Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 231 "Taixu Renyuan Song"

Mei Yaochen's mouth was slightly open, his thick beard trembled, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.

Lu Beigu's analysis of the root causes of the failure of the Qingli Reforms, especially his recognition of the privileges of the scholar-official class as a key obstacle, was like a thunderclap in his mind.

This young man has such courage to directly address the sore spot of the scholar-official class!
Zeng Gong stood there stunned. The doubt and worry on his face had not yet completely faded, but were covered by a deeper shock.

Lu Beigu's answer not only directly addressed the sharp practical question he had raised, but also elevated it to a strategic level he had never imagined!

The arguments regarding "fundamental contradiction," "key obstacle," "primary and secondary," and "using both benevolent and hegemonic methods" are meticulously analyzed and thought-provoking!

Inside Songtao Pavilion, Lu Beigu stood calmly, enduring all the gazes that were either shocked, scrutinizing, admiring, or wary.

Ouyang Xiu finally slowly loosened his grip on the cushion.

He paused, looked around at everyone, and spoke each word as if a stone had fallen to the ground: "Lu Beigu, you deserve the thirteen-word evaluation in Zhang Andao's letter: 'Exceptional insight, profound understanding, no ordinary person!' Today, I will add six more words for you."

"—A true national hero!"

This evaluation from the literary world's leader resounded like a thunderclap in everyone's ears.

Zeng Gong, Zhang Zai, Cheng Hao and others also showed their approval. Although Cheng Yi still frowned, he nodded slightly. Although their ideas were very different, he could not deny Lu Beigu's talent.

"As for policies for governing the country."

Ouyang Xiu looked at Cheng Yi, then at Lu Beigu: "Zhengshu's concerns are not without merit. The distinction between the way of the king and the way of the hegemon has never been settled throughout history. Legalism is a potent medicine, a sharp knife. Whether it can be used, and how it should be used, requires careful consideration of the situation. However, his insight into the root of the long-standing problems and his identification of the crux of the contradictions demonstrate the talent of a prime minister!"

The phrase "the talent of a king's advisor" describes someone with extraordinary abilities in governing a country and ensuring its stability. It comes from the "Biography of Dong Zhongshu" in the Book of Han: "Liu Xiang said that Dong Zhongshu had the talent of a king's advisor, and even if Yi Yin and Lü Buwei were gone, he would still be a match for him."

Undoubtedly, this is also a very high evaluation, because these four words are usually only applied to people like Zhang Liang and Xun Yu.

Lu Beigu was deeply moved, but he tried his best to remain calm. He bowed deeply again and said, "Master Ouyang is too kind. I am humbled."

Seeing that Cheng Yi was about to say something more, Yan Jidao, who was getting a little tired of philosophical topics, clapped his hands and called out to the steward outside the door, "Bring out wine and dishes!"

Then, a smile appeared on Yan Jidao's face.

"Even the best principles need fine wine to enhance the experience and delicious food to nourish the body, right?"

With his call, the tense atmosphere inside Songtao Pavilion completely relaxed.

Soon, the servants of Qingfeng Tower filed in, and delicacies and fine wines were instantly laid out on each person's table.

The sounds of string and wind instruments resumed, and the melodious tunes of the courtesans flowed out at just the right time.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere inside the pavilion became lively again.

Although the group no longer directly debated the topic of the "Qingli New Deal," their gazes would occasionally drift toward the handsome young man sitting below them.

Zhang Zai suddenly left his seat and went straight to Lu Beigu's desk.

"Tonight's instruction on 'the unity of essence and function, the seamless integration of the manifest and the subtle' was like the sun breaking through the clouds, a truly enlightening experience for me!"

"After years of confusion, this glimmer of light has brought me clarity. This cup is a toast to my dear brother!"

He tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, his movements swift and decisive, displaying the boldness of a man from Guanzhong.

The relationship between ontology and phenomenon, dynamics and origin that had troubled Zhang Zai for many years seemed to have found a highly enlightening breakthrough under the inspiration of Lu Beigu.

But Zhang Zai knew that there was still a long way to go before he could fully integrate and perfect his "theory of Qi as the fundamental substance".

However, this did not prevent him from feeling a sense of kinship with Lu Beigu.

Therefore, Zhang Zai, who was actually somewhat aloof, took the initiative to offer a toast.

Lu Beigu quickly stood up, poured a full cup of wine, and held the cup with both hands: "Brother Zihou, you flatter me! Your 'Great Void is Qi' points directly to the source and has a grand vision. I only just gleaned a few words from you, how dare I claim to be your teacher? This cup is to express my respect for Brother Zihou's sincere pursuit of the Great Dao!"

After offering a toast, Zhang Zai asked thoughtfully, "I wonder if you, my virtuous brother, have any further thoughts on my theory of 'the Great Void is Qi'?"

"I have indeed given it some thought."

Lu Beigu's mind was also hazy, but since he intended to help Zhang Zai improve his "theory of Qi as the root" and thus do his best to guide the Confucian revival movement in the direction he wanted, Lu Beigu was naturally willing to do his best.

He picked up the pen from the empty table next to him.

"However, it is not a complete idea, but just a thought, for Brother Zihou's reference only."

After pondering for a moment, he wrote down a few lines.

""Song of Taixu Renyuan"

The Great Void silently contains the profound root, and all phenomena arise and transform spontaneously.

"The heart's source of benevolence and awareness stirs subtly; the principles of Heaven are revealed, and order is clearly established."

Lu Beigu's writing starts with contradictions to deconstruct the cosmology under the background of "Qi-based theory". The first sentence means "The Great Void is formless, and contradictions are hidden within it. The Great Void is as silent as an abyss, and within it lies the most mysterious fundamental driving force of the universe, which is contradiction".

