NCCnovel Chapter 183 Inviting the Emperor to Dinner
Chapter 183 Inviting the Emperor to Dinner
Chai Zhen nodded in appreciation. He deeply admired Cen Jiexiao's boldness in thinking and acting. Her courage to defy power and challenge traditions made him look at her with new eyes. Chai Zhen looked at Cen Jiexiao with approval in his eyes. He spoke slowly, his tone firm and powerful, "I believe that under the leadership of Dean Cen, Zhaoyin Academy will continue to excel and become the top institution of learning in the Great Zhou Dynasty!"
"Your Majesty, thank you for your kind words. I just want to cultivate more pillars of talent for the Great Zhou and share your worries." Cen Jiexiao responded modestly, but her tone could not hide her pride.
"President Cen, there's no need to be so modest. I appreciate your kindness." Chai Zhen smiled gently and encouraged, "I believe you have the ability to make Zhaoyin Academy the most outstanding institution of learning in the Great Zhou Dynasty."
"Your Majesty, I would like to ask you, what do you think a top university should look like?" Cen Jiexiao suddenly asked, with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
"Oh? Tell me, in Dean Cen's mind, what should a top university look like?" Chai Zhen asked back with interest. He wanted to hear what this extraordinary woman thought.
"I believe that a top university should not only impart knowledge to students, but also teach them how to think and how to behave," Cen Jiexiao replied without hesitation. "It should be a place full of vitality and freedom, where students can freely explore and express their own opinions without being bound by rules and regulations."
"Well, that makes sense." Chai Zhen nodded in agreement. "Then, Dean Cen, how do you think we can achieve this?"
"First, I believe that we must change the traditional teaching model. We must stop rigidly reading from textbooks and encourage students to think actively and question." Cen Jiexiao became increasingly excited as she spoke, as if she had opened up a chatterbox. "Second, we should offer more innovative courses, such as mathematics, the study of physics, astronomy, geography, and so on, so that students can be exposed to more new knowledge and broaden their horizons."
"Well, these are all very good ideas." Chai Zhen nodded approvingly. "I support you in boldly trying them. As long as it is beneficial to the Great Zhou, I will fully support it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Cen Jiexiao knelt down excitedly, tears glistening in her eyes. "I will definitely live up to Your Majesty's high expectations!"
"Get up, Dean Cen." Chai Zhen helped her up with a smile, "I believe in you."
Encouraged by Chai Zhen, Cen Jiexiao relaxed even more and began to speak eloquently about her various ideas for educational reform. She discussed curriculum, teaching methods, talent development, and other aspects. Her clear thinking and unique insights captivated Chai Zhen.
Chai Zhen interrupted from time to time to ask questions, raise his own doubts and suggestions, and the two had an in-depth discussion on the issue of education reform.
Chai Zhen's recognition and support gradually relaxed Cen Jiexiao, no longer as reserved as before. Like a happy little bird, she chirped non-stop, unreservedly pouring out her various ideas about education to Chai Zhen. Chai Zhen, like a patient listener, listened quietly and occasionally offered his own insights.
Cen Jiexiao was speaking excitedly when she suddenly felt an inexplicable fatigue wash over her. She rubbed her temples, trying to dispel the sudden fatigue, but found that this fatigue was like a tide, wave after wave, difficult to resist.
She subconsciously looked up out the window and saw that the sun, once high in the sky, had now silently slid down to the western horizon. The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the carved window lattices, tinting the once bright study with a hazy golden hue.
"Is it evening already?" Cen Jiexiao thought to herself, realizing how much time had slipped by without her noticing. She secretly glanced across at Chai Zhen, who was still listening intently, oblivious to the passage of time.
Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but feel a little hesitant. She really wanted to keep Chai Zhen in the academy for dinner. Firstly, Chai Zhen was the emperor after all, the number one person in the Great Zhou, and her, Cen Jiexiao's, biggest backer. This was a rare opportunity to show her loyalty, which must not be missed. Secondly, she could also take this opportunity to communicate with him more and discuss the Great Zhou's policies on governing the country. More importantly, she wanted to understand the emperor's thoughts and ideas.
However, Cen Jiexiao was worried that her invitation would be presumptuous. After all, Chai Zhen was the emperor and was busy with his daily affairs. What if he had already made other arrangements? Wouldn't it be unreasonable for her to ask him?
Thinking of this, Cen Jiexiao felt like there were two little people arguing in her heart. One voice encouraged her to bravely ask for an invitation, while the other voice advised her not to be so self-indulgent as not to anger the emperor.
"Oh, Sister Cen Xiao, Sister Cen Xiao, why are you so hesitant? Isn't it just to invite the emperor to have a meal? What's there to be fuss about?" Sister Cen Xiao secretly blamed herself for being too timid.
"But what if the emperor refuses? Wouldn't that be too embarrassing?" Another voice came out.
Cen Jiexiao took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She thought, "Instead of letting my imagination run wild, I should just ask directly. Even if the emperor really refuses, it won't be a big deal."
Having made up her mind, Cen Jiexiao decided not to hesitate any longer. She cleared her throat and tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. Do you have any other plans tonight?"
Chai Zhen was slightly stunned when he heard this. He pondered for a moment and asked, "Why, does Dean Cen have any arrangements?"
Seeing that Chai Zhen didn't directly refuse, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. She quickly said, "If Your Majesty has no other plans, why not stay at the academy for dinner? That way, I can show my hospitality."
Chai Zhen had been thoroughly enjoying his stay at Zhaoyin Academy today. Cen Jiexiao's novel teaching philosophy and unique perspectives had been refreshing, and the two of them had a lively conversation, leaving him no longer wanting to leave. However, due to his status, he couldn't offer to stay for dinner. Seeing Cen Jiexiao's invitation, he naturally welcomed it and readily agreed, saying, "Since Dean Cen has so graciously invited me, I will respectfully obey."
Upon hearing this, Cen Jiexiao was overjoyed and immediately ordered people to prepare dinner.
Soon, dinner was ready in the academy's back garden. Nine exquisite dishes lay out on the stone table: the bright red "Kung Pao Chicken," with its fresh, tender chicken and crispy peanuts, garnished with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, was spicy and delicious; the "Fish-Fragrant Shredded Pork" offered a sweet and sour flavor, with tender shredded pork and vegetables like wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots, a refreshing and appetizing dish; the "Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs," with their sweet and sour flavor, were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, leaving one salivating. There were also steamed sea bass, boiled Chinese cabbage, and mapo tofu. Each dish was delicious and appetizing, truly appetizing.
In addition to the nine exquisite dishes, there are five carefully prepared staple dishes: crystal clear shrimp dumplings, fragrant crab roe buns, thin-skinned and large-filling steamed dumplings, crispy and tender pan-fried buns, and sweet and soft red bean paste buns, each of which is mouth-watering.
A pot of fragrant Bamboo Leaf Green tea, under the afterglow of the setting sun, has a unique flavor. Although Cen Jiexiao didn't know much about the royal etiquette, she had watched a lot of palace dramas before traveling through time, so she deliberately arranged this "Nine Five Supreme" set meal, hoping to use this opportunity to please the emperor.
Seeing Chai Zhen eating with gusto, it was unclear whether he was truly hungry or for some other reason. Anyway, since His Majesty did not dislike this relatively "simple" dinner, Cen Jiexiao felt a little relieved.
As they ate and chatted, the topic shifted from the initial construction of the academy to astronomy, geography, and the philosophy of governing a country. Cen Jiexiao, whether intentionally or unintentionally, brought up many modern thoughts and ideas as she chatted.