Zhao Guan's visit was originally intended as a New Year's symposium with the Imperial College students to exchange ideas and soothe hearts. However, the Rector of the Imperial College, Chen Gongfu, stumped him right away, causing the Emperor a moment of panic.

However, thanks to the training from his interactions with the chief councilors, Zhao Guan can be considered a seasoned veteran. He maintained his composure while his mind raced, and he began by speaking evasive words:

"This matter is complex. The first principle is that the court must resist the Jin Dynasty, and we must not easily change our stance, lest we cause unrest. The second is that the way of war emphasizes practicality, and the New Learning's focus on utility aligns with this practical spirit, so it cannot be easily abandoned. As for Feng Dao of the Five Dynasties, he served four surnames and eight rulers..."

You know what, at this point, Zhao Guan suddenly thought of a way to argue: "As for Feng Dao of the Five Dynasties, although he served four surnames and eight rulers, my knowledge is insufficient, and I do not know if there was a Khitan Yelu among those four surnames and eight rulers?"

Chen Gongfu was slightly taken aback but cupped his hands seriously and replied, "Allow me to inform Your Majesty that the rulers Feng Dao served were actually more than ten, but none of them were from the Khitan Yelu clan. And although he did come forward to negotiate with the Khitans when they destroyed the Later Jin, maintaining the situation, historians generally agree that Feng Dao's advice to the Liao ruler to gather his troops and protect the people of the Central Plains was a rare act of virtue..."

"I disagree."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiu immediately felt confident and interrupted him in a dignified manner. "I believe that matters of the world depend on two things: above and below, inside and outside... And the events of the Five Dynasties were about above and below. At that time, those who held weapons wreaked havoc, and no one cared for the common people. Feng Dao survived in a chaotic world and served ten rulers. He certainly had his faults, but he was able to preserve his own life while striving to protect the lives of the people below, which is especially commendable. Today's matter is about inside and outside. The Jin are like tigers outside, and the Great Song is in danger of national extinction. At this time, we should abandon all disputes and focus on resisting the Jin. As for Wang Shu's (Wang Anshi) view of Feng Dao, in my opinion, he was only acknowledging Feng Dao's practicality and did not intend to praise him."

Hearing this, Chen Gongfu smiled wryly and cupped his hands, "Your Majesty's 'practical' response has its own logic, and I must admit that Your Majesty's words are coherent and form a complete argument. I have nothing to say."

At this moment, Zhao Jiu was drenched in cold sweat. He was pleased with his quick wit, and seeing that the other party was not fixated on matters of principle, he felt even more goodwill and smiled in return:

"In fact, this is what I often say: I am willing to accept anyone who resists the Jin, and it is my intention that those above and below should be tolerant of each other for the sake of the country... Even now, Chen Qing may disagree, but I do not care, because as long as Chen Qing is willing to 'be tolerant for the sake of the country,' I am willing to 'cooperate' with Chen Qing."

The Emperor was above them, and there was no tradition of roaring with laughter at this moment. On the contrary, even Chen Gongfu, who had been composed, became serious, saluted solemnly, and then replied with dignity:

"Your Majesty's words are deeply appreciated."

Zhao Jiu liked this man even more.

Not only that, after this exchange, Zhao Jiu grasped the key: the two words "resist the Jin"... In fact, he understood what he was there to do.

To listen to opinions and appease the people.

Why appease the people? Wasn't it because he saw that after Zhang Rong controlled the Great River, the hearts of the people in Tokyo were somewhat restless, and he was worried that there would be a major war, which would cause panic and create unrest? So he came to re-emphasize that the great cause of resisting the Jin could not be abandoned?

Therefore, those words were also his true feelings.

Moreover, it was not the first time he had emphasized resisting the Jin, but had always done so.

Turning back to the front, now that Zhao Jiu had grasped the core of these theoretical issues, and the remaining Imperial College students were mostly trembling even when they stood up, asking questions in a confused manner and sitting down just as confused, things inevitably went smoothly.

However, the Imperial College students gradually realized that these theoretical discussions were of little significance after Zhao Guan repeatedly emphasized resisting the Jin. As many people calmed down, more and more began to ask detailed and practical questions.

That's not all. As time passed, more and more people heard that Zhao Guan was holding a 'village school discussion' at the Imperial College. With Zhao Guan's permission and after verifying their identities, many officials, both on and off duty, flocked to the Imperial College, willing to stand and watch.

