Chapter 646 A Dream of Youth 178
Seeing Xie Ning's familiarity with the Analects, Han Jijiu asked more probing questions, "What are your own insights on this?"
Xie Ning pondered for a moment before saying, "I believe that 'helping others to establish themselves as you wish to establish yourself, and helping others to achieve success as you wish to achieve success' is loyalty, and 'do not do to others what you would not have them do to you' is forgiveness."
Both share the principle of "extending one's own feelings to others," which is also known as "forgiveness"... Loyalty lies in one's inner conscience; forgiveness lies in one's honesty and integrity. Forgiveness means considering the righteousness of others.
The other gentlemen couldn't help but look over as well. They hadn't expected Xie Ning to have such knowledge. Although her understanding was still somewhat superficial, it was quite impressive for a young girl.
Han Jijiu also held this view.
For a child of this age, it's already quite good if they can memorize some scriptures and compose a few poems.
"Very well, then I will explain it to you in detail."
Loyalty is the correctness of virtue, and it is also said to be the thickness of virtue. It is a virtue, and it also refers to the way a subject serves his ruler, just as Xunzi said in "The Way of the Subject": "To go against the ruler's orders to benefit him is called loyalty."
Forgiveness, benevolence..."
Xie Ning listened attentively without any impatience, and then asked in return, "According to what Han Jijiu said, the relationship between loyalty and forgiveness is quite similar to the relationship between the images of the Qian and Kun hexagrams in the Daoist Book of Changes."
I believe that the principles of loyalty and forgiveness share similarities with the Daoist philosophy of "Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, treating the people like straw dogs."
"Oh? You actually study Taoist doctrines?"
Han Jijiu became interested and gestured for Xie Ning to explain in detail.
The Confucian principle of "loyalty and forgiveness" emphasizes "doing one's best is loyalty," which in fact also emphasizes the equality of human nature, personality, and dignity.
The "Tao" treats all things equally. When there is inequality, it suppresses the high and elevates the low; it reduces the surplus and supplements the deficiency.
In the early Han Dynasty, the Huang-Lao school of thought was practiced to allow the people to rest and recuperate. However, the people were in need, while merchants had a surplus, so their wealth was suppressed… Daoism believes that all people are born equal, therefore all things are without distinction of value, which is precisely what Zhuangzi meant by 'all things are one.'”
Xie Ning paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "The interplay of Yin and Yang constitutes the Dao. All things carry Yin and embrace Yang, and through the interaction of these two forces, harmony is achieved."
Since assuming the position of lady-in-waiting, I have received praise, but far more criticism. Grand Master Han, am I truly without talent or virtue?
Xie Ning did not directly mention the issue of class equality, but instead turned to the topic of gender equality. However, what she said was far more than that.
The room fell silent. Xie Ning rose, bowed respectfully, and then turned and left, wanting to give people time to think.
However, her remarks did get out. While it seemed like she was lamenting the injustice she was seeking, it was actually a veiled complaint about the injustices faced by women.
Confucianism advocates equality, but also acknowledges the existence of inequality.
The next day, when Xie Ning went to the palace to examine the Empress, the Emperor made a special trip to see her and asked, "Has someone wronged you?"
They all believed that Xie Ning made those remarks for their own sake.
Xie Ning knew this, so she was just waiting for someone to ask her, no matter who it was, as long as the word got out. And it would be even better if the emperor asked her.
The Empress patted Xie Ning's hand to comfort him, "Don't be afraid. You earned your official position through your own hard work. Those people who gossip are just envious of you."
Why make such a fuss over just one child?
Xie Ning simply shook her head slightly, then wiped her eyes. Ouch, it stings.
Then, with red eyes, she looked back at the Emperor and Empress, "No, I just thought too much while I was studying, and I felt a tightness in my chest that I couldn't release. I kept it down, and then Han Jijiu asked me, and I couldn't hold it in any longer..."
As she spoke, a tear involuntarily rolled down her cheek. It really stung; the medicine was too strong. She'd have to secretly wash it off with a handkerchief later.
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