Lu Houchou's plan to return to the country was ultimately shelved due to the obstruction of all parties and the self-consideration of all parties.
However, Lu Houchou had no choice but to hide in Tibet near Yunyi.
At the subsequent Huangfu meeting, Song Dynasty official Le Qili and Weiguo official Beigong Xi also mentioned the matter again. Unexpectedly, Ji Sun Yiru and Fan Yanghang colluded to cover it up in every possible way, so that no one dared to mention it again. .
Seeing that there was no hope for Guilu, Lu Houchou could not even guarantee his own safety. He was hiding everywhere, trapped and embarrassed, and for a time he was discouraged.
Although Confucius worked hard for this matter, it ended in vain. He had to return to Yunyi first to resume his life.
Confucius returned to Yunyi, and through his disciples, he finally found Lu Houchou who was hiding everywhere.
At this time, Lu Houchou was extremely poor, and he could only hide in an abandoned official post and live in peace for the time being.
The two of them immediately talked about Guilu, but they were helpless.
While Confucius was running around, he also heard about what had happened recently in the Zhou Dynasty: Li Ziming, who had not been seen for a long time, actually assisted Wang Zichao, but was eventually imprisoned by Wang Zichao who listened to Ni Yan. The Jin State also sent troops again, and the princes were finally defeated and fled to Chu.
When Lu Houchou heard the name "Li Ziming", he couldn't help but feel moved.
"Qiu, do you recognize Li Ziming?"
Since Confucius didn't know that the person who guided him was Li Ran, he just shook his head.
"I don't know, but I have heard of his name for a long time. This man's virtuous name is widely spread. It is said that 'if you gain something, you can prosper a country, but if you lose it, you will lose it'. But I don't know why... this person seems to be..."
"The widow and Zi Ming are actually old acquaintances. He is generous and generous, has a clear understanding of love and hate, and is self-denial and etiquette. He previously helped Zi Chan, and Zheng Guo was rejuvenated. Now he is assisting the prince's dynasty, and it must be because he is dedicated to supporting the Zhou family. However, although Wang Zichao gave him hope, it was obvious that this person was not a good person. Alas...but I guess...so why not? If I hadn't been suspicious of Shusunnu at the beginning, why would I be like this today? ?!”
"Thinking back to those days, if it hadn't been for him, I might not have ascended to the position of king of this country, or he would have been killed by the Ji family long ago... Qiu, you go to Luoyi now, and be sure to invite Ziming. Help the poor!"
Confucius didn't know what happened between them, but since it was the king's order, he should obey it.
At that time, Lu Houchou actually had no idea about the throne. He could even say that he was pushed forward by Li Ran. Lu Houchou couldn't help but smile bitterly when he thought of the past.
…
Afterwards, Confucius rushed to Luoyi and asked where Li Ran lived.
It just so happened that as soon as Li Ran went out, he immediately recognized his benefactor. After asking passers-by, he learned that his benefactor was Li Ran!
So, he hurriedly rushed out and knelt on the ground.
After Li Ran listened to Confucius' narration, he couldn't let go for a long time. The young master Chou who pretended to be stupid and stupid once again appeared in his mind.
Chu Dang didn't hear anyone talking in the car at this time, so he said:
"My lord, we have arrived outside the gate of Zhuang Palace!"
Only then did Li Ran come back to his senses:
"I understand. Zhongni, please come with me to pay homage to the Emperor!"
When Confucius heard this, he couldn't help but be stunned.
"Isn't this...perhaps inappropriate?"
"It doesn't matter, I happen to be short of a follower. Chu Dang is too rough-tempered to enter the elegant hall. In that case, you can come with me. In addition, in addition to the Emperor of Hajj, there is another person. Zhong Ni can also meet him! "
Confucius hesitated for a moment and then said:
"Since Sir intends to let Qiu see him, how dare Qiu refuse? Sir's kindness will be unforgettable to Qiu Meiqi!"
Li Ran and Kong Qiu got out of the car together, but the guards immediately stopped them.
Li Ran said to Chu Dang:
"Chu Dang, just wait outside! Don't be reckless!"
"No! Chu Dang is here, sir. You will definitely not miss Chu Dang when you come out!"
Chu Dang said carelessly.
The guards originally did not want Confucius to enter the palace, but due to Li Ran's insistence, the guards had no choice but to let him go.
So, under the guidance of a palace official, Li Ran and Kong Qiu walked around high walls and finally came to a small hall to wait. Gong Zheng went to report, and soon someone took them to the main hall.
