Chapter 371 Times Have Changed
Who can argue with that?
This young man stood on the stage, and even though there was no profound or mysterious words in his words, he had already blocked all avenues for provocation against him.
How can we discuss the governance of the world with this young man from an aristocratic family who "has no authority but steals the imperial robe" and has done nothing but corrupt the social order?
The Duling Huang family that he pointed out immediately might have seemed a little special among them, but they were by no means the only ones to be questioned in this way. Perhaps they were held accountable by Qiao Yan because their branch, the Jiuquan Huang family, was engaged in separatist activities in Liangzhou.
Then came the Zhong family of Luoyang.
Zhong Fu is indeed not a person who is unworthy of his position, but the work experience of his ancestors proves that what Zhong Changtong said is based on solid factual evidence. He is not unable to comment on it just because he is young and has not actually served in officialdom.
Then no one can judge whether people with the same identity as Zhong Fu, who originally intended to stand against him, would instead become examples supporting his views.
Shangluotai, who was well versed in astronomy and numerology, intended to use his research and knowledge of Yi principles to condemn Zhong Changtong's assertion that "human affairs come first", but he saw a particularly special signal in Zhong Changtong's two light-hearted rebuttals.
This theory that man can conquer nature has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts as Qiao Yan has set an example and worked with the people to fight the locust plague in the past two years.
If they want to refute Zhong Changtong's remarks by relying on their biased statements and their status in the science of divination, they must also face the public's anger against those who intend to overturn their understanding!
These people, who were once considered to be ignorant people, have become a force that cannot be ignored due to Qiao Yan's enlightenment over the years. They have also become the soil for Zhong Changtong's "Changyan" to flourish.
Instead of using his theory of prophecies and secret divinations to link certain celestial phenomena with human affairs, it would be better for him to report to Lingtai and use it to record and observe astronomical phenomena.
Even Tai, who has a natural advantage in this area, is like this, so how dare others refute him?
As for Zheng Hun of the Zheng family of Xingyang, there is no need to say much.
Those who stick to the old ways received a very sharp reply from Zhong Changtong.
It is the most ridiculous reason to question something before a better solution that can prove its feasibility can be proposed, saying that it is wrong without trying it.
Perhaps the only ones who could still question Zhong Changtong were the emperor and his descendants.
If those in higher positions have doubts or comments about the way the emperor selects talented people and employs them, and about the education of the princes and grandchildren in "Changyan", they can confront them.
But here comes the problem.
This time, the place where Zhong Changtong refuted the doubts of all parties was Luoyang, hundreds of miles away from Chang'an. Not to mention that the emperor was still some far away from him, the prince Liu Yang who could have rushed there was afraid of exposing the fact that he was not eloquent, so he finally chose to let Zhong Fu and others go.
How could they stop Zhong Changtong from spreading his views at this moment?
However, this young man who had silenced four people in succession did not seem like the arrogant and arrogant person he gave people at first sight. After succeeding, he did not intend to take advantage of the victory to attack the children and elders of the noble families who were subdued by his words. Instead, he looked around and did not find anyone who wanted to confront him, so he spoke:
"There are more than a thousand households in the world. If one household can produce a capable man, there will be tens of millions of people. If one out of ten people can read, there will be a million people. If one out of ten people can become a talented person, there will be a hundred thousand people. However, there are not so many officials in the world."
"There are times when scholars are not used, and there has never been an era without scholars. Zhong Changtong is a humble man, but I have received the order from you, the Lord. Now I am throwing out some crude words to attract others, and I am waiting for you to express your opinions and show your strengths to revive our dynasty."
Liu Xie stared blankly at the stage, feeling that the jade seal he placed on his chest was not burning irritatingly at this moment because it was a hot potato, but because another kind of boiling feeling was rising from his heart, causing the jade seal that suddenly came into his hand to burn as well.
There are times when scholars are not used, and there has never been an era when there are few scholars.
There are things that are not sought; there is no year without things. 1
Yes, the land under their feet is vast, rich in resources, and full of talented people.
There are always talents that have not been discovered, but there is no shortage of talents!
Qiao Yan currently has a lot of talented people under his command. Even this young boy has shown such extraordinary ability in this debate. Is it really just because -
Is she luckier than others?
No, of course not!
She just understands the principle of making the best use of people's talents better than anyone else.
This action, which caused a huge stir, in the hands of this young genius who became famous in one battle, produced results far more astonishing than the words in "Chang Yan" themselves.
