Li Ran also knew that if Sun Wu did not leave, if there was a war in the Lu country in the future, Sun Wu would definitely come out to help Confucius. However, this is something in the future after all, and what he is going to do now is truly an earth-shattering event.
Li Ran knew Sun Wu's character very well. Instead of making an unknown pie for him, it would be better to let him go to the Kingdom of Wu to eat ready-made cakes. So Li Ran had no choice but to say:
"Chang Qing leaves, but there are a lot of discomforts, but Chang Qing has ambitions in all directions, but you can't stop him!"
When Confucius heard this, he nodded and said no more about Sun Wu.
Afterwards, Confucius sighed again and said rather helplessly:
"Hey... since Qiu became the chief military officer, the affairs of the Lu Kingdom have become extremely troublesome! If my benefactor doesn't give up, Qiu actually wants to ask Mr. to come and help me... I don't know what my benefactor is doing. how?"
Li Ran heard what Confucius said and understood its meaning deeply.
There is no doubt that Confucius was preparing to plan what he was going to do next.
But these things are not something he can think through on his own. Naturally, he needs someone who can make plans together.
But Li Ran smiled and said:
"Haha, I know that Zhongni wants to bring order to the chaos. Although he is not an official, if Zhongni wants to discuss something with me, of course he will give me my full help! But now, Zhongni can still do it by himself! Even if it takes a bit of hard work, Zhongni can still do it by himself. , but I think Zhongni can be sure of these little things!"
"As for what happens next...if Zhong Ni can't decide, just discuss it with me!"
When Confucius heard this, he also laughed:
"Qiu has been drifting for half his life, and today he can finally show off his ambitions! Now that his benefactor has said this, Qiu can give it a go!"
Confucius knew that although Li Ran had no intention of becoming an official at the moment, Li Ran's words were a reassurance to Confucius.
After the two talked, Li Ran sent Confucius away, turned around, and faced the empty courtyard. For a moment, he thought of Sun Wu again, and he couldn't help but feel a little depressed.
When I returned to the study, I held a volume in my hand, but I couldn't read it at all.
Liguang was studying calligraphy with Fan Li at this time, while Gong Eryue came to Li Ran's study because she had nothing to do.
I saw him staring at the letter, but he was stunned there, and I knew that his thoughts had already flown to nowhere.
Gong Eryue noticed that Li Ran seemed unhappy, so she came to Li Ran, put a cup of water on the table, remained silent for a moment, and said:
"Sir, does Chang Qingjun's departure... have something to do with me?"
Li Ran came back to his senses and saw that it was Gong Eryue, so he just waved his hand and replied to her:
"Yue, this matter has nothing to do with you, and you don't need to take it to heart. Chang Qing's words are actually personal, and they are not deliberately aimed at you..."
Gong Eryue lowered her head and said:
"He has always followed Mr., and now he suddenly leaves. Is it really..."
Li Ran interrupted Gong Eryue:
"Yue, the reason why he left is because our common old friend has encountered some difficulties now, so he decided to go and help. It really has nothing to do with you, so you don't have to worry too much."
Hearing this, Gong Eryue breathed a sigh of relief and suddenly smiled:
"If that's the case, Yue'er can rest assured! Since Mr. has no intention of studying, how about going to the market in the city with Yue'er? Since Confucius became a high official, the city has become a lot more lively! Moreover, today is just the right time It’s market day again, how about we take Guang’er for a walk together?”
"Since Yue'er entered the Li Mansion, I have never seen you enter the city. I think you are going to get moldy in the study!"
Gong Eryuehe was also much more polite when he first arrived. He no longer called Confucius Gutoubao, but instead called him Confucius.
Li Ran was lazy by nature and didn't want to go out, but when he heard that he was taking his daughter with him, he thought for a moment and nodded anyway:
"Hmm... That's fine!"
When Gong Eryue saw it, she couldn't help but jump up with excitement:
"Okay! Then I'll bring Guang'er over!"
So Gong Eryue ran out happily.
When Li Ran saw her beautiful figure, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he even envied her carefreeness in not caring about anything.
Gong Eryue hugged Li Guang and came to Li Ran's study, but Li Ran was nowhere to be seen. It turned out that Li Ran had gone back to the bedroom and changed his clothes. Gong Eryue was very happy to see him in high spirits.
Gong Eryue held Liguang's hand, and Liguang took Li Ran's hand. In this way, they looked like a family of three. If any familiar bystanders see her, they will naturally regard Gong Eryue as a sacrificial music.
Li Ran was among them and didn't feel anything at first, but as he walked, he felt something was wrong. However, he was held tightly by his daughter, so naturally he couldn't let go, so he could only endure it for the time being.
