Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Gao Zhao followed the student out of the dormitory, feeling somewhat uneasy.

One can't help but wonder if Shi Qian made a mistake, failing to appease Feng Sanniang and letting her learn his true identity from elsewhere.

If this causes a fuss, wouldn't it damage my reputation?

Oh no! My reputation is about to be ruined!

He immediately had an idea to slip away!

But then I thought, my identity has been exposed, where can I run to? I can run away, but I can't hide!

Looks like I'll have to coax her some more!

Unfortunately, having lived two lives, I've always been naive when it comes to matters of the heart; how could I possibly know how to deceive someone?

Sigh, isn't this attacking my own weakness?

Forget it, I don't need such a mere empty title!

In an instant, Gao Zhao's mind raced, and he made a decision: first, he would threaten Feng Sanniang to stop her from talking nonsense, and then he would proceed with his plan slowly.

Xuezhi, who was walking beside him, noticed his expression changing repeatedly and became suspicious. He moved a little further away to look at him again and said doubtfully, "Have I seen you somewhere before? You look very familiar."

Gao Zhao quickly snapped out of his daze, glanced at Xue Zhi, and was shocked to discover that he was the same person who had pursued him before. A chill ran through him, and he chuckled awkwardly, "Xue Zhi is very conscientious and often travels within the Imperial Academy; it's not surprising that he's seen me before!"

"Perhaps!" Xuezhi nodded, but his eyes were full of doubt. He had chased the other person several times, and although he hadn't seen the face clearly, he was sure of the figure!

This kid is the one who always skips class!

Having dealt with these students so often, he knew all too well how stubborn they were; unless you caught them red-handed, they would never admit it, no matter what.

He didn't immediately retaliate, intending to wait and catch them red-handed next time.

He then silently led the way forward.

Seeing that he had been fooled, Gao Zhao felt relieved and followed along.

As he walked, he realized something was wrong. This wasn't the way to the Biyong Gate; why was he heading towards the Siyue Hall instead?

Gao Zhao couldn't help but ask, "Where are we going? Didn't you say someone was looking for me?"

"Someone is looking for you!" Xue Zhi said calmly, "The Grand Master of the Imperial Academy came today and specifically requested to see you!"

"Ah!" Gao Zhao was taken aback. The Grand Master of the Imperial Academy was nominally ranked below the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, but in reality, his status was much more prestigious.

Before he came to Biyong, Gao Qiu had explained the intricacies of the Imperial Academy to him. The current Grand Master of the Imperial Academy was a graduate of the Imperial Academy. After joining forces with Zheng Juzhong to overthrow Zhang Shangying, he was promoted to Grand Master. He was also highly regarded by the Emperor for his reforms of rites and music, and was ranked alongside Hanlin Academicians.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a half-step Prime Minister!

Gao Zhao couldn't understand why such a high-ranking official wanted to see him.

Could it be that he has a discerning eye and has discovered his own talent?

But he doesn't even have this thing himself, so how could he have discovered it!

Gao Zhao followed along, completely bewildered. They arrived at a public house and could faintly hear voices coming from inside.

Xue Zhi knocked on the door and announced loudly, "Reporting to the Grand Master, the person has been brought!"

"Come in!" A gentle voice came from inside.

The door opened, and Gao Zhao looked up to see two people sitting in the office, chatting. He didn't recognize the person at the head of the table, but he guessed that it was the Grand Master of Ceremonies. However, he recognized the other person: golden hair, golden eyes, a lion's nose, and a wide mouth. It was Wang Fu.

"Haha..." Wang Fu laughed when he saw Gao's surprised expression. "Little Gao, long time no see. Do you still remember me?"

How could I not remember?

This guy copied his method and made the Prefect of Kaifeng feel like he was in heaven!

Most importantly, he didn't even pay the copyright fees!

"Greetings, Vice Minister Wang!" Gao Zhao hurriedly stepped forward and bowed.

"Hehe...it seems you haven't seen him for quite some time!" The Grand Master of Ceremonies, seated at the head of the table, suddenly chuckled. "Brother Jiangming is now a Hanlin Academician, no longer the Vice Censor-in-Chief."

Gao Zhao was slightly taken aback, then bowed again and said, "Greetings, Inner Academician Wang, and Grand Master of Ceremonies. I have been studying in the dormitory these days and have not gone out, so I was unaware of the Inner Academician's promotion. Please forgive me!"

