225. Cutting Off the Road to Fame with One Strike (Part 2) (Page 1/2)

These four comments from the Imperial Astronomical Observatory are quite sharp and straightforward.

He was just short of naming Cui Xian and calling him a "disaster to the country".

What is even more shocking is that the Taoists joined forces with the Imperial Observatory!

Compared with the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, their interpretation of the "Theory of Celestial Phenomena" is obviously more authoritative.

The Taoist accusation against Cui Xian is also very well-founded: this person violates the interaction between heaven and man and disrupts the order of heaven and earth!

The two generations of Heavenly Masters from Mount Longhu and Mount Zhongnan submitted a memorial to the Emperor:

"I observed the celestial phenomena tonight and saw Mars entering the Heart Constellation, and Wenqu was dark. This is a sign that 'evil doctrines interfere with good, and the balance of heaven is lost.'"

"I recently heard that a Confucian scholar in Kaifeng, Cui Xian, has misinterpreted 'Heavenly Principles,' claiming they reside in the human heart rather than in Heaven. This theory contradicts the teachings of the Book of Documents, which state that 'Heaven's order is ritual' and 'Heaven's punishment is for sinners.' It disrespects the Emperor of Heaven and blasphemes Yin and Yang."

"Heavenly principles are the constant laws of heaven and earth. Now some people seek to appropriate 'Heavenly principles' to their own hearts, thus rendering sacrifices meaningless and rituals and music without basis."

"If everyone claims that their own hearts are the principles of Heaven, then how can we respect the divine right of kings? How can we discern disasters, anomalies, and auspicious signs? This is not the study of the truth; it is actually a violation of Heaven's principles and a violation of nature! I implore Your Majesty, for the sake of the people and the country, to rectify the root causes and uphold the principles of Heaven!"

As expected of a Taoist, every word in these short sentences is filled with murderous intent.

Following Taoism.

The Buddhist family also took action!

The current abbot of Xiantong Temple in Wutai Mountain, Master Benzhan, accused Cui Xian of confusing the boundaries between Confucianism and Buddhism and undermining the orthodox thought of the dynasty.

In his memorial to His Majesty, he said:

"I have heard that Cui Xian of Kaifeng interpreted the concepts of 'heart' and 'principle'. This theory is dangerous! His statement that 'the principle of heaven is not something external but inherently exists within the heart' actually aligns with the Zen principle of 'enlightenment of the heart and insight into the nature'."

"If this doctrine prevails, scholars will not read the classics, and the people will not respect moral principles. They will all use 'original intentions' as an excuse. How can moral principles be maintained?"

"In the past, Emperor Wu of Liang was obsessed with Buddhism and the country was in chaos. This is a lesson for us. Now Cui Xian is practicing Buddhism in the name of Confucianism, and Buddhism is causing chaos among Confucianists. The harm he is causing is even worse than that of Buddhism!"

"I humbly ask Your Majesty to discern the purity of Confucianism, which is of vital importance to the foundation of our nation. If this heresy, 'like Confucianism but not Confucianism, like Zen but not Zen,' is allowed to confuse the public, then the sacred teachings will become unsacral, and the foundations of the kingly way of education will be shaken."

The Buddhist and Taoist schools, one attacking and one defending, cooperate with each other in perfect harmony.

Work together to label Choi Hyun a heretic!

The situation escalated from here for the second time.

The whole dynasty was in uproar and shock.

How did Cui Xian go from being the "number one prodigy in Daliang" to being the "one that everyone wants to kill" overnight?

Moreover, Buddhism and Taoism joined forces to encircle and suppress them!

Since the end of the "Hundred Schools of Thought", there has never been such a bizarre incident in the thousands of years.

It is truly an unprecedented story!

Only a small number of people standing at the top of the dynasty realized with horror that—

A 'Battle of the Country' initiated by Cui Xian has begun!

Why are Taoism and Buddhism so murderous?

Are you willing to give up your "noble and pure" character and kill Cui Xian?

Of course, Cui Xian threatened the origin of their inheritance from the very beginning!

So, they got anxious!

Not just these two.

The leaders of various schools within Confucianism also drew their knives!

When the old Confucian scholars and ignorant scholars in the folk clamored "Cui Xian, the thief of classics", "There is no mistake in the Book of Documents", and "This child is not fit to be the head of the academy".

