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

Chapter 311 Master Xu, look at this cucumber, it contains the ultimate truth of the world!
Xishan Theater.

The snow piled up to knee-high in the western suburbs, yet a road was still cleared.

It wasn't that Xishan Theater had deliberately prepared for this "lecture"; rather, Xishan Theater had become an indispensable entertainment venue for everyone in Beijing, from high-ranking officials to ordinary citizens.

Those who were poorer could afford to watch a play in the Western Hills by spending a day's wages, which was about fifty coins.

However, it cannot compare to the high-ranking officials and nobles in the theater boxes, where they often spend hundreds of taels of silver.

Today's lecture had already spread throughout Beizhili. Even before it started, the Xishan Theater was already packed with people. Despite the wind and snow, many stalls were set up outside the theater, selling things like sesame cakes, steamed buns, braised pork, and wontons. For a moment, it felt like a pre-New Year's market.

Li Zhi was dressed in a tattered cotton-padded jacket, looking like an ordinary old farmer. However, he had a shaved head and wore sunglasses on his nose. This unconventional attire attracted the attention of many people.

"Two bowls of offal soup, boss!"

"Alright~ Please wait a moment, gentlemen~"

As soon as he sat down, the pageboy Yuan Wenwei couldn't stand it anymore. He felt uneasy under the strange looks from the people around him, and even wanted to leave this old man.

“Sir, why don’t we take off these sunglasses and put on your dog-skin felt hat?” Yuan Wenwei said with a hint of helplessness. “You don’t look like an old farmer, you look more like a river bandit who robs the canal.”

Li Zhi immediately became displeased, lowered his sunglasses, and glared at his disciple.

"You're the bandit! Why can't an old farmer dress like this? Does an old farmer have to be proper? Who in the world says that an old farmer can't wear sunglasses and shave his head to show his resolve?"

"But..." Yuan Wenwei hesitated, glancing around. He sensed that many imperial spies and imperial guards were watching the two of them, precisely because of Li Zhi's conspicuous attire.

He sighed and said.

"Sir, please calm down. Today is no small matter. If we cause trouble and alarm the Emperor and Zhang Shiyuan, that would be extremely bad."

"disturb?"

Li Zhi sneered.

"I have come here to lend that young Shi Yuan a hand. If he loses, wouldn't that be a disgrace to us scientists?"

Yuan Wenwei asked helplessly, "Master, why have you chosen this new school again?"

The new learning is science. In the past few months, as the influence of Xishan has expanded, it has also spread throughout the Ming Dynasty. However, it is obviously not accepted by most traditional scholars.

Li Zhi understood his disciple's meaning and stared at him, saying...

"But what about it? Whether it's Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, Yangming's philosophy of mind, or this new science, in my opinion, there is no distinction between superior and inferior. Only the principles that are applicable to the world are the ultimate principles for humanity! In my opinion, science is the principle for solving the problems of all living beings."

How can we ensure that Xu Zisheng wins?

"This"

Yuan Wenwei chose to keep quiet. His master had just been tinkering with his "theory of childlike innocence," but now he wanted to join Zhang Yunxiu's tutelage to learn some kind of science.
Wouldn't that make me some kind of Zhang Yunxiu's grand-disciple?
Lost in thought, Yuan Wenwei buried his head in his drink of the white offal soup. In the cold winter wind, a bowl of this salty and delicious offal soup was something even the gods wouldn't trade.

After enjoying a hearty meal, Yuan Wenwei looked up and discovered that his master, Li Zhi, had disappeared without him noticing.

Yuan Wenwei immediately became anxious.

"You old geezer! Where have you gotten yourself into trouble again!"

He searched around for a while and was about to set up his stall when the owner stopped him.

"Sir, you'd better pay now."

Yuan Wenwei's face twitched.

Xu Jie took a good shower today. He knew he couldn't wear the court robes, but he still changed into a brand new set of clothes.

The Taoist robe with its straight collar and right-fastening front, along with the square-shaped turban, gave Xu Jie an air of elegance.

Wang Shizhen exclaimed in admiration, "Master Xu's grooming today has given him a touch of the air of Master Zhu."

Xu Jie said irritably, "Don't flatter me. Have you gathered your old friends? You must not lose face today."

Wang Shizhen's face stiffened as he said, "Lord Xu is also aware that since you retired and we resigned and returned to our hometowns, the court has become Zhang Jiangling's domain. All the dissidents in the court have been oppressed by him. There are very few of Lord Xu's former students and officials, or our former close friends, who dare to stand up for him."

Zhang Juzheng was second only to the emperor, and his influence in the capital was unparalleled. Xu Jie's "walking on the snow-covered chessboard street" did indeed create some momentum, but officials in the court were all wise to protect themselves and would not be willing to step forward rashly.

Wang Shizhen added, “Master Xu need not worry. Even in the capital, there are not many heretics. There are plenty of people willing to speak out for justice. Whether they are students of the Imperial Academy, students of Beizhili, or scholars of all kinds, they all support Master Xu.”

Xu Jie nodded slightly. It was with the support of these people that he was so confident about today's debate.

