Chapter 503 Zhuge Liang: I Am a Commoner, Working as a Farmer in Nanyang

"Is this serious?"

"Absolutely true."

Guo Jiagong replied respectfully, with a look of worry on his face, "Your Majesty, the discussion about the Imperial College has become more and more intense recently, and the scholars and the people are arguing about it endlessly."

"Zheng Xuan left the mountain and rushed to Chang'an at this time. I'm afraid he also came for the Imperial College. We can't ignore it."

Hongdu Menxue has been controversial since its establishment, and has been criticized and resisted by many orthodox scholar-bureaucrats and officials. They believe that students of Hongdu Menxue obtain high officials and generous salaries by relying on "little skills", which is inconsistent with traditional Confucian values ​​​​and official selection. standard.

Although the Imperial College is different from the Hongdu School, they are essentially contrary to traditional Confucianism and the standards for official selection.

Zheng Xuan came from a noble family and devoted his life to the research, annotation and inheritance of Confucian classics. He had been opposed to the Hongdu School when it was first established. It is conceivable that he could not have a good impression of the Imperial College.

The debate over the Imperial College is so fierce now. If Zheng Xuan, a highly respected scholar, openly opposes the establishment of the Imperial College, all the previous efforts of the imperial court will be in vain.

Zheng Xuan's influence is really too great.

After listening to Guo Jia's words, Liu Xie couldn't help but frowned deeply and fell into deep thought.

A cold light flashed in Jia Xu's eyes, and he whispered: "Your Majesty, would you like me to send someone..."

"Absolutely not!"

Before Jia Xu could finish speaking, Guo Jia's expression changed drastically and he interrupted him directly, "The news of Zheng Xuan's coming out has already spread. If something happens to him at this critical moment, it will definitely shock the world's scholars. !”

How could Guo Jia not know Jia Xu's methods?

What Jia Xu meant was that since the problem couldn't be solved, then the person who caused the problem should be solved and Zheng Xuan would be intercepted and killed on the way.

Although Guo Jia does not reject this approach for the sake of the great cause of reform, it is absolutely necessary under the current situation.

Scholars all over the world are now waiting for this literary great to express his stance. Now that he is dead, it is easy to associate him with the imperial court.

By then, public opinion will not subside, but will intensify.

People all over the world would think that the emperor was stupid and established the Imperial College solely to facilitate the promotion and appointment of officials according to his own preferences. For this reason, he even went so far as to kill a great scholar of the time and block the way of speech.

This infamy cannot be tolerated.

Liu Xie also knew the stakes, so he asked: "Fengxiao, what do you think of this matter? Or what is the solution?"

Guo Jia thought for a moment and then said: "I think that Zheng Xuan has great influence in the scholars, so I might as well make use of it."

"Use? How to use it?"

Liu Xie raised his eyebrows and asked.

Guo Jia continued: "Since the establishment of the Imperial College, there have been many obstacles and it has never been able to gain a firm foothold. The reason is that it lacks the recognition of a person with enough influence and prestige to convince the world's scholars."

"So if we can find a way to persuade Zheng Xuan to change his mind and support the establishment of the Imperial College, then the opposition will disappear."

"This is the best solution."

Liu Xie felt disappointed when he heard this. He also knew that it would be best to persuade Zheng Xuan, but the question was how to persuade him?

Is it possible for a master who comes from a noble family and has studied Confucianism all his life to change his mind about selecting scholars based on Confucianism?

Moreover, Zheng Xuan was an unusual person. He neither wanted fame or fortune nor liked being an official. He was simply impeccable.

Guo Jia also knew that what he said was nonsense.

He couldn't help but look embarrassed.

But at this moment, an idea suddenly flashed in his mind and he said: "Your Majesty, since the debate about the Imperial College is so fierce right now, why not just follow the example of the Shiqu Pavilion meeting and hold a debate on this matter?"

"If we can win Zheng Xuan's argument, then no matter how much he opposes, he will not be able to hinder the opening of the Imperial College!"

The Shiqu Pavilion Conference was an important academic discussion meeting held in Shiqu Pavilion in the north of Weiyang Palace in Chang'an in the third year of Emperor Ganlu's reign.

After Emperor Wu "deposed hundreds of schools of thought and only respected Confucianism," Jinwen Confucianism became the dominant ideology. However, many factions formed internally, arguing with each other and refusing to give in. Among them, the two schools of thought in the Spring and Autumn Annals, Gongyang and Guliang, were the most controversial. fierce.

So Emperor Xuan summoned about 23 famous scholars, including Xiao Wangzhi, Liu Xiang, Wei Xuancheng, Xue Guangde, Shi Yu, and Liang Qiulin, to hold a meeting.

The conference was presided over by the Crown Prince Xiao Wangzhi, and Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty came to the venue to make a ruling. The meeting discussed the similarities and differences of the Five Classics, and commented on the gains and losses of Gongyang and Guliang.

