Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 144 Chen Ji, Sima Hui, and Bian Rang—who can afford to offend them? Let's find them some trouble.
Cao Yan walked out of the main hall of the prefect's mansion, leaving behind a Chen Qun who had been completely fooled.

Chen Qun is now trapped in the "Three Provinces and Six Ministries System" framework thrown out by Cao Yan, and can't get out.

This guy probably burned out his CPU, so he simply brought his father, Chen Ji, to Chenliu to help him refine the details.

Now look what's happened, this tiny Chenliu County...

It was remarkable that it brought together three renowned scholars and Confucian masters: Bian Rang, Sima Hui, and Chen Ji.
This made Cao Yan feel like his head was buzzing all day long.

On this day, Cao Yan was handling official business at the yamen when Bian Rang, Sima Hui, and Chen Ji arrived together.

Seeing this, Cao Yan tried to sneak away, but Bian Rang strode over and grabbed Cao Yan's sleeve. "You brat! Where is my 'Zhanghua Fu'? It's already June, why hasn't it been published yet?"

"Oh no! How could I forget about that old man?!" Cao Yan thought to himself, but put on a smile: "Mr. Wenli, don't worry, I'll arrange for the craftsmen to print it right away!"

Bian Rang poked Cao Yan's head with the finger of his other hand and angrily rebuked him: "I said three months ago that I would send each of my friends a copy of the newly printed 'Zhanghua Fu'. You have completely forgotten about it, but you have made me lose face!"

Sima Hui and Chen Ji each found a place to sit down, watching Cao Yan and Bian Rang's tug-of-war with smiles on their faces.

After watching for a moment,

Perhaps feeling that Bian Rang was being too shameless in bullying the young man, Sima Hui interjected, "Wenli, don't be hasty. Prefect Cao is busy with affairs and it's inevitable that there will be oversights."

Chen Ji nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Prefect Cao cares deeply for the people and works tirelessly for the development of Chenliu County every day..."

"Stop defending this brat!" Before Chen Ji could finish speaking, Bian Rang interrupted, "If he were truly busy, how could he have the time to come up with something like the 'Three Departments and Six Ministries System'? Look at your son, look at the state he's been in lately!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ji chuckled dryly and fell silent.

Chen Qun has been focusing all his attention on how to improve the Three Provinces and Six Ministries system lately, and he's almost gone mad with it.

“Sir, you are right,” Cao Yan said sincerely, bowing. “It was my oversight. Tomorrow I will go to the printing house myself and urge them to print the ‘Zhanghua Fu’ as soon as possible.”

Bian Rang then released his grip and snorted, "You're smart to know what's good for you. However, I have one more request."

Cao Yan inwardly felt a sense of foreboding, but still asked, "Please speak, sir."

Bian Rang pointed to Sima Hui and Chen Ji: "You should also publish their works. And you should sell them cheaply so that everyone, including ordinary people, can afford to read them."

Cao Yan was taken aback, but then he understood Bian Rang's intention. "The works of Sima Hui and Chen Ji are something that others would kill for! Bian Rang's actions are not only to help his friend, but also to establish a good reputation for the Cao family among scholars!"

"Don't worry, sir," Cao Yan readily agreed, "I'll make the arrangements right away and guarantee that all three of your works will be published as soon as possible at a low price."

"Mr. Shui Jing and Mr. Chen, I wonder what your works are? Please inform me so I can arrange for their publication."

Sima Hui said, "I have a collection of essays called 'Shuijing Wenji,' which contains my views on classics and history."

Chen Ji also said, "I have written over 300,000 words, but I haven't named it yet..."

“Since it was written by Master Chen, how about we call it ‘Master Chen’?” Cao Yan said with a smile.

"This..." Chen Ji was a little embarrassed, after all, the title was suspected of trying to ride on the fame of Confucius and Mencius.

However, Bian Rang and Sima Hui thought the "Chen Zi" was excellent and agreed, saying, "The 'Chen Zi' is good! It perfectly matches Brother Yuanfang's virtue and talent!"

Chen Ji reluctantly agreed, and Cao Yan cupped his hands and said, "I, Cao Yan, on behalf of my elder brother, thank you three for your great kindness! If there is anything we brothers can do for you in the future, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Sima Hui said with a smile, "If you and Mengde can continue to benefit the people of the Han Dynasty as always, that is the best reward for us!"

Chen Ji nodded in agreement: "Yes, we write books to spread knowledge. If more people can read them, what more could we ask for?"

Looking at the three great Confucian scholars, Cao Yan suddenly had an idea.

He thought of later magazines and periodicals, and felt that this might be a good way to spread the ideas of the three great Confucian scholars more widely.