They couldn't even imagine it.

The debate between Cui Xian and Huan Ying in Kaifeng caused panic among many powerful people.

What made them even more panic was that Cui Xian succeeded to the position of Yuelu Mountain Chief and possessed a high political status.

Can't!

This person must be killed as soon as possible!

Imperial College.

study.

"How is it possible... How is it possible... 14 years old, he is only 14 years old! Where did this monster come from?!"

"If he really succeeds in revising the Book of Documents in the future—wouldn't that make him the modern-day Zheng Xuan or Wang Bi?"

The Imperial College's chief academic officer, holding the Kaifeng Gazette, read the debate between Cui Xian and Huan Ying. His face paled as he watched Cui Xian question the errors in the Book of Documents. "Huan Ying, I don't believe you can't see through this man's evil ambitions. Why did you pass the throne to him?"

"No! If we allow this person to continue to grow, the school of ancient Chinese classics will be destroyed!"

The old chief priest's expression changed several times.

Then, he made a decision that shocked the students of the Imperial College.

The stele that once recorded Cui Xian's two masterpieces in eight-part essays was smashed by the chief academic officer himself!

As another core leader of the contemporary ancient text Confucianism school, the action of the Imperial College Jijiu was considered by the outside world to be a counterattack of the ancient text Confucianism school against Cui Xian!

The chief academician of the Imperial College raised his arms and called out.

Academies, prefectural schools, and county schools across the country responded.

Countless joint memorials denouncing the "traitors" were sent to the capital like snowflakes.

Royal Taoist temple, Mount Longhu.

The contemporary Heavenly Master, Master Shouzhuo, is packing his bags.

Inside the Taoist temple, hundreds of Taoists looked panicked.

Because last night, Master Shouzhuo made a prediction for the future of the orthodox Daoist school:

"Thunder and water untie the heaven's fetters, mountain fire opens the way. Suddenly, Wenqu offends the Bull, and the shadow of a young man enters the Purple Sky Diagram."

When this hexagram was spoken, the Taoists in the temple were shocked and felt helpless and horrified.

Zixiao refers to the highest heaven in Taoism.

Wenqu offends bullfighting——

Translated it means: Confucianism will be very powerful in the future, while Taoism will fail in the future!

Isn’t this the end?

The Taoists were very panicked and asked Master Shouzhuo one after another, but they only heard him say two sentences.

The first sentence: A suspected Confucian sage is about to appear in the world, and the original source of Taoism is no longer safe. I can no longer pretend to be a hermit, and must go to the palace to be the imperial teacher.

Second sentence: Contact Zhu Geyi quickly and tell him to stop wasting time and go to Kaifeng to find Cui Xian to cause trouble!

The core principle of Taoism: Fuck him! Fuck him! Fuck him again!

Under the worried gazes of the Taoists, Master Shouzhuo carried his bag down the mountain, cursing, "Damn it! Ever since the Hundred Schools of Thought began, the Confucians have been using us as a tool to beat them!"

"After all these years, they're still trying to beat me! A 14-year-old evil Confucian sage suddenly appeared out of nowhere...won't this tear us apart?"

"Could it be that God really blesses his Confucianism!"

"This Cui Xian cannot be kept!"

A few days later.

The two pieces of news shocked the world.

First: Zhang Shouzhuo, the Taoist priest of Mount Longhu, who has refused to come out of seclusion despite repeated requests from Your Majesty, will come out of seclusion and go to Beijing.

Second: From another birthplace of Taoism, the chief disciple of the contemporary Heavenly Master in Zhongnan Mountain, the inheritor of Taoist doctrines, 'Taozi' Zhu Geyi, is about to rush to Kaifeng to destroy Cui Xian's place!

Mount Wutai, Xiantong Temple.

A team of hundreds of monks is ready to set off for Kaifeng.

These are the members of the "debate team" selected by Master Benzhan with the efforts of Buddhist temples all over the world.

The leader of the team is the leader of the younger generation of Buddhists, a direct disciple of Master Benzhan, and the next abbot of Xiantong Temple. It is said that he was born with Buddha nature.

'Buddha's son' Jingchen.

The mirror reflects the five aggregates, and the dust is not affected by color.

From this Dharma name, we can see the respect and expectations that Buddhists have for Jingchen.

