Mu Zian's move was exactly what he wanted!
However, Pei Liang still had to put on a sad expression.
“My poor son has studied hard for decades, hoping to serve his country, but who would have thought he would end up like this.”
"If the Duke of Zhenguo is unwilling to spare my child's life, then I beg the Duke of Zhenguo to take action himself! My Pei family will not utter a word against it!"
Pei Liang, true to his old fox nature, also employed a tactic of feigning retreat to advance!
In an instant, he reversed his perspective and put himself in the position of the victim, while the aggressive Zhenguo Duke's Mansion became the perpetrator.
Just when Pei Liang thought he had victory in the bag, he was surprised to see Jia Xu with a faint smile on his face.
"The Duke of Zhenguo gave this dagger not to force Young Master Pei to his death, but to use it to warn him that the way of literature is not about jealousy and ruthless fighting."
No sooner had Jia Xu finished speaking than a cold voice came from outside the door.
"The Duke of Zhenguo has quite the arrogance! Does he think that just because he can compose a few poems, he can look down on all the scholars in the world?"
The onlookers parted to make way for a narrow path.
The next moment, a middle-aged scholar in a long robe walked out from the crowd.
Upon seeing this, Pei Liang was overjoyed and immediately stepped forward to bow.
"Brother Gu! You've arrived."
The person who came was none other than Gu Xizhi, the current literary leader of Beijing.
Upon seeing his teacher, Pei Shaoji, who had been acting erratically, seemed to become much more lucid.
Seeing his most prized disciple in this state, Gu Xizhi's face showed a hint of anger.
"Don't be afraid, Shao Ji! With me here today, the master will surely get justice for you!"
After saying this, Gu Xizhi looked at Jia Xu and said coldly.
As the saying goes, "In literature, there is no first place; in martial arts, there is no second!"
"The essence of literature lies in the word 'struggle'! Daring to be the first in the world!"
"Even when facing His Majesty the present, we must fight for a bright and just world for all the people under heaven!"
"Isn't the Duke of Zhenguo's words and actions meant to smooth out the edges of us Confucian scholars? To not fight or compete! To be a submissive person who accepts whatever comes his way?"
Gu Xizhi truly deserves to be called the leader of the literary world today; in just a few words, he has already revealed his brilliance.
Everyone agreed with this.
"What Master Gu said is true! My scholars are meant to fight! Without even the slightest advantage, how can we seek peace for the people of the world?"
Gu Xizhi stared intently at Jia Xu and retorted coldly.
"I would like to know, what does the Duke of Zhenguo consider the purpose of studying?"
Instantly, everyone's eyes fell on Jia Xu.
If Jia Xu doesn't give them a satisfactory answer today, things will definitely not end well.
As the leader of the literary world in the capital, Gu Xizhi naturally wanted to prove his disciple.
As if he had expected this, Jia Xu slowly tore open the envelope in his hand.
His gaze swept across the surrounding scholars and students, finally settling on Gu Xizhi.
"Today, let my Duke tell you all the true purpose of studying!"
"Listen up, all of you!"
Inside the Pei family residence, a gust of wind swept through, causing Jia Xu's blue robe to flutter.
"The Duke of Zhenguo once said, 'What is the purpose of studying?'"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the Pei family showed disdain.
Gu Xizhi sneered.
"How arrogant! How many years of reading have I done to dare to say such a thing? Even Mr. Dongshan wouldn't dare to make a definitive statement!"
Jia Xu ignored Gu Xizhi's words and instead recited them aloud.
There are four reasons for reading!
Firstly: To establish a moral compass for Heaven and Earth!
As Jia Xu's voice faded, the previously noisy surroundings suddenly fell silent.
Pei Liang, who had been so confident of victory, was now showing a look of shock!
Gu Xizhi's previously cold face turned to horror!
Jia Xu's voice remained unchanged as he recited the words aloud once more.
Secondly: To establish a livelihood for the people!
Boom! Those two short sentences struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.
At this moment, some Confucian scholars were already trembling all over; just two sentences had already reached a height that they could not even begin to comprehend!
A look of panic finally appeared on Gu Xizhi's face.
Pei Liang immediately sensed something was wrong and roared angrily.
"Stop talking!"
He had a premonition that once Jia Xu finished speaking, the consequences would be unimaginable!
However, Zhao Yun stood alone in front of Jia Xu!
The chilling aura emanating from him deterred anyone from approaching!
Jia Xu's gaze swept across the crowd with lightning speed.
Thirdly: To continue the lost learning of the sages!
Gu Xizhi's face turned completely pale!
At this moment, it's as if I see a towering mountain blocking my way, an insurmountable obstacle!
At this moment, Gu Xizhi finally understood the helplessness and despair that Pei Shaoji felt when facing Mu Zian.
Pei Liang felt a chill run through his body!
He misjudged the situation! Mu Zi'an sent Jia Xu today not to force Pei Shaoji to his death, but to force the entire Pei family to their doom!
On this sweltering day, everyone felt as if a chilly wind was blowing around them!
Jia Xu looked up and then spoke loudly.
Fourthly: To usher in an era of peace for all generations!
The sound was like a resounding bell, continuous and unending! This is what Mu Zi'an meant by the four lines from Hengqu!
It was like a giant hand slamming down, making everyone present gasp for breath!
Pei Liang spat out a mouthful of blood and fell backward.
The Pei family! They're in danger!
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