In private school discussions, his talent began to shine.
The next day, as dawn broke and the morning mist had not yet dissipated, Shen Qingci was already standing in front of the Su residence. His blue robe was damp with dew, and his posture was as upright as a pine tree. When he saw Su Yunqing walking towards him carrying a food box, his eyes instantly warmed.
"Brother Qingci, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Su Yunqing was dressed in a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a light blue ribbon tied in her hair, and her steps were as light as a butterfly. The food box contained warm lotus seed soup and shortbread. "I made extra this morning, so you can have something to eat on the way back after studying hard."
Shen Qingci took the food box, her fingertips touching the slightly cool back of her hand. She subconsciously pulled her sleeves up: "It's chilly in the morning, why don't you wear more clothes?" As she spoke, she took off her thin outer shirt and gently draped it over her shoulder.
The two walked side by side along the bluestone path towards the Bailu Private School in the west of the city. The morning mist gradually dissipated, and sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows that fell on their clasped hands, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Mr. Zhou of Bailu Private School was a Hanlin scholar from the previous dynasty. Disgusted by the corruption of officialdom, he resigned and went into seclusion, teaching for more than ten years, with his students all over the capital. He most admired Shen Qingci's talent and Su Yunqing's intelligence, often saying that the two were "unpolished jade and pure gold, with unlimited potential."
Today's lesson was on "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. When we got to the line "War is a matter of vital importance to the state; a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin," Mr. Zhou put down his book, his gaze sweeping over the students in the room: "Now the Xiongnu are repeatedly invading our borders. Although our soldiers are fighting bravely, they are suffering repeated defeats. What do you all think we should do to break this deadlock?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the students began to discuss it amongst themselves.
"Naturally, we should increase troop strength and send more elite soldiers and generals to guard the border!"
"I think we should reinforce the city walls and deepen the moat, so that the Xiongnu will have no way to fight back!"
"Why not seek peace through marriage and exchange it for border tranquility?"
There were many opinions, but most of them were just theoretical discussions. Mr. Zhou shook his head slightly, and finally fixed his gaze on Shen Qingci: "Qingci, why don't you tell me your opinion?"
Shen Qingci stood up, his posture upright and his expression calm. After a moment's thought, he said in a clear voice, "Sir, I believe that the reason why the Xiongnu have repeatedly succeeded in their attacks is not because of their small military strength, but because of their internal and external weaknesses."
"First, there is rampant corruption among officials. Military pay and provisions are embezzled at every level, leaving soldiers poorly clothed and hungry. How can they possibly fight? Second, border defenses are weak. Fortifications have fallen into disrepair, and soldiers lack training, causing them to collapse when faced with the enemy. Third, the people are losing heart. Border residents suffer greatly from the war, yet the government has no way to appease them. If the military and the people are divided, even a million-strong army will find it difficult to defend the territory."
He spoke slowly and clearly, and every sentence hit the nail on the head.
"Therefore, the solution to break the deadlock should start from three aspects: First, rectify the administration, severely punish corruption, and ensure that military pay and provisions are delivered in full; second, strengthen border defense, repair fortresses, enhance soldier training, and improve combat effectiveness; third, reassure the people, reduce or exempt border taxes, establish relief granaries, and allow the people to live and work in peace and work together with the army to defend against the enemy."
After he finished speaking, the private school fell silent. A glint of light flashed in Mr. Zhou's eyes, and he stroked his white beard, nodding repeatedly: "Excellent! Excellent 'governing both internal and external affairs, with the people's hearts as the foundation'! Qingci's argument hits the nail on the head, far surpassing the views of his peers!"
The other students also turned their heads, their gazes towards Shen Qingci filled with admiration. Su Yunqing sat to the side, his blue robe draped over her shoulder, the faint scent of ink and soap lingering around her nose. Watching him speak eloquently, a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.
After class, Mr. Zhou kept Shen Qingci behind and handed him a yellowed military book: "This is what I wrote when I was with the army. You should take it and study it. You have extraordinary talent and a heart that cares about the country and its people. After passing the imperial examination, you should become a pillar of the court. Do not waste your talent or the people of the world."
Shen Qingci accepted the military treatise with both hands and bowed solemnly: "This student will remember your teachings and will not dare to fail you."
As they left the private school, the sun was already setting. Su Yunqing carried the empty food box and walked side by side with Shen Qingci.
"Brother Qingci, you spoke so well today." She looked up at him, her eyes full of admiration. "Mr. Zhou also praised you highly."
Shen Qingci looked down at her. Bathed in the glow of the sunset, her cheeks were flushed with a faint blush, making her exceptionally charming. He raised his hand and gently brushed away the blades of grass clinging to her hair, saying softly, "It's all just empty talk. If you can truly enter officialdom in the future, you must put what you said today into practice."
"I believe in you." Su Yunqing nodded emphatically, her eyes shining with determination. "No matter where you go in the future, I will be with you."
A gentle evening breeze stirred, ruffling their clothes and carrying their whispered words into the twilight. The road ahead was long, but their promise to walk side by side made it exceptionally bright.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