This meeting finally established the official Confucian classics, that is, adding doctors such as Da Xiahou and Xiao Xiahou "Shang Shu" and Gu Liang, so that all the schools of Jinwen Confucian classics became official schools, and formed some common conclusions, basically establishing the Fourteen Doctors of Confucian classics. This laid a solid foundation for the establishment of a unified study of Confucian classics.

Later, Emperor Zhang's Baihuguan Conference, which was also followed by the Shiquge Conference, further eliminated the differences within the Confucian classics.

Although the current situation is different from that of Emperor Xuan and Emperor Zhang, it is essentially the same.

That is, whether to select scholars based on Confucianism or new learning.

"Your Majesty, if this debate is successful, it will pave the way for the imperial examination system to replace the imperial examination system in the future!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The more Guo Jia thought about it, the more excited he became. In his original vision, this debate would have to wait many years.

Because the Imperial College was only a prelude and test of the reform of the imperial examination system.

But he did not expect that the Imperial Academy would trigger such a fierce backlash from the gentry community just after its opening, and even make Zheng Xuan come out. In this case, the debate would have to be advanced.

"This is a good idea."

Liu Xie thought about it and felt that Guo Jia's proposal was very feasible. If Zheng Xuan could be refuted, who could have any objection to the Imperial College?

This will also be of great help to the abolition of the imperial examination system and the implementation of the imperial examination system in the future.

"But Zheng Xuan is a master of Confucianism. It is not easy to refute him. Who is qualified for this responsibility?"

Jia Xu said that he was not good at debating scriptures.

Guo Jia heard this and said without hesitation: "I should have a seat in this debate meeting! I will debate with Zheng Xuan on behalf of the Imperial College!"

"Can you do it?"

After hearing this, Jia Xu immediately showed doubts on his face. Although Guo Jia was outstanding in intelligence, the opponent was Zheng Xuan.

Can Guo Jia defeat Zheng Xuan?

Guo Jia said, "It all depends on people. Since I am offering wine to the Imperial College, how can I back down at this juncture?"

"Even if I can't win against Zheng Xuan, I can't remain silent!"

"Besides, I am not alone. Although there are many people in the government and the public who oppose the Imperial College, there are also many people who support the establishment of the Imperial College."

“It’s still unclear who will win.”

If you lose the argument this time, the big deal is that you will find an opportunity to argue again in the future, but if you chicken out, there will be no chance to turn around in the future.

"It seems that Fengxiao is also willing to go all out."

Liu Xie couldn't help laughing when he heard this, and reached out to pat his shoulder, "But you don't have to worry, I will find a suitable helper for you."

When it comes to debate, one person cannot be missing.

Liu Xie turned his attention to Zhuge Liang, who was watching the pandas with other courtiers in the imperial garden, and smiled slightly.

…

Half an hour later, the greenhouse.

Zhuge Liang walked in, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I wonder what you have ordered for your ministers to come here?"

After seeing the brave man in the imperial garden, he returned to the propaganda room to continue handling government affairs. Then he was summoned by the emperor and came over immediately.

I just don’t know what the emperor has to do with him.

Liu Xie said cheerfully: "Kong Ming, have you been working hard recently? Are you tired?"

Hearing the emperor's concern, Zhuge Liang felt warm in his heart and said with cupped hands: "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. Although the government affairs have been a bit heavy recently, I can still handle them."

"Besides, there are many great scholars in the cabinet who share the burden, so I can't say how hard it is."

Liu Xie nodded and said, "That's good. You should pay more attention to your health. If you have anything to do, leave it to Zhongda."

Zhuge Liang was stunned when he heard this, and felt a little confused.

There is no mistake. One post, one content, one 6 one, one book, one book, take a look!

Leave it to Sima Yi to do it. What does the emperor mean by saying this?

Sima Yi worked very hard.

Could the emperor be implying that he was slacking off?

Thinking of this, Zhuge Liang immediately bowed to Liu Xie and said, "I must work harder and never disappoint His Majesty!"

"?"

A question mark slowly appeared above Liu Xie's head.

I felt very confused.

He just asked Zhuge Liang to take good care of his body. How could he be urged by Zhuge Liang?

"Kong Ming, you're overthinking. That's not what I meant... That's all. Let's talk about business."

Liu Xie originally wanted to explain, but felt that the description would become darker and darker, so he ended the chat and directly talked about the purpose of looking for Zhuge Liang.

"Stop kneeling and sit down first."

Liu Xie pointed to a seat not far away. After Zhuge Liang sat down, he said, "Does Kong Ming know about the recent discussions about the Imperial College between the government and the public?"

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and said: "I have heard that the scholars and the common people have different opinions on the establishment of the Imperial College. Now the debate is very fierce."

