Wang Shi, who was versed in the Book of Changes, the Book of Songs, and the Book of Rites, was hailed as the foremost Confucian scholar in Guanzhong. Originally an Erudite at the Imperial Academy, he had won Fu Jian's appreciation through his broad learning and outstanding talent and been appointed assistant minister of ceremonial at the fifth rank. He oversaw Di Qin's Imperial Academy, commandery schools, and county schools, as well as the assessment and recommendation of officials. Because Fu Jian valued Confucian education, officials unable to master a single classic were stripped of office and reduced to commoners, making Wang Shi's position especially revered.
Hearing that Chen Caozhi intended to debate the Five Classics with the Imperial Academy's Erudites present, Wang Shi found his tone presumptuous and plainly provocative. His brows creased slightly, and he turned to glance at the other eleven Erudites. Each wore an indignant expression and looked toward him, ready to follow his lead.
"This young Jin envoy holds the scholars of our Great Qin in contempt," Wang Shi said quietly. "He means to challenge all of us alone. With His Majesty here in person, can we admit defeat?"
Wei Rang, the white-haired Erudite of the Book of Rites, kept his low, hoarse voice restrained. "An arrogant brat who sees no one worth his notice! Let this old man teach him what gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality, and deference mean!"
Wei Rang was nearly seventy. His hair had turned white over a lifetime spent plumbing the classics, and he had studied the Book of Rites deeply, making him the most suitable person to teach Chen Caozhi a lesson. Wang Shi nodded and addressed Fu Jian. "Your Majesty, let Erudite Wei first debate the Book of Rites with Envoy Chen. Since Envoy Chen prides himself on his