Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Li Wu delivered the letter to the Lizheng Hall, and upon reading its contents, Li Shimin immediately stood up.

He was visibly agitated, pacing back and forth in the main hall.

I read "The Humble Abode Inscription" and "On My Teacher" several times over.

"Excellent, excellent, a great article, well written!"

Li Shimin took the letter and approached Empress Zhangsun, saying, "Empress, take a look."

"Excellent!" Empress Zhangsun took it and looked at it, revealing a strange expression. "A rare masterpiece, this has special significance."

Li Shimin nodded, "Anan, make arrangements to have Kaolao Village prepare 10,000 copies. Such a good article should be known by more people."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will make the arrangements immediately."

This might seem like an overreaction by the imperial court, but Li Shimin could use his own money to push it forward.

Xiao Ran brought "On Teachers" to the early Tang Dynasty, which may seem like just adding another masterpiece, but in reality it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

In education, the inheritance of skills, social concepts, and even the academic atmosphere, ripples spread, propelling the Tang Dynasty forward. Its positive impact was far more profound than any single article.

Although the early Tang Dynasty was peaceful, education was still mostly concentrated among the gentry and aristocratic classes.

Children from ordinary families either couldn't afford to attend private schools, or dared not seek instruction from learned people because of their "low social status."

They even felt that "the skills of farming and manual labor are not worthy of being called 'Tao'".

The concept in "On Teachers" that "regardless of rank or age, wherever the Way exists, there the teacher exists" is like a key that unlocks the "knot in the heart of seeking knowledge" among ordinary people.

The farmers of Kaolao Village understand that their experience in growing millet and their ability to identify soil characteristics are the "way" they can teach to the teachers from the city.

The artisans of Chang'an would know that their skills in firing glass and weaving brocade were "the Way," and that taking on apprentices to pass on their skills was not a "lowly profession," but a proper matter of "transmitting the Way."

Li Shimin ordered 10,000 copies to be printed and distributed, which further spread the idea from Kaolao Village to various prefectures.

Perhaps before long, private school teachers in Luoyang will take the initiative to recruit children from commoner families, because "the Way knows no distinction between high and low."

Scholars from Jiangnan would ask fishermen for advice on how to "observe the sky and know the tides," because "everyone has their own expertise."

This will not only enable more commoners to acquire knowledge and skills, but also help the Tang Dynasty discover hidden talents among the people.

For example, farmers who know how to improve agricultural tools and veterinarians who know how to cure livestock diseases were previously overlooked because of their status, but now they can contribute their skills to the Tang Dynasty in the name of "teachership".

Loosening the rigid "teacher-student hierarchy" removes the "binding cloth" from academic and technical pursuits.

The teacher-student relationship in the early Tang Dynasty still carried a strong sense of hierarchy.

Students are expected to obey their teachers absolutely, and they dare not point out any mistakes their teachers make.

If a teacher asks a student for advice, they will be laughed at for "losing face."

The saying in "On Teachers" that "a disciple need not be inferior to his teacher, nor a teacher necessarily be more virtuous than his disciple" precisely exposes this veil of "decency".

From then on, students of the Imperial Academy in Chang'an who dared to ask the Doctors ("Can the methods in the Agricultural Treatise be modified?") would no longer be reprimanded for "insubordination".

This loosening brings about a "flexibility" in academics and skills.

New uses of herbs can be incorporated into medical practice, agricultural science can absorb the farming experience of ordinary people, and even poetry and prose can have more down-to-earth new ideas.

Questions are no longer "dead knowledge from the classics," but "living knowledge" that can grow with life and practice.

In the early Tang Dynasty, many scholar-officials regarded "farming and sericulture, and crafts" as "lowly occupations" and believed that only studying classics and history and taking the imperial examinations were the "right path," which led to many practical skills being passed down secretly within families.

The scope of "Dao" is expanded in "On Teachers".

