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On a verdant hill in Southern Qi, bird songs echo through the layers of morning light and mist.
Here stands a tranquil mansion, where the trees cast swaying shadows and flowers bloom abundantly, as if it were far removed from the worldly clamor and bloodshed. Yet even in this fairyland-like environment, a young man lurks who will change the course of the world.
Xiao Yan, a remarkably intelligent and talented young man, is here.
When Xiao Yan graduated from the academy at the age of sixteen, he came here with great enthusiasm and lofty ambitions. He and seven other talented youths studied under King Jingling and Xiao Ziliang. This group of young people later became known as the "Jingling Eight Friends," which included Shen Yue, Xie Mo, Wang Rong, Xiao Chen, Fan Yun, Ren Fang, and Lu Ci.
One day, Xiao Yan walked into the mansion of Prince Jingling, and the first thing that caught his eye was an ancient and simple phoenix tree. The leaves were dancing in the breeze, as if welcoming the arrival of these young talents.
"Oh, Xiao Yan, are you early today?" Shen Yue asked with a smile, his eyes showing undisguised admiration.
Xiao Yan smiled and held a recently completed commentary on the Book of Songs. "Some things are better done early than late."
"Haha, indeed," Shen Yue smiled knowingly.
Before long, Xie Mo, Fan Yun, Xiao Chen, and others arrived one after another. Each person carried a different aura, but their purpose was the same - to pursue knowledge and self-improvement.
In the backyard of the mansion, eight people sat around a large table. Xiao Ziliang specially ordered this table to accommodate these eight young talents.
"Today, let's discuss Mencius's theory of 'the goodness of human nature'," Fan Yun suggested.
"Good idea, but before we start the discussion, Xiao Yan, why don't you share your thoughts on Mencius? After all, your insights in this area are always refreshing," Xie Mo provocatively suggested.
Xiao Yan smiled and slowly stood up, saying, "Mencius once said, 'Human nature is good.' He advocated that the inherent nature of people is good, but it is distorted under different environments and education. However, I personally believe this is not entirely correct. Good and evil are just labels imposed by society; fundamentally, people act for their own interests."
"Hmph, your words are simply subverting the fundamental Confucian concepts," Wang Rong said, somewhat displeased.
Xiao Yan shook his head, "I am not subverting, but rather questioning and exploring. If we cannot accept different viewpoints and questioning, then we can never truly understand and recognize this world."
"This..." Wang Rong was speechless.
"Xiao Yan's perspective has its unique aspects, but that's also the charm of our 'Jingling Eight Friends,' isn't it?" Shen Yue broke the deadlock. "Each of us has our own views and positions, and that's what true academic debate is about."
After hearing this, everyone nodded, and Xiao Yan also showed a slight smile. However, he understood in his heart that these were just superficial matters.
Xiao Yan's courage and vision far surpass that of anyone here. Because he knows that what this era needs most is not just knowledge, but also how to apply that knowledge in practice, to make a country stronger and follow the right path.
A year later, in the mansion of Prince Jingling, under the swaying tree shadows, Xiao Yan walked out of the gate with a Xiao Zhan expression. At this moment, he not only carried a wealth of scholarly knowledge, but also the experience of learning together with the "Jingling Eight Friends."
"Brothers, let us strive for our own futures, and may we meet again in the court in the future," Xiao Yan said to Shen Yue, Xie Mo, Fan Yun, and others, with a hint of reluctance in his tone.
Fan Yun responded, " Brother Xiao, your talent will surely shine in the future, contributing wise counsel for the country."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, as a member of the royal family of Southern Qi, he bore not only personal dreams, but also a heavy responsibility.
"So, let's part ways here and take care of yourselves," Shen Yue said with a hopeful tone.
Afterwards, relying on his prominent family background, Xiao Yan quickly obtained a position under General Wang Jian. Although he received attention due to his family's status, Xiao Yan was never satisfied with this. He deeply understood that to earn genuine respect, he had to rely on his own abilities.
Wang Jian is a general who values talent over reputation. When he first met Xiao Yan, he was drawn to his demeanor.
During a relaxed private tea gathering, Wang Jian couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Xiao, I heard that you are acquainted with several outstanding individuals under King Jingling. Have you learned anything from them?"
"General Wei has been overrated. Interacting with them has made me deeply understand that while knowledge and talent are important, the key is how to apply them in practical work to benefit society and stabilize the country," answered Xiao Yan.
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian secretly approved and soon promoted him to the position of household officer.
Xiao Yan has shown outstanding ability to handle tasks under Wang Jian, and his interaction with colleagues is also very harmonious. He often discusses with his subordinates how to improve administrative efficiency. Once, he proposed a suggestion about streamlining the cumbersome tax procedures.
"The current tax system is too complicated, causing hardship for the people. Can we consider simplifying the process while increasing audit efficiency to reduce tax evasion?" Xiao Yan proposed in a meeting.
An official responded, "This proposal is good, but it may encounter many difficulties in implementation."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and replied, "Difficulties certainly exist, but if we don't try, how will we know if it's feasible? Moreover, since we've already come this far, we can only move forward."
Upon hearing this, the official was shaken to the core and could no longer speak. With a decisive and agile working style, and harmonious relationships with colleagues and superiors, he was soon promoted to be a part of Xiao Zilong's army.
During this period, due to the death of his father Xiao Shunzhi, Xiao Yan returned home to observe a three-year mourning period, and then resumed his official duties, eventually being promoted to Shuzi Crown Prince and Minister of Ceremonies.
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