Controlling mountains and rivers since the Warring States Period

Chapter 459 Wang Mang
In the second year of Jianzhao,

Kong Guang, who has inherited his father's title, is about to leave Chang'an.

He was demoted by order of the emperor.

Just a year after his father, Kong Ba, returned to his hometown of Qufu to devote himself to teaching due to his dissatisfaction with the interference of powerful eunuchs in politics, he passed away from old age.

Before his death, Kong Guang
He declined the official position and returned to his hometown to serve his father until his death.

At that time, the aged Kong Ba was curled up on the soft bed, his thin body tightly wrapped in a thick quilt, his face sallow and dull, looking very weak.

But he still said to his son, who was kneeling and weeping beside him:
"I am worried about you."

Kong Guang looked up in confusion, his tearful eyes meeting those of his father, whose life seemed to be hanging by a thread.

Kong Ba, in a muffled voice, expressed his worries about his son:
"You're just a bookworm who has no ability to be an official or a leader. You'll be foolishly followed by someone just because they've been fooled a few times."

"The country appears peaceful and prosperous now, but there are countless undercurrents beneath the surface... A turbulent period is just around the corner!"

He coughed twice, his cough thick with phlegm, which made Kong Guang crawl forward on his knees and pat his father's chest in distress.

He still didn't quite understand the deeper meaning behind his father's words, but he had always been a filial son.

So he responded to Kong Ba's words.

"I am truly sorry that my talents are not outstanding enough!"

Kong Ba stared with his nearly blind eyes at his son's face, his vision blurred, and then sighed.

"If I had known, I would have taken you back to Qufu instead of leaving you in Chang'an."

He recalled with difficulty, and then said, "Or you should restrain your friendships and associate more with gentlemen who know right from wrong, instead of wandering around frivolously with the princes and nobles of Chang'an."

Kong Guang recalled the words He Bo had entrusted to him when he saw him off years ago, and heard his father worrying about his future even on his deathbed, so he wept even more bitterly.

He held his father's hand, repeatedly expressing his apologies, saying, "I have let everyone down."

But Kong Ba's eyes widened even more.

He suddenly became agitated:
"If you say that, how am I supposed to explain myself?"

When the emperor befriends treacherous officials,
He did not speak;
When the powerful eunuch Shi Xian forced Xiao Wangzhi to his death...
He did not speak;
When the emperor vigorously promoted the Wang family, allowing them to seize state power,
He still didn't say anything!
The only thing Kong Ba did was

He resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown, choosing to escape the seemingly glamorous but actually corrupt and decadent court.

However, he still left his son in Chang'an, allowing him to be recommended for official positions and enter the imperial court.

Because Kong Ba himself was cowardly and backed down.

He couldn't help but place his hopes on his straightforward and innocent offspring, hoping that they could do what he himself had failed to do.

Because the Confucius family received favors from the state.
We must appoint young men to positions in the court as a way of repaying them;

Furthermore, Confucianism, now favored by the emperor, has become the sole "orthodox ideology."
As descendants of Confucius, the Kong family must be brought to the forefront, made their symbol, and given unwavering support for their cultural heritage…

all in all,
Kong Ba's views on many people and things

They all had some understanding and foresight in their hearts.

Yet, his reluctance to relinquish power, his pursuit of fame, his expectations for the nation, and even his fear of those high-ranking officials who could uphold Confucianism as the orthodox doctrine but also abandon it just as they had abandoned Huang-Lao thought in the past—all these factors contributed to his inner turmoil.

All of this made him hesitate and waver until the end of his life.

What will your future hold?

What will become of the Han Dynasty in the future?

With his last bit of strength, Kong Ba moved his fingers and touched the lines on his son's palm.

Kong Guang hadn't said anything yet.
His father turned his head away and mumbled incoherently:
"I really don't know."

finished,

He stopped breathing.
He ended his life, in which he had enjoyed many years of wealth and glory and had a reputation admired by the world, yet it seemed as if he had accomplished nothing.

Kong Guang presided over his father's funeral and observed a three-year mourning period in Qufu in accordance with Confucian tradition.

And as soon as the mourning period ended

The emperor's edict arrived quickly.

Kong Guang recalled his father's dying words and had the thought of refusing to comply.

But his family urged him to agree, saying, "Our ancestors traveled to various states to seek official positions and assist the wise ruler in governing the country."

"Now that you have such excellent conditions and a benevolent and holy emperor on the throne, why do you stop moving forward?"

As the head of the main branch, you, Kong Guang, can find joy in a simple life despite poverty.
These branches of the family, however, still need to rely on the family to live a carefree life!
The emperor then stated frankly to Kong Guang in a new edict:
“I have heard that wise and talented people do not hesitate to use their talents, but only when tyrants and despots hold power do they flee to the mountains and fields to show their integrity and character.”

"The country is currently free of major problems, and Heaven and Earth have not sent down any calamities to warn me of my faults. As a descendant of Confucius, you possess a distinguished reputation, yet you are unwilling to come to Chang'an to assist me. Is it because you have some dissatisfaction with me?"

