Jingyi Bureau.
Zhang Yue is where Xiang initially exerted his strength.
When Sima Guang compiled Zizhi Tongjian and established the Jingyi Bureau, he meant to cultivate talents and express political opinions at the same time.
Later, in order to compile new meanings of the Three Classics, Wang Anshi also established the Jingyi Bureau to allow Lu Huiqing and Wang Yu to come and go.
Now, in order to compile "The Doctrine of the Mean" and "Mencius", Zhang Yue also plans to set up a Jingyi Bureau, and this matter is already under planning.
Bringing Su Zhe into the game is also a move to win over people's hearts.
He also took a fancy to Su Che's influence on public opinion. As for his political opinions, Zhang Yue felt that even if he disagreed with Su Che, he could still guide them.
A few people first discussed the explanation of the golden mean.
Han Yu elaborated on "self-honesty and clarity". He once said that those who have no faults are "self-honesty and clear" saints, and those who have no faults are "self-honest and clear" sages.
Ouyang Xiu inherited Han Yu's retro style and greatly appreciated Zhongyong.
Ouyang Xiu thinks why Confucius never talked about profit, destiny and benevolence? Because those who are below the average person cannot speak of being on the higher road.
The Book of Changes says that "profit is the sum of righteousness", but if you talk about "profit" to a middle-aged person, the other person will be one-sidedly pursuing "self-interest", so you have to talk about "benevolence and righteousness" with him.
Therefore, Confucius never talked about the moderation of nature and fate.
But Doctrine of the Mean was not written by Confucius, but by Zisi, who talked about nature and the way of life in his book. Scholars believed that it was not the true biography of Confucius, so it was looked down upon by orthodox Confucians.
Of course, this theory is also agreed by Qin's view and Chao Buzhi. They believe that the annotation should be an annotation of the "Classics", and the second level is the Analects of Confucius, which records Confucius' words and deeds.
As for Doctrine of the Mean and Mencius, they both fall into the category of "Book of Confucius" and have a low status in Confucianism, so annotations are meaningless.
Zhang Yue disagreed, because Wang Anshi, Lu Huiqing, and Wang Yu had already occupied the high ground in the new meaning of the Three Classics. If you don't overturn Wang Anshi's reform, it would be better not to re-annotate the scriptures.
Mencius, The Doctrine of the Mean is a book of philosophy. When you comment on it, it won’t make too much noise, it won’t become the target of public criticism, and it won’t expose your ambition too early.
Moreover, if you can elevate these two books to a position alongside the new meanings of the Three Classics, you will be able to show your ability.
Zhang Yue said to Qin Chao: "The current knowledge of life and life is all based on Buddhism and Taoism. If we, the Confucianists, do not follow it, how can it be based on Buddhism and Taoism?"
Qin Guandao said: "I have told you that the average person can achieve the goal without trying hard and without thinking. This is an overstatement. How many scholars in this world can do this? How can we be sincere and enlightened?"
Zhang Yue said: "Knowing what you are born with is self-honesty and clear, and knowing what you learn is also self-honest and clear."
Chao Buzhi asked: "May I ask, Mr. Confucius, whether he knew it through study or from birth?"
Zhang Yue said: "Both."
Confucianism all advocates the idea of knowing from birth, and of course Confucius believes that it is the former.
Zhang Yue said: "You call the way of superior wisdom and inferiority of foolishness, and I don't agree with the superior path. This is talent, not nature. In the study of life and life, Zi thought and spoke to the best of his nature, Mencius said that to use his heart , it’s not something you have to teach.”
Ouyang Xiu, Qin Guan, and Chao Buzhi all said that "the study of life and life" is the superior way, and should not be discussed with people below the average person.
What Zhang Yue means is that you Confucians are too mysterious. Whether it is Zisi thinking to the fullest, or Mencius maximizing his nature, in the final analysis, it is the liberation of human nature.
Do you still need to be taught something like liberating human nature? What does this have to do with reading more and reading less?
On the contrary, the more outstanding a person is, the easier it is to be blinded and driven by desire and dogma.
Su Che, Qin Guan, and Chao Buzhi were all relieved when they heard this.
