However powerful Li Chuan's reputation became, it remained within a controllable range for Li Ming. After all, Li Ming had given the curved-shaft plow to the Second Prince, who would also gain greater prestige in the people's eyes.
In an age when society was ranked as scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, scholars held a somewhat higher status, but there were few of them. Farmers ranked lower, but there were many.
Building a reputation among scholars took time, while earning one among the common people was much quicker. Even with the backing of the noble clans, Li Chuan didn't have much of an advantage.
The two princes remained evenly matched, which had no real impact on Li Ming. That was the terrifying thing about the art of emperorship.
Qin Lin saw that Li Rong had gone pale from what she'd heard. He didn't want to continue analyzing the situation, so he could only force himself to comfort her. "Junior Sister, there's no need to worry. This is just the art of emperorship. It doesn't necessarily mean that your father has no love for you or the Crown Prince."
Li Rong saw her Senior Brother trying to comfort her. Though she still felt somewhat lost, she politely thanked Qin Lin, then bowed to Wang Yue. "Teacher, I'm a little tired. I'd like to go back and rest."
Wang Yue could see that it would be hard for Li Rong to feel better right away, so he said plainly, "Rong'er, actually, when you chose Qi Min Yao Shu, I knew this day would come. I didn't say anything because I wanted you to see the truth for yourself.
"Qi Min Yao Shu covers countless subjects. Paper-making and the curved-shaft plow are only the tip of the iceberg.
"Using just this small part to