"Today, there are young Confucians who are misleading the world with their teachings of the mind. Their teachings are similar to Zen, but they are not Zen. If we allow their nonsense to continue, what will become of the fundamental principles of Buddhism, namely, 'diligent cultivation of precepts, concentration, and wisdom'?"

Master Benzhan threw out his nine-ring staff, which shook the ground and caused one hundred and eighty copper rings to ring simultaneously.

He looked quietly at his most proud disciple and said, "Jingchen, you lead a hundred monks to Yuelu—"

"There's no need to argue about the authenticity of the Shangshu. I just want to ask Cui Xian: Have you ever seen your true nature when you're free of mind? Have you ever observed the sky when you close your eyes?"

"If he can answer... then ask again: Who is the one who is thinking this question?"

Jingchen led hundreds of monks to fold their hands in agreement.

Outside the Zen temple, rain falls on the golden osmanthus.

The 'Buddha's son' reflected in the mirror has kind features, just like the Buddha.

Master Benzhan was very satisfied.

He waved his hand, signaling his disciples to leave, and sighed softly, "This trip isn't about victory or defeat, but rather about seeking a place for our Buddhist sect..."

Translation: If we lose, our Buddhist family will be completely finished.

The young monks looked solemn.

That Cui Xian, actually made the host so afraid?

Only Jingchen had a noble expression and a face like a Buddha, leading hundreds of young fellow disciples out of Xiantong Temple.

Not long after.

The news that a group of one hundred Buddhist monks were heading to Kaifeng to debate Cui Xian spread throughout Daliang.

Buddhists and Taoists enter the mortal world.

The whole world was shocked.

With Buddhism and Taoism taking action, how could the remaining remnants of the other schools of thought give up this rare opportunity?

Outside Kaifeng city.

On the banks of the Yellow River.

An ugly middle-aged man in linen clothes, with a large, terrifying red spot on his right eye, stared at the surging river before him and laughed extraordinarily wildly: "It's getting chaotic, it's getting chaotic!"

"Buddhism and Taoism have already taken action."

"The strategists, military strategists, legalists, Mohists, and agriculturalists... I'm afraid those people will soon be unable to sit still."

"There are also the Wang family of Taiyuan, the Li family of Longxi, and the Zheng family of Henan. They are all very powerful people."

"That's great, that's great. Confucianism is in trouble, and all sides are causing trouble!"

"Think of me, Yao Guang. I've mastered the art of yin and yang, integrating the knowledge of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and military science. However, due to the world's peace, I have no place to put my skills to use, and I have wasted many years in obscurity."

(This chapter is not yet finished, please click on the next page to continue reading) 225. Cutting off the road to fame with one sword (Part 2) (Page 2/2)

"Now it seems that a Confucian sage has appeared in the world, Confucianism is in turmoil, and all other schools of thought are in turmoil."

"If a Taoist priest enters the palace, the country will be in turmoil!"

"The chaotic world that belongs to Yao Guang of my Yin-Yang family has arrived!"

"This time, I will take back everything that belongs to me!"

Yao Guang, a middle-aged man with erythema, looked crazy.

Passersby who saw him from afar thought that he was probably a psychopath.

He is indeed sick.

After the frenzy subsided, Yao Guang stared at the Yellow River before him, muttering with a crazy laugh: "The advent of a Confucian sage... Of course, gifts are needed..."

"The Yellow River burst its banks and flooded Kaifeng... I wonder if our little Confucian sage would like this gift."

Capital city.

Zheng family.

Cui Xian was criticized by both the government and the people.

As Cui Xian's master, Prime Minister Zheng Xiasheng was also imprisoned this time and was overwhelmed by impeachment memorials.

In accordance with the unwritten official rules of this dynasty, Zheng Xiasheng submitted his resignation.

However, the situation this time is obviously more serious.

Because the second-in-command Chen Bing and other cabinet ministers also resigned.

The ministers all gave up the task, so of course the emperor would not approve.

What is interesting is that His Majesty did not immediately respond to the resignation letter from Prime Minister Zheng Xiasheng.

The subtle signals released by this made Chen Bingyi and his party very excited.

Zheng Xiasheng, I’m afraid he’s going to fall!

But Prime Minister Zheng, who was at home, was not as depressed and panicked as imagined.

In his study, he carefully read the Kaifeng Dibao and was amazed by what he saw.

