Taiping Dao at the end of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 82 All the talented people of Yingchuan have gathered here!
The spring sun shines warmly, peach blossoms bloom along the riverbank, and beneath the flowers, elegantly dressed men in their finest attire gather, their music and songs harmonizing. Guards spread out at a distance, servants kneel in service—this is the kind of outing enjoyed by the scions of noble families. Listening to elders lecture, exchanging poems with talented peers, and listening to familiar friends play music and sing—this is the kind of spring outing cherished by scholars. And all these elements combined form today's spring literary gathering, truly a grand event for the scions of Yingchuan's noble families!

From the very beginning of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when the state was founded by aristocratic families, until today, they have undoubtedly been the "protagonists" of the Han Dynasty, the future heirs to this aristocratic system! They are destined to rise through the ranks, reaching positions like those of a thousand-stone, two-thousand-stone, and the Three Dukes. In contrast to these aristocratic families, so leisurely and detached from worldly affairs by the river, the group from Taiping Dao resting by the fields were much more unassuming. Their clothes were covered in dust, their straw sandals stained with mud; they looked like a group of "mud-legged peasants."

As for the leader of the peasants, the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, he was stroking his short beard, sitting on the edge of the field. He smiled as he looked at his young disciple, Zhang Chengfu. Zhang Chengfu looked at his shoes, which were covered in mud, and took them off in front of his teacher, emptying the mud and sand from them before answering seriously.

"Teacher, please don't tease me! What 'path from humble beginnings to success' and 'establishing a Zhang family lineage'? I need to wash my ears before I hear that!"

"Oh? Emperor Yao abdicated to Xu You, and Xu You washed his ears, ignoring everything? This is a story from the 'Miscellaneous Chapters of Zhuangzi,' which took place by the Ying River in Yuzhou. And the 'Ying River' is the origin of the name 'Yingchuan County,' meaning the story took place here. Chengfu, your use of this allusion is quite good! But when did you read Zhuangzi?"

The Great Teacher responded with a smile, taking off his own shoes and scraping the mud off the soles with a blade of grass. The two of them walked all day, from north to south, their straw sandals nearly worn out. The Taiping Dao followers behind them did the same.

"Ah? Teacher, is this a story from Zhuangzi? I had forgotten it, I just used it literally. I am a disciple of the Way of Great Peace, and also a poor boy whom my master saved. I cannot walk the path of the poor scholars of the Han Dynasty, nor do I deign to. These people make a name for themselves everywhere, seemingly virtuous and talented, but what they are eager for is always looking upwards, always seeking fame and fortune from high-ranking families! They have been scheming in the Han Dynasty's officialdom for decades, seeking nothing more than personal gain. Even if they try every means to climb up, it is all for the sake of becoming a master, and for their descendants to be masters as well!"

Despite the teacher's teasing, Zhang Chengfu did not laugh. He remained serious and bowed to the teacher.

"Teacher, this is not my ambition, nor is it the purpose of my existence in this world! Please, teacher, do not joke about such things again!"

"Yes! I was wrong."

Seeing the young disciple's reaction, the Great Teacher paused, his expression turned solemn, and he returned the disciple's bow. Then, after a few moments of contemplation, he continued the story from before.

"Yao offered the throne to Xu You, but Xu You refused. Chengfu, since you have read this passage, do you remember Chao Fu's comments on Xu You later? These comments can actually be used to comment on the rise of scholars."

"This disciple does not know, and is about to ask the teacher!"

"Chao Fu said to Xu You, 'If you dwell on a high bank in a deep valley, where human paths are blocked, who can see you? You deliberately wander about, seeking fame and reputation. You have only soiled my calf's mouth.' The 'story' spread throughout the world by this preacher Chen Taiqiu, and other scholars and celebrities, is actually just like Xu You 'washing his ears.' They often do things 'deliberately to gain a good reputation.' Every word and action is carefully considered, ensuring that every step is perfectly timed. Then, their disciples and friends spread it among themselves, turning it into anecdotes that spread throughout the world and into a source of fame for officials!"

"A good reputation is of paramount importance in this world, far more important than being an official and handling government affairs. The more accomplished a scholar is, the more adept they are at this! And the reputation they spread not only influences the prevailing sentiments among scholars, but also affects ordinary people and the hearts of the common folk. Ultimately, whether an event or a person is good or bad, and how to judge them, is entirely in their hands!"

The Great Teacher remained calm and offered a few gentle words of guidance, exposing the true nature of the aristocratic people's manipulation of public opinion. Zhang Chengfu, upon hearing these words, frowned, realizing a deeper meaning.

"These 'pure and famous scholars' control the power of public opinion. With just a few words, they can make a young scholar famous and secure a position. They can also use words to turn a 'great teacher' into a 'vicious bandit leader' and the 'Way of Peace' into 'Yellow Turban rebels'! Their words and actions are backed by 'virtuous reputation,' which can easily deceive the people. So how can our Way of Peace compete with these people for the power of discourse in the countryside and for influence over the people?"

