NABC Chapter 137 Sheng Hong's Crisis
Chapter 137 Sheng Hong's Crisis
Chapter 137 Sheng Hong's Crisis
"It's not that I didn't want to mention it, but Brother Zhao's identity is somewhat special," Wang You said.
"special?"
Feng Ping was taken aback and said, "Could he be a member of the imperial family? Even so, it wouldn't be a big deal, would it?"
The imperial court only restricted private interactions between officials of a certain rank and members of the imperial family.
He was still a commoner, and Wang You's rank was not high enough. Even if Wang You had reservations, it wouldn't be to the point that he didn't dare to mention it.
"He is the heir apparent of the Prince of Yong," Wang You said.
"I see."
Upon learning Zhao Sheng's identity, Feng Ping understood why Wang You hadn't mentioned him in the letter.
There was a risk of the letter being lost, and although there was nothing between them and Zhao Sheng, it wouldn't be good for others to know.
Feng Ping glanced around and whispered, "Ziqian, which of the two princes do you think will win?"
"How can I explain such a thing? Ultimately, it depends on the Emperor's decision." Wang You shook his head slightly, unwilling to discuss the topic.
Upon hearing this, Feng Ping didn't bring it up again. He chatted with Wang You for a while, and seeing that it was getting late, he declined their offer to stay and took his leave.
Wang You saw him to the door.
"By the way, Ziqian, there's a poetry gathering in a few days, organized by students from the North. Would you be interested in coming?" Feng Ping said.
"I have some things to take care of recently, so I won't go. I'll come see you after the ten-day holiday in a few days."
Wang You smiled and said, "In recent years, Bianjing has seen the emergence of many excellent restaurants and snack shops. I'll take you to try them sometime."
During each imperial examination, there were poetry gatherings in Bianjing almost every day.
The real purpose is to gain fame.
If one can become famous before the imperial examination, one can gain the favor of princes and nobles.
Those who truly possess status and position would never wait until the day the results are announced to seek a son-in-law.
They will select some outstanding students in advance and give them some hints.
In this way, once he passes the imperial examination with flying colors, he can marry his daughter off to another man.
In the original drama, Sheng Hong wanted to marry Mo Lan to Wen Yan Jing, but he only hinted at it and did not make it official.
If Wen Yanjing passes the exam, the marriage will naturally be arranged; if he fails, Sheng will not accept it.
This was true not only for the Sheng family, but also for families like the Hai family.
After Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination with flying colors, Old Madam Sheng took him to the Hai family to finalize the marriage.
"Judging people" is just a way of putting it; passing the imperial examination is the real key to success.
Therefore, scholars were keen to make a name for themselves before taking the imperial examinations, so that they could find a powerful patron in advance and then directly refuse any suitors who wanted to marry them after they passed the exams.
These scholars would even rack their brains years in advance to prepare poems and lyrics, hoping to make a name for themselves in Bianjing.
On the eve of each imperial examination, a great many excellent poems would emerge at poetry gatherings.
The bookstores in Bianjing would then compile these poems, publish them as anthologies, and sell them throughout the country, not to mention they would become bestsellers.
Wang Youke had absolutely no interest in this kind of gathering.
Feng Ping laughed and said, "Ziqian, your personality hasn't changed at all. In that case, I'll be going now."
Watching Feng Ping's departing figure, Wang You murmured, "I haven't changed, so I don't know if you have."
Back then, Feng Ping still possessed the simplicity of a border boy.
But Feng Ping had just asked him who would win between the Prince of Yong and the Prince of Chong, making it difficult for Wang You to determine his purpose.
Whether it was simple curiosity or something else, after learning Zhao Sheng's identity, who knows?
Wang You gave a self-deprecating laugh, turned around, and entered the mansion.
Another half month passed, and Sheng Family Academy officially suspended classes.
With only three days left until the imperial examination, in Zhuang Xuejiu's words, continuing to attend classes would not be of much use; it would be better to rest well and prepare for the examination.
Wang You didn't need to participate in the imperial examinations, so he didn't feel any urgency.
He was initially excited to have finished his studies, but when he woke up the next day, he felt aimless.
It's no wonder that scholars in ancient times liked to visit brothels; they really didn't have much else to do.
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
I've visited all the scenic spots near Bianjing (Kaifeng) over the years.
I didn't realize it when I was studying, but now that I don't have to study, I really don't know what to do to pass the time.
Wang You lay on the soft couch, idly reading a storybook, when a maidservant hurriedly entered, bowed, and said, "Young Master, the Hai family has sent someone to say that Vice Minister Hai wants you to go to the Mei family immediately."
"Did you explain why?"
Upon hearing this, Wang You immediately sat up.
"No, but the servant boy who delivered the message is still waiting outside the courtyard," the maid said.
"Go and bring the person in, I'm going to change my clothes."
After Wang You finished speaking, he hurriedly went into his bedroom, changed his clothes with the help of a maid, and came out to see a servant boy standing in the hall.
