Hearing Yang Fan's answer, Sima Caizhang was immediately overjoyed and said proudly: "In that case, let's learn from each other. Don't worry, I will definitely give you good advice."
"In addition, there happen to be some teaching assistants and students in the college today. How about we let them come together to observe, and I will also explain to them by the way."
With that said, he directly waved to the clerk standing outside the door to pass the message.
Seeing Sima Cai Jiang showing off like this, Kong Yingda was not happy. His old face turned cold and he said: "Cai Zhang, since ancient times, great scholars have always been modest and prudent people. You are already very old. Why can't you understand this?" reason?"
"What's more, you underestimate Marquis Zhongyi too much. As the saying goes, the wise come first. How can you judge a person's knowledge based on his age?"
Regarding this old friend's reluctance, Kong Yingda was no longer as polite as before and directly scolded him.
Just now, I called you Brother Caizhang, Brother Caizhang, but now I call you by your name. You are obviously a little angry at this old friend's ungratefulness.
At the same time, the eyes looking at Yang Fan were also full of guilt.
At this time, Yang Fan was also stunned by Sima Caizhang's self-righteousness!
Damn it, this old man is too ignorant of the ways of the world. Even if he is talented, he can't be so arrogant, right?
What's more, is this extremely arrogant mentality really that of a well-educated person?
Yang Fan was a little skeptical, but how did he know what Sima Caizhang was thinking?
In Sima Caizhang's view, it is impossible for a young boy like Yang Fan to have such a deep understanding of ancient classics.
After all, this thing is linked to life experience. Yang Fan's hair has not even grown yet, so Sima Caizhang certainly doesn't care.
It's a pity that Sima Caizhang never imagined that Yang Fan was a loser standing on the shoulders of giants, and his tragedy was already doomed.
Seeing that Sima Caizhang still looked like a dead pig who was not afraid of boiling water, Kong Yingda continued to persuade:
"Cai Zhang, although you have extraordinary talents and learning, and you have an unruly and conceited personality, don't you know that there is no end to your learning?"
"As a professor at the Imperial College, you should know that you need to be rigorous in your studies, and you need to be humble and cautious when studying, so that your knowledge can grow day by day."
"If a person is arrogant and arrogant, always thinks that he is the best in the world, cannot listen to other people's words, cannot read other people's books, and is so stubborn and self-proclaimed, is this the attitude of learning?"
"If you don't humbly ask for advice, your achievements in this life will stop here."
Kong Yingda's words could be said to be merciless, and he completely reprimanded Sima Caizhang as a junior.
To put it bluntly, Sima Caizhang was jealous of talents and impetuous, which was not the state of mind that a teaching person should have.
But what surprised Yang Fan was that Sima Caizhang was neither angry nor refuted by Kong Yingda's words. He obviously thought that Kong Yingda was farting.
One is rigorous and humble, the other is arrogant. They have completely different styles. It is difficult to imagine how they usually get along.
But Sima Caizhang ignored Kong Yingda's persuasion at all. When people arrived one after another, he stared at Yang Fan and said:
"Since everyone is here, I will tell you now..."
"A certain person has studied diligently since childhood and received guidance from a famous teacher to delve into the mysteries of ancient classics. I don't say that I have learned everything, but I have learned most of it."
"Now the emperor's grace has allowed me to participate in the compilation of the "Five Classics", and I dare not neglect it. It took several years for this book to be roughly finalized. But you are an ignorant child, and now you want to write a book. Isn't it ridiculous? ?”
"As an elder and a professor at the Imperial College, it is my duty to guide the juniors. Although I have never read your "Yang's Enlightenment", I think it is just a work about children's dance sticks, so I should give you some pointers. "
Seeing the other party's boastful appearance, Yang Fan burst into laughter.
As expected, being shameless makes you invincible!
It's so shameless to say that you look down on others in such a fresh and refined way. Is this a quality that a scholar should have?
Although talent and character are not the same thing, sometimes they are closely related.
A arrogant mentality like Sima Caizhang's cannot be like the principles of conduct and academic philosophy that a great Confucian should have.
