Chapter 227: A Chat at the Zhuangyuan Building Three Days Later

Seeing Chu Yian's confused expression, Yuan Qingzhou explained softly.

It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t explain, but as soon as he explains, Chu Yian feels anxious.

She was the one who brought Xiaoyaoyou into this world. Who knew things would turn out like this?

However, she quickly understood Yuan Qingzhou's concise explanation.

Xiaoyaoyou is indeed not the entire content, only a part of it was selected and included in the textbook.

Although he couldn't memorize the latter part, Chu Yian knew what the true freedom described by Zhuangzi was like.

The reason why many people think that Zhuangzi's understanding of the state of freedom is too idealistic is simply because those things are not included in the book.

I listened to a lot of things from the students, most of which revolved around what true freedom is.

Chu Yian was fascinated by what he heard.

To conclude, everyone’s understanding of Xiaoyaoyou is different, and Xiaoyao is also different.

Many people felt freedom from the article, but many people also felt more confused after reading it.

If letting go of everything and doing whatever you want is the true freedom, then probably no one in this world can do it.

Dong Jingwen did not criticize the article as Chu Yian expected, nor did he praise it too much.

Just a normal discussion with students.

He did not criticize their opinions, but discussed them seriously like a patient teacher.

From him, Chu Yian saw the rigorous attitude of a scholar towards academics, as well as the kindness and tolerance of a teacher towards his students.

This made her feel a little ashamed. She thought she would hear a lot of criticism, but in fact Dong Jingwen did not say anything bad.

Is this a preconceived notion?

Because he was a great scholar, and because she had written a lot of bad things about Mencius in the Qin Empire, she subconsciously thought that the great scholars who came to Shengjing now were here to cause trouble for her.

Chu Yian sat for a while, and Yuan Qingzhou behind her suddenly asked her: "What do you think is true freedom?"

Chu Yian was stunned for a moment and turned to look at Yuan Qingzhou.

This is a philosophical question, and countless people have explored what freedom really is since ancient times.

But no matter how you answer, it seems to be both right and wrong.

After thinking for a moment, she said, "Everyone's understanding is different. My understanding of freedom is to be content and happy."

"Do your own thing, not be burdened by external things, not be burdened by fame, be free and at ease."

"But this kind of freedom also has its limits. It cannot affect others, and we cannot gain the freedom we desire at the expense of others' lives or interests."

“This is what I understand as freedom.”

Hearing Chu Yian's voice, Yuan Qingzhou seemed to be thinking about something.

The others who heard her words on the other end looked over.

Qi Ze frowned and asked, "Be more specific?"

Chu Yian: "I have endless money to spend, endless handsome men to look at, and no one cares about me or says anything to me."

Qi Ze: ...

Everyone: ...

Qi Ze almost gritted his teeth and said, "You are Ah Sheng's wife now, can you be a little more promising?"

Haven’t these already been achieved?

The Qin family has money, so if she really can't afford it, they can give it to her. Sheng Nian Yao also gave her a jade pendant that allows her to withdraw money at will.

If she is thick-skinned, she will have more money than she can spend in her life.

As for the handsome man, wasn’t he given to her?

If she wants, she can take away all the handsome men here today.

What else are you not satisfied with?

Chu Yian thought about it carefully. Does he have any big wishes?

Actually, there are.

It’s just that some things are not convenient to say to them.

She has many wishes: peace and prosperity for the country, safety for the mountains and rivers, and prosperity for the world.

May all women be free, and may the Qin family no longer have to worry about anything.

I wish...she could go home.

Chu Yian lowered his eyelashes, then looked up at Qi Ze and bared his teeth at him: "My wish is that you all become paupers and go begging on the streets in the future."

"If I pass by you and I'm in a good mood, I'll give you two copper coins. If I'm in a bad mood, I'll kick over your bowl."

Qi Ze: ...

Everyone: ...

Chu Yian glared at him: "How is it? Do you have any future?"

Qi Ze snorted coldly, not bothering to pay attention to her: "Then you keep thinking about it, and see when you can realize it."

Chu Yian was filled with regret and sighed, "You guys can't even help me realize this little wish. I'm so disappointed."

Others: ...

One of them walked up to Chu Yian, bent down to look at her, and smiled after a moment.

"Even if the latter wish can't be fulfilled, the former one shouldn't be a problem. We can collect all the handsome men in the world for you. As many as you want."

"It's just that Shengjing isn't a good place to keep a male concubine. How about sending you somewhere else?"

Chu Yian: ...

Chu Yian looked at him expressionlessly: "Am I a very stupid person?"

If you really follow them, you won’t know where you will be sold to. Who would dare?

The man smiled and returned to his seat.

Dong Jingwen is old after all, and his body can't hold on for a long time.

As a last resort, the manager had to end today's symposium early.

Before the meeting ended, Dong Jingwen stood up and said in an old voice, "Thank you all for giving me this old man some respect today."

"I have benefited a lot from listening to your words."

“It’s just that there are still regrets.”

The students also stood up, somewhat puzzled.

Could it be that no one spoke to the Master's heart, so he felt regretful?

Dong Jingwen coughed a few times, drank the water handed to him by the person next to him, and his throat felt better before he continued.

"I believe you all know the purpose of my trip to Shengjing."

"I would like to meet Ms. Dapeng and discuss with her in person the issues in the book 'The Great Qin Empire'."

"Also, let's discuss the other academic schools mentioned in the book."

"If I had the honor of having a face-to-face conversation with Professor Dapeng, it would surely help me improve my academics and also allow many students to learn something that would benefit them for the rest of their lives."

"I know Mr. Dapeng never shows up, but I have no other aspirations in this life."

"If I could have a long conversation with Mr. Dapeng, I would die without regrets."

Dong Jingwen's words were sincere and his expression was moving.

But Chu Yian's eyes grew colder little by little.

In contrast to her, the students below were all excited.

No one doesn't want to see Dapeng, but Dapeng will not stand up just because of a few words from them.

But Dong Jingwen is different. Even emperors of other countries have to listen attentively to what a great man like him says.

Maybe after hearing what Dong Jingwen said, Dapeng really came out?

If it comes out, they also have a lot of details they want to ask about, and they would like Dapeng to answer their questions.

Now that I know who she is, it will be much easier to find her in the future.

Dong Jingwen bowed to the students below and said, "I don't know if Mr. Dapeng has arrived today. If he has, please come back to the Zhuangyuan Building for a chat in three days."

"If she hasn't arrived yet, please spread the news and get it to Mister Dapeng as much as possible, so that she knows that I and others are waiting for her here."

"Thank you for your hard work."