Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 137 Weld the car doors shut!
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the performance evaluation forms of the Hanlin Academy, opened them directly, and began to read them.

Song Lian and the others were all on tenterhooks as Zhu Yuanzhang opened the performance evaluation form.

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to remember something, glanced at it twice, and then closed it again.

This move left Song Lian and many others feeling uneasy.

They were afraid that the emperor would cause some trouble again.

After all, it is common knowledge that the current emperor is the most capable of causing trouble.

Various ideas kept popping up one after another, which was extremely troublesome.

"Oh, right, we have a request, it's about dictionaries and such."

I forgot to tell you before.

While Song Lian and the others breathed a sigh of relief, a great deal of curiosity arose within them.

I wonder what the emperor is planning to do this time.

The idea of ​​a dictionary was good, but the emperor insisted on compiling it using simplified characters, which was very frustrating.

To many, this was utterly outrageous and extremely excessive.

Especially unconventional.

Now that things have come to this, why is the emperor still making such a fuss about the dictionary?
But some people were watching with skepticism, wanting to see what the emperor would come up with.

I don't believe that after all the simplified characters have been produced, the emperor can still come up with any outrageous ideas.

"When compiling dictionaries in the future, we should use punctuation marks to divide paragraphs into sentences."

We've given these punctuation marks names: question mark, colon, comma, period, double quotation mark, single quotation mark, dash, etc.

These things are important and will be needed in the dictionary in the future.

Otherwise, many things will remain unclear and ambiguous.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Song Lian was taken aback.

Many people present also seemed surprised.

I never expected the emperor's idea to be this.

But while surprised, many people also felt strong dissatisfaction.

They felt the emperor was just messing around.

"Your Majesty, this...this is not acceptable."

Using pauses and punctuation marks might not be very good.

Serious books don't use punctuation marks.

From ancient times to the present, it is not found in books. Even when sages wrote books, they did not use punctuation.

Punctuation marks on a book make it look unsightly.

Moreover, I also feel that these are not necessary.

What does a sentence mean? Where should you pause?

Every educated person knows this.

It is something that every scholar must master.

If you don't even understand this, then you're not a true scholar.

Before Song Lian could speak, some people had already voiced their opposition.

The person who spoke was a member of the Hanlin Academy named Zhu Shan.

After hearing what Zhu Shan said, many people nodded in agreement, feeling that Zhu Shan was right.

Some people even stood up to echo Zhu Shan.

But the truth is that what Zhu Shan said was completely different from what he thought.

When they were studying, the books they read never had punctuation marks, which is what the emperor called "punctuation marks".

Back then, it took a lot of effort just to learn these things.

By what right does the emperor now dictate that people should add punctuation to dictionaries?

Doesn't this mean that those who come after them don't have to suffer the same hardships they did?

This is not what they want to see.

I feel very unbalanced psychologically.

Of course, besides these, there is an even more important reason.

That is, with punctuation, all kinds of articles look particularly distinct.

The difficulty of learning will be greatly reduced.

A teacher is someone who preaches, learns, and resolves doubts.

A fundamental skill teachers possess when instructing students is knowing where to pause.

A classic work, if it is not taught by a teacher how to divide sentences.

Then many meanings will become unclear.

It's like reading a book from heaven.

This clearly demonstrates the value of a teacher.

As scholars, they naturally cared about these things.

If the emperor had implemented punctuation, the difficulty of learning it would have been greatly reduced.

The number of people who can master knowledge will also increase.

Given their status and position, it's certain that they will pass down their literary and scholarly traditions in the future.

Passing on one's knowledge to one's children or nephews would be the best course of action.

However, once the emperor created this punctuation, it would inevitably lead to an increase in the number of people who possess knowledge.

Comparatively speaking, the advantages of these people, including their children and nephews, will be greatly reduced.

This is clearly something they don't want to see.

Monopolizing knowledge, and monopolizing the many benefits that knowledge brings, is something that many people who have acquired knowledge subconsciously want to do.

This is precisely why Confucius's teaching philosophy of "education for all" is so highly praised.

Many things are different between what we say and what we think.

It's perfectly normal for people to talk about morality while their hearts are set on business.

"Is that really what you think?"

And you guys, is it really because your sentence breaks are too simplistic?
That's why everyone thinks punctuation isn't needed?

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Zhu Shan's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason.

For a moment, I felt as if the emperor had seen through something.

He quickly composed himself and nodded, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, that is exactly what I believe."

