Upon hearing Liu Hong's words, the modern Confucian scholars exchanged glances, their expressions showing a hint of excitement, but they tacitly refrained from cheering.

Nodding to the new-style Confucian scholars, Liu Hong then turned to look at the old-style students on the east side, still wearing a warm smile.

"What you said is not wrong. A talented person can be very useful, but a talented person with bad character can be extremely destructive!"

As Liu Hong finished speaking, the old-fashioned Confucian scholar, who had been looking dejected, had a glimmer of light in his eyes, but also a hint of confusion.

In the line of officials, Chen Fan, sitting in the front row, quietly nudged Hu Guang beside him with his elbow.

"Has Situ paid his respects to His Majesty?"

"Why does the Grand Tutor ask such a question?" Hu Guang looked at Chen Fan, somewhat puzzled.

"Ahem~!"

Chen Fan coughed lightly, his expression turning solemn: "Your Majesty's words and actions today seem quite familiar, hence this question!"

"familiar.....?"

Hu Guang was slightly taken aback, but quickly realized that Chen Fan was implying that he was trying to smooth things over.

Hu Guang's eyes widened, and his white beard moved even without wind: "Is the Grand Tutor mocking this old man?"

"No... Situ, please don't be angry!"

Seeing that Hu Guang was somewhat angry, Chen Fan quickly shook his head and tried to appease him.

"Hmph~, Your Majesty's words and actions today are a strategy of seeking advantage from the middle, which is far superior to the Doctrine of the Mean. If you don't understand, don't speak recklessly!"

Hu Guang snorted softly, then turned his head to look at Liu Hong on the stage, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"Your Majesty is getting older; there are some things that need to be addressed urgently!"

Looking at Liu Hong's increasingly tall and strong physique, Hu Guang's long-buried thoughts resurfaced.