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

Chapter 223 New Learning is Science!
Since the Southern Song Dynasty, the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism has been established as the core of the imperial examinations, a history that spans nearly five hundred years.

Over the course of five hundred years, the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism continued to develop and was consistently regarded as the "orthodox" school by the scholar-official class.

Wang Yangming abandoned the rigid dogma and empty talk of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and gradually developed and promoted the philosophy of mind.

Initially, "the philosophy of mind" was regarded as heresy.

However, as Wang Yangming's disciples and later followers continued to develop and promote his philosophy of mind, it began to rival Neo-Confucianism, giving rise to various schools of thought.

However, many branches of the school, bearing the name of Yangming's philosophy of mind, actually go against the grain and are completely contrary to it.

Some have misinterpreted the concept of "nothing exists outside the mind" in the philosophy of mind as hedonism, incorporating it into Buddhism and Taoism to pursue personal spiritual transcendence.

Some people, however, hide in their studies, spending their days in isolation, engaging in empty talk about "conscience" and "mindset," and finding pleasure in lecturing and debating.

Some people even absolutize "conscience," believing that everything can be solved simply by "looking inward," thus rejecting all external norms.

The philosophy of Wang Yangming, which once advocated the unity of knowledge and action, suddenly became a social tool for scholars to flaunt their status.

This is why Zhang Juzheng wanted to abolish all academies in the country and curb the phenomenon of empty talk about the philosophy of mind.

Zhang Juzheng was indeed a pragmatist.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yunxiu took pragmatism to the extreme this time.

The idea that science is about investigating things to gain knowledge is not about exploring the meaning of scriptures, but about seeking the laws and principles inherent in all things.

If one had to draw a parallel with a school of thought, Zhang Yunxiu's approach would be more like that of the Taizhou School within the philosophy of mind.

For example, Li Zhi of the Taizhou School was still clamoring for the "theory of childlike innocence" a few years ago, opposing the restriction of thought, male superiority over females, and the emphasis on agriculture over commerce, etc.

Therefore, a more accurate statement is that Zhang Yunxiu's new learning was derived from the influence of the Taizhou School.

Those "heretical" theories often oppose Confucius.

However, Zhang Yunxiu's new school of thought was different in that it was more pragmatic than the schools mentioned above.

They are even extremely pragmatic, advocating things like "seeking truth from facts," "analyzing specific problems in specific ways," and "people-oriented."

It appears to be a Taizhou School of thought, but it is actually more profound.

Li Zhi was criticized as unorthodox and was feared by the court, let alone Zhang Yunxiu's so-called new science.

Regardless of whether it is the Huizhou School or the Taizhou School, in the final analysis, within this imperial court, no matter how many different voices there are, it is always the world of "Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism". As long as the imperial court's selection of officials remains unchanged and the imperial examinations adopt Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism.

Therefore, Neo-Confucianism is the orthodox school of thought, while other schools are merely noise in our ears.

Furthermore, there are already too many schools of thought emerging in the Ming Dynasty, so it doesn't make a difference if you add another "science".

However, most importantly, Zhang Yunxiu's so-called "science" was truly effective.

It is what truly threatens the status of Neo-Confucianism.

From Renmin Medical Clinic to Xishan Workshop, each one effectively solved real problems, rescued the people from dire straits, and relieved the imperial court of some concerns.

In other words, science is incredibly useful.

It was so useful that after Zhang Yunxiu brought it up, Shen Shixing and Zhang Juzheng had to be wary of it!

"This"

Zhao Shizhen was dumbfounded. He felt a theory suddenly forcefully enter his mind, and he couldn't help but exclaim.

"So, Xishan has always adhered to the scientific way?"

“It’s not about sitting and discussing theories, but about leveraging the power of Xishan.” Shen Shixing sighed. “I’m afraid our Great Ming is really going to have a new school of thought, but this new school of thought will be even more extreme than the past.”

But Zhao Shizhen, who was sitting next to him, did not think so.

He emphasized, "Your Excellency Shen is mistaken. The learning of Xishan is not some kind of fanaticism, but rather a practical application of knowledge!"

As he spoke, a sense of pride arose within him.

He used to study various machines in Xishan, starting with the "dragon sucking water," then moving on to a series of unique inventions in Xishan, and finally returning to the research and development of the steam engine.

Zhang Yunxiu constantly emphasized the importance of "inquiry spirit," "experimentation spirit," and "seeking truth from facts."

