Sky Curtain: The Overlord Charges into Battle, Shocking Emperors of All Dynasties

Chapter 58 The Teachings of the Sage

Could it be that Zhu Di's family actually produced several real dragons?

Zhu Gaochi, needless to say, was extremely capable in logistics and internal affairs. Otherwise, how could he have supported Zhu Di's several northern expeditions, maintained stable development in the country, and defended the city? He was a man of both literary and military talents. However, he seemed to be in poor health, which was not as good as Zhu Gaoxu. Zhu Gaoxu is now saying such things. These are not words that an ordinary person can say. It must be that he has a very thorough understanding of the classics, history, philosophy and literature, and has a clear understanding of the general trend of historical development.

It seems Zhu Gaoxu was no simple character after all.

Zhu Gaoxu lay down on the couch, completely indifferent. He was already imprisoned, so it didn't matter if he said anything treasonous; he would just die anyway.

"Does reading the books of sages mean one will refrain from rebellion?"

"Heh, it's all a joke."

In Zhu Gaoxu's view, the words of sages were all nonsense, only good for fooling the common people. In history, there were many people who were well-versed in the teachings of sages but whose actions were completely inconsistent with the principles in the books.

Upon hearing this, Yu Qian, who had studied the words of sages since childhood, could no longer sit still. "What did you say?!"

Not only Yu Qian, but countless Confucian scholars studying the words of Confucian sages in front of the celestial screen also began to curse Zhu Gaochi on the screen, "How dare you, you scoundrel!! To slander a sage like this!"

"He is but a mere warrior, yet he dares to speak ill of a sage."

"How can someone who acts like this be fit for the position of Crown Prince? Zhu Di is truly senile."

Zhu Gaoxu's words enraged the scholars in front of the sky. They had studied the words of the sages since childhood, and in their hearts, the words of the sages were golden rules that could not be dissent by others. Now that Zhu Gaoxu dared to say such disrespectful words to the sages, they naturally had to condemn such rebellious and arrogant words.

On the screen above, Zhu Gaoxu continued to speak, "Back then, Confucius traveled around trying to persuade the rulers of the world. He wanted to serve under Duke Jing of Qi, but Duke Jing had Yan Ying."

"Then I thought of the King of Chu, who was an official but some people were speaking ill of him."

"He lived a miserable and anxious life, like a homeless dog."

Zhu Gaochi was incredibly audacious. The descendants of Confucius in the Confucius Mansion were trembling with anger, their faces flushed red. How could such a thing be said? It was a great disrespect to the most revered teacher. Although such things were clearly recorded in the history books, they could not be said outright.

During the Ming Dynasty, especially after the Xuande Emperor, the descendants of Confucius vehemently denounced him, saying that a traitor dared to speak ill of the Sage Confucius. They had initially thought that Emperor Xuanzong's treatment of his own uncle was too cruel, but now it seemed that he deserved it!

During the Spring and Autumn Period, the rulers of various states couldn't help but scoff. They were very familiar with Confucius, Kong Qiu, who had visited their countries. What he said was indeed very reasonable, but it didn't seem to have much effect on strengthening the country's power.

In the Spring and Autumn Period, without strong national power, a country would inevitably be annexed by other countries sooner or later. As a result, Confucius actually advised them to love the people and implement benevolent governance. Could it be that implementing these measures would prevent other countries from attacking them?

The rulers of various countries couldn't help but shake their heads. If the country were stable and the external environment was peaceful, such measures could be implemented. Judging from what Tianmu said, later generations seem to have a high regard for Confucius's ideas and have called him a sage.

Some rulers of small states even had the idea that if they invited Confucius to serve as an official in their country, they might attract more talented people, or other countries might hesitate to attack them.

During the Spring and Autumn Period, renowned scholars held considerable prestige, not to mention that Confucius's fame was further enhanced by the publicity provided by Tianmu.

Confucius, however, paid no attention to what Zhu Gaoxu said. These were words he himself had admitted to. He had even admitted that he was a homeless dog, and said that he was a little happy, with a slight upturn of his lips, clearly in a good mood. The fact that Zhu Gaoxu could say such a thing shows that his teachings have been passed down to later generations. As for the implication that he might be called a sage, his words implied that he was a sage.

Anyone can be a saint; it just depends on the needs of those in power. Confucius could naturally see what kind of policies those rulers wanted, but he simply didn't say it. How could he easily change his principles and principles, and how could he allow those in power to continue to implement oppressive policies?

In the video, Zhu Gaoxu continues to make his remarks, "And speaking of Master Meng, what is he bragging about to King Hui of Wei every day? He has the face of a lackey."

Mencius: ?

How come I look like a lackey? I actually managed to scare King Hui of Wei half to death. Mencius got angry and called me a lackey.

King Hui of Wei, you wait, I'm coming!

If I can't argue with Zhu Gaoxu, can't I at least talk to you?

Upon hearing Zhu Gaochi's words, Yu Qian flew into a rage, speaking rapidly, "Those emperors are all blind, incompetent women who cannot recognize a sage!"

"The Zhou emperor was still alive then, why didn't he go and seek refuge with him?"

"Aren't all the dukes and marquises of various countries traitors just like me?"

"What's wrong with breaking away and disobeying the emperor's control?"

"Why did those two go and seek refuge with those thieves?"

"You're so smug, so proud of yourself, aren't you?"

Zhu Gaochi's sharp words struck Yu Qian's heart. No one had ever discussed Confucianism with him like this before, and he had never thought about why Confucius and Mencius did not go to the Zhou emperor, who was the rightful ruler at the time.

Yu Qian was in a state of confusion; he had no idea what was going on.

At this moment, many rulers of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods wore awkward expressions. Everyone knew these things. The Zhou emperor treated it as a lucky charm, using it only when needed. In the Spring and Autumn period, it was a little better, and people would still show some respect to the emperor. In the Warring States period, who cared about the Zhou emperor? He was just a figurehead.

The Zhou emperor, in Luoyi, had tears in his eyes. Finally, someone spoke up for him. They were all rebels, big rebels. Some of them were even relatives. What kind of relatives were they? Some of the feudal lords even shot arrows at the Zhou emperor and sent people to rob the grain of the people under the Zhou emperor's rule. Anyone could come and kick him while he was down.

The Zhou emperor knelt on the ground, praying to Heaven for the protection of the Zhou dynasty's ancestors and for divine punishment to strike down these rebels.

Meanwhile, rebels and traitors from other dynasties, and even those with rebellious intentions, were all intrigued. They thought, "We didn't know that could be explained like this! Now we can even retort when those glib-tongued scholars call us rebels. Thank you, Zhu Gaochi! You're so eloquent. We would honor you as the most cultured person among rebels."

Zhu Gaoxu pressed his advantage, his tone aggressive, determined to break down Yu Qian's last psychological defenses: "Make them crawl out of their coffins and tell me what they're thinking."

"Those books you have are nothing more than stepping stones to wealth and fame."

"You're really treating him like a family motto!"

"ridiculous!"