Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 290 Yelü Hongji's heart is bitter!

On the 20th of March, the Spring Lecture of the Scriptures was held.

Wenhua Hall.

From top to bottom, from left to right, civil and military officials, each with their own seat, all sat solemnly.

Those who took the seat numbered around eighty or ninety, including ministers in purple robes, chief officials of departments, assistant lecturers, descendants of sages, and renowned Confucian scholars.

In terms of specifications, it is quite high.

Even some fourth- or fifth-rank officials in red robes did not have the opportunity to attend the meeting.

"The way of the Great Learning, from the emperor down to the common people, is to regard self-cultivation as the foundation."

The Wenhua Hall was not only the exclusive administrative hall for the Grand Secretaries of the Wenhua Hall, but also a special hall for the "Emperor's Lectures on the Classics".

The Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall had the unique responsibility of lecturing at the imperial lectures.

Therefore, even the entire structure of the Wenhua Hall is somewhat similar to that of a "palace" palace.

In its front position stands a chair that resembles a dragon throne, but it is not a dragon throne.

The young prince Zhao Shen sat upright with his arms around his head, his small eyes darting around from time to time.

Below him, on the left and right, two separate tables, each about half a zhang long, were placed symmetrically, serving as the "lecture tables" for the lecturers at the imperial lectures.

By noon, the meaning of the scriptures had been mostly explained.

The East Lecturer and the West Lecturer, namely Grand Secretaries Han Jiang and Yuan Jiang, were both sitting upright with their arms around each other, remaining silent.

As is customary, the Duke Yansheng, who served as the mascot, took the center position and symbolically began reciting the text of the "Great Learning" chapter of the Book of Rites.

This article is not long.

If nothing unexpected happens, the lecture will officially end in about half an incense stick's time.

However, at this moment.

The voice explaining the scriptures stopped abruptly halfway through.

There was complete silence throughout the entire place.

But then he saw Kong Ruomeng pick up the scriptures, bow his head and prostrate himself, his face solemn.

Ok?
The civil and military officials looked at each other in astonishment, all of them taken aback.

What is this for?
“I have been studying Confucian classics since childhood and have been influenced by the sages’ texts. I have observed that people’s interpretations of the classics are not without some errors.”

"Confucian classics cover everything from astronomy to geography. The fact that they are interpreted incorrectly is truly heartbreaking."

Kong Ruomeng kowtowed three times, his eyes slightly red, and said in a deep voice, "Therefore, I have a request, and I hope that His Highness Prince Jing and the Grand Chancellor will grant it!"

All the civil and military officials focused their attention on this.

There were plenty of well-informed people who understood the situation.

Judging from the solemn look on the Duke Yansheng's face, it is most likely related to the right to interpret scriptures!

"The lineage of the Duke Yansheng is descended from the sage and inherits the orthodox Confucianism."

Jiang Zhao settled the matter with a single sentence, his gaze falling upon the subject, his tone calm: "Whatever insights the Duke Yansheng may have, he may speak frankly."

“Since it does not concern the foundation of the nation, both Jiang and His Highness Prince Jing can grant permission for the time being.”

“Confucian classics have been passed down for thousands of years, with only a few major revisions. However, there are many classic texts that are highly controversial, with unclear meanings and no definitive conclusions.”

Kong Ruomeng raised his head and said, "This is truly the suffering of Confucianism."

"Your subject, the Duke Yansheng, Kong Ruomeng, earnestly requests His Highness Prince Jing and the Grand Chancellor to grant permission to gather high-ranking officials, the lineage of the Duke Yansheng, and the great Confucian scholars of the land, to unite the three and revise the Confucian classics."

"All erroneous interpretations of scriptures, controversial interpretations, and debated doctrines shall be definitively established."

"In this way, the suffering of Confucianism can be relieved!"

In just a moment, the surrounding area was abuzz with discussion.

Revise and rewrite the Confucian classics!

Those who understand the times are wise; this means that the lineage of the Duke Yansheng has officially sided with its supporters!
"this--"

"Nonsense!"

