Chapter 576: Great Scholar of the Fan Yang Lu Clan

Late April.

Early morning.

Inside Chang'an, a hint of late‑spring coolness lingered, the thin mist had not yet dispersed, draping the streets and buildings like a light veil.

The vermilion Damen of the Imperial Academy had long been open; morning light filtered through sparse foliage, sprinkling the Qingshi Shiban, casting mottled shadows.

Inside the lecture hall, the Imperial Academy students had already gathered early, each sitting upright at their desks.

Neatly arranged on the desks were scrolls and writing implements; the air was filled with the crisp scent of paper and ink, and the tranquility bore a solemn thirst for knowledge.

The front‑row student Lou Guanshuo lightly brushed the edge of a scroll with his fingertips, his gaze subtly shifting toward his desk‑mate Shen Zai Zhou, who was sorting books beside him.

Seeing most classmates murmuring, he took the opportunity to gently nudge Shen Zai Zhou's arm with his elbow, his voice pressed down low, tinged with curiosity and anticipation, and asked, "Did you hear? The new doctor will lecture us today…."

"This is his first lecture since taking office at the Academy; I wonder how his knowledge measures up?"

Shen Zai Zhou's sorting halted abruptly; he lifted his eyes to Lou Guanshuo, his gaze full of certainty, and replied decisively, "Of course!"

"Since he's already appointed, he should teach us promptly; we can't keep the curriculum on hold forever…"

His voice paused briefly, admiration dawning on his face, tone full of respect, he lowered his voice further and continued, "Don't forget, this new doctor is a great scholar from the Fan Yang Lu clan!"

"The Fan Yang Lu clan is a century‑old prestigious family, studying the classics for generations, producing countless renowned scholars and virtuous officials!"

"To come from such a lineage, he must be full of literary talent and profound learning; hearing his lecture today is a rare opportunity!"

Though their conversation was soft, it reached the back rows; the student Lin Wuke sitting there, flipping through a scroll, slowly closed his book upon hearing them.

He lightly tapped the desk with his fingertip, his tone bearing solemnity and delight, and softly said toward them, "To have a great scholar of the Fan Yang Lu clan personally teach and enlighten us is truly our honor!"

"Later, we must be fully attentive, listen carefully, and not miss any fragment of knowledge!"

"If we receive the doctor's guidance, our future study of the classics will avoid many detours!"

Beside Lin Wuke, Song Tingwu nodded repeatedly, echoing, "Indeed, the reputation of the Fan Yang Lu clan speaks for itself; Dr. Lu's knowledge is beyond doubt, and today's lecture must be seized properly."

He sighed lightly, his tone tinged with melancholy and helplessness, his gaze sweeping the classmates, and murmured, "We can't compare; the offspring of great aristocratic families, even with mediocre studies, can enter officialdom through their connections without such arduous study…"

"We must double our efforts, diligently study the classics, and perhaps later secure a minor office through imperial examinations, living up to years of hard study and our families' expectations!"

When these words were spoken, several nearby students fell silent, their faces showing varying degrees of resonance.

Nowadays, powerful aristocratic families make nepotistic entry into officialdom the norm.

Ordinary youths seeking a court position must rely on their own learning, passing imperial examinations or recommendations, a difficulty far greater than that faced by aristocratic heirs…

This gap was already clear to them, further strengthening their resolve to study hard.

While the crowd murmured, a student near the doorway's side suddenly brightened, spotting a figure approaching, and immediately whispered, "The doctor has arrived!"

The words fell, and the lecture hall fell silent at once; the previously chatting students sat upright, straightened their garments, and directed their gazes toward the entrance.

A man in his forties stepped in slowly, wearing a teal official robe, his sleeves fluttering, his posture erect, his face slender and pale.

Between his brows shone a hint of refined composure, his eyes deep and tranquil.

He exuded the bearing of a great scholar.

He was the newly appointed Imperial Academy doctor Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan walked to the desk at the front of the hall and stood, his gaze slowly sweeping the students, his expression gentle yet solemn.

The students, seeing this, rose, adjusted their sleeves, bowed and clasped their hands toward Lu Yuan in unison, their voices loud and respectful, saying together, "Disciple greets the doctor, wishing to receive instruction!"

