I not only witnessed Xiao Yi's diplomatic skills, but also Wang Taibao's magnanimity."

"Zhao'er, why don't you thank Wang Taibao and Master Song?"

Zhu Houzhao was surprised by the unexpected turn of events. His face flushed with excitement, and he nodded vigorously, saying, "Your subject will follow Your Majesty's teachings! Your subject will certainly be diligent and careful! Thank you, Grand Tutor Wang! Thank you, Master Song!"

Mr. Song, Junior Chamberlain Song, Master Song, and Little Yi Song—the titles have changed several times in this short period of time. The title "Master" is not given lightly. Once the name "Master Song" is given, it is a title that cannot be taken lightly. The master-disciple relationship is thus established.

Looking at Zhu Houzhao's energetic and vibrant appearance, Wang Shu finally showed a rare smile.