The great Confucian scholar Wang Yansou quickly stepped forward, bowed, and retorted: "Since the chaos of the Five Dynasties, Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong both governed the country with Confucianism, promoted rites and righteousness, and stabilized the people's hearts."

“The Confucian classics of today have been passed down and annotated by Han scholars and reviewed by Tang scholars for more than a thousand years. Their meanings are already clear and the sage’s way is not hidden. So how can the meaning of the classics be unclear?”

"Confucian classics have already established their own interpretations since ancient times; how can people interpret them haphazardly?"

"Excellent!" came a response, and another great scholar stepped forward.

However, he was a renowned scholar named Liu Ban.

Judging from his face, he was clearly quite anxious.

Of course, this is perfectly normal.

The right to reinterpret the classics of the sages, that is, the right to interpret the scriptures, thus fell into the hands of the reformers.

After all, once the decision is made to interpret the scriptures, the person chosen for the interpretation must be personally appointed by the Grand Chancellor.

This absolutely must be stopped!
"Confucian classics are the foundation of the world."

Liu Ban said in a deep voice, "The interpretation of scriptures is even more related to the foundation of the country. If the interpretation is not careful, it can lead to the instability of the country's foundation. It must not be touched."

"Humph!"

"The Duke Yansheng once said: People's understanding of the classics of the sages is quite wrong."

Academic Doctor Zhang Zai snorted coldly, took a step forward, and said sharply, "If that's the case, why can't we revise the classics?"

"good."

“From ancient times to the present, the classics of the sages have undergone four major revisions.” Cheng Hao stroked his beard and calmly took over the conversation: “During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Han exclusively promoted Confucianism and carried out a major revision; during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Zhang of Han held discussions on the classics at the White Tiger Hall and unified the interpretations of the ancient and modern texts of the classics, and carried out another major revision; during the early Tang Dynasty, the official compilation of the ‘Correct Meanings of the Five Classics’ was used to determine the interpretations of the classics for the imperial examinations, and carried out yet another major revision; during the Later Tang Dynasty, the Nine Classics were also revised by the Imperial Academy.”

His gaze swept across the hall, and his tone suddenly turned serious: "Confucian classics, Emperor Wu of Han can study them, Emperor Zhang of Han can study them, Emperor Taizong of Tang can study them, Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang can study them..."

"Oh!"

With a slam of his hand on the wooden table, Cheng Hao's face contorted with anger. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he shouted, "Why can't the Emperor repair it?"

Wang Yansou's expression changed, and his neck suddenly turned red.

How did this involve the government?

"Oh!"

A startling slap, showing no sign of weakness.

The great scholar Liu Ban glared angrily and shouted, "Cheng Bochun, don't try to use the government to intimidate me!"

"How can the classics of sages be arbitrarily revised?"

Within just a few breaths, the atmosphere in the main hall was tense, with several people blushing and refusing to back down.

"The classics of sages are of vital importance to the nation."

Wang Yansou realized what was happening and was about to agree.

"Oh!"

In just ten breaths, the wooden table had already been struck three times.

However, the person who slammed the table this time was somewhat special.

"enough!"

Grand Master Jiang Zhao, with a sullen face and slightly closed eyes, swept his gaze over the group arguing.

With just one glance, Wang Yansou and Liu Ban were startled and involuntarily lowered their heads.

"The purpose of the lectures is to explain the meaning of the classics. You are all renowned scholars, yet you argue so vehemently, without any regard for etiquette."

"The teachings of the sages have all been learned but forgotten!"

All the civil and military officials felt a chill run down their spines.

This statement carries considerable weight.

If this gets out, their reputations will be affected to some extent.

"How does the Duke of Yansheng plan to revise the book?" Jiang Zhao ignored the others and instead looked at Kong Ruomeng, his tone as calm as ever.

One second he was angry, the next he was indifferent.

"My lord, you mustn't!"

Before Kong Ruomeng could speak, the great Confucian scholar Wang Yansou hurriedly interjected, saying, "The classics of the sages have existed for a long time; how can they be easily compiled?"