This is the Academy's teacher‑worship ceremony, a sign of respect for the lecturing doctor and the students' sincere desire for knowledge.

Lu Yuan looked at the energetic students before him, a gentle smile appearing, he raised his hand slightly, returned the bow to the crowd, his voice steady and clear, saying slowly, "Students, please sit; today we will study the classics together!"

The students replied in unison, "Yes, we will follow your instruction!"

Then they all took their seats, posture upright, eyes fixed on Lu Yuan, full of anticipation and respect.

After Lou Guanshuo sat down, he quietly exchanged a glance with Shen Zai Zhou; both eyes held admiration, silently thinking, "This is Dr. Lu from the Fan Yang Lu clan!"

"Such refined and steady bearing truly lives up to the great scholar's name; he must be profoundly learned, and today's lecture will surely yield gains!"

Around them, Lin Wuke, Song Tingwu and others all fixed their gazes on Lu Yuan.

Their expressions solemn, already prepared to listen, fearing to miss any crucial explanation.

However, in the back rows, a student named Xu You in plain attire also observed Lu Yuan, his gaze starkly different from his peers'.

He leaned casually against the desk, posture relaxed, his face showing no respect or expectation, but rather three parts contempt, three parts disdain, three parts amusement, and the remaining part indifferent…

After Lu Yuan returned the bow and sat, Xu You's mouth curled into a faint mockery, a soft hum in his mind, "It's just Lu Yuan…"

He then lazily leaned against the chair back, arms crossed over his chest.

Lu Yuan raised his hand, took a yellowed scroll from the desk, his fingertips lightly brushing the page edges, his gaze sweeping the seated students, his expression solemn yet gentle, then announced loudly, "Today we will discuss the 'Book of Rites – Qu Li (Upper)'…"

"First we will recite the opening passage; everyone read along with me, become familiar with the wording, then explore its deeper meaning."

As his words faded, he slowly unfurled the scroll, his gaze resting on the pages; a clear, steady voice rang out, "Qu Li says: 'Do not be disrespectful, behave as if in contemplation, speak with stability, bring peace to the people…'"

The students straightened their backs, eyes focused on the scrolls before them, and read aloud in unison, their voices loud and orderly.

The resonant reading echoed through the hall, mingling with the morning light spilling beyond the windows and the academy's morning dew, suffused with solemn pursuit of knowledge.

Lou Guanshuo, Shen Zai Zhou and others maintained focused expressions, each word clear, fearing to miss a single character.

A moment later, the opening recitation finished, the hall returned to quiet, only the soft rustle of paper remaining.

Lu Yuan closed the scroll, walked slowly down from the podium, pacing gently along the students' desks, his gaze scanning the young faces, his tone deepening slightly, he solemnly said, "The verses just recited are the core of the 'Qu Li', a mere twelve characters that contain the essence of propriety…"

"And the three characters 'Do not be disrespectful' are the heart of the entire passage; you must contemplate them carefully."

He paused briefly, halted his steps, surveyed the whole class, his gaze inquisitive, and asked slowly, "All of you have followed the classics for years; each has your own understanding of the character 'jing' (respect). Feel free to speak plainly—what, in your view, is 'respect'?"

As soon as his words ended, a student bowed his head in thought, fingertips lightly tapping the desk, expression focused.

A moment later, Lin Wuke rose first, bowed and clasped his hands, responding respectfully, "Doctor, I think respect is the foundation of one's conduct, foremost emphasizing propriety."

"When elders bow in ceremony to show reverence; when peers treat each other modestly, without contention; when one studies the classics earnestly, never taking them lightly, maintaining decorum in words and deeds—that is respect."

Lu Yuan gave a slight nod, neither confirming nor denying, his gaze continuing over the crowd, and softly probed, "Your argument has merit, yet is not complete; does anyone have further insight?"

Shen Zai Zhou had already weighed his thoughts, and upon seeing this, rose immediately, clasped his hands, and answered earnestly, "I believe respect is not merely outward form, but resides in the heart."

If the heart lacks reverence, even bowing and yielding are merely superficial formalities, without any sincerity.