Sentence segmentation is indeed simple; there's really no need to add these extra steps.

Adding these things to a dictionary is really unsightly.

If you can't even master something as simple as punctuation, what's the point of studying? What's the point of learning?

They don't deserve to study at all!

Zhu Shan's words drew nods of agreement from many people, who all felt that he was right.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced past Zhu Shan and then looked at the others who had nodded in agreement not long ago.

Ask them if they think the same way.

They all nodded.

Some people added another reason, giving more details.

Each one more grand and dignified than the last.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang finally couldn't help but reveal a mocking smile on his face.

"It's ultimately for the sake of so-called aesthetics, because they think this thing is too simple, that they oppose adding punctuation."

Or is it to monopolize knowledge and prevent more people from acquiring it?

So that you who have already acquired knowledge can make the most of the benefits that knowledge brings.

You know about this, and so do we.

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he pointed upwards and said, "Heaven knows too!"

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Zhu Shan and the others were greatly alarmed.

For a moment, they felt as if the emperor had seen through them all.

Wait... why is this emperor becoming more and more difficult to deal with?
They dare to say anything!

What kind of tiger-wolf talk is this?
There are some things that you shouldn't say, even if you truly understand them!

"Your Majesty, I have absolutely no disloyal intentions, and I would never think that way."

I truly believe this is far too simplistic.

There's absolutely no need to do that.

Zhu Shan immediately reiterated his views to Zhu Yuanzhang.

There's no way we can admit to this.

Once you admit it, it's not so easy to talk about.

Although everyone shares similar views on many things.

But they always have to come up with some high-sounding reasons to cover it up.

If someone truly brings it to the forefront and strips away that veneer of pretense, then...

That would inevitably make one a target of public criticism.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't listen to their nonsense, nor did he let them pass so easily.

Why don't we find punctuation simple?
This is extremely difficult for beginners.

Especially when reading those obscure and difficult books, you need to break down sentences if there are no punctuation marks.

Even if you recognize the characters, many of them are like reading gibberish.

This is an artificial creation of reading barriers in order to monopolize knowledge.

Have you all forgotten what you were like when you were studying?

Why would someone who has already gotten into the car want to weld the doors shut to prevent others from getting in?
Those of you who have made it to the Hanlin Academy are all quite learned.

They all have a strong talent for learning.

When you were learning to punctuate sentences, it might have been easier for you.

But for most ordinary people, without punctuation, it's really hard to master.

Whether punctuation marks are important or not, Zhu Yuanzhang knew it all too well, and he had the right to speak on it.

He suffered a lot when he was studying.

Having arrived in the modern era, I discovered that all modern books have punctuation marks?

Moreover, there are all sorts of punctuation marks.

Many sentences become different with the addition of punctuation marks; the expression becomes clearer, and even the emotions conveyed become more abundant.

The last time he talked to Song Lian and Song Ne about these things, he overlooked this matter.

Fortunately, the compilation of dictionaries has not yet officially begun.

It's not too late to bring this up now.

Zhu Yuanzhang had anticipated that there would be opposition to his proposal of punctuation marks.

Once anything has existed for a long time, it becomes difficult to change it, even for the better.

Conservative forces will also emerge and obstruct the process.

Most people tend to be complacent, stick to old ways, and are unwilling to make further progress.

Moreover, this seemingly minor punctuation actually involves the interests of many people.

Moreover, the benefits are exceptionally large.

It would be strange if no one stood in the way or opposed it.

However, despite the opposition, the matter still needs to be done.

Their objections were ineffective.

Zhu Yuanzhang's plans would not be stopped by the opinions of a few minor members of the Hanlin Academy.

Once punctuation marks are created, more and more people will come into contact with them, and naturally some people will agree with your approach.

Punctuation marks are a good thing; we must use them.

It's not just dictionaries that will be used; once simplified characters are finalized, next year we will also re-edit many popular classics and other books.

Newly compiled books should use simplified Chinese characters and include punctuation.

We'll explain how to use these punctuation marks later.

It's very simple; you learned people would understand it at a glance.

After giving Zhu Shanneng and the others a minor reprimand, Zhu Yuanzhang directly made the decision.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Zhu Shan and the others became even more anxious.

At first, the emperor only said that punctuation should be added to the newly compiled dictionary.

Now, things have turned out differently. After we voiced our opposition, the emperor not only ignored us but also intensified his actions.

