A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 137: Public Speaking Skills (Part )
"Ah."

Song Xuan has already made an explanation on the lottery ticket, which also serves as a selling point.

After all, the financial backer of Yingtian Academy has disappeared, and now no one can provide for it.

Not all wealthy businessmen are willing to spend large amounts of money to add money to the bottomless pit of the academy.

"It's a token of my appreciation."

After hearing Song Xuan's words, Wang Yaochen was also impressed.

In prison, Wang Yaochen knew that Song Xuan was a generous man. He felt embarrassed after eating the food at Qinglou for three days.

But it is not too late. Song Xuan opened a bookstore not only to make money for himself, but also to contribute to the academy.

Not everyone can learn this character of not treating money as money.

"Shi Er Lang, don't be too arrogant."

Wang Yaochen muttered softly:
"I've been studying at the academy for three or four years now. I know everything about the Zhao and Cao families. Without the imperial government's funding, no amount of money would be enough to cover the academy's expenses."

The firewood they use to keep warm in winter is all purchased by the academy, which is a considerable expense.

In addition, the academy will also provide two sets of Confucian clothes to freshmen, which is also a considerable expense.

Pens, ink, paper and inkstones will be used as rewards, a disguised subsidy for students from poor families who come here to study.

For various reasons, the academy was always running out of money, and even the teachers' salaries were in arrears.

Wang Yaochen believed that based on Song Xuan's family background, he would not be able to act like a big shot.

Thanks to the fact that they had been in jail together, Song Xuan had a smile on his face:

"Thank you, Brother Wang, for reminding me. I can make a little money from my business, so I'm not losing money. If the business doesn't work out, I will definitely close it and won't force it to continue."

"That's good."

After all, Wang Yaochen was a few years older than Song Xuan. He was afraid that if this continued for a long time, Song Xuan would not have enough money to go to Tokyo to take the exam.

Every year, students go to the capital to take exams, and both accommodation and meals are a considerable expense.

Even if you want to help the academy, you have to wait until you get out of the quagmire, otherwise.

That's it.

Seeing that Song Xuan had a plan in mind, Wang Yaochen said no more.

If the business of the Twelve Stores does not go well in the future, he will go to Master Wang Zhu to persuade them.

Seeing that most people had arrived, Fan Zhongyan signaled everyone to be quiet.

"Dear students, my name is Fan Zhongyan, and I am the new headmaster of Yingtian Academy. From now on, I will be in charge of all academic affairs of the academy."

Fan Zhongyan first talked about his identity, and then said that he was also a student who graduated from the academy, and now he is very happy to come back here to teach.

The academy is now in trouble, but fortunately it has help from the court, Prefect Yan and local villagers.

Because of the previous funding chain breakdown, the college did not distribute free candles to students at night for their studies.

Fan Zhongyan said that he would work hard to change this situation in the future and distribute candles every three days to provide students with a supply of candles for studying at night.

When the situation improves, he will personally supervise the students to study at night, and candles will be provided every night.

The burning speed of a candle ranges from one to two hours, and due to quality issues, it is not exactly the same.

But it's enough for night use.

Many senior students who came to stand and listen suddenly cheered.

The students who came to study at Yingtian Academy were not all from wealthy families, so they spent a lot of money on buying pens, ink, paper and inkstones.

If you buy candles to read every night, that would be even more of an expense.

Then Fan Zhongyan changed the topic.

He hoped that the students who were admitted to the academy would take the world as their own responsibility in the future and change the previous school motto of "One Culture for All Under Heaven".

As scholars, we should cultivate ourselves, manage our families, govern the country, and bring peace to the world.

In the academy, we studied classics such as the Four Books and the Five Classics, and the Master led us to understand the essence of Confucianism.

Then cultivate noble character.

Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness.

Fan Zhongyan even encouraged students to focus on practice and apply the knowledge they learned to daily life.

So how do we achieve this?
Fan Zhongyan put forward three points:

"First, take the imperial examinations and achieve fame; second, be diligent and responsible in office and implement good governance; third, pay attention to people's livelihood, resolve their sufferings, and benefit them."

The new leader's words.

This naturally made the new students cheer in unison.

Because Fan Zhongyan really touched their hearts.

Which scholar doesn’t want this?

Therefore, the first goal Fan Zhongyan set for everyone was to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi.

"it is good."

There was continuous cheering, and even the students who were watching were cheering loudly.

