Fang Yuegong was a wily veteran, and with a few sleight-of-hand arguments, he had easily led Qiu Yu into a trap.
After being stung by Fang's veiled sarcasm, Qiu Yu’s face flushed a mix of red and green; he was choked with frustration but could not find the words to retort. In truth, this could not be blamed on Qiu Yu; his youth and lack of experience limited his discourse. Qiu Yu had risen through the ranks as a *jinshi* and served as a *shujishi* from the start of his official career, never having served in grassroots administration. (The *shujishi* were close aides to the Emperor, responsible for drafting edicts and lecturing on the classics; throughout the Great Ming Dynasty, they remained one of the primary sources for cabinet ministers.)
Li Banghua, serving as Senior Grand Secretary, sensed the moment was right. He stepped forward and said, "Both of you are right, and yet, both are wrong."
Chapter 258