"Did the teacher tell me to go to the Mei family? What did he say about it?" Wang You asked.
"A messenger from the Mei family said that Mei Zhi is dying and requests that you and Young Master Wang come over."
The servant said, "The master set off immediately and sent me to inform Young Master Wang to go to the Mei family at once."
"What?"
Wang You was startled upon hearing this and hurriedly walked outside.
Over the years, he has also consulted Mei Yaochen on some issues, so he can be considered Mei Yaochen's mentor.
He hadn't been to the Mei family for almost a year. The last time he went, Mei Yaochen seemed to be in good health, but he never expected him to suddenly be on the verge of death.
Mei Yaochen's children and grandchildren waited outside with sorrowful expressions.
Inside the inner bedroom, only Mei Yaochen and Hai Wenqing were present.
"Shengyu, why are you doing this?"
Hai Wenqing looked at his friend whom he hadn't seen for over a year. The friend was now thin and bony, with a complex and sorrowful expression.
Mei Yaochen is only in his early sixties.
"Baekhyun, are you still blaming me?" Mei Yaochen asked calmly.
"Why does Sheng Yu say such a thing?" Hai Wenqing asked, frowning.
"The philosophy of mind was proposed by Ziqian, but I gathered many scholars to perfect it. You really don't blame me?" Mei Yaochen asked.
When Wang You consulted him, the two chatted and gradually came up with the concepts of the philosophy of mind.
Mei Yaochen offered to find someone to help him perfect the philosophy of mind.
Although it can't be considered stealing Wang You's fruits, in his view, since the philosophy of mind has taken root in Wang You's heart, he can perfect it as Wang You's ideas gradually mature in the future.
He was taking advantage of the situation by leading people to improve things.
If the philosophy of mind gains a very good response in the future and becomes a new school of Confucianism, then Wang You can only be considered the founder, while he is the one who brings it to its culmination.
"Although the philosophy of mind was proposed by Ziqian, he himself said that he only had a general idea, and even if he devoted his whole life to it, he might not be able to perfect it."
Hai Xuewen said seriously, "You've put in so much effort to perfect it, why should I blame you?"
"That's good."
Mei Yaochen laughed and said, "Perhaps people think more when they are about to die."
"Saint Yu!"
Just then, a series of urgent shouts came from outside, and soon Ouyang Xiu staggered in.
"Shengyu, have you consulted the imperial physician?"
Ouyang Xiu said with a sorrowful expression, "The last time we met, you were full of energy, telling me about your philosophy of mind. Now, only half a month has passed, how have you become like this?"
"Uncle Yong, there's no need to be sad."
Mei Yaochen laughed and said, "Death is not scary. What is scary is not leaving a trace and being forgotten by people thousands of years later."
My body has actually been failing for a long time; it is my unwavering commitment to perfecting the philosophy of mind that has sustained me.
Otherwise, I might have died long ago. If I had lived longer and completed my studies of the mind, you should all be happy for me.
Ouyang Xiu looked at the carefree Mei Yaochen, opened his mouth, and for a moment didn't know what to say.
"I've called you here because I want to entrust the study of mind to you."
Mei Yaochen said, "Ziqian is still too young to promote the School of Mind. My health is failing me, so I can only ask for your help."
There is no order of precedence in learning; those who are accomplished are teachers.
However, if one wants to promote a new doctrine, even one that incorporates Confucian thought, one still needs a highly respected figure in the academic community to endorse it.
Even a great scholar, writing a simple and easy-to-understand passage, can be interpreted in countless ways.
However, even if a scholar with little reputation writes a groundbreaking work, it is difficult for him to gain recognition.
"Don't worry, we will definitely help you fulfill your last wish," Hai Xuewen said.
"Baekhyun, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Ouyang Xiu said angrily, "There may still be hope for Sheng Yu's recovery."
"alright!"
Mei Yaochen said, "I know my own body well. The doctor said two years ago that I might not live to see the New Year, but I still lived for more than a year longer."
"That's a quack doctor. I'll go to the palace right now and beg His Majesty to send an imperial physician to treat you." Ouyang Xiu said, and started to walk out.
"Uncle Yong!"
Mei Yaochen quickly stopped Ouyang Xiu and said, "I'm already at my last gasp. Don't you even intend to see me one last time?"
"I--"
Ouyang Xiu stopped and covered his face, weeping.
"Baekhyun, Yongshu."
Mei Yaochen said, "Nowadays, scholars from all over the country are flocking to Bianjing to participate in the imperial examinations."
Once the imperial examinations are over, it will be a great opportunity to promote new learning.
You can take this opportunity to promote new learning, but you must not mention Ziqian's name at the beginning.
After the philosophy of mind is accepted by some people, I will show them my handwritten copy of the book, on which I have personally noted that the philosophy of mind was proposed by Ziqian.
"Um.
""
Seeing Mei Yaochen looking at them, Hai Wenqing and Ouyang Xiu could only nod.