Belittle the younger generation, look down upon the peers, exalt oneself, and always think that one is an unprecedented and unprecedented scholar. How can this be the attitude an educator should have?
Although as a teacher, you don’t have to be courteous and courteous, you shouldn’t be so arrogant.
With this kind of mentality, it's no wonder that compared to Kong Yingda's achievements, this guy can only be an unknown supporting role.
So what if Sima Caizhang participated in the compilation of the "Five Classics", his arrogant mentality doomed his achievements to be limited.
Because Sima Caizhang didn't humbly learn things he didn't understand, but sneered at them. It's strange how successful such a person could be!
Seeing that Yang Fan's face was full of ridicule, Sima Caijiang immediately stopped working. His old face became solemn and he said displeasedly: "Why are you laughing? Is what I said wrong?"
"A person like you who doesn't know how to respect the elderly, even if he is in a high position, can write a book and say that he will be remembered forever. Isn't that a joke?"
Yang Fan's expression did not change, but he held his tongue and said: "Senior, please forgive me. I am happy when I heard my senior's Jinke prophecy and will soon get your guidance..."
But I was worried in my heart, no one is more qualified to judge than Yang Fan, who will achieve great achievements and be famous throughout the ages.
Thousands of years later, who will be wiped out in the tide of history, and who will be respected by thousands of people? Who knows better than Yang Fan?
In terms of fame alone, Sima Caizhang's achievements and reputation are far behind Kong Yingda, but Kong Yingda is not so arrogant.
Even as the leader in the compilation of a literary masterpiece such as the "Five Classics", Kong Yingda did not always associate himself with the "Five Classics".
On the contrary, it is Sima Caizhang, a supporting character, who always shows off such things.
In Yang Fan's opinion, it was just a joke.
However, Yang Fan's compliments made Sima Caizhang even more proud and proud, and he glanced at Kong Yingda proudly.
It seems to be saying, look... isn't this stick that everyone praises in Chang'an City impressed by my charm?
Kong Yingda slapped his forehead gently and smiled bitterly. Didn't this old friend realize that these words were ironic?
If Sima Caizhang and I had not both been Ph.D.s in the Sui Dynasty, worked in the Tang Dynasty at the same time, and now even compiled the Five Classics together, how could I have known him for decades?
Kong Yingda couldn't agree with Sima Caizhang's academic attitude alone. The difference in how they behaved was really too big.
However, Kong Yingda didn't want to persuade him any more.
Now that there are so many teaching assistants and students listening, Sima Caizhang will definitely become angry if he continues to scold his juniors.
After giving Yang Fan an "I don't care" look, Kong Yingda vented his frustration directly on the tea.
The teaching assistants and students on the side looked at the tit-for-tat confrontation between Sima Caizhang and Yang Fan, and everyone suddenly became very excited.
One is a scholar with an arrogant character, a bad temper and a tough temper, and the other is a lucky man who holds a high position as the Minister of Rites at a young age.
Although the Tang Dynasty was academically open-minded, and famous Confucian scholars often discussed with each other, and the world could listen to them, such fights between dragons and tigers were rare.
After all, you can not only gain your own knowledge, but also have the opportunity to express your own opinions. Such opportunities are rare!
As a result, people who heard the news quietly came in in twos and threes, stood around quietly, and filled the whole room.
Yang Fan didn't feel uncomfortable about this. After all, in later generations, there would be more people on stage to give a speech than there were here.
And Sima Caizhang was even more energetic, with a bright light in his eyes. The more people there were, the more he could spread his reputation.
Once His Majesty Li Er thinks of his talents again, it is possible to take a further step in the officialdom.
Originally, Yang Fan had no good impression of Sima Caizhang, and seeing that Kong Yingda no longer cared about the matter, Yang Fan decided to make this proud old guy make a fool of himself.
If you use "Yang's Enlightenment" to attack this old man, he will definitely not accept it.
It seemed that we had to attack this guy completely from what he was good at, so he moved in his heart and said: "Senior is very knowledgeable, and his views on the meaning of saints must be unique. In fact, it is for me and the juniors to learn from it. example."
