Chapter 227: Reading for the Rise of the Great Ming

Zhu Youxiao took a deep look at Han Kuang, his expression unchanged.

Zhu Youxiao didn't believe for a moment that this old fellow had come to confess his guilt. Rather than coming to apologize, he was just finding an excuse to see him.

As for what he actually wanted to do, Zhu Youxiao didn't know yet.

Zhu Youxiao watched Han Kuang quietly, speaking in a flat, indifferent tone: "What crime does my beloved minister have? This isn't some great matter—just a trifle, hardly worth all this."

Han Kuang's face showed a hint of embarrassment, clearly having had his intentions guessed by His Majesty.

But a man who could climb to a position like his usually had a thick skin. If his skin weren't thick, he could never have reached such heights.

In but a moment, Han Kuang adjusted his composure and continued without changing expression: "I thank Your Majesty for your forgiveness. Yet your servant still feels guilty at heart. This new student I took on is loyal and brilliant, and I simply couldn't restrain myself. But rules are rules, and this matter violates them—it weighs heavily on my conscience."

Zhu Youxiao shot Han Kuang a helpless look.

These old fellows—setting aside everything else—that shameless, feigning-ignorance stubbornness of theirs is something ordinary people simply can't match.

Too lazy to beat around the bush with this old fellow, Zhu Youxiao asked: "So there exists a person capable of moving my beloved minister to disregard the rules? Surely such a man must possess extraordinary qualities. Your words have truly piqued my curiosity. Do tell me about him."

This line ought to have been delivered with great emotion, but Zhu Youxiao said it flatly, as if reading a script in a play—making it plain to Han Kuang: I've played along with you, so drop all this nonsense and get to the point.

Han Kuang was also embarrassed. He knew that if this matter didn't satisfy His Majesty this time, he would likely find himself in serious trouble.

So he clasped his hands and hastily said with deference: "To answer Your Majesty, the student I've taken on has many merits, but truthfully, there are plenty of such men in the Great Ming. What truly moved me to take him as my student, beyond all restraint, is that he belongs to the Guanzhong School."

"The Guanzhong School?" Zhu Youxiao wore an expression of expected understanding, but with little sincerity, speaking as if drained of energy: "And what is this Guanzhong School all about?"

Of course Zhu Youxiao knew that Han Kuang had taken on Zhang Yu.

After all, since meeting Song Yingxing last time, Zhu Youxiao had kept a close eye on the two Song brothers, and knew there was such a person by their side.

But what kind of man he was, Zhu Youxiao wasn't entirely sure.

Yet Zhu Youxiao did know that Song Yingsheng and the other two all studied Guanzhong learning. Surely you're not about to tell me the Guanzhong School is Zhang Zai's legacy, Han Kuang? You really have nothing new to offer.

Zhu Youxiao was already considering in his mind whether to simply send Han Kuang away.

"Your Majesty, I myself only recently heard of this Guanzhong School, and found it quite novel. After listening to some of their ideas, I felt they made great sense, and so I took on this current disciple."

"The Guanzhong School's lineage traces back to the Confucians of Han and Tang, and its founder is Feng Congwu. Feng Congwu comprehended the Dao in Guanzhong for twenty-five years, teaching and nurturing students in daily life, practicing the sage's principle of education without discrimination."

"Over these twenty-odd years, Feng Congwu studied and researched unceasingly, and finally achieved accomplishment. Thus he founded the Guanzhong School, advocating the Confucianism of Han and Tang while rejecting Song Confucianism. He also holds that our Great Ming is a dynasty that opened heaven and earth anew, and naturally cannot follow the ways of the former Song."

"The former Song was weak, its state and people subjected to bullying. Why should our Great Ming learn from them? If we are to learn from anyone, it should be from the mighty Han and the prosperous Tang. Thus they believe Song Confucianism should be discarded in favor of Han-Tang Confucianism, while also refining away the dross and keeping the essence, to create a Confucian doctrine of our own Great Ming."