What Li Ran didn't expect was that they would be greeted with the "Nine Guests' Ceremony".
Nine ceremonial officers and their subordinates lined up from inside the palace to outside the palace.
"Xuan Liran comes to see you..."
The ceremonial officials shouted loudly, which was passed down from top to bottom, with a majestic tone.
Entering the main hall, I saw the king of Zhou sitting high on the throne facing the south, Shan Qi stood facing the emperor, and Chang Hong, Gong Jian and others faced the east.
Li Ran and Confucius came forward and kowtowed.
"Li Ran, the guilty minister, pays homage to the Emperor!"
"Get up!"
King Zhou was only a teenager, and his voice was still childish.
Li Ran and Confucius stood up and bowed their heads facing the west.
Dan Qi winked at King Zhou, and King Zhou opened his mouth and said:
"Li Qing, regarding what you have done in the past, the previous edict has made it clear, and no one is allowed to mention it again! I hope you can assist me in the future and fulfill your duties loyally!"
"I thank the emperor for not taking responsibility for his kindness. I am really scared! From now on, I will definitely be responsible for benefiting first and sharing the work and credit!"
"Master Li, the collection room is almost empty. I hope you will work hard to fix the leaks in the future! The current collection room is very poor!"
Shan Qi said this sarcastically.
"Haha, please rest assured, doctor, since I have received this order, I will never disappoint the emperor's trust!"
At this moment, King Zhou yawned again, feeling bored and sleepy.
Upon seeing this, Shan Qi immediately said:
"Since the emperor is sleepy, I will stop talking today. Sirs, please retreat now!"
Li Ran and Confucius immediately bowed again. After King Zhou left, they stood up. The people present relaxed, but still did not speak. They waited until they left the hall and then bowed to each other.
Li Ran first saluted Chang Hong, and then expressed his gratitude to Shan Qi.
"Doctor Shan is so magnanimous that you don't care about past grudges, so I would like to thank you!"
After all, superficial politeness still has to be shown.
But Dan Qi was polite and said with a smile:
"Haha, Ziming, there's no need to be so polite! You and I are so polite, but it seems... a bit 'rude'."
"It's just that the nine-guest ceremony arranged by Mr. Shan today... is really a bit excessive, isn't it? How can Li, a sin-stricken person, be able to bear it?"
Facing Li Ran's doubts, Shan Qi still looked as usual:
"Haha, although Ziming is not a minister, Qi thinks that there is nothing wrong with welcoming Ziming like this! Ziming is now famous all over the world, and who doesn't know it? It's only because the emperor cherishes talents that he does this Arrangement! In addition... I really can't imagine that your father-in-law would be..."
When Li Ran heard this, he could only laugh it off. It was inconvenient for him to say anything else about it.
He knew that what Shan Qi was talking about was his father Li Er.
Since Li Er was the leader of Taoism, it was impossible for him to have followers in the Zhou Dynasty.
As the saying goes, if you throw a rat into a weapon, you have to be wary of it even if it is a single flag.
Therefore, the reason why Li Ran was able to avert danger so smoothly today and receive such courtesy may have a lot to do with his father.
Shan Qi obviously knew that Li Er wanted to see Li Ran now, so after only saying a few polite words, he left with Liu Di.
Afterwards, Li Ran bowed to Gong Jian standing aside to express his gratitude.
But Gong Jian only waved his hand and said:
"Sir, there is no need to be like this. Jane's life was saved by her husband. Every drop of kindness should be repaid by a spring. Jane can't do more, and she is really ashamed!"
"Master Gong is really too polite..."
At this time, other doctors also came over to greet Li Ran. As a pardoned "criminal", Li Ran received such courtesy. Obviously, all this may be because of his father.
It can be said that Lao Tzu’s Lao Tzu is Lao Tzu!
Although Li Er was not a high-ranking official, his influence was extremely great.
So much so that none of the dignitaries in the Zhou Dynasty could ignore him.
After everyone gradually retreated, Chang Hong said:
"Of course, let's go to the collection room together!"
"No! I will listen to your respected master!"
——
Chapter 495_"I" Li Er
Chang Hong took Li Ran and Kong Qiu to the collection room together.
Chang Hong didn't know Confucius at all, so he asked about the reason, and Confucius gave a simple and truthful answer.
After listening to this, Chang Hong remembered that the person in front of him was a young talent who was famous for his "proficiency in rituals and music" in the Lu State in his early years!
