Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 220 The Rebellious Son is Misleading Young People in Xishan Again?

"Old sir, are you here to teach us to read?"

Inside the Minglun Hall, a young child was holding a book called "A Brief Analysis of Natural History" in front of him. Just as he looked up, he suddenly saw several people outside the window, especially the old gentleman in a blue Taoist robe. He subconsciously asked a question.

Zhang Juzheng was taken aback. He noticed that the child in front of him was wearing a faded coarse cloth shirt with rough patches on the cuffs.

But her bright, sparkling eyes were filled with a thirst for knowledge, and her book, "A Brief Analysis of Natural History," was covered with tiny, crooked characters.

For a time, Zhang Juzheng's eyes, which had been clouded by the affairs of the court, suddenly became much clearer.

Separated by the glass, Zhang Juzheng did not respond, but merely gave a faint smile.

At this moment, the children nearby also turned their heads and saw a simply dressed but extraordinary old man with a long beard outside the window.

They began to whisper among themselves.

"He looks like a serious old man, and if he were to teach us, he would surely give us a good scolding."

"But he doesn't look like one. He looks more like an old scholar, and Master despises old scholars the most."

"I wonder how he compares to Mr. Li?"

"It's probably far from the truth. Standing outside without moving, it's like an Arhat in a temple. Perhaps it's just putting on an act because it's about to pee."

A child missing a front tooth was spouting nonsense again.

These innocent words of children, spoken without restraint, faintly reached Zhang Juzheng's ears through the window.

He couldn't help but smile, a genuine smile spreading across his lips, and with his hands behind his back, he looked again at the world map on the podium.

When the lecture ended, hundreds of students, ranging from five or six years old to teenagers, swarmed out of Minglun Hall like a swarm of bees, chattering excitedly.

Some of them were whispering to each other, while others were beaming with excitement, still discussing the "Golden Continent" that Zhang Yunxiu had just mentioned.

The students were full of youthful vigor, and the few people who came to investigate felt full of energy as well.

Shen Shixing couldn't help but sigh and said, "For three winters, people temporarily study with Confucian scholars, and thousands of people return to farming with their elders. If our Great Ming Dynasty could have such a grand atmosphere, why would we worry about the dynasty not prospering?"

Zhao Shizhen seemed proud as well. He nodded and said, "This poem by Lu You, 'Watching Village Children Play by the Stream,' is quite fitting. Since Your Excellency understands it, our efforts have not been in vain."

But Zhang Juzheng's face gradually darkened. The more beautiful the scene, the more dissatisfied he became with Zhang Yunxiu's propaganda of his "going to sea" and "golden continent" theories.

Especially when teaching children.

No matter how elaborate this theory may be, within a Confucian ethical framework, if you don't let the people engage in proper farming, but instead teach them to go to sea and risk their lives, seeking a path with no end in sight, it's tantamount to a gamble.

That's really too unorthodox.

Despite his discomfort, Zhang Juzheng stood with his hands behind his back, quietly waiting for the lesson inside to end.

Inside the Minglun Hall, Zhang Yunxiu was still explaining the contents of the book "A Brief Analysis of Natural History" to several children.

"In the past, when the eunuch Zheng He made seven voyages to the Western Ocean, there were records on board. The sailing ships disappeared first, and the masts disappeared later. This is clear evidence that the universe is a sphere. You can also observe this for yourselves."

"Master, if the universe is a sphere, then why are we able to stand on it?"

"This involves an advanced concept: universal gravitation."

Inside the Minglun Hall, Zhang Yunxiu gave another round of "tutoring" to several young children.

Upon seeing this scene, Shen Shixing couldn't help but let out another sigh.

"What I see today are that all the students of Xishan Peiweng are full of talent and their diligence and eagerness to learn are truly amazing."

These promising young talents, if given the guidance of a renowned teacher, will surely become pillars of our Great Ming Dynasty in the future!

Zhang Juzheng frowned.

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. The more Shen Shixing praised him, the more he felt that his youngest son was being silly.

The Book of Changes says, "Nurturing oneself with enlightenment is a sacred achievement."

In the eyes of the ancients, early childhood education was the time to cultivate a noble and righteous spirit.

But it seems that Zhang Yunxiu wants to teach all the children to become "little Zhang Yunxius"?
This is outrageous! If thousands upon thousands of mini-Zhang Yunxius appeared in the world, wouldn't the world descend into chaos?

Seeing that the Grand Secretary's complexion was not quite right, Zhao Shizhen quickly offered an explanation from the side.

"This theory of the celestial sphere was not created by Master, but comes from the 'Commentary on the Celestial Sphere.' The celestial sphere is shaped like a chicken egg, and the celestial bodies are round like bullets."

But the more he spoke, the less confident he became.

This theory of the celestial sphere originated from Zhang Heng of the Eastern Han Dynasty and has been admired by scholars since ancient times.

However, in contemporary Confucianism, it is a taboo subject that is not easily touched.