"After all, our Great Ming, though it learns from the mighty Han and prosperous Tang, must surpass them. I find this most intriguing, and I also find their words quite correct." After saying this, Han Kuang lowered his head and fell silent.

In truth, Han Kuang had come today precisely to speak of this matter, and success or failure hung on this single gamble.

To put it plainly, Han Kuang had come to gamble. If his words failed to win His Majesty's trust or favor, he was prepared to return and write his resignation.

Better not to wait for His Majesty to drive him out—that would be far uglier.

If today's words could move His Majesty, then he would still have hope—perhaps even solidify his position, and it wasn't impossible to advance further and become one of His Majesty's trusted confidants.

So Han Kuang said nothing more. He felt his words were spent; all that earlier drivel had merely been to lead into this final statement.

Zhu Youxiao gave Han Kuang a meaningful look, his expression most intriguing.

He didn't know what to say either.

In Zhu Youxiao's mind, only one phrase surfaced: the compromise of Confucianism.

These people really were quick to react. From the few things he'd done since transmigrating, they'd already discerned such a clear thread.

Most crucially, to cater to imperial power, they abandoned their previous ideas and doctrines with remarkable speed, while quickly finding things that would please the emperor.

Who wouldn't like such a school? No wonder Confucianism had reached such heights. Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but marvel.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Han Kuang and gave a slight nod, saying: "Rather interesting. For it to please my beloved minister so, it must have its unique merits. In that case, have Feng Congwu come to the palace, and let your student attend to him. I too would like to hear what he has to say."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Han Kuang's heart leaped with joy. He hastily bowed and said: "Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant will make arrangements immediately upon returning."

He had indeed gambled correctly.

He had to admit that Zhang Yu was truly a talent—everything had gone as he predicted. He just hadn't expected His Majesty to summon him to the palace. Hopefully nothing would go wrong.

Zhu Youxiao watched Han Kuang struggling to suppress his excitement and said nothing.

This matter could not have been arranged or orchestrated by Han Kuang.

Zhu Youxiao knew exactly who Feng Congwu was. He and Han Kuang could never have seen eye to eye.

Yet now Han Kuang had come before him to recommend Feng Congwu—if there wasn't something fishy going on, that would be a miracle.

Since Han Kuang and Feng Congwu could come together and achieve such deep cooperation, someone must have acted as the bridge between them.

Judging by the current situation, the only possible bridge-builder was this Zhang Yu—no one else.

This was also the reason Zhu Youxiao was interested in Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu was merely a juren after all. To have accomplished this much, he must be capable. That was why Zhu Youxiao wanted to see him.

This Zhang Yu was of the Guanzhong lineage, and now he'd joined forces with Feng Congwu—they were planning to create something new. From the looks of it, they'd also pulled Han Kuang into their fold, which made things rather interesting.

"Beloved minister, return and make the arrangements promptly." Zhu Youxiao looked at Han Kuang and said with a smile.

"In that case, your servant takes his leave." Han Kuang bowed.

Seeing that Zhu Youxiao waved his hand with no intention of saying more, Han Kuang retreated while keeping his body bowed.

Zhu Youxiao watched Han Kuang's departing figure, a meaningful smile spreading across his face.

He reached out and tapped lightly on the table, speaking slowly: "The court is bound to grow restless again. Still, it's an interesting affair—it seems no one is willing to stay content!"

After saying this, Zhu Youxiao rose to his feet, flicked his sleeves, and walked toward the inner palace.

Better to go keep his Baozhu company—over there, there were fewer of these messy schemes.

Come to think of it, the court and the harem weren't really all that different. The more people gathered, the more strife there was.

Had the court even been peaceful for a few days?

Seeing Zhu Youxiao approaching with a grim face, Empress Zhang hurriedly greeted him with a gentle smile, then softly took his hand and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, is something weighing on your mind?"

Glancing at Empress Zhang, Zhu Youxiao shook his head and said with a smile: "There's too much chaos in the court—is there ever a day without vexing matters? But seeing Baozhu, my mood has already improved greatly."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Empress Zhang smiled shyly, linked her arm through his, and said softly: "I've made some pastries. Would Your Majesty care to try them?"

