Ye Muyu snorted lightly upon hearing the words, "So, I think itās timely to understand what foolish filial piety is."
"Such matters are all too common in Great Chu." In a feudal era, filial piety depends on the person; with domineering parents, the child becomes foolishly filial, while overly lenient parents might result in a very unfilial child.
"Foolish filial piety..." Chu Heng murmured, "Itās indeed a good summarization term."
"Matters like these are hard to discuss; governing a country through filial piety is inevitable."
Ye Muyu naturally understands the complexity of human nature which cannot be changed with just a few words. If brainwashing were this powerful, then one could overturn a dynasty merely through speech. Clearly, thatās impossible.
Ye Muyu said, "If Li Lingren can thereby prompt the Li family to resolve to punish Lady Li, it would be a good thing."
"Lady Liās reasons for targeting us are entirely absurd. After all, using silver to gain favor indicates that such a day would come; if not us, it would be someone else. Without this realization, the world would be in chaos." Nothing remains constant, especially when seeking profit. Displeased by othersā superior fabric does not warrant perceiving them as deserving death. Itās merely using the bandit excuse for private gain.
"Lilā Jin has already made progress; since the Li family is wavering, letās give them a straightforward answer so they can see how foolish Lady Li truly is, which also helps Li Lingren in the end. After all, he is an innocent young man, with a long life ahead."
"Alright." Ye Muyu isnāt someone who enjoys causing trouble unnecessarily; why bully an innocent person?
The next day.
Chu Jin went with Chu Heng to the palace, presenting the telescope blueprint they developed. Although it still doesnāt match the ones brought back from overseas, it is at least seventy percent effective, suggesting it will definitely reach overseas standards in the future, just a matter of time.
Emperor Xuanming was delighted and asked Chu Jin what reward he wished for.
Having been advised by Chu Heng beforehand, Chu Jin immediately refused: "Emperor, I have not yet fully researched the results. When the time comes, you could reward me with sparing me from being hit by rulers at the Imperial College."
"Oh? You got hit with rulers?"
Chu Jin, realizing his mistake, quickly changed the topic with a laugh: "Emperor, I am just preparing for bad weather."
"Isnāt it actually happening?"
"Not at all." Chu Jin didnāt want to admit, but upon receiving a glare from Chu Heng, he could only pitifully explain why he was late and why Master punished him to stand and had his hands hit.
"Haha, Minister Chu, your boy is indeed amusing, but young people should be lively."
"You are too kind, Emperor. This child is spoiled rotten, completely unaware of the rules." Chu Heng spared no criticism.
Chu Jin showed a look of grievance, yet pitifully did not refute.
However, Emperor Xuanming laughed heartily, "Minister Chu, no need for modesty. Given this, I grant you two chances a day to avoid getting hit with rulers. If you are too mischievous and anger Master too often, donāt expect to get away."
"Thank you, Emperor, hehe." Chu Jin grinned happily.
Emperor Xuanming chatted with the father and son for a while longer before letting them leave.
His good mood was evident as he took the initial piece Chu Jin presented directly to the Imperial Harem, to give the Dowager Empress a plaything.