Chapter 357: You have not seen this flower, and it and your heart are both in silence. You see this flower, and its color becomes clear.
How to debate academic matters with world-famous scholars?
Zhao Duan thought a lot before stepping into Bailu Academy. He didn't understand the ways of those literati, nor did he need to understand.
After all, it's a private meeting between a few people, and there's no need to consider the needs of the "audience" like in a public speech, so it's better to just speak your mind.
This short poem was also one he had seen in his previous life when he was reading the story of "The Meeting at Ehu Lake".
The original text of the second sentence is "The ancient sages passed down only this heart", which means that the heart of the School of Mind has been passed down from ancient sages like knowledge, from generation to generation to this day.
But this understanding is not accurate, because in the theory of mind learning, everyone has the heart of a sage.
The so-called original heart and nature, according to Zhao Duan’s own understanding, are more similar to the "instinct" in later generations’ spoken language.
Therefore, the heart of a saint is no different from the heart of an ordinary person. The only difference is that the hearts of ordinary people are obscured and covered by desires.
Therefore, he took the initiative to change the second sentence to "Ancient sages and modern people share this heart", which is more in line with the true meaning.
The meaning of the whole poem, translated, is roughly:
From childhood, we all know the heart of benevolence and reverence. Throughout history, saints and mortals alike have shared this heart. Only with this foundation of the heart can we build a towering ethical structure; it's unheard of that a mountain can rise without a foundation. If we only focus on "emotional annotations" and "focus on subtle details," poring over piles of papers, pondering the interpretations of this word and the meaning of that phrase, we will obstruct our true heart and lead to the downfall of life. Today, we must cherish this exchange with one another; only then can we find true joy.
kindness……
This poem not only directly expounds on the true meaning of the mind being the principle, but also criticizes the habit of studying the orthodox learning of the Great Yu Dynasty and pondering the classics and chapters...
To Mr. Zhengyang, this undoubtedly sounded extremely provocative.
Lu Cheng showed a hint of anger on his face, but Mr. Song didn't dare to say a word.
As for Zhao Pan, as expected, a confused look appeared on the girl's face.
With her knowledge, she had no problem understanding the text, but when it came to deeper levels, she completely lost her ability to understand.
Unknown feeling...
However, what happened next surprised Zhao Pan even more.
After his brother recited a strange poem, the world-famous scholar in front of him actually discussed it seriously with Zhao Duan.
Yes.
Discussion! Academic discussion!
It wasn't a one-sided lecture, but a two-way, back-and-forth discussion... or maybe...
debate.
Debate? My own brother, debating academic matters with the great scholar of the time?
No matter how you listen to it, it sounds like a fairy tale.
Zhao Pan's eyes were filled with surprise. She tried her best to listen, but could only catch some incomprehensible sentences such as "fragmented", "simple kung fu", "omit words and go straight to the root".
As for what it means specifically, I don't quite understand.
She raised her head to look at the two scholars standing opposite who were also watching the debate, but she saw that Lu Cheng and Mr. Song had gradually become silent after their initial displeasure and confusion, and were now immersed in a heated debate.
He could occasionally say a few words at the beginning, but at the end he seemed to be possessed and could only listen quietly.
Zhao Pan opened her mouth. In her eyes, the two people debating seemed to be playing a game of Go with their mouths without any visible pieces.
Even though she was a complete layman and could not understand the subtlety at all, she knew that what her elder brother said was an extremely powerful knowledge and principle, as the world's number one "chess player" treated it so seriously.
But...why?
Zhao Pan couldn't figure it out, and when the girl came to her senses, she didn't know how much time had passed.
"How ridiculous! Lord Zhao, your view of the study of things is too biased. As you say, the study of things means using a grid called 'heart' to frame what you see and judge right and wrong, good and evil. This understanding is far from what the sages said!"
Zhengyang, wearing a square hat, a beautiful beard, a Confucian robe and a cloak, stood up excitedly and slammed the table, feeling very emotional.
At this moment, he had been completely dragged into the deep pit of debate by Zhao Duan and was overwhelmed.
Moreover, after the two sides entered the debate topic and exchanged several rounds, Zhengyang realized that the words such as "the mind is the reason, knowledge and action are one" might have really come from the hands of the young man in front of him.
At the very least, the possibility that Dong Xuan sent him to deliver the message has approached zero.
Whether a person truly understands a subject and has a thorough understanding of it... With Zhengyang's keen eyesight, he can naturally tell after a few words.
