Chapter 237: Born Sage (4K)

Isn't this just nepotism cheating?

Zhang Jian curled the corner of his mouth, he hated such nepotism the most.

Because he himself fundamentally doesn't need it.

"However, this talisman edict is not bad for cultivating thunder methods!"

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly.

At this moment, all the information of this Thunder Dao Talisman Edict surfaced in his mind.

Thunder Dao Talisman Edict: The Heavenly King of the Thunder Department in the Heavenly Realm condensed by the Thunder Dao rules; obtaining it can exempt part of the thunder tribulation in cultivation (for example, the Transformation Tribulation, the Dragon Transformation Tribulation, the Divine Path Thousand-Year Thunder Tribulation); it can assist in cultivating thunder methods, so with this talisman edict, there is no need to rely on talisman rituals to communicate with the Thunder Department deities for cultivating thunder methods; for those cultivating thunder methods, by inscribing their name and taboo, they can obtain the Thunder God Dharma Aspect through this.

Its third function is probably the most crucial.

Zhang Jian also knows many secrets of heaven and earth, for example, the Nine Heavens Riding Wind and Controlling Thunder Method he cultivates; if based on the wind and thunder dharma aspects as foundation, to cultivate the Wind God Primordial Spirit or the Thunder God Primordial Spirit, ultimately one needs to set up rituals to communicate with the heavenly and earthly rules in the unseen, preferably someone in the outer heavens heavenly realm obtains heavenly realm recognition.

If one can obtain a talisman edict, then the number of tribulations when breaking through to the Primordial Spirit will be greatly reduced.

If there is no one, then it's embarrassing, one will have to face the full backlash of the heavenly and earthly rules.

"If this thing is known to the Daoists of the Dongshen Guan, they would probably go mad..."

Zhang Jian silently thought in his heart.

He put on his clothes and got down from the luo bed, his gaze gazing far at the brightly lit observatory platform, still shining with bright light in the night.

It is like an observatory that eternally radiates brilliance, never extinguished, even if the night is profoundly dark, it remains brightly lit.

Dongshen Guan takes the Dongshen Thunder Method as its foundation, and most dharma practices are cultivating various Thunder God Dharma Aspects, while many rituals are madly flattering the Heavenly Thunder Gods to obtain their favor, thereby reducing the danger of cultivation.

Unfortunately, flattering the Heavenly Thunder Gods is not so easy.

Too many people flatter, if not original, others simply won't look up to them.

Therefore, it is also one talisman hard to obtain; if one can obtain this talisman edict, it is nothing less than a treasure, more precious than any treasure.

Zhang Jian first stored this talisman edict deep within the Thunder God Talisman, thereby with this Thunder Dao Talisman Edict, he can perfectly merge this Thunder God Dharma Aspect, perhaps in the future he can transform it into a Primordial Spirit Technique.

……

Half a month later, at the ferry, Zhang Jian in a green scholar's robe, in the breeze Zhang Jian's face was calm.

However, ahead he saw an official ship gradually departing, at this moment a young, heroic voice came from the ship.

Zhang Jian merely waved his hand at the person's shadow on the ship.

This time he saw off was Exhibiting Hero.

Exhibiting Hero two years ago in the palace examination, relying on his outstanding talent, was bestowed the rank of second-class presented scholar by the Emperor Jingwu of the Great Qian, and the same year he took a position at the Literary and Martial Institute, staying there to compile.

Zhang Jian took the opportunity to pull him up, giving him a chance to compile the Complete Book of the Great Qian!

This time Exhibiting Hero again caught the promotion tailwind, smoothly promoted one rank, obtaining a fifth-rank upper prefecture official position.

A second-class presented scholar's first external posting to the capital, obtaining a fifth-rank official position, such opportunity is not common even among Literary and Martial Institute officials who passed the first class.

Moreover, this externally posted fifth-rank official position is the most enviable position as a prefectural learning officer.

Going out is to preside over the provincial examinations of one prefecture.

Although possibly due to age and experience, unable to reach the position of chief examiner, but even occupying a deputy examiner slot, that is boundlessly glorious and respected.

For this, Exhibiting Hero is endlessly grateful to Zhang Jian.

Seeing off this good friend's departure, Zhang Jian's gaze was calm, he should also make some plans for himself next.

According to reason, he next also needs to make a choice, whether to continue staying in Hao Jing, or to take advantage of the opportunity to move about, going to a local prefecture to serve as a local administrative official.

With his current qualifications, he is fully qualified to be externally posted as a regional governor, serving as the administrative official of one prefecture.

But in a flash he suppressed this thought.

What he currently values most is not being what kind of official, the path he will take next is the sage's path.

Zhang Jian hopes that before he impacts the Yin God Fifth Tribulation Cycle of Life and Death Tribulation, he completes the sage's path, becoming a sage.

This will naturally benefit him.

His Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart, after stepping into the second stage of Benevolent Bone Crimson Heart, has always progressed slowly, unable to step into the third stage of Sage Exquisite Heart.

