Lin Qingzhu sat near the front. Hearing the noisy atmosphere and hearing the many unpleasant words, she slowly clenched her hands and then didn't let go.
Undoubtedly, Lin Qingzhu was extremely angry at this moment, and also filled with self-blame.
Originally, she only wanted to tease Ye Qiu, but unintentionally, she made Ye Qiu a laughing stock and indirectly hurt Chu Xiaoqian and her sister.
Lin Qingzhu really wanted to apologize to Chu Xiaoqian and her sister on this occasion, but then she thought that it would be inappropriate and might hurt them further.
Just as Lin Qingzhu was struggling to make a decision, Ye Qiu finally arrived.
He was wearing a very ordinary long gown when he climbed onto a high platform.
This high platform was originally prepared for the disciples of the Supreme Temple to practice their skills, but now it is about to be transformed into a lecture platform.
As Ye Qiu took the stage, the noise in the audience grew even louder.
"Ye Qiu, what kind of lesson are you planning to teach us?"
"Haha, you don't actually think you're a literary mentor, do you?"
"Tsk, why aren't you keeping those two goddess mountains company? What are you doing here attending class? After dealing with those giant mountains, do you even have the energy to attend class?"
One mocking voice after another followed.
Xuanyuan Jingtian was also in the crowd, trying his best to lead the way.
However, their mockery did not stir Ye Qiu's emotions.
At least on the surface, Ye Qiu remained very calm and said in a low voice, "Now that I am here, I am here to discuss the Way of Literature with you all. Today's theme is 'Li' (rites/propriety), the rites of etiquette and law."
As Ye Qiu spoke, many people frowned.
Ye Qiu didn't let the noise spread. His voice suddenly rose and resounded throughout the venue like thunder: "What is propriety? Propriety is the source of order and the way to achieve success. Without learning propriety, one cannot stand. If there is no propriety in the world, the world will be overturned and all living beings will suffer. Today, I will talk to you all about the word 'propriety'."
Ye Qiu's words instantly stunned the entire audience.
He seemed to be surrounded by a saintly aura, exuding an inexplicable majesty.
In an instant, all the mocking voices fell silent.
Lin Qingzhu, sitting in the front row, stared intently at Ye Qiu.
She understood that Ye Qiu's opening remarks with 'etiquette' were not without purpose; he must have heard the rumors mocking him and the Chu Xiaoqian sisters, which led to the creation of this lesson.
Regardless of whether it was because of these reasons, Lin Qingzhu was taken aback by Ye Qiu's opening remarks and listened intently.
Ye Qiu stood with his hands behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping across the entire room, and continued, "A year has four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, which naturally alternate and follow certain laws to function properly."
Human etiquette is the law that maintains peace in the world. Without etiquette, there are no rules; without rules, there is no order.
In short, the four seasons follow a cyclical pattern, and order operates according to the principles of propriety. Without laws, there are no four seasons; without propriety, there is no order. Anyone who disagrees may step forward now.
As Ye Qiu finished speaking, no one dared to utter a sound.
Seeing that no one stepped forward, Ye Qiu slowly walked to the edge of the platform and calmly said, "Since no one has stepped forward, it means that a considerable number of you have not completely lost your sense of propriety. So please listen to me continue. I am not here to preach, but simply to discuss etiquette with you all in a friendly manner."
After a slight pause, Ye Qiu continued, "I would like to share a few words with you all, and I invite you to consider them."
Human beings have 'etiquette', therefore order can restrain evil and maintain peace in the world.
If people want to live together peacefully and avoid disputes, courtesy is essential.
Do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper, do not speak what is improper, do not do what is improper.
Those who go against propriety will ultimately be abandoned by all. We cultivators, including myself, should not become those who behave differently from worldly customs, are unruly, or dislike reading.
His words were deafening.
Those who had just been mocking Ye Qiu and Chu Xiaoqian were now blushing with shame.
Ye Qiu's words left them speechless.
Ye Qiu did not stop there, and continued: "If someone is extremely rude and refuses to change despite repeated warnings, the person or thing that was hurt by their rudeness may turn against them and make them pay an unnecessary price."
As the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate. If someone treats me with respect, I will treat them with even greater respect.
Conversely, if someone slashes me, I will surely retaliate with a sword. Even if I cannot retaliate with a sword, someone else will surely do it for me in the future, because those who insult others will always be insulted in return.
I think everyone understands this principle; I'm just expressing it in a different way.
Alright, this lesson on the Way of Literature is drawing to a close. Since being invited into the Supreme Temple, this is my first time discussing the Way with you all. Finally, I'd like to share a few words with you all, hoping that we can all strive together for mutual encouragement.
At this point, Ye Qiu paused slightly, and only after noticing that everyone was paying close attention did he continue: "Respect without manners is laborious; caution without manners is timid; courage without manners is chaotic; straightforwardness without manners is harsh. When a gentleman is devoted to his relatives, the people will be inspired to be benevolent; when he does not forget old friends, the people will not steal."
Ye Qiu didn't linger; after uttering the last word, he left the scene immediately.
Even after Ye Qiu had walked quite a distance, the scene remained completely silent, with no one speaking.
After an unknown amount of time, a young man stood up, looking extremely ashamed, and said, "After listening to Ye Qiu... no, I should say, after listening to Teacher Ye's words, I have realized how important the word 'etiquette' truly is."
As he broke the silence, a series of sounds gradually rose and fell.
"Teacher Ye revealed many truths in one breath, and I need to digest them carefully."
“I just laughed at Teacher Ye, and now I feel deeply ashamed. Damn it, I deserve to die.”
"Those who insult others will always be insulted in return. I never expected that Teacher Ye's casual remarks would be so insightful. I have truly learned a lot."
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