254. The proclamation lamp illuminates the long night, and a hundred schools of thought resound once more (Part 1) (Page 1/2)
Yu Xuezheng's words resonated throughout the house.
The scholars in the garden were filled with fervor!
"good--!"
"Headmaster! We believe in you!"
"I entrust my future to the headmaster!"
The fervent cries surged like waves.
Countless eyes gazed intently at Cui Xian, their trust bordering on reverence.
In this desperate situation, a teacher who can selflessly impart the secrets to passing the imperial examinations is the only hope!
Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang felt as if they had swallowed a bitter pill.
This child is eloquent and flattering, twisting the truth and distorting the facts!
It was clearly his scheming to seize power, yet he suddenly became a living bodhisattva who saves people from suffering.
This is outrageous!
The provincial governor, feigning composure, said in a deep voice, "This is a matter of great importance! Whether the chief examiner is truly ill still needs to be confirmed."
"Guards, go to the prefectural school immediately to investigate!"
The constable rushed off.
A short while later, the report came back: Instructor Zhu was indeed bedridden, unable to speak, and absolutely unable to fulfill his duties.
The last excuse has also been exhausted.
Seeing this, Zhou Xiang braced himself and said, "Even so, according to regulations, the newly appointed chief examiner must be jointly discussed by our provincial governor, the provincial judge, the provincial education commissioner, and the provincial censor, and then submitted to the court for a decision. It is not something that the three of us can decide on our own."
The scholars at the banquet were already extremely anxious.
Upon hearing this bureaucratic tone, a chorus of protests immediately erupted.
"You two are hesitating so long, could it be that you don't want the headmaster to take the exam, or that you have other plans?"
"We earnestly request Your Excellency to consider the cultural development of Henan Province and the future of countless students!"
Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang were certainly unwilling!
Why should Cui Xian want to be the chief examiner, but the two of them have to jointly vouch for him?
The dirty and tiring work is ours.
The flowers and applause are for you, Cui Xian!
Why should I?!
Today, if they both nod in agreement, it will be equivalent to participating in the matter of 'changing the chief examiner'.
He covered for Cui Xian.
The fact that Instructor Zhu fell ill could only be classified as an 'accident'!
But the crowd is in uproar, and the situation is about to spiral completely out of control.
Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang's eyes met again.
His eyes were filled with complex weighing of options and a sense of helpless frustration.
They understood that from the moment the academic official spoke first and the scholars rose up to petition, everything would change.
There was no other choice.
Cen Hongchang glared fiercely at Yu Chu and said in a hoarse voice, "To reassure the scholars and ensure the success of the provincial examination, I... second that proposal."
Zhou Xiang had no choice but to reluctantly agree: "We will immediately submit a joint petition to the Imperial Inspector, jointly electing a headmaster to temporarily assume the role of chief examiner! We will share all responsibilities!"
After the two finished speaking...
Ye Huaifeng followed suit, flicked his sleeves, cupped his hands, and said in a resounding voice, "Please, Headmaster, preside over the examination!"
Feeling resentful at being beaten to it, Liu Chong shouted even louder, "Please, Headmaster, preside over the examination!"
Inside the Zheng family's courtyard.
A group of high-ranking officials from Henan Province took the lead.
Countless scholars responded.
The calls for the headmaster to preside over the examination were deafening.
All eyes in the room were once again focused on the head seat.
Cui Xian slowly stood up.
The moonlight bathed his robes, and the young man's figure was as graceful as a pine or bamboo. He raised his hand and pressed down, and the noise gradually subsided.
"Thank you all for not abandoning me and for your kindness."
"I am but a young man with limited knowledge; what virtue or ability do I possess to presume this position?"
"However, you gentlemen have entrusted your life's learning and your decisions to advance or retreat with me. This is not just about Xinxian, but about trusting in the fairness of literature and the preservation of this culture."
His voice was clear and melodious, like the sound of gold and jade resonating, each word clearly reaching everyone's ears: "The Book of Rites says: 'In establishing a state and governing the people, education comes first.'"
"Now that the imperial examinations have been disrupted, scholars are filled with anxiety. This is precisely the time for us scholars to stand up and defend the Way."
"Though I am unworthy, having shouldered this heavy responsibility, how dare I not exert all my strength and uphold my integrity?"
"We must ensure that the selection of scholars is as clear as a mirror, and that the selection is based on impartiality, so that the poor and those from humble backgrounds can display their talents, and that the talented do not fail in their studies."
"This heart can be tested by heaven and earth, and can be faced with the bright moon."
Speaking of this...
Cui Xian cupped his hands to the sky, then continued addressing the crowd:
"Xian, I wish to share this bright moon with you all, and together illuminate our future."
"Ten days later, within the thorny chamber, we will see your pens flow like rainbows, living up to your lifelong learning and the trust placed in you tonight."
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire garden fell silent for a moment.
Immediately erupting were even more fervent, almost choked cheers and applause!