"Hmm...then what do you think?"

Liu Xie looked at Zhuge Liang with bright eyes and asked. Zhuge Liang's attitude on this matter is very important, because he wants Zhuge Liang to attend to debate with Zheng Xuan. If Zhuge Liang also holds an opposition to the Imperial Academy, it will be difficult to handle.

Facing this question raised by the emperor, Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment before replying: "Reporting to your majesty, I think it is a good thing to open the Imperial College."

"Although many people in both the government and the public say that the four new subjects introduced by the Imperial College are too meritocratic and violate the traditional Confucian philosophy of governing the country."

"But I believe that the Confucian classics are mostly just talks, and the spirit can be taken from them, but they cannot be copied blindly."

"The way to govern a country lies in improving laws and regulations, selecting talents and promoting talents, frivolous corvee and small gifts, and developing military strength. These are real things."

"The Imperial College has four subjects: arithmetic, criminal law, industry and metallurgy, and politics, all of which are closely related to the governance of the country. I can also get a glimpse of His Majesty's lofty ideals."

"The establishment of the Imperial College will bring hundreds of benefits and no harm to the country."

Zhuge Liang frankly stated his views on the Imperial College. As a nobleman, he actually fully endorsed the establishment of the Imperial College.

After listening to his words, Liu Xie breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh: "If everyone in the world could have Kong Ming's insights, how could there be so many obstacles to the establishment of the Imperial College? Why should I, a big man, be unhappy?" ah."

Seeing the emperor's appearance like this, Zhuge Liang also guessed that the reason why the emperor came to him today was probably related to the Imperial College.

"Your Majesty, what difficulties did the Imperial College encounter?"

Zhuge Liang asked proactively.

Liu Xie did not deny it, but said calmly: "The establishment of the Imperial College had a great impact on the gentry. Now there are more and more objections from both the government and the public."

"Just now Feng Xiao told me that Zheng Xuan has left the mountain and is on his way to Chang'an."

"Zheng Xuan is a great scholar of the time. He originally opposed the Hongdu School established by the late emperor. Now he comes to Chang'an Dingran to oppose the establishment of the Imperial College."

Zhuge Liang was slightly surprised when he heard this.

Zheng Xuan is coming to Chang'an?

After thinking for a moment, he sat up straight and asked seriously: "May I ask Your Majesty, how can I relieve Your Majesty's worries?"

That's the beauty of chatting with smart people.

Seeing Zhuge Liang's initiative, Liu Xie no longer concealed anything and said, "Feng Xiao, please give me some advice. Let me imitate the Shiquge Conference and the Baihuguan Conference and open a debate to discuss whether to select talents based on Confucianism or New Learning." ”

"This debate is of great significance. It is not just as simple as whether the Imperial College can gain a foothold, but it is directly related to our development plan for the next hundred years."

"Kong Ming is resourceful and eloquent, so I want Kong Ming to participate in this debate to debate the scriptures with Zheng Xuan."

Liu Xie stated his purpose and at the same time added: "Zheng Xuan is a master of Confucianism. I know how difficult this matter is."

"So whether or not to participate in this debate is entirely up to Kong Ming's own free will. If Kong Ming doesn't want to participate, I won't blame you."

As a member of a noble family, but representing the Imperial Academy to argue with Zheng Xuan, no matter whether he loses or wins, Zhuge Liang will definitely be infamy.

Therefore, whether or not to participate in this debate is entirely up to Zhuge Liang, and he will not force it.

But what Liu Xie didn't expect was that after he finished speaking, Zhuge Liang blurted out without hesitation: "I would like to attend on behalf of the Imperial Academy."

"Um?"

Liu Xie was stunned and couldn't help asking: "Are you... sure you don't want to think about it carefully? This matter is no small matter."

"I have already thought it through."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and said: "My lord, the Imperial College is a good thing that benefits the country and the people. Since I have earned the salary of the Han Dynasty, I should consider the future of the Han Dynasty."

"In private matters, I am a commoner, and I work hard in Nanyang. Your Majesty does not think that I am mean, and has sent envoys thousands of miles to find him and entrust him with important tasks."

"Your Majesty's kindness to me is more important than Mount Tai, but I have nothing to repay. Now that your Majesty is in the prime of employing people, how can I ignore you just because you cherish your feathers?"

"This is not the way to be a minister."

"Therefore, I am willing to participate in this debate with Zheng Xuan. No matter what the outcome is, I will live up to your majesty's trust."

Liu Xie looked at Zhuge Liang with a firm expression, clear eyes, and enthusiasm in front of him, and felt slightly absent-minded.

He opened his mouth, but in the end he couldn't say anything. He just reached out and patted Zhuge Liang on the shoulder.

Everything is left unsaid.

Zhuge Liang bowed, stood up and left.