246. Mid-Autumn Festival Literary Gathering - Water Melody - When Will the Moon Be Bright (Part 1) (Page 1/2)
No one blamed Xu Yizhi for his abrupt words.
How could I bear to let such exquisite writings be lost to time?
Thus, this scene unfolded outside the prefectural school.
The students' eyes burned with fervor, and they all took out paper and pens from their boxes, prostrating themselves on the ground to copy the text.
Cui Xian continued, “Those who see and know are born at the same time, while those who hear and know come from different eras. This is why hearing and seeing are different, but the Way is the same.”
"It is also said that Yi Yin delighted in the ways of Yao and Shun because his heart was virtuous and his success or failure was the same; the Doctrine of the Mean said that Yao and Shun were his ancestors because the lineage of the Way existed and the order of precedence was the same."
With each line he recited, the students were dazzled and their eyes widened, cheering loudly and applauding with waves of praise.
Some were so excited they wanted to clap their hands until they were broken!
What defines a peerless genius?
That's it!
The young mountain chief, dressed in a black robe, leaned against the ruins and sat on the ground amidst the rubble, telling his story with a smile.
Every word is precious, every sentence is exquisite.
Like a clear spring gushing from a deep ravine, it forms a masterpiece in an instant.
The students around the academy stared in astonishment, their minds reeling.
He couldn't help but fantasize about being possessed by his senior brother Cui, wielding his literary talent to dominate the imperial examinations, his pen sweeping away all obstacles.
Just thinking about it made my blood boil and I felt an overwhelming sense of exhilaration.
Wow, you're so talented! Are you out of your mind?!
Apart from the students of the prefectural school.
A group of elderly instructors with graying temples also rose shakily, gesturing in the air with their fingers, muttering to themselves over and over, tears streaming down their faces.
"So that's how it is... so that's the key!"
His excitement was like that of an old farmer who had discovered a long-lost farming secret.
Cen Hongchang, Zhou Xiang, and other Henan officials, including Yu Chu, who were ignored by everyone, all looked embarrassed and ashamed.
hateful!
No wonder Cui Xian called them all over.
They were originally meant to be there as foils!
You've certainly put on a show of sophistication and style.
They really don't care about our lives at all!
But looking at the excited students in front of them, Zhou Xiang and the others couldn't help but feel envious and jealous.
Because what Cui Xian imparted was the true 'key to scientific research'!
If they had had those conditions back then... they would have easily become the top scholar in the imperial examination!
That's what I was thinking.
Officials such as Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang looked at Cui Xian with a mixture of shock and apprehension.
As the saying goes: "Even a common man can become a teacher for generations, and a single word can become the law of the world."
From now on, when students of Daliang study the eight-legged essay and seek guidance in the imperial examinations, they will regard Cui Xian as their standard.
That--
What a terrifying influence it must have!
Cen Hongchang, who came from the classical Confucian school and was extremely sensitive to ideology, felt a sudden sinking feeling in his heart as he looked at Cui Xian, who was surrounded by fervent students and instructors.
"This boy... is actually gathering power?"
This clear thought, like a bucket of ice water poured over him, made Cen Hongchang extremely uneasy: "The secret is a pretense; the real purpose is to win over the hearts of scholars across the land."
The prestige of a mountain chief and the favor of the emperor are the ultimate goals that ordinary people strive for in their entire lives.
For Cui Xian, it seemed like just the first stepping stone laid casually.
"At only fourteen years old, he already possesses profound knowledge of this art..."
Cen Hongchang's hand, hidden in his sleeve, tightened slightly, a chill mixed with immense doubt surging within him: "Today he has amassed literary fame, but what will he use this overwhelming power to exchange for tomorrow?"
This unheard question made him more uneasy than any noise in front of him.
In fact, Cen Hongchang's unease was justified.
At that moment, no one noticed.
Cui Xian, who was eloquently uttering eloquent words, raised his head and met the gaze of an old instructor from the prefectural school, who was hunched over but vigorous and had sparse hair and beard.
This old instructor, surnamed Zhu, was originally the headmaster and instructor of Hongxi Academy in Shangcai County, Runing Prefecture, Henan Province.
One month ago.
Zhu Shanzhang was sent to the Kaifeng Prefectural School to temporarily serve as an instructor, while awaiting appointment to oversee the science examination.
Because he was selected as the chief examiner for this year's Henan provincial examination.
Doesn't that sound absurd and arbitrary?
But my friend, you must know that the world is a giant makeshift operation.
The imperial examination system was no exception!
The Great Liang Dynasty comprised two capitals, thirteen provinces, one hundred and thirty-seven prefectures, and one thousand one hundred and forty-nine counties.
