Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 794 The Idea of ​​Collision

The clash of ideas came silently, yet was deafening.

Xu Xuan's thinking clearly shows a patricide complex, which is a challenge to authority and a strong sense of self-importance.

Rebellion is not a sin.

Without resistance, without the will to be free, there would be no birth of a new world.

Feudal authoritarianism, on the other hand, vigorously promotes extreme filial piety, treating the regime as one's parents, in order to control everyone's thoughts.

Therefore, resistance is a grave sin.

Even Confucius said: "When serving one's parents, one should remonstrate with them gently. If they do not listen to one's advice, one should still respect them and not disobey them. One should work hard without complaining."

When dealing with parents' mistakes, one should offer gentle advice. If parents disagree, one should still remain respectful and not disobey them, even if it causes them trouble, without complaining.

Therefore, the antagonism between the two sides can no longer be concealed.

Ning Caichen could choose to remain silent or back down.

But at this moment, the "out-of-time" ideas taught by Master Xu were like sharp swords resounding in his heart.

The pleading look in Fu Qingfeng's eyes softened his heart—that face, so similar to Xiaoqian's, always touched the softest part of his heart.

But this time, there can be no retreat.

“Miss Fu,” Ning Caichen nodded slightly.

His gaze, however, turned firmly to the old man who had tried to make him obedient, "Your father is right, the court does indeed value virtue."

His voice was clear and resonant, like jade striking stones: "But the Analects says: 'If one's conduct is upright, one's orders will be followed without being given; if one's conduct is not upright, one's orders will not be followed even if given.'"

"Although I come from a humble background, I am a scholar with perseverance." Ning Caichen straightened his clothes, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "I am grateful for your guidance today, senior."

This gesture was dignified but not servile.

When he stood up, his eyes were clear and bright, and there was no longer any hesitation from before.

Fu Qingfeng stared blankly at the young man, suddenly realizing that the person in front of him was completely different from his father's obsequious students and the young masters of aristocratic families in Luoyang.

Ning Caichen left after he finished speaking; there was no need to continue the argument.

A potentially fruitful conversation ended abruptly due to an absurd dispute over "who should speak first," revealing that the constraints of this world were heavier than he had imagined.

If even the Imperial Censor, known for his integrity, was so persistent in his stance on matters of superiors and subordinates, what must ordinary officials be like?
It's actually a good thing that I've already experienced these invisible shackles before even officially embarking on my official career.

Suddenly, a subtle fluctuation came from the depths of his soul.

The seeds of lust quietly sprouted in his heart, and those suppressed, rebellious voices were growing.

Ning Caichen did not resist, letting these new ideas flow through his mind.

As I reached the alley entrance, I inexplicably turned back and glanced at the Fu residence.

In his spiritual perception, he heard some subtle "voices"—not from his master, but from the whispers of other servants in the mansion.

Misfortune often accumulates from small oversights, incompetence, and stubbornness, eventually leading to great calamity.

Fu Tianchou's stubbornness and incompetence were gradually accumulating into a disaster. He seemed to already see this headstrong old minister eventually paying the price for his obstinacy.

Hopefully, Lord Fu will be more clear-headed at that time.

Inside the mansion, the incoherent Lord Fu was smashing a cup.

The fine celadon teacup shattered on the ground, spilling tea leaves and water everywhere.

This was the first time, absolutely the first time, that a junior had spoken to him like that.

I was going to give you a chance, but you didn't cherish it and instead said such rebellious things.

He was so angry that his beard twitched.

"Though shoes are worn out, they should not be used as a pillow; though hats are worn out, they should not be used to mend shoes!" He recited this ancient proverb through gritted teeth, as if he wanted to chew up and swallow every word.

This means that even new shoes shouldn't be placed on a pillow, and a worn-out hat shouldn't be used as an insole. The distinction between noble and lowly should not be reversed, and the class order should not be overturned.

It was obvious that he disliked the young man.

"This kind of madman dares to call himself a scholar?!"

"I really must question his teacher about how he could have taught such an overbearing student." Fu Qingfeng's eyes reddened with anxiety as he tugged at his father's sleeve, pleading, "Father, please calm down! Young Master Ning is, after all, Yuechi's savior. Your treatment of him today is already... already very..."

"How is it?"

"Did you learn some things about disrespect and hierarchy when you came to the South?"

He flung his daughter's hand away and pointed to the plaque inscribed with "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness" hanging on the study wall. "I'm sending you to study to understand principles, and to practice martial arts to strengthen your bodies, not to teach you to disobey your elders!"