At this point, Xu Jie couldn't help but feel a little strange, and looked around the theater box.

Where did Yuan Yu go?

Wang Shizhen sighed and said, "Brother Yuanyu wanted to get more help, so he went to visit Yu Youding, Xu Guo, Pan Jixun and others. I think he is still dealing with them."

"Humph!"

Xu Jie pushed open the door to the private box and saw a huge crowd in the theater outside.

"These people are naturally opportunistic; they'll help whoever wins."

Wang Shizhen remained silent.

The Xishan Theater had never been so crowded before. Even the railings on the second and third floors were packed with people. Only the private boxes, which had cost money, were somewhat spacious.

Regardless of which side it is, everyone wants a piece of the pie at today's "lecture".

Anyone could tell that this lecture was extraordinary.

To a large extent, it could even determine the future direction of the Ming Dynasty.

Among the merchants, only one Shanxi merchant came, namely Wang Dengku. He spent a lot of money to book a private box in the theater and gathered together a group of like-minded merchants.

He was accompanied by Wang Shishun, a representative of Huizhou merchants, and others.

Today, Wang Dengku has distanced himself from the Shanxi merchants. His preemptive sale of shares during the last Jiangnan futures market crash was clearly despised by the Shanxi merchants.

Wang Dengku turned the tables on them, severing all ties with the former Shanxi merchants and even using his accumulated silver to plunder extensively in Jiangnan.

Taking advantage of falling prices and a futures market crash, those with money in hand became the big shots.

At the other end of the private room were the group from Xishan. Li Shizhen led the doctors from the Ming Dynasty Medical College, sitting on the high platform. Their white robes were quite eye-catching, and many people even took the opportunity to go and consult with them.

Today was not a day of rest, but many of the court officials were still present, and the nobles led by Zhang Rong were naturally not absent either.

Zhang Juzheng sat in an inconspicuous private room in the corner, looking at the huge crowd outside, and couldn't help but frown and say something.

"A lot of scholars have come today?"

Shen Shixing explained from the side, "Many students from the Imperial Academy have come, as well as scholars from Beizhili. People from various academies and schools of thought have also sent representatives."

He looked somewhat embarrassed.

"As Zhang Zhangwei said, today's lecture should be unconventional, with a certain number of people from all walks of life participating on a first-come, first-served basis. Those students who are close to the source will naturally come in more numbers."

Zhang Juzheng let out a breath: "Have someone keep an eye on things, lest they cause any trouble."

These students, prone to anger and impulsiveness, are easily swayed and incited by mere words.

Ironically, those upright and honest gentry were the most skilled in this art.

"Enough." Zhang Juzheng closed his eyes, seemingly a little tired. "Let's see how eloquent this kid is. If he can perform at his usual level, it will be much more effective."

Shen Shixing couldn't help but chuckle.

It seems the En family still harbors resentment over their youngest son's rebellion!
A small stage was set up in the very center of the Xishan Theater, with countless microphones of various shapes extending to each stand around it.

From the very beginning of its construction, the Xishan Theater took into account the need for sound amplification, drawing on past experience and incorporating designs such as the "sound corridor" and "resonance wall" provided by Zhang Yunxiu.

In the theater, as long as the sound on stage is loud enough and there is no noise around, it is not difficult to hear what is being said on stage. For this "lecture", Zhang Yunxiu specially prepared two large loudspeakers, which were placed in front of the two people's seats respectively.

Seeing that everyone had taken their seats, Zhang Yunxiu stood behind the stage, ready to stride confidently and make a grand entrance.

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to go out, a crazy old man suddenly darted out from the darkness.

The old man was holding a document in his hand, his head was bald, and he was wearing sunglasses on his nose.

In the stereotype of Zhang Yunxiu held by later generations—this guy doesn't look like a good person at all!
He was startled, not knowing when the man had broken in, and was just thinking of drawing his handgun to shoot him.

But then he heard the other person lower their voice and say something.

“Young man! I am Li Zhi. You are being reckless, insisting on having a sermon with that Xu Zisheng. When that old scoundrel was in Jiangnan, he spent his days either warming his bed with his concubines or lecturing everywhere. How can you, at such a young age, possibly compete with him?”

The old man, who called himself Li Zhi, shoved the document into Zhang Yunxiu's arms with great enthusiasm.

"This is what I have been preparing for days. The deductions inside, supplemented by historical and classical evidence, will surely leave Xu Zisheng speechless and allow our science to flourish!"

Just as Zhang Yunxiu was about to speak, Li Zhi's expression left no room for argument.

"Shiyuan, do not thank me. I am only acting out of a sense of justice."

"But."

"There are no 'buts'!" Li Zhi stamped his foot in frustration. "The future of science rests entirely on your shoulders, kid!"

After saying this, Li Zhi darted into the stands like a monkey, leaving Zhang Yunxiu bewildered in the wind.

What is this all about?

Li Zhi? Is that the famous eccentric Li Zhi, Li Hongfu?
When did I meet this person? And why did he come here?

Filled with doubt, Zhang Yunxiu glanced briefly at the manuscript that was handed to him.