Even though he has extensively read books, continuously expanding his accumulation in the three teachings knowledge.

Zhang Jian knows, relying solely on reading, he has already found it difficult to complete the Benevolent Bone Crimson Heart, only by forging another path.

As for how to become a sage, the sages of past generations have already walked out a complete road.

The Three Immortalities: establish words, establish virtue, establish merit.

Compiling the Complete Book of the Great Qian for the Great Qian court does not count as establishing words.

Establishing words is to expound the principles of heaven and earth with one's own words, expounding the profound mystery of the Great Dao.

Zhang Jian already has an idea.

After Zhang Jian returned to the Literary and Martial Institute, he consciously accepted invitations from many officials and nobles in the city, while simultaneously taking the opportunity to display his erudition in the classics, history, and collections.

And in these city officials' and nobles' mansions, usually many scholars like to gather.

When Zhang Jian spoke out his thoughts and gains, he immediately attracted many young scholars, these young scholars are enthusiastic about the imperial examination official career, and were quickly attracted by Zhang Jian's erudition in various classics.

Moreover, as Zhang Jian's intentional lectures increased in number, the number of attracted students increased.

Even some well-read scholars were attracted by Zhang Jian's ocean-like erudition.

It is not strange for them, indeed Zhang Jian's erudition displayed in all fields is like a monster, no matter which classic, which volume's allusions come out, he can effortlessly conjure them and furthermore penetrate inside to interpret some heavenly and earthly principles.

This is like the three hundred and sixty trades, I can do every trade, whether it is military campaign and warfare, or the Ministry of Revenue increasing income, ancient rites, criminal accounts, all can be done, how could one not be shaken.

……

Imperial City, in the harem, Chao Mu wearing a purple python robe, his tall stature, not resembling a eunuch, instead dragon-striding and tiger-stepping, resembling a prince or marquis.

Behind him many black-clothed eunuchs tread lightly following behind, each with solemn countenance.

His steps steady and slow, he arrived beside a palace gate.

This is the Nurturing Excellence Palace of Consort Chen.

Chen Guifei was the foremost of the four consorts in the Great Qian harem, possessing heavenly beauty and national grace, though in the past she had actually not been favored.

But two years ago, she gradually gained the favor of Emperor Jingwu.

At this moment, inside could be heard the sounds of music and dance, silken strings and bamboo pipes, with decadent melodies never ceasing to reach the ears.

Chaomu paused his steps, gazing at this scene, his eyes giving a soft sigh.

Since two years ago, when General Wang You quelled the rebellion in Lingwu Commandery, Emperor Jingwu's spirit and energy had seemed to reach its peak, no longer as diligent as before.

In the past, even the most favored Lan De Fei could not make Emperor Jingwu indulge in continuous days of music and dance.

Emperor Jingwu these past years seemed somewhat weary.

Once a diligent person begins to relax, it becomes addictive.

Although knowing that Emperor Jingwu did not wish to see him at this time, Chaomu still had the palace maids outside Yuxiu Palace go forward to report.

Inside Yuxiu Palace, Emperor Jingwu at this moment wore a dark black regular robe, while before him stood several beautiful, lively girls in light gauze, singing and dancing gracefully; by the bank, several musicians from the music bureau were plucking pipa and lute strings.

A bewitchingly beautiful palace-attired woman knelt behind Emperor Jingwu, her jade-like face bearing a coquettish smile, her delicate hand gently massaging his temples; Emperor Jingwu's face showed a hint of enjoyment.

"Peizhi, it is still here that one can relax—I have not felt this comfortable in a long time!"

Upon hearing this, the beautiful and alluring palace-attired lady spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, if that is the case, then you must come often; I fear no hardship, as long as I can make Your Majesty happy, I am willing to always accompany you thus."

Beauty at his side, soft words, attentive service—Emperor Jingwu's expression was greatly pleased.

But just then, a palace attendant hurried forward to report.

"Your Majesty, Chief Steward Chaomu awaits audience outside!"

"Oh, the Grand Companion has come?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingwu's spirit stirred; he immediately pushed Chen Guifei aside, ignoring her coquettish cries, and sat upright with proper posture.

During this period, he had essentially been worn down by Chaomu; this Chief Steward had recently found opportunities every few days to admonish him, and though Emperor Jingwu sometimes did not wish to listen, he had no choice.

Chaomu was not only the inner court steward who had accompanied him since childhood, but in a certain sense also an elder of the imperial household.

Even though he was noble as the Son of Heaven, he must still show three parts of respect, and could not truly treat Chaomu as a mere servant.

This had been told to him on the very day of his accession and enthronement.

And at this moment outside the palace, Chaomu slowly stepped forward, entering Yuxiu Palace; he merely glanced at the many performers fleeing in disarray beside him, and did not continue to admonish Emperor Jingwu.

Emperor Jingwu had previously been overly self-disciplined; a period of fatigue was also quite normal.

