Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 592 Igniting the Sacred Flame!

Wang Shoulian considered himself a disciple of the sage throughout his life, and whenever he heard someone praising the sage's way, he would consider them a fellow believer.

Zhu Su's words struck a chord with him.

For the first time ever, Wang Shoulian's stern face shone with a radiant glow.

He rose from his seat in excitement, stepped forward to help Zhu Su, who was about to bow again, and sighed deeply: "Mr. Cao, though living in the Western Regions, has his heart set on China and never forgets the teachings of the sages. Such a pure heart is truly rare and precious in this world!"

Wang Shoulian sighed, "Alas! Since His Majesty initiated the lineage of 'science' and implemented new policies, although the Ming Dynasty has become increasingly prosperous, the morals of the world have declined and people's hearts have lost their ancient ways!"

“In the past, ‘all other pursuits were inferior, only studying was superior.’ People studied the writings of sages and sought the way of a gentleman.”

"Now it's all become 'all other things are inferior, only money is superior'!"

"Nothing could be more tragic than the collapse of morality and social order!"

Zhu Su immediately echoed, "What you say is absolutely right, sir! A virtuous person is content with poverty and finds joy in the simple life."

"As the saying goes, 'If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening,' how can the great Way of the sage be compared to the stench of worldly money?"

"If I am fortunate enough to behold the holy temple and personally offer my worship, I would have no regrets even if I were to die immediately!"

"Good! Well said!" Wang Shoulian stroked his beard and smiled, his previous coldness that kept people at arm's length completely gone.

Looking at the "Divine Doctor Cao" in front of him, he felt that the more he looked at him, the more pleasing he became, and he wished he could make him his greatest friend in life.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhu Su discreetly took out the long strip of brocade from his sleeve and slowly untied it.

A warm, translucent Hetian white jade ruyi, with an inner radiance, was presented before Wang Shoulian.

Although Zhu Su was the Prince of Zhou and possessed immense wealth, he fled the Ming Dynasty in a great hurry and did not take any precious treasures with him.

Fortunately, after arriving in the Western Regions, he earned the reputation of a 'miracle doctor' thanks to his excellent medical skills and also made a lot of money.

The Western Regions have always been rich in beautiful jade, especially the "Hetian jade" which is famous throughout the world.

Among them were high-ranking officials and nobles who, after inviting Zhu Su to treat their illnesses, presented him with a "jade ruyi" (a type of scepter).

Speaking of which, although jade is produced in the Western Regions, the local jade culture is not as prosperous as that in the Central Plains.

Those nomadic peoples did not understand the profound cultural significance behind jade, so they were not too careless.

Of course, this doesn't mean that jade is worthless in their eyes.

Since ancient times, beautiful stones have been precious everywhere, and jade is no exception.

However, compared to the extreme pursuit of jade in the Central Plains region, they are far behind.

For this reason, since ancient times, acquiring jade from the Western Regions and selling it in the Central Plains has always been an extremely profitable industry.

As a member of the royal family, Zhu Su certainly had a discerning eye for jade and precious stones.

The nobleman from the Western Regions who gifted him the jade ruyi could not discern its true value, but he could identify it at a glance and carefully kept it as a keepsake.

But it just so happens to come in handy today.

When Wang Shoulian saw the jade ruyi, he even paused in his breathing.

Although he prided himself on being poor and averse to extravagance, as a scholar, he possessed an innate appreciation for jade, a noble object.

At a glance, it was clear that this jade ruyi was of extraordinary quality, and the carving was exquisite. He admired it intently for a long time, his eyes filled with undisguised delight, before slowly turning his gaze to Zhu Su, his voice now tinged with wariness: "Mr. Cao, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhu Su smiled slightly and presented the jade ruyi with both hands: "As the ancients said, a fine sword is given to a hero, and a famous general is paired with a fine steed."

"I obtained this item by chance in the Western Regions. I am aware that my virtue is too shallow to match such a gentleman's vessel, and I am always afraid that a bright pearl will be wasted."

"Today, I have met such a venerable elder as you, and I know that this thing has finally found its rightful owner."

"I hope you won't find it offensive, sir."

Upon hearing this, the admiration on Wang Shoulian's face vanished instantly, replaced by icy coldness! He abruptly flicked his sleeve and rebuked sharply, "Mr. Cao! What do you take me for?!"

"Throughout his life, Wang has valued 'honor' above all else. How could he be the kind of mercenary who would bow down before money!"

"Quickly put this away, lest it offend my eyes and dishonor your own integrity!"

Zhu Su's face showed just the right amount of astonishment and panic as he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding!"

"Your Excellency, please calm down. I was impetuous and my words were inappropriate, which caused you to misunderstand!"

