After everyone left, Cui Chengxiu said, "I wonder why you want to see me?"
Ruan Dacheng smiled and said, "I am Ruan Dacheng, a native of Nanzhili. I was a Jinshi in the 44th year of the Wanli reign. Compared to Lord Cui, I can be considered a latecomer. I came here today because I have something to discuss with Lord Cui."
"So it's Brother Ruan," Cui Chengxiu said quickly with a smile, "If you have anything to say, feel free to tell me."
Seeing that Cui Chengxiu changed his address, Ruan Dacheng felt relieved.
I was right after all.
Ruan Dacheng then said, "Before we talk about the matter, I have something to ask Master Cui."
"Just say it." Cui Chengxiu nodded and said.
"Is the imperial court planning to rebuild the Royal Academy in the capital?" Ruan Dacheng asked directly.
"It's true." Cui Chengxiu did not hide it. This kind of thing could not be hidden at all.
Taking a sip of tea, Cui Chengxiu said with a half-smile, "Brother Ruan, is your visit here today related to this matter?"
"Indeed, there is a connection." Ruan Dacheng nodded and said, "I haven't made any achievements in official circles over the years, but I have had many interactions with scholars. I often listen to their lectures, so I know a lot about this."
"Over the years, I've discovered that the teachings of these people are all based on the opinions of their own families. They claim to be sages, but their teachings are based on factionalism. Even when they were students, they were already divided into factions; once they entered the court as officials, they became partisans of the same hometown. This is the beginning of the troubles of factional strife within the court."
"Though I am deeply distressed, my position of authority makes my voice less influential. Though I am unwilling to accept this, I am powerless. I had originally heard that the Imperial Academy had been established, and I was overjoyed. I felt that this was the time to rectify the sage's teachings and return to orthodoxy, to reject heresy and exclude those with selfish motives from the teachings. This would bring peace to the hearts of scholars throughout the land, and a hope for the Ming Dynasty's revival."
Cui Chengxiu looked at Ruan Dacheng and listened to his words with a very serious attitude, nodding in agreement from time to time.
Of course, Cui Chengxiu knew that this was not what Ruan Dacheng really thought, and he also knew that these words were just said for people to hear.
However, Cui Chengxiu understood that this was simply Ruan Dacheng's way of expressing his loyalty to him. To him, this was more important than anything else.
Seeing Cui Chengxiu's expression, Ruan Dacheng knew he had made the right bet, so he sighed helplessly and continued, "But who could have imagined that the Royal Academy would be dead after its establishment."
"I am extremely disappointed. I had originally prepared to return to Jiangnan, after all, there was no point in staying in the capital. But who could have imagined such a sudden turn of events? Lord Cui's remarks in the court were like a revelation, clearing away the fog of confusion. And with His Majesty's trust in me to oversee the reform of the academy, hope has been rekindled in me.
"Since that's the case, I naturally want to do my bit for you, my Lord, and for the court! My visit here today is a bit abrupt, but I'm so moved that I have to meet Lord Cui right away, open my heart to him, and serve him with all my might."
This means you have to rely on yourself.
Cui Chengxiu nodded with satisfaction.
"You are so wise and farsighted, truly a rare talent in the court. It is a loss to the court to see such a talent as you waste away in the streets. If you can achieve merit this time, I will certainly recommend you to the court."
"Then I would like to thank Lord Cui for the promotion." Ruan Dacheng said quickly.
The two people reached an agreement at this time.
Ruan Dacheng helped Cui Chengxiu get things done well and beautifully.
After the matter was accomplished, Cui Chengxiu recommended Ruan Dacheng to the court.
But even so, the two of them had their own plans in mind.
Cui Chengxiu wanted to take more credit, and he was just using Ruan Dacheng. Moreover, he didn't trust Ruan Dacheng anymore, so he had to observe his words and deeds before deciding if he could be used for his own purposes.
As for Ruan Dacheng, he saw this incident as a stepping stone to advancement. He had originally been attached to the Donglin Party and even played a significant role in the downfall of Fang Congzhe. He had originally thought that this opportunity had come and he would soon rise to prominence, but the reality was different from what he had imagined.
After His Majesty ascended the throne, the Donglin Party's influence in the court was completely wiped out. Those who could have helped Ruan Dacheng were basically killed, injured, or exiled.
Ruan Dacheng had no say over the remaining Han Yu, Sun Chengzong and others.
Now Han Yu has turned to support Xunzi, and can be regarded as forming his own school.
Ruan Dacheng naturally had no other options, so he ran to the capital.
After searching around the capital, Ruan Dacheng found a person, Cui Chengxiu.
You know, in the recent court, apart from the military generals, there are only a few civil officials who have advanced quickly.
One is Feng Congwu, who is Han Yu’s man.
The others are those from the Tongzhengsi.
But Ruan Dacheng couldn't talk to any of these people.
One person caught Ruan Dacheng's attention: Cui Chengxiu. Originally a common censor, he had risen to the position of Right Vice-Censor-in-Chief. His ascension was astonishing, and he was definitely someone he could rely on.
At the same time, there were many rumors that Cui Chengxiu and Wei Zhongxian of the East Factory were having an affair. Of course, this was just the outside story.
In Ruan Dacheng's view, this proved that Cui Chengxiu belonged to another faction independent of the court. He belonged neither to Han Yu, Sun Chengzong, nor to Xu Guangqi, but was a faction of his own.
As for the person behind him, it should be Wei Zhongxian from the East Factory.
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