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

Chapter 222 I will bind the azure dragon with my long spear! The beginning of the new school of the Ming Dynasty!
Alas, heavens!

Shen Shixing's drinking motion suddenly froze, and the tea in the gourd dripped "drip drip drip" into the grass until it wet his collar before he finally reacted.

This kid Zhang Yunxiu can actually write poetry?

Shen Shixing was a top scholar, and his memory was exceptional from a young age. The poem he recited was deeply imprinted in his mind after only one reading.

As he savored each word, Shen Shixing's expression gradually became serious.

This is more than just someone who can compose poetry; he's a true master of poetry! Every stroke of his pen is a masterpiece.

But when Shen Shixing pondered the line, "Today we hold the long spear in our hands, when will we bind the azure dragon?", he felt a chill run down his spine.

With the gentle breeze of early autumn, the setting sun, and the magnificent view from the mountain peak overlooking all the surrounding mountains.

Even more exciting!
Shen Shixing suddenly felt a thunderous roar surging in his chest. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes widened.

"This poem, 'Qing Ping Yue,' truly captures the spirit and ambition of a man!"

His lips trembled slightly, and he seemed unable to contain his emotions.

"With the imagery of 'red banners fluttering in the west wind' as a drumbeat breaking through enemy lines, one can almost see thousands of troops trampling through mountains and rivers. Wherever the brushstrokes move, the landscape surges. How could someone without a broad and profound understanding of nature depict such a scene?"

The more this was the case, the more incredulous Shen Shixing's gaze became when he looked at Zhang Yunxiu.

"Zhang Shiyuan actually possesses such poetic talent?"

In the past, Zhang Yunxiu was full of vigor in the capital. Whether it was beating up the Minister in the court, helping the people with his medical clinic, or making huge profits through trade.

Everyone knows that the Zhang family has a son who is exceptionally intelligent, skilled in all sorts of tricks and crafts, and also has an arrogant and domineering personality.

Yet, this "playboy" was able to write such magnificent and powerful words.

It's really jaw-dropping.

Zhao Shizhen, standing to the side, was equally stunned, muttering to himself.

"A long spear binds the azure dragon! Binds the azure dragon! This poem is superb! In this situation, with such spirit, who else in the world could match me!"

Especially when paired with the Dongling Mountain peak, overlooking all the mountains below, it fills one with a sense of grandeur!
"With a do-or-die spirit, let us realize our myriad ambitions!"

For a moment, Zhao Shizhen was somewhat stunned. Since the literary tradition of the Song Dynasty was cut off, no one in the Ming Dynasty had been able to write a masterpiece.

If this poem were to be widely circulated, it would surely cause a sensation in the literary world.

If those Confucian scholars and upright officials were to discover that the author of this poem was Zhang Yunxiu, I wonder what kind of astonished expressions they would have on their faces?

"Master! You truly deserve to be my master!"

Zhao Shizhen felt a surge of pride and spoke with great enthusiasm.

"This poem, once uttered, possesses an overwhelming power, like a thunderbolt; who in the world can rival my Western Mountain!"

These words reminded Shen Shixing, and his expression gradually became serious as he began to savor the details within the words.

Something seems off.
This poem, "Qing Ping Yue," begins with a bold and sweeping stroke, depicting the scenery of early autumn on Dongling Mountain.

The phrase "red banners fluttering in the west wind" is easy to understand.

Zhang Yunxiu was very ambitious and wanted to emulate Wang Yangming in establishing a new school of thought, developing his so-called "scientific principles" based on the "philosophy of mind".

The imagery of "west wind" naturally represents the stubborn Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism of the past.

Up to this point, things are still considered normal.

After all, there are many people in the world who want to emulate Wang Yangming.

But how many people can actually succeed?
However, this last sentence is the most problematic.

What does it mean to say, "Today we hold the long spear in our hands, when will we bind the azure dragon?"

Who is the Azure Dragon? Who does it represent?

Under heaven, only the royal family can use the image of the dragon; phrases like "Azure Dragon Reigns Supreme" and "Dragon Rules the World" are exclusive to the royal family.

