Chapter 210: The Qianniu Guard and the Good Stuff

With Zhu Youxiao's move to the Western Park, the Great Ming entered a new phase — his governance from the Western Park had begun.

Early the next morning, Qi Yuanfu arrived at the Western Park.

For him, coming here for the first time was somewhat nerve-wracking. After his father returned home yesterday, he had told him that His Majesty had appointed him commander of the personal bodyguards — something he had never expected in a thousand years.

After a round of admonishments from his father, Qi Yuanfu grew even more nervous. He knew his family's situation well; his father was currently deeply trusted by His Majesty.

But some things, taken too far, become worse than not at all. Earning His Majesty's trust was a good thing. Yet if one grew too close to the imperial house, that was not a good thing for a minister.

But some things cannot be avoided by hiding. Whether His Majesty did this to display favor toward his father, to win over hearts, or because he truly valued his own abilities, Qi Yuanfu had no way of knowing.

What was done was done — he could only passively accept it.

When Qi Yuanfu reported for duty, Zhu Youxiao was eating, but he still summoned him in.

For Zhu Youxiao, he did not begrudge using such methods to display his closeness to his ministers.

"Your servant Qi Yuanfu pays respects to Your Majesty." Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao, Qi Yuanfu dared not be remiss and hurriedly knelt to kowtow.

Zhu Youxiao raised his head and glanced at him, nodding expressionlessly, and said: "Rise, no need for ceremony."

At the same time, he turned to Chen Hong and said: "Prepare a meal for him. Coming this early, he probably hasn't eaten."

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty." Qi Yuanfu said hurriedly.

This was His Majesty's regard for him, and such a reward could not be refused, so Qi Yuanfu quickly accepted.

Soon Chen Hong delivered a serving of food to Qi Yuanfu.

Qi Yuanfu sat down and ate quickly. But from beginning to end, he couldn't even remember what he had eaten.

Throughout the meal, Zhu Youxiao kept appraising Qi Yuanfu. He found that Qi Yuanfu carried himself with a military bearing — he looked quite good.

As for how capable he truly was, Zhu Youxiao wasn't too worried. The Great Ming was not a place that superstitiously believed in bloodlines — or rather, the entire ancient world did not put much stock in such things.

Though there was some influence, not everyone believed that a man's son should be a certain way; more weight was given to inheritance and education.

In this era, this reasoning held. Because this age had no public education system — education was mostly a family matter.

This kind of family education was especially pronounced in military households, where even military manuals would be hidden away. Under such circumstances, it was understandable that generals' descendants were more likely to become generals, and the descendants of excellent generals were more likely to become excellent generals.

Qi Jin, for instance, was a fine example — he had been cultivated by his father.

Even that armchair strategist Zhao Kuo — by the time of the Qin-Zhao war, Zhao's defeat was already inevitable; the greater reason was that Zhao's logistics could not keep up, that is, its national strength had failed.

When both sides had ground to such a stalemate, whoever could outlast the other would win — that is, a war of attrition. Victories in local battles could no longer affect the outcome of the entire war.

Qi Yuanfu might not measure up to Qi Jin, let alone Qi Jiguang.

In truth, Qi Jin also could not match Qi Jiguang, but one thing was certain — Qi Jin was at least far stronger than most other generals.

Judging by their family's methods of cultivation, Qi Yuanfu at least would not be an empty sack.

Besides, Zhu Youxiao was only picking a head of bodyguards to test his ideas — he didn't need someone overly capable.

After finishing breakfast, Zhu Youxiao brought Qi Yuanfu to the training ground outside.

This was a place Zhu Youxiao had specially prepared, stocked with quite a few pieces of fitness equipment — naturally, the kind he had seen in his later life.

Things like parallel bars, which were quite good for training, along with equipment for practicing wall-scaling and climbing — in short, just like the equipment used in military training in the later age.

All of these Zhu Youxiao had restored and set up according to his memory. Though he didn't know the principles behind them, one thing he was very clear on — these things were certainly effective.

Things widely adopted in the later age had naturally proven their scientific validity, and were certainly more advanced than what the Great Ming had. So Zhu Youxiao had this training ground built.

At this moment, not far away, five hundred men had already gathered — these were the personal bodyguards Qi Jin had selected for Zhu Youxiao.