“The three of you,” Cao Yan began, “I have an idea, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”

Bian Rang rolled his eyes at him: "Speak up if you have something to say, or shut up if you have something to say!"

Cao Yan chuckled and continued, "I want to start a journal so that the three of us and more writers can regularly publish our knowledge, articles and insights."

In this way, not only will more people be able to read the three great works, but different ideas will also collide and promote the development of scholarship! "Journals?" The three great scholars were all taken aback when they heard this, as this was a novel thing that they had never heard of before.

"What is a periodical?" Sima Hui asked curiously.

Cao Yan patiently explained, "A journal is a small booklet that is published regularly. It can contain various articles, poems, academic insights, and so on. It is like a platform where different people can express their views and exchange ideas with each other."

Bian Rang frowned and pondered for a while before asking, "Can ordinary people also read such journals?"

“Of course,” Cao Yan said confidently, “and the price will be very cheap, making it affordable for everyone.”

A hint of excitement flashed in Chen Ji's eyes: "In this way, our hard work can spread further and influence more people."

Sima Hui nodded and said, "That is indeed a good idea. However, how should such a journal be operated?"

Cao Yan recalled carefully for a moment, and then explained the process of editing, typesetting, printing and distribution of the journal.

These three individuals simply viewed periodicals and magazines as a good vehicle for disseminating ideas, and perhaps even a way to ensure their place in history.

But only Cao Yan knew how later publications like *Yilin* and *Reader* poisoned the minds of an entire generation, how they misled and corrupted them...

If firearms destroy the body, then cultural weapons destroy the spirit and the legacy!
Bian Rang slammed his hand on the table, making the cups and saucers clink: "This plan is brilliant! If we could publish all the knowledge in the world into a book, wouldn't that be more effective than Confucius traveling around the countries to spread his teachings?"

His eyes gleamed as he said, "The three of us are willing to take on the position of editor-in-chief and will make this publication a gem of literature! How about we name it 'Journal of Ten Thousand People'?"

Sima Hui stroked his beard and chuckled, “In the past, the Confucian school compiled the Four Books, and today we compile the Journal of Ten Thousand People. We are not failing in our duty as scholars.”

Chen Ji stroked the teacup in his hand and pondered, "If we add a 'Hundred Schools of Thought Contend' column to gather the insights of talented people from all over the world, it will surely become a great event!"

Cao Yan was overjoyed to see that the three great scholars had all agreed.

With the support of these three powerful figures, he had undoubtedly taken the lead in seizing control of Shihlin!

Seeing that Bian Rang was already drafting the call for papers, Cao Yan quickly pressed down on Bian Rang's wrist and said, "Sir, please wait! This call for papers needs to be done according to strict rules."

Bian Rang shook off his hand: "You brat, you're ruining the mood again! It's just asking for some articles, what kind of plan could there be?"

Cao Yan, however, said: "First, all contributors must use their real names to prevent unfounded claims; second, rumors, superstitions, and other supernatural tales will not be accepted..."

Bian Rang slapped Cao Yan on the back of the head and scolded, "Who do you take us for that we would make such a basic mistake?"

Cao Yan was ashamed and repeatedly apologized, saying, "It was my rudeness... Please forgive me, sir..."

Dusk had crept into the hall unnoticed by Sima Hui, who was still arguing with Chen Ji about the location and name of the column.

Looking at the faces of the three great scholars, reddened by the candlelight, Cao Yan began to feel sorry for himself, fearing he wouldn't be able to eat his wife's cooking today.

With a sigh, Cao Yan interrupted their argument.

"Gentlemen, it's getting late."

A new restaurant called "Zui Xian Ju" has opened in the west of the city. I've heard that its wine and dishes are both excellent!

Today, I'm hosting a dinner party and cordially invite the three gentlemen to join me for a drink. What do you say?

Bian Rang sneered and said, "That Drunken Immortal Abode, is it perhaps a newly acquired property of your Cao family?"

Having his little scheme exposed by Bian Rang, Cao Yan awkwardly touched his nose.

But Lao Bian was still very helpful, saying, "I still have a few students who are quite knowledgeable. You don't mind adding a few more people, do you?"

“Not at all! Of course not! The more the better!” Cao Yan was overjoyed.

"In that case, why not invite Zhuge Liang and Xu Yuanzhi as well? I still owe them a promise," Sima Hui said with a smile.

"Not only have we recruited Zhuge Liang, but we've also gained Xu Shu? That's fantastic!" Cao Yan exclaimed with joy!
Only Chen Ji frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said with a troubled expression, "I'm ashamed... I have no disciples. How about I call my son Chen Qun here..."

(End of this chapter)