Although exclusive respect for Confucianism brought convenience and benefits to the rulers to a certain extent.
But it also kills all other people's thoughts and hinders the development of society, which makes people feel a little sad.
In Yang Fan's view, the contention of a hundred schools of thought was the spirit of the hesitant Tang Dynasty.
However, Yang Fan's words made Changsun Chong smile as if his treacherous plan had succeeded.
After all, ever since Dong Zhongshu's "Depose hundreds of schools of thought and respect only Confucianism" was adopted by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
All dynasties have used Confucianism as the main idea of ruling the country. As long as you want to get involved in officialdom, you have to keep up with Confucianism.
Now Yang Fan is blatantly advocating the Hundred Schools of Theory. Isn't this a slap in the face?
What's more, Kong Yingda, a representative figure of Confucianism, is here, and Changsun Chong's purpose is to let Kong Yingda deal with Yang Fan.
Seeing Chang Sun Chong raising the issue but standing idly by, Kong Yingda looked helpless, turned to look at Yang Fan, sighed and said:
"Master Shangshu, Confucianism as the concept of governing the country is your Majesty's will and the foundation for educating all people in Chongqing. If this imperial examination reform is changed lightly, is it inappropriate?"
Regarding this great Confucian whose reputation has spread all over the world, Yang Fan did not intend to give in, but shook his head and said: "Mr. Kong's words are wrong! I have not denied the role of Confucianism, nor will I change the status of Confucianism. I am just taking it. The heads of hundreds of families serve the Tang Dynasty."
"The core of Confucianism is loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, filial piety, etiquette, wisdom, and trustworthiness... I think these are extremely good values. It embodies the Confucian thoughts of benevolence and tolerance."
"However, due to historical changes, Confucianism has been tampered with by those with ulterior motives and turned into a tool to rule the people."
"It is undeniable that Confucianism plays a positive role in maintaining the stability of the ruling class."
"But these tampered Confucian doctrines, propagated by some people with ulterior motives, have made the entire Huaxia nation stagnant and rigid in their thinking."
"Everyone here can think about it carefully. Are other miscellaneous studies and ideas really useless?"
"If we promote the reform of the imperial examination with outdated ideas, we will lose the meaning of the reform and run counter to the original intention of the reform of the imperial examination."
"What's more, there are never any ideas in this world that are eternal. Only by broadening our minds and advancing with the times can we push Datang to the top of the world and make Datang radiate infinite vitality."
"Natural selection and survival of the fittest are the laws of the jungle, and we are human beings with living flesh and blood. We cannot be like unenlightened animals and drink blood."
"Every theory and every thought must be continuously improved according to the development of society. This is the tolerance that a true sage should have."
"Now that the prosperous age of the Tang Dynasty has emerged, and the tendency of all nations to come to the dynasty has been established, of course it must reflect the tolerant heart of the great celestial country that tolerates the hesitant Tang Dynasty."
"Now we are just abandoning family differences and allowing various miscellaneous scholars to better serve the Tang Dynasty. What's wrong with that?"
"If everyone uses Confucianism as the ruler's sword to kill all different ideas and make the people like animals, afraid to think or do it, how is this different from the executioner?"
These eloquent words of scolding Fang Qiu and pointing out Jiangshan made everyone present almost drop their jaws in shock.
Kong Yingda was even more stunned.
He has lived for such a long time and has spent his whole life promoting Confucianism.
But now some people say that his Confucianism is the executioner that kills ideas. This makes him feel so embarrassed and the shock in his heart is really great!
But Kong Yingda had no way to refute.
As a true scholar and loyal inheritor of Confucianism, Kong Yingda actually understands this very well.
After the continuous tampering by the imperial power, Confucianism has become a tool to cooperate with the rulers to consolidate their political power.
But the true Confucianism has long been forgotten.
Doesn’t Kong Yingda understand this question?
actually not……
Not to mention Kong Yingda, everyone here understands it very well, but no one wants to say it.
What's the reason for this proverb?
it's actually really easy!
