259. Wanmin Sugar Industry Begins in Kaifeng (Part Two) (Page 1/2)
The bright moon hangs high in the sky.
Looking towards Zhouqiao West Street, there was the Bianliang Dibao (Bianliang Gazette) building that had been smashed to pieces.
A group of scholars, who had brought their own food to help, waited anxiously at the door.
Bodyguard Dashan craned his neck to look towards the street corner: "Why aren't the young master and the old lady here yet? They were supposed to start work at midnight!"
The official gazette editor, several veteran scholars who had become editors, and the craftsmen kept bowing to the air and silently chanting:
"May our ancestors protect us! Please, please, don't let anything else go wrong!"
God knows how desperate they were when the government office was vandalized.
"Here we come!" Da Shan's voice rang out.
Footsteps thundered in from the other end of the long street.
Cui Xian walked at the front, his black robes fluttering.
Behind him, more than a hundred people walked briskly, their faces flushed, their footsteps making a clattering sound on the bluestone slabs.
This spectacle stunned everyone.
...Great, what a great spirit!
The official gazette manager snapped out of his daze and quickly went to greet him: "Master! Young Master!"
He turned to the side, leading everyone to see the now brightened dilapidated courtyard.
There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
A perfectly respectable newspaper office, just two weeks ago it was all set.
Now they have to reopen in the ruins.
Old Cui's gaze swept over the oil lamps, over the neatly stacked papers, and over every tool that gleamed under the lamplight.
Finally, the gaze fell upon the eager yet anxious faces of the shopkeeper and the workers.
She nodded, her gaze confident, her voice steady: "It's a bit worn, but it's fine. The lights are on, the equipment is here, and we're all got our hands on it—"
"Our official gazette office will come back to life tonight."
Good heavens!
Did the owner drink some chicken blood somewhere?!
These two short sentences greatly encouraged the staff of the official gazette.
It stood up instantly!
After Old Cui finished his pep talk, he didn't waste any more words and immediately began to give orders: "Dashan, take your men and clear a path."
"Old Zhao, find all the usable woodblocks and put them away."
"Third Uncle, please have our men help to make sure these tables are properly secured."
The instructions were concise and to the point, without a single unnecessary word.
Those whose names were called immediately sprang into action—
Da Shan ordered his bodyguards to start moving the wood chips.
The official in charge of the gazette crouched down and slipped into the inner room where scrap was piled up.
With a wave of his hand, the third uncle sent several men from Nanyang forward, who quickly reinforced the large table that had been pieced together.
The awkward, helpless atmosphere in the courtyard dissipated with these instructions…
Suddenly it came alive!
Old Madam Cui then turned to Cui Xian, her tone softening, but her eyes gleaming: "Brother Xian, you need to make a big decision about the content of the first issue of the official gazette."
Cui Xian looked at his grandmother's straight back under the lamp and smiled.
He stepped aside to make way for the head of the table, gestured with his hand, and said in a clear voice, "Grandmother, you are the head of the household, so naturally you should make the decisions."
Upon hearing this, there was a slight pause in the surrounding area.
Upon hearing this, Old Cui raised her pale eyebrows, and the last bit of polite refusal on her face vanished instantly.
"good!"
Without hesitation, she responded and stood firmly in the center of the large table.
He rolled up his sleeve, revealing his wrist, one hand holding down the paper, the other holding the pen—
His posture was that of a head of household.
A group of people, including the Chen and Lin families, gathered around and stared intently.
Then his eyes widened suddenly, and he exclaimed, "Wow!"
Good heavens!
Because the content written by Old Cui is more and more explosive and sensational than the last.
—[Shocking! A fourteen-year-old student presides over the Henan provincial examination! Chief examiner Cui Xian, the exam questions may astound the world!]
—[The key to success in the rigid, formulaic writing style lies in the headmaster's "Four Secrets"! Master them and you'll rise from humble beginnings to high office!]
—[The Mid-Autumn Festival poem stole the show! "When will the moon be clear and bright?" may become an eternal lament!]
—[A proclamation soars into the sky! Cui Xian single-handedly battles a hundred schools of thought; the loser will be sent as a page!]
The atmosphere inside the venue exploded with excitement.
People couldn't help but read these headlines aloud.
The village chief and the third uncle led the cheers, and the men from Nanyang joined in the commotion.
The scholars were so excited that their faces lit up.
Purely practical information, packed with key takeaways!
You're not a true Liang citizen if you don't buy this official gazette!
Old Cui put down his pen, feeling bubbly with pride at the praise.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Her gaze swept over the crowd, she cleared her throat, and her voice, carried steadily by the warmth of the air, carried on:
"There is another matter—since our newspaper is based in Henan, our vision cannot be limited to just Kaifeng."
