The meeting hall of Jiangning Xuanfu Division was filled with dead silence and silence.
A dozen guards were covered in blood, kneeling on the ground at the entrance of the hall, trembling and silent.
Zhao Tong's face was livid, and he looked at the dozen or so people. Suddenly he raised his hand and threw the tea bowl on the table, hitting one person in the forehead. The tea bowl shattered and blood spattered.
The noble leaders pretended not to see it, and some even lowered their heads and closed their eyes slightly.
They didn't expect the bandit army to really come. This was a mistake in their judgment. However, if the two families who went out died, they would die. It wasn't them who died. At worst, they would give up the idea of leaving the city.
"The master's family was killed, why did you come back?" Zhao Tong roared.
One of the guards trembled and said: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, we have to come back to deliver the letter..."
At this time, Wang Congying coughed and said from the side: "I have sent messengers to follow you. You don't protect the master's family well and live and die with the master's family, and you actually run away from the battle?"
His words immediately aroused the resonance of the nobles in the hall. They no longer kept silent, but jumped out to accuse regardless of their status. Suddenly, the solemn silence just now started to become noisy.
Zhao Tong slammed the table, and with a loud crash, all the teapots and teacups jumped to the ground and shattered into pieces. The nobles trembled, and the hall became calm again.
Zhao Tong said angrily: "Everyone who comes will be pushed out and chopped!"
A team of swordsmen rushed in from outside, tied up the dozen guards, and pushed them out.
Zhao Tong glanced at everyone with cold eyes: "Everyone, do you still want to leave the city?"
No one spoke, they all looked around with their heads hanging down. After a long time, Wang Congying smiled and said: "Your Majesty, we can't get out. We were instigated by the Xu family and the Gao family, and we had unwise thoughts. At this moment, we are all gone." Wake up and wish to live and die with Jiang Ning."
Zhao Tong's face softened slightly and he said: "In that case, everyone should go back to your homes. It's getting late now and I am a little tired."
After hearing this, all the nobles stood up and left one after another. When they were leaving, Zhao Tong suddenly said: "Bless your Majesty."
Zhu Zheng stopped immediately. Among the people present, he was the only one with the surname Zhu. He turned around and looked at Zhao Tong and said, "Do you have anything else to say, Your Majesty?"
Zhao Tong said: "Let Wu Niang come over tomorrow to talk about it. I want to meet the most talented woman in Shezhou."
Zhu Que couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart when he heard this. His daughter had many ideas, and he had tried all kinds of ways to block her before. But now that her title of Zhu Banzhou was in name only, she could no longer hold it lightly, not to mention that the King of Qin called her go.
But what if King Qin takes a fancy to it? Zhu Que's mood was complicated. He didn't want his daughter to be a concubine. He wanted his Zhu family's daughter to be a housewife, but once she went to King Qin's side, could he still have the final say on the matter?
Zhao Tong saw his face changing constantly as he stood there, frowned and said, "Why are you hesitating, Mr. Zhu? I just want to see Wu Niang's talent and learning."
How could Zhu Que believe it? The nobles like them often didn't mean what they said to each other. The same was true for the ministers, let alone the royal princes. There was nothing he could do if he turned around and refused to acknowledge what he had said.
Zhu Que said: "I remember, I remember, I will ask Wu Niang to come to the prince tomorrow morning."
Zhao Tong nodded and said nothing. The nobles nearby laughed secretly in their hearts. Don't you wish that Banzhou will always be your precious daughter? Now that the King of Qin wants it, what do you think? It's so refreshing that you, an old guy, have this day.
Watching the nobles leave, Zhao Tong asked someone to serve tea again and began to think about the empty lobby alone.
We can't kill all these people outside Jiangning City, because these people have spies in Xuanzhou, Taiping Prefecture and other places. The Qifu army in front of us didn't attack at all. It was said that there were advance scouts who robbed and killed several nobles. It makes sense, but if all the nobles died outside the city, it would be a big loophole.
If the main force of the bandit army did not come to kill them, then at whose hands would more than 100 people and more than 10,000 people die? Who had all the family property intercepted? There are more than 10,000 nobles in Jiangning City, and they are going to bleed like rivers. Who else but the bandit army has the ability to do such a heartbreaking thing right now? I'm afraid even a fool would know that it was his King Qin who did it!