Amid the cheers and whispers around them, those curious people who came here to watch the outcome of the debate have turned back to the outskirts and the city of Luoyang one after another. Only Liu Xie was still stranded where he was because of the fear in his heart, making him look like a stubborn stone rooted in an adverse current.
The young man standing on the stage seemed to cast his eyes towards him because of his somewhat special behavior.
At the moment their eyes met, Liu Xie felt that what was revealed in the other person's eyes was not the pride after victory, but a thunderous word -
Times have changed.
This is no longer an era where people are ranked based on seniority based on their personal background and resume, and it is no longer an era where famous people need others to give way to them.
Under the tremendous pressure of survival, people are not pursuing elegant clichés, but saviors who can fill their stomachs and keep them alive.
As the people become increasingly awakened, what they expect is a monarch who respects them, rather than a "Son of Heaven".
The emperor may not be truly favored by heaven, and the people may not be as mediocre as ants.
But should Qiao Yan be blamed for this boundary?
Probably not.
If someone had not taken the initiative to push this diligent and enterprising Grand Marshal to the direction of treason and villain, and implicated her in the celestial phenomenon of the red energy penetrating the Purple Palace, why would she have to promote "Chang Yan" at this moment!
While she was trying to repel the doubts she encountered, she was also attracting another group of enemies for herself.
Today, Zhong Fu, Zheng Hun and others may be forced to shut up because of Zhong Changtong's words, but tomorrow they may also turn to the side of those who are against Qiao Yan and let her be besieged by all parties.
Unless, she can make more people understand the connotation of Changyan at a faster speed, and use the way of governing the world contained therein to make more people become her supporters.
Just as Liu Xie thought of this, he suddenly felt another pair of eyes falling on him.
The fear of having his identity discovered over the years made him subconsciously lower his head. He no longer stood still, but walked outside with the crowd.
"What are you looking at?" Ni Heng asked Yang Xiu.
Yang Xiu frowned and replied, "I seem to see someone I know, but I'm not sure if I've made a mistake. Maybe I'm dazzled."
In the sixth year of Zhongping, Yang Xiu came to Luoyang first after finishing mourning for his grandfather. With his status, it was not difficult for him to meet Liu Xie, who was still a prince at that time, several times.
Although it has been six years since then, Yang Xiu has a photographic memory and is not face-blind, so he can still clearly remember Liu Xie's appearance at that time.
The young man I just caught a glimpse of clearly looks somewhat like Liu Xie!
But Liu Xie had been missing for four years. If he had really appeared in Luoyang and learned about the prince's search for him, he should have appeared directly in front of them, instead of being like this, as if he was just an ordinary member of the crowd and quickly disappeared from Yang Xiu's sight.
Yang Xiu didn't know about Qiao Yan's extra arrangements for Liu Xie. After convincing himself, he forgot about the situation that he just suspected of seeing Liu Xie.
He must have seen it wrong.
Instead of paying attention to the existence of this person who looks like Liu Xie but is most likely not him, it is better to think about how Zhong Changtong will cooperate with you to publicize it after he wins the debate against all parties today.
but……
In order to break the influence of this meteorological rhetoric, they seemed to be in a very delicate situation.
A situation that Yang Xiu felt was a bit beyond the limit.
In this situation, Qiao Yan had no way to retreat, because the people who wanted to defeat her and kill her would definitely chase her if she relaxed even a little.
But once she was about to get in, how far could she get before reaching the position of Grand Marshal, which was already the highest position among the officials?
Enter...either the king or the monarch.
He looked at the stage again and saw that the young man was no longer there. He probably went back to find Qiao Yan to report. So he did not stay any longer. After exchanging a few words with Ni Heng, he returned to Luoyang City.
Most of the people in Luoyang are not the same people as in the seventh year of Guanghe. The Luoyang Imperial College of the past has long ceased to exist. However, the scene of people rushing to talk because of the grand event outside the city is still exactly the same as it was back then.
While walking on the long street outside the south gate of Luoyang, Yang Xiu couldn't help feeling a bit dazed with mixed impressions.
But the person living in the center of Luoyang at this moment is no longer the Emperor Ling of Han who could summon Qiao Yan, a rising star, at will, but Qiao Yan himself.
Yang Xiu looked at the word "Luoyang" on the city gate, which was almost the same as it was back then, except that it looked a little more damaged by wind and rain, and suddenly he let out a sigh.