A little later.

A servant came in quietly and whispered, "Lord, the Imperial Household Department sent a message saying that His Majesty received a letter today."

Zheng Xiasheng narrowed his eyes and smiled, "I understand."

There are now at least eight hundred memorials impeaching young Cui Xian, if not a thousand.

At this time, the fact that Your Majesty is still willing to accept little Cui Xian's letter can explain a lot of problems.

Holding the "Kaifeng Gazette", Zheng Xiasheng reviewed a series of advanced operations, including his young disciple's leaving Nanyang in disguise, delivering auspicious signs to Mengjin, rescuing Xiao Zhen, and communicating with His Majesty, which was amazing.

Looking back today, I realize how carefully Cui Xian took every step and how beautifully he walked.

"Make a fuss, make a fuss, the bigger the better... I can't believe that my disciple, Zheng Xiasheng, and successor to the Yuelu Clique, could be caught in the vortex of political parties, yet step outside of them... and take the path of a loyal and loyal minister... Who can I go to for justice?"

The day after Emperor Jiahe received the 'letter from his pen pal'.

Finally, it was announced that he would go to court.

As expected, in the court, all the dignitaries rushed out and attacked Cui Xian immediately.

As much as they secretly feared this 14-year-old boy, they now hated him.

Even many officials from Zheng Xiasheng's party turned against him due to interests and turned their attention to Cui Xian.

"Being the dean at 14 years old, ridiculous!"

"Your Majesty, this man deserves to die!"

"To blaspheme the Book of Documents, criticize Mencius and Confucius, is extremely disrespectful and his achievements should be revoked!"

In the Golden Palace, Emperor Jiahe had a blank expression on his face, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry. He never uttered a word.

Your Highness.

Chen Bing stood among the excited officials and seemed to have fallen asleep.

until--

A high-ranking official of the second rank in a scarlet robe stepped out.

All the officials in the court fell silent and looked over.

This man had a square face and was about 50 years old. His expression was intimidating without him getting angry. He served as the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Inspectorate, a second-rank official, and his full name was Zhao Rugeng.

As we all know, in the "Cui Xian Kaifeng Debate" incident, the ancient text Confucian school lost face and became a laughing stock.

But the bigger laughing stock is actually the "Yuelu faction" political party.

Huan Ying seemed to have lost his mind. Before his death, he passed the position of Yuelu Mountain Chief to his 14-year-old son.

Half of the "sky" of the Yuelu system has collapsed.

And the man before him, Mr. Zhao Rugeng, is the 'victim'——

He is a student of Yuelu University and now is the person in charge of the "Yuelu faction" in the court.

"Your Majesty: The spring breeze has departed, but the apricot garden remains warm. I always recall Master Huan planting wisteria, and I cannot bear to see the new branches without support."

"The headmaster entrusted the blue bird with his last words before his death. He must have seen an opportunity that we have not yet grasped. As a disciple, how can I go against the legacy of the spring breeze?"

"Even if there are doubts, we should still follow Zengzi's three self-examinations: Can we inherit the teacher's aspirations? Can we continue the lineage of learning? Can we make the literary light shine brightly?"

Zhao Rugeng's words made all the officials in the court frown and were shocked.

Crazy?

Is the Yuelu faction planning to accept this "young dean" with a pinch of its nose?

However.

Zhao Rugeng suddenly changed the subject and continued, "Your Majesty, do you remember the old monk in his youth? He discarded the imperial examinations like a worn-out shoe and guarded the academy like a precious gem. Now, choosing this boy to carry on his aspirations is a perfect agreement to pass on the torch."

"When Confucius established his teachings at the Zhu and Si rivers, was it not for fame and honor? If a young man were to concentrate on studying the classics, in three years he might become a modern-day Fusheng. But if we force him to compete in the imperial examinations, he would probably lose both."

"If scholars throughout the world knew that the imperial court valued learning over academic achievement, wouldn't that be a great story to tell in this prosperous age?"

"Inherit the teacher's aspirations, continue the lineage of learning, and ignite the light of literature. Having attained the samadhi, why bother to dwell on the success or failure of the imperial examinations?"

"If the young dean can help Yuelu continue to pass on the sacred teachings, it will be the best tribute to my teacher."