Yan Shu, hiding in the shade, smiled:
"Xiwen has indeed thought it through carefully. In this way, Yingtian Academy will surely become famous again."

Zhang Shide also felt that what Fan Zhongyan said was the highest pursuit of scholars, but only a few people could truly do it.

"In any case, Xiwen has planted a seed in the hearts of many students, which will blossom and bear fruit in the future."

Yang Zijin also agreed with Fan Zhongyan's academic philosophy, and the motto of Yingtian Academy should indeed be changed.

At that time, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period was underway. How many people had the opportunity to study?
The world was entirely ruled by warriors, and even academies were established with the support of warriors. In order to revitalize Confucianism, the slogan of "one culture for the world" was put forward.

Now, the Great Song Dynasty has been established for three generations and has treated scholars well. There is no war on the border and no rebellion in the interior.

Academies should also keep pace with the times in educating students, select the best from the best, and take the world as their responsibility so that they can better serve the court.

Fan Zhongyan signaled everyone to lower their voices, and then took the initiative to introduce:

"Today I want to introduce you to someone who is not afraid of power, yet is dedicated to public service and has considerable talent. I hope his words can inspire you all."

Quite a few people in the crowd began to look around.

"Who?"

"Could it be me?"

Whether it was a question or a joke, the atmosphere was completely livened up by Fan Zhongyan.

"This person is Song Xuan, Song Twelve, who ranked third in the entrance exam."

Fan Zhongyan's voice was a little hoarse, and then he called Song Xuan up.

Song Xuan was not stage-frightened at all. He simply threw his folding fan to Zhu Yu and walked steadily to the front of the stage.

"Song Xuan?"

Song Xuan's name has been rumored among them a lot in recent days.

He wrote a poem praising Liu Yong, and also criticized the famous Hanlin scholar Dou Chou to death.

He even called in the chef from the most famous local restaurant, Qinglou, to cook for him in prison, and ate there for three consecutive days.

This alone makes many students who back out feel a sense of regret.

Who has the ability to be invited for three consecutive days?
Even the children of officials in the academy had never been so wealthy.

In addition, Song Xuan launched a lottery to sell his vernacular novels, with a prize of one thousand coins for every two coins won.

It also attracted many college students to try their luck.

I was hoping to improve my poor living conditions. One thousand wen, just for food, would last me at least three months.

Which poor student would not be moved?

"I'd like to listen. Song Twelve is usually quite talkative. What else can he say today?"

Yan Shu was a little angry.

We must not let him look down on us. Just wait for me to get money for the academy and provide work for the people.

Song Shou understood the sarcastic meaning behind Yan Shu's words.

Don’t you usually take good care of Song Xuan, the fallen little prodigy?
It seems that what Song Xuan said really broke your defense, Uncle Yan Tong. Keep it in mind.

Wang Congyi, who was standing in the shade with an umbrella, was not surprised when he heard Song Xuan come on stage.

He sent back a lot of information, but unfortunately his father didn't care about him.

Instead, he urged Wang Congyi to have sex with his wife as much as possible and try to have a child.

Wang Congyi was somewhat powerless in this matter.

Wang Congyi sighed, and was quickly caught by Wang Tai who was standing beside him:
"how?"

"Brother Wang, do you have any opinion about him?"

Wang Tai was the son of Prime Minister Wang Dan. It was his father who was once cursed and had his books thrown at him in the street by students.

So I can understand Dou Chou's anger after being humiliated by ordinary students, but Dou Chou himself is a fool who actually wants to use his power to bully others.

Unlike his father, who was a tolerant prime minister, others caught this madman and sent him to Kaifeng Prefecture for punishment, but he was stopped by Wang Dan, who said that the madman was right and released him.

This story became popular for a while.

Because according to the unspoken rules of the Song Dynasty, once a disaster occurred in the world, it was either the emperor's problem or the prime minister's problem.

There is definitely nothing wrong in scolding the emperor and the prime minister.

After all, this is a warning from God.

In fact, not many people believe it, but through these things, they can control the emperor and the prime minister of the time, which makes the censors very happy!

"What can I have against Song Twelve?"

Wang Congyi looked pale, but he really enjoyed joining in the fun. He was so bored lying on the hospital bed.

Looking at the lively students in the yard, he could have the illusion that he was as healthy as them.

“I appreciate it very much.”

Hearing this, Wang Tai's eyes showed suspicion.

How could Wang Congyi, a former official, appreciate an ordinary student?
Isn't it just that he writes lyrics better?