As long as it can solve life's problems and benefit people, whether it's Confucianism that "spreads the Way" or farming, medicine, and manual labor that "teach skills," it is a "Way" worthy of respect.

The Book of Teachers added "roots" to the "moral education" of the Tang Dynasty, ensuring that the "golden age" was more than just "prosperity."

The "golden age" of the early Tang Dynasty was mainly reflected in its vast territory and abundant resources, but the depth of "civilization" was still insufficient.

The common people's identification with the "imperial court" stemmed more from "no wars and the ability to pay taxes" than from "shared values".

The concept of "seeking the Way equally and respecting one's abilities" conveyed in "On Teachers" can serve as a "bond" connecting different social classes.

Nobles and commoners could sit together for the purpose of "learning and passing on skills," and scholars and artisans could respect each other for the purpose of "discussing principles."

This is the "root of education" that enabled the Tang Dynasty to enjoy long-term peace and stability.

Ultimately, what "On Teachers" gave to the early Tang Dynasty was not just an article to be circulated, but a set of survival and development logic that was "more inclusive and more pragmatic".

This "pragmatism and inclusiveness" was precisely the key to the early Tang Dynasty's rise to even greater prosperity.

Li Tai and others understood Li Shimin and began preparing for printing well in advance.

The next day, the printer said that the "Inscription of the Humble Abode" had appeared in the streets and alleys of Chang'an.

This includes the source and origin of the article.

Kaolao Village and Xiao Ran's names were once again refreshed in Chang'an City.

Two articles that were only circulating in the palace yesterday have spread to the streets and alleys of Chang'an overnight. Teahouses, taverns, the Imperial Academy, workshops, and even vendors selling flatbreads are all taking a break and listening to explanations of the crumpled paper they have.

In a teahouse in Pingkangfang, several elderly scholars dressed in traditional Chinese robes sat around a table, their fingertips repeatedly stroking the inscription "Neither noble nor lowly, neither old nor young," their faces showing undisguised shock.

The old man, who had once served as a professor at the Imperial Academy, stroked his beard and sighed, "I have taught for thirty years, yet I am not as insightful as this article!"

“The other day, an old farmer who grows mulberry trees came to ask me a question about the ‘Essential Techniques for the Common People’. I gave him a perfunctory answer because he was dressed in plain clothes. Now that I think about it, he understands the way of mulberry trees, and I understand the way of calligraphy. We should have discussed the principles on an equal footing!”

The official in charge of personnel next to him also blushed. Just a few days ago, he had been complaining in his residence that "his son was actually learning to train horses from the servants, which was disgraceful."

Having just read "everyone has their own expertise," I felt a tightness in my throat: "I was trapped by the rigid social hierarchy of 'scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.' Taming horses is also a skill; if a servant understands it, he is a master!"

The sounds of morning reading at the Imperial Academy had a clarity that was absent in the past.

Several students huddled under the eaves, clutching copies of "On Teachers" in their hands, their eyes gleaming.

Zhang Sheng, who had previously been rebuked as "arrogant" by his teacher for questioning the "respect for teachers and the importance of the Way" in the Book of Rites, now stood up straighter:
“The master often said, ‘Disciples should obey the teacher’s words,’ but ‘Disciples are not necessarily inferior to their teachers’ in ‘On Teachers’! The other day I felt that the ‘method of soaking seeds’ in ‘Agricultural Book’ could be changed, so why can’t I say so?”

As soon as he finished speaking, a classmate chimed in:
"Yes! Yesterday I asked the doctor how to make millet grow in dry land, and the doctor didn't scold me. Instead, he said, 'If you have the experience of a farmer, you can tell me about it'—the doctor must have read this article too!"

In the past, students would mostly bury their heads in their books and dare not question anything. Now, "On Teachers" seems to have given them more confidence.

