“The ancients said, ‘Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.’” At this moment, Henry Cole began his lecture: “But the full text of this saying is as follows: Only after things are investigated can knowledge be attained; only after knowledge is attained can intentions be sincere; only after intentions are sincere can the heart be upright; only after the heart is upright can the self be cultivated; only after the self is cultivated can the family be regulated; only after the family is regulated can the state be governed; only after the state is governed can the world be at peace.”

　　“From this, it is clear that sincerity of intention and uprightness of heart come before self-cultivation, family regulation, state governance, and bringing peace to the world.”

　　“But as your teacher, I believe that sincerity of intention and uprightness of heart can be summed up in one word: virtue. The virtue of a gentleman—The Book of Changes says, ‘As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement. As earth’s condition is receptive devotion, a gentleman should hold the outer world with broad virtue.’ What I am teaching today is this one word: virtue.”

　　Henry Cole was indeed extraordinarily learned, quoting the classics fluently, speaking with reason and evidence.

　　All the students were fully focused, listening attentively.

　　After this lecture, the students understood what the virtue of a gentleman is, and the importance of moral character.

　　“Today I have spoken about virtue, and now I must ask: if someone bears a grudge against you, how should you respond?” Henry Cole asked with a smile.

　　“Of course, we should repay resentment with virtue; only then do we not lose the virtue of a gentleman.” Immediately, a student’s voice rang out. Everyone looked over and saw that it was Jason Foster who answered.

　　The students nearby all nodded in agreement.

　　“To repay resentment with virtue is indeed the conduct of a gentleman.”

　　“Brother Foster is broad-minded; I admire you.”

Chapter Twelve: Debate

　　Many students in the academy agreed with Jason Foster’s view, believing that only by repaying resentment with virtue can one truly display the demeanor and virtue of a gentleman.

　　As the teacher, Henry Cole merely smiled at this moment, glanced around, and finally looked at Ryan Thompson and said, “Ryan Thompson, do you think so as well?”

　　Sitting upright and composed, Ryan Thompson slowly spoke: “I believe this is gravely mistaken.”

　　“To repay resentment with virtue—how can that be wrong? Even the officials of the court would nod in agreement.” Jason Foster smiled slightly. “Besides, the son of a merchant reeks only of money; how could he know anything of virtue or learning, let alone understand the virtue of a gentleman?”

　　After speaking, he looked at Ryan Thompson with some disdain, clearly looking down on this lowly son of a merchant.

　　“Whether others agree is their business, not mine. The son of a merchant may reek of money, but it is hard-earned, unlike some official families, who, as soon as they take office, cannot help but increase taxes and squeeze the people dry.” Seeing that this person seemed to be targeting him, Ryan Thompson immediately retorted.

　　Jason Foster angrily said, “Are you saying my father is a corrupt official?”

　　Ryan Thompson laughed: “If not for corruption, how could your father’s annual salary of a few dozen taels of silver afford Young Mr. Foster such luxury? Even the jade belt you wear is worth at least a hundred taels of silver. Even if your father ate and drank nothing for three years, he couldn’t afford it.”

　　He looked down on him for being the son of a merchant, but how could he respect these officials who suck the marrow from the bones of the people?

　　Besides, the The Thompson Family business was vast, covering all of Guobei County, benefiting countless people, providing countless jobs, indirectly supporting innumerable families. And what did the county magistrate do upon taking office? Nothing but increase taxes and squeeze the people dry.

　　“You…” Jason Foster immediately stood up in anger.

　　“How dare you slander the innocence of the The Foster Family and ruin the reputation of the The Foster Family? Do you know that I, Jason Foster, am already a licentiate, a scholar with official recognition? To slander a scholar is to break the law of the court. How dare a criminal like you speak of virtue here?”

　　Ryan Thompson laughed heartily: “If I am guilty, then you, Jason Foster, are guilty as well. You are a licentiate, but so am I.”

　　He is a licentiate too?

　　Jason Foster’s face turned a little red with embarrassment, but he quickly said, “My dispute with you is merely academic, but you insulted my father’s innocence. How is that reasonable?”

　　“It seems you started this, didn’t you? You insulted me first, and I only retaliated after. We are simply returning courtesy for courtesy.” Ryan Thompson said calmly.

　　“A gentleman is tolerant; why must you be so petty? Just now, the teacher spoke of repaying resentment with virtue. It seems you were wandering outside and didn’t listen.” Jason Foster said.

　　The students nearby all nodded and said, “Exactly, exactly. Brother Thompson, although Brother Foster’s words were somewhat lacking in virtue, you shouldn’t be so petty. You should let minor matters go.”

　　“Yes, we are all classmates. Why quarrel? Why not apologize, Brother Thompson, and let this matter rest?”

　　“To repay resentment with virtue is the virtue of a gentleman. Brother Thompson, you should learn from the sages.”

　　Hearing these words, Ryan Thompson immediately smiled and said, “So now it’s all my fault? I shouldn’t have argued with Jason Foster, I should have repaid resentment with virtue and apologized to Jason Foster? It seems you’ve all read too many books and your minds have become a bit muddled.”

　　“Brother Thompson, that’s a bit harsh.” A student immediately said with displeasure.

　　Not only him, but several students who had agreed with the previous view all looked at Ryan Thompson with some anger. They hadn’t expected that Ryan Thompson, usually so talented, would turn out to be such a vulgar person, quick to insult others. It seems that a merchant’s family is still a merchant’s family, lacking in refinement.