"Alright, let me taste Baozhu's cooking." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

The two exchanged a glance, then walked into the house together.

While Zhu Youxiao was keeping Empress Zhang company over here, Han Kuang had already left the Forbidden City over there.

Letting out a long breath, he raised his sleeve to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, and only then did Han Kuang begin to feel a bit better.

In all this time, this was the first time he had felt so tense.

The pressure His Majesty placed on him was too great.

In truth, throughout the entire process of his contact with His Majesty today, Han Kuang knew deep down that his thoughts had never once been hidden from this sovereign.

His Majesty had not exposed him, and had even tolerated him continuing to proceed — the reason was simple: what he had said had piqued His Majesty's interest.

At the same time, Han Kuang was also somewhat nervous. If Feng Congwu could not produce something that satisfied His Majesty, then he was afraid he would be finished along with him.

Han Kuang could not help but think of that Zhang Yu. Hopefully he would not let him down.

After returning home, Han Kuang had Zhang Yu summoned at once.

Walking in from outside, Zhang Yu saluted Han Kuang and said respectfully, "Master, has there been news from the palace?"

"I went to the palace and spoke with His Majesty. His Majesty has permitted Feng Congwu to enter the palace, and has also allowed you to enter together with him." Han Kuang glanced at Zhang Yu, and after saying this, said nothing further.

He wanted to see whether Zhang Yu could grasp something from it.

"No one is more sagely than His Majesty." Zhang Yu said with feeling, then continued, "Your student has even more confidence now."

Glancing at Zhang Yu, Han Kuang said with some helplessness, "This is before His Majesty, after all. When you stand before His Majesty, you must be extremely careful in your words and conduct. If you anger His Majesty, then everything will be lost for us. When that time truly comes, I fear you will be severely punished as well."

"Thank you for your instruction, Master." Zhang Yu hurriedly bowed and said.

In truth, Zhang Yu knew that Han Kuang was also afraid that he would drag him down, but this was only human nature — after all, everyone was now grasshoppers tied to the same rope; no one could escape.

Moreover, when it came to understanding the Emperor, Han Kuang was certainly deeper than himself. After all, he could only judge this sovereign's temperament through rough speculation, whereas Han Kuang could truly come into contact with His Majesty.

So in this matter, listening to Han Kuang would do him no harm.

Seeing Zhang Yu so quick to understand, Han Kuang also felt a weight lifted from his heart.

With things having reached this point, a start had already been made. The next step was crucial — it mainly depended on whether Zhang Yu and Feng Congwu could persuade His Majesty.

If they could persuade His Majesty, then matters would become very simple. That was why this matter was so important, and why Han Kuang had cautioned Zhang Yu.

"Go back and prepare. When the day comes, I will bring you into the palace." Han Kuang said with a smile.

"Then your student takes his leave." Zhang Yu hurriedly bowed and said.

After Zhang Yu had left, Han Kuang gently picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, his expression somewhat grave.

This time, he was staking everything on a single throw. He hoped there would be a good outcome.

At court, things could be considered quite stable. Although there was a great commotion below, it was essentially useless.

No one throughout the entire court dared to speak up, so no one could stir up trouble. Even if some minor fifth-rank or seventh-rank official made a fuss, they could not raise any waves.

So Zhu Youxiao's days passed fairly peacefully, which put him in quite a good mood.

Over in Liaodong, things had quieted down for now. The Jurchen incursions had been handled reasonably well by Xiong Tingbi, so basically Zhu Youxiao did not need to worry about it.

Over at the Hundred Crafts Institute, everything was also progressing fairly smoothly.

Under these circumstances, the Imperial Academy's examination was finally about to begin.

Zhu Youxiao was rather concerned about this matter. Although outwardly it was said to be a simple pilot project, for Zhu Youxiao it was something different.

Because in Zhu Youxiao's view, this Imperial Academy was more about training officials for himself.