Ni Heng couldn't help but complain, "This look of wanting to say something but not being able to do it is not like something you, Yang Dezu, would do at all."
Yang Xiu gathered his thoughts, which had been somewhat distracted, and replied, "I was just wondering, in the changing times, how many people can keep up with you, my Lord."
In other words, just as Qiao Yan suddenly took action against the Jiuquan Huang family in the four counties of Hexi, which turned into a targeted attack by Zhong Changtong in his refutation of the Duling Huang family, the aristocratic families that cannot adapt to the times are destined to be abandoned.
In addition, the development of printing technology has been constantly rescuing another group of people from the mud, making the aristocratic families no longer an irreplaceable existence.
What he should probably ask is, how many companies can keep up with Qiao Yan's footsteps?
But no matter whether everyone can make the right choice, he will never let himself fall behind, otherwise -
But it really feels sorry for his defeat that year!
While Yang Xiu was feeling mixed emotions, Liu Xie had already returned to his residence safely with the imperial seal.
Seeing that his adoptive father was still cooking dinner in the kitchen, he quickly ran back to his room and stuffed the jade seal into his bedding. There was nothing unusual about it in appearance, so he breathed a sigh of relief.
None of what happened today was what he had expected before he left home. If he told others about it, no one would believe it could be so bizarre.
He originally thought that he was just going to verify what he thought in his heart, but he never expected that he would get the jade seal first and then hear such a fight.
He sat on the edge of the bed and fell into deep thought.
If only he were just an ordinary person, just one of the thousands of people pouring into Luoyang from other places.
In this way, he can become one of the people who are pushed by Qiao Yan to find the laws of nature and play against the weather.
But he is not.
Although he got rid of his identity dilemma in a way that most people could not guess, and could have ended his life like an ordinary farmer and woodcutter, the existence of the jade seal forced him to remember that he still had a responsibility that was very different from that of ordinary people.
Where should the imperial seal be sent?
Where should he go?
He had to figure out either of these two questions as soon as possible.
Perhaps there is not much time left for him.
Zhong Changtong's remarks could come out of nowhere, and other great changes of the times might also come quickly before he could react.
But for some reason, because of what happened today, Liu Xie had already given up an idea in his mind.
Perhaps, he should not have taken the opportunity to send this imperial seal to Chang'an and hand it over to Liu Yu.
The fact that Guanglu Dafu Zhong Fu appeared on the high platform today to confront Zhong Changtong head-on has shown that although the progress of the Chang'an court in recovering the various states is encouraging, the signs that there is not unity within the court are becoming increasingly obvious.
Liu Xie could clearly see that he was standing in the center of the crack, holding the imperial seal that declared orthodoxy in his hand.
On one end is the new era that seems to be taking off as described in the various words of "Changyan", and on the other end is the Chang'an royal court that is still tied to the old Han Dynasty.
From the perspective of both reason and kinship, he seemed to have chosen the latter. However, when he once took root in this land and lived as a commoner, he subconsciously wanted to move in another direction.
It seemed as if there was a voice in the dark telling him that receiving the imperial seal again at this time, when the wells had dried up after the drought, might be an alternative hint.
he……
"Xiao An, come out to eat!"
The adoptive father's voice immediately interrupted Liu Xie's thoughts.
He quickly put his composure together and walked out of the room. Seeing that the food and rice were already on the table outside, he tried hard to act as if nothing had happened.
But fearing that his dilemma would be discovered by his adoptive father who had lived with him for many years, Liu Xie buried his head and ate a few mouthfuls of rice so that he could turn his mind as the emperor of the Han Dynasty back to that of a child from a poor woodcutter's family.
No, maybe it shouldn’t be called the Poor Woodcutter.
From October when they arrived in Luoyang to early December now, Liu Xie's adoptive father has found a job here because Luoyang's recruitment arrangements have been implemented for almost every citizen who arrived in Chang'an.
His many years of experience in chopping and selling firewood made him a natural hand at manual labor, and he soon received what he called a "regular" salary.
According to their adoptive father, even if they did not participate in the division of land around Luoyang, but chose to rely on working for a living, it would be enough for them to live in Luoyang for a long time. If Liu Xie decided, they would be able to bring their adoptive mother who was still in Hanzhong before the New Year.