These words demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and stirred up boundless passion.
Countless scholars were moved to tears.
All my confusion vanished, and the road ahead was bright.
Great, it's the headmaster!
Our future is saved!
The moonlight, as clear as if it had been washed, poured into the courtyard.
The young mountain elder stood tall in the clear moonlight.
His clothes fluttered slightly, and although his face still showed signs of immaturity, his demeanor was as steadfast and imposing as a mountain.
It miraculously calmed the anxiety that filled the garden.
This brought peace to countless anxious hearts.
An old scholar who had once angrily denounced Cui Xian as a "traitor" couldn't help but think as he looked at that dazzling figure:
This young man's talent, temperament, and courage are all exceptional, a rare find in a century...
If you are willing to put aside those unorthodox and innovative ideas and wholeheartedly convert to the orthodox tradition of classical Chinese studies.
What a glorious and fortunate event this would be for our family and for the flourishing of scholarship!
What a pity!
Old Mrs. Cui was so excited that her eyes reddened: My grandson! My grandson is going to be the chief examiner for the provincial examination!
More than 20 years ago, her husband died at the examination hall in Kaifeng.
More than 20 years later, her grandson was in charge of the Kaifeng provincial examination.
The deepest, deepest scar in the heart of this once monstrous and hysterical old woman.
Today, it has finally been smoothed over.
As for Pei Jian and Li Heyu, they kept holding Wu Fuzi's hand, shouting "Awesome!" and "Who else can do this!"
Amidst thunderous praise and cheers.
Cen Hongchang and Zhou Xiang watched Cui Xian's performance expressionlessly, inwardly cursing in unison:
His singing, recitation, acting, and martial arts are all so sincere and heartfelt... This kid really deserves to go to the opera world and earn the salary of a top performer!
actor!
That's what actors are all about!
Choi Hyeon stood atop the wave of praise, a calm smile playing on his lips.
(This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading) 254. The proclamation lamp illuminates the long night, and the hundred schools of thought resound again (Part 1) (Page 2/2)
The moonlight illuminated his handsome profile.
But the thoughts in my heart were like a deep pool:
It's not that he likes to pretend, it's that he has to pretend.
Throughout history, what has been the fate of those who sought to reform corrupt practices and revitalize the world?
How many people can have a peaceful end?
Let's recount the annals of history.
Shang Yang's reforms strengthened the Qin state, but he was ultimately executed by being torn apart by chariots.
Chao Cuo strongly advocated for reducing the power of the regional military governors and was beheaded in the Eastern Market.
Wang Anshi served as prime minister twice, but his reforms were all abandoned, and he died in frustration.
Zhang Juzheng served as Grand Secretary for ten years, but his policies ended with his death and his family's property was confiscated.
Fan Zhongyan's "Qingli Reforms" were short-lived, leaving only the criticism of "factionalism";
Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism reached its zenith, yet his teachings were deemed "false learning" and banned during his lifetime.
Wang Yangming quelled a great rebellion and founded the philosophy of mind, yet his reputation and criticism continue to haunt him even after his death.
The deeper the interests affected by innovation, the stronger the backlash will be.
They either failed because they acted too hastily or because their foundations were not solid enough, because the old, deeply entrenched network was far more resilient than they had imagined.
The vandalism of his house and the stigma he suffered earlier served as a direct warning to Choi Hyeon.
If we truly want to rectify academic conduct and clean up official corruption, empty talk about morality is useless.
Only by taking advantage of the most open and prestigious opportunity in the world—the imperial examination system—to set questions and select scholars based on their writings, can one transform one's thoughts and ideas into examination essays and spread them among countless scholars.
This is the beginning of the most solid foundation for innovation.
However, this path is destined to be full of thorns.
Without tonight's preemptive strike, the awe-inspiring display of talent, and the strategic maneuvering to leverage existing momentum...
How could Cui Xian gather support and withstand the undercurrents of backlash in this complex official and academic world?
Therefore, tonight's "outfit" will become tomorrow's "sword".
The blade is pointed not for personal gain.
It is to restore this seemingly prosperous but internally ill world to the right path of the imperial examination system—
Fight your way forward!
The feast is coming to an end, but the real contest has only just begun...
No, it has already begun!
He broke the siege of Yuelu Mountain, became the headmaster, overpowered the Zheng family, intimidated the provincial judicial commissioner, granted secret keys to the prefectural school, wrote an astonishing eight-legged essay, hosted a banquet for all the scholars in the city, composed "Prelude to Water Melody," and presided over the provincial examination...
It's hard to imagine how one person could escape the attacks of thousands of old Confucian scholars from the ancient text school of Confucian classics.
They quickly broke the deadlock.
And they become more courageous with each setback!
Just as the garden was filled with jubilation for Cui Xian's appointment as the chief examiner.
A sudden and unexpected change has occurred!
Outside the gate of the Zheng residence, at the end of the long street.