Because everyone is afraid of the power of the ruling class, and because they themselves are vested interests under the rule of the castrated version of Confucianism.
As long as you believe in Confucianism, you will gain the trust of the rulers. Promotion and wealth will no longer be a dream, but it is also a tradition followed by all dynasties.
In fact, rulers do not care what doctrine the country uses to rule.
As long as this set of doctrines and ideas can make people obey discipline honestly.
Don't let the people think about those things that are available and not available all day long. That is the best thought.
In this case, a deformed thought will be born. Anyone who dares to question Confucianism is against the upper class!
As long as they are scholars, they expect to learn the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, rise to the upper echelons of society, and participate in the management of the rulers. This also tacitly accepts that Confucianism has become the basic idea of the country.
For a moment, the entire main hall fell into silence and became silent.
Yang Fan stretched out, looked at the dumbfounded crowd, and asked with a smile: "What do you think of my point of view? Do you find it thunderous and refreshing?"
Everyone was silent.
Obviously they all heard the meaning of Yang Fan's words, but they found it incredible.
After all, the targets that Yang Fan wants to change and criticize are not only the sages, but also the saint Confucius.
More importantly,
Changsun Chong frowned, stared at Yang Fan, and said in a deep voice: "Marquis Zhongyi, you are simply unreasonable. Don't think that just because you have some talent, you can question the thoughts of the sages. I must report it to Your Majesty..."
Kong Yingda also quickly advised: "Zhongyihou, your shocking words are too deviant. Let's just discuss it here. If it spreads, public opinion will spread, so we should be cautious."
This is actually a good intention, and it is Kong Yingda's love for Yang Fan. After all, Yang Fan is kind to his Kong family.
But it is too bold to so blatantly deny the ruling class’s use of Confucian sage thoughts as a governing philosophy!
What is the thought of Confucian sages?
That is to say, every word of the sage is correct and every thought is the most advanced.
Future generations can only study, remember, and implement what the sages said with infinite admiration, without any doubt.
But Yang Fan actually dared to raise questions and even denied the situation in which Confucianism had been the dominant force since the Han Dynasty.
I don’t know if I am ignorant or just taking it for granted!
It's a pity that no one can refute what Yang Fan said.
I saw Yang Fan looking around, stretching, leaning his upper body on the back of the chair, and said with a smile: "Mr. Kong, look at it, this is the face of you Confucian disciples, your Confucian sage teacher is Everyone must believe in the eternal truth. He is always right and never makes mistakes. Anyone who dares to question it is disrespectful."
"The times are developing. We cannot stand still and say that anything that goes against Confucianism is wrong. We must face up to this prejudice!"
Kong Yingda frowned, stared at Yang Fan, and said in a deep voice: "It is His Majesty's will to base it on Confucianism. If we change it without authorization, wouldn't we be attacked by a group of people?"
Kong Yingda wrote so casually that everyone was confused.
Isn't this representative of Confucianism supposed to be furious? Why doesn't he look very angry?
Especially Chang Sun Chong, who originally wanted to drive a wedge between Kong Yingda and Yang Fan, did not have the expected effect.
Ranwen
Yang Fan also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This scholar did not disappoint him.
Kong Yingda is not the kind of sluggish person who can only study hard. As long as Kong Yingda doesn't object without knowing it, it won't be a big deal.
So Yang Fan said with a smile: "Mr. Kong, I am not denying the Confucian philosophy of governing the country, but I feel that other ideas should not be denied."
"Law can make society more stable, and agriculture can keep people fed and clothed... No matter what theory it is, its existence is reasonable. Why don't we take advantage of it and contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty?"
Kong Yingda was silent!
As a true great Confucian and the perfect heir to Confucianism, he actually understands it very well.
How narrow the limitations of Confucianism today are, this is entirely the product of the castration of true Confucianism in order to help the rulers consolidate the foundation of their rule.
Without the weapons manufactured and improved by the Mohists, the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty would not have been able to achieve an invincible military front.
Without the hard work of the farmers, how could the people have enough food and clothing...
Who dares to deny the function of other doctrines!
