Shi Kelang smiled and said, "I started the last round, and this round will be initiated by the Zi family head, how about it?"
Zi Linling nodded, "Since that's the case, then I will respectfully accept!"
She paused, tidied her thoughts, and a conversation between an emperor and his trusted minister from her previous life leaped into her mind.
"A ruler is a boat! The people are water! Water can carry a boat, and it can also capsize it." (From "Essentials of Zhenguan Governance: On the Political System")
"Resentment is not necessarily great, but the people are to be feared. Carrying a boat and capsizing a boat, one should be deeply cautious!" (From Wei Zheng's "A Humble Memorial on Ten Reflections for the Emperor Taizong")
"To manage human affairs and serve heaven, there is nothing better than frugality. Only by being frugal can one achieve an early recovery. Early recovery is called accumulating virtue. By accumulating virtue, one can overcome anything. If one can overcome anything, then no one can fathom or limit them. If no one can fathom or limit them, one can possess a state. With the mother of the state, one can last long. This is called having deep roots and a firm foundation, the way to long life and enduring existence." (From "Tao Te Ching")
"The way to gain the empire is to obtain the people. If you obtain the people, you obtain the empire. The way to obtain the people is to win their hearts. If you win their hearts, you obtain the people. The way to win their hearts is to gather what they desire and not inflict upon them what they hate." (From "Mencius: Li Lou I")
"Those who have the Way have many helpers; those who lose the Way have few. When the supporters are few, the whole world rebels against them. When the supporters are many, the whole world submits to them." (From Pre-Qin Dynasty: "Mencius")
"He who wins the hearts of the people wins the empire; he who loses the hearts of the people loses the empire!" (Three Kingdoms: Sima Yi)
...
Zi Linling spoke eloquently, citing a large number of statements from her previous life about rulers and the people.
The Imperial Tutor Shi Kelang's eyes shone with brilliance, as if filled with flowing light.
Even Ye Moyuan, seated on the dragon throne, felt his heart yearn, wishing Zi Linling could speak for three days and three nights.
Ye Lingyuan's bright eyes sparkled, her gaze roving.
The way she looked at Zi Linling was as if she were looking at an inexhaustible treasure.
The other court officials nodded frequently, listening attentively, fearing they might miss any of these profound sayings.
For a time, the court was free of scheming and trickery, becoming exceptionally harmonious.
Until Zi Linling finished speaking for a long while, everyone was immersed in her words, unable to extricate themselves.
The quiet court was so silent that a needle drop could be heard.
It wasn't until Ye Lingyuan's applause rang out that everyone snapped back to reality.
As they applauded, they stared at Zi Linling with shining eyes, unashamed of their admiration.
An astonishing talent!
"Very good, very good! Zi family head indeed possesses the talent to govern and stabilize the nation. I willingly concede defeat in this round!"
"However, to have heard Zi family head's peerless treatise on governance, my defeat is not in vain!"
Shi Kelang's previous anger had long since been swept away by Zi Linling's words.
His eyes held admiration, but also a hint of regret.
If it weren't for the covetous gaze of the Jinxia Kingdom, he would have wanted to speak up for Zi Linling.
"The Imperial Tutor flatters me. This family head merely shared some of my own shallow opinions, which has made the Imperial Tutor laugh."
Although Zi Linling spoke courteously, the arrogance in her tone was undeniable.
She secretly thought, "Esteemed ancestors, I am forced to borrow your wisdom due to the circumstances, and it is not my will! I hope you will not be angry and forgive my transgression."
Shi Kelang said sternly, "Zi family head is worthy of it. I have lost and am convinced." Sudanshuwang
With his words, there was not a single objection in the court, not even from Ye Moyuan, who sat high on the dragon throne.
After all, Zi Linling's words had eloquently expounded the relationship between the people and the state, making him, the emperor, feel ashamed.
In recent years, in his pursuit to eliminate Ye Lingyuan, he had indeed neglected the voice of the people.
But shame was shame, and he would still do what he had to do. Who had made him so restless that he could neither eat nor sleep because of Ye Lingyuan?
However, what he was thinking about now was whether or not to protect Zi Linling and bring her into his own faction.
But soon, her words as she left the Imperial Study last time flashed in his mind:
"Ye Lingyuan is my person in life and my ghost in death! Without my permission, no one can touch him! If gods touch him, I will slay gods; if demons touch him, I will slaughter demons; if you touch him, I will... kill you!"
Therefore, Ye Moyuan finally abandoned the idea.
Firstly, although Zi Linling was indeed talented, she had already stood on his opposing side, and he did not want to leave an obstacle for himself.
Secondly, Zi Linling was too powerful, capable of killing Saint King realm cultivators with ease. Such a powerful individual could not be controlled by a mere emperor like him.
Thirdly, Zi Linling's influence was intricate. Currently, she had the Zi family and the mercenary group from Xianhe Town, but these were only on the surface. If Zi Linling were to rebel, how could he suppress her?
Thus, despite a fleeting moment of appreciating her talent, Ye Moyuan ultimately made a firm decision.
Now, their side had lost the second round of the competition. Therefore, they could only win, not lose, the third round.
Looking at the languid woman beside Ye Lingyuan, Ye Moyuan began to ponder: How could he ensure the Imperial Tutor won the third round?
Soon, he had a plan in mind.
"Zi family head is indeed extraordinary. Your discourse earlier has benefited me greatly. I also look forward to seeing Zi family head's brilliant performance in the third round."
"How about this? The first round's challenge was posed by Zi family head, and the second round's by the Imperial Tutor. For the third round, I will shamelessly request the right to set the topic. What do you both think?"
Shi Kelang naturally had no objections. He respectfully said, "If His Majesty has such interest, I could not ask for more."
Ye Moyuan nodded with a smile and looked at Zi Linling, awaiting her reply.
Zi Linling rolled her eyes internally, "You already called yourself shameless for asking, and you still ask my opinion? How hypocritical!"
However, her face remained languid, and she said indifferently, "Since His Majesty is so keen, then do as you please. This family head does not mind!"
Ye Lingyuan raised an eyebrow and transmitted his voice, "Lin'er, my imperial brother has ill intentions!"
Zi Linling was startled, then smiled, a hint of playfulness and charm appearing in her eyes.
"I know! But so what? Isn't it more interesting to disappoint him in the very place where he is most proud?"
The corners of Ye Lingyuan's mouth turned up.
Since his Lin'er said so, it meant she had absolute confidence.
"Alright, since the Imperial Tutor and Zi family head have agreed, then I shall set the topic."
Ye Moyuan feigned deep thought for a moment, then continued, "Since the first two topics were related to the state, this third topic will be no exception. The second topic discussed governance, so for the third topic..."
He paused here, looked at Zi Linling, and smiled, "I wonder if Zi family head has any knowledge of the art of leading troops?"
Then, without waiting for Zi Linling's reply, he continued, "How about making the third topic 'The Way of War'?"
A shrewd glint flashed in Ye Moyuan's eyes. He did not believe that a woman would study military strategy.
However, Shi Kelang was different. As the Imperial Tutor, he would dabble in all fields related to governing and bringing peace to the people.
Therefore, he was certain to win this round.