The Assistant Director of the Children's Education Bureau wanted to salvage his reputation. He did not want to be nailed to the pillar of shame or leave a name that would stink for ten thousand years.
But he did not want to offend his superior, either!
In appraising this preface, the one point he could least avoid was the phrase "a harsh household."
In any other family, a son with such talent would naturally be carefully nurtured and cultivated.
But what about Minister Lin's household?
The status of Lin Ke and his mother was virtually indistinguishable from that of bondservants and servants.
The Assistant Director of the Children's Education Bureau even knew that the greater Lin Ke's achievements became, the more Minister Lin would surely hate him, and the deeper his regrets would grow.
He would not regret failing to treat Lin Ke well. He would regret failing to kill Lin Ke outright, putting righteousness above kinship.
Under these circumstances, how was he supposed to appraise this poem?
Say that it was commendable that Lin Ke had managed to acquire knowledge in such harsh, miserable surroundings?
That would practically be dragging his own superior's name through the mud!
Or should he say that this preface was merely mediocre?
Then, although he would not have to offend his superior, his life would be over-and perhaps his entire lineage would be finished, too.
A thorny problem!
The Assistant Director of the Children's Education Bureau thought furiously, but Lin Ke gave him no opportunity to choose. Instead, he said softly:
"My Uncle Qi once told me that those who follow different paths cannot make plans together, but different paths can still coexist. He, for instance, is very interested in children's education... I would also like to hear your appraisal of this preface, Vice