Chapter 319

Chapter 319: All Are Victims of the Big Lie

When His Highness was mentioned, nobody present did not know exactly who Tan Lin was referring to.

Thinking of the Ninth Highness far away on the horizon, the few people in the room—except for the Left Court Judge and Shi Zhu—had somewhat anxious and uneasy expressions.

After all, these people were all recruited later by the Left Court Judge. They had only heard of the Ninth Wise King in name, but had never seen the Ninth Wise King in person.

The fear that ordinary civilians have towards those in power is ingrained deep in their bones.

The few doctors dared to speak to the Left Court Judge about these matters because they knew the Dean’s temperament was good; he never spoke harshly to anyone, and even if mistakes were made, the Dean wouldn’t punish them.

But His Highness the Wise King was different!

They hadn’t encountered the Wise King in person, and no matter how flattering the praise was, it was not as genuine as seeing it firsthand.

Therefore, when Tan Lin mentioned the Ninth Highness, everyone in the room who was about to argue or spectate suddenly fell silent.

Yes, His Highness, His Highness’s Medical Academy—everything should be handled according to His Highness’s wishes!

What’s with the separation of men and women? His Highness didn’t mind the academy admitting female students; why should those who worked there care so much?

The Left Court Judge stroked his beard, glanced with a sly look at the frowning one here and the awkward one there, eyes sparkling—typical spectators enjoying the show.

But though it was merely watching the show, the Dean still remembered that he was the Dean. Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, he quickly stepped forward with a smile to smooth things over.

“Everyone, let’s not argue over this matter. There are too many things in this world subject to different opinions. We are all here to serve the academy, and it is common that some proposals cannot reach unanimous agreement.”

The Left Court Judge rubbed his beard and smiled warmly: “I know all of you want what is best for the academy, but as teachers, our job is just to teach and educate. For any controversies, let the world decide.”

Though the Left Court Judge did not say it outright, everyone present understood the implication.

To hell with the separation of genders!

Their Medical Academy was to unify education. Let the world say what it wants; as medical practitioners, they had clear consciences, and that was enough!

With the Dean’s words, the matter was settled right then and there.

Those who had objections all fell silent. Seeing this, Tan Lin informed the teachers that a new batch of students had arrived today.

At this, the teachers’ eyes lit up and they stopped talking, immediately standing up to bid the Dean farewell.

“Dean, I have some business today. Let’s talk another day!”

“Ah, yes! Dean, I suddenly remembered I have something to do, so I’ll take my leave first…”

Don’t ask why each of them suddenly became so eager. It was simply because it was the critical time for new students enrolling; the children were clueless and desperately needed their mentors to guide and take good care of them!

Everyone was a teacher, and when teaching students, of course, they hoped the students would be promising young talents!

And promising talents must be snatched up quickly; if you're late, there’ll be nothing left to gain.

The teachers were experts at “snatching disciples”!

In the blink of an eye, the room emptied except for the Left Court Judge, Tan Lin, and Shi Zhu.

Shi Zhu also had something to attend to; after others left, she said a few words to the Left Court Judge and departed.

With everyone gone, Tan Lin was finally able to tell the Left Court Judge about the visitors from the capital.

“Dean, today two distinguished guests from the capital have arrived. They are just outside. Shall I let them in?”

“Distinguished guests from the capital? Then quickly bring them in.”

Seeing Tan Lin’s cautious attitude, the Left Court Judge vaguely understood that the visitors must be from the Imperial Court.

Once Dong Sheng and Zhou Qingfang came in, introduced themselves, and explained their purpose, the Left Court Judge stroked his beard in sudden understanding.

“Ah, so the two gentlemen are from the Censorate…”

So what was the Censorate doing coming here?

He couldn’t tell.

The Left Court Judge had his doubts but kept a poker face, speaking cheerfully and kindly. Whatever the matter, just talk it out.

Then the conversation drifted to Wei Yu, who was far away in the capital.

Dong Sheng sighed: “His Highness has shown me great kindness. Brother Zhou and I left the capital on official business, and on our first visit here, we also hoped to catch a glimpse of His Highness’s former glory. Indeed, along the way, we have gained much insight… His Highness’s benevolence is forever remembered by the people. Truly, His Highness genuinely cares for the common folk.”

His Highness who cared for the people—others were still unaware, seeing only His Highness’s outward deeds. Yet unknown to them, His Highness, worried about the country and its people, had long been pondering revising the laws!

Truly admirable and inspiring!

The Left Court Judge nodded: “Indeed, His Highness is wholeheartedly for the people. To His Highness, everyone is a citizen of Great Wei, no matter who.”

Establishing a Medical Academy that admits men and women, young and old, regardless of household registration—basically, to all citizens of Great Wei, His Highness treats everyone equally.

Truly just and benevolent!

When Dong Sheng met the Left Court Judge, they felt like old friends immediately.

Though the age difference was considerable, the two were—one, an elder wishing to witness the flourishing of medicine and willing to devote himself to education; the other, a passionate young man determined to urge the people’s cause and willing to revise laws.

Two people.

Both were victims who were willing to sacrifice themselves for the vision of the grand ideal painted by Wei Yu!

But the “victims” did not feel deeply harmed.

They did not feel burdened or exhausted; on the contrary, they felt they weren’t working hard enough and worried their abilities might ultimately disappoint His Highness’s expectations!

After their initial conversation, having found common ground, Dong Sheng spent several days coming and going with the Left Court Judge, discussing the world, the people, and the academy…

Walking under the corridors outside the academy, listening to the clear sounds of children reading inside, Dong Sheng looked into the distance and asked the Left Court Judge a question.

“Dean, there are quite a few female students in the academy now. Do you truly have no thoughts about this?”

Knowing the Dean did not agree with separating male and female education, Dong Sheng was not asking about the gender ratio in the academy but about the fact that the common people only sent girls here.

The Left Court Judge understood his intent.

He first stroked his beard and smiled, then glanced at the children inside the classroom studying literacy. After a few seconds of silence, he slowly replied:

“Lord Dong, everyone knows reading opens the mind. His Highness established this Medical Academy and is even willing to accept illiterate children. His Highness is an unconventional patron of talent, truly considerate of the people…”

“You say, since His Highness accepts illiterate children to learn to read and write, will His Highness one day also establish a real academy?”

“One that benefits all the people on Great Wei’s lands.”