These noble clans are not all in Jiangning City, and all the officials in the clan are in office. When the outside informants come to report the news, or these people come to search, the secret will be completely exposed.
Therefore, Zhao Tong did not intend to kill them all outside. On the one hand, the people he sent were to kill the leading bird and force them to dare not leave anymore. On the other hand, they were sent to plot against Fang Qifu...
Let's talk about Zhu Que returning home. It was already dark at this time, but no one in the clan had a rest. They all packed up their things and waited in the courtyard to leave the city. When he came back, the second uncle and the third prince came forward to inquire.
Zhu Que shook his head and said, "Go back, we can't leave!"
When everyone saw that he had a bad look on his face, Sangong gave a meal and said angrily: "Is it possible that the King of Qin refused to open the city?"
Zhu Que sneered and said: "The thieves have arrived ten miles outside the city. The two families that came out first were killed and no one was left. Do you still want to go out?"
Sangong was immediately speechless. Zhu Que flicked his sleeves and walked straight to the living room. Halfway through, he suddenly stopped and said, "Ask Wu Niang to come over and see me!"
He went to the living room and sat down. A maid made tea. After a while, a girl came in and said softly: "Dad, are you calling me daughter?"
Zhu Que raised his head to look at the girl, and saw that she looked like a fairy from the Moon Palace, with a charming look, a quiet and elegant temperament, and a faint bookish air between her brows.
Looking at his daughter, Zhu Zhe couldn't help but sigh in his heart and said: "Wu Niang, King Qin wants to see you."
The girl's expression did not change when she heard this, but she asked: "Dad, my daughter just heard that Fang La's rebel army has arrived outside the city. Can't they get out of the city now?"
Zhu Que nodded, and then told the story of going to Xuanfu Division to discuss tonight, and the two families left first, but were robbed and killed by Fang La's army on the road.
After hearing this, the girl thought for a few seconds, then her beautiful eyebrows frowned slightly, and then she said: "Dad, why did King Qin call me?"
Zhu Que said: "I have admired the title of the most talented woman in Shezhou for a long time. I want to meet her, but it seems that it is not that simple as a father. I don't know where I learned that Wu Niang has outstanding appearance. I am coveting her, and I am afraid that she will meet her." Upon seeing it, I had bad intentions."
The girl shook her head when she heard this: "King Qin's daughter knows this, so she may not be so shallow."
Zhu Que asked doubtfully: "Could it be that you really want to talk to Wu Niang, write articles, and do elegant things?"
The girl pondered: "Since this person is not shallow, how can he discuss articles and knowledge when the army is approaching the city? He should have other thoughts."
Zhu Que frowned and said: "No matter what you have in mind, as long as you don't play Wu Niang's idea, he has been running a house for a few years and he will definitely marry a princess. Although my Zhu family is in ruins now, we will definitely not let our daughter go to give birth to a daughter." If you are too small, even a prince will not do it!"
The girl's face turned slightly red, and then she said: "Dad is serious. I think King Qin has other intentions. I will find out when my daughter investigates tomorrow."
Zhu Que nodded: "Let's go back and have a good rest. Be careful after tomorrow. He is the one in charge of the army after all. I don't frown when I see him killing people today. He may not be as elegant as you heard. You must protect yourself when the time comes." .”
The girl was immediately ashamed and hurriedly left.
Early the next morning, Zhao Tong saw some military information and was about to go to the city for a walk. Someone came to report that Zhu Xiuniang of the Shezhou family wanted to see her.
So her name is Xiuniang? Zhao Tong nodded, knowing that it was Zhu Wuniang. Generally speaking, daughters from well-established families have large sizes. Unless they are particularly lazy, they will directly be named after their ranking.
He said: "Please go to the study."
This Xuanfu Division was originally the Jiangnan East Road Comfort Envoy Division, where Wang Hanzhi handled official affairs. After Zhao Tong came, it was directly renamed the Xuanfu Division and he lived here.
Zhao Yuannu did not come to Jiangning, but stayed in Yangzhou. After all, Jiangnan was unstable and there was no possibility of war at any time. On the other hand, she also wanted to live in Yangzhou for more time. After all, it was her hometown. She might not know what year or month she would visit next time. .
Zhao Tong walked to the study room, which was larger and more spacious than his study room in the Tokyo Palace. There were many books in it, and there were host and guest seats in the middle. It looked like a small nave.