"When I saw you weren't back for a long time today, I was a little worried that there were too many people gathered over there, and something unexpected happened. But then I thought about it, it's normal for such a big scene to take a longer time." The adoptive father said as he put the food into Liu Xie's bowl. "No trouble?"
As soon as Liu Xie looked up, he was met with his adoptive father's undisguised worry.
This father-son relationship, which he had originally established in order to escape disaster, had long since become an indelible bond of true love during the years of companionship.
He suddenly felt a little sad in his heart and turned his gaze back.
"I have returned safely, so how could I have encountered any trouble?" Liu Xie replied calmly, "It's just that I didn't understand some of what Zhong Chang Gongli said. I probably have to wait for the news in the Leping Monthly Report to explain it to me."
His adoptive father laughed when he heard this, "I said long ago that I would send you to school as soon as possible. Now I know where the difference lies."
"That's right. For something as important as this, it will always be published in the monthly newspaper. I just don't know if it can be published in the December issue."
Of course not.
Even if it could catch up, Qiao Yan would make sure it couldn't.
Anyway, the Leping Monthly Report would be issued no later than the 10th of each month. If the contents of the monthly report were compiled in advance to prevent any delays during the printing period, it would not be unreasonable for Zhong Changtong's performance in Luoyang to not be included in the monthly report as soon as possible.
"Besides, December is the end of the year. Whether it's the battles in Yangzhou, the recovery of Xuzhou, the defection of Jiaozhou, or the various disasters in people's livelihood from spring plowing to autumn harvest, they should all be summarized in this last monthly magazine. It's not easy to suddenly adjust the content."
Hearing what Qiao Yan said, Cai Zhaoji, who was transferred to Luoyang, smiled and said, "I think you must put off some of your shocking remarks until the beginning of next year."
"No one knows me better than Zhao Ji." Qiao Yan put down Chang Yan in his hand and replied.
Thinking about how she had successfully obtained the jade seal today in order to follow Liu Xie, and had to make subsequent arrangements, and that there was no place near the Dingzhong Temple where she could appear quietly, she could only miss Zhong Changtong's performance there, and she couldn't help feeling a little regretful.
But from her subordinates' retelling, she could also imagine that among the people who arrived here with the intention of launching an attack and rushed to the stage, Zhong Changtong's performance was indeed as she expected. Not only did he not tarnish her reputation, but his impassioned speech was worthy of being published in the January issue of Leping Monthly in the fifth year of Jian'an in the form of a medal.
Being able to write Changyan is his ability, and being able to make use of the information that Qiao Yan handed over to him to such an extent is even more of his ability!
And what he can initiate is more than just the prelude from the connection between heaven and man to man's victory over nature.
I am afraid there will be another major event that will surely shake Chang'an and shock the world.
However, at this moment, all these plans and conflicts are still hidden in the undercurrent.
As someone who was watching the situation change, she didn't need to be so anxious.
She even had the leisure to personally draw the pattern of the lucky coin for the fifth year of Jian'an. At this time, when she and Zhao Ji had agreed on the other contents of the first month's magazine for next year and turned to chatting, he took the paper from the desk and handed it to her.
Zhao Ji laughed when she saw the pattern on it.
It turned out to be a cute little elephant with a gnawing beast sitting on its back.
"This year, the crane carrying the angelica in the first month of the lunar calendar is a symbol of your good wishes for your subordinates to live a long life. I wonder what this year's gift is?"
"I hope that next year we can all have skin as thick as an elephant's and be as aggressive as a gnawing beast."
Cai Zhaoji: “…”
Whether Qiao Yan was telling the truth or a lie, she had known him for so many years, how could she not tell?
"Just think of it as your last bit of childishness." Qiao Yan immediately added.
Before Cai Zhaoji could react to these meaningful words, she heard Qiao Yan say, "I heard that you and your father have both accepted the marriage proposal from the Hedong Wei family?"
This sudden interruption made Cai Zhaoji realize that there was a deeper meaning behind the pattern of the lucky money for the new year. With Qiao Yan's temper, he probably wouldn't bring it up again. Otherwise, she wouldn't have suddenly changed the subject.
Cai Zhaoji replied: "Yes, Wei Zhongdao has expressed his sincerity to this extent, so why should I refuse? Of course, this matter is not entirely out of sincerity."
If you decide on your future partner simply because of Wei Zhongdao's good attitude, that would be underestimating Yu Zhaoji.
But it must be said that his performance made it much easier for him to pass the test with Cai Yong.