"Those men will be under your command from now on." Zhu Youxiao pointed at the crowd in the distance and said to Qi Yuanfu with a smile: "As for your name, I've already thought of it — you shall be called the Qianniu Guard."

"I recall that the Li-Tang dynasty had a Qianniu Guard, so you'll go by that name too. Though the numbers are small now, there should be more in the future. Work hard."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao patted Qi Yuanfu on the shoulder to show closeness.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant will give his all." Qi Yuanfu said seriously and hastily.

"This thing here — I'll have someone demonstrate it for you." As Zhu Youxiao spoke, he beckoned over a young eunuch and instructed: "Go do a run-through."

Watching the young eunuch run off into the distance, Zhu Youxiao turned to Qi Yuanfu and said: "Watch closely."

The young eunuch quickly ran through all the stations — or rather, briskly walked through them. Though his speed was not fast, he did indeed complete every single one.

By now the young eunuch was panting heavily, clearly drained — utterly spent and weak.

Zhu Youxiao looked at the young eunuch, waved his hand, and ordered: "Reward him."

Qi Yuanfu watched the young eunuch who had gone through all the stations, and his brow furrowed slightly.

He had originally thought these things wouldn't be too difficult, but seeing the young eunuch's state of collapse, he knew it was no easy matter.

After all, if it were them doing it, they certainly couldn't be this slow.

"Give it a try?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Qi Yuanfu and said with a smile.

"Then your servant will go change clothes." Qi Yuanfu said, bowing hastily.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, then turned to Chen Hong in the distance and said: "Take him there."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong acknowledged, then led Qi Yuanfu away.

The attendants had long since brought over a chair and placed it behind Zhu Youxiao.

Zhu Youxiao sat in the chair, drinking tea expressionlessly, quietly pondering in his mind.

Though Qi Jin was already drilling the new army, for Zhu Youxiao that was not enough — he needed more men.

This time was an experiment. If it succeeded, then he would consider other experiments.

Soon Qi Yuanfu returned wearing a set of training clothes that looked exceptionally crisp and vigorous, and quickly ran through every station.

Qi Yuanfu's speed was naturally not something the young eunuch could compare with. It was clear he trained in martial arts regularly — running through these, while not exactly effortless, showed only slight unfamiliarity.

But it was evident that Qi Yuanfu wasn't running poorly — he was simply too nervous, and it was his first time, which made him seem a bit rusty.

Still, it was good enough — Zhu Youxiao was quite satisfied.

When Qi Yuanfu walked over, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "From now on, you are the Chiliarch of the Qianniu Guard. This unit is yours to train, but how they are trained is up to me."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your servant understands." Qi Yuanfu quickly agreed.

Zhu Youxiao handed a booklet to Chen Hong, who hurriedly passed it on to Qi Yuanfu.

Zhu Youxiao said with a serious expression: "Train them for three months according to what's written here. Don't worry about food, clothing, shelter, and travel for your men — there will be dedicated people handling that, and the meals won't be too bad."

In these times, eating was a major problem, and bodies couldn't be properly maintained. Soldiers drilling once every three days was already considered good; drilling once a day was simply impossible, because there wasn't enough oil and fat in their bellies.

Still, those 500 men in front of him needed to be fed something decent — Zhu Youxiao could afford it.

After finishing his instructions, Zhu Youxiao left the Qianniu Guard training grounds. He had no mind to stay there right now.

When he returned to the outer court, the ministers were already waiting.

There was one matter to be settled today — the compilation of the civil examination syllabus.

After all, this was a major matter, and it would soon be put into practice, so it needed to be rolled out as quickly as possible.

There was nothing to argue about on this point — once it was decided, it would quickly be promulgated to every prefecture, department, and county.

Quite a few people attended this meeting. Besides the four Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, all Six Ministers were present, and the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate had come as well.

When Zhu Youxiao arrived, these ministers all sat there without moving a muscle.

They all knew that what was to be discussed today was certainly not a simple matter. If it were simple, His Majesty would not have summoned all of them.

Having dealt with His Majesty for so long, they had some understanding of him in their hearts.

Their Majesty liked small meetings — when something came up, a few people would study it and directly issue a policy; he rarely gathered this many people together.

Even gathering the four Grand Secretaries together was relatively rare — basically, when something came up, he would just give orders.

So this time, it was bound to be a major matter.

