Chapter 86: An Opportunity for the School of Mind

Perhaps in many people's eyes, Hai Rui had already grown senile.

But in Zhu Youxiao's view, it was precisely at this time that Hai Rui was most clear-headed. This minister who did everything for the Great Ming had, at his age, seen through it all — only harsh laws could save the realm.

The Great Ming had reached its moment of life or death, rotten to the very roots, and the common people were already suffering beyond words.

He may have thought of many solutions, but in the end, Hai Rui never found the right one.

The pressure on the people was immense, already at the edge of collapse. Under such circumstances, Hai Rui knew that if he did not do something, the Great Ming truly could not hold on.

The only way he could think of to alleviate this situation was to execute corrupt officials and restore the penal code of Grand Ancestor Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang: anyone who embezzled more than eighty guan would be flayed and stuffed with straw.

But if this were truly done, the Great Ming would probably be left with only one official — Hai Rui himself. The reason was simple: everyone else would have their heads chopped off.

Zhu Youxiao admired Hai Rui. Whether it was Hai Rui's almost harsh incorruptibility, or his far-sighted vision.

In comparison, Yang Lian's title of "foremost among incorruptible officials" looked like a joke.

How many practical things had Hai Rui done?

What had Yang Lian done?

Letting out a soft sigh, Zhu Youxiao pulled his thoughts back. He knew that Chen Keda would not be Hai Rui.

Although both men were juren, the two of them were not the same.

Looking at Chen Keda, Zhu Youxiao asked: "Are you Li Zhi's student?"

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's question, Chen Youdao was taken aback.

In fact, along the entire journey, Chen Keda had been wondering: why had His Majesty summoned him to the capital?

He was merely a juren, without much reputation, and had never made himself known to the lords — what did His Majesty want with him?

Although he had asked the men of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, those people were like sealed gourds, refusing to say anything.

Now, hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Chen Keda had some idea — it was for his teacher's sake.

But Chen Keda had another worry: His Majesty had summoned him to the capital — it couldn't be to have him killed, could it?

How unwelcome his teacher's doctrines were, Chen Keda knew very well in his heart. How his teacher had died back then, Chen Keda still remembered vividly.

If someone had spoken slanderously before His Majesty to scheme against him, then this time he would likely be in grave danger.

But since things had come to this, Chen Keda also had the resolve to defend his school of thought.

His teacher had been able to snatch the barber's razor and cut his own throat in death — he could not disgrace his teacher either.

Thinking of this, Chen Keda bowed and said: "To answer Your Majesty, this student is indeed your teacher's disciple. This student followed the teacher for many years, attending to him all the while."

Hearing Chen Keda's words, Zhu Youxiao nodded gently and slowly said: "Then tell Us about your teacher's doctrines."

Chen Keda was stunned — His Majesty wanted him to lecture on his teacher's doctrines?

He knew well that all along, his teacher's doctrines had not gained mainstream acceptance. Especially in the eyes of emperors, his teacher's doctrines seemed more like outright treason.

"What? You followed at your teacher's side for so many years — surely you learned something?" Seeing Chen Keda silent, Zhu Youxiao could not help but speak.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this student is somewhat overcome with emotion, and for a moment does not know where to begin." Chen Keda said respectfully: "I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Zhu Youxiao nodded, indicating that he understood.

Glancing at Chen Keda, Zhu Youxiao said: "Then go back and prepare. As for what to lecture on, why not start with your teacher's A Book to Burn."

A Book to Burn was a collection of works written by Li Zhi, completed in the eighteenth year of Wanli (1590) at the advanced age of sixty-four.

A Book to Burn, also known as Li's Book to Burn, comprised six volumes in total.

The book's bold critique of Confucianism and the Cheng-Zhu School of Principle embodied a spirit of anti-tradition, anti-authority, and anti-dogmatism.

Chen Keda had never imagined that His Majesty's summons to the capital was not to cut off his head, but rather to have him give lectures.

Lectures were one thing — but His Majesty actually wanted him to lecture on his teacher's A Book to Burn.

What was written in A Book to Burn?

Chen Keda knew all too well.

For Chen Keda, he was very worried that he might be dragged out and beheaded by the Emperor mid-lecture.

But he also knew he could not refuse.

Not because of the Emperor's coercion, but because he wanted to vindicate his teacher, and also to vent his own grievances.

He knew that all these years, because of his identity as the teacher's student, life had not treated him well.

Spreading his teacher's scholarship was the duty of a student — even giving his life for it would be worth it.

Chen Keda was excited at this moment.

He knew this opportunity was laid before him.

This was a chance to promote his teacher's doctrines. Once the Emperor took a liking to his teacher's teachings, his teacher would be remembered for eternity. And he himself would go down in history!

At this very moment, Chen Keda thought of one person — Dong Zhongshu.

In the first year of Yuanguang of Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Wu issued an edict seeking strategies for governing the realm. In his famous "Responses to the Examination of the Worthy and Good," Dong Zhongshu combined Confucian thought with the needs of the society of his time, absorbed theories from other schools, and created a new ideological system with Confucianism at its core, which won great praise from Emperor Wu.

This ideological system systematically put forward the theories of "resonance between Heaven and humanity," "great unity," and the propositions that "all not within the Six Arts and the methods of Confucius should have their paths cut off and not be allowed to advance side by side," and "abolish the hundred schools, honor only Confucianism."

From then on, the roots of the Huang-Lao school were severed, allowing the Confucian school to flourish.

His teacher was a disciple of the Confucian school — why could the School of Mind not sever the roots of the Cheng-Zhu School of Principle?

As long as he could, like Dong Zhongshu, present a theory that pleased His Majesty, then he could, like Dong Zhongshu, sever the roots of the Huang-Lao school.

Using his teacher's doctrines to sever the roots of the Cheng-Zhu School of Principle — thinking of this, Chen Keda could no longer suppress his excitement.

For this goal, even death would be worth it!

Thinking of this, Chen Keda knelt directly to the ground: "Your Majesty need not worry. After returning, this student will prepare with all his heart and will not disappoint Your Majesty."

Zhu Youxiao smiled lightly and waved his hand, saying: "It is We who are too hasty. You traveled all the way to the capital, weary from the journey — you truly should rest and prepare."

Having said this, Zhu Youxiao turned his head to look at Chen Hong and directly instructed: "Have the Embroidered Uniform Guard put in some effort."

"This servant understands." Chen Hong promptly acknowledged.

"Alright, you may withdraw and rest for now. Whenever you are ready, come to the palace and give Us your lecture." Zhu Youxiao smiled and waved his hand, his tone warm and gentle, carrying a hint of expectation. He wanted Chen Keda to know: We have high hopes for you — you must work hard.

"Your student thanks Your Majesty." Chen Kedao bowed respectfully, then withdrew with a stooped posture.

Watching Chen Kedao's retreating figure, Zhu Youxiao let out a soft sigh.

This Chen Kedao seemed decent enough. Of course, compared to his teacher, he was far inferior.

If Li Zhi were standing before him right now, he would likely already be speaking at length with ease.