Zhang Yue said: "If you want to learn Mencius, you must learn the Doctrine of the Mean; to learn the Doctrine of the Mean, you must not know Mencius. In the past, Han Fei said that the eight schools of Confucianism had the Confucianism of Zisi, and Mencius' Confucianism was actually wrong."
"Xunzi said that Zisi was the descendant of Mencius, and Sima Qian also said that Mencius was the descendant of Zisi's school."
Later generations will call Zi Simeng and Mencius the School of Simeng. Both Neo-Confucianism and Xinxue come from this lineage.
Not only that, Wang Anshi also highly praised Zisi and Mencius. After reading Zhang Yue's book "Mencius Ye Yan Li", Wang Anshi wrote back to Zhang Yue when he left Bianjing, asking him to read it to Wang Anshi first after finishing the commentary on Mencius (Zhongyong had already read it).
The way of learning is ultimately the way to make people feel at ease. Not only do you need to feel at ease, but others also need to feel at ease.
What will you do after becoming a politician? Some people look at Zhongyong and think it is just a theory of "harmony and thin mud". They feel relieved at the moment, so they have to "correct the name".
Zhang Yue said: "Whether it is the Doctrine of the Mean, Mencius always sticks to the word "sincerity". The Doctrine of the Mean says, 'Sincerity is like a god.' If everything can be subjective and objective at all times, it will be like a god."
"Xia Shangzhong, Yin Shanggui, and Zhou Shangwen. Xia, Yin, and Zhou each had their own dynasty. But after the Duke of Zhou, the theory of "respecting virtue" has declined. The emperor has no relatives, only virtue is his assistant. After the five seasons of chaos, , I think the word sincerity can shake up the Taoist tradition."
Su Zhe stood up and said, "We are following Duke Zhang's order!"
Su Zhe said: "What Xianggong saw is extremely wise. The Doctrine of the Mean is the unfinished words of Confucius three generations later. The way of the sage begins with the Doctrine of the Mean. I think what the Prime Minister said [Zhong] means [nature], which means fulfilling one's nature. Put it in the context of governing the country. , to cultivate one’s body is to let the people do what they want.”
Zhang Yue was overjoyed when he heard this, otherwise he would say that Su Che's political level and classics level were higher than Su Shi's.
Now that Su Che was on his side, Zhang Yue gave up his plan to call Ercheng to Beijing to take charge of the Jingyi Bureau.
Zhang Yue said to Su Zhe, "Ziyou is truly a genius!"
"But you must remember to do your best, not your nature, otherwise you will be a countryman and a thief of virtue!"
Su Che said: "Che saves the trouble."
…
When he learned that Han Jiang had ordered him to pay homage to the prime minister, Deng Wan stood stunned for a long time.
His sons Deng Xunren and Deng Xunwu looked at Deng Wan and didn't know why.
"grown ups!"
Deng Wan came back to his senses, stroked his white hair and sat down.
Deng Xunren said: "It is rumored that Zhang San wanted to become the Prime Minister, and now he is staying in office to participate in politics. This is a good thing! Why are you so unhappy?"
Deng Wan said: "Zhang San pays homage to the wise prime minister. I can still serve as an official for two or three years. Now he is staying in office to participate in politics. He does not have the name of prime minister, but he has the actual status of prime minister."
Deng Wan paused at this point: "I am in danger!"
Deng Xunren and Deng Xunwu looked at each other.
"Zhang San is much more tolerant than Lu Liu. When I returned to the court, I thought he would fight against the Prime Minister for the throne, but I didn't expect him to endure it. Now that the Prime Minister has left and recommended him to become the Prime Minister, I thought this was what he wanted. It’s a matter of course.”
"I didn't expect him to do it, but he pushed Han Zihua back. What you said was great, but what you planned is profound!"
Deng Wan paused and thought about it. It was that winter many years ago. It was snowing heavily that day. He had just been transferred to Ningzhou, a bitter cold land, and served as the general judge of Ningzhou.
As the border between Xixia and the Song Dynasty, Deng Wan never thought that this place would be so cold and remote. It was said that a state general magistrate would not be as good as a county magistrate in the mainland.
In the past six months, Deng Wan experienced several trips to the Xixia border to clear grass valleys. The local people responded with riots, and Deng Wan felt that it was unbearable.