Wang You arrived at the Mei family's residence and hurriedly walked towards the backyard under the guidance of a servant.
As soon as I arrived in the backyard, I heard a loud cry.
Upon entering the backyard, they saw Hai Wenqing and Ouyang Xiu standing there with sorrowful expressions, while chaotic crying could be heard from inside the house.
"Teacher, Teacher Mei—" Wang You's voice trembled as he looked at Hai Xuewen.
"He's already gone."
Hai Wenqing said in a hoarse voice, "Go and pay your respects after the encoffining is finished."
Wang You nodded sullenly upon hearing this, his expression downcast.
"Come with me."
------
Hai Wenqing led Wang You outside the courtyard and recounted Mei Yaochen's last words to him, then asked, "Do you know why Shengyu instructed us not to mention your name yet?"
"Master Mei is trying to use his reputation to pave the way for the School of Mind," Wang You said.
"I'm glad you understand." Hai Wenqing patted Wang You on the shoulder.
When a new theory emerges, it will initially be rejected by many people.
Because this is no longer a simple cultural issue.
Confucianism is a prominent school of thought, and even if the philosophy of mind is based on Confucianism, it will not be accepted by people.
This has nothing to do with whether the philosophy of mind is good or bad.
If the School of Mind were to spread, would it receive support from the imperial court, and would the imperial examinations in the future favor the School of Mind?
Although the possibility is small, no one is willing to take the risk as long as there is even a slight possibility.
For renowned Confucian scholars, this would be even more contrary to the philosophy of mind.
Because once the philosophy of mind is popular, those who participate in the research and improvement of the philosophy of mind will become great Confucian scholars and be respected by people.
After all, these great Confucian scholars studied and learned from their predecessors, while the philosophy of mind was created in the present.
One is a successor, the other is a pioneer; it's easy to see who is more respected.
Although Mei Yaochen was highly respected among literati, Hai Wenqing and Ouyang Xiu were also quite famous.
However, the three of them still found it difficult to promote a new theory.
In fact, the various schools of thought during the pre-Qin period were gradually accepted only after being refined and promoted by generations of people.
It's not like something is created and immediately accepted by people.
The same applies to later schools of thought, such as Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind; they were only gradually accepted and recognized after many years.
Given the vested interests involved, the resistance is considerable.
But now that Mei Yaochen is dead, the philosophy of mind can be said to be his painstaking work.
Since ancient times, there has always been a saying that the dead are the greatest.
With Mei Yaochen's death, even those who opposed him couldn't directly attack the philosophy of mind and Mei Yaochen, even if they tried to prevent its promotion.
However, it would be different if it were revealed that Wang You was the one who proposed the philosophy of mind.
Then they can attack the School of Mind and Wang You.
It can be said that Mei Yaochen, even until his death, used his posthumous influence to pave the way for the School of Mind.
After Mei Yaochen's body was properly encoffined, placed in a coffin, and moved to the mourning hall, Wang You went to offer incense.
By the time he finished offering incense, people had already heard the news and came to pay their respects.
Around noon, the Emperor sent an imperial eunuch to offer condolences and comfort the Mei family.
He also conveyed an oral edict that the Ministry of Rites would draft a posthumous title for Mei Yaochen.
Wang You then took his leave and departed from the Mei family.
The next day, Wang You accompanied his father to the Mei family to pay his respects.
During Mei Yaochen's funeral, the imperial examination also began.
The imperial examination lasted for nine days before it finally ended.
When they took the imperial examination, the candidates looked radiant, but when they came out, they had all lost a lot of weight.
The examination room in the examination hall was a small cubicle where you couldn't talk to anyone, and you ate, drank, and slept there. You can imagine what it was like.
Half a month after the imperial examination ended, the day for posting the results arrived.
Because Mei Yaochen was to be buried in the next few days, Wang You did not go to join in the festivities.
Just like in the original drama, only Sheng Changbai passed the exam at the Sheng Family Elementary School.
Qi Heng, Gu Tingye, and Sheng Changfeng all failed the exam.
On this day, Wang You returned home after attending a funeral and learned that Madam Wang had arrived.
Upon arriving at the main hall, before even entering, one could hear weeping coming from inside.
"You-ge'er, you're finally back."
When Madam Wang saw Wang You enter, she forgot about crying and said urgently, "Yesterday your uncle went to the palace for court and was left there. He hasn't returned yet."
The attendants inquired with the eunuchs, who only said that the emperor had kept them behind for a meeting.
But even after the palace gates closed that night, he still hadn't returned.
"Is this really true?"
Wang You feigned shock.
He knew immediately that Sheng Changfeng was just like in the original drama, talking nonsense while drinking with others.
The emperor kept the fathers and grandfathers of those young masters in the palace.
Sheng was able to return safely without being punished, thanks to Minglan's words.
However, in this timeline, Minglan did not say those words; instead, Wang You said something similar.
I wonder if Sheng Changbai told Sheng Hong these things.
If not, Sheng is in some danger.