Chapter 338 – Emphasizing Education to Promote Reform (Part Two)

“Lack of learning and skill only exacerbates the deficiency in knowledge and understanding, and is insufficient to support our perception of the complete truth. Once others surpass us in awareness, you will forever remain in second place.”

As Ye Kuang spoke, he himself wasn’t sure what emotions to attribute to these words. He only knew they had to be said. If left unspoken, it would merely reinforce intellectual stagnation and strip away the courage to surpass, leading to nothing but blind imitation.

Unbeknownst to him, these words struck the audience like thunderbolts shaking the world.

Clearly, reactions to his statement varied widely, yet it was undeniable that Ye Kuang had voiced what they had long wanted to express but dared not openly discuss.

Seeing the hopeful gazes from all directions, Ye Kuang continued eloquently: “When our ancestors created writing, they not only guided us from the ‘Age of Barbarism’ into the ‘Age of Civilization,’ but also achieved true transcendence in the dissemination of language across vast time and space.”

As he spoke, the profound meaning in his words couldn’t help but make people reflect inwardly.

As the saying goes: Knowledge knows no boundaries. ‘She’ is a shared creation. If we fail to surpass the present with each generation, then ‘she’ loses her inherent value of progress and instead falls into the trap of complacency.

It must be admitted that the path ahead in this field appears hazy and unseen, yet it holds continuous potential for development.

Just as Ye Kuang had stated earlier, without the courage to surpass, one would only imitate others. Such repetition would stifle the drive to advance and make the confusion ahead increasingly menacing.

“Mr. Ye, may I ask how my good-for-nothing son should study to attain extraordinary insight and profound knowledge like yours?”

This question clearly resonated with many parents present.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but pause for thought before continuing with unflinching composure: “First, enhance practical ability. Mere talk without practice is empty showmanship. Armchair strategizing has always been the greatest enemy of innovators throughout history. Knowledge only feels increasingly insufficient the more you use it – don’t wait until you need it to regret not having enough.”

“Second, when you don’t understand, learn to ask. This is not shameful. Rather, those who pretend to understand what they don’t are only deceiving themselves.”

“Finally, from the diverse array of industries, summarize their interconnections and subtleties to stimulate mutual interest. Once you develop a desire for advanced exploration, your progress will naturally seem divinely assisted.”

Hiss hiss hiss!

It could be said that as his impassioned speech unfolded, it felt like gentle spring breezes caressing faces, inevitably stirring quiet astonishment in listeners.

Now, these were eyes pondering the deeper meaning of his words, embodying the pioneering spirit of trailblazers.

Seeing everyone’s bewilderment and hesitation, Ye Kuang felt compelled to add more impetus: “Perhaps these remarks only touch upon theoretical principles. But if there’s no smooth path to follow, then everyone must strive harder. I’ve said all I can – there might be some impractical elements here, so I hope you uncles and aunts will be understanding.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he returned the microphone and melted back into the crowd, wanting only to make a quick escape.

Just as he had implied, this was merely a moment of impulsive enthusiasm. He certainly didn’t believe anyone would be deeply moved enough to boldly pioneer new historical paths.In other words, even he himself might have treated it as mere casual conversation, letting things take their natural course.

But who would have thought that while it was easy for him to speak, leaving would prove difficult.

At that moment, parents eager for knowledge surrounded him on all sides, their faces brimming with an excitement akin to hearing celestial secrets.

The scene was so picturesque it resembled a group of elementary school students abruptly cut off from a classic story climax—an unbearably frustrating experience.

“Mr. Ye, please don’t leave! I still have a question to ask.”

“That’s right, that’s right! I also have many unresolved doubts. Could you suggest a feasible method? I’ll treat you to a lavish dinner tonight if needed.”

“Hey, a mere meal is nothing—are you looking down on Mr. Ye? Tonight, it’s my treat! Let’s all feast and drink our fill, and we won’t call it a night until we’re thoroughly drunk…”

Ye Kuang couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on upon hearing this. He had no choice but to politely decline: “Dear uncles and aunts, I truly appreciate your kindness, but I’m currently tied up with urgent matters and cannot stay longer…”

This scene naturally became the exclusive, headline-breaking news across the internet: “Emphasizing Education for Solid Reform.”

From a distance, the surging crowd was visibly massive, clearly causing a traffic jam. People were shouting, “Mr. Ye, please give me an autograph!” and “How rare it is to meet in this lifetime—why not take a photo together as a keepsake?”… Some even stirred up trouble by yelling, “Mr. Ye is widely read and well-versed in the ways of the sages. With you here, the world is ours!”

Ye Kuang: “…”

Even a donkey could grasp the implied meaning behind that last shout—it was clearly provocative.

At this thought, he suddenly raised his voice sternly: “You there, yes, you! What did you just shout? What do you mean by ‘the world is ours’ with me here?”

Passerby A: “…”

Passerby B: “…”

In an instant, seeing the person in question remain silent, Ye Kuang failed to contain his emotions and flared up: “I don’t even know you! If this world belongs to anyone, it should be to people like us. What are you trying to do? Are you attempting to steal the fruits of our labor? How could you put me in such an awkward position!”

“Hahaha…”

“Gahaha…”

As expected, the onlookers—regardless of age or gender—burst into laughter one after another.

It must be noted that Ye Kuang’s previously solemn and dignified demeanor seemed vivid just moments ago. If not for his current youthful impulsiveness and tantrum, everyone might have mistaken him for a reincarnated sage.

For a moment, Passerby A stammered nervously: “Well, you see, Mr. Ye, that’s not what I meant.”

Hearing this, Ye Kuang grew even more irritated and demanded, “Then what did you mean? Explain yourself clearly!”

But before he could finish, the crowd could no longer hold back and erupted into roaring laughter.

Passerby A wished he could slap himself across the face. He had only intended to mock someone for showboating, never expecting the other party not only to avoid the trap but also to respond with such unexpected logic, leaving the critics speechless and devoid of retorts.

If he were to say, “I just can’t stand your behavior,” the outcome would be all too obvious.The atmosphere among the crowd was no longer lighthearted; it seemed a major incident that would shock the entire Jiangnan region was brewing.

If left unaddressed, it would indirectly prove that the passerby had a guilty conscience—bold enough to mock from the shadows but too cowardly to confront directly, merely a lowly gossipmonger.

The growing seriousness on everyone’s faces unmistakably conveyed a unified message:

Anyone daring to provoke their idol at this moment was simply asking for trouble.

Ye Kuang: “Alright, please make way. I need to settle accounts with this guy. He’s utterly shameless—daring to speak but not own up to his words. Isn’t this a blatant disrespect toward me? What’s worse, he had the audacity to pull his tricks right at my doorstep…”