Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 310: Question



Chapter 310: Question

Chapter 310 Prediction Questions

After making his comments, Zhao Mingcheng said with a smile:

"This article is incredibly insightful. The original can probably only be found in this room. After you leave, I will stay here. The talent within can nourish me every day, and perhaps this article will help me reach a higher level."

"This document is indeed a gift to Lord Zhao, and Lord Zhao may dispose of it as he sees fit."

Ye Ru nodded.

"Alright, I'll send someone to bring you bedding later. Get some rest and try your best to get good results in the imperial examination."

After Zhao Mingcheng finished speaking and saw that Ye Ru was alright, he took his leave. A short while later, two servants brought over the bedding.

“Ye Tongsheng, these are your things.”

"Just leave it here."

Ye Ru nodded, then walked to his desk and began to read. However, the two servants did not leave; they simply watched Ye Ru and dared not utter a sound.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

Ye Ru raised his head, frowned, and asked.

"Ye Tongsheng, we have all heard of your great name, and we are also students preparing to take the imperial examination in Zicheng. Could you teach us some lessons? That way, even if we fail the exam, we won't disgrace the City Lord's Mansion."

The two students looked hopeful and said...

"Let me teach you?"

Ye Ru pondered for a moment, thinking that although he possessed the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries, he was not the kind of person who liked to teach others.

"If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening." This saying comes from the Analects, Book 4, "Li Ren." You can take a look at this chapter. As for the Doctrine of the Mean, The Great Learning, and Mencius, just focus on the first three chapters.

"I will remember this, but there is one passage I do not understand, which is: 'The Master said, "The Book of Poetry has three hundred poems, which can be summed up in one sentence: 'Thoughts without evil.' The commentary on this sentence is that Confucius said, 'The Book of Poetry has three hundred poems, which can be summarized in one sentence as "all of them come from true feelings." However, the Book of Poetry is divided into three categories: Feng, Ya, and Song. Although this is true, people have selfish desires. If you say that the authors had no selfish desires, I certainly do not believe it. I wonder what your opinion is, Master?"

One of the students hesitated for a moment, then clasped his hands together and said rather nervously.

"What's your name?"

Ye Ru's heart stirred, and he asked.

"Zhao Fenggu" (Zhao's style and integrity).

Zhao Fenggu said.

The statement "This statement is correct, but the phrase 'thoughts are without evil' comes from the *Book of Poetry*, specifically the *Ode to Lu*, specifically the poem "駉". Here, "思" (si) doesn't refer to thoughts or intentions, but rather is a sentence-ending or sentence-beginning particle with no inherent meaning; "无邪" (wuxie) describes the horse's vigorous and forward-moving posture. This is a description of "sincerity" in classical texts. Furthermore, everyone has desires; even Confucius, before becoming a sage, possessed them. These desires are broad, encompassing power, money, or other things. Therefore, "thoughts are without evil" doesn't prove the author was without evil; it only indicates that objective circumstances evoked objective emotions in the author, prompting their song.

"The excellence of the Book of Songs lies in the fact that it is not a collection of poems composed in the court, but rather the author's objective feelings, which are the most basic qualities of a human being."

"Of course, this is just my personal opinion. You just need to take the essence and discard the dross."

Ye Ru put down his book, looked up, and shared his thoughts with Zhao Fenggu. His words were so profound and insightful that they caused the latter to stiffen, then seem to understand something immediately:

"I understand, thank you, my dear teacher."

"You are Lord Zhao's son, aren't you?"

Ye Ru suddenly asked a question that left Zhao Fenggu looking embarrassed:

"Indeed, he is Father's third son."

"You have ideas, which shows your talent. When the time comes, we will go to the examination hall together. Remember what I said: Before becoming a saint, people have selfish desires. Even the authors of some of the classics probably couldn't do what the saints said."

Ye Ru then added.

"I will keep that in mind. I will take my leave for now. I wish you good luck on the list."

Zhao Fenggu nodded, then slowly spoke, and then left.

"Phew, the imperial examination is finally here. After I pass the first level, I'll go to the State of Jin."

After Zhao Fenggu left, Ye Ru let out a breath, looked out the window, and seemed to remember something, his eyes narrowing slightly:

"Scholars of Jin, wait for me. I will avenge that humiliation."

……

For the next three days, Ye Ru practically buried himself in books, staying indoors every day and only reading. As his reading deepened, the room where Ye Ru stayed became increasingly filled with the aura of talent. This change was naturally noticed by the people of the City Lord's Mansion, who were both extremely surprised and impressed.

Day three.

"Today is the imperial examination. I wonder how Ye Ru is doing with his studies. However, judging from the talent he exudes, it seems that his understanding of the sacred path is becoming stronger."

Zhao Mingcheng, Zhao Fenggu, and the others arrived outside the courtyard where Ye Ru was. Looking at the talent contained within, they spoke softly.

"Father, what kind of person is Chief Ye? Just a few days ago, a single conversation of his saved me the trouble of studying ten books."

Zhao Fenggu turned his head and asked respectfully.

"He is a prodigy, and could even be considered the foremost among the younger generation of scholars. I fear that the rise and fall of our Yanhuang Kingdom will depend entirely on him."

Zhao Mingcheng's expression turned extremely solemn, and he then gave his assessment.

creak.

At that moment, the door was gently opened, and a young man stepped out. Ye Ru had long, disheveled hair and some stubble, making him look quite weathered, but his eyes were unusually bright.

"Lord Zhao."

When he saw Zhao Mingcheng waiting outside the door, he quickly bowed to him.

Good morning, sir.

Zhao Fenggu also bowed.

Good morning.

Ye Ru nodded and smiled.

"The examination will still be held at the Four Mirrors and Three Bright Platforms. The proctor is Xiu Hanlin. Your name has already been reported. However, it seems that you have offended his disciple, Yang Li. He may make things difficult for you later."

Zhao Mingcheng said.

"I'm not even afraid of the Demon Lord, so why would I be afraid of a mere novice?"

Ye Ru disagreed and said softly.

"That's true. You're someone who fears neither heaven nor earth. Who can intimidate you? I'm afraid even a half-saint wouldn't be able to frighten you."

Zhao Mingcheng joked.

"Lord Zhao, please don't make fun of me. I'm just a mere student, what big waves can I make? Let's go. After the imperial examination, I will make a trip to the State of Jin."

Ye Rudao.

"Is the Jin state concerned about the loss of 100,000 lives?"

A solemn expression appeared on Zhao Mingcheng's face as he spoke.

"Yes, to bring 100,000 heroic souls home, a scholar is the minimum requirement."

Ye Ru took a deep breath and said.

"Those bastards from Jin are shameless! We sent troops to Jin, but they betrayed us, resulting in the deaths of 100,000 soldiers at the hands of the demon race. I will definitely seek justice for this when I reach the Great Confucian Academy!"

Zhao Mingcheng said angrily.


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