Suddenly, more than ten lanterns of various shapes lit up like sparks and quickly approached.
The writing on the lantern was clear and bright, glaringly obvious in the night:
Ancient texts, modern texts, utilitarianism, human nature and ritual, Buddhism, Taoism, Daoism, Yin and Yang, the School of Diplomacy, Legalism, Military Strategy, Mohism, Agriculture...
There were also two plain gauze lanterns, inscribed with "Li of Longxi" and "Wang of Taiyuan," exuding a dignified and solemn air.
The deafening cheers abruptly ceased, as if severed by a sharp blade.
A dozen or so envoys, each with a distinct demeanor and attire, ignored the stunned servants and bewildered scholars at the gate and stepped into the garden together.
Their steps were steady, their eyes sharp, and in an instant they became the absolute focus of the entire scene.
The night wind suddenly turned cold, causing their robes to flutter wildly, giving them the imposing presence of a thousand troops pressing in.
Without waiting for anyone to ask a question.
The elderly envoy at the head of the group, with his white hair and ancient crown, spoke first, his voice as firm as iron, shattering the silence:
"I've heard that the abbot intends to redefine the interpretation of the classics? On behalf of the lineage of classical Chinese literature, I ask you: Where are the omissions in the ancestral chapters and magnificent classics?!"
Before he could finish speaking...
A sharp-looking middle-aged man next to him immediately added with a sneer:
"A cleverly worded 'new interpretation' is actually causing chaos in the academic tradition! I, a follower of the modern text school, urge the headmaster to clarify this matter!"
Immediately afterwards.
One voice after another rose and fell, some passionate, some cold, some ethereal, and some sharp.
Like a thunderclap, it exploded in everyone's ears.
The utilitarian Confucianist envoy said: "A wealthy and powerful nation is the true path to learning! Can the headmaster's empty talk possibly stop a single sword from the barbarian cavalry?!"
The representative of the Propriety faction declared: "The mind and nature, and the principles of Heaven, have their own standards! How dare the headmaster speak so recklessly?!"
The Buddhist messenger, with palms together and brows lowered, said: "The Buddha is compassionate, yet also roars like a lion. The abbot desires to become a 'saint' in this world, but does he know that the mortal world is full of suffering, and only the Buddha's teachings are the other shore?"
The Taoist messenger lightly swept his whisk: "Golden elixir and talisman, ascension to immortality. The abbot's desire to claim the title of 'saint' is already an attachment to appearances. Know that the highest good is like water, which wins without striving."
The Taoist envoy, with a serene expression, said: "The Tao follows nature, acting without acting, yet accomplishing everything. The headmaster's insistence on focusing on principles and reason has already fallen into a lower realm!"
The Yin-Yang School envoy said, "The principles of Yin-Yang harmony, the mutual generation and restraint of the Five Elements—the secrets of the Great Dao lie within these principles! Could the headmaster's new theory be placed within my Yin-Yang diagrams and deduced without error?!"
The strategist's envoy said, "With alliances and counter-alliances, hegemony can be achieved! Could a mere verbal dispute between the headmasters determine the outcome of a battle in the imperial court and the survival of a nation?"
The Legalist envoy said, "Law is the balance of power in the state! Punishment should not spare high officials, and rewards should not overlook even the common people. Can the headmaster's empty talk about morality possibly replace my laws, define right and wrong, and strengthen the foundation of the state?!"
The military strategist said: "War is a matter of vital importance to the state, a matter of life and death! The way to survival or ruin lies in strategic planning. Can the abbot's profound discussions possibly determine the fate of the three armies, decide the victory or defeat in the court, and secure the nation and its territory?!"
The Mohist envoy said, "The greatest benefit to the world lies in universal love and mutual benefit! The hungry cannot eat, the cold cannot wear clothes. Can the abbot's debates possibly resolve this predicament?"
The farmer's messenger said, "Agriculture is the foundation of governance, and food is the people's heaven! Can the lofty arguments of scholars possibly lead to an extra grain of rice in the fertile fields or an extra millet in the granaries?!"
The envoy from the Li family of Longxi, with a noble bearing, said: "Our family has passed down poetry and propriety, and we strive to apply our knowledge to practical use. The Longxi family has witnessed many trends in the world. We wish to see how our headmaster will transform profound words into practical policies and bring blessings to our great Liang land."
The envoy from the Wang family of Taiyuan, his gaze as deep as an ancient well, said: "A thousand-year-old family tradition, what I have seen is not singular. The headmaster wishes to ignite a new fire, which may start a prairie fire and illuminate the annals of history for future generations? Or... may it pass without a trace, leaving only scorched earth?"
Inside the Zheng family residence.
Everyone was stunned and speechless with shock.
It was as if I were witnessing the legendary ancient philosophers resurrected and descending together to punish me!
This goes far beyond the debates of intellectuals.
This is clearly a challenge in the realm of thought, a full-scale declaration of war in the struggle for the orthodox tradition!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com