Deng Wan knew that his opportunity lay not in Ningzhou but in the court. When someone in the prefecture reported in, he was most concerned about it. He would see it immediately and copy it down. He would also take notes one by one when he returned to the library in the evening.
He was actually ten times more concerned about this matter than Ningzhou's government affairs. The old magistrate saw through Deng Wan's thoughts at a glance and scolded him a few times.
Deng Wan was hurt on the face, but in his heart he was ridiculing you for being here far away from Bianjing. No matter how well you manage things here, you won't be able to get promoted in ten years.
Because of the rejection of the old magistrate, state officials also alienated Deng Wan.
Of course it was uncomfortable to be excluded and isolated, but Deng Wan endured and nurtured his temper, and finally waited for his opportunity.
At that time, there was a heated debate in the court over whether to implement the new law. Deng Wan was keenly aware of this opportunity that would change his life. He didn't investigate whether the new law was good or not, so he just talked about the convenience of the new law. Therefore, he was appreciated by Wang Anshi and was awarded the title of Jixian School Manager and Zhongshu Inspection and Confucius Office.
Deng Wan successfully returned to Bianjing from the border area of Ningzhou.
In the winter of the third year of Xining, there was also such a heavy snowfall. Deng Wan held the transfer order in his hand and looked at the old magistrate as if he had aged ten years overnight. Hearing the insincere congratulations from his colleagues, he felt very proud. Enter Beijing.
This is Deng Wan's most proud work. Because Shangshu agreed with the new law, it changed his life and destiny.
Thinking of this, he said to Deng Xunren and Deng Xunwu: "I always tell you that to be an official, you must be a good official and a high official, or you must get real benefits. Since Zhang San does not want to be a good official or a high official, What you want is the benefits.”
Deng Xunren said: "Dad, I don't believe that Zhang San is as powerful as Lu Liu back then, and can dominate the court with one hand. I'm going to ask my father-in-law to speak for us!"
Deng Wan's eldest son, Deng Xunren, married the daughter of Wang Gui, the prime minister of history.
Deng Wan also knew that he had relied on the New Party in recent years and had no foundation in the government, so he took precautions by marrying Wang Gui early.
Deng Wan said: "Your father-in-law has always been wise to protect himself and refused to make any mistakes. He will not offend Zhang San because of me!"
Deng Xunren was so angry that his neck turned red. Wang Gui, as a historian, could not protect his father in front of Zhang Yue, who was participating in politics.
But who told Zhang Yue to have a holy family?
Deng Wan couldn't help but smile bitterly when he saw Deng Xunren acting like this. The young man still didn't understand the depth. If Wang Anshi was around, Zhang Yue would never dare to touch him, but now...
Speaking of which, the Prime Minister really rekindled his kindness with Deng Wan!
Deng Wan remembered that after he returned to Beijing, Feng Jing was disgusted with officials like Deng Wan who had suddenly entered the country due to flattery, and wanted to transfer Deng Wan back to Ningzhou as the magistrate because he was familiar with border affairs.
Deng Wan said to the court official dissatisfied: "Why did you summon me so urgently and then ask me to go back to Ningzhou?"
When Deng Wan went to Beijing to summon his wife, officials asked Deng Wan if he knew Wang Anshi. Deng Wan said he didn't know him. After meeting the emperor, Deng Wan met Wang Anshi, and the two talked happily.
At that time, everyone in the court scolded Deng Wan for being hypocritical, but Deng Wan felt that he had done nothing wrong, because Deng Wan had never met Wang Anshi before and had only exchanged letters. Of course, he did not know what Wang Anshi looked like.
Therefore, Deng Wan was humiliated by the officials. Deng Wan disagreed and said: "If you laugh and scold, you will laugh and scold him. If you are a good official, I will do it myself."
In February of the fifth year of Xining, Deng Wan became Quan Yushi Zhongcheng, ranking among the top four officials. A year and a half ago, he was just a general judge.
After serving as Yushi Zhongcheng for five full years, Deng Wan knew that if he wanted to stay in office, he had to find another way.
And Deng Wan had already prepared for a rainy day.
…
"Why does my uncle want to see me?"
Zhang Yue, who had just returned home, looked at Seventeenth Mother's reluctant expression and asked, "What's the matter?"
"For Deng Wan's sake."
Zhang Yue was stunned and asked, "Are my family also related to Deng Wan?"