Public opinion is an invisible battlefield; if you don't seize it, the enemy will. However, how difficult is it to contend for the right to public opinion with those upright and influential figures who sit in power? This is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it will inevitably be an extremely long and arduous process. And in Zhang Chengfu's current view, ultimately, this only becomes possible by cultivating a new cultural class, or by splitting the aristocratic families from the common people.
The master and apprentice stood silently by the field ridge, gazing at the literary gathering taking place on a tributary of the Ying River. The young scion of a prominent family was clearly a prominent figure at the gathering, and someone Chen Taiqiu intended to make famous. He played the guqin, his official hat and belt fluttering, while the scholars around him sang elegant songs from the Book of Songs, specifically the ending of "Sheng Min" from the "Da Ya" section.

"The offerings are placed in the vessel, and from the vessel and the altar, their fragrance begins to rise. The Supreme God dwells in revelry, and the stench is perfectly timed. Houji initiated the sacrifices, so that there may be no sin or regret, and this tradition continues to this day."

"The offerings were placed in bowls and plates, wooden bowls and earthenware basins came in handy, and the aroma filled the hall. The Heavenly Emperor came to enjoy them, and the food was truly delicious. Houji initiated the sacrificial ceremony, praying for divine protection from calamity, and it remains so to this day."

After the scholars from Yingchuan finished their duet, smiles appeared on their faces. The atmosphere under the peach grove became much more relaxed, and many people clapped and praised, their loud voices carrying the unique spirit of young scholars.

"Wenruo, your performance of the Shang Dynasty music 'Shaohuo' is so elegant and refined, it's truly like heavenly music!"

"Excellent! One can discern a person's character from their music; this reveals Wenruo's ambition! No wonder He Gong personally commented on him; he possesses the talent to assist a monarch!"

"Where's Gongda? Gongda, come over here too. What are you doing sitting over there all by yourself? Come here and sit with Wenruo and Youruo! The three of you are all family."

"Haha! Gongda is too young to sit at the same table as his two uncles."

"Indeed, let Gongda have his way! Changwen, the Book of Songs is your family's strength, and you and Wenruo are a perfect match! Why don't the two of you collaborate, one singing and the other playing, it will surely be unparalleled!"

"It's a pity Yuan Chang isn't here! His calligraphy and painting are the best. If he could paint a picture here and write a few lines of poetry to record this grand event, that would be wonderful!"

"Haha! Yuan Chang was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official and went to Luoyang to become the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. He had just said he wanted to go to Baodu Mountain with Liu Gong to learn calligraphy, but he turned around and became an official."

"Liu Gong's calligraphy is indeed outstanding, but the story of 'silent as a cicada in winter' is not a good reputation! Yuan Chang should learn from Du Gong, not Liu Gong."

"Hush! The Du family members are here today. It would be disrespectful to discuss the father with the son."

"Ah ha, Lord Chen is watching! Your remark about Yuan Fang is yet another instance of discussing the father and son!" "Let's listen to Wenruo and Changwen's music and poetry together!"

The scions of prominent families in Yingchuan were in high spirits, their youthful energy vibrant as numerous talented young men gathered. Zhang Chengfu listened intently, vaguely recognizing names like Xun Yu (Xun Wenruo), Xun Chen (Xun Youruo), Xun You (Xun Gongda), Chen Qun (Chen Changwen), and Zhong Yao (Zhong Yuanchang)—names familiar to later generations—and surprisingly, most of them were present! His eyes flickered as he gazed towards the center of the gathering, the very spot where this literary conference would make them famous!
Two handsome young men, one sitting and one standing, began to play music and recite poetry amidst the cheers of the crowd. The one sitting and playing the zither was Xun Yu, who had just come of age. The one standing and reciting poetry was Chen Qun, who was not yet of age. The two had known each other since childhood and were very familiar with one another. Xun Yu hesitated for a moment, glanced at the surroundings, and then at the "farmers" resting by the dry fields in the distance, before playing a solemn and austere piece of classical music.

"Ding-dong! "

As the deep melody resounded, the group of scholars, who had been chatting and laughing, instantly fell silent. The Zhou rites used ritual music as the basis for poetry; the keynote of the music was the keynote of the poem, representing the content to be told. Young Chen Qun raised an eyebrow, also sensing the solemnity and reverence within, even a hint of fierce rebuke.

"What does Wenruo mean? Does he want me and..."

Chen Qun looked surprised. The poems from the Book of Songs that could be sung to this tune had to be solemn passages from the *Daya* and *Xiaoya* sections, and must contain elements of rebuke! And this was a public occasion for gaining fame, meant to be widely disseminated. Once he sang the relevant poems, he would, along with Xun Yu, be demonstrating his aspirations and political stance!
At that moment, his thoughts raced. He hesitated between the solemn and reverent "Ban" of the Greater Odes, the somber and stern "Dang" of the Greater Odes, which condemned the fallen monarch, and the equally dignified "Jie Nan Shan" of the Lesser Odes, which admonished the monarch and his state. He couldn't make up his mind. Finally, he glanced at his grandfather, Chen Taiqiu, who had come to visit, and ultimately chose the majestic and solemn "Huang Yi" of the Greater Odes, which revered Heaven and honored virtue.
"Oh, God, your reign is awe-inspiring. You survey the four corners of the land, seeking the well-being of your people. These two kingdoms, however, are not well governed. These four kingdoms, however, are thoroughly investigated and measured. God, appreciating them, detests their expansive ways. Then He turns his gaze westward, and there dwells your home!"