He then proceeded to report one by one the information recently gathered by the Black-Clothed Guards, finally giving a summary and report.

"Your Majesty, Scholar Zhang fears he may be treading the path of the sages!"

Upon the throne, Emperor Jingwu had originally been worried that Chaomu would lecture him, but upon hearing this, his eyes involuntarily brightened.

"Oh, Grand Companion, this is indeed a good thing!"

Emperor Jingwu rarely felt such spirit.

A smile appeared in the depths of his eyes as he spoke excitedly.

"If Great Qian were to produce a sage, I would see what those old ministers who endlessly chatter have left to say—since ancient times, only when literary education reaches its peak can a sage emerge!"

He could not help but rise from his seat, his body still slightly unsteady, a faint haze of alcohol meeting him face-on!

In fact, Emperor Jingwu still had more to say: with a sage born, he would no longer need to strain so hard to maintain Great Qian's situation.

"So, Your Majesty means……?"

Chaomu furrowed his brows, feeling he had made this trip in vain; the Emperor Jingwu before him seemed overly excited.

Emperor Jingwu laughed: "Naturally, to give full support to Mr. Zhang!"

"If he wishes to lecture, I will create opportunities for him, so his name fills the world!"

Upon hearing this, Chaomu spoke calmly.

"Your Majesty, this matter may not be feasible; you should have perused the Jade Sage's Separate Biography within the palace gates—if one day Mr. Zhang were to possess influence like that of the Jade Sage, have you ever considered how Your Majesty would conduct yourself, how the court would conduct itself?"

Upon hearing this, the few traces of intoxication in Emperor Jingwu's heart gradually dissipated; he furrowed his brows, his pupils slightly contracting.

His gaze swept toward Chaomu.

"Grand Companion Chaomu, I recall that the Jade Sage's Separate Biography should still be in the palace?"

The Jade Sage's Separate Biography he referred to was not the sage's notes, but an oral transmission from a close attendant of the Jade Sage, now recorded in the Great Qian Imperial Library, and can be considered a rare edition.

Chaomu nodded slightly: "In the attic of the Imperial Library!"

Emperor Jingwu said calmly: "Send it to Mr. Zhang!"

Upon hearing this, Chaomu's expression shifted slightly, then he nodded—this was not without merit as a good idea.

……

"Is this a rebuke, or perhaps a kind reminder?"

In the southern part of the city, inside a small carriage, Zhang Jian at this moment held an ancient book, his expression somewhat subtle; he had not expected that merely beginning to lecture and establish his words would cause such tension throughout the court.

Zhang Jian at this moment gazed at the newly proofread ancient text in his hands.

This ancient text is called the Jade Sage's Separate Biography; Zhang Jian's gaze upon it now also showed some ripples.

……

You were intelligent from childhood, able to read at three, capable of reciting the Six Classics independently by six, and at nine you had already made a great vow: you do not wish to be a top scholar, but to become a sage.

Perhaps you are indeed a sage born of heaven.

In your youth, you were filled with curiosity toward all things; you actually preferred music, chess, calligraphy, and painting over those heavy, bulky Six Classics.

In your youth, you once also looked down upon those examination essays, you longed for the wandering knights of the mountains, wielding a three-foot blue-bladed treasure sword, attempting to quell all injustice under heaven.

But your youth underestimated the power of worldly conventions; you suffered your first blow, for saving a life, taking a life, you first tasted the bitterness of prison.

The old master, to save you, scattered nearly half the family wealth.

That night you seemed to finally gain some insight, began to gather your thoughts, no longer wandering about aimlessly.

But you still resisted the imperial examination and official career.

Until the day the lady fell ill and died, you seemed to grow up overnight, began to study diligently, spent ten years in hard study with ups and downs, never achieving your wish to pass the imperial examinations and become a jinshi, until the young lady entered the household, you finally won the palace examination, became the top scholar.

But the young you remained outspoken; although you won first place, you were dissatisfied with the corrupt ministers in power, so you began writing articles and submitting memorials to criticize current politics.

At the same time, you shared your thoughts and insights with the students at the Imperial Academy; if you continued like this, you might become a great scholar of the age.

But because of this, you also angered the powerful ministers; you were beaten with dozens of blows and imprisoned for the second time.

This time you nearly lost your life.

The old master exhausted his fortune, sought out old acquaintances, and only after half a year managed to have you rescued.

But you were demoted to a remote region.

You had no fear.

Here the people were as if in a primitive society; you forgot sleep and food, devoted yourself wholeheartedly to this barbarous land, educated the people, watching them change little by little.

You never forgot your original aspiration, opened a lecture hall, taught the masses.

At the same time you began to ponder, what is a sage? You thought for a long time, until someone walked past you.

That day, you realized your own scholarship—why bother thinking how other sages acted? You stepped out of the gate and set foot in the human world; following your true heart is the way of the sage. If someone curses you or slanders you, you pay no heed.

Nor do you care what others say; you began to establish private schools, personally giving lectures, and your fame grew ever greater……