He was very sure, not to mention whether this so-called "Xinxue" was established by Zhao Duan.
But at least, Zhao Duan really understood, which was why he could fight with him in a balanced manner.
Rather than a human loudspeaker.
What astonished him even more was the completeness and harmony of the theory presented by the other party as the debate deepened, forming a self-consistent system...
If it were just this, it wouldn't be enough to make him lose his composure.
The most terrible thing is that Zhengyang has been guarding tombs in Yunfu for ten years and has studied hard. He has already realized that the old theories of Dayu are wrong.
Deep in my heart, I have already secretly begun to have some ideas similar to the School of Mind, but they are far from clear.
This is also the reason why when Zhao Duan read his works in Xiuwenguan, he felt that "there are some traces of Neo-Confucianism mixed in"!
Therefore, the more they debated, the more horrified he became to discover that many of the things the young man said actually echoed his own insights over the years!
even……
During this debate, some of Zhao Duan's words made him feel suddenly enlightened!
In other words, Zhengyang is now equivalent to a scholar with a background in Neo-Confucianism, who gradually becomes rebellious and develops some foundation in the School of Mind, but is still unclear.
At this time, he directly encountered Wang Yangming, who had already achieved great success in the School of Mind and whose doctrines were complete...
One can imagine how great the impact on his heart was.
If Zhao Duan had used this theory to debate with Dong Xuan, Dong Xuan might not have reacted so strongly. He would only think that there were huge differences between their theoretical doctrines.
That's all.
But Zhao Duan happened to be dealing with Zhengyang...
"Old man, calm down. I think it's getting late today. Why don't you go back and think about it and sort out your thoughts. We can talk about it tomorrow at this time?" Zhao Duan said with a smile.
He is controlling the pace of the debate.
Realize that it’s often better to pause rather than argue everything out at once.
"It's a deal!"
Zhengyang looked up and saw that dusk had fallen. He took a deep breath, said this, and walked out with the two disciples who were still a little dizzy.
"Sir..." Lu Cheng and Mr. Song looked at each other, the shock in their hearts still not dissipated. They stomped their feet and had to chase after him.
Watch the other person leave.
Zhao Duan rubbed his face, exhaled, and muttered:
“It doesn’t seem as difficult as I imagined.”
"What?" the girl in the light yellow skirt and green jacket beside him asked, her eyes filled with admiration and confusion. "Isn't this Zhengyang going to discuss academic matters with the Grand Tutor the day after tomorrow? Why is he willing to come out tomorrow?"
Zhao Duan smiled silently and did not answer. He just stood up and dragged his sister home, admonishing her:
"Don't tell anyone about what happened today."
…
As the sun sets, the capital welcomes another night.
The atmosphere in the city regarding the discussion on Houtian Meiyuan's academic debate was once again heated up, with countless people looking forward to the showdown between the two great scholars of the time.
However, almost no one knew that the debate had already started in the remote Bailu Academy when people were completely unaware of it.
No words were spoken that night.
Another day, and also the last day.
Grand Tutor Dong did not rest. He still took advantage of the last minute to give a lecture at the Imperial College that morning.
At noon, when Dong Xuan, wearing the robe of a university scholar and with white hair on his temples, left the Imperial College and returned to the Xiuwen Hall, he was immediately surrounded by a group of scholars.
"Master, this is the information you requested..."
"Grand Master, His Majesty has sent some tonics to replenish your energy and spirit..."
"Grand Master..."
The scholars started speaking one after another, and everyone even put down their desk work. As scholars, how could they not be nervous and uneasy?
Dong Xuan sat in the main chair in the room, his face showing fatigue. He raised his hand to take the teacup offered by Han Zhou, drank a sip, moistened his dry throat, and then said slowly:
"What's the public sentiment in the city?"
Wang You, the son of the Minister of Rites, said, "Not bad. More people support you."
Dong Xuan glanced at him and sighed, "Just a little more."
No one said a word. They all understood that although they had the advantage of location and people in the capital, they were unable to achieve unanimous public opinion. This was a dangerous signal.
"Forget it. How are the preparations for tomorrow's Plum Blossom Festival debate going?" After all, Grand Tutor Dong had seen many storms, so he asked in a deep voice.
The door of the room suddenly opened, and the "Female Prime Minister" Mo Chou stepped in and said calmly:
"According to your majesty's wishes, neither you, Lord Yuan, the Prime Minister, nor other important officials will be there tomorrow. The Plum Garden will be mainly for scholars."
Master Dong nodded and said, "Very good."