For a moment, the entire conference room was silent.
In the end, it was Li Yifu who spoke first: "Although various schools of thought have gradually withdrawn from the horizons of scholars since the Qin Dynasty, it is undeniable that all aspects of our lives are inseparable from each school of thought. Therefore, Lord Shangshu, Yifu, absolutely supports this plan."
As soon as this statement came out, everyone present also began to express support.
Since Kong Yingda, a representative figure of Confucianism, did not express his opposition clearly, others had no reason to refute.
What's more, it has to be submitted to His Majesty Li Er for review in the end, so it's not their turn to worry about it.
Of course, the most difficult thing was Changsun Chong. Every time he made things difficult for Yang Fan, Feng Qingyundan turned him into nothing, which made him angry and itchy.
The most difficult level had been passed, and Yang Fan suddenly felt a surge of lofty ideals from his chest, feeling like he was guiding the country.
After looking around for a week, he asked again confidently: "Everyone, please carefully read the "Imperial Examination Manual" in your hands. If you still have any questions or suggestions, you can put it forward and I will answer it on the spot. .”
This method of equal communication made everyone feel very novel. Li Yifu looked at it carefully for a while and asked: "Master Shangshu, this "Imperial Examination Manual" is well organized, rigorously laid out, and covers almost all aspects. I admire you, but I have I'm a little confused, please help me clarify."
"This "Imperial Examination Manual" explains that in the future, the entire imperial examination process will be divided into three stages: the provincial examination, the general examination, and the imperial examination. Only those who get good rankings will be eligible to take the next stage of the examination. This is in line with the principle of merit-based examination. Take it, I think it’s very reasonable.”
"But such a breakdown also shows that this imperial examination requires several rounds of selection, which requires extremely detailed organizational planning and sufficient time for preparation."
"Based on the following estimate, it will take at least four or five months to conduct the selection. However, there are only two months until the Spring Examination. It is obviously too late. I don't know how to prepare for this year's Spring Examination?"
I didn't expect Li Yifu to be able to see through the key at a glance. I really wanted to give him a thumbs up.
If this guy can become prime minister in the future, he will be really talented.
Just by briefly looking at the content, I was able to point out the most important part of the imperial examination, which is worthy of a young talent with quick thinking.
It should be said that this reform of the imperial examination is still a bit urgent.
After all, education was not yet popularized, so it was almost impossible to select outstanding students from poor families in this imperial examination.
The reason why he forcibly mounted his horse was because of Yang Fan's helplessness.
His Majesty Li Er was eager to carry out the reform of the imperial examination, hoping to win over talents from poor families in the world for his own use. This was the original intention of the reform of the imperial examination.
However, a complete imperial examination must not only have the support of the above policies, but also need to have foundation.
And this foundation is the number of scholars. Nowadays, the number of scholars in the Tang Dynasty is very few, and the number of students from poor families is even pitiful.
Therefore, if we want to see the effects of the imperial examination reform, we must improve basic education. This is a long-term process.
As the saying goes, it takes ten years to grow trees and a hundred years to cultivate people!
There are no shortcuts to cultivating talents!
Even if Yang Fan is a time traveler, there is still a bug in the system, and he is standing on the shoulders of the giant Huaxia Civilization, it is impossible to achieve it overnight.
The reason why the imperial examination reached its peak in the Song Dynasty was not only because the Song Dynasty suppressed martial arts and promoted literature, but more importantly, the Song Dynasty had a solid foundation.
That is, there are so many scholars that the imperial examination method for selecting talents has a base.
Although Yang Fan's imperial examination manual draws on the essence of various eras after the Song Dynasty.
However, there are huge differences from later generations in terms of political environment, social atmosphere, and the background of literati.
What is suitable for future systems may not necessarily be suitable for the Tang Dynasty. This requires continuous discovery and improvement in the long-term process of exploration.
In this imperial examination, Yang Fan's purpose was not to select talents from poor students.
It is about how to minimize the resistance of the aristocratic families to the imperial examination system and successfully complete this imperial examination, so as to provide a model for subsequent imperial examinations.