"Since the official gazette office has been vandalized, let's rise from the ashes and be reborn!"
"From this day forward, the 'Bianliang Gazette' will be renamed the 'Henan Gazette'! What do you all think?"
That would be great!
"Change the name! It must be changed!"
"Master's insight is brilliant! The *Henan Gazette* is truly impressive!"
The cheers and applause were even louder than before.
The dilapidated roof was almost blown off.
Even Cui Xian gave a thumbs up: "Truly, experience counts!"
"Grandma is amazing!"
This praise immediately made the others nearby feel a pang of jealousy.
Mother Chen unconsciously twirled the fabric of her sleeve with her fingertips: "Keeping accounts and verifying figures is my duty... Although I don't need it right now, I can't let my eye for managing household finances be outdone."
Aunt Lin glanced at the busy but orderly figures in the courtyard and thought to herself, "Settling these hundred or so people in terms of food, lodging, and daily life is a skill in itself. Tomorrow... I must be even more thorough."
Cui Zhongyuan coughed lightly, walked to the brightly lit area with his hands behind his back, feeling both anxious and achy.
Cui Boshan silently straightened the Xuan paper that his mother had just wasted writing on.
Putting aside the skill in calligraphy and painting, we should at least learn from this way of putting on a show and reassuring people.
The oil lamp flickered.
Old Cui held the pen, a smile playing on his lips.
His loved ones around him smiled, but their eyes all burned with a small, defiant flame.
It's never too early to develop skills; now is the time to put them to the test.
hateful!
They really wanted to be praised by Brother Xian!
This subtle atmosphere also affected the four great talents of Nanyang.
While busy with his work, Pei Jian casually asked Gao Qi and Zhuang Jin, "What did you two do at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet?"
"Could it be that Brother Xian has some kind of plan, secretly testing you two?"
Wow!
Pei Jian, are you born in the Year of the Dog? Your nose is so sensitive!
Zhuang Jin shook her head repeatedly, feigning ignorance: "No, I... I just overslept."
Gao Qi changed the subject: "Even if we're brothers, we still have our own private matters to attend to! Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask; you're being too presumptuous!"
Pei Jian and Li Heyu looked on with suspicion, not believing a single word.
I'd rather believe I am Qin Shi Huang than believe you two!
I'm so angry!
I knew it! When Brother Xian went down the mountain to clear things up a few days ago, he had a purpose in taking you two with him!
The two were so jealous they were practically deformed!
In short—
They looked at each other, their eyes sparkling with a defiant spirit.
The sparks crackled and popped, which, when translated, clearly meant:
You're only praising Old Cui, aren't you?
So you're only going to train Zhuang Jin and Gao Qi, right?
Just wait, Brother Xian!
The next person to impress you will definitely be me!
An invisible, slightly jealous yet vibrant competitive spirit quietly permeated the dilapidated courtyard.
It was this jealousy that made everyone work much more efficiently.
Choi Hyeon smiled, pretending not to see the subtle expressions on everyone's faces.
Instead, she casually dropped a bombshell: "Grandmother, add another item to the official gazette."
Old Cui paused, pen in hand, and looked up: "Add what?"
Cui Xian spoke in such a casual tone that it was as if he were saying, "Add an extra cornbread to your breakfast tomorrow."
“Write: The day after tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), at the Zhouqiao Wharf, Cui Xian will set up an altar, not for scholars, but specifically for the people of Kaifeng to give lectures.”
The museum fell into a sudden, deathly silence.
Even the crackling of the torches sounded harsh.
Gao Qi dropped the wooden tablet in his hand with a clatter: "Brother Xian! Are you crazy?! Arguing with the various schools of thought is one thing, but giving lessons to the common people is another! This is like smashing the rice bowls of the officials and throwing them into the streets!"
Pei Jian's face turned pale: "For three hundred years since Dong Zhongshu established 'the exclusive veneration of Confucianism,' scholarship has been the lifeblood of scholars and the wall that distinguishes the noble from the lowly."
"Brother Xian, are you... going to tear down this wall yourself?"
His voice trembled: "If the wall is gone, the foundation upon which Shihlin stands will... collapse."
Amidst a chorus of suppressed gasps.
Su Qi suddenly muttered to himself, his voice not loud, but it sent chills down everyone's spines:
"The learning of scholars is no less than that of commoners... This has been an ironclad rule for hundreds of years. If you were to lecture the people now, it would be tantamount to declaring to the world—"
"You have the right and the intention to redefine the right to teach and establish new standards for the sacred path..."
Speaking of which...
He looked up at Cui Xian with a complicated expression: "This isn't just lecturing, this is..."
“Paving the way to sainthood.”
The words "become a saint" struck like a thunderbolt.