As for the imperial court, it lacks confidence in tomorrow's debate, so the empress must reduce the scale and impact of this matter.
As long as the top figures in the court do not attend, the impact of this matter can be reduced to a great extent.
However, it is conceivable that although the Empress and others will not go there in person, they will definitely keep a close eye on the news from the venue.
"Stop looking so gloomy and lifeless, as if you're hoping I'll lose."
Grand Tutor Dong looked around at everyone and smiled, "By the way, Zhao Duan didn't come today?"
This is going off topic.
Zhao Duan has been coming to Xiuwenguan every day these days.
"Not yet today, maybe he will be back later." Han Zhou forced a smile.
Master Dong laughed and scolded:
"In the past, this brat always stole the spotlight during the excitement, but this time he's finally wilted. If he comes over, I'll have a talk with him and give him the chance to play tomorrow. See if he wants it."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh, knowing that the Grand Tutor was joking to ease the heavy atmosphere.
"It's a pity. If Mr. Zhao had really devoted himself to studying since childhood, with his intelligence, he might have been able to find his own way and come up with something new." Someone said.
"In my opinion, Master Zhao is more likely to choose a simple and rough approach, such as sending someone to beat up Zhengyang so that he can't come tomorrow."
"Haha...it's something that Master Zhao can do."
For a moment, the room was filled with a happy atmosphere.
Mo Chou was also amused, but turned her head to look at the late autumn sky outside the house, remembering that day when Zhao Duan was seriously flipping through Zhengyang's books and looked distracted.
I couldn't help but have a weird thought:
"Does he really have no idea at all? Letting such a good opportunity to please His Majesty slip away? What is he doing now? He's not really going to beat Zhengyang, is he..."
…
…
White Deer Academy.
Under the towering ancient trees, among the rustling yellow leaves.
The second half of the debate began quietly without anyone noticing.
This time, the three people from yesterday were still watching the game. Zhao Pan didn't understand, but he had to come to support his brother.
Lu Cheng and Song Juren were obviously in a different mood than yesterday.
——Last night, the gentleman almost stayed awake all night.
After a night, Zhengyang looked even more haggard, but he also sorted out his theory and debated with Zhao Duan again.
Unfortunately, the rebuttal arguments that he had thought of overnight were defeated one by one by Zhao Duan shortly after they were put forward.
Thanks to his work as a secretary in his previous life, he is quite good at writing and speaking.
In particular, he was in control of the theory that Wang Yangming had spent his entire life honing to perfection, and used it to deal with Zhengyang, which was quite unethical.
Zhengyang's attitude today also made Zhao Duan feel a little strange.
If we say that in the first half of yesterday's speech, Zhengyang stood on the side of the Neo-Confucianists, defending the orthodox school of thought and refuting the school of mind with fierce words.
Today, his rebuttals were less forceful, and he asked more questions and inquiries.
This resulted in a less intense second half, especially in the eyes of Lu and Song, as their mentor raised questions again and again, and Zhao Duan would talk about them and resolve them like a butcher cutting up an ox.
There's a kind of...
Ask for advice on the sense of déjà vu!
Yes, please advise!
Just like in the past, when these disciples had doubts and asked their master for advice, the scene happened here.
The only difference is that the person who asked for advice was Zhengyang, and the "teacher" who answered his questions was Zhao Duan.
What a strange scene this is?
A great scholar of the time, the next generation of Confucian saint, almost gave up on defense and instead repeatedly sought advice from a court minion and military official.
Unbelievable!
But Lu and Song, who listened to Zhengyang's debate, felt that it was "natural", if one ignored Zhao Duan's young age and bad reputation.
From a purely academic theoretical perspective, although I don't want to admit it, I have to say that it is worthy of being among the best in the world.
"...Old sir, to sum up what has been said, if I were to summarize it, it would be this: 'The heart is neither good nor evil, but it has both good and evil intentions. Knowing good and evil is conscience, and doing good and eliminating evil is the study of things.'"
Zhao Duan finished with a smile and said lightly:
"That's basically what I'm talking about: the Xinxue (learning of the mind), or the New Learning. Do you have any other questions?"
Mr. Zhengyang sat opposite the stone table, seemingly in deep thought. The autumn wind blew, his long gray beard fluttered, and his cloak also shook.
He thought for a long time, finally raised his head, and said slowly: "I have one last question."
"You say."
Mr. Zhengyang suddenly raised his hand and pointed to a bunch of flower trees rooted in a stone wall not far away, under the towering ancient trees in the courtyard.