The three of them came to the market. Since today happened to be the time to go to the market, the market was also very lively. There were all kinds of businesses, and it was a dazzling array of things.
Liguang was so excited that she couldn't help but let go of Gong Eryue and Li Ran's hands and ran straight out.
Gong Eryue and Li Ran were a little nervous at first, so they quickly chased after them. But he saw Liguang running around, looking around, and was very happy there.
Li Ran and Gong Eryue couldn't help but stop and let her wander around on her own.
Li Ran looked at Liguang to prevent her from being lost in his sight.
Gong Eryue suddenly said:
"Sir, look at how lively it is here. This is probably what the people pursue in their lives!"
When Li Ran heard Gong Eryue suddenly say this, he nodded and said:
"um, yes!"
Gong Eryue was also silent for a moment.
"Sir, although Mr. Changqing has misunderstood Yue'er, some of his words still make sense. In fact... Sir, what he will do is probably a little too complicated."
"Yue'er feels that the judgment of right and wrong is actually very simple. That is, just do what everyone thinks is right. Since everyone thinks that it is wrong to have bad etiquette and happiness, then you should stop it!"
"Didn't my husband always say when he was in class at Xinglin, 'Whatever man wants, God will follow'? Since everyone agrees that it is the right thing to do, what does he have to worry about?"
"Even if you have suffered a slight setback, you should not be affected by this. Because it is not your fault!"
"And if you say that you are sinking like this because you are mourning the deceased, then you shouldn't be like this! I know that your heart is actually about the State of Lu. Otherwise, how could you have stayed here until now? Sir, you tell me. Is that right?"
Li Ran was silent for a moment, but smiled lightly.
In fact, compared to before, his state of mind was already much more open-minded.
But now, after hearing what Gong Eryue said, she couldn't help but feel even more awakened.
In fact, after experiencing so many setbacks, he also had some doubts about the boundaries between right and wrong between the so-called "king's power" and "qing's power".
Over the past few days, he has been constantly thinking, comprehending, and observing.
Especially during the period when Yang Hu took over the Lu Kingdom, Li Ran, as a relatively independent third party, was able to see many things clearly.
It is true that the struggle between the public office and the power of the ministers was the main political theme of this era. But when he suddenly looked back, he discovered that in this era, the people who could really achieve or promote "advocating for the official office" were often not the king himself.
King Ling of Chu, Wang Zichao, Duke Zhao of Lu, all of them are representatives of the so-called "monarchy".
but? Although they are very different from each other individually, their endings are not considered successful.
On the other hand, people like Zhao Wenzi, Zichan, Shuxiang, Yan Pingzhong, and even accomplices like Yang Hu, no matter what their status is, no matter what their purpose is, or even what means they use, At least they are all influential figures in this era who have truly carried the banner of "advocating for the office".
Therefore, after Li Ran experienced this period of precipitation, he also began to truly reflect:
1. The power of ministers is indeed harmful to the peace of the common people in the world, because they are bound to compete with the people for profit. But it does not mean that monarchy has no harm to the common people in the world. Obviously, King Chu Ling is the best proof. Therefore, the peace of the common people in the world is not directly related to whether one is "the ruler of the world" or "the Qing clan is in charge".
2. But on the other hand, if we only use the subjective initiative of the monarch to achieve the purpose of strengthening the official office, this does not seem to be a very good method. Because the king is a solitary person, he is extremely easy to be deceived by the left and right. Therefore, no matter how wise the king is at the beginning, he will inevitably be manipulated by the Qing clan below, and even end up with a tragic death in the end.
3. Qingquan are not monolithic, and using Qingquan itself to check and balance the Qing clan may be the real way out for the world's orthodoxy. Therefore, in Li Ran's view, the role of ritual and music education is undoubtedly powerful.
In other words, it is to use "good" ministerial power, arm them with ideas, and use it to resist "bad" ministerial power. This may be the approach that truly conforms to the trend of this era!
And Li Ran's father, Li Er, may have meant exactly this when he said "let nature take its course".
After all, the medicinal materials that can cure the poison of snakes and insects often grow in the grass where they are located.
…
Just as Li Ran was thinking this, Gong Eryue pointed forward again:
"Sir, do you think this is all so beautiful? So, even if you can keep this peace, it will be good after all!"
The people coming and going, the cries of vendors and the playing of children made Li Ran deeply touched, and his mood naturally felt much better.
"Yue'er, you are right. Life lasts only a few decades. It is indeed not easy to do what you think is right."
"However, there is one thing that you may not understand. In fact, I am not hiding from the world, but just...hehe, you can just think that I am waiting for an opportunity..."
"So, you don't need to persuade me on this matter... As for Madam, I..."
Li Ran said this, but was speechless.