And because of the participation of these middle and lower-level officials, the quality of the questions became higher and higher.

At this time, Zhao Guan's helpers also began to gather. The three chief councilors who had not accompanied him earlier, as well as other important officials, also came upon hearing the news. Zhao Guan directly arranged for them to stand by his side, and when he encountered difficult or incomprehensible questions, he would directly pass them on to these chief councilors, ministers, academicians, and even censors.

That's right, Censor-in-Chief Li Guang and Supervising Censor Li Jing, as well as Palace Censor Wan Qixie, were actually summoned by the Emperor to his side... This was using their own spears as his shields.

In this way, the atmosphere became more and more enthusiastic. In particular, 'Zichan did not destroy the village schools' was a major principle in the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. Although the status of the *Spring and Autumn Annals* had declined somewhat, it was still a Confucian classic recognized for many years, and it was now an unquestionable part of the Thirteen Classics. This provided Zhao Guan's actions today with a kind of political legitimacy similar to but far exceeding imperial lectures.

Therefore, many people had a strong sense of ritual, and the sense of ritual brought everyone a strong sense of security and accomplishment.

To say nothing else, nearly thirty important officials, arriving one after another, were all dressed in court attire, a sea of red and purple, arranged in order of status and rank on the steps in front of the Imperial College hall. Even if the stools under their bottoms were very simple, it didn't matter because behind them were Confucius and Zhao, the boss. The satisfaction of sitting side by side with the monarch in the eyes of the sages and answering questions from lower-level officials and Imperial College students was truly profound.

And the lower-level officials, Imperial College students, and scholars on the opposite side were also excited and invigorated by the opportunity to directly communicate with the core power of the great country.

Having long since thrown all the questions to the ministers, Zhao Guan watched from behind for a long time and felt a subtle change in his mindset.

This was not to say that he wanted to create a parliament... Although Zhao Jiu couldn't help but think of it at first, because it was so similar... The real key was that this 'practical' emperor, who had been in power for more than two years, keenly realized that this trip to the Imperial College had unintentionally achieved the 'sacrifice' effect proposed by Hu Quan in that imperial examination.

That is, to unite people's hearts through simple but widely accepted and participatory ritual activities.

Heaven have mercy, with Zhao Jiu's poor political common sense, he initially just wanted to learn from the Spring Festival visits to appease the people, but the current situation undoubtedly exceeded his imagination.

But in any case, if he hated extravagant and witchcraft-like sacrifices, then why not hold more of these Imperial College discussions?

As for parliaments or conferences, he had never really thought about them, and he didn't have the theoretical level to make a judgment. He just said that from the current point of view, this measure had an immediate effect, and with Zhao Guan's self-proclaimed 'practicality,' he had no reason to give it up.

Everything for resisting the Jin!

However, even such a harmonious village school discussion still had troublemakers.

Seeing that evening was approaching, and Zhao Guan had pointed to one person after another, and was about to get up and announce that this was a successful meeting, a person in the front row below could no longer restrain himself.

Seeing a gap, the person stood up directly, saluted on his own, and then spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, I have something to say!"

Zhao Jiu saw that it was Hu Quan and smiled slightly.

Speaking of which, the Emperor had been deliberately avoiding Hu Quan, but now that he was in a good mood, he couldn't help but be calm and unhurried:

"Hu Qing, the village school discussion is about speaking freely, but if it is not orderly and polite, then it is meaningless... If Qing really has advice, you can wait a moment, and I will speak to you face-to-face on the way back to the palace. However, I will not accept words spoken out of turn at this time, otherwise the political etiquette of today's orderly and polite crowd will be disturbed by you!"

As soon as these words came out, many Imperial College students, who were already somewhat dissatisfied, became more proud and looked at this impolite person with a hint of contempt, as if they had instantly forgotten that this person was the leader of the Imperial College for several months before, the top-ranked Jinshi in this year's Enke examination, and had written that magnificent essay of ten thousand words that amazed them.

Even Hu Quan, who feared nothing, was extremely embarrassed at this time and could only bow his head.

In this way, this village school discussion closed victoriously in an unimaginable way, and Zhao Guan personally stayed behind, leading dozens of important officials and Imperial College students, as well as the many middle and lower-level officials who had come upon hearing the news, to dine together... It was not until the lights were lit in the evening that Zhao Jiu led the important officials across the Bian River pontoon bridge on the imperial road. He then had half of the Imperial Guardsmen at the pontoon bridge escort the chief councilors and important officials back to their residences first, and only then did this matter come to a complete end.

