Mistakenly recognized as a cousin, thousands of pampered

Tao Jiuxi bowed dignifiedly to the crowd before slowly speaking, "I've heard that the young masters are arguing endlessly about whether to prioritize civil officials over military officials. If the status of civil officials is elevated, they will naturally be able to speak out and offer advice. This will lead to clearer politics, strengthen the centralization of power at court, and promote stability. If scholars are valued and promoted, it will surely enhance the cultural atmosphere and allow literary scholars to create even more glorious achievements."

Those who supported Chongwen, after hearing Tao Jiuxi's remarks, thought that she also supported Chongwen, and immediately echoed her.

However, Tao Jiuxi went on to say, "If we prioritize civil officials over military ones, we will devalue military officers, leading to a shortage of military talent. While this may maintain internal peace, it will be detrimental to defending against external enemies. Furthermore, blindly increasing the number of civil servants will lead to a continuous expansion of the bureaucracy. As the number of officials increases, administrative efficiency will decline. A large bureaucracy will also place heavy pressure on the treasury."

Someone asked, "So according to what the young lady saw, was it Chongwu?"

Tao Jiuxi continued, "An emphasis on military power can easily lead to an overexpansion of military might and excessive power for military commanders, potentially triggering internal military conflict and war. Cultural and educational endeavors will be neglected, the court's investment in culture will decrease, and the status of scholars will be low, which is not conducive to the inheritance and development of culture. Investing large amounts of resources in the military will result in a reduction in investment in economic development."

"That girl said all this, but there's still no conclusion..."

Tao Jiuxi responded, "This matter doesn't need to be concluded. Civil and military affairs must be balanced. I listen to what you say. You are all talented and learned people. I am sure you all understand the simple principles I am talking about."

"You will all take the imperial examinations in the future. As officials in the court, it would be wise to distribute power appropriately, with civil officials participating in military decision-making and military officers in charge of command. Supervisory bodies should be established to prevent corruption and abuse of power, and responsibilities should be clearly defined."

"Civilians manage administrative, economic, and cultural affairs, providing rear support for military officers; military officers focus on military affairs, defending the country, and working closely together in wartime. This also aims to cultivate both civil and military talents, encourage mutual learning and exchange of courtesy, and establish relevant institutions."

"Civilians will be assigned to the army and military officers to serve in local areas. After the war, military officers with outstanding military service will be assigned to the civil service system, and talented civilians will be involved in military work."

After hearing this, everyone felt that it made a lot of sense.

They had never imagined that the woman in front of them, who looked young, had such extraordinary insights and spoke very thoughtfully.

One of the scholars said, "Miss, your opinion is profound. I am grateful for your guidance."

Others also echoed it, and even the gentleman in charge praised it repeatedly.

A hint of admiration flashed in Shen Zhiyi's eyes, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, and he looked at Tao Jiuxi with even more admiration.

He originally thought that Tao Jiuxi was lively, playful, and a little clever.

But I didn't expect that she had such profound insights and was no less impressive than these talented men and beautiful women.

Song Wantang's face was full of disbelief. She had wanted to embarrass Tao Jiuxi, but she didn't expect that she would steal the limelight instead.

She bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment, but because so many people were present, she couldn't lose her temper.

The ladies around her looked at each other with varying expressions. Some showed surprise, others showed jealousy, and still others lowered their heads in thought, as if reflecting on their previous words and actions.

Tao Jiuxi stood quietly in the crowd, his eyes just glancing at Xie Jinghuan briefly before quickly looking away.

Then, she lowered her voice and said to Shen Zhiyi, "Let's go home."

Shen Zhiyi raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, "Is that enough fun?"

Tao Jiuxi wrinkled his nose slightly and responded, "I'm afraid of being eaten."

Shen Zhiyi raised his lips slightly, and said teasingly, "Just you? I'd be surprised if you didn't bully others."

Afterwards, Tao Jiuxi walked away arrogantly, and before leaving, he rolled his eyes at Song Wantang.

The two of them got into the carriage, and Shen Zhiyi asked, "How did you know those principles?"

Tao Jiuxi naturally couldn't tell Shen Zhiyi that that was the knowledge he learned when he was in college in his previous life.

She secretly felt lucky that she had chosen this topic in the first place. She also carefully wrote a report for it, staying up for several nights to complete it.

At that time, I just wanted to pass the exam, but I never thought it would come in handy today.

Isn't this like winning an award back then and posting it on your social media today? What's the most important thing about this kind of thing? Of course, showing off.

Thinking about it this way, all my painstaking research was not in vain.

"That's what the scholars said when we went in. I just parroted a few words. I didn't embarrass my cousin, did I?" Shen Zhiyi saw that Tao Jiuxi was fooling him again, so he stopped asking.

After a while, Shen Zhiyi smiled faintly and asked softly, "Did you see anyone special today?"

Tao Jiuxi looked at his appearance at the moment and instantly understood what he was planning.

Today happened to be a day off, so I came to Wangyue Tower for dinner. It turned out that all this was planned by Shen Zhiyi in advance.

He clearly wanted Xie Jinghuan to see their intimate moments together. Just because she had dined with Xie Jinghuan yesterday, Shen Zhiyi was retaliating in this way today.

Tao Jiuxi couldn't help but feel that Shen Zhiyi's behavior was extremely childish.

Then I thought about the way Xie Jinghuan looked at me just now, which was indeed not innocent...

However, she couldn't let this matter affect her.

So, Tao Jiuxi pretended to think seriously, and after a moment he said, "Are you talking about that Song Wantang?"

"Why mention her?" Shen Zhiyi frowned slightly.

"I think the way she looks at you is unusual." Tao Jiuxi raised his chin slightly.

"Nonsense." Shen Zhiyi snorted.

"You are talking nonsense. What is the relationship between you two? Can you tell me about it?" Tao Jiuxi asked curiously, blinking his eyes.

"If you don't like her, I will kill her right now..." Shen Zhiyi's face was cold and there was a hint of determination in his tone.

"Don't be too outrageous." Tao Jiuxi widened his eyes, his face full of astonishment.

On the way back, Tao Jiuxi never asked about Shen Zhiyi's identity, nor did he tell Tao Qingwan about this matter.

There are only a few days left before her pastry shop opens, and she doesn't want anything unexpected to happen at this juncture.

These days, she is still busy with the shop affairs as usual.

In order to ensure safety, he would find an opportunity to avoid Shen Zhiyi if possible.

Since Shen Zhiyi already knew about her shop, there was no need to be secretive anymore. During busy times, even if it was late, Tao Jiuxi was not in a hurry, as there would always be a carriage arranged by Shen Zhiyi waiting outside the shop.