They all already knew about the compilation of the civil examination syllabus — clearly, what was to be discussed today was the question of personnel.

Who would decide this civil examination syllabus?

Everyone present had different positions — one could say each had their own agenda. So before things began, no one said anything; everyone was quietly pondering how to get their own position accepted by His Majesty, and preferably get others' positions rejected.

"His Majesty arrives!"

Only after Chen Hong shouted did Zhu Youxiao step out from behind the screen.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!" Led by the several Grand Secretaries, the ministers began bowing in salute.

Zhu Youxiao smiled and waved his hand, saying: "Ministers, no need for ceremony."

After everyone had straightened up, Zhu Youxiao continued: "Today I have gathered all of you here to discuss the matter of compiling the civil examination syllabus."

"After this news spread some days ago, the ministers at court engaged in vigorous discussion, and I have received quite a few routine memorials. Judging from the current situation, the ministers are very, very supportive of this idea. This is very good — it seems this is an excellent policy with a very broad foundation, and it can now be promoted."

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept across the assembled ministers, then he said slowly: "So today I have called you all here precisely to consult with you on this matter."

The ministers present wore varied expressions, but no one spoke.

As for the attitude at court — of course they knew there were many in favor, but there were even more opposed. Yet before His Majesty, it was being made out that the majority supported it.

No one dared to point this out.

If His Majesty said it, then it had to be accepted as such. Everyone present knew this matter could not be stopped.

Because from the very beginning, this matter had been driven single-handedly by His Majesty — starting from the earliest lectures by Chen Kedao, it had been pushed all the way to this point.

The compilation of the civil examination syllabus was a policy bundled together with the Imperial Academy. If one wanted to overturn this policy, one would have to overturn everything that came before it.

No one could do that, so all they could do was remain silent.

"At a discussion in the Grand Secretariat some days ago, Grand Secretary Xu Guangqi believed that the Ministry of Rites should take the lead in formulating the civil examination syllabus, since this matter falls under the Ministry of Rites' purview."

"Grand Secretary Sun Chengzong, on the other hand, believed that we should draw on a wide range of sources and select more ministers to participate jointly. Today I have called you all here mainly to ask about this matter." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

This was the real meat of it!

The faces of everyone present turned somewhat serious.

Xu Guangqi's proposal was to have Shen Tingyun formulate the civil examination syllabus. This meant their views would be thoroughly implemented and carried out — and then others' interests would certainly be harmed.

Sun Chengzong's idea, meanwhile, took everyone into account — let's all discuss it together, and when it's done, it'll be close enough.

Sun Chengzong's idea naturally found easier support among the officials. But the key question now was not what these two men thought — it was what His Majesty thought.

What did His Majesty want to do?

This point was simply too crucial.

For a moment, the atmosphere felt rather stifling.

But things couldn't stay like this forever — someone spoke up.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I believe Grand Secretary Sun's approach is the better one." At this moment, a man stepped forward, clearly and unequivocally supporting Sun Chengzong.

Everyone looked and saw that this man was actually Zhou Jiamo, the Minister of Personnel.

No one had expected that the first to speak would be Zhou Jiamo — and with such a clearly stated position of support.

Zhou Jiamo's seniority was extremely deep. He was a jinshi from the Longqing era and fairly advanced in years. By the time of Zhu Youxiao, he could be called a veteran minister of four reigns — especially having lived through the entire Wanli reign, he was arguably the most senior figure at court.

No one had expected that Zhou Jiamo would actually align himself with Sun Chengzong.

It was well known that Zhou Jiamo was also a famous neutral at court — he rarely got involved in messy affairs; only when certain individuals were being punished would he step forward to protect them.

But when it came to matters of deep involvement, Zhou Jiamo would not participate. Especially with people like Gao Panlong — their crimes were well-established, so Zhou Jiamo had never voiced any opinion on them.

But this time was clearly different. For whatever reason, Zhou Jiamo had actually chosen to support Sun Chengzong — and he was the first to step forward and speak. That carried no small weight.

Sure enough, hearing Zhou Jiamo say this, Xu Guangqi's expression turned rather unpleasant.

"Then let Minister Zhou speak." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, his face showing not the slightest displeasure or any other feeling — just the look of a normal conversation.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Zhou Jiamo bowed and said: "I believe this matter is, after all, a major affair, and it must command the acceptance of the masses — after all, the scholars of the realm are all watching. If it is decided by the Ministry of Rites alone, I fear it will arouse discontent among others, and then give rise to criticism."