It was not until this time that Zhao Guan summoned Hu Quan to his side, talking as they walked, face-to-face. There were only about seven or eight close officials who seemed to be going the same way and had the nominal role of escorting him... namely, the Hanlin Academicians such as Scholar Lin, the Secretariat Drafters such as Fan Zongyin, and Palace Censor Wan Qixie, who had come specifically for this purpose... accompanied him in the rear.

"Is it about the Dibao (official gazette)?" Zhao Jiu went straight to the point.

"Yes." Despite having endured an entire day, Hu Quan still maintained his initial eagerness.

"I have already read your memorial," Zhao Jiu said frankly. "There are some truths in it. I was indeed too frivolous..."

As soon as these words came out, even Hu Quan, who was full of loyalty and courage and prepared to strongly advise the Emperor, couldn't help but be stunned, because the Emperor admitted his mistake right away.

However, Lin Jingmo and Wan Qixie, who were following closely behind, couldn't help but exchange a glance.

But that's not all. Zhao Guan admitted his mistake, but he didn't stop:

"But I also thought about it, and that is that this matter is not just my momentary frivolity, but more importantly, the Dibao is different from the Department of State Affairs. The Department of State Affairs has Reminder Officials who can review government orders, but the Dibao lacks a 'Reminder Official'..."

Hu Quan became more and more silent. He really didn't know what to say. The close officials behind him were also stunned and thoughtful... because Zhao Guan's brief sentence revealed tremendous information and seemed absurd.

First of all, the implicit political information was basically concentrated in the three words "Reminder Official" that the Emperor casually mentioned.

After the Yuanfeng reforms, Reminder Officials were fourth-rank officials and had always been the highest-ranking and most powerful position among the red-robed officials. This was because the people holding this position had the right to make the final review of the government orders issued by the Department of State Affairs. If they encountered prime minister government orders that they thought were wrong, they could even suspend or reject them.

In other words, this position, like the Censor, was one of the few core positions that could restrain the chief councilors. Considering that once a Censor impeached a chief councilor, it was a matter of life and death, the Reminder Official seemed to have more weight in daily work.

And when Zhao Guan merged the Three Departments under Fangcheng Mountain and in fact gave the chief councilors unprecedentedly great executive power, and rarely replaced the chief councilors unless absolutely necessary, this position became even more crucial.

After all, the greater the power and the more stable the position of the chief councilors, the greater the energy of this position would be accordingly.

However, perhaps precisely because of this, it was not established at all during the 行在 (temporary palace) when they were fleeing to the Huai River, nor was it established in Nanyang, nor was it established when they returned to Tokyo. It was as if everyone had forgotten about it.

But now Zhao Guan blurted out the three words "Reminder Official" and clearly knew the details of this position, which could only mean one thing: the Emperor wanted to re-establish, or was considering re-establishing, the Reminder Official.

And this meant that there would be obvious changes in the internal power structure of the court.

Wasn't this enough to make everyone tremble?

In contrast, Zhao Guan's description of the Dibao using the word "Reminder Official" seemed much more absurd.

Because the Dibao was ultimately just a Dibao, an official collection of public information issued by the Court of State Ceremonies to the central departments and the envoys and commanders in other places. Even before Zhao Guan ordered it to be handled specifically by the Court of State Ceremonies, it was basically a miscellaneous and waste work under the Department of State Affairs.

It was only because the Emperor cared about it that it had some status.

The entire Dibao system, even the entire Court of State Ceremonies, was probably not as important as a Reminder Official. This naturally made people think that the Emperor's words were unbelievable.

"I have always been thinking about whether I can make the Dibao into something really serious?"

Zhao Jiu seemed to have guessed the thoughts of many people around him, and he didn't try to hide it. He continued to spout nonsense as he walked. "Use woodblock printing, use movable type, print thousands or tens of thousands of copies at a time... Every county magistrate has a copy, every county school also has a copy, paste a copy in slightly larger towns, and in the prefectural capitals, give a copy to idle officials and wealthy scholars who want to subscribe... The content is not only personnel changes and publicly available memorials, but also a special page for them to contribute articles and discuss academic doctrines, and another page to publish poetry... Over time, when it becomes a habit, we can publish important new government orders and the results of battles..."