"The Heavenly Emperor is great and glorious, with keen insight into the human world. He observes and watches over the four corners of heaven and earth, discovering the suffering and calamities of the people. He sees that the policies of the Shang Dynasty do not meet the people's expectations. He then looks at the countries in the four corners of the world, carefully studying and considering them. After his observation, the Heavenly Emperor detests the Shang Dynasty's rule. With divine favor, he looks westward and bestows Mount Qi upon the Zhou King!"

"Hmm? The 'Greater Odes of the Kingdom' - 'Huang Yi'?"

Upon hearing Chen Qun's recitation, Xun Yu, who was playing the zither, frowned slightly, and his expression changed instantly. This poem, which spoke of the majesty of the Mandate of Heaven and praised King Wen, could fit the solemn mood, but it had nothing to do with what he wanted: admonitions and rebukes on the affairs of the court.

Chen Changwen

Xun Yu remained silent for a few breaths, giving Chen Qun, whom he had known since childhood, a deep look. His zither playing continued, but the style gradually changed, losing its initial somber tone and becoming more grand and majestic. The surrounding scholars, hearing this exceptionally skillful performance and singing, couldn't help but clap their clappers. Most of them wore expressions of genuine admiration! Only Xun You, in a corner, raised his head, glanced at his "little uncle" and Chen Qun, who were being fawned over, and silently shook his head.

"."

"Interesting, really interesting!"

On the edge of the field, Zhang Jiao, the Great Teacher of Virtue, dressed as a farmer, sat with Zhang Chengfu. After listening to the music coming from afar and the poems sung by the young scholar, he smiled and said to Zhang Chengfu.

"Chengfu, did you hear it? The change in the sound of the zither?"

"Uh, teacher, I'm not good at music. What's wrong with these two? They seem to be playing together very well!"

"Haha! Even Chengfu doesn't know something? Well, music and rites are also part of the Book of Songs and the Book of Rites. The meanings and regulations within them are both complex and ancient, and indeed require a deep accumulation of family learning. A single Book of Songs is a collection of 'metaphors and allegories' used by the gentry when they interacted."

"By simply reciting a couple of lines and seeing if the other person can understand the hidden meaning, know the allusions and implicit expressions behind them, you can judge whether they are on the same level! Without mastering the Book of Poetry, you can't deal with the aristocratic families of high rank. It's like the slang of fishermen in Ono Marsh or mountain people in Taishan—it's just the 'slang' of the aristocracy."

The great teacher smiled, said a few words, and gave a brief evaluation.

"These two young scholars, though they cooperated very well and even seemed very familiar with each other, had completely different aspirations! The one playing the zither, though slightly older, possessed a stirring spirit, like a piece of jade that would rather break than be broken. The one reciting poetry, though still looking like a young man, was like silk that adapts to changing circumstances, just like that Chen Taiqiu Gong!"

"Of course, what the future holds for these two is still unknown. Whether they will change or not is also uncertain. But as things stand, they have already developed personalities and are hard to change."

"Huh? Jade artifacts, Xun Yu, silk, Chen Qun?"

Upon hearing the teacher's comments, Zhang Chengfu paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. The music and poetry recitation rose and fell, and by the time the recitation of "Da Ya · Huang Yi" was finished, it was already noon.

The scholars from Yingchuan who had gathered to listen were naturally full of praise, applauding and exclaiming in admiration. With the support of the powerful Xun and Chen families, the rise to fame of these two young talents was certainly not a problem. Chen Qun, standing among the crowd, wore a polite and humble smile, just like his grandfather in his youth. Xun Yu, however, remained silent, stroking his guqin, his face showing no joy. After the crowd had finished praising him, the white-haired elder at the head of the table raised his hand, signaling for quiet, and said with a smile.

"On an outing, a feast is prepared, and lunch is eaten. The village drinking ceremony is performed, with wine being drunk and music played!"

"Please take your seats! The village drinking ceremony embodies the principles of filial piety and brotherly love, enabling villagers to distinguish between elders and superiors. The millet wine, newly brewed in spring, also conforms to ancient rituals. This is a significant event in promoting rural education!"

"Yes, elders should sit in the highest place, and juniors in the lowest. Go and invite a few elders from the village to sit at the head of the table!"

Upon hearing this instruction, the scholars readily agreed and went to invite the elderly villagers who had been waiting for some time to sit below Chen Taiqiu and above them. Xun Yu, however, hesitated for a moment, but did not join the others. He glanced at the "old farmer" sitting by the field ridge, his gaze lingering on the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, and then walked over!

(End of this chapter)