You, Zhang Yunxiu, are trying to treason by using a "long rope" to bind a "dragon".

Shen Shixing was able to grasp this point.

Zhang Juzheng could naturally sense this as well. The smile on his face gradually faded, and he spoke very seriously.

"This poem is full of grandeur and can be called a unique masterpiece in the two hundred years of this dynasty. However, it is too sharp. Governing a country does not require overwhelming force, but rather the balance of yin and yang. If we want to achieve long-term stability, we must 'be in harmony with the times and adapt to the changing times'."

Moreover,

His feelings were very complicated. He used to be disappointed in his son, but now that the "steel" had grown in the wrong direction, it was even more distressing. He reminded him.

"The image of the Azure Dragon is ultimately inappropriate. If it is misinterpreted by petty people, it may cause trouble. It should be changed."

For some reason, as soon as Zhang Yunxiu wrote something about "binding the azure dragon," Zhang Juzheng felt his eyelids twitching.

They were truly terrified by Zhang Yunxiu's shocking remarks.

But Zhang Yunxiu had a carefree and irresponsible attitude.

"No changes are allowed. This phrase is perfectly natural, and not a single word or phrase can be altered!"

"you!"

Zhang Juzheng's knuckles turned white as he pressed them against the tree trunk. He was thinking of picking up a branch and showing this increasingly arrogant and unfilial son what a true loving father was!

But then Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile.

"Old man, you're wrong. Who would say that speaking of a blue dragon is taboo?"
Throughout history, countless poems have used dragons as a motif. Han Yu wrote, "The sky darkens and the earth glooms as dragons move," and Qu Yuan even penned, "Let me ride a flying dragon!" Such inspired lines—did these ancient sages also violate taboos?" Zhang Juzheng's eyebrows shot up: "This is entirely different!"

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head: "These days, all kinds of vernacular novels are filled with dragon imagery. Father, aren't you being a little too sensitive?"

During the Wanli era, the most classic printed edition of "Journey to the West" was not yet popular, but various versions were already circulating, and Zhang Yunxiu often curiously sought them out to read.

The plot already has some hidden meanings, such as causing trouble in the Heavenly Palace, cutting off dragon heads, and even satirizing the Daoist Emperor. It can be said to be extremely audacious.

What was strictly forbidden by the Qing dynasty could be freely circulated during the Wanli era, which shows how relaxed the atmosphere of speech was among the people during this period.

This is also why Zhang Yunxiu was able to act with such impunity.

Not only for this reason, Zhang Yunxiu was also very clear about his "political stance".

Given his reputation in the Ming Dynasty, and the fact that he was considered "absurd" by the gentry and officials of the Qingliu faction.

The more unrestrained they are, the less likely anyone will suspect anything; they'll just dismiss it as youthful folly.

If he suddenly becomes cautious and timid, and cherishes his reputation, it will arouse suspicion.

Zhang Yunxiu took a deep breath and said resolutely.

"So that Father may know that this Azure Dragon is not from the imperial family, but a wicked dragon from the common people, and is nothing but a stubborn and inferior scholar from all the gentry and powerful people under heaven!"
Father always says that new policies are difficult to implement, but I, Zhang Yunxiu, now wielding the new learning, will surely crush these stubborn ills of the Ming Dynasty!

"Foolish!" Zhang Juzheng roared. "You are in the imperial court, how can you discuss matters with the common people? If you insist on promoting the new learning, you will surely shake the foundation of the country and incite the raging anger of the people. If you are not careful, you will be killed. Do you know that?"

In the past, Zhang Juzheng would have thought his youngest son was just spouting nonsense, but now it seems that he can indeed promote the "new learning" throughout the country.

Everything began with the elementary school in Xishan, but what were the consequences of doing so?

Zhang Yunxiu retorted, "When Father implemented the performance evaluation system and the land survey, did he ever fear the opinions of the people?"

"This is naturally very different."

After a series of "confrontations," Zhang Yunxiu seemed to sigh with some helplessness.