At this point, Zhao Jiu suddenly stopped and turned back, and asked Hu Quan, who was already a little flustered, with a solemn expression, "Hu Qing, do you think such a Dibao should have a Reminder Official?"

Hu Quan nodded blankly, but then suddenly realized, and then cupped his hands on the spot: "Your Majesty, I am willing to be the Reminder Official of the Dibao."

"Then concurrently take a job at the Court of State Ceremonies," Zhao Jiu nodded in response. "In fact, I originally wanted Scholar Lin to handle this matter, but his position as an inner-circle scholar is too important, and it would be too conspicuous to do this. If you go, first follow this line of thinking and see if you can do it. Take it one step at a time. If you have any difficulties, go directly to Scholar Lin."

Speaking of the last sentence, Zhao Jiu glanced back at the close officials behind him, but in the end, his gaze fell on Lin Jingmo... And this obviously made Wan Qiyuanzhong a little disappointed. With the latter's intelligence, how could he not know that this Dibao, if it could really be done, would be an important thing?

Hu Quan cupped his hands again and saluted, and Lin Jingmo also stepped forward half a step and saluted.

Having said this, Zhao Jiu, who had been tired all day, finally showed some fatigue. He said good night to the close officials behind him, told them to go home early to rest, and then got on his horse on his own. Under the escort of dozens of loyal Red Heart Cavalry Guards, he returned to the palace along Imperial Street all the way north.

The Emperor's team left, leaving only a few close officials. Hu Quan received his orders and had something on his mind. He simply said goodbye to the remaining few people, then got on his own donkey and hurried back to the small house he had purchased.

The others also dispersed.

However, Lin Jingmo and Wan Qixie declined the armored warriors left by the Emperor, and only took one or two of their own attendants, walking side by side for a few steps.

Reaching an intersection, Wan Qixie suddenly spoke in the twilight:

"These days, Your Majesty seems to be a little too hasty in many things, which makes him seem to have lost his composure. I wonder why?"

"Perhaps there is a reason," Lin Jingmo replied on the spot, but that was all.

Wan Qixie nodded, without delving into it. The two said goodbye and went their separate ways, each lost in thought.

Without mentioning the separation of Lin and Wanqixie, on the other side, within the Imperial College, because the Imperial College was expanded in the past during the years of abundance, there were many rooms and houses. Many officials chose to stay overnight.

Among them, one important official simply and openly moved into the residence of Chen Gongfu, the Rector of the Imperial College, and slept in the same bed with Chen Gongfu. It was none other than the current Censor-in-Chief, Li Guang, whose courtesy name was Li Taifa.

It turned out that these two were fellow villagers and close friends, and only two years apart in age. They had always been uninhibited.

In this way, it was no wonder that after the Imperial College was transformed from a formality into a reality, many people watched Chen Gongfu occupy such an important position, but no one could move him in the slightest.

"Why was Guozuo (Chen Gongfu's courtesy name) so tactful today, so easily letting go of the Emperor?" The two got into their respective beds, and Li Guang took the lead in teasing with a smile. "Isn't such a posture betraying your reputation for integrity and also the name of Li Gongxiang's (Li Gang) remnant party?"

Chen Gongfu smiled when he heard this.

It turned out that this Chen Gongfu, the Rector Chen, as the top graduate of the so-called Upper Dormitory examination after the implementation of the Three Dormitory System that day (that is, the equivalent of the top scholar), was also a fierce character himself. He was not to mention when he was young, but during the Jingkang era, he served as a Right Admonishment Official (considered a low-level Reminder Official) and had always been a pro-war advocate who dared to speak out, repeatedly arguing with the chief councilors in the court and refuting Emperor Yuan Sheng (Emperor Qinzong of Song) face to face.

Therefore, after the peace faction came to power, they simply exiled him in the name of being a remnant party of Li Gang.

Later, when Li Gang came to power, he transferred him back from other places to serve as the Rector of the Imperial College, intending to have this person control the important position of the Imperial College one day when things were settled down... And from this action and today's result, it undoubtedly confirmed his identity as a remnant party of Li Gang.

However, after Chen Gongfu finished laughing, he suddenly asked on the bed:

"Does Taifa really think I am a remnant party of Li Gongxiang?"

Li Guang was slightly stunned and was about to speak again.