The second sentence states that "the transformation of qi manifests forms, contradictions appear and occur, and all the myriad phenomena arise and operate ceaselessly due to the interaction and turbulence of internal contradictions."

The third sentence is about "the interaction of mind and nature," which is the particularity of contradictions. It is precisely because the awakening of benevolence deep in the human heart perceives the subtle interaction of contradictions that the contradictions of all things are so different and need to be clearly distinguished and carefully considered.

The fourth sentence states that "the principles of Heaven are constant, and contradictions have primary and secondary aspects." The obvious and ever-present principles of Heaven demonstrate their balanced and orderly nature precisely in the process of grasping the primary and secondary aspects of contradictions and harmonizing all things to achieve harmony.

Looking at the few lines of text on the paper, Zhang Zai seemed to freeze, lost in thought.

At this moment, Cheng Hao also walked over with a wine cup in his hand, his eyes still filled with unresolved thoughts. He said, "Brother Lu, there are still many things I don't understand about 'benevolence' and 'contradiction' that we were just discussing. I will definitely ask you for your guidance when you have time in the future."

It's normal not to understand, since Lu Beigu didn't answer his question directly, but instead trapped him with an even bigger question.

This is like quickly covering a fire in a stove with a pot.
It would be abnormal if you could figure it out.

Although Cheng Hao did not fully resolve his doubts, his attitude had shifted from questioning to sincere communication.

However, the atmosphere at the gathering and banquet had changed, so he couldn't delve any deeper into philosophical questions.

"Brother Bochun, you're too kind. Let's learn from each other and improve together," Lu Beigu replied.

At this moment, Lu Beigu was also wondering if he would be able to have his coming-of-age ceremony next year. Without a courtesy name, it would be too troublesome to be addressed in social situations!

The so-called "coming-of-age ceremony" refers to the coming-of-age ceremony for Han Chinese men. It is a type of auspicious ceremony and was a very important ritual in ancient China.

Only after the coming-of-age ceremony can one obtain a courtesy name and be eligible to marry.

The Book of Rites stipulates that the coming-of-age ceremony can only be performed at the age of twenty.

However, after thousands of years of evolution, in the Song Dynasty today, although most men still undergo the coming-of-age ceremony at the age of twenty, sometimes it is brought forward to the age of eighteen.

Sima Guang wrote about the age and procedures related to the capping ceremony in his book "The Book of Rites: The Ceremony of the Coming of Age". He also recorded the evolution of the "three additions to the cap" ceremony in the Song Dynasty, which is to add a turban first, then a hat, and finally a turban.

The conditions for the coming-of-age ceremony become more lenient as time goes on.

In the Southern Song Dynasty, the age limit was even relaxed to fifteen. Zhu Xi's "Family Rituals of Master Zhu" clearly states, "If a kind and honest gentleman loves antiquity, he should wait until his son is fifteen years old or older, can understand the "Classic of Filial Piety" and the "Analects", and has a basic understanding of the principles of propriety and righteousness, before he is made to adulthood. This would be the best way."

Just as Lu Beigu was lost in thought, Cheng Hao said earnestly, "If you have time, my dear brother, you may come with me to the Imperial Academy to visit Master Lianxi. May I ask where you are staying to prepare for the exam?"

—Will you visit Zhou Dunyi?
Lu Beigu snapped out of his daze.

He was quite interested in this matter.

After all, Zhou Dunyi was already the most mature philosopher of his time.

"I'm temporarily staying at Tianqing Temple," Lu Beigu replied. "I would appreciate it if Brother Bochun could introduce me to Master Lianxi."

"Of course." Cheng Hao nodded.

Cheng Yi also came over with a wine glass in hand. His expression remained serious, but his tone had softened considerably: "Brother Lu is quick-witted and insightful. However, the fundamental principles and ethics of the nation are the foundation of the country and must remain unchanged for all time. Your statement about 'using both benevolent and tyrannical methods' concerns the very foundation of the state and must be approached with utmost care."

“Brother Zheng is absolutely right.”

Lu Beigu had no interest in arguing about this kind of question; he simply said...

"The art of hegemony is only a means to break through the ice that hinders the resolution of fundamental contradictions in extraordinary times. Its purpose is still to return to the way of the king and consolidate the social order. Therefore, one must be extremely careful in grasping its measure."

Cheng Yi gave Lu Beigu a deep look, nodded, and temporarily accepted the explanation, raising his glass in a gesture of respect.

For a time, Lu Beigu's desk became the liveliest place.

Even the old members of the Green Pine Society who originally didn't care much about Lu Beigu now put away their contempt.

As Ouyang Xiu watched this scene, he seemed to see the foundation of the vast hall of classical studies built since the Han and Tang dynasties cracking deeply and profoundly under the questioning of these young people.

A brand new and vibrant form of Confucianism is struggling to emerge.

Whether its future is bright or thorny, no one knows, but its vitality has been fully revealed on this night.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the conversation shifted to poetry, calligraphy, and painting appreciation.

Lu Beigu wisely tempered his sharpness and played more of a listener role, only offering his opinions when asked, which made him seem more approachable to everyone.

After all, nobody likes someone who knows everything and always surpasses them.

Qingfenglou's exquisite dim sum, "Drip-Crispy Abalone Snail," was served again.

Ouyang Xiu, already somewhat drunk, picked up a coin, looked out the window at the scattered lights and painted boats on the Cai River, and listened to the melodious music inside the building. He suddenly sighed, "The old drunkard's life has been half spent in hardship and half in worry. I only wish that all the scholars in the world can understand the principles and carry on the way, and apply them to the world, so that our Great Song Dynasty can be peaceful and the people can live in peace."

"Only in this way can we live up to the beauty of the clear breeze and bright moon, and the fine wine and delicacies."

(End of this chapter)