Just as the Thirteenth Prince was pondering, a voice rang out from the other side, and everyone turned around. A handsome, confident young man stood opposite Qin Mo. He smiled and bowed to the audience, one hand behind his back, the other holding a fan, and said loudly, “I completely agree with and admire what Brother Qin said. However, I believe that the prosperity of a nation cannot be improved solely by punishing corrupt officials; it must begin with cultivating talent. Conquering a country is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. The Qing Dynasty has no shortage of land, resources, or wealth; what it lacks most is talent…”

"Well said...well said..." The audience below the stage was very excited and cheered.

"Historically, the imperial examination system was essentially a system for selecting officials, not an education system. In terms of its purpose, it was a selection process for already molded talents. This isn't to say that the method was bad, but I believe that a country needs more than just good officials. It needs to start from the most basic level of education, to run schools and teach, so that everyone has knowledge and learns skills. These skills are not just about being erudite, but about having genuine talent and ability. Isn't it said that there are 360 ​​professions, and every profession can produce an expert? Every industry needs talent, so I believe that education is the foundation of a nation..."

The Green Pine Courtyard was instantly bustling with activity, filled with continuous applause. The Thirteenth Prince was jostled from side to side, and only after finally regaining his footing did he realize that everyone was voting on the discussion between the two of them.

The Thirteenth Prince held the bamboo stick, hesitating. His servant, excited, tugged at him, urging, "Young Master, vote quickly! What are you hesitating for..."

"Both of these are excellent points, I really can't decide right now, let's wait a bit longer..." Thirteenth Master watched from the side, holding a bamboo stick. Sure enough, after a while, the academy's apprentices, holding their bookmarks, began counting out their votes.

"Qin Mo, ninety-eight votes..."

"Lu Changkong, ninety-eight votes..."

Thirteenth Master remembered the name "Lu Changkong". After the votes were read out, everyone looked at each other and whispered among themselves: "How come they all got the same number?"

"Yes, how can you compare them?"

"Did someone not vote...?"

"Anyway, Young Master Qin is right!"

"With the same number of votes, why is it that only Young Master Qin's answer is correct? Our Young Master Lu is truly learned..."

The argument escalated, almost coming to blows, but the pageboys intervened, saying, "Stop arguing! We've already cast 197 votes. It seems one person didn't vote. Once he does, the outcome is decided..."

Thirteenth Master was taken aback, only then realizing that he still had bamboo skewers in his hand. He silently raised them, and everyone turned to look at him expectantly.

Thirteenth Prince, quick-witted, laughed and said, "Don't rush, don't rush! Both of you talented gentlemen have spoken brilliantly, and I don't know who to vote for... How about this, I'll pose a question, and you two can each express your opinions. Whoever answers the question best will get my vote. What do you say?"

Qin Mo and Lu Changkong exchanged a glance, nodded, and said to the Thirteenth Master, "Alright, it's settled then. Please give us the challenge, young master..."

How to restrain ministers who wield excessive military power?

This statement caused an uproar.

The crowd whispered among themselves: "Isn't this General Nian?" "Yes, General Nian is a favorite of the emperor." "The Nian family is not someone we common people talk about easily, what should we do..." "Who is he? How could they ask such a question?"

Qin Mo and Lu Changkong both had solemn expressions and remained silent, while the Thirteenth Prince waited expectantly for their answers.