"Go back to your room and reflect on your actions. Don't associate with this kind of person again."

It's a real pity that Fu Tianchou ultimately didn't actually go to Ning Caichen's teacher to demand an explanation.

Otherwise, he would encounter the most rebellious and dangerous thinker in the world, the extraterrestrial demon who could shake the entire world.

When a stubborn old minister meets a rebellious demon, when strict etiquette clashes with the will to free... it will surely be a spectacular clash.

Unfortunately, Fu Tianchou missed a real opportunity to "open his eyes".

And so the wheels of history continue to roll forward silently, leaving the conservatives forever in the past.

On the other side, as soon as Ning Caichen stepped into the inn, he was grabbed by the arms of Zao and Ji Rui on either side and "tied" into the room.

"Tell me the truth!" Zao slammed the door shut and went straight to the point, "What did Lord Fu say to you?"

Ji Rui leaned closer with a mischievous grin, draping his arm over Ning Caichen's shoulder: "Are you going to betroth Miss Fu to you?" He winked and said, "I'm not bragging, but the way that Miss Fu looks at you, tsk tsk..."

“When it comes to matters of love, even Master Xu is a novice in front of me.” He stroked his non-existent beard smugly. “This marriage is guaranteed! It’s just that…” He suddenly became serious, “Being the son-in-law of a high-ranking official is not an easy job.”

After the two finished arguing, Ning Caichen slowly straightened his disheveled clothes and said, "It's a pity that I'm afraid I'll never be able to knock on the door of the Fu family again."

"Huh?" the two said in unison, their faces full of question marks.

After Ning Caichen finished recounting what had happened, the room fell silent for a moment.

Who would have thought that simply because of the wrong order of speech, tone of voice, and posture, the most sensitive nerve of this strict system of etiquette would be touched?

"That's it?" Ji Rui suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "You only said a few words?" He rolled up his sleeves as if to give a live lecture. "You should have first quoted classical texts to criticize him for not recognizing talent, and then..."

Zao sighed and pulled the clown back, saying, "Alright, alright, everyone's back now. What's the point of all this?"

Ji Rui then sat back down in his chair, muttering something like, "If only I were here." The three of them exchanged a smile, and the incident was thus resolved.

No one paid any attention to the stubborn old man; it was just a pity about the marriage.

But as soon as Xu Xuan returned, Ji Rui immediately ran off to report him.

Zao learned from Master Xu's principles, Ning Caichen learned from Master Xu's talent, and I learned from Master Xu's magnanimity.

He recounted the events in detail without embellishment, knowing full well that Master Xu's wisdom required no extraneous emotions to influence his judgment.

As expected, Xu Xuan immediately burst into curses after hearing this: "...that old bastard."

I even spoke well of Lu Dan today. Although I didn't actively try to exonerate him, it was still a kind gesture.

How rare this is in the Father!

Since you value the hierarchical system of ruler and subject so much, don't be surprised when you're arrested and brought to the capital; face it calmly.

He walked up to Ning Caichen and patted his beloved disciple heavily on the shoulder: "After the autumn examinations are over, I will personally accompany Senior Lu to the Fu residence." A wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth, "Let this Lord Fu see what true 'arrogance and stinginess' really means!"

Ji Rui listened with great excitement, his smile practically reaching his ears. With Master Xu personally taking action, that old stubborn fellow would be lucky to escape with his life! He was already mentally lighting a row of candles for Fu Tianchou.

Xu Xuan suddenly suppressed his anger and called his three disciples to him. Fu Tianchou's overreaction reminded him of something important.

Surprisingly, they failed to perceive such a formidable barrier when faced with the brainwashed second-generation heirs of corrupt officials and even demons and monsters. Ironically, they instead stumbled upon this wall against these so-called "upright officials."
Tsk tsk tsk... You guys have really inspired our fighting spirit.

Of course, there are also methods and approaches to struggle.

Xu Xuan said solemnly, "The autumn examination is approaching. Remember to align your answers with mainstream viewpoints as much as possible and avoid going too far out of line." He held up one finger, "Remember, you must first blend in with the crowd before you can shine brightly in the future."

"Understood!" the three disciples replied in unison.

The days that followed flew by amidst the hustle and bustle.

The candidates were either engrossed in their studies or visiting various places, and the inns and teahouses of Shouchun City were filled with discussions of current affairs and academic exchanges.

Finally, August 9th arrived.

(End of this chapter)