In the imperial examination, whether Song Xuan can successfully pass the first level of "Jie Shi" is still a big question.

Wang Tai thought he had a great talent for studying, and his rival was Wang Yaochen.

Which student doesn’t want to become the top scorer in the imperial examination?
"Don't underestimate him."

Wang Congyi pulled out a new lottery ticket from his sleeve:

"Just this business idea alone is not something that everyone can come up with."

Wang Tai snorted and ignored him.

Only brainless people would buy this kind of scam.

Because Wang Congyi had been an official, he felt that Song Xuan's deal was a great one.

It not only provides new tax revenue for the government, but also regularizes shopping and provides a large number of people with job opportunities.

I'm afraid that by now someone has already studied Song Xuan's business and wants to get a piece of the pie.

Song Ming poked Song Hao:
"Fifth brother, you are really my twelfth brother. When we were admitted to the academy, we were not as glorious as him."

As brothers Song Yang and Song Hao, who were roommates, achieved such good results in the exam, one can imagine the pressure they had to bear.

"Ah."

Song Hao felt a little emotional. Twelve, he really soared to the sky.

I just wonder how he will perform in the exam three months from now?
Song Hao believed that given Song Xuan's personality, he would definitely not take the test again next year just because of the limited time.

On the stage.

Fan Zhongyan was very satisfied when he saw Song Xuan politely saluting his classmates in three directions.

In Fan Zhongyan's view, Song Xuan was a capable man, but he always remained humble, which was extremely unusual.

Fan Zhongyan handed the wooden loudspeaker to Song Xuan, asking him to say a few words to encourage his classmates.

And so many pairs of eyes in the audience were staring at Song Xuan, revealing confusion, excitement, envy, disdain, and the desire to see him make a fool of himself.

After all, being watched by so many people and having to speak publicly is definitely a huge pressure.

Song Xuan held the wooden trumpet and started with:
"Dear teachers and classmates, hello everyone. My name is Song Xuan, and I am the twelfth in the class."

Zhang Fangping in the audience couldn't hold it in any longer.

What Twelve Brother said is a bit too official.

Compared to Zhang Fangping who knew Song Xuan well, the others fully felt Song Xuan's respect for them.

Song Shier was a tall man, and it was rumored that he pushed a Hanlin scholar down from the second floor in the street. He was the image of a typical country bad boy.

However, many students who went with Song Xuan that day could testify that Dou Chou was clearly guilty of his own crime, yet he chose to frame Song Xuan.

Could it be that Song Xuan had the ability to jump ten feet away in one step to push Dou Chou?
Now listening to Song Xuan speak, it shows that he is very polite!
"It is a great honor for students to be able to enter Yingtian Academy."

"The teacher's teachings are like the gentle spring breeze and gentle rain; the companionship of classmates is like the orchid and jade tree."

"Although I am a dull student, I have great ambitions. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thoughts."

"As the ancients said, 'Without a firm resolve, nothing can be accomplished.' Although I come from humble beginnings, I dare not forget the teachings of the sages."

"I am willing to take "cultivating oneself, managing the family, governing the country, and pacifying the world" as my own responsibility, study diligently, and forge ahead.

"If he can make even a little progress in the future, he will not let down the Master's teachings, his classmates' encouragement, and the people of this world."

Song Xuan first continued with Fan Zhongyan's words, and then extended it to respect teachers, be friendly to classmates, study hard and practice diligently, and then reconnected with the topic by having the world in mind.

This drew applause and cheers from the freshmen.

Song Xuan's remarks really touched their hearts.

Simply the best mouth substitute.

Even though most people were not familiar with the term, the prolonged applause showed their strong agreement.

Yan Shu stroked his beard and said:
"This kid has great eloquence. I hope he won't incite so many students to cause trouble outside my government office in the future."

If this kid was born in troubled times, he might really be able to gather a group of people to accomplish things.

Song Shou burst into laughter again. What was Yan Shu thinking?

No matter how much of a worthless person Song Xuan is, he can't bring people to deal with you, the official, like he did with Dou Chou.

Zhang Shide didn't understand what Yan Shu meant, so he looked at him:

"I don't remember a bad relationship between you two?"

Yan Shu smiled speechlessly and said:
"Of course I know what happened to Dou Chou that day. I didn't see it with my own eyes, but I did see Song Twelve's speech today."

"Dou Chou's defeat was not unjust at all!"

Zhang Shide pointed at Yan Shu and smiled as well.

(End of this chapter)