"In terms of standing, the Heavenly Principles Academy occupies much the same place among the Literati Circles as Cloud Lang Mountain does in the Sword Dao. Yet none of its members hold official posts, and most are neither scions of great houses nor imperial relatives. Even so, they can influence the court and determine Heavenly Discourse. This is precisely why," Fang Jidao said. "Since scholars throughout the realm read the books of sages, a 'succession of the Dao' must exist. And where that succession exists, it must determine the direction of thought. Thus, establishing the Heavenly Principles Academy and honoring it was, on the contrary, a masterstroke by this dynasty."
Pei Ye took a sip of wine and roughly understood. "Better to have them in the Divine Capital than outside the government's reach. They can also serve as a tool for Great Tang to comprehend the Heavenly Dao."
"Exactly." Fang Jidao fell quiet for a while. "That is precisely why I have always wanted to enter the Heavenly Principles Academy."
Pei Ye asked again, "Then what did she mean about having you perform in the civil half of the show?"
"It is simple. The 'Two Heavens Theory' that Director Xu wants must first be raised as a banner within the Heavenly Principles Academy." Fang Jidao gazed at West Pool. "I am going to be its standard-bearer."
"You?" Pei Ye did not quite understand, and there was no need to mince words before this fellow townsman. "Is your reputation enough?"
Fang Jidao smiled. "Of course, it will not be entirely me. I am a necessary mouthpiece, or rather... I see. You do not actually know how the Heavenly Principles Academy is organized, either."
"Of course not."
"Like the Imperial College, the Heavenly Principles Academy consists of teachers and students. Unlike the