A moment after sitting down, Ding Da Xie reported outside: "Your Majesty, the fifth wife of the Zhu family has arrived."
Zhao Tong said: "Just come in." He really wanted to see what this talented woman who trained the so-called "Master of Neo-Confucianism" looked like.
As he finished speaking, a girl walked in from outside. Zhao Tong raised his eyebrows and took a closer look.
I saw that this girl is neither tall nor short, her figure is neither slender nor plump, her eyebrows are like distant mountains with daisy, her eyes are like autumn water, her skin is like jade, her face is full of peach and plum blossoms, there is a strong bookish air between her eyebrows, and her whole body is somewhat demure. interest.
The girl Wanfu said: "The daughter of the people, Zhu Xiuniang, has met His Highness King Qin."
Zhao Tong said: "Raise your head."
Zhu Xiuniang raised her head slightly, her eyes were neither humble nor arrogant, their eyes met, Zhao Tao narrowed his eyes, and Zhu Xiuniang lowered his head again.
Zhao Tong smiled and said, "Sit down and talk."
Zhu Xiuniang said: "There is a difference between honor and inferiority, etiquette and justice, and women of the people cannot sit down."
Zhao Tong took a breath and said: "There is a hierarchy of learning, and those who have mastered it come first. Don't judge superiority based on status."
Zhu Xiuniang saluted again: "Since the prince regards learning as the way, the daughter of the people dares to disobey."
Zhao Tong smiled on his face, but thought in his heart, what is wrong with this? Are you stupid by reading? I want you to sit down and I have to reason with you?
At this time, tea was served outside and placed on the table. Zhao Tong said: "I heard that Xiu Niang is talented and has learned all over the Yangtze River. I specially summoned her to see her. I want to hear some real knowledge. I wonder if Xiu Niang can fulfill my wish?"
Zhu Xiuniang said: "Your Majesty, do you want to discuss learning?"
Zhao Tong nodded: "I wonder which school Xiuniang studied?"
Zhu Xiuniang said: "A common girl has learned Mr. Hengqu's knowledge since she was a child."
The five scholars of Neo-Confucianism in the Northern Song Dynasty were Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, Zhang Zai, Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi.
Zhou Dunyi is the founder of Neo-Confucianism, and the other four are the founders of Neo-Confucianism.
From Zhao Tong's personal opinion, Neo-Confucianism is actually no longer true Confucianism. There are many aspects in it that run counter to true Confucianism.
Confucianism changed once with Dong Zhongshu, and again with Neo-Confucianism during the Song and Ming dynasties. It was castrated twice and lost its true meaning long ago.
Especially Neo-Confucianism. The Neo-Confucianism of the Song Dynasty was mixed with Taoist thought, and the Neo-Confucianism of the Ming Dynasty was mixed with Buddhist thought. The core meanings are far from the teachings of Confucius.
And who is the Master? A strong man who is 1.9 meters tall, can lift the city gate, and is proficient in bow, horse, sword and spear!
Which of these so-called Neo-Confucian masters can?
If you say that you are gifted, what can you say about being able to remain calm in the face of sexual temptation?
Which of the Five Sons of the Northern Song Dynasty is possible? Not to mention the younger son of the Zhu Song family who later seduced a nun and made her daughter-in-law pregnant.
Neo-Confucianism is also called Taoism, which is why later generations sometimes called some Confucian teachers false Taoism. In fact, Taoism is far from the Confucianism of Confucius.
Zhang Zai...Zhao Tong was silent for a few breaths at this time. Unexpectedly, Zhu Xiuniang actually learned from Zhang Hengqu, not Er Cheng.
He said: "Why don't you learn the way of Yichuan?"
Cheng Hao is known as Mr. Mingdao, and Cheng Yi is known as Mr. Yichuan.
Zhu Xiuniang became a little silent when she saw that Zhao Tao was not polite when he mentioned these great scholars and did not even say the word "sir".
The two Chengs were both from the same dynasty, and Zhao Tong was a royal prince, the first rank of the dynasty. According to his status, although it was okay to be disrespectful to the two, the problem was that Zhao Tong was also a scholar, which was a bit wrong.
Confucianism has Confucian rules, the first of which is respecting teachers and respecting morality. Zhao Yu is a scholar, so it seems a bit too much to be disrespectful to the two great Confucians.