The reasons for this can be traced back to Dong Zhongshu's theory of the interaction between Heaven and Man in the Han Dynasty, and then to the establishment of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism. Since then, the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square" has been incorporated into the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues.

The concept of a round heaven and a square earth has become a "principle of the Way of Heaven".

What kind of theory of celestial sphere are you, Zhang Yunxiu, advocating here? Aren't you opposing Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi?
Everyone present was a scholar, and they were well aware of the matter.

Therefore, even Shen Shixing, who usually acts as a peacemaker, remained silent at this moment, feeling that Zhang Yunxiu had gone too far.

Are you trying to dig up the roots of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism?

Zhang Juzheng seemed very patient, waiting until Zhang Yunxiu had seen the children off before slowly entering the Minglun Hall.

At this moment, Minglun Hall was empty except for Zhang Yunxiu, who was standing on the platform wearing a blue robe, writing and drawing something.

He had noticed his father's arrival long ago and couldn't help but tease him, saying, "What's wrong, Father? Are you here again today to seek my advice?"

Zhang Juzheng's voice was somewhat deep: "You have been intelligent since childhood, but you have been indulging in play all day long. When you reached the age of 'dancing with a spoon,' you finally developed some knowledge and also became rudimentary in many classics."

As your father, I am not being harsh on you. In managing Xishan, you have displayed extraordinary skills and ingenuity; you are a genius born with exceptional talent.

In terms of education and nurturing, you are merely imitating others blindly, like the man from Handan who tried to walk in the footsteps of another city. Your father…

Seeing his father's pained expression, Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but find it amusing. He shook his head and said, "Father, you are mistaken. I also have some insights into the art of education, and I am even confident that I can inherit the profound principles of Yangming's philosophy!"

"You!" Zhang Juzheng's eyes widened in anger again.

However, by now, provoking his father and watching him rage helplessly no longer gives Zhang Yunxiu any sense of accomplishment.

He had already made up his mind, and said with a smile.

“Father, there’s no need to argue with me. I have an idea.”

Zhang Yunxiu pointed outside. Through the hall door, a majestic mountain could be seen not far away, towering into the clouds.

"Father, do you have the courage to climb Mount Dongling with me and discuss the ultimate truths of the world?"

Discussing philosophical ideas while climbing mountains?

Confucianism views mountains as part of the "order of heaven and earth".

Ancient emperors invariably performed the Fengshan ceremony on a mountain as a symbol of "receiving the mandate of heaven".

Watching from behind with Shen Shixing, Zhao Shizhen couldn't help but sigh and say, "Using the imagery of climbing a mountain to expound principles to the Grand Secretary, Master truly lives up to his title!"

But Shen Shixing didn't see it that way. Zhang Juzheng was already quite old, and this kid Zhang Yunxiu still wanted his father to climb the mountain with him?
Dongling Mountain is the highest peak of Xishan Mountain; there's no reason why it should be so easy to climb.

Zhang Juzheng frowned deeply and said, "You unfilial son, what exactly do you want to do?"

But Zhang Yunxiu didn't care at all. He pulled up his sleeves and ran outside, shouting something as he ran.

"If you're a man, come and fight!"

"Old Deng, are you scared?"

"I will be waiting for you on the peak of Dongling Mountain!"

"Not going means you're not a true Ming citizen!" What utter nonsense!

This inexplicable action infuriated Zhang Juzheng. He grabbed the pointer from the podium and charged off.

"You unfilial son! Stop right there! What exactly do you want? Why are you teaching children what new learning is? How should Xishan be governed!"
"And now you're going to oppose Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi again? Things in Jiangnan are still unsettled, what nonsense are you trying to pull on this old man!"

Zhang Yunxiu didn't even turn his head back. Although he was wearing cloth shoes, he walked briskly towards Dongling Mountain.

The father and son chased each other, creating a spectacular sight in the Western Hills.

Zhao Shizhen and Shen Shixing looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Would the Grand Secretary like to accompany us?"

"My health is failing, and I am no longer able to walk."

But Zhao Shizhen, without saying a word, grabbed Shen Shixing and lifted him up.

"Scholar Zhao, what are you doing???"

Zhao Shizhen chuckled: "Confucius said, 'Those who engage in civil affairs must also be prepared for military matters, and those who engage in military affairs must also be prepared for civil affairs.'"

Grand Secretary Shen is constantly burdened by paperwork, neglecting his health; this cannot continue indefinitely.

I used to be like that too, but since I came to this West Mountain and received my master's teachings, I also climb the mountain every day, and my daily tasks are now much more efficient.

Besides, with the Grand Secretary in front of us, how can we possibly back down?

A father and son discussing philosophy is a rare sight, both ancient and modern; we can't miss this opportunity to join in the fun today.

Without saying a word, Zhao Shizhen grabbed the old Shen Shixing and rushed towards Dongling Mountain.

"Let me go! Ah!"

"This is an insult to scholarship! An insult to scholarship! Ah~"

"I can walk by myself~ I can walk!"

The sky is clear and the air is crisp today.