Seventeenth Mother nodded and said, "Deng Wan and his wife proposed to my mother on behalf of their second son Deng Xunwu."
"He asked the Wang Shi Guan to discuss the matter, and my mother has agreed to marry my second brother's daughter to Deng Xunwu!"
Zhang Yue was surprised.
Wu Anchi is Wang Anshi's son-in-law, and it is reasonable and reasonable for Deng Wan's second son Deng Xunwu to marry Wang Anshi's granddaughter. In addition, Wang Gui, as a relative of Deng Wan, also came forward to speak to Li Taijun. No wonder the Wu family agreed to the matter.
Wu Anchi, Wu Anshi and Deng Wan had also known each other for a long time. Fan Zhen and Deng Wan were fellow villagers, and Fan Zhen asked his nephew Fan Bailu to learn from Deng Wan's father, Deng Zhi.
Later, when Deng Wan went to Beijing, he also visited the Wu family and had contacts with the two husbands of the Wu family.
Zhang Yue sighed: "No wonder my wife is in trouble. Let's meet my uncle first."
Zhang Yue changed into his regular clothes and met Wu Anchi and Deng Xunren.
Zhang Yue saw Wu Anzhi and Deng Xunren standing and sitting in the living room. Deng Xunren looked cautious.
"I've met Mr. Zhang!"
Wu Anchi stood up immediately, and Zhang Yue said with a smile: "Brother, we don't want to talk about official rules in our own family."
Zhang Yue glanced at Deng Xunren and asked, pretending not to know, "Who is this?"
Wu Anchi quickly introduced: "This is the eldest son of Deng Zhongcheng's family."
Deng Xunren immediately said: "Xunren pays homage to Mr. Zhang!"
Zhang Yue said calmly: "It turns out he is Deng Zhongcheng's son. I heard something about it. Sit down!"
Deng Xunren said he didn't dare and stood aside respectfully.
Wu Anchi said on behalf of Deng Xunren: "Next month is Deng Zhongcheng's fiftieth birthday on the twelfth day of the month, so I asked Xunren to come to deliver the post and ask for your honor."
Zhang Yue smiled and did not answer.
Upon seeing this, Wu Anzhi asked Deng Xunren to retreat first.
Zhang Yue said to Wu Anzhi: "Brother, are you trying to negotiate an agreement with Deng Wan for me?"
Wu Anzhi said: "Deng Zhongcheng knew that he had offended his brother-in-law and that it would be difficult to secure his position, so he wanted to ask me to do it..."
Before Zhang Yue spoke, the Seventeenth Mother behind the screen turned around and said, "Second brother, don't ask Sanlang for this matter."
Wu Anzhi turned pale when he heard this, looked at Zhang Yue and asked, "Is Sanlang serious?"
To be honest, after Wang Anshi left, Zhang Yue was concerned about the Jingyi Bureau and had not yet thought about how to deal with Deng Wan.
Unexpectedly, Deng Wan came to the door himself.
No one who has reached this position is stupid, except for Deng Wan and Lu Jiawen. In the past, when Wang Anshi was present, he always treated himself with a solemn expression and never made false remarks.
But when Zhang Yue got along with Lu Jiawen in private, Lu Jiawen was always respectful and flattering.
Zhang Yue said to Wu Anzhi: "The prime minister has returned to Jiangning, so Deng Zhongcheng should also know that he has retreated."
"Tell him that you know how he treated me in the past. But don't think too much about anything else. Leave some dignity to yourself!"
Wu Anzhi was very frustrated when he heard this, and Qi Niang winked at him.
Wu Anchi had no choice but to leave temporarily.
Zhang Yue said to Seventeen Niang: "Tell your uncle that Deng Wan must stop! This matter is not negotiable!"
Seventeenth Mother nodded.
There is one emperor and one minister, one prime minister and one censor.
Power is only accountable to the source, and Deng Wan was promoted by Wang Anshi. Now that Wang Anshi is gone, you, Deng Wan, still want to shamelessly stay in the post of Censor Zhongcheng. Who gave you the face?
If Deng Wan doesn't leave, how will the people behind you make progress?