"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Han has arrived." Chen Hong came to Zhu Youxiao's side and said respectfully.

Hearing Chen Hong's words, a smile appeared on Zhu Youxiao's face. This matter was getting interesting now — he hoped this Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu could bring him something fresh.

He said with a faint smile, "Let them in."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong acknowledged, then turned and walked out to bring the people in.

Before long, Han Kuang and the other two walked in under Chen Hong's guidance, about to bow to Zhu Youxiao.

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "Enough, dispense with the formalities."

Han Kuang and the other two immediately stood there respectfully, not moving a muscle.

Zhu Youxiao carefully sized up the two people standing beside Han Kuang. The older one should be Feng Congwu; as for the young man standing on the other side, he should be Zhang Yu.

Seeing these two people, Zhu Youxiao let out a soft sigh.

Many things in this world are very easy to change — the human heart, for instance.

Sometimes, the human heart is the most steadfast thing, the hardest to shake; but other times, the human heart is the easiest to waver.

Feng Congwu was a man of the Donglin Faction, and now he too had chosen to change his tune. Zhu Youxiao could not quite say what he felt in his heart. He gave Zhang Yu a deep look.

Clearly, in this matter, this young man had played no small role. This person had real ability — it was just unknown in what direction his ability truly lay.

"My dear Han, since you have brought the men, you may return first." Zhu Youxiao looked at Han Kuang and said with a gentle smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant takes his leave." Han Kuang acknowledged, bowed, and withdrew.

But as he was leaving, he gave Zhang Yu a deep look. Within that look was contained both warning and hope.

After Han Kuang had left, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "Han recommended the two of you to Us, so today We shall hear what you have to say."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao turned his head to look at Chen Hong and said, "Bring a chair for my dear Feng."

This was a very high honor, and even Feng Congwu was startled by it. He hurriedly said, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty."

As for Zhang Yu, standing beside Feng Congwu, he naturally did not receive such treatment and could only stand behind Feng Congwu.

After Feng Congwu had sat down, Zhu Youxiao finally spoke: "My dear Feng, there is a question that has been troubling Us. We have searched through many books and asked many people, yet still no one has been able to answer it for Us. Today We shall ask my dear Feng as well — tell Us, what is the purpose of reading the books of the sages?"

This question appeared simple, but answering it was truly difficult.

Because ever since Wen Tianxiang, this question seemed to have a standard answer.

For Wen Tianxiang had once said, "Confucius spoke of achieving benevolence, Mencius spoke of upholding righteousness; only when righteousness is fulfilled can benevolence be attained. Reading the books of the sages — what is it for? From this day forward, may I be nearly without shame."

Because Wen Tianxiang was so famous, all literati regarded him as a model — as the model that a minister should aspire to — and so these words had also risen greatly in renown.

When this question was raised, everyone instinctively thought of Wen Tianxiang's example and answered directly.

But now that the Emperor was asking this way, it was clear he didn't want that kind of answer.

After all, if the answer to this question were Wen Tianxiang's answer, then His Majesty could not possibly be unaware of it. Since His Majesty said it had troubled him for a long time, then this question must not be something that could be answered so simply.

As for what the Great Learning said—"cultivate oneself, govern the state, harmonize the family, and bring peace to the world"—that surely was not the answer His Majesty wanted either.

Because that answer was simply too easy. It was written in the books; one only needed to look at it, and anyone could say it.

So what His Majesty wanted to ask was not this at all, but another answer entirely.

This stumped Feng Congwu. He was not skilled at quick wit, and for a moment he actually did not know how to respond.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Feng Congwu, his face showing no particular expression.

Clearly Feng Congwu could not answer this question, which made Zhu Youxiao somewhat disappointed.

Although you had adapted quickly, if you could not even grasp this question, then what were you going to do?

Lifting his head to look at Zhang Yu, Zhu Youxiao noticed that he seemed to have some reaction, so he asked him: "Do you have any thoughts?"