"Today I have the honor to consult with my senior. I am really lucky. However, when I was reading the Analects of Confucius a few days ago, I encountered some confusions and I couldn't figure it out. I wonder if my seniors can help me solve my doubts?"
Do you want to ask the saints for advice? This is my specialty!
Sima Caizhang felt as happy as if he had drank ice water on a dog day in the middle of summer. He could really do whatever he wanted.
This stick that everyone praises in Chang'an City is indeed quite silly!
In his opinion, Yang Fan asked him for help when he was confused and chose what he was best at.
As long as I can answer Yang Fan's question, I can not only impress Yang Fan, but also spread his reputation as a mentor and knowledgeable person. It's like killing two birds with one stone!
Reading with rice balls
Sima Caizhang is full of confidence in his understanding of ancient classics. He has been familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics and ancient classics since he was a child, and he never thinks that there is anything he cannot answer.
Thinking of this, Sima Caizhang said confidently: "If you don't understand anything, just ask, I will answer it for you."
Yang Fan smiled slightly: "When I was reading the Analects of Confucius a few days ago, I saw one of the sentences - 'The people can follow it, but they cannot know it'. What is the meaning of this sentence? I would like to ask seniors to clarify."
Everyone was shocked when they heard that Yang Fan actually asked such a simple question.
Because as long as they are scholars, everyone present has already memorized these contents of "The Analects" by heart.
Now that Yang Fan has raised such a question, isn't it a slap in the face?
For a moment, everyone thought that Yang Fan did this on purpose.
Sima Caizhang's face was even more uncertain, and he didn't know whether he should answer or not.
If you answer, there is no sense of achievement at all.
If he didn't answer, wouldn't it make people think that he didn't know how to ask such a simple question? It would be extremely embarrassing!
…
Seeing Sima Caizhang's expression as if he was constipated, Yang Fan ignored it and instead asked himself: "Senior is in such a difficult position, do you think the question raised by the junior is too difficult?"
"However, this junior also feels that this question is a bit difficult to solve. A smart person like me thought about it for several nights before I figured it out. It's natural that senior doesn't know."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was in an uproar.
Although everyone has heard of Yang Fan's reputation, they all have a bad reputation.
Most people here have never seen Yang Fan's eloquence. Now Yang Fan can make people angry to death whenever he opens his mouth. It is simply too bad.
Sima Caizhang was so angry that he was shaking all over, even his gray beard stood up. He really wanted to scold his mother.
This guy obviously wanted to make a fool of himself.
But now it is difficult to get off the tiger, so I can only stiffen my neck and say: "The people can let it go, but they cannot make it known." This is from the Qin Bo chapter of "The Analects of Confucius".
The content of this article is that Confucius said: "Tai Boqi can be said to be the most virtuous. If the world gives way to him three times, the people will not be able to get it, so he is praised."
Confucius said: "Being respectful but disrespectful will lead to fatigue; being prudent but disrespectful will lead to chaos; being brave but disrespectful will lead to chaos; being straight and disrespectful will lead to strangulation. When a gentleman is sincere and close to relatives, the people will thrive in benevolence. Therefore, if the old is not preserved, the people will thrive." Don’t steal.”
Confucius said: "The people can follow it, but they cannot know it."
…
As he spoke, Sima Caizhang memorized it all, and he was obviously very familiar with the Analects of Confucius.
After reciting it, he looked at Yang Fan proudly, as if to say - I recited the entire text, do you think I don't know the meaning?
"The seniors are knowledgeable and the juniors admire them."
But before Sima Caizhang could be happy, he heard Yang Fan sigh and continue: "Although the senior has extraordinary knowledge, his brain seems to be a little unclear!"
"The junior is asking for advice on what this sentence means. Apparently the senior's answer is somewhat unclear."
"Wouldn't it be misleading to educate students with such an attitude?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked. Yang Fan was so bold, he actually dared to make fun of him like this.