"Therefore, I boldly propose that Cui Xian be temporarily placed in charge of the academy. If the academy flourishes in three years, it will be God's will. If his talent and ability are insufficient, it will not be too late to replace him then."

After these words were spoken, the whole court fell silent.

Zhao Rugeng, what a good trick!

Wonderful!

Deputy Minister Chen Bing, who had been pretending to sleep with his eyes closed, stepped forward and said sternly, "Young talents should emulate Wen Zhongzi in establishing a school in Hefen, spreading the teachings of the sage throughout the world. Why should they follow the example of ordinary candidates seeking a title?"

The words of the second assistant made all the officials come to their senses and follow suit tacitly.

"When Fu Sheng passed on the Book of Documents to Chao Cuo for ninety years, was his merit ever judged by official title? Today, the inheritance of the Yuelu lineage is particularly important."

"The Book of Rites says, 'Those who merely memorize and ask questions are not qualified to be teachers.' Now, considering Cui Xian's extraordinary knowledge, he should be dedicated to his original mission of educating people."

"At the age of twenty, Jia Sheng of Luoyang was appointed a doctor, yet he remained in the Imperial College until his death. Doesn't this demonstrate that the paths of learning and politics are inherently different?"

"It will let the world know that the court values ​​learning more than academic achievements, and it will truly demonstrate Your Majesty's sincere respect for Confucianism."

For a moment, all officials were happy and the atmosphere was harmonious.

He even changed his words like a madman and praised Cui Xian.

But no matter how beautifully these people say things on the surface, the hidden meaning behind them is just as vicious!

All the nobles in the court worked together to forge a supreme steel knife that could kill without shedding blood.

He brazenly cut off Cui Xian's path to fame and fortune!

There was no hope for a career in officialdom, and the new learning reforms were like castles in the air, which collapsed in an instant.

As for letting this person take over the position of the headmaster temporarily - isn't there still a three-year 'probation period'?

They don't even need to make any trouble, the "literati riot" in Kaifeng can still bring Cui Xian down!

Not to mention, the Taoist and Buddhist sects are eyeing them covetously!

All the officials in the court looked at each other secretly, feeling proud and tacitly satisfied.

In the Golden Palace.

Emperor Jiahe seemed to smile, and then said, "Since that's the case, I'll follow what you say, my dear ministers."

After the court meeting ended that day.

A shocking piece of news quickly spread: Cui Xian, a peerless talent with extraordinary knowledge and unparalleled talent, had his official career cut short.

Who wouldn’t sigh after hearing this: What a cruel fate!

It seems that soon this talented child prodigy will become the laughing stock of the whole Daliang.

Amidst the clamor and chaos.

After Emperor Jiahe left the court, he returned to his bedroom accompanied by the eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department.

The situation in the court today is confusing.

The eunuch in charge of the Secretariat was worried, but for some reason, he had a vague feeling that the emperor was in a good mood.

After changing out of his court robes and sitting down at the desk, Emperor Jiahe opened the box inlaid with gold dragon and phoenix patterns, took out a thin piece of letter paper from it, and played with it in his hand.

This gold-inlaid box is what Jiahe usually uses to store personal seals or small treasures.

And that piece of letter was sent by Cui Xian yesterday.

This shows how much Emperor Jiahe loved and cherished this letter.

The eunuchs in the Imperial Household Department were almost dying of curiosity!

He has followed His Majesty for so many years that it is no exaggeration to say that he is a worm in His Majesty's stomach. But he really cannot guess what message Cui Xian sent to make His Majesty take such an attitude!

Because he was so curious, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department couldn't help but take a sneak peek.

Just then, Emperor Jiahe looked up and saw his behavior. He said, "Curious? Want to see?"

Ouch!

The eunuch in charge of imperial ceremonies trembled with fear and said hastily, "I dare not, I dare not!"

Emperor Jiahe chuckled.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Pass on my oral order and send a team of Jinyiwei to Kaifeng to secretly protect Cui Xian. There is no need to alarm him."

The eunuch in charge of ceremonies looked up in shock, then quickly said, "Yes, I'll go right away."

Wait until the eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department leave in a hurry.

Emperor Jiahe spread out the letter paper.

Compared with his previous poems, paintings, and character decomposition, the letter sent by Cui Xian this time was not elegant at all and was very simple and crude.

It was an IOU addressed to him:

"A million silver coins to rebuild the road to fame!"