Most of the unknown flower trees have already withered, with only a few leaves and a few curled flowers hanging.
Zhengyang said, "There is nothing in the world outside of one's mind. Flowers and trees blooming and falling on their own in a deep courtyard have nothing to do with me."
Zhao Duan slowly stood up, straightened his robe, looked down at the old scholar sitting opposite him, and said calmly:
"Before you saw this flower, it and your mind were both in silence. When you came to see it, its color suddenly became clear, and you knew it was not outside your mind."
Zhengyang was stunned.
Lu and Song behind him were also looking at the flowers and trees in the cracked wall, lost in thought.
When the master and his two disciples came to their senses, they found that Zhao Duan and his sister had already left.
Go quietly, just as you came quietly.
"Sir, he's leaving now? No appointment to debate again tomorrow?" Mr. Song couldn't help asking.
Senior Brother Lu Cheng glanced at his junior brother who was much older than him and said helplessly:
"Tomorrow is the Plum Garden meeting. Master, you want to discuss academic matters with Dong Xuan, so naturally you won't make another appointment."
He turned his head to look at the Confucian sage who was still sitting on the stone bench, staring at the few dead leaves piled on the table, and said softly:
"Sir? It's getting late. We should go back. You can't stay up late tonight. You need to get enough rest, otherwise you will be exhausted tomorrow."
Mr. Zhengyang didn't say anything, just sat there, with Zhao Duan's words echoing in his mind.
There was no expression on his face, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. Only the unusual calmness on his face seemed to indicate that something extraordinary was brewing.
"Let's go back." After a long time, Mr. Zhengyang slowly stood up and said calmly.
Then he walked out.
The two disciples followed behind, looking at each other, both noticing the huge change in their teacher's state of mind.
"Senior brother, what's wrong with the master?" Mr. Song couldn't hold it in any longer and asked in a low voice.
Lu Cheng, who was younger but more knowledgeable and impressive, was silent for a moment, shook his head with a complicated expression, and said softly:
"I'm just worried that Zhao Duan has corrupted your heart. Well, let's wait until tomorrow. We'll know the outcome then."
…
That night, Zhengyang returned to the inn. The lights in the room were on until late at night before they were turned off and he went to sleep.
Lu Cheng and Mr. Song tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep the whole night.
I stared with my eyes wide open, waiting until the rooster crowed and the sky was about to brighten.
The day for academic discussion has finally arrived.
…
Zhao family.
Zhao Duan slept very well last night and woke up feeling full of energy early in the morning.
After having dinner with his aunt and sister, he changed into brocade and gorgeous clothes instead of his official robes, walked out of the door, and took "Xiao Wang's" carriage to the Plum Garden.
Zhao Panben wanted to join in the fun, but Zhao Duan stopped him:
"Today's Plum Garden academic discussion isn't an official occasion, but it's also not a place for entertainment or feasting, so it's not appropriate to bring your family along."
The girl stayed at home with a disappointed look on her face.
The Plum Garden is located on the bank of the Hun River. It is a garden that is highly sought after by literati and is also the venue for the city’s largest annual poetry gathering.
Today, when Zhao Duan approached the Plum Garden, he found that many scholars had gathered outside, all of whom had come to join in the fun, and the atmosphere was extremely restless.
However, those who can enter the Plum Garden are all people of status and can get an "invitation letter", so even though many people in the city are paying attention, they can only wait for the result.
"Master Zhao, you are here too?"
When Zhao Duan got off the carriage, he saw Da Bingtuozi hugging his arms and looking at him teasingly.
"Oh, Mo Zhaorong just arrived too? We two are really destined to meet each other. We have run into each other several times, right?" Zhao Duan said jokingly.
Mo Chou sneered and said, "Who is destined to be with you? I am waiting for you here on purpose."
Zhao Duan was flattered: "Could it be that His Majesty has some instructions?"
Mo Chou rolled her eyes, walked into the garden with him, and said:
"Your Majesty didn't give me any orders, but I just wanted to confirm that you weren't doing anything shady in secret, right? Like, plotting against Zhengyang or something? Or using some other trick or coercion to plot against someone?"
Zhao Duan cried out that he was wronged:
"Is this the image of me in your mind? If Zhengyang were a nobody, I might still touch him, but with this person's reputation, how could I mess with him and cause trouble for His Majesty?"
"..." Mo Chou replied with a chuckle, "I'm glad to know."
Although he said this, there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
——
5,000-word chapter, typos will be corrected later
(End of this chapter)
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