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The scholars were escorted to the Xiapi Academy, where they were shown their quarters and given time to rest. Later that evening, a modest welcome banquet was held, during which Lie Fan spoke openly about his vision for the land and the role he believed wisdom and virtue should play in governance.
The scholars listened intently, their initial skepticism giving way to genuine interest. Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu also contributed to the discussions, their words reinforcing Lie Fan's ideals and further convincing the scholars of the sincerity of his cause.
Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan exchanged thoughtful glances, their expressions inscrutable as the banquet continued.
While they seemed genuinely intrigued by Lie Fan's ideas and governance, there was a glimmer of hesitation in their eyes, a need for clarity, a desire to probe deeper into the mind of this ambitious young leader.
As Lie Fan concluded his remarks, Sima Hui leaned forward, his gaze calm but penetrating. "Lord Lie Fan, your vision is ambitious, and your words carry weight. Yet, I cannot help but wonder about the nuances of your philosophy. Allow me to ask, How do you intend to reconcile the pursuit of power with the preservation of virtue? Many leaders speak of righteousness, but few maintain it when confronted by the demands of war and governance."
Lie Fan took a moment to compose his thoughts, the room falling silent as all eyes turned to him. "Master Sima Hui," he began, his tone measured, "you raise a question that has troubled rulers for generations. In my view, power and virtue are not inherently opposed, but their balance requires constant vigilance. Power is a tool, one that must be wielded carefully, always guided by principles."
"My goal is to build a government rooted in trust, trust between the ruler and the governed, and trust among the people themselves. Virtue must remain the foundation upon which power is exercised, and for this, I rely not only on my advisors but on the counsel of those wiser than myself."
Sima Hui nodded, his expression softening slightly. "A wise answer," he said, though his tone suggested he was not yet fully convinced.
Pang Degong took his turn, his voice thoughtful but laced with a sharper edge. "Lord Lie Fan, your ambitions extend beyond personal glory. You speak of uniting the land and lifting the common people. Yet, such aspirations often attract opposition from entrenched powers, nobles, merchants, and even scholars who fear the erosion of their privileges. Tell me, how do you intend to navigate these inevitable conflicts while maintaining the unity you seek?"
Lie Fan met Pang Degong's gaze without flinching. "Master Pang Degong, the resistance of the powerful is something I have anticipated. It is why I believe in gradual reform, not abrupt revolution. Change must be introduced in a way that minimizes fear and maximizes understanding."
".For example, in spreading education to the common people, I do not seek to diminish the status of scholars or nobles but to broaden the pool of talent and innovation available to our society. Education is not a weapon; it is a bridge. If those in power see that these reforms strengthen the state and their own security, they will be more inclined to support them or at least not oppose them outright."
Pang Degong stroked his beard, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Lie Fan's response. He gave a small nod but said nothing, choosing instead to let his silence speak of his cautious approval.
Huang Chengyan spoke last. His voice was gentle, almost paternal, yet carried a gravitas that commanded attention. "Lord Lie Fan, you have addressed power and reform, but I have a more philosophical question. You seek to change the fabric of our society, yet all societies are shaped by the values of those who lead them. What do you believe is the greatest virtue a leader can possess, and how do you embody it in your rule?"
Lie Fan paused, the weight of the question settling over him. His gaze swept across the room, lingering for a moment on Zhuge Liang, who nodded subtly in encouragement. "Master Huang Chengyan," Lie Fan said, his voice steady, "the greatest virtue a leader can possess is humility. A leader must recognize that their wisdom is not infinite and their strength not absolute."
"They must seek counsel, admit mistakes, and learn from others. I strive to embody this by surrounding myself with advisors like Kongming, Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and the esteemed scholars of Xiapi and my advisors. I am not afraid to say, 'I do not know,' because it is in those moments that I grow and become a better ruler."
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of Lie Fan's words sinking in. Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan exchanged brief glances, their expressions inscrutable. Yet, a subtle shift in their demeanor suggested that their evaluation of Lie Fan had risen, though they gave no immediate indication of their thoughts.
