The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 278

After announcing the debate rules, Xu Wan addressed the two participants: "The competition begins. The affirmative side will speak first."

All eyes turned to Qin Ye, leaving the students from the advanced class stunned. They had only just learned the debate topic, which was starkly polarized. The affirmative side held an overwhelmingly advantageous position, while the negative side had almost no room to counter. Such a disadvantageous topic had been assigned to Jin Cheng instead of Qin Ye.

Jin Cheng’s academic performance still hadn’t caught up to Qin Ye’s, and now he was stuck with the negative stance—wasn’t this just setting him up to be crushed by Qin Ye?

Zong Wenxiu broke into a cold sweat for his younger brother.

He still remembered how, a year ago, Qin Ye hadn’t even recognized who his brother was. The usually resilient Jin Cheng had been so upset he cried in secret—all because of the blow Qin Ye had dealt him.

Now… if Qin Ye were to defeat Jin Cheng in the very field he excelled in, Zong Wenxiu didn’t dare imagine how devastated his brother would be.

At this moment, he even wanted to call for a stop…

But then he recalled the seven days of relentless effort his brother had poured into preparation. Jin Cheng had worked so hard—surely he wouldn’t lose, right? Or at the very least, he wouldn’t lose too badly…

The debate officially began.

The arrogant and aloof young Qin Ye launched the first attack: "When corrupt officials dominate and the people suffer, if those in power command me to enact reforms, I must accept. Scholars do not study the classics merely to pass imperial exams and secure official positions—they do so to discern right from wrong, to distinguish loyalty from treachery, and to seek the welfare of the people. In times of national crisis, it is our duty to step forward and initiate change, to improve livelihoods, strengthen the nation, and rescue the people from suffering. Moreover, if today I turn a blind eye to the people’s plight, who can guarantee that tomorrow, the executioner’s blade won’t fall upon my own neck? The individual, the people, and the court are intertwined in prosperity and ruin. Rather than passively awaiting doom, it is better to take the initiative and seize control of our fate."

Qin ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍Ye’s argument was measured and not yet aggressive, but perhaps due to the younger students’ admiration for him, they found him remarkably composed, logical, and purposeful.

Jin Cheng clenched his fists. He knew that, under normal circumstances, he might have made the same choice as Qin Ye. But this was a debate—he couldn’t let Qin Ye dictate the flow of his thoughts.

"But have you considered the consequences of accepting reform? You might fail, lose your head, or even bring death upon your brother, parents, and entire clan—all because of your decision. While it is noble to serve the nation, it is not an obligation. Before we are subjects of the emperor, we are sons to our fathers, brothers to our siblings—we are individuals first. Is it wrong to wish to avoid conflict and live peacefully in the present?"

Qin Ye paused, momentarily silent, as Jin Cheng’s words struck a chord within him—this was his own choice reflected back at him.

But Qin Ye didn’t dwell on it. His tone sharpened: "If everyone were a coward afraid of death, there would be no peace for the people. It is precisely because of those who came before us, who sacrificed their lives for the court, that the individuals you speak of have the privilege to be themselves. Otherwise, under the ravages of war and famine, everyone would perish."

"Damn…" He Zheng anxiously pinched Wei Xinglu. Qin Ye was being too harsh—he was practically pointing at Jin Cheng and calling him a coward. He feared Jin Cheng might leap up and start a fight right then.

But Qin Ye’s argument was undeniably strong. The negative stance was already difficult to defend, and every counterpoint Jin Cheng raised was swiftly dismantled. Qin Ye remained unshaken by Jin Cheng’s rhetorical tricks.

Heavens, was this really Qin Ye’s first debate?

Though Wei Xinglu winced from He Zheng’s pinching, he and Shen Yibai were electrified. Qin Ye was truly impressive—so articulate!

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They needed to take notes and use these tactics against Jin Cheng in the future!

Jin Cheng gritted his teeth and retorted, "Temporarily refusing to act is not cowardice—it can also be a strategic retreat for a stronger offense. Even reform must be timed wisely. Otherwise, like Wang Anshi’s reforms, if the court officials refuse support and the emperor grows distant… it ends in failure, with nothing accomplished, and the reformer dying in despair."

Qin Ye countered coldly, "How would you know if you don’t try? Are you Shang Yang or Wang Anshi?"

Jin Cheng shot back, "But the cost of trying is too high—your life is the price. If you die, everything is lost."

"If my death paves the way for the next Shang Yang, then so be it."

The two boys exchanged rapid-fire arguments, their voices growing fiercer, their stances more unyielding—it felt as though they might flip the table and brawl at any moment.

Jin Cheng snapped, "And was Shang Yang’s outcome so glorious? Wasn’t he torn apart by five horses, dying a gruesome death?"

Qin Ye greatly admired Shang Yang.

Jin Cheng’s attack on Shang Yang displeased him, and his tone turned icy. He enunciated each word: "Shang Yang’s reforms were the most successful in history. It was through his policies that Qin grew wealthy and powerful, enabling the unification of the six warring states. Without him, Qin’s conquest would have been delayed or even failed, prolonging the suffering of the people under constant warfare. The peace that followed was unprecedented—if it took the death of one Shang Yang, or even ten, to achieve it, the price was worth it. If others fear death, then let me be the one to step forward."

Qin Ye’s emotions flared as he spoke.

His previous policy essays had all been in Shang Yang’s style—ruthless, rapid reform. But his father disapproved, his teachers dismissed it, and his grades suffered as a result.

Why? How?

Historically, Shang Yang’s methods had resolved Qin’s struggles and unified the six states. Yet when he proposed similar ideas, he couldn’t even pass a simple exam.

Later, the academy head visited his father and persuaded him to abandon these radical views. Qin Ye had been furious, but the imperial examination system was rigid—if he stubbornly wrote as he pleased, he might never even enter officialdom.

So he buried his convictions and obediently regurgitated the bland, soulless essays his teachers praised as "perfect policy arguments."

—What a farce.

Qin Ye’s agitation was matched by Jin Cheng’s intensity. To face Qin Ye’s challenge, he had prepared far more than just these arguments.

So you like Shang Yang? You idolize him?

Fine. Then today, this young master will school you on Shang Yang!

The little devil declared firmly, "Let me tell you—Shang Yang made far too many mistakes in his reforms."

Qin Ye narrowed his eyes, staring him down.