As a result, Chang Hong became somewhat interested. Regardless of the age and status gap, the two of them started chatting directly about "Da Wu".
"Da Wu" was composed by Zhou Gongdan. It is a large-scale classical music and dance of the Zhou people. Its content is mainly about the story of King Wu conquering Zhou, running the Southern Kingdom, and Zhou Gong and Zhao Gong dividing Shaanxi and governing it.
Although Confucius had never seen "Da Wu" with his own eyes, he already knew its words by heart, and he was quite aware of its profound meaning.
As for Chang Hong, it can be said that Confucius and Chang Hong became close friends after they suddenly appeared together.
Perhaps it was because it had been so long since he had met someone with whom he could discuss etiquette and music. After going back and forth, the two of them actually talked happily.
But Li Ran's presence became redundant.
Fortunately, there was an old man standing at the door of the collection room. Li Ran knew this person, it was none other than Qin Yihe.
When Yihe saw Li Ran, he immediately stepped forward and smiled slightly.
Yihe is now in his octogenarian years, but although he has not been seen for many years, he is still in high spirits. It was obviously very well maintained.
Li Ran bowed his hand to him, but before he could speak, Yi He spoke first:
"The Pavilion Master has been waiting for you for a long time. I have to meet the Pavilion Master first. It's not too late for us to catch up on old times!"
Li Ran nodded, the door was opened, and the three of them walked in together.
This collection room is very familiar to Li Ran. However, it is now empty and can even echo in the hall.
In such a situation, things have changed and people have changed, and a sense of sadness inevitably arises in Li Ran's heart.
After the three people entered the collection room, they found no one, only an old voice came from the deepest part:
"Uncle (Chang Hong's abbreviated uncle)! You're fine!"
Chang Hong didn't see him, but heard his voice first, so he replied:
"Okay, okay! You! Shenlong has never seen you! I have searched for you many times without success. Today, I accepted the convenience of your son and I was able to meet you. But you are still so secretive! You and I both You are already old, are you still ashamed?"
Li Ran walked over with mixed feelings, only to see an old man with white hair and white beard sitting under a bookshelf, flipping over a book in his hand, looking quite like a fairy.
"Father……"
Li Ran blurted out that he had no impression of Li Er at all. Before meeting him, Li Ran had thought about countless possibilities and didn't know if he could call him "Father".
However, when Li Ran saw him, he shouted "Father" naturally.
There is no other reason, just because this Li Er is almost exactly the same as his father in later generations, and he looks so kind and dignified.
However, his white eyebrows drooped slightly, and Li Ran's father in later generations did not have such long eyebrows. But when it comes to eyes, nose, mouth and ears, they are really like one person.
Therefore, when Li Ran called out the word "father", Li Er's bright eyes couldn't help but flash, and then he said:
"Ran'er, come here!"
Li Ran walked over, and Li Er carefully looked at the son in front of him for a long time before nodding.
"Well, my son has suffered!"
Li Ran looked at Li Er with extremely complicated emotions.
Because the father in this life is almost exactly the same as the father in the next life. Li Ran's father had actually been dead for many years. Seeing his "true face" today made Li Ran feel an innate sense of closeness to him.
Even at this time, some salt water could be squeezed out of the corners of Li Ran's eyes.
However, deep down in his heart, Li Ran felt vaguely pressured. He was so submissive that he didn't know how to speak. He even forgot about the rules of salute.
Maybe it's because his father's name is too big, or maybe it's because of other special status reasons.
Li Er didn't care about Li Ran's confusion.
"Guan Cong has made everything clear to my father about my son. I know you have too many doubts in your heart, and my father has traveled thousands of miles to come back from Qin, so I’m just here to answer your questions!”
At this time, Confucius also stepped forward and knelt on the ground without losing any time:
"Disciple Confucius, I have met Mr. Li!"
Li Er glanced at Confucius and smiled slightly.
"Get up!"
When Confucius heard this, he was overjoyed and even more excited.
Just because of Li Er's name, he had already heard about it. It is said that he was knowledgeable about the past and present, and he also understood the essence of ritual and music. Even their leader of rituals and music, Chang Hong, had to admire and be convinced of his performance.
Just because Li Er's whereabouts were later lost, let alone his life or death, Li Er's name became only a legend.
Now that he could see his face, Confucius was extremely excited:
"I have heard the name of the old man for a long time, and it is so lucky to meet him today. If I can get some advice from the old man today, Qiu will be grateful!"