Only when the heart holds reverence, respecting Heaven and Earth, one dares not act arbitrarily.

Respecting ruler and parents leads one to strictly uphold the way of loyalty and filial piety.

Respecting rites and laws makes words and deeds conform to standards, harmonizing inner and outer, which is true reverence.

Lu Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of approval, he nodded slowly, and in a solemn tone affirmed, "These words hit the crux, truly grasping the essence of propriety."

He raised his hand to signal the two to sit, then walked back to the podium, his gaze sweeping the students, and loudly explained, "Propriety is divided into outer and inner: the outer is the ceremony of advancing, retreating, bowing and yielding; the inner is sincere respect from the heart. The two complement each other; neither may be lacking."

In ancient times, the Duke of Zhou established rites and music, not merely to set the protocols for court and common folk, but to order the hearts of people through propriety, guiding all to virtue.

He paused, lightly tapping the scripture with his fingertip, and continued, "'Yan Ruo Si' is the form of reverence: dignified bearing, solemn expression, not restless or frivolous, thus embedding respect within one's demeanor."

"'An Ding Ci' is the speech of reverence; words are steady, peaceful, appropriately measured, without falsehood or haste, thereby blending respect into language."

When words and deeds are reverent, one stands upright; when people's hearts have standards, one can educate all to observe propriety and be good, leading to a stable society and healthy populace. This is the deep meaning of the three characters "An Min Zai", and the ultimate aim of propriety.

Lu Yuan's explanation finished, and the students in the hall lowered their heads to annotate.

Lou Guanshu stared at the line "Enter a realm and ask its prohibitions, enter a state and ask its customs, enter a household and ask its taboos" on the scripture, her fingertip tracing the characters repeatedly. After a brief deliberation, she rose, clasped her hands, and asked respectfully, "Doctor, in the Qu Li this sentence discusses the way of conduct; I, a foolish disciple, do not understand what 'ask prohibitions', 'ask customs', and 'ask taboos' mean?"

"The three are mentioned together; they seem to refer to separate matters, yet what deeper meaning lies behind them?"

Lu Yuan heard the words, a gentle smile appearing on his face, his gaze settling on Lou Guanshu, and in a patient, steady tone answered slowly, "This sentence discusses the basic etiquette of conduct; its core remains the two characters 'caution' and 'respect'."

"'Enter a realm and ask its prohibitions' means that upon stepping into another country's borders, one must first inquire about local bans and laws, learn what is forbidden, and not violate local rules; this is cautious avoidance of disaster."

"'Enter a state and ask its customs' means that when entering a capital or a fief, one should proactively learn the local customs and folk regulations, adapt to regional habits, and not oppose the people's hearts; this is respectful conformity."

"'Enter a household and ask its taboos' means that upon entering another's residence, one must first inquire about the host's avoided names and prohibited matters, ensuring words and actions do not offend; this is the etiquette of treating others."

He paused again, his gaze sweeping the students, and continued, "The three may seem like everyday trivialities, yet they conceal a heart of reverence toward others and places."

"In life, one must not rely on one's own learning to disdain external matters or act wilfully; asking prohibitions avoids unforeseen disaster, asking customs aligns with local sentiment, asking taboos shows sincere treatment of others..."

"Such conduct ensures no missteps, and harmonious relations with others; this is the middle way of conduct, and the true essence of propriety teaching that shapes a person."

Shen Zaizhou sat at the desk, feeling enlightened, his pen swiftly recording Lu Yuan's explanation, and could not help silently praising, "Doctor Lu truly lives up to the great scholar!"

"His knowledge is indeed profound!"

"A commonplace scriptural meaning, once he dissects and expounds, clarifies the literal sense and illuminates the underlying wisdom of conduct, far more thorough than solitary study of the texts."

Lu Yuan finished his exposition, gestured for Lou Guanshu to sit, then walked slowly along the desks, stopping at Song Tingwu's desk, his gaze on him, and asked gently, "Now tell me, the Qu Li says, 'A man at thirty is strong and has a household; at forty is robust and serves in office; at fifty is venerable, holding official duties.' This sentence sets conduct standards by age; what underlying order of propriety does it conceal?"

