It rains a lot in summer, and with the abundant rainfall, the grass thrives vigorously.
Therefore, the grassland at this time is exceptionally beautiful.
At this moment, a group of people sat in a large circle on the ground. In the center of the circle, only Wei Ying and Ba Tel were left.
Chu Qing was arranged to sit on a small wooden stool beside them to watch.
After all, being pregnant, Chu Qing sat down without hesitation.
"I heard that you're quite familiar with some of our classic masterpieces in the Central Plains?" Wei Ying asked unhurriedly.
Ba Tel scratched his head shyly and replied, "I can't say I'm familiar. I've only read a few well - known ones."
"Oh? Such as?"
"Um... like *Thousand Character Classic*, *On Governing the Country*, *Learning Canon* and so on..." Ba Tel continued.
After hearing this, Wei Ying nodded slightly.
Sure enough, this kid had indeed picked out some famous works.
"Okay, then I'll start asking questions. Listen carefully."
As soon as Wei Ying finished speaking, Ba Tel straightened his back, opened his eyes wide and waited intently for the next words. He looked so serious as if he was afraid of missing a single word and misunderstanding the question.
"What do you think... is the way... to govern a country?" Wei Ying narrowed his eyes and carefully observed the other's reaction.
Chu Qing beside him was stunned. She didn't expect Wei Ying to throw out such a question directly.
How to govern a country?
This question was both simple and difficult.
There was no fixed answer. It all depended on whether Ba Tel's answer could satisfy Wei Ying.
Ba Tel was from the northern nomadic tribes. Most of these tribes were constantly splitting and merging, and there was rarely a concept of a unified country. Therefore, they mostly advocated force and rarely had the concept of how to secure a country. So, even though Ba Tel had read the classic masterpieces of the Central Plains, some of his concepts might be deeply ingrained.
Moreover, Chu Qing didn't really know much about Ba Tel.
Did he really want to unify the tribes just going with the trend...
Or... did he actually have a bit of ambition in his heart?
Seeing Ba Tel frown slightly, Wei Ying continued, "I'll give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."
The time of an incense stick...
Chu Qing also frowned. She was a bit confused about Wei Ying's intention.
Was he trying to test Ba Tel's true intention, or just deliberately making things difficult for him?
If it was to test his true intention, the time of an incense stick was really a bit tight.
But if it was to make things difficult...
He really didn't have to do so.
If he didn't want to take Ba Tel as his apprentice, he could just refuse directly. Making things difficult was simply a waste of both sides' time.
The on - looking people were not only the people of Bran Duo's tribe but also some soldiers of the Black Cloud Army who liked to watch the fun after their drills.
After hearing Wei Ying's question, these soldiers also had their own thoughts.
Everyone unconsciously held their breath and waited for Ba Tel's answer.
The time of an incense stick passed quickly.
Just as Wei Ying was about to remind Ba Tel that the time was up, Ba Tel straightened his expression and slowly said,
"There is a saying in the Central Plains that if one wants to govern the country well, one must first regulate one's family; if one wants to regulate one's family well, one must first cultivate one's own character; if one wants to cultivate one's own character well, one must first rectify one's mind; when the mind is rectified, one's character can be cultivated; when one's character is cultivated, one's family can be regulated; when one's family is regulated, the country can be governed; when the country is governed..." At this point, Ba Tel's face turned a bit red. He looked up at Wei Ying, seemingly too embarrassed to continue.
"Just go on. Don't worry too much." Seeing Ba Tel stop, Wei Ying patiently signaled him to continue.
Only then did Ba Tel take a deep breath and continue, "When the country is governed, then the world will be at peace."
After he finished this sentence, the on - looking people began to whisper to each other.
Chu Qing listened expressionlessly to the various opinions. In her heart, she had a better understanding of Ba Tel.
This last sentence could easily disrupt the minds of those in power.
Peace in the world, pacifying the world.
What Ba Tel said was peace in the world.
But there were too many people who were thinking about pacifying the world.
The word "world" was really a heavy one.
For example, whose world was the world they were in now?
The wise would think about peace in the world.
Those with ambition would focus on pacifying the world.
So if this sentence of Ba Tel was heard by some people with ulterior motives, it might not be so easy for them to take him as an apprentice.
Ba Tel naturally felt the looks from others. As if he had made up his mind, he continued, "I think that only by rectifying one's mind can one cultivate one's character; only by cultivating one's character can one regulate one's family; only by regulating one's family can one govern the country; and when the country is prosperous, it can be at peace. At least... no one will dare to covet it. So the prerequisite for governing a country is to first rectify one's own mind. Only then can we talk about the specific methods."
At this time, there was no emotion on Wei Ying's face. He just walked slowly to Chu Qing's side and then sat down casually on the grass beside Chu Qing... Seeing Ba Tel stop again, he said unhurriedly, "Then what do you think the specific methods should be?"
After thinking for a moment, Ba Tel immediately replied, "I think that first of all, those in power should be good at appointing people. And there should be a balance between civil and military officials. We can't favor one over the other. Secondly, we should inquire about the hardships of the people. We should understand that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. In short, no matter how much we say... we should take the well - being of the people as our responsibility."
Ba Tel didn't say much, but Chu Qing couldn't help but clap for him.
Just the issue of appointing people could lead many people astray.
Too many monarchs didn't dare to appoint people or appointed people randomly, which finally led to treacherous officials causing chaos in the court, while loyal officials might even be wrongly imprisoned.
Moreover, observing the hardships of the people.
It was easy to say, but how many people could actually do it?
Chu Qing subconsciously looked at Wei Ying to see his reaction.
Unfortunately, Wei Ying still looked calm, like a silent ancient well, making it hard to guess his thoughts.
Humph! This stinky kid is just being mysterious!
Seemingly sensing Chu Qing's dissatisfaction, Wei Ying gave her a sidelong glance, then quietly took Chu Qing's hand in his.
Then...
He actually tickled her a few times!
Chu Qing was most ticklish. She quickly withdrew her hand from Wei Ying's.
In public! This kid! Teasing an old lady like her!
Seeing Chu Qing's reaction, the calm look on Wei Ying's face seemed to freeze for a moment.
He clearly wanted to write a few words in her palm! What did she think he was doing?
Their private little actions were naturally seen by Ba Tel. He was still waiting for the King of Ning to comment on what he had said.
But what did he see?
The King of Ning wanted to hold the hand of the Princess of Ning, but the Princess of Ning didn't seem to allow it?
Then she actually shook it off.
Well... he really didn't understand the fun between this husband and wife.
But...
Wasn't this an assessment for him!
Why did the King of Ning go to tease the Princess of Ning!
Was this... bullying him for not having a wife yet!
It was so infuriating!
"Your Highness, the King of Ning?" Thinking of this, Ba Tel pursed his pale lips and softly called Wei Ying.
Although his face was calm, Ba Tel was actually roaring inside.
Only then did Wei Ying look at him and ask, "Are you done?"
"Um... I think so..."
"Okay, then let's move on to the next item."
"Eh???"
Ba Tel was stunned.
Was it over just like this?
Wasn't he going to say anything else to him?
Did he pass or fail?
Seeing Ba Tel looking so dejected, Chu Qing couldn't help but whisper, "The King of Ning said to prepare for the next item. Don't just stand there stupidly."
Well, she just took a fancy to this kid at first sight.
Now, she would give him a reminder if she could.