With just one glance, he confirmed the other person's identity.

The clarity of thought and the insightful observations on the peculiarities of the world in this manuscript are something only a great Confucian scholar could produce.

It seems that only Li Zhi, who founded the "theory of childlike innocence," could have accomplished this.

As for why he suddenly became a disciple of "Zhang Xue" (a school of thought in Chinese literature), there was no time to think about it.

At this moment, Xu Jie stepped forward and sat down, and leisurely uttered a sentence in front of the strange loudspeaker.

"The time has come, why is Chief Guard Zhang delaying things like this?"

The hoarse, aged voice immediately resounded throughout the entire Xishan Theater, and even those on the high platform could still roughly hear the content.

In an instant, the once quiet theater erupted in noise, and countless scholars and students were excited. They had never felt this way before, being able to face a great Confucian scholar who had once dominated the court and was now a prominent figure in the literary world.

"A preemptive strike." Duke Zhu Yingzhen of Chengguo said with a furrowed brow as he sat on the platform. "Shiyuan was at a disadvantage from the start. Although no one in the court dared to openly support Xu Zisheng due to his prestige, Xu Zisheng was highly respected among the scholars."

"Don't be anxious."

Duke Zhang Rong of England appeared calm and composed, though his complexion had been somewhat poor lately. Since the onset of winter, the old man had also been feeling unwell, but thanks to the treatment at Renmin Medical Clinic, his health had gradually improved.

"Isn't Shiyuan here?"

Zhang Rong pointed slightly.

Zhu Yingzhen turned his head and saw a young man walking towards the stage with an arrogant and domineering air.

The muscles at the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

"That kid Zhang Shiyuan~"

The theater fell silent immediately after Zhang Yunxiu appeared.

Zhang Yunxiu, however, seemed oblivious, putting his hands in his sleeves and walking straight toward Xu Jie, as if trying to pull something out of his sleeves in full view of everyone.

Seeing Zhang Yunxiu's aggressive appearance.

For a moment, everyone held their breath as an idea formed in their minds.

Could it be that Zhang Yunxiu is planning to kill Xu Jie in front of everyone, causing blood to splatter everywhere?

This is outrageous, but it's something Zhang Yunxiu is capable of doing.

Wang Shizhen and Wang Xijue, who were standing behind Xu Jie, immediately became anxious and roared.

"Zhang Shiyuan! What do you intend to do!"

Zhang Rong, gazing at the scene from afar, couldn't help but utter a sound.

"You brat, don't be reckless!"

The scene was about to descend into chaos.

But Zhang Yunxiu took out a long, green, strip-shaped object from his sleeve and handed it to Xu Jie with a smile.

"Master Xu, please try this cucumber."

"cucumber?"

Xu Jie was already terrified, his face turned deathly pale, and he fell backward to the ground, his hands trembling, his mind blank as he took the cucumber.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled easily and began to explain as he paced around.

"Master Xu, you may not know this, but our Xishan area is blessed with outstanding people and resources. We have already established a military farm, where we not only grow winter fruits and vegetables in greenhouses, but also cultivate various excellent varieties of vegetables and fruits through different breeding and hybridization methods."

This melon is crisp and delicious, with a good yield. It can be eaten raw as a fruit, or used in salads, stir-fries, or even pickled, each with its own unique flavor.
Such things, which benefit all people, should naturally be shared with Lord Xu.

Many people in the theater were on tenterhooks after witnessing this dramatic turn of events.

If it were anyone else, no one would have such suspicions, but Zhang Yunxiu has a notorious reputation and acts against common sense, which makes it impossible not to suspect him.

At this moment, some scholars became indignant.

"This scoundrel did this on purpose! He's taking advantage of Master Xu's advanced age to try and intimidate him; it's utterly despicable and shameless!"

There were all sorts of opinions at the time.

"That kid! He almost sent this old man to his death!"

The British Duke Zhang Rong, still looking shaken, let out a long breath and began to take deep breaths to calm himself down.

The doctors at Renmin Medical Center advised that it's best to avoid extreme emotional fluctuations.

Duke Zhu Yingzhen of Chengguo smiled and said, "As expected of Shiyuan, he's sure to terrify that old scoundrel!"

Xu Jie was somewhat annoyed. He pointed at Zhang Yunxiu with a cucumber and said...

"Zhang Shiyuan! You're making fun of me!"

Zhang Yunxiu returned to his seat, took out a cucumber from his sleeve, and started crunching on it, smiling as he spoke.

"Why do you say such things, Master Xu? Why is the cucumber being used to mock you? You have never tasted a cucumber, so how do you know its sweetness? You have never done farming, so how do you know its hardships? You spend your days in your study talking nonsense, so how do you know how to govern the world?"

The greatest truths are the simplest, but this junior intends to use this cucumber to glimpse all things under heaven, to seek the reasons for the revival of my Great Ming Dynasty!

He paused, staring intently at Xu Jie, who was sitting on the ground, clutching a cucumber and trembling all over.

"And what was Xu Gong's basis for this?"

(End of this chapter)