The classes at Daben Hall officially began.
Song Lian was deeply disappointed that Ma Yu did not participate and even sought out Empress Ma to ask for the reason. Empress Ma explained the situation to him and spoke about the importance of setting appropriate educational standards. Song Lian was greatly shocked, especially by the concept of "clarifying right and wrong before teaching the art of weighing pros and cons," with which he found himself in complete agreement. He could only sigh, feeling inadequate compared to such wisdom. Upon learning that Ma Yu possessed a systematic study plan left behind by his ancestors, he reluctantly abandoned his intention to take him on as a disciple.
However, the old scholar had his own pride. *I admit the elders behind you are extraordinary,* he thought, *but I refuse to believe that a mere study plan can surpass the disciples I have painstakingly cultivated.* Consequently, the old man developed a complete curriculum of his own, and he incorporated the educational standards proposed by Ma Yu into it, moving away from blindly teaching Confucianism and adding many courses aimed at understanding the lives of the people and practical application. When Ma Yu learned of this, he couldn't help but express his admiration.
Chapter 41