If the imperial examinations in each region required the cabinet to send officials from the capital to supervise them, how would the enormous travel expenses be calculated?
How should field work allowances be calculated?
Ultimately, the national treasury is poor!
To save money.
During the more than two hundred years of the Liang Dynasty, the imperial examination system underwent countless reforms.
Finally, the cabinet elders actually came up with a seemingly absurd and outrageous idea that could solve the problem.
That is, to hire old scholars with low-ranking official positions, simple interpersonal relationships, and who can be replaced at any time, as the chief examiners of the provincial examinations in the province or neighboring provinces.
Firstly, it can save money.
Secondly, it can prevent officials in the capital from colluding with local officials in advance to manipulate the examination process.
Of the two points above, one is true.
Secondly, it's fake.
The makeshift team built the most important stage in the most cost-effective way.
The platform was naturally wobbly, and everyone wanted to go up and give it a push.
As a result, cases of cheating in the imperial examinations of the Liang Dynasty were rampant.
Local officials frequently manipulated the imperial examination system.
For example, Cui Xian.
He is now preparing to 'manipulate the examination halls of this year's Henan provincial examination'.
This could be fatal if you're not careful.
But it doesn't matter, because Mr. Huan Ying, the "mastermind" who "manipulated the imperial examinations," is no longer here.
On the night the old mountain chief passed away, he left Cui Xian with a pair of trump cards that could be described as a royal flush.
Firstly, a letter that would persuade Provincial Governor Cen Hongchang to resign and retire.
Secondly, Cui Xian was recommended to serve as the chief examiner for this year's provincial examination, in his capacity as the head of Yuelu Academy, and thus gain the right to set the questions.
Huan Ying passed away peacefully.
But this former abbot of Yuelu Academy, the undisputed political and spiritual leader of the ancient text school of Confucianism, still possesses an unparalleled and lofty will.
Everything is proceeding step by step according to Huan Yingsheng's arrangements.
And Cui Xian doesn't have to worry about anything.
Their only responsibility is to play the "trump card".
He didn't need to think about how Huan Ying persuaded Instructor Zhu to cooperate in manipulating the imperial examinations.
Not to mention whether there are any flaws or dangers involved.
He only had to wait for Instructor Zhu to suddenly 'fall ill' and be unable to proctor the exam.
Then, naturally, he could take over the position.
Amidst the shocked exclamations of countless students.
Cui Xian and the instructor Zhu exchanged glances, completing their exchange of information.
A moment later, they parted as if nothing had happened.
And the time has come for him to conclude this extraordinary essay, which he dictated.
"Taking things into account, Gao Yao's role as a minister cannot be compared with that of Yu and Tang; and Yi Yin's role cannot be compared with that of Confucius's compilation of great examples, but their origins are not different."
"Therefore it is said that we should wait for the sage to arrive without being confused for a hundred generations."
boom!
As the last sentence fell.
The students and instructors of the entire prefectural school nearly lost their composure.
Cen Hongchang, Zhou Xiang, and other officials were astonished and exclaimed, "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
How could there be a single essay in the world that simultaneously possesses reason, law, rhetoric, and spirit?
It elucidates the subtle details and sets lofty goals.
Elegant and vigorous, full of literary charm.
Profound and righteous, speaking on behalf of the sages.
I thought that the two articles, "Today's Heaven" and "King Wu Continues the Legacy of King Tai, King Ji, and King Wen," were already the pinnacle of the eight-legged essay.
Unexpectedly, there are even higher peaks above the peak!
Only Cui Xian can surpass Cui Xian!
Only Choi Hyeon!
This text, "From Yao and Shun to Tang," dictated by Cui Xian, was written based on the "Four Secrets of the Eight-Legged Essay" that he had just taught him!
The students recalled the four key methods and compared them with this essay, and were so excited that they trembled all over.
Outside the Kaifeng Prefectural School, there was an atmosphere of excitement and frenzy.
The white-haired student who asked the question had tears in his eyes, yet his face was filled with ecstatic joy, and he kept bowing to Cui Xian.
"Like a thunderclap, my mind was suddenly enlightened! The abbot's words are like a lamp in a dark room, illuminating my ten years of confusion!"
One student exclaimed in fervor, "Only today do I know what true literature is! All the books I read before were just waste paper!"
One student even wept as he bowed to Cui Xian with the respect due to a disciple, saying, "Teacher, your teachings have been like a second birth to me!"
Even several senior instructors from the Kaifeng Prefectural School stepped forward tremblingly and bowed to Cui Xian, saying, "Your words are worth more than thirty years of hard work in my studies. I am ashamed, but also very fortunate!"
You should know that these old instructors despise those who deviate from the norm.