Seeing that Wang Shoulian's face remained ashen, he quickly explained, "My lord, you are wise. I am in the Western Regions, a barbarian land. Who among me can I talk to?"

"Such a beautiful jade, in my hands, is nothing more than a stubborn rock, no different from playing the lute to a cow."

"Today I am overjoyed to have met such a true 'kindred spirit' as you, sir. I was only thinking that the treasure should find its rightful place, and that's why I acted rashly for a moment. I had absolutely no intention of offending you in the slightest!"

"Furthermore," Zhu Su changed the subject, "I am a foreigner and have no connection with the Ming Dynasty's officialdom."

"I neither seek the support of superiors nor fear their impeachment."

"So where does the term 'bribery' even come from?"

He looked at Wang Shoulian with open and honest eyes, and finally said, "This gift is not a common one, but a refined present between close friends."

"If you are willing to befriend me, sir, I hope you will accept me."

The frost on Wang Shoulian's face finally melted away, turning into an appreciation of having met a kindred spirit.

He held the jade ruyi in his palm, his fingertips gently caressing the warm, smooth jade, and said with emotion, "Since the Ming Dynasty pacified the southwest and signed a friendly treaty with Siam and Pegu, the Pegu jade mines have belonged to our Ming Dynasty."

"As a result, jadeite flowed into the Central Plains in large quantities. People all pursued the glamorous and dazzling jadeite, but they had long forgotten that the warm and understated jadeite was the gentleman's object that China has inherited for thousands of years."

A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes: "That jadeite may seem dazzling, but it's just an outward display of brilliance. How can it compare to the warm luster and inner radiance of precious jade?"

"People pursue jade as much as they pursue money, and have long since forgotten the concept of 'virtue'."

"Jade represents the virtue of a gentleman, while jadeite is a frivolous thing."

"To value extravagance over morality is both pitiful and lamentable!"

Zhu Su immediately bowed and echoed, "Your insight is brilliant, sir! It is truly enlightening!"

"Only a gentleman like you, who is upright and pure, and whose character is as fine as jade, is worthy of this precious jade."

Wang Shoulian stroked his beard and smiled, holding the jade ruyi with great affection.

After a moment, he gently placed the jade ruyi back on the table and said seriously, "Very well. Since you consider me a confidant, and this is indeed an elegant object."

"If I were to refuse repeatedly, it would seem pretentious and would disappoint your kind intentions."

“In that case, I will temporarily keep this jade ruyi for you, sir.”

He emphasized the words "temporarily": "This item does not belong to me, and I dare not claim it as my own." "If you ask for it back in the future, or if someone in the future wishes to take it back, you may send someone to retrieve it at any time."

What's the point of taking back something that's been given away?

If future generations were to claim it, you or your descendants probably wouldn't recognize it.

It's just that they're saying nice things on the surface right now.

Zhu Su chuckled inwardly, but his face remained solemn as he rose and bowed deeply to the ground: "Your Excellency possesses a noble character, which I greatly admire!"

"Then I will trouble you, sir, to take good care of this item for me."

These words were perfectly worded, preserving Wang Shoulian's "honor" while making the gift-giving a fait accompli.

Wang Shoulian then carefully put away the jade ruyi with satisfaction and nodded, saying, "You wish to participate in the Confucius ceremony, which is a great thing for those who admire the Holy Teachings."

"The Emperor's sacrificial ceremony to the Sage was strictly regulated. Those who could participate were either from powerful and noble families, descendants of the Sage, high-ranking officials in the court, or renowned scholars throughout the country."

“You, a mere foreign official, are not qualified. However…”

He changed the subject, his eyes shining: "You are in the Western Regions, yet your heart is with China, and you have not forgotten the teachings of the sages. This in itself deserves the court's commendation!"

"Now that the prestige of our Great Ming Dynasty has spread far and wide, we need overseas compatriots like you to set an example for all nations!"

"I hereby grant your permission!"

"Not only that, I will also petition the court, requesting His Majesty to issue an edict to proclaim your deeds to the world, so that you may serve as a model for all people!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Su was initially delighted, thinking to himself that the jade ruyi had not been given away for nothing.

But upon hearing the second half of the sentence, that bit of joy instantly turned into a bone-chilling cold!

Should we submit a memorial to His Majesty?

Is this an imperial edict to the world?

Wang Shoulian is putting himself in a very difficult position!
He hurriedly rose again and bowed, saying, "To be recommended by Your Excellency and participate in the sacred ceremony is an honor beyond measure!"

"As for submitting a memorial to His Majesty and praising the people... this is absolutely unacceptable!"

"I am of shallow virtue and do not deserve such praise!"

"In any case, I am just a common doctor who does not like to make a fuss. I only wish to fulfill one wish, and that will be enough."

He was filled with fear and trepidation.