How could Kong Guang possibly admit to such a statement?
He prostrated himself on the ground and quickly accepted the imperial edict, arriving in Chang'an to serve as a minister, becoming a close subject of the emperor.

Many nobles and princes came to his mansion to visit him and congratulate him.

I only stayed in my hometown for three years.
Kong Guang, who was constantly pondering the profound meaning of his father's last words, appeared somewhat wiser this time.

He observed the expressions of these people, tried to understand the deeper meaning in their words, and occasionally went to the countryside to learn about the lives of ordinary people.

then,

Kong Guang was greatly shocked by what he had realized.

He began to understand the words of his friend from years ago, and learned of his father's worries. Then, a flame rose in his chest, a desire to burn away the filth and bring clarity to the world once more.

then,

Kong Guang offered many remonstrances to the emperor, exposing the shady dealings of some nobles.

The emperor and the court were shocked by this.

quickly,

He then ordered Kong Guang to be demoted.

The emperor did not want things to turn out this way.

After all, he genuinely liked Confucianism, recognized the principles of benevolence and righteousness, and appreciated Kong Guang's outspokenness and courage to remonstrate.

But Shi Xian and other ministers said to the emperor:
"Kong Guang is still too young. In a fit of anger, he talked nonsense in a muddled way."

"If problems arise in the world, how could Heaven not issue a warning?"

"If the country shows signs of decline, where will Gan Yanshou, the Protector-General of the Western Regions, and his deputy Chen Tang find the strength to launch a distant expedition against Zhizhi Chanyu, who has fled to the Western Regions?"

Where does Chen Tang's statement, "Those who offend the mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished," come from?

This spring,
Meanwhile, the Protectorate of the Western Regions, fearing that Zhizhi Chanyu was growing stronger due to his proximity to the Western Regions and his influence with many local tribes, which threatened the Han Dynasty's rule in the Western Regions, devised a plan to launch an expedition against him.

By autumn, the grain had been harvested, and logistical preparations were complete.
The Han army, along with the people from Jiaonan and the vassal armies sent by other small states, crossed most of the Western Regions to fight against Zhizhi Chanyu.

The war continued into winter.
Braving the heavy snow, the Han army overcame all obstacles and advanced all the way to the city that Zhizhi Chanyu built for himself after moving to the Western Regions, and named after himself.

It was located near the later-era city of Talas, and not far from the famous city of Suyab, which has yet to be built.

The two sides then engaged in a decisive battle here.

And the final result,

After Zhizhi Chanyu was seriously wounded, he was beheaded by the Han army, and over a thousand Xiongnu heads were obtained. Many slaves oppressed by the Xiongnu were also released.

The prestige of the Han army spread far and wide, even more astonishing than when Emperor Xuan directly incorporated the Western Regions into the territory and established the Protectorate.

of course,

Many years ago, General Huo, the champion of the Han Dynasty, led his army on a distant expedition to this place, which also shocked many barbarians along the way.

After all, General Huo's guiding principle was to sustain the war through war, so as not to stretch the logistics line too much, affecting the army's operations and increasing the burden on the imperial court.

As a result,
The fate of the spot that he poked twice is hard to predict.

But that one time,
There was no stark contrast between the Qin and Han dynasties.

And this time,
The tribes near the Yellow River had all heard of how the Xiongnu had given the Qin people a hard time.
After the Han army descended from the heavens, they defeated the once mighty Xiongnu so badly that even the Chanyu was beheaded... How could this not highlight the strength of the Han army?
Even the Qin court officials, upon hearing of this, remained silent for a long time in the court, their hearts filled with thoughts of it all.
After so many years in foreign lands, the Qin dynasty has indeed become complacent and complacent, lacking any ambition.

Do we really have to submit to the Han people and acknowledge their status as the Son of Heaven?
The nobles of the Han Dynasty had no idea how much of a shock their "minor" military operation had caused beyond their borders.

They were simply raising their glasses in celebration:
"Our great Han Dynasty is truly invincible!"

Under such praise,
The emperor was indeed angry with Kong Guang, feeling that he was slandering the court.

At this time,

The "exclusive veneration of Confucianism" has not been long, and it was personally promoted by the emperor himself.

The status of the son of Confucius was not yet so high that he was gilded with an unbreakable golden body;
The emperor himself was indecisive and naively trusted his ministers.

He could even pardon Shi Xian, who had persecuted his former teacher Xiao Wangzhi to death, so how could he truly cherish Kong Guang?
Therefore,
When heavy snow blankets Chang'an,

Kong Guang was driven out of this magnificent city.

His disciple Wang Mang came to see him off.

The two, one older and one younger, lamented to each other for a while, then Kong Guang said to the nine-year-old Wang Mang:
"The government is in a state of chaos now, and the future must be entrusted to a bright young man like you."