"Hehe, what's wrong with that?" Wang Fu smiled slightly, then asked, "What books have you been reading lately?"

Gao Zhao also felt that talking to this treacherous minister was like a gentle breeze, but unfortunately Gao Qiu wouldn't let him play with him. After thinking for a moment, he replied:

"I was moved by a lecture on the Rites of Zhou a few days ago. I thought that since half of the Rites of Zhou is about financial management, could it be that the Duke of Zhou did not know the principles of righteousness? Afterwards, I read Mencius, The Great Learning and other books, trying to find its underlying logic, so I did not go out."

"Oh..." Wang Fu, intrigued, asked with a smile, "Did you find anything?"

Gao Zhao nodded, then shook his head, and said with a wry smile, "The more I see, the more confused I become. I feel that profit arises from righteousness, and the two seem to be one, but then I feel something is wrong, and I can't quite put my finger on it."

Wang Fu turned his head and smiled, "Grand Master, your student has a question; you should answer it!"

"You're really putting me in a difficult position!" Da Sicheng shook his head with a wry smile and said, "The debate between righteousness and profit has existed since ancient times. For thousands of years, sages have debated this endlessly without reaching a conclusion. What virtue or ability do I, Liu, possess to make a judgment on this matter?"

"It is human nature to pursue profit, just as we love beauty and hate a foul odor. Have we ever heard of anyone pursuing righteousness in the same way? Therefore, our Confucian school values ​​righteousness over profit, using righteousness to govern profit, and upholding the fundamental principles of morality!"

Gao Zhao nodded. He had heard many people say similar things in the dormitory, but he didn't think much of it. His nod was just a polite way of showing his self-restraint.

Seeing this, the Grand Master of Ceremonies said, "Mencius said, 'Why must we speak of profit? There is also benevolence and righteousness.' You who study and understand principles should prioritize benevolence and righteousness!"

Seeing that he was incompetent yet dared to lecture him, Gao Zhao immediately raised his hand and said weakly, "But Wang Anshi keeps talking about profit! Are we still going to study the 'New Interpretations of the Three Classics'?"

"Uh..." Daishi Cheng choked, speechless.

"Haha..." Wang Fu laughed heartily, pointing at Gao Zhao and saying, "You're right. Wang Anshi's concept of righteousness and profit is closer to its original meaning; public interest is the greater good!"

"Of course, you shouldn't think that what your Grand Master said is wrong. Mr. Cheng from Luoyang said it even more harshly: not only financial gain, but anything with a profit motive is unacceptable. Seeking one's own safety and convenience before undertaking any task is also a profit motive."

Gao Zhao clicked his tongue in astonishment: "That's too biased! If everyone were like that, would they still be human? Wouldn't they be like stone sculptures or wooden statues!"

Wang Fu laughed and said, "Don't talk nonsense. Although the two Mr. Chengs are no longer alive, they have many successors. Be careful they come to deal with you."

Gao Zhao immediately fell silent. If these people really came to his door, not to mention him, even Gao Qiu wouldn't be able to handle it, and he would inevitably be blamed by the incompetent old Gao.

He then changed the subject, saying, "I wonder what business you have with me today, Wang Neihan and Da Sicheng?"

"It's nothing. I came to see the Grand Master of Ceremonies today and mentioned that you were studying here, so I called you over for a chat." Wang Fu smiled and said, "Seeing that you are studying diligently in the Imperial Academy, I am very pleased. You may continue your studies now!"

Gao Zhao was completely bewildered as he was dismissed. That's it? Summoned at will, dismissed at will? Isn't this just playing with people?!

Could it be that he doesn't know that I am proficient in spear and staff fighting?

After he left, the Grand Master looked at Wang Fu, shook his head, and said, "You're being too cautious. You came to see me, and even used a child as a cover!"

"Grand Tutor Cai's continuation of the policies of the Xifeng era hinges on two crucial aspects: first, the Emperor's trust in him; and second, the establishment of the new educational system. If he knew that I had come to the Imperial Academy to see you without reason, wouldn't he be suspicious?"

"I thought you were trying to use him to win over Gao Qiu!"

"I did have that thought, but unfortunately Gao Qiu wouldn't listen to reason with me!"

"Alright, let's get down to business. What brings you here today?"

"I hadn't decided yet! But hearing the debate about righteousness and profit just now has truly enlightened me!"

The Grand Master pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Are you trying to use your own weapon against yourself?"

Wang Fu shook his head and said, "This is called getting to the root of the problem!"