The emperor's decree was simple.
In essence, it declared that the article he had written was a thesis article.
Everyone was to learn from his example. However, since it concerned establishing a thesis, and the Great Wei Dynasty currently had no need for one, it would be set aside for now. That did not diminish recognition of his talent.
Wasn't this telling bald-faced lies with eyes wide open?
Had the emperor even read his article?
It was plainly an article about development and construction, advocating the growth of industry. How had it become a thesis article?
The emperor couldn't possibly have skipped my article. If she wouldn't even read an unparalleled masterpiece, her days on the throne would be numbered.
Since she read my article, she should understand my purpose. But she recast it as a thesis article to... protect me?
Xu Qingxiao soon figured out the reason.
He could think of no other explanation, unless the emperor really was blind.
But that was impossible.
Has the fighting at court reached that point? Even the emperor has to tread carefully?
Xu Qingxiao mulled it over.
Clearly, the emperor was no fool. Her purpose in issuing this decree was to protect him.
The fighting at court was fierce. This was the first time Xu Qingxiao had felt it so directly. Otherwise, in any normal dynasty, the emperor would long since have trotted out his Nation-Pacifying Strategy, sung its praises, then gone all out to implement it.
Her refusal to do so did not mean she failed to recognize his worth. Quite the opposite. But given the circumstances, she wanted to protect him first and act once the time was ripe.
In an instant, Xu Qingxiao understood the whole chain of cause and effect.
He was clever, and so was Great Wei's