My family has been wielding knives for generations, but now it's my turn to wield a pen!

"hiss!"

As soon as Helian Zhaoyue finished speaking, Jiang Xiaobai was the first to gasp.

The phrase "What is an enemy, what is respect?" that precedes Helian Zhaoyue's statement is somewhat acceptable.

But the inexplicable "admiration" for him that followed made Jiang Xiaobai realize that there must be something wrong!

That's right, this woman clearly wanted nothing more than to draw her sword and kill him.

How could I possibly admire him?!

Are you kidding me?!

As Jiang Xiaobai's expression changed, Helian Zhaoyue began to speak.

"The world's enemies fight for profit and for their nation!"

"For decades, the Northern Yu and the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion have clashed countless times in the Northern Border, resulting in countless deaths and injuries on both sides!"

"But the more we fight, the more I, Bei Yu, understand that the truly formidable enemies are often the most worthy of respect!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of many students present changed.

Yes, no one expected that Helian Zhaoyue, as the daughter of the Prince of Beiyu, would praise the Zhenbei Marquis's residence so highly within the Great Hua Imperial Academy.

Jiang Xiaobai's brows furrowed even deeper as he listened.

This princess is definitely suspicious!!

Of course, it wasn't just him; Tang Ningshuang frowned, and the Princess's face beneath her bamboo hat also showed surprise.

They also knew how much Helian Zhaoyue resented Jiang Xiaobai.

This sudden praise is clearly not right!

Li Zhiwei, however, didn't think much of it and just watched calmly.

"Of course, the enemy... isn't necessarily only on the battlefield. For students, ignorance is the enemy; for the court, corrupt practices are the enemy!"

Helian Zhaoyue's gaze swept over the students present, and she continued, "And for oneself, cowardice and greed can also be considered enemies!"

"If you don't know your enemy, you won't know how to defeat them; if you don't respect your enemy, you'll never see your own shortcomings!"

At this point, Helian Zhaoyue paused slightly: "Therefore, today, this princess is not merely praising the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion!"

"But I want to tell you all that a truly powerful enemy can be a mirror reflecting your own weaknesses!"

"To see your own shortcomings, and to know which path to take next!"

As soon as he finished speaking, exclamations of admiration rang out from all around.

Fan Xinghe stood beside him, gently stroking his beard, his expression clearly showing more approval.

The enemy is not only on the battlefield.

This statement certainly holds some truth when applied to academic pursuits!

"Next!"

Helian Zhaoyue's voice rang out again: "Let me explain why I, this princess, admire Prince Jiang!"

After speaking, Helian Zhaoyue looked at Jiang Xiaobai: "Along this journey, I have heard 'wind, flowers, snow, and moon' and also seen 'The Record of the Number One Restaurant Under Heaven'!"

"I also learned what 'On Teachers' and 'On Horses' are, and even saw the amazing 'Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River'!"

"That's why I know that the rumors about him being a playboy are just rumors after all!"

"Because the Jiang Xiaobai who truly stands before me is a top scholar of the Great Hua Dynasty who dares to rebuke enemy nations in the imperial court and who does not back down an inch in the face of our two nations' delegations!"

At this point, Helian Zhaoyue's smile deepened: "Skilled in literature, resourceful, and also quite interesting!"

"Such a man, even in an enemy country, how could he not command respect?!"

Wow!

As soon as Helian Zhaoyue finished speaking, a murmur of discussion arose among the crowd.

Many gazes couldn't help but sweep back and forth between Helian Zhaoyue and Jiang Xiaobai.

Jiang Xiaobai gasped again.

That woman praising him is really ruthless!

That's right, anyone who didn't know better would really think that Helian Zhaoyue was interested in him!

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiaobai looked at Li Zhiwei beside him.

No explanation needed!

Li Zhiwei noticed Jiang Xiaobai's gaze and said seriously, "She... has a problem!"

That's right, she's not stupid either. Helian Zhaoyue's words were highly provocative.

But if it's only aimed at her, there's no need to go to such lengths.

Therefore, there must be another reason behind it.

Regardless, Helian Zhaoyue is indeed no ordinary person!

"besides!"

At this moment, Helian Zhaoyue's voice rang out again: "Young Master Jiang comes from the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion, and the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion has been at war with my Northern Yu for many years. The two sides should be sworn enemies!"

"But Prince Jiang proposed a border market strategy. If this strategy succeeds, it will allow our Northern Yu to exchange cattle, sheep, and warhorses for grain!"

"It can also reduce the suffering of the border residents of Greater China from the ravages of war!"

"A man who dares to be an enemy of my Northern Yu, yet is willing to seek a way out for the people of both countries..."

Helian Zhaoyue looked at Jiang Xiaobai: "This princess admires him, what's wrong with that?"

"Furthermore, I believe that my mission to the Great Hua is also a matter of fate..."

After saying that, Helian Zhaoyue curled her lips slightly, glanced at Jiang Xiaobai with a cold smile, and then turned and walked down.

clap clap clap!

Some applause rang out in the arena.

Although Helian Zhaoyue's last few words left much to the imagination.

But... it cannot be denied that there are indeed some truths in what the princess said earlier.

Jiang Xiaobai stood there, his gaze fixed on Helian Zhaoyue.

What exactly is this woman trying to do?!

It was supposed to be a lecture, but the content clearly showed that he deliberately tied Bei Yu, the Jiang family, and himself together.

Is it...

Jiang Xiaobai suddenly realized something.

These words... Helian Zhaoyue might have said them specifically for the emperor to hear.

So that Xiao Jinxuan might mistakenly believe that there was some connection between their Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion and Beiyu.

But here's the problem: will anyone believe these words alone?

Especially Xiao Jinxuan, although he was suspicious by nature, he couldn't possibly not see through such obvious provocation!

While Jiang Xiaobai was deep in thought, an old man slowly walked out from the Qi delegation.

The man was dressed in a gray robe and looked quite old, yet his steps were very steady.

Upon reaching the front, the old man first gave Fan Xinghe a slight bow, then looked at the students present: "The topic I will be discussing today is titled 'Using Commerce to Stop War'!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the old man began to talk slowly, but Jiang Xiaobai didn't listen carefully at this moment.

Indeed, he was still pondering Helian Zhaoyue's purpose.

Before they knew it, the old man from Qi's lecture was coming to an end, and applause rang out again from all around.

After the applause subsided, all eyes turned to Jiang Xiaobai.

"noob!"

Li Zhiwei's voice sounded softly from the side: "Your turn!"

"Um?"

Jiang Xiaobai snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to find that everyone was staring at him.

After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Xiaobai finally took a step forward and walked towards the front.

After arriving at the front, Jiang Xiaobai glanced at Helian Zhaoyue.

Helian Zhaoyue still looked at him with a cold smile.

Jiang Xiaobai frowned slightly, then finally looked at all the students present: "Today, I, the young master, will be discussing 'How a Woman Should Conduct Herself When Faced with Handsome Men!'"

"Plus, remember to protect yourself when you're out in the world!!"