Zhao Shizhen obeyed subconsciously, but he didn't know what it was.

Now we finally know the true face behind the veil of "science"!

Science is also a school of thought!
Science is also a kind of Confucianism, just like the philosophy of unity!

And I, Zhao Shizhen, will become one of the first disciples of this science!
Upon seeing this, Shen Shixing's expression became somewhat complicated, and he offered a reminder.

"Is Scholar Zhao so agitated because he is prepared to face the wrath of scholars across the land?"

Zhang Yunxiu's recent actions have long aroused dissatisfaction among scholars.

Now, if they were to come up with some kind of "science" that echoes Li Zhi's claims, it would likely trigger another round of verbal attacks from scholars, and the court would probably be in turmoil. But Zhao Shizhen was full of confidence: "Speaking of which, Xishan is already despised by everyone. Saying it's a place tainted by money is like saying you don't bite when there are too many lice."

"You guys"

Shen Shixing was stunned.

In just a few days, this person had picked up Zhang Yunxiu's temperament.

Extremely shameless!
At this moment, Zhang Juzheng finally managed to get up from the ground. He looked somewhat disheveled, but his expression was much calmer.

Zhang Juzheng learned the art of calming his mind from the doctors at Renmin Medical Hall.

He had no choice but to learn; he didn't want to be driven to his death by this rebellious son one day.

When he inherits his mantle and influence, won't he just throw the world into chaos?
It's unclear when it started, but Zhang Juzheng's will to survive had reached an unprecedented level.

His lips moved: "Is this why you insist on establishing the Great Ming Medical College and the Mechanical Engineering College? You must have been planning this for a long time, right?"

Compared to others who merely talked the talk, Zhang Yunxiu had clearly already put his ideas into practice.

Does it really matter whether it is or isn't?

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and asked in return.

"Has Father always upheld the principles of pragmatism and seeking truth? How come he's become so stubborn here?"
Regardless of its specifics, any learning from Xishan that can solve problems and ensure people have enough to eat is a useful learning method.

He said it meaningfully.

Whether the new learning is heretical or not is not up to my father, the court, or even the Confucian scholars in the common people.

Only the changes we see before our eyes can prove it.

Zhang Yunxiu strolled to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the various places in the Western Hills.

“Father, look at the Western Hills. There are workshops being built there, houses for the workers of the Western Hills, and all sorts of research institutes. And there is the very school where we came from.”

He turned to look at his father, who was frowning.

“My confidence in revitalizing the learning of Xishan is not based on any books I have read, nor on any theories I have discussed, nor on the sentimentality of a single poem.”

It is about returning to the source, using scientific methods to enable the workers of Xishan to live and work in peace and contentment, and to encourage the students of Xishan to study diligently.

Using the Western Hills to enable countless people to make a living, this is the way of the sage!

Father, do you understand?

Zhang Juzheng's pupils contracted slightly as he stood on the edge of the cliff alongside Zhang Yunxiu.

Looking at the setting sun and the workers with smiles on their faces after finishing their shift, they were like wild horses, full of energy, no longer showing the dejection of their days as displaced people.

Some rushed towards the Xishan Canteen, some towards their homes where smoke was rising from the chimneys, and some even skipped their meals, heading straight towards the Xishan Theater.

Everyone has their own way of life, and everyone can find happiness in it.

Perhaps this approach is truly feasible?

However, Zhang Juzheng still had some concerns, and he asked thoughtfully.

"The methods of Xishan are limited to a single city; how can they be implemented throughout the world?"
In the past, new policies, like those in Xishan, achieved success in one place, but their implementation across the country would always differ.

"To promote it throughout the world?" Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said, "When did I ever say I wanted to promote it throughout the world?"

Zhang Juzheng's lips twitched slightly, and he said with some anger.

“If you do not intend to spread this throughout the world, why bother arguing with me here?”

Zhang Yunxiu chuckled and said, "Father, you've made the mistake of being rash again. The Western Mountain method is good, but to rashly implement it throughout the country is no better than the current Wanli New Deal."

Everything in the world develops according to its own laws; how can one succeed by going against the tide?

Zhang Juzheng shook his head, clearly disagreeing.

"Those who bring about change throughout history have all done so against the tide, without exception."

"So they all failed."

Zhang Yunxiu answered succinctly.

"."

Zhang Juzheng was surprised. After thinking it over carefully, he finally asked as if he had made up his mind.

"According to you, what should be done?"

(End of this chapter)