"In that case, Your Majesty's good idea and the court's good policy would instead become a policy everyone detests — that would be unfortunate. If we can draw on a wide range of sources and broadly adopt the opinions of the ministers, I believe we can win greater acceptance, letting everyone know this is a strategy formulated after deliberation by the entire court. It will also be easier to promote in the future, and there will be less resistance below."

"So I believe Grand Secretary Sun's approach is the better one." After saying this, Zhou Jiamo showed no intention of continuing to speak. He stepped aside and waited quietly, his face expressionless, as if the matter no longer had anything to do with him.

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept across everyone's faces, and he noticed that, imperceptibly, several factions had once again formed at court.

Perhaps due to personal interests, perhaps due to ideology, perhaps due to various other reasons — in any case, new factions had appeared at court again. One could only wonder whether this time would be like the last time, with the Donglin Faction at the helm.

Having factions at court was permissible — but if it developed into partisan strife, that would not do.

Factionalism was a problem that existed in every dynasty, so it wasn't anything to make a fuss over. But when factions developed into partisan strife, that was when things got truly dangerous.

"Do any other ministers have thoughts to share?" Zhu Youxiao asked again with a smile.

"Your Majesty, your minister believes Grand Secretary Xu's proposal is the better one." A second person had spoken up, though his support went not to Sun Chengzong but to Xu Guangqi.

Zhu Youxiao looked toward the speaker and saw it was Minister of Works Zhao Nanxing.

This was getting rather interesting.

Supporting Sun Chengzong was Minister of Personnel Zhou Jiamo; supporting Xu Guangqi was Minister of Works Zhao Nanxing.

Zhu Youxiao had originally thought Zhao Nanxing would be closer to Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang, but unexpectedly he had jumped onto Xu Guangqi's boat. There was something interesting in that. Though he didn't know the reason, it was a matter worth noting.

Han Kuang seemed not to have expected it either; he too looked at Zhao Nanxing with some disbelief.

In Han Kuang's mind, even if Zhao Nanxing didn't align himself with Han Kuang, he shouldn't have gone to Xu Guangqi either — his best choice would have been Sun Chengzong.

But the reality was exactly the opposite: Zhao Nanxing had chosen neither Sun Chengzong nor Han Kuang, but rather Xu Guangqi, the most unlikely choice of all. What exactly was going on here?

Han Kuang didn't quite understand.

Though not much time had passed, through this incident Han Kuang realized the situation at court was growing ever more intricate — no alliance between any two people was surprising anymore. New court factions were forming.

Take Huang Kezuan, for instance. He had always played the role of the good-natured man, offending no one, staying perfectly neutral. But this time he too had stuck his head out, clearly seeing an opportunity.

This stirred some unusual thoughts in Han Kuang's mind.

"Minister Zhao, why not speak your mind directly?" Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

"To answer Your Majesty, your minister simply feels this matter needn't be deliberated at length. As for drawing criticism, or subordinates being dissatisfied — when the court acts, does it need their satisfaction or not?"

"Besides, in drafting the civil examination syllabus, there will certainly be those who are dissatisfied. If it's drafted to suit someone's strengths, they'll be very pleased; but if it touches on what they're weak in or never studied, they'll certainly be unhappy. There is no solution in this world that can please everyone. Rather than agonizing over that, better to think about what serves the Great Ming best."

"So your minister believes we should cut through the knot with a swift blade and simply have the Ministry of Rites handle it — convenient and quick. After all, the civil examinations are already the Ministry of Rites' responsibility; they know best how to do it. If we bring in some people of dubious qualifications to stick their hands into drafting the syllabus, that's more likely to ruin things. So your minister believes Grand Secretary Xu's words have merit."

These words were somewhat blunt, though Zhao Nanxing hadn't meant to leave no room for compromise.

Sure enough, the moment Zhao Nanxing finished speaking, Zhou Jiamo's expression turned rather sour.

What did he mean by "bringing in people of dubious qualifications"?

What sort of people were "of dubious qualifications"?

That remark itself was rather dubious. Zhou Jiamo thus wanted to step forward and rebut it.

But before Zhou Jiamo could take a single step forward, another person stepped out — none other than Yu Maoheng, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

Seeing Yu Maoheng step forward, everyone's expression turned serious.

