The Great Wei had only been established for a few decades, and in the past hundred years, emperors had changed like a revolving door. It was normal for the common people to not trust or acknowledge the imperial court.
However, if the imperial court could never gain the people's recognition, it would be a failure of the Great Wei emperors.
He was right. The Great Wei had decisively defeated the Khitans, who then pledged allegiance. In the span of a century, this was an unprecedented grand event, a time when the hearts of all people would return to the court.
Now was the best opportunity.
"If I agree to your proposal to establish a national academy, are you willing to go?" The Sage stared intently into Xie Jiayan's eyes, as if trying to peer into his soul.
Establishing a national academy was not as simple as building a private school.
Setting aside the inevitable opposition from within the court, the local aristocratic families would certainly not tolerate it. A slight misstep could lead to death.
"This humble servant is willing to go."
"Even if you never return."
"Then I shall never return."
The young man looked up, his gaze resolute, his back as straight as an unyielding pine, exuding an indomitable resilience.
The Sage scattered the chess pieces on the board. "Good. My Great Wei should have spirited youths like Scholar Xie. I will summon the Zhongshu Sheng tomorrow to discuss this matter."
"This humble servant thanks the Sage on behalf of all scholars in the realm."
The Sage rose from his dragon throne and patted Xie Jiayan's shoulder. "It is I who should thank you."
Xie Jiayan quickly bowed his head. "This is my duty."
The Sage watched Xie Jiayan's departing figure, lost in thought. "What do you think of Academician Xie?"
"Academician Xie is exceptionally intelligent and possesses a rare sincerity," Zhang Ying said with a smile.
"Indeed, a sincere heart. The first time I met this child, I felt a sense of kinship," the Sage smiled.
During this period, the seventh prince was away on campaign. It was thanks to him that he had company. Xie Jiayan, though young, was remarkably mature for his age, bringing a sense of peace.
"This old servant also finds Academician Xie approachable. Perhaps he is a lucky star sent by heaven to help Your Majesty achieve great things."
The Sage, in a good mood due to the impending triumphant return of the seventh prince, found Zhang Ying's flattery pleasing.
"Summon Prime Minister Mo to the palace."
"Yes!"
Xie Jiayan exited the Taiji Hall, a slight smile gracing his lips. Even the setting sun seemed bright and lovely, and his steps grew lighter.
He knew establishing a national academy would be difficult. The Five Great Clans would not easily allow their status to be usurped.
But this was the method with the least sacrifice.
When the court's selection of talent was no longer controlled by the Five Great Clans, and the Five Great Clans were no longer placed on a pedestal by the common people, no longer irreplaceable.
Then they would cease to be a threat to the court, and the court would naturally let them be.
At that time, it would truly be the unification of the realm.
This was his mother's wish.
It was also what he, as a member of the Xiao family, should do.
To be worthy of heaven and earth, of the common people, and of his parents.
"Brother Jiayan looks so happy today?"
Xie Jiayan looked up to see Yu Mingyue in the pavilion.
"Why aren't you waiting in the study?"
"It's cooler in the pavilion at this hour. I brought some sour plum soup, come and try it, Brother Jiayan." Yu Mingyue had waited here specifically at this time.
A gentle breeze, followed by a cup of sour plum soup, would be the utmost comfort.
Xie Jiayan sat down in the pavilion. On the small table was a small basin of ice, with the sour plum soup chilled within.
These ice cubes were clearly brought from the Yu family. The Xie father and son would naturally be reluctant to use ice.
"Delicious!" Xie Jiayan praised.
While sour plum soup was often prepared in the mansion during summer to relieve heat, the taste was inferior to this.
Everyone around Yu Mingyue had been trained by the Cui family. Even a small cook was exceptional, unlike those from ordinary families.
The aristocratic families had been entrenched for a hundred years. A mere bowl of sour plum soup offered a glimpse into their depth. It was indeed difficult to replace such families!
However, this was his heart's desire, and no matter how difficult, he would pursue it.