During the break, someone actually went up to the arithmetic professor and asked, "Sir, Mr. Xiao said 'the earth is round,' does this contradict the 'method of square fields' in arithmetic?"

The scholar was not annoyed at all; instead, he smiled and invited him to sit down: "Tell me why Young Master Xiao said that, and let's discuss it together."
This is what is meant by "there is a sequence to learning the Way"!

Knowing that Li Shimin wanted feedback, Zhang Anan had arranged for people to go to the streets and alleys, including various parts of the palace, well in advance.

We need to convey the positive feedback to Li Shimin.

Upon hearing news of Zhang Anan, Li Shimin was in high spirits.

"Isn't this promoting the development of the imperial examination system?"

This trend is definitely a good thing.

Zhang Anan approached Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretaries Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, and Chu Liang request an audience. They wish to teach at Kaolao Village."

"Hahaha, very good, very good." Li Shimin was overjoyed. "Declare it!" Kaolao Village was a key village that Li Shimin wanted to develop, and he wanted Kaolao Village to become a model for other villages.

Now that these great scholars want to go, Li Shimin will definitely agree.

Firstly, these people have real skills and knowledge and can indeed help Kaolao Village; secondly, their visit is also to promote Kaolao Village.

Li Shimin had no reason to object.

Li Shimin gave his full support, and even arranged for people to escort Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, and others over.

After reviewing all the arrangements, Li Shimin remarked with emotion, "I never imagined these two articles would have such a tremendous impact."

Without prior notice, Li Shimin led the group to Kaolao Village and went directly to Xiao Ran's house.

Xiao Ran was still completely bewildered, not recognizing these people.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang knew each other.

He even consulted Yu Shinan on calligraphy-related issues.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang took a closer look and were startled.

They were all great Confucian scholars from the Hongwen Academy.

Yu Shinan stepped forward first, his hands slightly tucked into his sleeves. Despite his advanced age, his back was ramrod straight, and his tone was gentle yet full of sincerity:

"Young Master Xiao, please don't be offended by our uninvited visit. I am Yu Shinan."

Xiao Ran might not know the others, but he had definitely heard of Yu Shinan.

One of the four great calligraphers of the early Tang Dynasty!

He was also one of the twenty-four meritorious officials of Lingyan Pavilion!

"Yesterday in Chang'an I saw 'The Humble Abode Inscription' and 'On Teachers'. When I read 'This is a humble abode, but my virtue makes it fragrant,' I felt that my past attachment to pavilions and towers had become lighter."

“Reading ‘No matter how noble or lowly, wherever the Way exists, there the teacher exists’ again makes me feel even more ashamed.”

“I have taught all my life, yet I am not as insightful as these two articles. I had previously treated those who came to seek my guidance with disdain because they were commoners.”

"I've heard that the school in Kaolao Village is open to all, regardless of social status, and even farmers' children can study and learn new skills. I'm really itching to come here and teach for free, not for fame or profit, but simply to truly become a teacher who 'imparts knowledge and resolves doubts.' I wonder if Young Master Xiao would be willing to accept this old man?"

Xiao Ran quickly cupped his hands, his tone full of respect and joy: "Sir, you flatter me! It is a great honor for Kaolao Village for a senior like you to come and teach. I am more than happy to accept! Although the school is simple, I hope that you teachers can impart your knowledge to the children. From now on, I will follow your arrangements."

"Thank you for coming, sir." Xiao Ran didn't forget the others; Kong Yingda and Chu Liang all looked quite old.

The scholars were quite surprised to see Li Lizhi there.

But he didn't say much more.

Li Shimin had previously instructed him to take things in stride and not be surprised by anything he saw in Kaolao Village.

When the group entered the courtyard and saw Sun Simiao, Li Yuan, and Empress Xiao, they were all stunned.

Yu Shinan and others must have known Sun Simiao, and were also familiar with Li Yuan and Empress Xiao.

They're all around the same age, practically peers.

