Although he knew the implications, Zhao Huan's heart tightened when Tang Ke said it.

Finance is the foundation of a nation's economy; if problems arise in the financial sector, it can be more devastating than a defeat in battle.

But Xu Churen was unwilling to do so. Tang Ke only cared about the overall size of his business, but Xu Churen, as the prime minister, not only had to take care of the business size, but also had the income targets of the five households in the city and the middle and lower households in the countryside.

“As the sage said, ‘The virtue of moderation is the highest virtue.’” Xu Churen continued, “Only by being impartial and unbiased can one follow the path of the sage. To excessively favor one side is like drinking poison to quench thirst!”

Seeing that Xu Churen and Tang Ke were arguing, Zhao Ding said, "Your Majesty, both ministers have their reasons. It was my oversight. On my way to the palace, I encountered some minor incidents that illustrate the point."

"Tell me quickly, my dear minister."

Zhao Ding then recounted the events at the library.

Zhao Ding said, "Your Majesty, whether they are poor households in the countryside or low-lying households in the city, they all hope to improve their lives. They also yearn to study and learn more so that they can earn more money and live a better life."

"Therefore, Your Majesty's library and agricultural crash course are both for the benefit of the people. The court should have dedicated personnel to manage and improve these aspects to help the relatively disadvantaged people."

"What Minister Xu said is absolutely right. The Doctrine of the Mean is the way of the sages. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. The court should be impartial and unbiased, and the importance of each aspect should be appropriate."

Zhao Huan nodded in agreement; it was indeed so.

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; this is a profound saying.

The imperial court could neither favor the upper five classes of households in the city and towns too much, nor give too little to the lower five classes of households.

Of course, by the same logic, we cannot blindly support the lowest-class households; just the right amount is sufficient.

If we simply provide unconditional support, we will cultivate a group of lazy citizens, like later countries such as Greece, Spain, and Brazil.