The sound settled.

Jiang Zhao did not respond.

A silence of about ten breaths fell from top to bottom.

"Ugh!"

A sigh, filled with disappointment.

“There are three faults of a gentleman: speaking before being asked is called rashness; not speaking when asked is called concealment; and speaking without observing the expression of the person is called blindness.”

Jiang Zhaowei closed his eyes, sighed, and shook his head: "Great Confucian scholar, you talk the talk but don't walk the walk, empty talk harms the country, you are not worthy of the name!"

Wang Yansou was startled, and then his face turned pale.

"This this--"

He stammered a few times, but couldn't come up with a single word of explanation.

The three transgressions of a gentleman are also the sayings of the sage in the Analects of Confucius, Ji Shi.

It refers to three faults of a virtuous person:

First, speaking out when it's not your turn is called being impatient.

Second, when it's your turn to speak, but you delay speaking, that's called concealment.

Third, speaking without paying attention to others' expressions is called being blind.

Wang Yansou undoubtedly committed one of the three transgressions of a gentleman: impatience.

In fact, it is quite normal for people to say one thing and do another.

But the problem was that Wang Yansou just happened to run into him.
"Duke Yansheng, how do you plan to revise the book?" Jiang Zhao ignored the others and continued to ask without any change in tone.

Among the civil and military officials, many secretly shook their heads. The existence of the lecture hall gave Wang Yansou the illusion that he and the Grand Chancellor were on equal footing, and that opponents and supporters were also on equal footing!

In reality, whether it was the Grand Chancellor or the civil and military officials, the opponents were all "homeless dogs".

The opponents can't even win in partisan disputes, yet they're trying to seize the right to interpret scriptures?
ridiculous!

Power is always something that can be used to achieve a decisive victory.

Not to mention that the Confucian scholars on the support side have always had an advantage, even if they really can't win the argument, the support side still has the power to deliver a crushing blow.

This is the same concern that Duke Yansheng, Kong Ruomeng, had.

Whether or not to repair the book is truly a matter that can be decided with a single word from someone in power.

The right to interpret scriptures can never belong to the opponents!
"The Zuo Zhuan, Gongyang Zhuan, and Guliang Zhuan can be considered as the three commentaries."

The Great Learning, the Doctrine of the Mean, the Analects, and the Mencius could be considered the Four Books.

"The Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals may be considered the Five Classics."

"Thus, the Three Commentaries, the Four Books, the Five Classics, and all twelve Confucian classics are revised."

Zhang Zai, Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi, Zeng Bu, and Su Zhe discussed the revised content more than once.

The Three Commentaries, the Four Books, and the Five Classics are considered to be the most influential and widely recognized classical texts.

Once revised and disseminated, the reform policies would then have a legitimate basis in the "ancestral laws."

"can."

One word sealed the deal, and the outcome was decided.

"The lectures on classics are hereby terminated."

A childish voice rang out, and the young prince Zhao stood up and said, "I have prepared a banquet. Officials may take their seats and enjoy themselves."

"when--"

A single chime, long and melodious, flowed seamlessly.

From beginning to end, no one else had a chance to speak.

This is power!

Blackwater.

Based on their different living areas, the Jurchens distinguished about twenty tribes.

Among them, the Wanyan, Tudan, and Wugulun tribes were the most powerful.

Blackwater is the living area of ​​the Ugurun tribe.

"kill!"

"kill!"

"what!"

Exclamations of surprise echoed across the fields.

Wailing, weeping, screaming, and roaring filled the air, with shouts of battle piercing the forest mist and mingling with cries of "Ah!" and "Uh!" echoing repeatedly through the valley.

Blood was spilled, staining the earth crimson.

"this--"

"what on earth is it?"

Wugulungar emerged from the cave, clutching his belt, his face filled with bewilderment and panic.

The Wanyan and Wugulun tribes were definitely different in strength.

However, the gap in strength is also limited.

In previous years, even the larger battles were nothing more than robbing some grain and livestock from the outskirts of the tribes.