"Hehe, gentlemen, you've arrived too!" Li Yuan stood up with a smile.

Yu Shinan and the others bowed slightly.

Yu Shinan said with a smile, "I didn't expect to see Lord Li here."

"Haha, thank you, Dr. Sun! I'm here for treatment."

The group greeted Sun Simiao.

Originally, they intended to arrange for several great scholars to stay there, but when they saw Li Yuan, Empress Xiao, and the princess, Yu Shinan and his companions refused.

A polite refusal is inappropriate here.

Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, and others were also surprised, realizing that Xiao Ran's place was full of hidden talents.

Upon seeing the two princes, Li Ke and Li Tai.

Sun Simiao and Li Yuan led Yu Shinan and others to the school, where Wang Ji was the teacher.

They knew each other.

Wang Ji was indeed a man of genuine talent and learning, and his reputation was already well-known.

Although he's not as good as Yu Shinan, he's not bad either, as people in this circle naturally know.

Upon seeing Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, and others at the door, Wang Ji skipped class and came out immediately.

"Oh, Elder Yu, Elder Kong, I didn't expect you two to come!"

"You rascal, you should have at least told me when you sneaked into a place like this," Chu Liang said with a laugh.

"Hahaha!" Wang Ji laughed loudly, "This is indeed a good place, you'll like it in the future."

Wang Ji also liked Kaolao Village.

On the other side, Li Lizhi introduced several great Confucian scholars to Xiao Ran.

Kong Yingda is currently at the peak of his academic career.

In the sixth year of the Zhenguan era, he was appointed as the Director of the Imperial Academy. In the seventh year of the Zhenguan era, he worked with Wei Zheng and others to compile the "Book of Sui" and was also in charge of the preparatory work for compiling the "Correct Meanings of the Five Classics".

As a core official of the Imperial Academy, he not only taught the classics to Crown Prince Li Chengqian, but also participated in the revision of the rites system in the court with his upright style that "led powerful and influential people to stay away", making him a key figure in promoting the unification of classical studies during the Zhenguan era.

His academic philosophy of "where the Way exists, the teacher exists" resonates with the spirit of "On Teachers".

Although Chu Liang was over seventy years old, he still participated in court affairs as a scholar of the Hongwen Academy.

As the most senior among the eighteen scholars, he often accompanied Li Shimin to "discuss the meaning of the classics until late at night" in the seventh year of Zhenguan, and his style of poetry and prose was influencing the literary world of the early Tang Dynasty.

At this time, he had not yet retired from office and would also participate in the revision of "New Rites". His "simple yet profound" writing style was highly consistent with the aesthetic pursuit of "The Humble Abode Inscription".

Yu Shinan, 75, is still serving as a scholar at the Hongwen Academy, but his health is showing signs of decline.

As a renowned minister in Li Shimin's eyes, possessing the five virtues of "moral character, loyalty, erudition, literary talent, and calligraphy," he still participated in the collation of ancient books in the seventh year of the Zhenguan era.

Gai Wenda had been promoted from assistant instructor at the Imperial Academy to scholar of the Chongxian Hall, and was known for his mastery of the three commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals.

In the seventh year of the Zhenguan era, he and his cousin Gai Wenyi were often referred to as the "Two Gai," jointly lecturing on the classics at the Imperial Academy. Their teaching method, which "abandoned cumbersome formalities and used historical allusions to explain the farming seasons," was characterized by...
Xiao Ran was also dumbfounded after hearing this.

There were many things I wasn't familiar with before.

They are all incredibly powerful figures.

At the height of Li Shimin's cultural development, when he was "devoted to studying the classics," the reforms of classical studies promoted by great Confucian scholars such as Kong Yingda and Yu Zhining in the court resonated with the ideas of "On Teachers" from Kaolao Village.

This interaction between official Confucianism and popular education was a crucial driving force behind the prosperity of Zhenguan culture. (End of Chapter)