Regarding Ji Le, it can be said that it is an eternal pain in his heart. And this kind of pain was also the catalyst that made him become as decadent as he is now.
But at the same time, this is by no means something that can be comforted by just a few words.
——
Chapter 623_Jisunsi’s request
Gong Eryue saw that Li Ran's face suddenly darkened again, and she also knew that Li Ran felt sad again.
So, he immediately interrupted and shouted:
"Hurry! We can't let Guang'er run away!"
As Gong Eryue said this, she ran out, caught up with Liguang, and held her little hand.
When Li Ran saw him from behind, he couldn't help but smile, rushed over, and took Li Guang's other hand.
The "family of three" just visited the market and bought a lot of things. They showed their identity in Guanyi, found a carriage and returned to Li Mansion in Xinglin.
As soon as I arrived at the gate, I saw another carriage parked there. Li Ran took a closer look, but couldn't help but frown.
It turned out that the carriage was the Ji family's carriage, with the Ji family's family emblem on it.
Ji Sunsi seemed to have been waiting there for a long time. When he saw Li Ran returning, he hurriedly walked from the gate.
He bowed deeply to Li Ran, raised his hands and said:
"Lu Zhengqing Ji Sunsi came here to pay a special visit to Mr. Ziming today!"
Li Ran quickly helped him up and said:
"Oh! It turns out to be Mr. Ji Sun. I wonder why you are here today?"
Ji Sunsi sighed:
"Today, I have something important to discuss with my husband!"
So, without saying much, Li Ran led them directly into the Li Mansion, and asked Gong Eryue to take Liguang back to the house first.
Fan Li also hurried over to help carry the gifts sent by Ji Sunsi this time.
Fan Li even called Chu Dang because Ji Sunsi gave him too much this time.
Li Ran introduced Ji Sunsi into the living room, and the two sat across from each other:
"Why should Mr. Ji Sun be so polite? But now he is just a guest in the Lu Kingdom. Moreover, he had some issues with your father before. If it is to help your Ji family, how dare Li?"
When Ji Sunsi heard this, he smiled helplessly:
"My father had many quarrels with you before his death, which is well known to the people of Lu. Si is willing to apologize to you here, and I hope you can forgive me..."
After Ji Sunsi finished speaking, he bowed and looked extremely sincere.
Then, I heard Ji Sunsi continue to say:
"In the past, Yang Hu controlled my Ji family as the family minister, and even acted as regent of Lu Zheng. During those days, my Ji family was restless!"
When Li Ran heard this, he couldn't help but remember Yang Hu forcing Ji's family to swear an oath, and forcing his father-in-law Zha, Qin Xun and others to run away. He was filled with emotion for a moment:
"The Ji family is now thriving, but we need to be careful not to be too harsh on the people, otherwise we will make the same mistake again!"
Ji Sunsi quickly raised his hands and said:
"That's natural... However, our Ji family currently has no one available. Currently, the position of the Ji family's head is vacant, so there is constant internal strife. Si discussed with other clan members and decided to use outsiders to serve as Ji family members. The family’s steward to prevent those like Yanghu from appearing again!”
Yes, the reason why Yang Hu was able to take advantage of both the upper and lower ranks and sideline the sect leader was precisely because everyone inside and outside would look up to him if he stayed in the Ji family for long enough.
When Yang Hu ran away and captured Ji Sunsi alive, Zeng and Ji Sunsi subtly analyzed the pros and cons.
What Yang Hu said made Ji Sunsi feel frightened. Therefore, Ji Sunsi has always been resentful about the position of the head of the family.
At this moment, he sincerely came to Li Ran, hoping that Li Ran could find a suitable candidate for him.
Li Ran knew the purpose of his visit, and also understood that Ji Sunsi had really come to him according to Yang Hu's plan.
He couldn't help but smile and thought to himself:
Yang Hu really deserves to have watched Ji Sunsi grow up, and he really knows his character very well.
"Then... I don't know who you want to invite to be the family leader?"
"It's precisely because we don't have anyone to choose that we came to sir to discuss it!"
Li Ran smiled and shook his head:
"Haha, this is your Ji family's family matter, but as an outsider, I'm afraid it's hard to talk about it..."
When Ji Sunsi heard this, he thought that Li Ran still couldn't let go because of their Ji family's past, so he became anxious instead:
"The Ji family's affairs are also the affairs of the Lu State. If you have any good people to recommend, sir, please feel free to teach me! I would be very grateful!"
Li Ran lowered his head again, smiled slightly and said:
"Oh, Lord Ji Sun came to ask you a question suddenly, but I don't know how to answer it for the moment. How about... let's think about it later and come back to answer my Lord one day!"
