Zhuge Liang said he was going to the Five Classics Pavilion, but he did not go immediately. Instead, he returned home and washed himself again, changed into a set of white robes, and wore a turban on his head before going to the Five Classics Pavilion.
Zhuge Liang, who is over 170 centimeters tall, looks nothing like a young man of fifteen or sixteen years old because of his height. It's just that he is young, he only has fluff on his lips and no beard, so he can tell his age.
When Zhuge Liang arrived at the Five Classics Hall, he directly said that he had come to see Zheng Xuan, the great scholar in the Five Classics Hall, on the order of the King of Wu. The concierge at the door saw Zhuge Liang's majestic appearance and did not dare to underestimate him. He led the people directly to Zheng Xuan's room.
Not long after, Zhuge Liang came to Zheng Xuan's duty room.
When Zhuge Liang saw the white-haired Zheng Xuan, he looked serious and said solemnly: "Junior Zhuge Liang, pay your respects to Duke Zheng."
The person in front of me is the Confucian sect in the world.
All the scholars in the world had to call Zheng Gong in front of Zheng Xuan, and Zhuge Liang was no exception.
Zhuge Liang read, observed its main purpose, and understood the essence. Although he was not a scholar of the classics, and he did not like to read the classics, it did not prevent Zhuge Liang from admiring these people who studied Confucian classics.
Zheng Xuan, who had a gray beard, glanced at Zhuge Liang and nodded when he saw Zhuge Liang's appearance.
No matter who you are, no matter what age you are, your first impression must be your appearance.
Women are like that.
The same goes for men.
Zhuge Liang is elegant and sunny, has a majestic appearance, is masculine, not a sissy, and has no sly eyebrows. The first impression makes people feel good.
Zheng Xuan asked: "You came here on the order of King Wu. What can I do for you?"
Zhuge Liang took out Lu Xuan's handwriting, handed it to Zheng Xuan, and said respectfully: "Mr. Zheng, this is the handwriting of King Wu."
Zheng Xuan took the manuscript and looked at it. He put it on the desk calmly and said in a deep voice: "You were recommended by King Wu. Logically speaking, I shouldn't say anything more. You should be allowed to directly enter the Five Classics Hall to study."
"However, the Five Classics Museum is not the Five Classics Museum of King Wu, nor is it my Five Classics Museum. It is the Five Classics Museum of everyone. You cannot place people casually."
"If you want to enter school midway, you must pass the assessment."
"The main thing is to pass this test."
"In this way, I have an explanation for the other great scholars and teachers. Otherwise, Zhang San will come today, Li Si will be arranged tomorrow, and Li Er will be arranged the day after tomorrow. Wouldn't it be chaos?"
Zheng Xuan looked gentle and said, "If you don't want to, you can leave directly."
Zhuge Liang's expression did not change and he said respectfully: "What Mr. Zheng said is right. This junior has no objection."
Zheng Xuan said: "Since you agree, I have a question. When you come to the Five Classics Hall to study, what do you want to learn? To learn how to be an official, to study knowledge, or to learn how to be a human being?"
Zhuge Liang said calmly: "Mr. Zheng, this junior chooses to learn how to be a good man."
"Oh, your choice is very novel."
Zheng Xuan smiled softly, a flash of light flashed across his cloudy eyes, and asked: "Here, many people express their feelings directly and directly talk about learning to be an official. A few people say they hope to be a scholar. The vast majority of people ignore being a human being. Are you a bit hypocritical in saying that you came to the Five Classics Hall to learn how to be a good person?"
In the words, the edge is revealed.
Zhuge Liang replied: "Juniors think that being an official is superficial and not important. Because if you learn to be a human being, you will definitely learn to be an official. It's not that I don't want to be an official. I want to display my ambitions and talents. I don't want to be an official." How can this be done?”
"But if you don't even know how to be a human being, how can you talk about being an official?"
"So, the first choice is to learn to be a human being."
"What you mentioned about learning is also the same. If you are knowledgeable all day long but don't know how to be a human being, even if you are gifted, it will not last long. Because this junior believes that all gains need to start from being a human being."
Zhuge Liang knew that this was Zheng Xuan's test.
He answered methodically.
There was a look of approval in Zheng Xuan's eyes, but this answer was very common and could be answered by many people.
Zheng Xuan further asked: "What do you think a person should do?"
Zhuge Liang has been studying since he was a child and has his own ideas. When he heard Zheng Xuan's words, he replied: "Juniors believe that being a human being should be quiet to cultivate one's morality, frugal to cultivate virtue, pragmatic and truth-seeking, and down-to-earth. This is the basic principle of being a human being that I understand. .Furthermore, if we can use power to make changes on the basis of adhering to principles, it will be the best choice."
"A good person should be quiet to cultivate his character, frugal to cultivate his virtue, and be pragmatic and seek truth."
Zheng Xuan couldn't help but admire.