Getting close to Zhu Yunwen was a crucial part of his plan, but being noticed by Zhu Yunwen was his greatest fear!
To outsiders, Zhu Yunwen appeared gentle and refined, calm and composed, but he, who had fought him with real swords and spears, knew better than anyone what terrifying thunder and abyss lay hidden beneath that calm exterior!
What if Zhu Yunwen suddenly decides to summon me personally...

The reason she was able to deceive Xu Miaojin was that although the girl was clever and quick-witted, she was not very complicated and did not think too much.

More importantly, although he knew Xu Miaojin before, she was ultimately a girl, and he had only met her once and had no relationship with her.

But Zhu Yunwen was completely different.

Ideally, one should approach him quietly without being detected, and then seize the opportunity to poison him.

If he were to be summoned face-to-face and alone, Zhu Su had no confidence that the other party would not see through his disguise.

Wang Shoulian waved his sleeve and said decisively, "Sir, there's no need for such modesty! This matter is not just for you alone, but for the sake of the world's morals! My mind is made up, you need not say any more!"

He thought Zhu Su was just being modest, but little did he know that this "great favor" was like a death warrant for Zhu Su.

Seeing his resolute attitude, Zhu Su could no longer refuse and could only bow and agree, though his heart was already churning with turmoil.

It seems this move has both been a blessing and a curse.

If we really have to face Zhu Yunwen in the future, we can only act according to the circumstances.

However, Zhu Su's visit today has a deeper purpose.

After Wang Shoulian invited him to sit down, he subtly thrust the real probe into the most sensitive part of his heart:

"I have heard that the Emperor intends to promote 'new learning'. His personal trip to Qufu to worship Confucius is surely to legitimize 'new learning' and establish its authority in the temple of the sage?"

"Absolutely impossible!" Upon hearing this, Wang Shoulian felt as if he had been stung by a bee. His face, which had just calmed down, instantly turned bright red. He slammed his fist on the table and roared in a fit of rage, "That's nothing but the heretical doctrines of people like Fang Xiaoru, who use the name of the sage to peddle their own private ideas!"

What is the core of the teachings of the sages?

"It is 'the ruler acts like a ruler, the minister acts like a minister, the father acts like a father, and the son acts like a son,' it is 'the hierarchy is high and the order is well maintained!'"

"But those 'new schools' are shameless enough to say that 'the way of the sage is for the common good'!"

"If this is the case, then what about the fundamental principles and ethics of morality?"

"Should we uphold propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame?"

"Just because of his saying 'the world belongs to all,' does he want to overturn all the thousands of years of Chinese etiquette and laws?"

"How dare that treacherous Fang Xiaoru claim to be a disciple of a sage?"

"The morals of this world have been corrupted by people like these!"

His chest heaved violently a few times, seemingly realizing he had lost his composure. He suppressed his anger, but his voice remained impassioned:
"Your Majesty founded the lineage of 'science,' investigating things to acquire knowledge and exploring the principles of all things. This is a 'practical' learning that benefits both the country and the people."

"Science has played an indispensable role in the prosperity of our Great Ming Dynasty today, and I admire it immensely!"

"The emperor is able to create science, and his wisdom and intelligence are beyond compare. Even if Yao and Shun were to be reborn, they would not be able to match him by even a fraction."

"In my view, 'Confucianism as the foundation and science as the application' is the right path that will never change throughout the ages!"

"But nowadays, those disciples of the new learning have claimed all the credit for 'science' as their own, and are going around advocating that 'new learning' is the orthodox Confucianism, and that only by revitalizing 'new learning' can the Ming Dynasty become strong and prosperous!"

"This is treasonous and disgraceful to claim credit for the work of Heaven!"

He spoke fluently and eloquently, but only after finishing did he realize that there were still guests beside him. He blushed, straightened his clothes, and said apologetically, "It was I who lost my composure. I was so indignant that I forgot that you were still here, sir."

"It's alright, it's alright!" Zhu Su felt relieved, knowing that this person was already "in his pocket." On his face, he looked sincere and eager to learn, and quickly stood up and said, "When I first heard about the 'new learning' of the classics, I was also full of doubts. I always felt that what the new learning taught was very different from the way of the sages that I had learned since childhood."

"However, I have lived abroad for a long time and my knowledge is still shallow, so I dare not speak presumptuously."

"After listening to your detailed analysis today, I finally understand. There are so many key points involved!"

Wang Shoulian sighed deeply, his eyes filled with the joy of "finding a kindred spirit": "Even though you are far away in the Western Regions, you are still able to distinguish right from wrong and know the absurdity of the new learning."

"How hateful that in my Great Ming Dynasty, there are more than a million scholars who should be deeply aware of righteousness, yet there are so many sycophants who, against their conscience, pursue Fang Xiaoru's heresies. They should be killed!"

……

(End of this chapter)