How did they suddenly get attacked in their lair this time?
This is the chief's residence, the absolute heart of the tribe!

"Father! Run!"

With a shrill cry, the eldest son, Wugulundu, covered in blood and with half an arrow still stuck in his body, staggered over.

"What exactly happened? How many people from the Wanyan tribe came?" Wugulungar stepped forward quickly and asked anxiously.

In the past few days, the Wanyan tribe has made some unusual moves.

The Wanyan and Wugulun tribes, though called tribes, each had a population of over 100,000, and their living areas were much larger than a county.

If we talk about the territory they ruled, it was much larger.

Therefore, after careful planning, Wugulun Gar decided to send the three elders and his eldest son, Wugulun Duda, to guard the four directions of east, west, south, and north, as a warning to the Wanyan tribe.

However, in just a few days, the Wanyan tribe had reached the core of the tribe. How could this be possible with the strength of the Wanyan tribe?

"no……"

Ugulundu gasped for breath, his voice trembling with fear: "It's not that there are too many people, it's that they're wearing armor!"

"Father, the people of the Wanyan tribe all wear armor! And they also have iron spears!"

"armor?"

Wugulungar felt a tightness in his chest.

For uncivilized tribes, the weight of armor was simply too heavy.

Having thirty to fifty sets of weapons would be enough to turn the tide.

"How many suits of armor are there exactly?" Ugulungar asked, clinging to his last glimmer of hope, unwilling to give up.

"It's not just a few... everyone has one."

"Everyone has armor."

"Everyone has armor!" Ugulungar opened his mouth, but only two words were in his mind.

Finished!

The end of March in the sixth year of the Xifeng era.

Xinzhou, Jinpenzhai.

Chinese army camp.

The officials facing north and south stood in orderly rows.

A quick glance revealed that everyone looked somewhat embarrassed.

North of the center, Yelü Hongji stretched out his hand, gently pressing his forehead, his brow furrowed in worry.

There's no other reason than that morale is too low!

Since the battle lines were set up, apart from a few small-scale victories, the Liao Dynasty has suffered almost continuous defeats.

Once defeated, it will inevitably involve losing cities and strongholds.

Subsequently, morale plummeted, making it increasingly difficult to win battles.

The more they lose, the more territory they lose.

The more fortresses they lost, the lower their morale became.

The lower the morale, the greater the defeat.

This intricate web of problems is unsolvable!

Unless a major battle occurs that can turn the tide and boost morale.

Otherwise, it's nothing more than a slow death.

Yelü Hongji was filled with bitterness!

Go ahead and fight, you'll inevitably suffer a crushing defeat sooner or later.

With the emperor's authority greatly diminished, the stability of his empire may be precarious.

If we don't fight, the only option is to seek a draw, which will also result in a loss.

Even with a greatly diminished imperial authority, the stability of the empire and the state may still be uncertain.

"Urgent report!"

"Urgent report from the National Center!"

A loud shout drew the attention of many people looking out of the tent.

Even junior high schools can receive urgent reports?

Yelü Hongji's expression changed slightly, and he closed his eyes: "Let him in."

A sense of foreboding quietly formed in my mind.

At a command, the tent flaps were opened, and a man walked in.

"Your Majesty, an urgent report has arrived from the kingdom."

"Read it," Yelü Hongji said in a deep voice.

"The Jurchens have rebelled. The Jurchens have already unified the country and are showing signs of invading the borders," the messenger reported.

"Give birth to the Jurchen, and unify them?"

Yelü Hongji's eyes snapped open, and he walked forward in disbelief, picking up the document.

The entire camp was in an uproar.

The Jurchens had a population of one million and had been constantly suppressed.

If the raw Jurchen and the mature Jurchen were to merge into one, the consequences would be absolutely unimaginable.

The document was not long, really only a dozen or twenty words.

Even so, Yelü Hongji watched for a full half-stick of incense.

"Oh, heavens, how have you treated me so cruelly?"

A long howl, filled with helplessness.

……

(End of this chapter)