By the time of Shenshi (3-5 PM), the sun is gradually lowering in the sky, and the weather is no longer as hot as in the afternoon, making it the perfect time to climb to a high place and enjoy the view.

Meanwhile, on Mount Dongling, an old man and a young man were climbing upwards, one after the other, their steps steady and neither willing to give way to the other.

Walking along the dirt road in the mountains, Zhang Yunxiu moved nimbly, deliberately leading his father by only half a body length.

To be honest, years of paperwork and working day and night to handle state affairs had gradually taken a toll on Zhang Juzheng's health.

It was a pipe dream for Zhang Juzheng, who was fifty years old, to be comparable to Zhang Yunxiu.

But the old man seemed to be holding a grudge and refused to back down for even a moment.

Even though he was panting heavily and covered in sweat, he gritted his teeth and persevered.

Zhang Yunxiu was still somewhat surprised.

If it weren't for the treatment at Renmin Medical Clinic, my father, who was treated like dirt, would probably still be lying on his deathbed, but now he's walking around like a whirlwind.

"You unfilial son! Don't think you've grown wings and underestimate me. What is there to fear from a mere Dongling Mountain?"

Today, I will ascend the Eastern Spirit Mountain and discuss this matter with you thoroughly, so that you may witness what the ultimate truth of the world truly is!

Zhang Juzheng's eyes hardened. Reaching the steep slope, he took a step forward and exerted force, sending stones flying from the soles of his boots. He was about to slip and fall.

Always mindful of what was behind him, he turned around and grabbed his father's wrist, barely managing to steady him.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said, "Father, slow down. As the saying goes, haste makes waste. Even a strong man can slip if he doesn't check his feet regularly."

Sensing the hidden meaning in the other person's words, Zhang Juzheng steadied himself against a nearby tree trunk, disregarding his young son's support, and spoke.

"Only those with a righteous spirit and unwavering will can achieve great things! You need not worry. Even if there are difficulties and obstacles ahead, I will still be able to climb to the top!"

Even if there's a shortcut?

Zhang Yunxiu said meaningfully.

He then pointed to the thick wooden cane in his left hand.

"If Father had something to rely on, how could he not have accidentally fallen?"

Zhang Juzheng, however, was furious and said, "If we rely solely on external forces and do not exert our own great strength, how can we reach the peak?"

“No.” Zhang Yunxiu shook his head. “Simply seeking one’s own self-interest is a misguided path.”

He pointed to the earthen slope at his feet.

"If someone had repaired the chisel marks on the earthen steps earlier, it would have been much easier to use them for leverage."

Zhang Yunxiu used a wooden stick to pry out the crooked old stone slabs that had been placed in the earthen steps of the slope.

Then they found a new stone slab, hammered it firmly into the stone, and worked hard to carve out a wider set of steps.

This process was very strenuous, especially with the help of a wooden stick, but Zhang Yunxiu seemed to be working very seriously.

Finally, after restoring the steps, he flashed a gleam of white teeth at Zhang Juzheng and said...

"The same applies to the new policies. The old system is like a stronghold of gentry. If we only try to repair it, it will eventually collapse and become crooked, making it easy for people to stumble."

Only by eradicating the roots of the old steps and compacting them with new stones can there be a chance for rebirth!

Zhang Juzheng's face turned somewhat pale. He exhaled and asked, "What is meant by 'new stone'?"

“It’s a new learning, a new trend,” Zhang Yunxiu replied succinctly.

"Talking about war on paper is easy, but putting it into practice is even more difficult."

Zhang Juzheng shook his head, stepped onto the new stone slab, and climbed up without looking back, leaving behind a leisurely remark.

"The outcome of this battle is still uncertain!"

Zhang Yunxiu also became ruthless and chased after him.

"Old Deng! This time, I'll make you admit defeat!"

Not far behind the two, Zhao Shizhen and Shen Shixing were already in a sorry state, having exhausted all their strength to catch up with the father and son.

The two men were discussing philosophy through mountain climbing.

Zhao Shizhen couldn't help but sigh, "After all, they are the Grand Secretary and my master. Their ways of speaking are quite different, and I am still a little confused."

If we were to ask Shen Shixing to offer any suggestions, it would clearly not be his strength.

As one of the most capable test-takers in the Ming Dynasty, Shen Shixing was exceptionally skilled in analysis and comprehension.

He squinted and said leisurely, "Prefect Zhang was merely using the mountain climbing incident to warn Your Excellency that the new policies should not be rushed."

Shen Shixing was rather helpless.

"What I have seen all the time is fathers teaching sons, but today there is a strange sight of a son teaching his father."

Throughout history, Zhang Shiyuan is the only one who has achieved this.

Zhao Shizhen couldn't help but chuckle: "That new stone..."

"The so-called 'new learning' is nothing more than your so-called 'science,' a new trend."

Shen Shixing let out a heavy sigh, staring intently at Zhang Yunxiu's departing figure, a hint of worry in his eyes.

"Zhang Tongzhi is about to unearth the very roots of scholars throughout history!"

(End of this chapter)