Chapter 17

He seemed somewhat surprised.

I guessed he already knew that the “teacher” of this academy was someone else, but he hadn’t expected it to be someone as young as me.

“May I ask if this… Little Master could enlighten me?” He stood upright and gave a respectful bow.

I sidestepped to avoid it.

“I dare not claim to enlighten,” I replied in a rough voice.

This person’s background was unfathomable-he had wealth and influence, and could even attempt steelmaking at a whim. If he wished to scheme against me, I would have no means to resist.

So it was better to speak plainly.

“The question you raised is not difficult to answer, but I would like to ask you, where do your ambitions lie?”

He unfolded the paper and pointed to the words on it.

“Little Master, your talent is worth a fortune in just a few words. I suppose you established this academy to set a foundation for the people of the world. I, Chen, am dull, but I am willing to walk the same path as you.”

“Perhaps my path is not your path,” I looked at him steadily.

“The wealthy families of the Capital City compete in extravagance, but I have walked through remote villages, where many go hungry and cold. Every harsh winter, a family piles all their cloth on themselves, yet still freezes to death.”

“When disaster strikes, a year’s hard-earned harvest is not enough to pay the taxes, and most have no rice to cook.”

“Just as you said, these stories are worth a fortune. But that fortune is not what I seek.”

After hearing this, his gaze deepened.

I knew he understood.

If he only wanted to use me to help him build machines, increase grain yields, and make a fortune from steel, rather than benefit the people-

Then I would rather destroy everything myself.

“Life is hard for the people. You were born above the clouds, how could you understand?”

He sighed, “Chen understands.”

I smiled, the meaning clear.

I looked up at him.

He repeated again, “I understand what it means to go hungry and cold.”

He looked at me with particular seriousness.

He was telling me that he didn’t know why I understood these things, and he didn’t want to ask.

But if there truly was a way for everyone to have enough to eat and wear, it would be a blessing for all the people of the world.

He bowed deeply to me, then raised his head and said, “Please, Little Master, instruct me.”

His eyes were very beautiful.

The feeling they conveyed was familiar to me.

I had seen it in my mother’s eyes.

I thought for a moment.

And nodded.