Seeing Zhu Youxiao looking at him and asking him directly, Zhang Yu's heart stirred.

In fact, this was something he had not thought of just now. Although he very much wanted to speak, since His Majesty had not asked, he truly did not dare to say anything.

Before coming here, Han Kuang had instructed him never to speak carelessly. But who would have thought His Majesty actually asked.

Looking at Zhu Youxiao's expressionless face and his very deep gaze, Zhang Yu's heart stirred once more, and then he bowed and said: "Your student believes that reading the books of the sages is for loyalty to the sovereign and service to the state."

Upon hearing these words, Feng Congwu's expression shifted slightly.

In Feng Congwu's view, this answer was far too vulgar, and it also did not match the ideals of the literati. Most critically, it was somewhat too fawning toward His Majesty.

But thinking of Zhang Yu's character, Feng Congwu was not surprised. He was just that kind of person.

Hearing Zhang Yu's words, Zhu Youxiao smiled lightly. This Zhang Yu truly had no bottom line.

However, regarding Zhang Yu's statement, Zhu Youxiao neither approved nor disapproved. Because his answer carried no meaning whatsoever.

In the view of today's scholars, they read books to cultivate themselves, harmonize their families, govern the state, and bring peace to the world—at least that was what they said aloud.

To put it more grandly, reading was for understanding principle, not for pledging loyalty to the Emperor. Why did they serve as ministers? It was to make the sovereign equal to Yao and Shun.

In plain words, it meant making the Emperor as sagely as Yao and Shun.

This notion of "making the sovereign equal to Yao and Shun" was quite interesting—it was about guiding, and what it emphasized was themselves.

Who makes the Emperor as sagely as Yao and Shun?

It was they, the ministers, not those who blindly obeyed the Emperor's words. If one blindly obeyed the Emperor's words, then one would instead become a treacherous minister, becoming the same kind of people as the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Donglin Faction that they criticized.

So even if someone proposed this formulation, there was no way to promote it in this era. Instead, it would be attacked by public opinion and regarded by more people as a display of fawning on the Emperor.

It seemed to be flattering him, but Zhu Youxiao felt it had not flattered in the right place. Perhaps this was the limitation of the era.

If he took this question to ask the eunuchs and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zhu Youxiao would get the same answer.

So he glanced at Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu, and said with a smile: "I do have an idea. I think Confucianism emphasizes cultivating oneself, harmonizing the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world. The cultivation of self and harmonizing of family need not be discussed—those mainly concern scholars and oneself."

"I also know that before those come the investigation of things, the extension of knowledge, sincerity of intention, and rectification of the mind. But that is not what I wish to discuss. What I wish to discuss is what comes after—why do the literati read? Why do the military train in martial arts?"

"Just now Zhang Yu, you said it was for loyalty to the sovereign and service to the state. I feel that lacks a certain breadth of spirit, appearing somewhat petty. I instead feel that the literati reading, the military training, the farmers plowing and weaving, the merchants managing their trade—all serve but one purpose, and that is for the prosperity of the Great Ming, for the Great Ming to rise among the nations of this age, and to awe the entire world."

"So I believe that scholars should read for the rise of the Great Ming. Only after knowing why they read will they know what to do next. What do you two think?"

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Zhang Yu and the others, a smile on his face.

Although Zhu Youxiao's tone was light, his words carried a heavy sense of indisputability.

Zhang Yu understood in an instant—His Majesty was making them accept this ideology, and in turn make it the central theme of their school's advocacy. Never mind anything else—this was the first priority, and it must be placed above all else.

Compared to the slogan of loyalty to the sovereign and service to the state, reading for the rise of the Great Ming was indeed more grand and imposing.

The most critical point was that this formulation was easier for scholars to accept.

Because the Great Ming contained far too much. The sovereign contained only one person, while the Great Ming contained so much more.

Saying "read for the rise of the Great Ming" sounded far more elevated than saying "read for loyalty to the sovereign and service to the state."

This was what His Majesty hoped scholars would achieve, and also what he hoped they themselves could teach to the scholars.