ng Changce’s upcoming arrival in the capital to lecture held no allure for Zhao Yao. First, he had no intention of currying favor with ng Changce. Second, he was neither a literati nor a student, not particularly passionate about scholarship, nor did he wish to beco a literary giant. Third, ng Changce was soone that both the Crown Prince and Prince Dai were keen to draw close to, making Zhao Yao more inclined to avoid him altogether.
Zhao Yao also had no plans to attend ng Changce’s lectures. His aptitude for studying wasn’t great, and he deed it unnecessary to listen to Mr. ng’s teachings, fearing he wouldn’t understand them even if he did.
Although ng Changce was highly esteed and profoundly respected by scholars and students across the land, Zhao Yao did not hold such... reverence for Mr. ng. However, Mr. ng’s character was indeed admirable; he did not seek fa or dishonest gain, remaining a true scholar with profound literary accomplishnts that significantly fostered literary progress in Great Zhou.
He Lianfang generally despised those scholars and students of Confucianism, considering them vain, profit-seeking, and pedantic. Yet, he also held great respect for ng Changce.
ng Changce was the foremost great scholar of the era. It’s no exaggeration to say he held an imnsely high stature in the hearts of scholars across the land, almost venerated as a saint among current scholars and students. His influence on the learned was greater than that of the emperor.
Scholars in the world may not know who the emperor is, but it’s impossible for them not to know who ng Changce is.
The influence of a great scholar of the ti could surpass even that of the emperor. If ng Changce were dissatisfied with the imperial court, its reputation would beco very poor, its situation naturally arduous, possibly even ruining the court at tis.
An emperor desiring a good reputation, even if secretly resentful of the great scholar, must outwardly show respect to them. Fortunately, true great scholars care not for mundane affairs and refrain from ddling in court matters, so the emperor does not act against them.
If a great scholar ddled in court affairs and angrily cursed the emperor, their fate would be to succumb to illness or et with an accident, never living well.
When the Great Zhou was first established, the late emperor repeatedly sought ng Changce’s assistance to revise the rites and musical orders, as well as the moral codes and human relations, but ng Changce refused.
During the previous dynasty, ng Changce had once erged but beca deeply disillusioned with the world. From then on, he withdrew into seclusion, wholeheartedly devoted to scholarly research, caring no longer for worldly affairs.
This ti, ng Changce’s decision to lecture was profoundly surprising. It seed the Crown Prince and Prince Dai’s people had greatly troubled him during this period.
ng Changce’s impending lecture in the capital was a grand occasion for scholars and students across the land, a celebrated event in their hearts.
He Lianfang originally thought Zhao Yao would want to hear ng Changce’s lecture, yet he did not expect him to disapprove.
"Why do you not want to go?"
"What’s the point of going?" Zhao Yao was disinterested in joining the fray. "I’m neither pursuing scholarship nor seeking an official position, so there’s no need to listen. Besides, with a great scholar like Mr. ng lecturing, he’ll surely discuss profound topics I, as a young child, wouldn’t understand."
"It won’t be like that; a great scholar like ng Changce lectures in an accessible manner. No matter who listens, they will understand and greatly benefit," He Lianfang persuaded Zhao Yao. "You should listen; it would do you no harm."
"I’m afraid I’d fall asleep listening." Zhao Yao candidly admitted his self-awareness.
He Lianfang chuckled, "ng Changce genuinely possesses knowledge. His lectures encompass insights derived from a lifeti of study, unlike those charlatans who deceive people. You truly should listen."
Seeing He Lianfang’s admiration for ng Changce, Zhao Yao was sowhat surprised.
"Second uncle, are you going? If not, should we go together?"
Zhao Yao did not notice the faint sadness that flashed in He Lianfang’s eyes as he said this.
"My legs are inconvenient, so I won’t go," He Lianfang appeared neutral, his deanor serene as he continued, "I have no need to listen to lectures."
Zhao Yao glanced at He Lianfang, opened his mouth as if to say sothing, but after so thought, kept silent.
He Lianfang did not continue the subject, diverting instead to instruct Zhao Yao in military strategy.
Zhao Yao did not stay with He Lianfang for dinner. He left before the al to head to what was forrly the Grand Commandant Mansion, now more suitably referred to as the Zheng Mansion.
Zheng Cheng and Zheng Qian had been awaiting him for quite so ti.
As for Zheng Rang, he had gone to Liangzhou two years ago and was now a Grand Minister of Agriculture beside Prince Chu, highly valued by him.
Reviews
All reviews (0)