Chen Chong, the former instructor of the Kaifeng Prefectural School, even once angrily denounced Cui Xian as a "traitor to the classics" on the debate platform!
(This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading) 246. Mid-Autumn Festival Literary Gathering · Water Melody Song · When Will the Moon Be Bright (Part 1) (Page 2/2)
But at this moment, all grudges must be put aside for the time being.
Because of Cui Xian's "Four Keys," the "uncertain situation" of the imperial examination was transformed into a "competitive arena" for writing.
From then on, those who had studied diligently by lamplight could finally determine their worth based on their talent and learning.
Instead of leaving everything to the unpredictable likes and dislikes of the master.
The transmission of this method has re-established a standard of fairness for scholars throughout the land!
This is the real reason why the students and instructors are so excited and keep bowing to Cui Xian!
He gave the thousands of students of Daliang a real key that could unlock all the questions in the imperial examinations.
Amidst a torrent of thanks and deep bows, Choi Hyeon rose with a smile.
The moment he stood up.
All sounds suddenly fell into absolute silence.
Outside the academy, before the ruins.
Only the sound of the wind remained.
Countless burning gazes were fixed on him, filled with excitement, admiration, and gratitude, almost tangible.
In a breathtakingly scorching heat.
A young voice, trembling slightly with excitement, broke the silence, having mustered all its courage: "Senior Brother Cui...please...say a few more words to us!"
Yes, let me say a few more words!
Whatever you want to say, let me say a few words!
Dressed in a black robe, Cui Xian stood before the ruins, his robes fluttering in the wind. His gaze swept over the crowd like stars, and his voice was as clear as a bell: "What I have taught you today is not fish, but fishing."
"To catch fish in the four seas and forge a sword for a thousand autumns!"
"With the provincial examination approaching, may all students embark on this journey—wishing their pens to soar to the Dragon Gate; and their hearts to illuminate the court!"
The young man, with a flourish of his long sleeves, spoke words as sharp as metal striking stone: "Even if one day there are mountains of questions and seas of problems, and rules are overturned and standards are broken, those who judge will have likes and dislikes as the tides rise and fall—"
"If you all guard the bright moon of the character '中' (zhong, meaning center) in your hearts, it will not be moved by ten thousand waves, nor can it be taken away by a thousand changes!"
With this bright moon shining upon us, what question will not be opened for you? What scroll will not be illuminated by your light?
"What is there to fear in the imperial examinations? What is there to be difficult about governing the people?"
"But I fear that you all—forget this moment, and instead use true knowledge to cleave through the chaos and awaken the powerful spirit within your own hearts!"
In conclusion.
He raised an eyebrow, exuding the arrogance and unrestrained spirit of a young man. His eyes shone like starlight as he laughed loudly, "Now that you gentlemen have obtained this method, do you dare to make a pact with Heaven and Earth?"
Hold this mindset and walk this path.
"Go forth—with your pens, carry on the true meaning of this place."
"For this glorious era, let us renew our courage and integrity!"
Absolutely amazing!
Before today, who could have imagined that an ordinary lecture could be elevated to such a height?
Brother Cui's words struck me like a hammer blow into stone, each word hitting my ears.
That force couldn't be heard.
It climbed up along the spine.
The students in the room suddenly straightened their backs, their eyes burning with a fire that made their jaws clench and their throats dry.
Only one thought was raging in my veins: Here comes the question!
At this moment, there was no fear of the provincial examination.
Only the desire and fighting spirit to enter the exam room and solve the problems!
"Give me the questions! Now! Right now!"
"I wish I could jump into the provincial examination hall right now and fight my way in and out seven times!"
"Since the headmaster has bestowed this agreement upon me, how dare I not uphold this 'heart' and hone this 'sword'? In the future, I will surely use this method to seize the championship and repay the kindness of your teachings today!"
"Yes! Win first place to repay our teacher's kindness!"
"We shall meet again at Longmen, and this method will not have been in vain!"
"It's a promise!"
Cui Xian smiled warmly, chatting and encouraging each other with a group of students.
His gaze inadvertently fell upon Yu Chu, the Henan provincial education commissioner, who stood awkwardly and embarrassed beside him, and his smile vanished instantly.
Yu Chu: ?
What do you want me to do? Say something!
Please stop messing with my mindset, okay?
In fact, it wasn't just Chuzhou that was breaching the defenses.
Officials like Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang, who had been relegated to supporting roles and background figures, were also teetering on the brink of collapse.
Is it over? Let it end soon!
Who exactly wants to see you showing off like this over and over again?
Just when Cen Hongchang and the others thought that this farce was finally coming to an end.
They heard a student say in a respectful tone, "The headmaster has imparted all his knowledge to us today; we students have no way to repay this kindness and virtue!"
"Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and we...we would like to contribute a small token of our appreciation by preparing a simple feast. We hope that you will do us the honor of attending, Headmaster, so that we may express our gratitude!"
This statement was enthusiastically echoed by the students.
Cui Xian laughed loudly, raised his hand and gestured to stop everyone from speaking: "You are all mistaken."
"As a teacher, how can I let my students spend money?"
"Our academy was selected by the Emperor's grace, precisely for the purpose of teaching and nurturing talents. Now that the provincial examination is approaching, we should do our best to be the host."
Speaking of which...
Cui Xian paused briefly, looking towards the back of the crowd.
The two brothers, Zheng Qizhen and Zheng Qixian, were standing there suspiciously, looking over here with suspicion.
These two men were likely terrified, suspecting that Cui Xian intended to take action against the Zheng family.
So they secretly followed.
As their eyes met, Zheng Qizhen immediately had a bad feeling.
Cui Xian smiled gently at the Zheng brothers and continued, "There is a Zheng family in Kaifeng who are known for their good deeds, generosity and righteousness. My family is currently residing in their residence."
"Then, taking advantage of this precious space, we will hold a literary banquet tomorrow, the Mid-Autumn Festival, inviting scholars from all over the city to gather together, and for all the esteemed officials to attend."
"Firstly, it's for family reunion during the festival; secondly, it's to encourage future generations and uphold the spirit of learning in Henan!"
After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.
W-what?
Inviting all the scholars in the city to a banquet at the Zheng family's residence?
What a grand gesture!
The students of the prefectural school stared wide-eyed, their mouths drooling with shame.
Upon hearing this, the Zheng brothers nearly fainted.
Officials such as Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang also experienced blurred vision.
Yesterday, the main hall of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner was decorated.
I put on another show outside the academy today.
That's not enough!
You'll have to keep putting on an act at the banquet tomorrow!
The key is to keep dragging us along, making us your supporting characters, so that we can shine with your dazzling protagonist aura!
Good heavens, when will this end?!
What I'm saying is, stop pretending it's real.
Your act is making us a little scared!
A student asked hesitantly, "May I ask, Headmaster, are you truly going to host a banquet for all the scholars in the city? How could the Zheng family possibly agree?"
Cui Xian gestured for the students to turn around and said with a smile, "The Zheng family is charitable and generous, so they will naturally agree, right, Patriarch Zheng?"
The benevolent and charitable Zheng family head: "..."
He really wanted to say defiantly, "You're right, my foot!"
But faced with Cui Xian's smiling gaze and the expectant eyes of hundreds of students.
Zheng Qizhen was silent for a moment, then forced a smile: "Master Shan is absolutely right."
"Tomorrow, everyone come... everyone come to the feast."
A deafening cheer erupted from the students outside the academy.
Someone else exclaimed excitedly, "Let's go! Spread the word! The headmaster is going to host a banquet for all the scholars in the city!"
"The headmaster is so generous!"
Zheng Qizhen: "..."
Get this straight, get this straight, I'm the one who paid for it!
Amid cheers.
Xu Yizhi withdrew his sympathetic gaze and looked at his headmaster with admiration.
Then, I gathered my thoughts and quietly picked up my pen.
Cui Zi's Sayings
Ecclesiastes.
Cui Ziyi lectured by the wall, teaching that "the key to solving problems lies in one's own grasp."
The moment the words were spoken, the entire courtyard fell silent.
Upon hearing this, an old instructor threw down his scroll and sighed, "All my life's learning has become superficial!"
The students stood solemnly, knowing from then on that there was a true path to learning, and they were no longer misled by empty words.
After writing.
Xu Yizhi looked up again, saw Zheng Qizhen's face full of indignation and heartache, and a mischievous thought arose in his mind.
So he lowered his head and casually added two more sentences, which have caused historians to argue endlessly for generations without ever reaching a conclusion.
—Rumor has it that when Cui Zi was 14 years old, he was penniless and penniless. The "Rules" record that his house was smashed, so how could he afford to host a banquet for the whole city? This is unreasonable!
—Why would the "Essays" inexplicably mention banquets for guests? It makes no sense at all and is definitely a later addition, a spurious error. In short, Xu Yizhi, as Cui Zi's disciple, would never have written it like this. This version of "Cui Zi's Sayings" is definitely wrong. So where is the real "Cui Zi's Sayings"? Useless archaeologists, keep digging!
At this moment, Xu Yizhi was of course unaware of what would happen in later generations.
He wrote it down casually:
Afterwards, Cui Zi hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet for all the scholars in the city.
People at the time said, "This is not just a banquet, but a way of welcoming guests with cups and goblets, and also a way of spreading the word."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com