Needless to say, when Wang Anshi was about to retire, Deng Wan kept saying in front of the officials that he would treat the prime minister with special courtesy, promote Wang Anshi's children to officials, and then request the Wang family to be granted a title in the capital.
In fact, Zhang Yue was prepared to do this, which represented the respect and respect that his successor, the later prime minister, had for the previous prime minister.
But why did you, Deng Wan, come out to act as your substitute?
As soon as you said it, it became something that the officials and I did after listening to your opinion?
Do you still need to remind me about this?
If you, Deng Wan, don’t quit, who else will?
Zhang Yue thought of this and said to Qi Niang, "Should I go out?"
Seventeenth Mother was surprised: "So late?"
Zhang Yue said: "Yes, I must go to Senior Brother Cai's house!"
…
Han Jiang came to Beijing from Taiyuan Prefecture, paid homage to the prime minister three times, and became the head of the hundred officials.
After Han Jiang met the emperor, he didn't see anyone when he returned to the mansion. He only met Zhang Yue.
But Han Jiang said: "I lament that life is not easy after three starts and three implementations."
Zhang Yue smiled and said to him: "If the emperor is unable to speak freely, the ministers should realize their intentions and be good at planning. Han Gong will have to work hard from now on."
Han Jiang sighed and said: "This time when I met the Holy Spirit, the official knocked on the door and asked about peace in Xixia. His intention was very sincere. I have been in Taiyuan these years and I can see clearly that although the soldiers are widely trained today, they are not refined. We should not talk lightly. Side things."
"It's just that the officials were quite disappointed after hearing this, or thought that I was unwilling to plan for him as carefully as I did when I captured Luowu City."
Zhang Yue sympathized with Han Jiang in his heart for a second, and then said: "Destroying Xia is not something that can happen overnight. The officials are eager and hope that Mr. Han will persuade him more."
Han Jiang said: "Of course, I will advise him to help me share more of the state affairs in the future."
Zhang Yue said: "Today I have something to report to Mr. Han! Regarding the matter of Yu Shi Zhongcheng!"
Han Jiang asked: "Deng Wan?"
Zhang Yue nodded. After he asked Wu Anzhi to advise Deng Wan that day, the other party pretended not to hear and shamelessly continued to stay on.
Deng Wan was so shameless, so I had no choice but to help him look decent.
Han Jiang also disliked Deng Wan and said: "When Wang Pushe was in power, Deng Wan mostly relied on him, then Lu Huiqing succeeded him, and Deng Wan attached himself first. When Wang Pushe returned to the capital, he betrayed Lu Huiqing and attached himself to the king. Servant shoots.”
"This kind of people have truly corrupted the hearts of the world."
"To be honest, although the reforms have been effective in recent years, the atmosphere of the officialdom has deteriorated. Good skills are regarded as the spirit, criticism is regarded as the style, loyalty is regarded as the most important thing, and quiet retreat is regarded as the humble."
"The scholars either hide themselves in hiding and refuse to serve the court, and only seek to be free for themselves; or they compete with rich families, take pity on the powerful and give alms, and are obsessed with the pursuit of advancement.
"The corruption of officialdom in recent years is all thanks to people like Deng Wan and Cui Gongdu!"
"I want to correct the officialdom! Kill these evil spirits!"
Zhang Yue said: "What the Prime Minister said is true."
Han Jiang asked again: "Who can succeed Deng Wan after he passes away? What do the officials mean?"
Zhang Yue said: "Reporting to the Prime Minister, the task of remonstrating in Taiwan is very important and cannot be done casually."
"The official intention seems to be to use Deng Runfu to succeed Deng Wan. As for Youzhengyan, Cai Queke of Jixianyuan can be appointed as the censor, knowing miscellaneous affairs and admonishing the courtyard."
Yushi Zhongcheng is Siruitou and is the top leader of the Yushitai.
He serves the censor and knows miscellaneous matters, and is the second-in-command of the censor's desk.
After the officials asked Deng Runfu to succeed Deng Wan, Zhang Yue recommended Cai Que as the second-in-command of Yushitai.
Han Jiang and Han Wei both promoted Cai Que, which was considered a favor.
After hearing what Zhang Yue said, Han Jiang said: "Yes!"
Deng Wan did not know that while he was still serving as Yushi Zhongcheng, the emperor and Zhang Yue had arranged his successors.