When educational resources are not perfect, Datang at this stage has students who have knowledge reserves and work experience.
There is no doubt that the mother can only select young talents from aristocratic families.
After all, these young people live in a privileged environment and have been influenced by knowledge since childhood. Their knowledge, vision, and abilities are much higher than those from humble families.
It will take a long time for those children from poor families to compete with children from aristocratic families in the imperial examination.
In view of this, Yang Fan proposed the reason why scholars from other miscellaneous subjects should also be introduced to the imperial examination.
Because, in the next few years or more than ten years, those who take the imperial examination will still be the children of aristocratic families.
Moreover, most of those who pass the exam are children from aristocratic families, which is unquestionable by anyone.
Even His Majesty Li Er, who wanted to support the poor family members, had to accept this situation.
Even Yang Fan, who cheated, had to admit it, but Yang Fan still had to explain, at least the reason was high-sounding.
"Those recommended by counties and townships are called students, and those who pass the state examination are called township examinations. The quotas for the township examinations are allocated by the imperial court. Those who are outstanding in the township examinations will be ranked first. Regardless of their family status, wealth, or poverty, they can go to the capital to take part in the examination with their ultimatum. Those who pass the examination will be ranked by His Majesty for the final palace examination."
"This year's imperial examination is tight and the tasks are heavy. Therefore, we will no longer conduct rural examination selections. We will use these people to directly conduct the general examination according to the "rural tribute" obtained by each state and county in the past, as well as the "system examination" selected by the emperor. , there are only two exams we have to prepare for, namely the general examination and the palace examination. "
"These two exams have a small number of students and do not require much preparation time, so they should be able to take them in time."
Regarding various issues inside, Yang Fan had already prepared a draft and explained them directly.
The reason why Yang Fan did not conduct a provincial examination selection was because Yang Fan knew that even if the selection was conducted, it would be impossible to select students from poor families, as these people's foundations were too weak.
In this case, we might simply cancel the township examination this year and directly use the township tribute from previous prefectures and counties at all levels.
In this way, not only can those wealthy families who are extremely resistant to the imperial examination accept the imperial examination to the maximum extent, but it can also set the tone for the new imperial examination reform.
Because this imperial examination can be said to be tailor-made for aristocratic families, but Yang Fan used this opportunity to thoroughly implement various policies for the imperial examination reform.
After hearing Yang Fan's explanation, Kong Yingda nodded happily.
Although he joined the Information Department, Kong Yingda did not want to go head-to-head with these aristocratic families.
Because he knows best how powerful the family members are.
If we try hard, we may really encounter collective resistance from the aristocratic families, so using roundabout tactics is the best way at the moment.
And Li Yifu understands the difficulties of students from a poor family. After all, he comes from a poor family.
Without Li Daliang's recommendation, there was almost no opportunity to embark on an official career, but now he actually knows how to avoid the sharp edges of the aristocratic family. It can be seen that his benefactor has made complete preparations, and this place makes Li Yifu even more confident.
As a die-hard fan of Yang Fan, of course you need to know the route Yang Fan takes in order to cooperate.
It is undeniable that Li Yifu is a talented person who understands affairs. He knows that everything must be done step by step.
Yuwen Shiji, Yan Shigu and others couldn't help but nodded happily.
If you support Gao Han's disciples and suppress the nobles from the beginning, you will definitely encounter the fiercest confrontation.
Either His Majesty Li Er was afraid of the resistance of the aristocratic families and the imperial examination reform ended in vain, or His Majesty Li Er's strong implementation led to chaos in the world.
Neither of these is what the emperor wants to see.
Yang Fan proposed that this year’s scientific examination should not include a provincial examination, which is undoubtedly the safest method.
Not only did it appease the aristocratic families, but it also left a way out for the rise of the poor men.
Use a method of boiling toads in warm water so that all parties can accept it and avoid too violent conflicts.
Who dares to say that my Minister of Rites is a genius? He is simply a genius in the world.
Even Changsun Chong, who couldn't deal with Yang Fan, had to sigh, this move is too powerful!