Song Tingwu had already prepared; upon hearing the words he rose immediately, bowed, and responded with respectful and clear reasoning, "Doctor, I think that age accompanies the growth of mind and responsibility; as years increase, the mind matures and the burdens on one's shoulders deepen."

"At thirty, one is strong and healthy, establishing a family and household, bearing the responsibility of continuing the clan lineage."

"At forty, with steadfast mind and solid learning, entering the Court to serve, one assumes the responsibility of educating the people and assisting governance."

"At fifty, with deep experience and composure, overseeing major official affairs, one becomes the force that governs the nation, secures the realm, and protects livelihoods."

"This practice uses age to clarify one's duties, setting the rites of advancement and retreat, so that people know what to do at each stage, neither overstepping nor neglecting, each in their place fulfilling their responsibilities; this is the core of the order of propriety."

Lu Yuan, after listening, nodded satisfactorily, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, raised his hand to signal him to sit, and in a calm tone praised, "Well said; to grasp the link between age, responsibility, and order of propriety shows your diligent study of the scriptures."

As the words fell, his gaze inadvertently swept the back rows and noticed Xu You staring straight at him.

That look was extremely complex, lacking the respect and focus of his peers.

Instead it mixed a hint of provocation, a touch of disdain, and an elusive amusement, clashing with the hall's solemn atmosphere.

Lu Yuan's mind stirred slightly, but he showed no sign, turned and walked toward the back rows at an unhurried pace, stopping a short distance from Xu You's desk. His gaze calmly fixed on him, and he asked slowly, "You, answer: the Qu Li states, 'For a son, the rites are warm in winter and cool in summer, dusk settled and dawn reflected.' Why does this sentence discuss the rites of a son rather than those of ruler and minister or of friends?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

The students' gazes turned to Xu You, curious how he would respond.

Lou Guanshu's fingertip clenched the bamboo slip on the desk, her brows slightly furrowed, she silently sweated.

After all, this scion of the new‑rich Xu family, who in the Imperial Academy is habitually unruly and seldom pays attention in class, often rashly mocks the scriptures.

Now being singled out publicly by Doctor Lu, he is unlikely to adopt a good attitude; a slight misstep could clash with this great scholar.

Shen Zaizhou also looked up, a hint of inquiry in his eyes; though he had little interaction with Xu You, he had heard of his irascible temperament and wondered how he would handle today.

Xu You, leaning against the chair back, stiffened slightly, clearly not expecting Lu Yuan to suddenly call on him.

A fleeting surprise flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by a careless nonchalance.

He did not rise and bow as Lou Guanshu and Song Tingwu did; instead he slowly lifted his eyes, glanced sideways at Lu Yuan, a mocking curl at his mouth, his tone lazy and perfunctory, almost blurted out, "I don't know!"

Those three words rang out, shattering the hall's solemnity, landing in everyone's ears with abrupt disrespect.

Lu Yuan's gentle smile froze instantly, his pupils narrowing, clearly not expecting such a reply.

He slightly furrowed his brow, his tone carrying a hint of astonishment and confusion, and softly asked back, "Hm?"

A light hum lowered the room's atmosphere to freezing in an instant.

The surrounding Imperial Academy students were stunned, eyes wide, faces full of disbelief as they looked at Xu You.

Before anyone could recover, Xu You suddenly sprang upright, his motion so swift it stirred a gust of wind.

He thrust his left hand up, revealing from his wide sleeve a compact, delicate yet cold‑glinting mechanical crossbow!

The crossbow's bolt was razor‑sharp, exuding a chilling aura, aimed straight at Lu Yuan.

The eyes, earlier tinged with jest, were now cloaked in fierce malice; the corners of his eyes and brows were snarling, his smile twisted and cruel, his voice hoarse and seething with bone‑deep hatred, he roared at Lu Yuan, "You should go underground and let the sage answer your question!"

Before the words finished, Xu You unhesitatingly pulled the crossbow's trigger!

"Whoosh—"

A short bolt, with a sharp slicing sound, sped toward Lu Yuan's chest.

The speed was such that no one could react in time.