After hearing this, Song Yingxing quickly raised his head.

Zhang Yu next to him also raised his head. Although what he said just now was quite intense and decisive, it was precisely because of his concern and his unwillingness that he was so decisive and intense.

"Eunuch Wang An from the Imperial Household Department gave Empress Zhang an idea, asking her to tell His Majesty about the Imperial Household Department's errands."

"His Majesty has just issued an edict that all those who seek employment in the Imperial Household Department will have their salaries fined. His Majesty has also issued an edict reprimanding certain individuals."

"His Majesty has said that the selection of Internal Affairs Department personnel this time must uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and openness. Favoritism and corruption are absolutely not allowed." As he spoke, Song Yingsheng's face was filled with longing. Finally, he concluded, "The Ming Dynasty is about to have a wise ruler."

After hearing Song Yingsheng's words, Zhang Yu said helplessly, "That's not what people outside say. They say Your Majesty favors eunuchs, believes in sorcery, lives an extravagant life, and uses valuables to make elixirs. They also say that the palace has a large number of craftsmen who are said to be specially producing miraculous and ingenious items for Your Majesty. I'm a little confused now. Which of these statements is true?"

"It's not enough to just hear about it. We have to observe what he says and what he does." Song Yingxing continued, "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you've rectified the government, overturned Xiong Tingbi's unjust case, and investigated and punished those corrupt officials in the court. This major case has implicated many people, which is a good testament to Your Majesty's ambition and courage."

"But some people say that it was framed by Wei Zhongxian from the East Factory." Zhang Yu said helplessly.

"Whoever said that is blind," Song Yingxing said disdainfully. "Where's the silver the late emperor gave out? It's gone. If no one took it, if no one was corrupt, where did it go? This is ironclad evidence of their guilt, they just don't want to admit it."

"Over the years, the officials in the court have been replaced one after another, but the court is always the same, and they are all their people. When have we ever stood out? Aren't we all doing the same thing over and over again?"

"But I think this time is different. Your Majesty has appointed Xu Guangqi and Shen Tingyun. They say that the Hundred Craftsmen's Workshop is a place for Your Majesty to have fun, but I don't think so. You all know the knowledge we learn, and it's completely different from theirs. But this is precisely an opportunity."

Zhang Yu, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh after hearing this. He said somewhat helplessly, "I really don't know whether to call you naive or stupid. Neo-Confucianism takes reason as the basis of all things, while the School of Mind takes the mind as the basis of all things. What about us, the School of Guan? We take Qi as the basis of all things!"

"Do you think the School of Mind is any different from the School of Principle? What makes you think they will accept us? They won't. Everything is the same to us, nothing will change."

"That's why we have to change!" Song Yingxing said loudly: "If everyone doesn't change, then it will always be like this!"

"We want to take the imperial examinations to speak out for ourselves; if the imperial examination path doesn't work out for us, then we can become teachers, teach students, and write books to spread our ideas."

"As long as people are still alive, I will do my best. If one person can't do it, two people can't do it, one generation can't do it, two generations can't do it, then ten people, a hundred people, a thousand people, ten generations, a hundred generations, a thousand generations! I am willing to start with myself!"

After saying this, Song Yingxing looked directly at Zhang Yu and said firmly, "I will take the entrance exam for the academy. There is an opportunity there. Once we enter the academy, we will have the opportunity to meet His Majesty; once we meet His Majesty, we will have the opportunity to discuss our doctrines with Him."

"Your Majesty is willing to accept all of Chen Kedao's theories. It's impossible that Your Majesty would not accept our theories. This is an opportunity. It's our good fortune to meet such an emperor. I will do it regardless of success or failure."

"Zhang Tuizhi, if you want to leave, I won't blame you." After saying this, Song Yingxing flicked his sleeves and walked out, feeling that people with different beliefs cannot work together.

Song Yingsheng and Zhang Yu were left in the room.

"Are you sure you want to leave?" Song Yingsheng looked at Zhang Yu and asked with some regret.

"Why should I leave?" Zhang Yu drank the wine in the bowl in one gulp. The wine went into his throat like a raging fire.

He stood up and said loudly, "What I said just now was just to make Chang Geng understand one thing: the road ahead is difficult, and we cannot retreat."

"I'm Zhang Yu, also known by my courtesy name Tuizhi, but I won't retreat."

"Why do you have to irritate him so much?" Song Yingsheng shook his head and said with a wry smile.

"Because he is the one among us who is most capable of doing it. If there is one person who can do it, it can only be him." Zhang Yu looked at the direction where Song Yingxing left, smiled calmly, and spoke in a gentle tone, without any anger from before.