But Chen Gongfu didn't wait for the other party to speak and continued to speak: "Then is Taifa himself a remnant party of Li Gongxiang?"

Li Guang finally became serious, but after a long time, he looked at his friend across the bed and said solemnly: "A gentleman does not form factions and should be self-disciplined. Hu Anguo's words that day were mostly absurd, but he said that there was a state of factional strife in the court. Although I am the first to be named, I also deeply agree... But Guozuo, have you ever thought that since the old and new parties that day, the factional strife in the Great Song has continued for decades and has become a convention. And now everyone in the world sees us that way, we are a faction even if we are not!"

"That's certainly true, but there still shouldn't be factions, or rather, there shouldn't be factions based on selfishness," Chen Gongfu said solemnly. "I ask you, why were we people regarded as Li Gongxiang's (Li Gang) faction during the Jingkang era? Was it really because we were colluding together to exclude dissidents? Or were we all as close to Li Gongxiang as you are?"

Li Guang's heart stirred slightly.

But before this Censor-in-Chief could respond, Chen Gongfu had already given the conclusion on the bed:

"You and I have never actually formed a faction. The reason why the world regards us as a faction is because we were all pro-war at that time, and the person who held the banner of pro-war was Li Gongxiang at that time. That's why we became a faction of Li Xiang! Even friendships were mostly formed at that time when we were united against a common enemy. For example, when I was the Right Admonishment Official, why did I help Li Gongxiang in everything? Wasn't it because the court situation at that time could only be borne by Li Gongxiang to have one or two feasible methods? If we made concessions and let Zhang Bangchang and those people gain power, I'm afraid the Jingkang Incident would have come a year earlier!"

Li Guang nodded repeatedly: "Guozuo's words are on point. The party of gentlemen is naturally formed because of great righteousness. We have a clear conscience."

Hearing these words, the originally serious Chen Gongfu suddenly smiled: "Then dare I ask Taifa, who is the banner of pro-war today? As his partisan, why should I embarrass him?"

Li Guang was stunned for a moment, so much so that he was dumbfounded, but he always felt that something was wrong, so after a long time, he still tried to answer: "Guozuo, that is the Emperor! A subject should take remonstrance and admonition as the priority. Taking the Emperor as a partisan, I am afraid that you will bear the name of flattery..."

"With a great enemy at hand, should we give up helping for the sake of a mere reputation, but insist on remonstrance and admonition?" Chen Gongfu was still frank.

"If there is a great enemy at hand, we should naturally hold our tongues and do our best to help His Majesty eliminate distractions, but isn't the situation much better now?" Li Guang was still somewhat unacceptable because this conflicted with his common sense perception. "The Yellow River is already in our hands, and the main force of the Jin people has not arrived for nearly a year. Although there have been large and small battles, the Imperial Song has also won more than it has lost, and it has gradually become a state of north-south confrontation."

"Too early!" Chen Gongfu immediately shook his head. "I think the court is far from reaching the point of standing in confrontation... Not to mention anything else, if the situation is really good and really stable, why has the Emperor been so hurried these days? Wouldn't it be better to hide in the palace for half a year, and be a Goujian who sets an example for the people of the world? At that time, he would have no flaws at all, and even if you wanted to remonstrate and admonish, you wouldn't know what to admonish."

Under the lamplight, Li Guang was silent for a long time before speaking: "Is Guozuo saying that there will be a major battle soon?"

"I don't know," Chen Gongfu still shook his head. "How would you and I understand military affairs? But the Emperor's swift and decisive actions, along with his slightly nervous and timid demeanor, are clear... At this time, we as subjects should first adhere to our duties. If we want to offer advice, we should also prioritize practicality, why talk about morality in vain? Let alone damaging the Emperor's authority in public."

Li Guang finally smiled: "If that's the case, wouldn't it be fine not to ask that kind of thing at the beginning?"

"Wasn't that because I had been in a leisurely position for a long time, rarely seeing the Emperor's face, and couldn't bear it for a moment?" Chen Gongfu finally smiled as well. "However, the Emperor does have some quick wit... Moreover, how do you know that I haven't been persuaded by the Emperor's theory of above and below, inside and outside?"

"That's up to Guozuo to ask himself. Anyway, who in southern and northern Zhejiang dares to call himself smart in front of you?" Li Guang finally laid back and looked up.

Chen Gongfu immediately blew out the lamp, and the two did not say much more that night.