Zhu Xiuniang thought to herself that this King of Qin was a little too arrogant. Although he could be called a master in poetry, it was a minor path after all. The so-called leaders in the literary world were only in the literary world. The literary world was not about learning Taoism, and he had never written a book to establish it. How can your own school of thought be so arrogant?
"Although the two gentlemen's teachings are exquisite and profound, they are not compatible with the women of the people. The women of the people are in harmony with Mr. Hengqu's Taixu and Qi, so they learn from Mr. Hengqu."
Confucianism pays attention to teaching students in accordance with their aptitude. A true Confucian master will teach different knowledge based on the different personalities, strengths and weaknesses of each person. The same is true for doctrines. There are many Confucian theories. If someone wants to learn from a teacher, they will choose knowledge that is similar to their own thoughts.
"Taixu is Qi..." Zhao Tao nodded. This is the knowledge that Zhang Zai summarized the development of the "Qi Monism".
As the founder of Neo-Confucianism, Zhou Dunyi was represented by the "Tai Chi Picture Theory", Shao Yong was the theory of "Xiang" and "Shu", Zhang Zai developed the "Qi Monist Theory" as the theory of "Taixu is Qi", Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi took spiritual "reason" as the core theory.
"Tell me about it!" Zhao Tong looked at Zhu Xiuniang and said.
At this time, Zhu Xiuniang had completely seen that the King of Qin in front of him was disrespectful to several great scholars. It could be felt from his tone that he also had some disdain for the doctrines that he regarded as treasures.
She couldn't help but feel a little conflicted in her heart, and she even more suspected that the reason why Zhao Tong called her here was definitely not because he heard that she was beautiful and wanted to take possession of her, let alone to discuss knowledge with her. So what exactly did he want to do?
Seeing the condescending look of King Qin, she felt a little resentful, but she always had an elegant and gentle temperament, and her face didn't show it at all, so she quietly began to talk about knowledge.
Zhao Tong sat there and listened to her talk without interrupting, just drinking tea. From time to time, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. In Zhu Xiuniang's eyes, he was very contemptuous of the knowledge she taught.
For more than half an hour, Zhu Xiuniang talked about all the theories she understood, mixed with many of her own thoughts and opinions, and then said: "Mr. Hengqu said, establish a heart for the world, establish a life for the people, and go to the saints. Carrying on the unique knowledge and creating peace for all generations should be the lifelong goal of scholars."
"Establish a heart for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living and the people, carry on the unique knowledge of the past saints, and create peace for all generations?" Zhao Tong suddenly burst out laughing and looked at Zhu Xiuniang with a playful look.
No matter how demure Zhu Xiuniang is, she can't help but feel a little angry at this moment and said: "Why is the prince laughing?"
Zhao Tao looked at her and said word by word: "The so-called four sentences of Hengqu are nothing but false, big, empty and empty!"
"Your Majesty, you..." Zhu Xiuniang trembled. She didn't expect Zhao Tong to say such critical words.
"Is this king right?" Zhao Tong sneered, "Such words are nothing but falsehood."
"The daughter of the people feels something is wrong. This is the motto of us scholars, a beacon on the road to study, and the goal of our lives!" Zhu Xiuniang argued with reason. No one has ever said such arrogant words, even if he is a prince. It doesn’t work either.
"Any slogan without a program is useless, only for temporary pleasure, and empty!" Zhao Tong took a sip from the tea bowl and said coldly.
"What... is a program?" Zhu Xiuniang wanted to refute Zhao Tao, but she heard a word she couldn't understand and asked in shock.
"The program is the specific plan and strategy to realize the slogan. Hengqu's four sentences are huge, but do they explain how to establish a heart for the world, establish a destiny for the people, and create peace for all generations?" Zhao Tong put down his tea bowl: " Just by studying? Just by studying Zhang Hengqu's knowledge and doctrines? Just by shouting these four sentences every day, sitting in the chair with excitement and blood boiling, can you create peace for all generations? "
"This..." Zhu Xiuniang was speechless.
"Man can conquer nature, the people have their own destiny, the young are better than others, and there is peace now!" Zhao Tong said slowly, but every sentence seemed to be like a giant hammer, hitting Zhu Xiuniang's heart, completely overturning what she had learned for more than ten years, and in her heart His thoughts surged like a tidal wave, and he was completely stunned for a moment.
(End of chapter)
