Chapter 576 Choosing a Famous Teacher

"I have long heard that drowning a dragon will break its scales, and feeding an eagle with honey will damage its wings. Now, observing the upbringing of the eldest son, though he possesses extraordinary talent, he is drowning in the abyss of excessive pampering, which I fear will become a hidden threat to the nation. Your Majesty's paternal love is profound, and the courtiers flatter your wishes. Inside and outside the palace, the young prince is adorned with jewels and jade, and his upbringing is neglected with gentle words. This is not the way to raise a crown prince; it is truly an act that harms the foundation of the nation..."

A copy of "Han Fei's Advice to the King of Qin" ignited public opinion in Xianyang.

Even Li Si was amazed and gave Han Fei a thumbs up, exclaiming, "So awesome!"

He had completely given up on the idea of ​​harming Han Fei. Since Han Fei was indeed very useful, Li Si even started to worry about how to help him. Clearly, with this attitude, it was only a matter of time before he ruined himself!

But Ying Zheng, the one being advised, wasn't actually angry. On the contrary, he was reflecting on himself: had he been too lenient with Fusu? No, right?

Han Fei's study of law was too rigid; was it because of poor family relationships?

While inwardly criticizing, the King of Qin, with a serious expression on his face, handed the remonstrance to Fusu.

[Your Majesty, I humbly suggest that a suitable tutor should be selected for the eldest son as soon as possible; only a person of profound knowledge and unwavering integrity should be appointed…]

"Smack!"

Upon reading this passage, Fusu slammed the folded document shut and looked at Ying Zheng with an innocent expression: "I can't read, I'm still young."

【Ugh, Mr. Han, I'm never talking to you again! Being good-looking doesn't matter anymore!】

Ying Zheng looked down at him; it seemed that the situation was indeed very serious, and even Han Fei's face was no longer effective.

However, looking at it this way, Han Fei seems to have a point. Did Fusu dislike studying?

He's almost 3 years old, he'll be 3 in a while, and he'll be all grown up in no time. It's really time to finalize the appointment of a PhD for his lectures.

In fact, the entire Qin state was very busy with the matter of the Heavenly Canopy. Ying Zheng had his court officials take turns lecturing Fusu, which was also a way of selecting suitable teachers for him. Now that Han Fei had brought up this matter, Ying Zheng simply went along with it and gave the order.

【Aaaaaah! We're done for! Han Fei, it's over!】

Of course, whether Ying Zheng intended to make Han Fei take the blame is a matter of opinion.

Soon, the news of the eldest son choosing a renowned teacher overshadowed Han Fei's remonstrance, and instantly all the philosophers of the Hundred Schools of Thought were excited.

Qin Mo's workshop was bustling with activity. They believed they had a geographical advantage and were approved by the eldest son, making them the best choice: "Song Mo talks about universal love, Chu Mo is just a wandering knight-errant, only Qin Mo is rooted in Guanzhong, forging strong armor and sharp blades for the Great Qin!"

Chu Mo and Song Mo both expressed their dissatisfaction, and the three branches of the Mo family argued fiercely, providing a lively spectacle for the people of Xianyang.

However, while there were internal disagreements, the three schools were united in their external actions, primarily targeting the Legalist school.

To be precise, it was the other schools of thought that were targeting Legalism, because Legalism was simply too prominent.

With Li Si and Han Fei in court, they had the advantage of being close to the emperor, so everyone had to be wary of them, especially since Han Fei had once lectured the eldest son.

However, because they heard that the eldest son and Han Fei had fallen out, everyone became even more restless, not to mention resorting to any underhanded means. But the debates with the Legalists continued one after another, and the clashes between their doctrines were constant, even for Li Si and Han Fei.

Compared to other schools of thought, Confucianism has faded into obscurity.

The once-shining university faction, due to the suicide of the eldest son in another era on the sky, has led everyone to unanimously exclude the Confucian school from the safe zone. They do not recognize it, nor do they believe that they can get close to the eldest son.

Until... Xunzi entered Qin.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood in the schoolhouse on the outskirts of Xianyang.

Li Si and Han Fei hurriedly stepped in, their robes fluttering in the wind.

Upon seeing Xunzi leaning against a folding chair, holding a yellowed scroll of classic text, the two quickly bowed and greeted him in perfect unison, as if they had returned to their days of studying.

"Why didn't you send your disciple to meet your master when he entered Qin?" Li Si spoke first, his tone full of anxiety and concern. His straight back leaned slightly forward, showing great respect.

Xunzi put down his book, a smile etched fine lines at the corners of his eyes, and said gently, "You are now the Minister of Justice of Qin, busy with countless affairs of state, and Han Fei also has many matters to attend to in court. Why bother to come and greet this old man?"

Upon hearing this, the two looked apprehensive and hesitated to speak.

"teacher……"

Seeing this, Xunzi smiled and shook his head, his eyes filled with emotion: "I never expected that you two brothers would serve in the same court, just as I never expected that this old man would actually set foot in the Qin state. The eldest son's power is truly extraordinary..."

Li Si and Han Fei exchanged a glance, a knowing look flashing in their eyes.

Han Fei, being straightforward, spoke first and asked, "Teacher, are you here to choose a teacher for the eldest son?"

Xunzi nodded, his smile deepening: "I had already heard of your 'Han Fei's Advice to the King of Qin' before I even entered Qin. You are quite bold, daring to speak frankly about the king's mistakes."

Han Fei pursed his lips, about to speak in defense, when Xunzi raised his hand to stop him: "It's alright, I think it's well written. You wrote your advice on choosing a teacher, and the King of Qin is also interested. Looking at it this way, it seems my arrival was quite timely."

Before he could finish speaking, a disciple hurried in and whispered in Xunzi's ear, "Master, the King of Qin has summoned you."

Xunzi slowly rose, straightened his robes, glanced at his two disciples, smiled nonchalantly, and strode towards the door.

"It's time to meet him."

Li Si and Han Fei were left standing there, watching Xunzi's departing figure, their thoughts filled with complex emotions.

"What do you think the king will choose?"

Li Si couldn't help but mutter to himself. He knew perfectly well that with his past record, he could no longer be the tutor of the eldest son. After observing the various scholars in Xianyang, he guessed that Han Fei was the most likely candidate. But he hadn't expected Xunzi to come as well. Was he here for the sake of Confucianism?

Han Fei gently shook his head, "The important thing is not how the king chooses."

Meeting Li Si's slightly surprised gaze, Han Fei said firmly, "The important thing is how the eldest son chooses."