When Li Er heard this, he smiled calmly:
"Haha, don't take the advice seriously. I heard that Zhongni was thirsty for knowledge, but today I saw it and it turned out to be true. However, I personally think that today's rituals and music are just to preserve their glory, but lose their true meaning. And Zhongni has a lot of honors other than rituals and music. , I am really too persistent, this is not a good thing! It is better not to let the honor of ritual and music restrain you!"
When Confucius heard this, he couldn't help being stunned, and even felt a little disappointed. He never expected that Li Er would say such words.
After all, in his opinion, Zhou State's rituals and music are already the most graceful existence. Moreover, it is also the most peaceful and harmonious one.
As the saying goes, it can help the world and bring peace to the country at the top, and it can calm the mind and calm down at the bottom. Could it be that this is not considered the reality of ritual and music? How can we say that rituals and music are just superficial?
"this……"
"Haha, you! You are still the same as before, with a big heart and no desires!"
Chang Hong seemed to understand Li Er better, just listening to what he said.
Li Er smiled and replied:
"Haha, it's not necessarily true that I have no desires and no demands. It's just that I only seek the truth and abandon the glory. By the way, Ran'er, don't you have anything to ask about my father?"
After hearing this, Li Ran said:
"Of course there is. Father, there is something that I really don't understand. Since my father is the leader of the Taoist clan, why can't he find a way to help the Zhou family and return it to the Taoist tradition, but instead let the world go awry? As a result, the whole world is in chaos. Where is the current situation where the king is not a king, and the minister is not a subordinate?"
Li Er glanced at his son.
"Haha, my son has been traveling for many years, but it seems he still hasn't made any progress!"
Li Ran was extremely surprised when he heard this:
"How?"
Li Er said calmly at this time:
"What do you think my son thinks of King Chu Ling and the Wang Zi Dynasty...?"
When Li Ran heard this, he immediately understood its meaning. What his father said was nothing more than giving him two direct counterexamples from his own personal experience.
Yes, King Chu Ling and Wang Zichao, although they were both civilized and military, they were both wise kings who followed good deeds at the beginning.
But in the end, everything was "failed".
Is this really just a coincidence?
Li Ran hesitated for a moment, and then heard Li Er continue to speak:
"The laws of heaven are constant, and as time goes by, it is inevitable that the king's power will fall. How can manpower do it? What is the reason for this? It's just because a wise king is like an epiphyllum, and those who are ignorant are like grass and mustard!"
"My dynasty, Duke Zhou, established the Taoist disciplines. Although my original intention was to have the duty of coordinating the princes on behalf of the king. But when the world is in turmoil, will it ever calm down? I think at the beginning, when our dynasty was founded, we enfeoffed seventy-one princes in the world, and the rest were small. There are hundreds of states. But how many are left now? However, what do you think is the reason for such a situation?"
"Of the princes in the world, the big ones took advantage of the time and place, so they became stronger and stronger. Then they annexed the small ones. The emperor was weak and unable to stop them, so they got out of hand, leading to today's chaos."
"Haha, what my son said are just appearances. Although they are good, they are not necessarily true."
Li Ran disagreed with this:
"The stability of the world depends entirely on rituals and music. If the rituals and music do not collapse, the world will not be in chaos. Now that the world is in chaos, looking around, it is all caused by the destruction of rituals and the collapse of music! Cui Zhu killed the king, the Ji family captured Lu, and Hua Xiang The rebellion against the Song Dynasty and the Shan clan's capture of the Zhou Dynasty. Aren't all these things a sign that the monarch and his ministers were out of order, leading to the disunity of the government? What are the symptoms of chaos?"
Li Er only smiled slightly when he heard this, but still said casually:
"Haha, how can there be any definite relationship between the king and his ministers? If the ministers are virtuous, they can conquer the unruly king. Isn't this the common law of heaven? We, the Zhou people, defeated King Zhou with a despicable teacher in order to rectify the world. Is this also for the sake of rectifying the world? Disaster? King Li stopped slandering, and passers-by looked at him. Because of his lack of virtue, the people of the country rioted. He called the two dukes of Zhou to take charge of the king's affairs, established mutual peace, and stabilized the world! Isn't this also the result of an autocratic king with no virtue? A virtuous minister takes the photo on his behalf? How can it be said that it is a disaster?"
"Today's statement is categorical. I regard his arrogant behavior as immoral, but I don't understand the game of nature here. Isn't it stupid?"
"Since my son is well versed in ancient affairs, why should he be so stubborn and ignorant of destiny?"
(End of chapter)