Although Sima Caizhang's official rank was far inferior to that of Yang Fan, his reputation among scholars was not much weaker than that of Kong Yingda.
Yang Fan humiliated Sima Caizhang in this way. It would be strange if Sima Caizhang didn't become angry out of humiliation.
As expected, Sima Caizhang tremblingly pointed at Yang Fan and cursed angrily: "Shu Zi is so rude! Listen carefully..."
"This sentence means that for the common people, we can only make them do what we want, but we cannot make them understand why we do what we do..."
Just when everyone thought that Yang Fan had nothing to say, they saw Yang Fan curl his lips, stand up with a roar, and shouted: "It's really nonsense, and it doesn't make sense. Such a misinterpretation of the saint's meaning is worthy of being called a great Confucian. I'm really ashamed to be with you..."
Being scolded by Yang Fan, Sima Caizhang was immediately stunned.
Hasn’t this sentence been understood this way for thousands of years?
This kid actually said that his explanation made no sense. How could Sima Caizhang still endure it? He was breathing heavily and staring at Yang Fan with red eyes.
Obviously, as long as Yang Fan doesn't give a reasonable explanation, he will risk his life to fight Yang Fan with his old arm.
He was not disappointed. Yang Fan slowly looked around and asked, "Do you think so too?"
The people watching looked at me and I looked at you, a little at a loss.
There are even some doubts whether Sima Caizhang really explained it wrong.
But after thinking about it, this is what they have learned since childhood!
After everyone made eye contact, the onlookers nodded involuntarily in twos and threes.
But most of them are just waiting and watching. Anyway, they are the masses today, and no one will say anything even if they don’t express their opinions.
Only Kong Yingda looked thoughtful, but unfortunately his slight frown also showed his inner confusion.
Seeing so many people agreeing with him, Sima Caizhang immediately felt confident again. He looked at Yang Fan and said solemnly: "Marquis Zhongyi, if you don't give me an explanation, I will definitely ask your Majesty for a copy."
Yang Fan showed no fear and proudly puffed out his chest and said: "That's complete nonsense."
"Sage Confucius advocated the long-term peace and stability of benevolent people who love others and benefit the people. How could he say such foolish words?"
"This sentence should be understood as - if the people can do it, let them know it; if it is not possible, let them know it."
“The virtuous government that Confucius understood is to make everyone’s morals noble, and society will naturally develop well, and everyone will be benevolent, and virtuous government will naturally follow.
"Laozi governed the country by doing nothing, and Confucius taught the people and governed the country. They are both the existence of Danhua rulers."
"Although these two states are idealized, they are both logically self-consistent."
"The logic of implementing "virtuous government" requires those in charge to become moral models, and then lead everyone to improve their moral standards and complete virtuous government that governs the world with benevolence."
"The people can do it, and let it be done... means that if the people's moral quality is sufficient, then they can be allowed to develop freely without too much interference."
"What should we do if the people's moral quality is not up to standard? The meaning of the saint is to find ways to educate them and improve their quality. Isn't this the same as 'what is not allowed, make it known'?"
"Only by understanding the political philosophy of Confucius and interpreting the meaning of this sentence in his context can we achieve a reasonable and logical self-consistency, which is a correct understanding."
"But you use the term 'foolish people' to understand the saint's meaning, which is contrary to the saint's ideas, so it must be wrong. Isn't this nonsense?"
"Sage Confucius advocated 'teaching without distinction'. He was also a saint who was called the teacher of all ages. The most important thing is education."
"That is to say, through poetry, etiquette, role models, etc., the whole society can reach a certain level of morality."
"This is exactly the process of 'making it known'. How could it be 'impossible to make it known'?"
"But you misinterpreted it as the saint's intention, don't you feel blushing?"
Everyone was completely stunned by Yang Fan's words.
However, this explanation is so reasonable.
Only Kong Yingda's eyes sparkled, as if he heard something precious.
As a descendant of the Kong family and a representative of the Confucian school, this sentence has always been a criticism of the sage Kong.
Now that there is such a perfect explanation, why doesn't he feel overjoyed?
