The speaker was none other than Grand Tutor Hao Junguang.
Because he had been ill, Hao Junguang had not attended court for quite some time and rarely appeared in public; few people had seen him.
His appearance today, during which he spoke up for Jing Zhe multiple times, clearly reveals his true intentions to all the officials.
"Grand Tutor Hao, why not?"
Although Yu Sheng and Hao Junguang had no personal grudges, they naturally didn't get along well because they belonged to different camps.
"As I just said, Young Master Jing's talent is unparalleled in the world. Even if it takes thousands of years, these poems and Young Master Jing's name will be remembered throughout history. I don't want future generations to only know Young Master Jing as a military... general when they read these poems!"
Actually, Hao Junguang wanted to say "a mere warrior," but he felt it wasn't quite right when he said it, so he changed it to "a military general."
Even so, Yu Sheng was very angry.
"Grand Tutor Hao, how dare you speak like that? What's wrong with us military officers? Without us military officers guarding the borders and protecting our country, how could Anguo be as peaceful and prosperous as it is today? Do you really think that writing a few poems can bring peace and prosperity to Anguo?"
Yu Sheng retorted a few times, then said, "Besides, with Young Master Jing's abilities, it would be a disgrace to his talent to really become a civil official!"
"Your Excellency is mistaken!"
Hao Junguang said calmly, "If Young Master Jing is willing to join my Grand Tutor's Mansion, I can arrange for him to serve as the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy. He will not only be responsible for teaching and guiding the princes, but also for overseeing the instruction of all the scholars in Anguo!"
To put it bluntly, if Jing Zhe agrees, he could very well become the leader of all the scholars in Anguo!
Especially the option of becoming a tutor to a prince, perhaps he could, like Hao Junguang, teach a crown prince and live a worry-free life.
Thinking about it this way, Jing Zhe was actually quite tempted.
Emperor An gestured for the two to be quiet, and said, "Grand Tutor Bai just said that the choice of official position should be based on Jing Zhe's own wishes. My two ministers, please say less so as not to disturb his own judgment!"
"Young Master Jing, the Imperial Academy is the most suitable for you!"
"Young Master Jing, join our Duke's mansion, and I will ensure your glory shines throughout Anguo!"
After they finished speaking, they both snorted coldly and ignored each other.
Seeing this, Jing Zhe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
After thinking for a moment, he cupped his hands to the two men and said, "Thank you both for your kindness. I am unworthy of such a favor and am overwhelmed with gratitude!"
He then added, "To be honest, you all saw my performance at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering, and you know that I do have a little bit of literary talent, right..."
Just a tiny bit…
Upon hearing this, the civil officials present wished they could beat him to death: You say you're a tiny bit? Does that mean you're treating us like idiots?
"So, actually, I've always had a fondness for poetry since I was little. You can tell from my second sister's love for poetry. I also have a deep yearning for literature. I feel flattered and overjoyed if my poetry can influence other scholars."
Upon hearing this, the civil officials suddenly changed their minds and no longer wanted to kill him.
His second sister, Zhu Xinning, is a civil official!
The meaning of these words is too obvious. Isn't he just trying to get into the Imperial Academy as a civil servant? Besides the Imperial Academy, what other institution can influence all scholars?
But their joy lasted less than ten seconds before Jing Zhe continued, "However, I have a wide range of interests and know a lot of different things. I not only love poetry, but I also love martial arts. I always feel that I can become a majestic and awe-inspiring general who protects the country and guards the borders!"
As he spoke, Jing Zhe looked up at Liu Jinghong, and when their eyes met, his gaze was full of tenderness.
"..."
Upon hearing this, the civil officials wanted to kill him again.
Is this a case of slapping someone and then giving them a sweet treat?
He just said he liked poetry, but then he changed the subject and went to curry favor with the military officers. How can you do things like that?
But the military officers weren't too excited either, afraid that if they were too happy too soon, something unexpected might happen.
At this moment, Emperor An glanced at Jing Zhe, as if to say that enough groundwork had been laid and it was time to get straight to the point.
So Jing Zhe took a step forward, stood at the very front of the assembled officials, and bowed to Emperor An, saying, "Your Majesty, after much deliberation, I have not been able to find a suitable official position that can meet my requirements."
"After much deliberation, I wondered if we could establish a new official position. The rank doesn't need to be too high; a fifth-rank position would suffice. However, this position should be able to both promote poetry and teach and resolve doubts, and also communicate martial arts strategies, so that the general public can better understand the dangers and hardships faced by military generals!"
"What official position?"
What specific areas will you be responsible for?
As soon as Jing Zhe finished speaking, Hao Junguang and Yu Sheng became interested and wanted to hear how an official position could both teach poetry and communicate martial arts strategies.
Jing Zhe smiled but did not answer directly. Instead, he asked Emperor An again, "Your Majesty, I wonder if it would be possible to create new official positions for this commoner?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor An shook his head with some difficulty. "Alas, since I ascended the throne, there seems to be no precedent for this! If it were before, I would have refused without even thinking about it!"
But then he looked at Bai Qingyuan and said, "But Grand Tutor Bai just promised you that he would give you whatever official position you wanted. In front of the civil and military officials, I can't very well refuse Grand Tutor Bai. So why don't we just agree? What do you say, Grand Tutor Bai?"
Listening to Emperor An's use of the technique of praising before criticizing, Jing Zhe admired him in his heart: This is also a person of the level of an actor!
"Forehead…"
Bai Qingyuan suddenly felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it!
"Grand Tutor Bai, you did say that."
Hao Junguang reminded him.
"You, surnamed Bai, you obstructed His Majesty's bestowal of official titles in every way, and even made a solemn promise. What, in front of the entire court, do you want to go back on your word?"
Yu Sheng also mocked from the side.
Bai Qingyuan was caught in a dilemma. He felt he shouldn't agree, but if he didn't, he feared he would be attacked by the crowd.
After much deliberation, he finally made up his mind: it's just a fifth-rank official position, how much more powerful can it be?
So he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, since I have said so, I will naturally not say another word! As long as Young Master Jing mentions a fifth-rank official position, then I... will not object!"
Upon hearing this, both Jing Zhe and Emperor An were overjoyed, and a hint of pride flashed in their eyes, but it was fleeting.
Emperor An remained calm and looked at Jing Zhe, slowly saying, "Alright, since Grand Tutor Bai has agreed, then Jing Zhe, tell me the official position you mentioned and the institution you are in charge of!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Jing Zhe looked up and slowly said, "President of Da'an Newspaper!"
"..."
————
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