Many of those present knew that Yu Maoheng was in fact His Majesty's man, for he had sided with His Majesty from the very beginning. Thus, when Yu Maoheng spoke, it largely represented His Majesty's intentions.

But Zhu Youxiao didn't see it that way, because he had given Yu Maoheng no hint whatsoever, nor did he want Yu Maoheng involved in this matter.

Zhu Youxiao had brought Yu Maoheng here simply to elevate his standing, allowing him to participate in high-level court meetings.

Such qualification wasn't something just anyone could have. Not only would it win him the respect of everyone present, but upon returning it would also intimidate those in the Censorate.

But now that Yu Maoheng seemed ready to speak, Zhu Youxiao was rather curious what he would say.

"To report to Your Majesty, your minister believes Grand Secretary Xu's words have merit. This matter should be carried out as quickly as possible — the longer it's delayed, the more problems arise. The Ministry of Rites' affairs should be managed by the Ministry of Rites; there's no need to mobilize a great host."

Judging from the situation on site, Minister of Rites Shen Tingyun supported Xu Guangqi. In addition, Minister of Works Zhao Nanxing had also declared his position. Adding Xu Guangqi himself, who was Minister of Revenue, he already held three of the Six Ministries.

Add to that Yu Maoheng, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate — in other words, Xu Guangqi had already secured more than half the power at court.

Looking at Sun Chengzong's side by contrast, his only supporter was Minister of Personnel Zhou Jiamo, and that was it. Minister of Justice Huang Kezuan had yet to declare his position.

Sun Chengzong himself was Minister of War, so of the Six Ministries he held two; the last was Huang Kezuan of the Ministry of Justice.

Han Kuang, meanwhile, had no faction, and none of the Six Ministers supported him — a rather pitiable Chief Grand Secretary.

But Zhu Youxiao sensed something unusual in all this.

Since when had Xu Guangqi become so popular?

Since when had Xu Guangqi become the one to lead all others?

It wasn't that Zhu Youxiao thought Xu Guangqi lacked the capability — rather, it was an ideological question. He felt as though someone in the world was propping Xu Guangqi up.

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept across the faces of those present.

Whether it was Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang, or Sun Chengzong, or even Huang Kezuan — any of them had the capability. If it were any one of them, Zhu Youxiao wouldn't be surprised.

But this matter would have to be investigated later. For now, setting aside himself, even Xu Guangqi could only swallow a bitter loss.

Everyone's gaze fell upon Huang Kezuan, for he and Han Kuang were the only ones present who hadn't yet declared their positions.

By turn, it was now Huang Kezuan's time to speak — and his situation was rather more serious, since he had previously raised the matter of Xunzi.

"To answer Your Majesty, your minister believes both Grand Secretary Sun's and Grand Secretary Xu's proposals are inappropriate." Huang Kezuan said slowly.

The moment these words were spoken, everyone present was taken aback.

Was Huang Kezuan not planning to pick a side? Or did he have some other idea?

As for a man like Huang Kezuan, not only did no one dare underestimate him, they were on guard against him at all times.

Under such circumstances, every word Huang Kezuan said had to be considered seriously and carefully — not the slightest oversight could be allowed.

"Then does my minister have a good proposal? Do share it." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

"Your minister believes this matter should neither be left solely to the Ministry of Rites, nor should a great many people be gathered from all quarters. For doing so would neither achieve swift efficiency nor avoid everyone gossiping about it."

"Therefore your minister believes the court should dispatch a senior minister to establish a temporary office dedicated to handling this matter. This office could be centered on the Ministry of Rites — after all, this matter is inherently the Ministry of Rites' business, so centering it there is hardly strange. At the same time, relevant personnel could be invited to deliberate together."

"Most importantly, matters could be reported directly to Your Majesty. This temporary office need not answer to any other office, nor even report to the Grand Secretariat. Under such arrangements, not only could both parties' concerns be resolved, but the strengths of both could be combined. Your minister believes this is a solution that satisfies both sides." Having said this, Huang Kezuan fell silent.

But the expressions of those present were not very pleasant, for Huang Kezuan had effectively rejected everyone's ideas.

And that wasn't even the crux of the matter — the crux was the provision about dispatching a senior court minister.

What sort of person counted as a senior court minister?