Cai Zhaoji's elder sister, Cai Zhenji, was forced to give up her first child because of her marriage. After Cai Yong settled in Leping and brought the couple to his place, she became increasingly aware of the fact that one should not easily choose a son-in-law just because of the favor of protection.
Wei Zhongdao came from the Hedong Wei family, but he chose to marry into Zhaoji's family because he took Zhaoji's future into consideration. This alone made Cai Yong feel that he had found a good son-in-law.
Seeing the genuine joy on Qiao Yan's face, Zhao Ji continued, "But this cannot be considered as a good thing. I have left him another test. I said that if he really wants to marry me, he should wait for me for another two years. If he cannot accept this condition, then we are not destined to be together."
Judging from the news that Qiao Yan had received that the deal was basically done, Wei Zhongdao had obviously accepted the condition without hesitation.
only……
Qiao Yan asked, "Why two years?"
Having been placed in such a position where writing is as easy as moving a knife for several years, the woman standing in front of Qiao Yan now has not only the calm temperament of a scholar, but also a sharp demeanor that cannot be concealed.
This kind of demeanor, which is no less than that of a general, was fully demonstrated in her response. "Huo Huqi once said, 'How can we have a family if the Xiongnu is not destroyed?' Now, neither the Xianbei nor the Xiongnu are your opponents. They will either surrender or be annihilated. There is no need to say this for the time being. We should change the way we say it - How can we have a family if the world is not at peace?"
"In the past, you even hesitated to promote the art of printing, and even did not allow me to leak any news related to it in advance. But now, you have completely turned it into a bridge for us to spread our will."
"The Bingzhou you once controlled was a desolate borderland known to the world, but now you have nine of the thirteen states in your hands."
"To be honest," Cai Zhaoji paused, "before Zhong Chang's words came out, I thought you wanted to imitate the story of Emperor Gaozu beheading the snake and starting an uprising to seek the Mandate of Heaven, but now it seems that what you want is the words of Pei Gong after the people's hearts have turned to him, "I am afraid that Pei Gong will not become the King of Qin."
"Are you afraid?" Qiao Yan asked seriously.
"Why should I be afraid!" Cai Zhaoji replied firmly.
"Only if you hold the power, the common people who are struggling in the current hardship will have a hope of survival. It is said that the people miss the Han Dynasty, but perhaps it is more that they miss peace."
"Only you, the Lord, have the courage to annex the remaining four states as soon as possible, so that the territory of the world will not be coveted by the surrounding foreign neighbors, and the barbarians in all directions will not dare to act rashly."
"Only you... have shown in your actions that you are not limited to any particular person in employing talents, and this is not limited to any particular person in terms of identity, but also gender."
Cai Zhaoji knew it all too well.
Even if the absurd Emperor Ling of Han could give Qiao Yan the position of Governor of Bingzhou, and put Ma Lun in the position of Grand Historian because of a momentary anger, he would never allow women like Zhao Ji, Ren Hong, and Yao Chang to have a place to display their ambitions, or even give more women in the world the opportunity to be in charge.
This is something only Qiao Yan can do.
Cai Zhaoji said: "I want to see you reach this position with my own eyes. Even if this is not a rebellious thought that a Han minister should have, the position is there. If you don't welcome the time when it comes, you will suffer the consequences. This has been the truth since ancient times."
"I saw that the prince wrote a four-year preparation plan two years ago, so..."
So there are still two years until now!
This is why she asked Wei Zhongdao to wait for another two years.
Under the current circumstances, nothing can prevent her from participating in this earth-shaking change!
Qiao Yan felt that the confession of the true feelings between each word was extremely moving, but he couldn't help but feel a little amused when he heard the last sentence.
The so-called four-year preparation plan was clearly what she prepared for the drought that lasted for four years, and it was not a time limit set because of the act of usurping the throne and plotting against the Han Dynasty.
But when Cai Zhaoji said this, she suddenly realized that this might also be the time she had defined for herself!
What could be more conducive to stabilizing the situation when a country is first established than good weather and good harvests after pacifying the world?
Probably not.
All her preparations have now come to an end, and they are being destroyed in the chain reactions that are being set off one after another.
Today, Zhong Changtong made an impassioned speech in Dingzhongguan.
Today, Cai Zhaoji said in front of her that how can she take care of her family when the world is not yet stable.
Then why can't Qiao Yan make such a promise today——
"Yes, two years is enough!"
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