Simplified Chinese characters and punctuation should be promoted to all classic texts.

We need to take action against these!

We've really lost a lot of money!
What they feared most was that the emperor would take advantage of their position.

It's not just about using punctuation marks in dictionaries.

Instead, they would promote it to all books. That would be a difficult task.

And now, their worst fears have come true.

Everyone was anxious and racked their brains to come up with better reasons and solutions.

They were preparing to stop the emperor.

To dissuade the emperor from this extremely unreliable idea.

Zhu Yuanzhang took in everyone's reactions but did not intend to give them much of a chance to speak.

After thinking for a moment, he picked up a pen and wrote a couplet on the paper, along with a horizontal scroll.

Looking at Zhu Shan, he said, "Take a look at this couplet and tell me what it means."

Zhu Shan had no idea what the emperor was really up to.

Upon hearing this, he stepped forward and respectfully accepted it with both hands.

After taking a few steps back, he began to watch, his attitude very respectful.

Etiquette was impeccable.

After holding it in his hand for a while, he looked thoughtful.

His expression then changed somewhat.

His reaction aroused even greater curiosity among the people in the Hanlin Academy present.

I wonder what the emperor wrote that could elicit such a reaction from Zhu Shan.

"Have you taken a good look? If you like it, send it to them so they can see it too."

After waiting a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang pointed to those who had just spoken out against the use of punctuation marks.

Zhu Shan then handed it to the person next to him.

After looking at it, the man's expression quickly became somewhat strange as well.

Then it was passed on to the others.

This has aroused extreme curiosity in more and more people.

I couldn't stop wondering what the emperor had written on that piece of paper.
It looks quite unusual.

Even Song Lian was curious...

"Now that you've seen it, you can tell us how to read this couplet we wrote."

Zhu Yuanzhang pointed at Zhu Shan.

Song Lian, along with some others present, were slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

No... what do you mean by "everyone saw it"?

They haven't even seen it yet!
"Your Majesty, the first line of the couplet you wrote is: 'Every vat of wine is good, every jar of vinegar is sour.'"

The second line reads: "Feed the pigs and they grow into elephants; all the rats die."

The horizontal inscription reads: "Many people, few diseases, wealth."

"Is there any other meaning behind this?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Shan and asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shan's expression turned somewhat strange.

"Your Majesty, this... of course, can also be interpreted in another way."

However... however, this is not a good thing.

No one would put up this kind of couplet.

Therefore… I will not say anything more.”

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "If you won't tell me, then I will."

Zhu Yuanzhang had someone bring over the piece of paper that he had personally written.

He picked up a pen and made a few dots on it, then showed it to everyone.

When everyone read it again, the same words had a completely different meaning.

"Every vat of wine makes good vinegar, every jar is sour, but feeding it to pigs makes them grow into rats, and they all die."

Many people are sick, and few have wealth.

"See? This is what we mean by the necessity of using punctuation."

The same sentence can convey different meanings depending on where it is paused.

Or even the complete opposite.

For example, this can form a couplet with a very good meaning.

At the same time, it can also become a vicious curse.

Different people will interpret it differently.

If a single sentence can be misunderstood, then wouldn't Confucian classics and everyday correspondence also be easily misunderstood?

How can good intentions be misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary misunderstandings?
At this point, does the necessity of this punctuation mark become apparent?

If there are punctuation marks, you can add them on top and that's how it means.

It is clear and unambiguous, with no possibility of change, and will not cause misunderstandings.

They won't be ambushed by others.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shan's expression changed, and then he nodded in approval.

This indicates that the emperor was absolutely right about this matter.

The emperor has already said it, what else can he say?
It is said that when he saw the couplet written by the emperor, he already understood what the emperor meant.

What will he say next?

But he had no other choice.

Regardless of whether he can understand these two layers of meaning or whether he is willing to express them fully.

When the emperor wrote this couplet, he was already in an invincible position.

It will surely achieve the result that the emperor desires.

In this matter, they have already fallen into a disadvantageous position.

Faced with such a couplet, such a vivid example.

Even if he comes up with some reasons to object, it won't work.

This couplet will render all other reasons pale and powerless.

What does it mean to suddenly remember?
The emperor was definitely prepared!

The main reason I came to the Hanlin Academy this time was to see these punctuation marks.

Even the exams were just a side effect.

Furthermore, who wrote this couplet that can be interpreted in two completely different ways?

Who presented it to the emperor?

Zhu Shan was furious with the person who presented this couplet to the emperor.