Everyone present qualified.

But that wasn't how it worked. If even the position of Minister of Rites wasn't sufficient, then it could only be one of the Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat.

For if dispatching a Minister would suffice, then they might as well have Minister of Rites Shen Tingyun do it directly — why send anyone else?

Among the four Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, the three of them each held different positions. Xu Guangqi followed the School of Mind, Sun Chengzong followed the School of Principle, and this Huang Kezuan had recently shown himself to be a disciple of Xunzi — one had to admit this was somewhat strange.

Originally, everyone knew that Huang Kezuan was also a disciple of the School of Principle. It was just that he did not form factions or seek private gain, and had no connection to the Donglin Faction, so the traces were not obvious — but his scholarly lineage was indeed the School of Principle.

Under such circumstances, Huang Kezuan actually chose the doctrine of Xunzi — one had to say there was something wrong here.

Everyone's gaze fell upon Han Kuang's face. Now he was the only one who had not stated his position. Han Kuang was still the Chief Grand Secretary, and his attitude at this moment appeared crucial.

Even Zhu Youxiao felt that this was indeed so, so he also looked at Han Kuang, wanting to know what Han Kuang was thinking.

With everyone looking at him, Han Kuang knew he could not dodge this. Without the slightest hesitation, he said: "Your servant believes that Grand Secretary Huang's words make sense. If we act according to Grand Secretary Huang's proposal, it can indeed achieve the effect of satisfying both sides."

After saying this, Han Kuang fell silent.

This answer still surprised everyone. All had assumed Han Kuang would stand on Sun Chengzong's side, but he stood on Huang Kezuan's side instead.

This was also a decision that looked very strange.

Zhu Youxiao laughed inwardly. This meeting today was rather interesting — the people present all seemed to be hiding something. Each person's schemes could no longer be discerned; the more transparent ones were Sun Chengzong and Xu Guangqi.

From the very beginning, these two had taken clear-cut positions. Zhou Jiamo supported Sun Chengzong, Zhao Nanxing supported Xu Guangqi, and Yu Maohuai also supported Xu Guangqi — there was definitely something going on here.

But Han Kuang's choice of side was the most interesting of all.

Everyone had finished voicing their opinions, so now it was Zhu Youxiao's turn.

Because since opinions were not unified, only he, the Emperor, could make the final decision.

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept across everyone's faces before he said: "Then let it be done according to what my beloved Han has said!"

This "beloved Han" that Zhu Youxiao referred to naturally meant Han Kuang.

Although it was said to be done according to beloved Han's wishes, in reality it was Huang Kezuan's method. There was enough in this for people to ponder for a while.

But Zhu Youxiao would not give them that chance. He directly spoke up: "Since this matter was proposed by beloved Huang, then let beloved Huang preside over it."

After saying this, Zhu Youxiao turned his head to look at Shen Tingyun, the Minister of Rites, and said: "Beloved Shen, this time your Ministry of Rites takes the lead, so you must still be careful and cautious, and at the same time do your utmost to cooperate well with beloved Huang. Do you understand?"

Shen Tingyun hurriedly said: "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your servant understands."

His Majesty ultimately chose Huang Kezuan's method, letting him preside over the compilation of the examination curriculum — what meaning lay hidden in this?

Was it dissatisfaction with the two sides tearing at each other? Or was it to firmly support Han Kuang, the Chief Grand Secretary? Or did he truly like Huang Kezuan's method?

If one spoke of favor and of whom His Majesty liked most, then Xu Guangqi should have won out.

From the time His Majesty listened to Chen Kedao of the School of Mind give lectures, the advantage should have belonged to Xu Guangqi and his School of Mind faction. Everyone thought Xu Guangqi and his side would prevail — even Sun Chengzong himself.

But that did not happen. Could it be because he saw that too many people supported Xu Guangqi, or was there some other reason?

Everyone's mind was churning with thoughts, but no one had a suitable idea, nor could anyone give a complete answer.

Because no one knew what Zhu Youxiao was thinking, and they did not dare to ask.

"Since the matter has been discussed and it is getting late, you may all return." Zhu Youxiao stood up and said: "I also need to go back and eat. After researching all morning, I am truly a bit tired and also a bit hungry."

"Your servants respectfully see off Your Majesty." No one dared to be negligent, and they hurriedly bowed to Zhu Youxiao.