(This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading) 259. Wanmin Sugar Industry Opens in Kaifeng (Part 2) (Page 2/2)
Everyone's minds were buzzing, and they looked at Cui Xian in horror.
It was thought that after the proclamation was sent into the air to challenge all schools of thought, it would surely provoke their wrath.
But now, good heavens!
Before any of the other parties could react.
Instead, we ourselves... launched another fierce attack, forcefully suppressing and beating up all other schools of thought!
I'm asking you, can you handle it?!
Cui Xian smiled, his eyebrows and eyes relaxed, shining brightly in the firelight.
He slightly raised his chin, his tone relaxed yet each word clear, revealing the unrestrained arrogance of a young man: "What, can't I become a saint?"
That's... an extremely arrogant statement.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Su Qi burst into laughter, slapped his thigh hard, pointed at Cui Xian, and exclaimed with excitement and admiration, "Arrogant! Truly arrogant! No wonder he's the only man I, Su Qi, admire!"
"If you don't become a saint, who will? If you're going to be one, it has to be someone like you—"
"A saint who dares to defy the heavens and forge new paths!"
beside.
Yan Siyuan, Qi Huaiming, and others were so excited that they pinched each other's thighs.
"Well said!"
Old Cui stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Cui Xian.
Her gaze swept over the crowd, and she declared decisively: "Saints are made by people, and paths are paved by people!"
Whether my grandson is qualified or not is for us to decide! The entire Cui family will stand with him to the very end!
Cui Zhongyuan straightened his chest: "My son aspires to the path of sainthood, and I will lay the foundation for you!"
Gao Qi grinned: "Alright! Saint Brother! From now on, I'll mention your name when we fight!"
The panic in everyone's eyes gradually subsided.
A thrill and awe of participating in the creation of history burst forth and grew wildly.
Although the villagers of Nanyang did not fully understand, they felt that the things they did with Brother Xian were more and more frightening and inspiring than the last!
Is it absurd?
In this dilapidated government office, a group of homeless people were discussing the need for a "saint".
Is that outrageous?
A mere 14-year-old student has declared that he is about to embark on a path of "sainthood" that no one has dared to tread for centuries or millennia.
But looking at Cui Xian's determined gaze, at Old Cui Shi standing in front of him with sharp eyes, and at the faces around him that went from shock to burning with embarrassment...
All of this, yet somehow makes sense.
It's as if history has been thrown into a vortex here.
They are standing at the center, about to be thrown into a magnificent future!
so--
What's there to be afraid of!
Just do it!
The morning light paints the sky white.
That night's *Henan Gazette* and everything it proclaimed were destined to be thrown into this world, which had been stagnant for too long, like wildfire.
This is more than just a publication in the official gazette.
This is Cui Xian, the future Confucian sage, turning towards the old era and the old order—
The first public declaration of war was issued.
The first thunderclap!
Dawn breaks.
Despite having been up all night, the group showed no signs of fatigue; on the contrary, their eyes were shining and they were full of energy.
"Set off!"
With a single command, Old Cui acted as if he were the commander-in-chief.
Mother Chen and Aunt Lin personally led the two most heavily loaded carts, walking at the front with their heads held high.
My father and eldest uncle each pushed a cart, their steps steady, their faces showing a solemn pride.
The brothers Gao Qi, Pei Jian, Zhuang Jin, and Li Heyu.
Along with a group of scholars who volunteered to help.
There were also the village head and Uncle San from Nanyang, and other men.
Some pushed carts, some carried on their shoulders, and some carried by hand, forming a large but orderly newspaper delivery team.
They blended into the nascent Kaifeng city with great spirit.
As the morning light completely tears through the night.
The *Henan Gazette* has swept through the streets and alleys of Kaifeng like an unstoppable storm—
It's selling like hotcakes.
The price of paper in Luoyang has truly skyrocketed!
The newsboy's voice became hoarse from shouting.
The orders to print more copies came one after another from Old Cui's mouth.
The engraver's wrists were almost dislocated from exhaustion.
The scent of ink permeated the entire Imperial Street.
Scholars rushed to buy, and merchants hoarded the goods.
Even women in their secluded chambers sent their maids out to buy them, just to catch a glimpse of the "Four Secrets" and the astonishing poems.
Every word in the newspaper seemed to have a hook, making people itch with desire.
The first to be ignited were the streets and alleys.
The crisp shouts instantly dispelled the morning drowsiness: "Read the newspaper! Breaking news! Cui Shan is giving lectures at Changzhou Bridge, teaching ordinary people all sorts of skills!"
"A fourteen-year-old student is to preside over the provincial examination!"
"The complete key to solving the problem is now publicly available!"
Pedestrians stopped and stared.