Wang Mang respectfully agreed, vowing that he would find a way to make the Han Dynasty great again!
Kong Guang patted his hair with satisfaction, then turned and boarded the departing carriage.

Wang Mang remained in the snow until Kong Guang's figure disappeared from sight, then shook off the snowflakes and returned to his uncle's house where he was staying.

Wang Feng summoned him, inquired about Kong Guang, and said to him:
"This person is a bit stubborn. Although you respect him as your teacher, don't learn this trait from him!"

Wang Mang first nodded obediently, then glanced at Wang Feng, whose expression was serious, realized something, quickly averted his gaze, and kowtowed to his uncle, weeping, saying:
"To speak out for the country and point out its problems is what I aspire to."

"Disciples should learn from their teachers, pursue their virtuous conduct, and follow the teachings of wise men."

Wang Feng was somewhat annoyed.

"You brat, you don't understand the true principles of the world!"

"How can a good person possibly live a good life!"

But Wang Mang said:
"I want to be a grateful person so that I can better repay my uncle's kindness in raising me!"

"If we don't learn from Confucius's descendants, how can we understand the true meaning of his teachings?"

Hearing him say that,

Wang Feng narrowed her eyes.

He looked at his nephew and found that although the boy was young, he already had a certain sensible demeanor.

Her eyes were open, revealing a clear gaze, giving her a pure and innocent appearance.

then,

He stroked his beard, lost in thought, and stopped rebuking Wang Mang.

He simply told him to leave.

Wang Mang withdrew according to etiquette, and went to the courtyard where he and his mother lived.

The poor woman had been waiting for him for a long time.

Upon seeing her son return, she quickly went up to him and asked:
"Aren't you cold outside?"

"Would you like something to eat now?"

She took her son's hand, wanting to lead him into the house and give Wang Mang the ginger soup that had been heated again and again.

Wang Mang followed silently behind his mother, his eyes fixed on his arm, which was raised due to the pulling motion.

On that,

It was covered with a layer of clothes that were not very shiny and had some loose threads and patches.

These are his clothes.

However, he was completely out of place with the now extremely prominent Wang family.

He was so simple and unassuming that he didn't seem like the son of a noble family.

But yes,

He was an orphan who lost his father at birth and lived under the roof of others.

In a winter filled with wind and snow, having clothes to wear, ginger soup to drink, and a house to live in is already good enough.

Why make so many demands?
Do they yearn for the same treatment as the son of the mansion's owner?
"It's all my fault. If I had enough ability, how could I have let you suffer like this?"

His mother, Madam Qu, watched her child silently drinking the ginger soup and couldn't help but say sadly.

Wang Mang remained silent, and his expression did not reveal his likes or dislikes.

When Qu saw this, she felt even more saddened.

Her husband, Wang Man,

Although he is also a son of the Wang family, he is not born of the same mother as the current Empress and the Marquis of Yangping.

Wang Man was only a son born out of wedlock, and his health and abilities were not very good, so his status in the family was not prominent.

And that is why
Only because of her powerful family background could she marry the son of the Wang family.

Before Wang Zhengjun gained the Crown Prince's favor...

Wang's unremarkable appearance was only apparent in comparison to those prominent figures of his generation.

Even though local powerful families possessed many estates, fields, and wealth, they were not the "poor families" who had served as officials for generations and could speak and offer advice to the emperor.

It was already very good that she could marry into the Wang family's illegitimate son.

This was also after Wang Man's death.

Qu did not take her child back to her mother's home, but insisted on staying with Wang, hoping for Wang Feng's protection.

The Wang family grew increasingly prominent, becoming a well-known maternal relative of the Han Dynasty.

Why would the Qu family sever ties with him?
Let the daughter who married into the Wang family suffer a little.

Let that grandson who lost his father at birth suffer a little.

As long as they can gain Wang's attention and attract some insignificant concern,

The Qu family can then reap considerable benefits from this!
otherwise,

Given the traditionally wild and untamed nature of the Han people,
What is a widow who lost her husband early and has a child?
The loss of her husband was a symbol of her noble destiny!
Having a child is proof that she is capable of having offspring!
These two qualities are highly sought after in the Han Dynasty!

Unfortunately,
Qu lacked a fiery personality and sufficient talent.

She could only obediently follow the family's orders and live with her child within the Wang family's territory.

To make a child like myself, who could have had an easier life, endure the cold stares of others.

"...It is unfilial of a son for his mother to suffer."

"How dare I harbor any dissatisfaction about this?"

Wang Mang calmly raised his head and spoke the words he had learned, which had become the politically correct language of the Han Dynasty.

"Mother, please rest first. My cousin will come to find me and play with him later."

Wang Mang's cousin
It refers to Wang Feng's youngest son, who was born in the same year as him.

The other party was spoiled by his father and developed an arrogant personality. He liked to bring Wang Mang, who was the same age as him, to bully him or make him follow behind him as a subordinate to be driven around.

For this,

Wang Mang was already used to it.

When Qu heard this,

His face fell silent, and he said nothing more.

(End of this chapter)