Lie Fan, sensing the need to keep the momentum, shifted the conversation to a topic close to his heart. "Masters," he said, his tone warm but firm, "there is another vision I wish to share. I believe that the foundation of a strong state lies not only in its leadership but in the empowerment of its people.
"This is why I aim to spread basic education among the common folk, to give them the tools to improve their lives and contribute to the prosperity of the land. Education should not be a privilege of the elite but a right for all."
Lie Fan's declaration about providing basic education to the common people caused a ripple of surprise to spread across the room. Even Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and the three esteemed scholars, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, exchanged brief, astonished glances.
The sheer ambition of such an idea was staggering. It was an unorthodox proposal, one that boldly challenged the entrenched norms of the time. Meanwhile, Zhuge Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi, who were already aware of this plan, remained silent but supportive, their expressions reflecting quiet agreement.
The room fell silent as the enormity of Lie Fan's words sank in. Zhuge Liang broke the silence first, his fan pausing mid sway. "My lord," he said, carefully, "this vision of yours is both bold and commendable, but it is not without significant challenges. The nobility, the merchant class, and even many scholars, may view such reforms as a threat to their authority. Furthermore, the financial burden would be immense. Have you considered how to overcome these obstacles?"
Pang Tong, leaned forward, his expression both curious and skeptical. "And beyond the costs, my lord, there is the issue of resources. Books, scrolls, and materials for education are scarce. The ability to mass produce these is nonexistent in most regions. How will you overcome this?"
Lie Fan remained calm, his demeanor that of a man who had anticipated such concerns. He offered a faint smile and gestured to Cai Yong and Lu Zhi, who exchanged a knowing look. "Masters, your concerns are valid, and I would be remiss not to address them. Indeed, education for all is an idea that will be met with resistance and skepticism, but it is precisely because it is difficult that it must be done."
Turning to the broader room, Lie Fan began to explain, his tone resolute. "The financial burden, while significant, can be mitigated through careful planning and phased implementation. Initially, we will focus on a small number of schools in key areas, ensuring they are well resourced and effective. Over time, as their success becomes evident, more regions will adopt the model, creating a ripple effect of support."
"As for opposition from the elites," Lie Fan continued, his gaze steady, "it is my belief that education need not be framed as a threat, but as an enhancement to society as a whole. The more educated the populace, the more prosperous the state, and the greater the benefits for all, including the nobility and merchant class. If they understand that this is not a redistribution of power but an investment in stability and progress, their resistance will soften."
Pang Degong nodded thoughtfully but pressed further. "And the matter of materials? Education cannot flourish without books and scrolls. How will you address the scarcity?"
Lie Fan's smile widened slightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. This was the moment he had been waiting for. "Masters, it is true that the lack of educational materials poses a significant challenge, but I have already taken steps to address this issue. Within Xiapi Academy, there is a device that has the potential to revolutionize the production of books and scrolls. It is called the woodblock printing press. With it, we can produce educational materials at a scale and speed previously unimaginable."
The room erupted in murmurs. Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan exchanged astonished glances. Even Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu, who had thought themselves familiar with most of Lie Fan's innovations that had become public, looked genuinely surprised.
Huang Chengyan raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical but intrigued. "A woodblock printing press? What device is that? And it is here, in Xiapi?"
Lie Fan nodded. "It's a tool that allows us to copy books and scrolls much faster and easier, Master Huang Chengyan. The press is currently operational, though still in its early stages. With time and refinement, it will allow us to produce books and scrolls at a fraction of the cost and effort required by traditional methods. This will not only support our educational reforms but also ensure that knowledge, once confined to the elite, becomes accessible to all."
The weight of Lie Fan's words hung in the air, and for a moment, the room was silent. Then Sima Hui spoke, his voice tinged with awe. "Lord Lie Fan, this innovation, if it functions as you describe, could indeed change the course of history. Education, once the privilege of a few, could become the foundation of a new society. But tell me, have you tested this device? Have you seen its results?"
Lie Fan gestured to Cai Yong, who rose to address the room. "Masters, I have personally overseen the operation of the printing press within Xiapi Academy. It is a remarkable invention, capable of producing multiple copies of a text in a fraction of the time it would take to transcribe by hand. Already, we have begun producing primers and instructional materials for use in the academy. The results are promising."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0