"Father is too hasty in seeking results, yet too cautious in trivial matters. How can he possibly succeed?"

These words instantly ignited Zhang Juzheng's anger.

He retorted angrily.

"Is this your twisted logic? This poem, however, is full of grandeur."

But you should know that new policies are not something that can be implemented overnight, and it is inherently difficult to carry them out across the country.

In the past, I could tolerate things like 'economics,' 'modern medicine,' and 'going global.'

But if you want to shake Confucianism with new learning, it is tantamount to making an enemy of the whole world, and even your father cannot protect you!
Do you understand?

"If the new policies do not have new learning, they will be like a rootless duckweed, and will never amount to anything. Father hopes to promote the new policies throughout the country and also wants the help of my Xishan. Therefore, we must promote new learning!"

How can we put the cart before the horse?

"Our Great Ming Dynasty has absolutely no fertile ground for new learning!"

“In the past, Yangming’s philosophy of mind was criticized by countless people. What is the situation now?”

The father-son duel was intense, but Zhao Shizhen and Shen Shixing watched with bated breath.

They knew very well that on this Dongling Peak, a battle of ideologies was taking place that would determine the future fate and direction of the Ming Dynasty!
But Zhang Juzheng, as a loyal Confucian scholar, had studied Neo-Confucianism for decades and had the Cheng-Zhu school of thought deeply ingrained in his bones. How could he possibly accept being asked to oppose the Cheng-Zhu school and promote some kind of "new learning" or "science"?

He stated firmly, "Yangming was able to develop his philosophy of mind based on Neo-Confucianism. You keep claiming to take the philosophy of mind as the standard, but in reality, it is a rebellious act against Confucianism and a departure from the orthodox path!"

"Hahahaha-"

Zhang Yunxiu let out a burst of maniacal laughter, as if to vent the frustration in his chest, and shouted loudly.

“Father keeps saying I’m rebellious and considers me a heretic, but even I, this rebellious person, know better than you what the principle of investigating things and extending knowledge means!”

He ripped off the turban from his head, and his hair danced wildly in the wind.

“I am not being rebellious. Look at the Confucianism of the Ming Dynasty today, look at the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism. They use rites and teachings to bind people’s hearts, but regard practical learning as strange skills and tricks.”

It is absurd to seek reason within oneself, spending all day in the study studying and pondering, unaware of the suffering of the people, yet to use this to govern the world!

In my opinion, the Confucianism of the Ming Dynasty today is truly heretical!

Zhang Yunxiu said through gritted teeth.

"If people's hearts are ignorant of the dogmas of Confucian scholars, even if we create a divine artifact that can reach the heavens, it will only be adding a few pieces of rotten wood to a edifice that is about to collapse!"
How can anything be accomplished when the shackles on all the people under heaven have not been removed?
Today, I, Zhang Yunxiu, will change people's hearts!

His tone softened, but his eyes grew increasingly resolute.

As the Great Learning says, "The extension of knowledge lies in the investigation of things. When things are investigated, knowledge is extended. When knowledge is extended, the will becomes sincere. Only then can the family be well-ordered, the state be well-governed, and the world be at peace!"

May I ask, Father, have you accomplished this? May I ask, have the officials of the court accomplished this?
They keep saying "preserve heavenly principles and eliminate human desires," but what they're eliminating is the desire of ordinary people to find a way to survive, while preserving the extravagant and pleasure-seeking principles of the gentry and powerful!
"Support that damn heavenly justice! Destroy that damn human desires!"

boom!
As if struck by a thunderclap, Zhang Juzheng collapsed to the ground, his eyes glazed over.

His voice was hoarse as he questioned.

"You've actually succeeded in investigating things to gain knowledge?"

Zhang Yunxiu opened his arms and said loudly.

"By investigating things thoroughly to understand the principles of all things, we can gain knowledge, cleanse our corrupt thoughts, and put what we have learned into practice!"

"This is the new learning of my Xishan! This is science!"

(End of this chapter)