As soon as the teahouse doors were removed, the customers rushed forward to grab the tea.
Those who could read stammered as they read the title, while those who couldn't read listened in stunned silence.
"Giving lectures to ordinary people like us?"
For the first time, a confused yet bright light flashed in countless pairs of eyes that were used to looking down.
Shihlin was in complete uproar.
The academy and school were in an uproar.
Some people held the "Four Keys" as if they had found a treasure, their hands trembling with excitement.
Some people turned pale at the title "Public Lecture" and cursed, "Disgraceful and spreading heresies."
Many more people were left bewildered and shocked.
The high wall of knowledge that they relied on for promotion and to distinguish themselves from "commoners" seems to be being blasted open with a glaring crack by the black and white words in the newspaper.
The atmosphere in the government office was somber.
Inside the Provincial Administration Office, the newly delivered official gazette was slammed onto the table.
"Outrageous! Absurd!"
Cen Hongchang's beard trembled: "What exactly does he want? This brat dares to act recklessly just because Jian is favored by the emperor!"
As the provincial inspector Zhou Xiang stared at the four characters "public lectures," his eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
Zheng Family Study.
Zheng Qizhen gripped the newspaper, his knuckles turning white, a chill running from his tailbone straight to the top of his head.
Too fast...
That was the only thought that remained in his mind.
Last night, Kongming lanterns carrying the declaration of war rose into the sky; the embers of the declaration of war have not yet cooled completely.
This morning, an even more insane and deadly blow was delivered to everyone's face along with the newspapers!
If issuing a proclamation to the world is a declaration of war, it is telling the world, "I want to challenge the rules."
Therefore, this "lecturing to the people" is truly drawing the sword from its sheath, aiming at the very core of the old order's Achilles' heel—
The monopoly of knowledge and the privilege of education have marked the first step on the path to sainthood!
This is not a provocation, this is a verdict!
This heralds the imminent arrival of a completely new and disruptive "Tao".
A bone-chilling cold permeated the entire city.
Daxiangguo Temple.
Suddenly, the prayer beads in the abbot's hand snapped, and the sandalwood beads rolled to the ground.
He was completely oblivious, staring intently at the official gazette: "Last night's manifesto could still be regarded as the ravings of a madman... Today's actions are like a Bodhisattva lowering his head and a Vajra glaring in anger!"
"He's trying to... establish a separate monastery in the human world!"
A group of monks gasped in unison.
Kaifeng.
Qingwei Guan.
The abbot's whisk fell to the ground, his voice hoarse: "Yesterday's challenge was nothing more than a verbal dispute. Today's lecture... is to seize the very foundation of my lineage and reshape the hearts and minds of the people!"
The Legalist scholar's face turned ashen: "The proclamation is empty rhetoric and can be laughed off. But to open a platform to teach the common people 'debt and reason' is to sow the seeds of chaos in the hearts of the masses! This is to undermine the very foundation of the law, more dangerous than a flood or a ferocious beast!"
The Mohist craftsmen looked at each other in horror: "Universal love is about action, not words. Now he wants to enlighten the people with words. If he makes the common people think about 'why we work' and 'for whom we labor'... the order of labor in the world will be in chaos!"
Before the star chart of the Yin-Yang school.
Madman Yao Guang overturned his teacup, his eyes wide with astonishment: "The transformation is complete! Yesterday was a spark, today it's a prairie fire! This boy... has already embarked on that 'unconventional path'!"
"Young Confucian sage, you are truly remarkable!"
Panic, real panic, is now spreading like a plague.
Yesterday's Choi Hyeon was an opponent to be taken seriously or mocked.
In their eyes, Cui Xian today is a terrifying figure who is redefining the meaning of "sage" through his actions and openly seizing the power of "education".
This is no longer a dispute between schools of thought, but a struggle for the survival of the orthodox tradition!
All schools of thought, regardless of their diametrically opposed doctrines, felt at this moment the same near-annihilation threat.
A sense of impending doom and looming hostility, along with a feeling of impending doom and shared hatred, spread silently.
And the source of all this storm—
Cui Xian.
He stood quietly by the window of the Henan Dibao office, gazing at Kaifeng, the city he had single-handedly stirred up.
He had no sword in his hand, and no wind in his sleeve.
But everyone seemed to hear the thunder that erupted from the silence, and saw the heavy walls of the old world tremble as he took that step.
A hundred schools of thought contend?
No!
What he wants is for him to define, in this noisy and bustling era, what is a true "voice".
Let the livelihood of the people be our guide, and let the undying flame in our hearts be our light.
He will ring a bell that is unlike any ancient tune or old melody.
Its voice was not meant to subdue anyone.
Rather, it is to ensure that this era, from now on, can only hear this one magnificent echo—
The world belongs to everyone.
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