So what if I traveled through time? I'll continue to roll in another place

As Xiao Zheng expected, Zhou Yao's speech indeed caused an uproar, and he was selected as one of the candidates for the main speaker.

To his surprise, the one who praised and commended this was not Chu Yuanming or Zhao Lingji, but General Gao Mao, who was usually the least interested in lectures.

"This article is different from others and very rare. It seems to be about ancient mythology, but it actually answers real problems. The words are gorgeous but the content is pragmatic, which is very interesting." Gao Mao said.

"I think Lord Zuoqiu's sermon is quite innovative, but now that we are soliciting submissions widely, it would be inappropriate to select all from the Hanlin Academy," Meng Zhengcheng suggested.

Upon hearing that both of Zhou Yao's articles were selected, Xiao Zheng felt very proud and watched everyone arguing in silence.

"I don't agree with what Lord Meng said. The Hanlin Academy is the emperor's study. It's not uncommon for there to be many talented people there," Ye Shaojun retorted.

"The sermon submitted by Huang Chunru, the governor of Yingtian, discussed local governance, and the sermon submitted by Lin Guorui, the governor of Guchang, detailed border defense. If they could come to preach, it would definitely broaden the horizons of the court." Que Yan changed the topic at the right time. The people he recommended were all the highest-ranking local officials who submitted their speeches this time, so he would not offend anyone.

"These two sermons are closely related to official business, so I think they are not suitable as the theme of the Autumn Banquet." Dong Lin said, "The Four Books and Five Classics are the foundation of Confucianism. We should correct the original and clear the source. The Autumn Banquet is a grand event of Confucianism, so we should choose some younger and new people's understanding of the classics."

"Since we are opening the way for people to express their opinions, we should not be confined to the scriptures. Mr. Dong should not forget the original intention of soliciting essays." Gao Mao exposed him mercilessly, "Mr. Dong probably wants to recommend the lecture on "The Great Learning" written by his favorite student, the new champion Jiang Jun."

"Master Dong's own lectures are not enough, and now he is selecting the main lecturer to talk about The Great Learning." Gao Mao paused deliberately, his ridicule was as sharp as ever, "Master Dong has been lecturing on The Great Learning every year in recent years, and now he is teaching a disciple and still lecturing on The Great Learning. Do you and your disciple only read one book?"

"You...you...The Great Learning is profound and profound, and it is always new when you read it. What do you know?!" Dong Lin was so angry that he blew his beard and glared. "When recommending talents, it doesn't matter if they are related to you. Lord Xiao even recommended his son-in-law!"

The pot was thrown on Xiao Zheng for no reason, and everyone looked at him. Xiao Zheng, who had been silent and secretly proud of himself, felt a little embarrassed when he was suddenly stared at.

He coughed dryly and said, "When selecting talents, one should not avoid relatives. When selecting talents, one should still consider their moral character and ability. I do think that my son-in-law's speech is good, and I would like to give it to you gentlemen for your comments. If there are any shortcomings, even if I am not selected, as long as it is in the eyes of you masters, it will not be in vain for me to give him some suggestions."

Xiao Zheng's words were impeccable. Although he recommended Zhou Yao to the cabinet for review, it was Gao Mao who said that the article was good, and he did not speak for his son-in-law. Moreover, this article was indeed unique in style, and it was hard to find a similar article to compare with it.

Dong Lin was so angry at Xiao Zheng's sudden behavior that he paused. Ha! As long as his son-in-law was virtuous, Dong Lin was shameless in protecting his own student!

"If General Gao thinks that I am not talented enough and have little knowledge, I will not speak at this autumn banquet. But Confucianism is orthodox and it must have successors to consolidate its foundation for thousands of years!" Dong Lin said angrily.

Seeing that the two had already started arguing, Song Pu tried to dissuade them, "There are many speeches received in this essay contest, and there are many outstanding people with lofty ideals and talents. It is a blessing for our Great Zhao to have such a large number of talents. However, the number of lectures is limited. After the autumn banquet, the Hanlin Academy will select some good ones and compile them into a book, and also let the good articles that were not selected be available for everyone to learn and exchange. The adults should discuss it carefully and don't hurt the harmony."

The prime minister personally mediated, and Gao Mao and Dong Lin stopped arguing.

Zhao Lingji said: "Talent and learning should not be judged by the level of official position. We should choose younger officials as the speakers this time, so as to give the newcomers some experience."

Chu Yuanming didn't think so. "The Autumn Banquet is a grand event. If someone is too young, he might not be able to dominate the scene. It would be better to have someone older."

Seeing that the two were about to argue again, Song Pu interrupted them in time: "I think Zhou Yao's article is too ornate and strange. As a lecturer, it still lacks some orthodoxy. It is better to compile it into a booklet for everyone to refer to. The article on ritual by Minister of Rites Huo Qian is quite good. Rites is one of the Five Classics, and it can be regarded as an extension of the Four Books."

Song Pu used Huo Qian to belittle Zhou Yao, which was like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. Xiao Zheng didn't know what to say and could only nod in agreement.

"For the three main speakers this time, it would be better to nominate the Minister of Rites Huo Qian, the Minister of Yingtian Province Huang Chunru, and the Minister of Guchang Province Lin Guorui." Song Pu intended to make the final decision. He supported neither Xiao Zheng nor Dong Lin. He still only considered the official positions, and it would be safest to choose the three with the highest positions.

Is officialdom all about fighting and killing? Officialdom is all about human relationships and social skills! Song Pu made a direct move and was ready to end the debate.

Unexpectedly, Dong Lin was so angry that he said, "If that's the case, I will voluntarily give up the lecture seat for this lecture and recommend Jiang Jun as the main speaker to give younger students some opportunities."

Everyone looked at Dong Lin first, and then looked at Xiao Zheng at the same time to see if he wanted to recommend a son-in-law as well.

Ye Shaojun was even more worried. If Xiao Zheng also voluntarily withdrew, it would undoubtedly be putting him in an awkward position.

There are four tutors and lecturers in the Hanlin Academy. Even if Ye Shaojun gave up his position, he would offend the other three if he recommended someone else. But if he occupied the position and did not give it up, he would offend all four of them. He was overwhelmed for a while.

Xiao Zheng maintained a stable state of mind. If he said he wanted to recommend a son-in-law, it would undoubtedly put both of them in the spotlight. It would also be like forcing things to happen for Zhou Yao. At this time, the best approach was to remain unchanged and abide by the rules, so he remained calm and said nothing.

Seeing that Xiao Zheng did not follow, Song Pu did not want to embarrass Dong Lin, so he agreed to his request. "Since Master Dong really loves talents, let Jiang Jun take over the lecture. It will also give him a chance to gain some experience."

"I hope he can perform well and live up to your kindness." Song Pu added as a rebuke to Dong Lin's impulsive behavior today.

Ye Shaojun breathed a sigh of relief. The current situation was that Dong Lin came out and insisted on recommending his own students, even at the cost of sacrificing his own opportunities and breaking the rules to force his students forward. By then, others would only discuss Dong Lin's inability to distinguish between public and private matters, and no one would criticize him anymore.

Xiao Zheng returned from the cabinet discussion and brought this frustrating news home.

"It's my fault that I'm not well-educated and have caused my father to worry about me." Zhou Yao was very happy in his heart, but he had to force a regretful expression on his face.

If he were really asked to talk about weird physics in public, he would feel that it was a shame for the reputation of Qiuxin University and he would just get out of the scientific research community.