Ji Sunsi couldn't help but hesitate for a moment, but still said:
"I know that my father and my husband had some conflicts in the past, but I also hope that my husband can help me for the sake of the overall situation of the Lu State. Besides, my father has been dead for a long time, so I don't need to worry about it so much..."
Li Ran couldn't help laughing again when he heard this:
"Haha, I am by no means a narrow-minded person. Lord Jisun doesn't have to worry about this. What I said just now was all a joke! In fact, Li has no clue now, so I ask Lord Jisun to calm down. Don't be impatient, I will recommend it to you after Li has made up his mind!"
Ji Sunsi made another wry smile and said:
"Sir, you are a man who understands great justice. Now I only hope that you can recommend talented people as soon as possible to solve Ji's urgent need!"
After Ji Sunsi left, Li Ran thought seriously for a while, and then decided to go to Confucius to discuss it.
When Li Ran and Gong Eryue returned to the city together, they entered the Kong Mansion directly.
Confucius was also quite surprised when he saw that Li Ran was here.
Because whenever something happened before, Confucius always went to Xinglin to find Li Ran in person. But Li Ran rarely came to his mansion in Qufu City.
"I wonder why my benefactor came in person today? In fact, all we need to do is ask the waiter to bring a message, and Qiu Zi will go find his benefactor himself!"
Li Ran asked Kong Qiu to retreat quickly, and even asked Gong Eryue to evade for the time being. Now only Li Ran and Kong Qiu were left in the room.
"Now Zhongni is the prime minister and is in charge of the political affairs of the State of Lu. Today I saw that the city is now prosperous. I think the people of Lu are finally living a peaceful life. Zhongni can be said to have contributed a lot!"
"However, there is still a crisis lurking in the Lu Kingdom after all! Does Zhongni know about it?"
In fact, Confucius was also well aware of the "crisis" Li Ran was talking about now. And this was exactly what Confucius had been planning.
Kong Qiu and Li Ran nodded and replied:
"But I don't know what good advice sir has?"
At this time, Li Ran suddenly said seriously:
"If you want the country of Lu to prosper, you must cut down the Three Huans!"
Yes, after settling for so long, the time is now ripe.
Li Ran had already made up his mind at this time. He wanted to fight again in this place where he had fought for before!
When Confucius heard this, he couldn't help but said with joy:
"What Mr. Qiu is thinking is also what Qiu Zhi is thinking! It's just that all this time, I have no clue and don't know how to plan it!"
Li Ran said:
"If we want to eliminate Sanhuan, we must not do this. Sanhuan has been established in Lu for five generations and has not been eliminated. If we eliminate it rashly, I am afraid it will be detrimental to the country. However, there must be restrictions on it!"
"Today's Duke of Lu, due to Ji Sun Yiru's dismissal of the central army, now there is not even an inch of public land in the State of Lu, and there is no military strength to speak of!"
"So, if you want to restrict Sanhuan, you can't do it according to common sense. The only way to do it is to make him cut off his army in seconds!"
When Confucius heard this, he was shocked:
"Suicide? How to do it?"
Li Ran smiled calmly again and said:
"Today, Ji Sunsi came to me and said that he wanted to hire a wise man to be the family manager. His purpose is also to prevent Yang Hu from getting into trouble again!"
"And now, each of the three states has its own main town, and the city wall of the main town is even taller and stronger than the capital city. During this period, there were also many private soldiers. Ji's Feiyi, Meng's Chengyi, Shusun's The city of Li is like a big city in the three kingdoms!"
"If we can cut off the walls of these three cities and reduce their garrison forces, then the Three Huans will not have to worry about it!"
When Confucius heard this, he was a little puzzled:
"It's just... these three big cities are all the main cities of Sanhuan. How can they be willing to destroy the city walls?"
Li Ran smiled slightly again and explained to Confucius:
"Now that Nan Kuai is in front and Yang Hu is behind, Fei Yi has become Ji's confidant! This move may be in line with Ji's wishes. As long as Ji has this intention, he can use Ji's power to do it !”
Confucius responded:
"What my benefactor said is true! If these three capitals can be conquered, the State of Lu will prosper! But... if it is proposed rashly, I am afraid they will not agree. Moreover, the governors of these three big cities are by no means ordinary people. , they will never sit still and wait for death!"
Confucius thought about it again and continued:
"My benefactor's plan is very ambitious! My benefactor must give Qiu a helping hand this time! If Qiu is the only one to handle this matter, I'm afraid he won't be able to do it!"
At this time, Li Ran said seriously:
"Zhongni, don't worry. I, Li Ran, mentioned this matter, so it must be my responsibility!"
"It's time for me, Li Ran, to give the Lu State a peaceful rule!"
(End of chapter)