He had his own judgment about the emperor's abilities.

An emperor who started out as a cowherd and only began studying in his twenties, even if he could read the Four Classics and Five Books and recognize some characters, wouldn't be at that level.

The couplet must have been presented to him by someone else.

That's why I became even angrier.

I believe that among intellectuals, there is not a single-minded group; there are many treacherous and wicked individuals among them!
They are not even of one mind on such an important matter.

They aided the emperor, aided and abetted the tyrant, and completely disregarded the overall interests of the majority of them.

They flattered the emperor for personal gain.

To do something like this.

You're truly not a human being!

"Mr. Song, what do you think?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Song Lian.

In this matter, Song Lian, who had remained mostly silent, bowed to the emperor and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe what Your Majesty says is absolutely right."

Without punctuation, many books would indeed be difficult to read.

In some places, without dedicated guidance and instruction, it's easy to cause unnecessary trouble.

It might even be deliberately misinterpreted as something else by some people who lack knowledge or have ulterior motives.

Your Majesty's implementation of punctuation is the best course of action.

With this punctuation, the meaning becomes clear.

It's no longer a matter of who can read it however they want.

It is indeed beneficial for everyone to learn and for the dissemination of classics.

It can also standardize the sage's meaning and prevent it from being misinterpreted by others.

This is a major initiative and a momentous event.

Song Lian wholeheartedly agreed with this.

He accepted simplified Chinese characters and pinyin as well.

Now that the emperor has come up with another punctuation mark, what can he say?
It's no big deal if we have to take this scare.

Besides, even if he himself didn't agree, the emperor's temperament meant he would inevitably pressure everyone and push the matter through.

Since that's the case, there's no need to go against the emperor on this matter, or to contradict him.

This is a very unwise thing to do.

Moreover, to be fair, this action did indeed have a significant effect.

Punctuation marks are indeed necessary.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and said, "Did you hear that? Mr. Song has agreed and said it's good after reading it."

That means it's a good product.

After the New Year, when court officials submitted their memorials again, all of them had to have punctuation added.

All official government documents must also be punctuated.

All written communication must include punctuation; otherwise, it is considered non-compliant.

Next year, it will also be included in the performance evaluation and become one of the indicators.

Even students should use punctuation when writing.

Zhu Yuanzhang brandished the big stick of examination.

Pinyin, simplified characters, and punctuation marks.

With these three powerful tools in place, the dissemination of knowledge now has a better foundation.

Many people secretly grimaced upon hearing the emperor's words.

What does it mean that Mr. Song said it was good?
You, as the emperor, have already said so much. Even if Mr. Song doesn't want to agree, what can he do?
There was absolutely no chance to object!

The emperor is truly inhuman!
Some people were secretly cursing Song Ne, thinking that this whole thing was most likely an idea that Song Ne, that northern bumpkin, had given to the emperor.

After all, when it comes to reading and scholarship, the Northern Kuaizi is far inferior to them.

The Northern Barbarians had no way to compete with them.

The only option is to find other ways to narrow the gap between us as much as possible.

Lowering the difficulty of learning will allow more people in the north to acquire knowledge.

This tactic is truly shameless!
This is one of the hidden benefits of an emperor's humble origins.

Many people have developed prejudices against emperors because of their humble origins.

Especially in academic pursuits.

So, if the emperor did something unexpected in many matters of scholarship...

Many people would subconsciously think that this was not something the emperor could have done on his own.

Someone was behind it all, giving the emperor advice.

They would subconsciously find some people to take the blame for the emperor.

For example, Song Ne was blamed by many people at this time.

"Your Majesty, if all the classics were written in simplified Chinese characters and punctuation marks were added..."

That would require a great deal of money to re-engrave and print the materials, making them into books.

Song Lian spoke up.

Even the classics of sages require money to spread.

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It's alright, the imperial court will pay for it."

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, many people present couldn't help but secretly grumble inwardly.

It's not a good thing for the emperor to have too much money.

He likes to mess around when he has nothing better to do.

The emperor made trouble for the officials and extracted so much money from them.

Now they're doing something inhuman again, messing around with academic stuff.

But despite their thoughts, no one dared to say anything more.

The matter was thus settled.

After Zhu Yuanzhang finalized the matter, he opened the attendance sheet of the Hanlin Academy to take a look.

Many people's hearts were also on edge.

Even Song Lian's expression changed somewhat...

(End of this chapter)