He taught in the Five Classics Hall and met many scholars. He also asked about being a man, an official and a scholar. This is the simplest and most difficult question.
The simplest is that anyone can say a few words.
The most difficult thing is that it is not easy to explain it in depth.
Many people did not hide anything and directly said that they wanted to be officials and learn the principles of being an official. There are also people who want to take shortcuts and claim to be scholars, but in fact they want to learn to be officials. A few people will talk about learning to be a good person, but the principles of being a good person are the most difficult to explain.
Only Zhuge Liang's words made Zheng Xuan, a man who had experienced many things and seen countless storms and waves, greatly admired.
This is straight to the point.
If a person can be truthful and pragmatic; if a country can develop in a down-to-earth manner and make real efforts, it will definitely be good.
This is Zheng Xuan's understanding.
Zheng Xuan looked at Zhuge Liang with eyes full of surprise and love for talent.
This is a piece of jade.
What Zheng Xuan was thinking, he made an instant decision and asked: "Zhuge Liang, you are now coming to the Five Classics Museum to study. Are you willing to become my teacher?"
Zhuge Liang was also shocked.
People like Zheng Xuan have long since reached the point where they can do whatever they want without breaking the rules. It is impossible for them to flatter or please because of a letter from Lu Xuan. Zheng Xuan's identity and status meant that Zheng Xuan's words were meant to come from the heart.
A great Confucian master who was famous all over the world wanted to accept him as his disciple. This was his destiny and opportunity.
Zhuge Liang clasped his hands and said solemnly: "Zhuge Liang, meet the teacher."
"well."
Zheng Xuan smiled and said: "Come, sit down and talk."
Zhuge Liang took a step forward and sat down in front of Zheng Xuan. He looked humble and said, "Teacher, when my father passed away, he gave me the cousin name Kongming. You can call me my cousin."
Zheng Xuan nodded and said: "Kong Ming came to study at the Five Classics Museum because it was arranged by the King of Wu. Does he have any arrangements?"
Zhuge Liang explained: "Teacher, it was not the King of Wu's arrangement that this disciple come to study at the Five Classics Hall. At that time, the King of Wu summoned the disciple and hoped that I would stay and work in Prince Wu's Mansion, but I refused."
"I told King Wu that I wanted to study at the Five Classics Hall and serve as an official from the Five Classics Hall, instead of being a close minister. So, the King of Wu gave me this handwriting and asked me to find a teacher."
Zheng Xuan couldn't help laughing after hearing this.
What a great Zhuge Liang.
What a loud tone.
What a big ambition.
Zheng Xuan stroked the beard under his chin, with undisguised approval in his eyes, and said, "You know how to be down-to-earth, know how to be truthful and pragmatic, and you have your own ideas. This is very good."
"In the past, I accepted a disciple, Cui Yan. He was from the Cui family in Qinghe. He was from a large family and had good knowledge."
"But Cui Yan has a good eye but a low skill. Although he is famous and knows many classics, in fact, he does not know how to be down-to-earth. He also had a conflict with the King of Wu and lost face."
"You know how to behave and do things at a young age, which is very good."
"Being an official in the Five Classics Hall is indeed the most recognized way. But today, there are many famous scholars and scholars gathered in the Five Classics Hall. Even with the support of King Wu, there are no restrictions on various schools of thought."
"Now there are many talented disciples in the Five Classics Hall. Some are leaning towards Legalism, some are leaning towards Taoism, and most are Confucian. There are also various schools of thought that are emerging again, and there are many young talents."
"After all, although these children from poor families have read books, many of them are just a blank slate. After being taught by the great Confucians in the Five Classics Hall, they all have their own directions. It is not easy for you to stand out in the Five Classics Hall."
Zhuge Liang looked confident and said: "Teacher, King Wu also said that I must stand out in the Five Classics Hall before I can become an official. However, what I seek is not to stand out, but to stand out from the crowd."
Zheng Xuan raised his eyebrows.
Looking at the confident Zhuge Liang in front of him, he seemed to see Lu Xuan, but there were many differences between the two.
Zheng Xuan said in a deep voice: "It is not easy to stand out. Especially if your goal is to stand out from the crowd, it is even more difficult. Kong Ming, you have made it very difficult for yourself."
Zhuge Liang said: "Disciple, I have confidence."
Zheng Xuan said: "What are you going to do?"
Zhuge Liang replied: "My disciple plans to set up a high platform directly in the Five Classics Hall and accept anyone's challenge on the stage. This time, my disciple must first use the debate to let everyone know about me."
"Then, during the study in the Five Classics Hall, I will pass the assessment again and again, so that people can know my ability and knowledge. The disciple has the confidence and ability to stand out from the crowd, and he will definitely integrate the disciples of the Five Classics Hall and convince everyone."
Zheng Xuan's eyes became brighter and brighter.
As he approaches old age, he receives a disciple with great ambitions and boldness, which is an unexpected blessing. Once Zhuge Liang becomes successful, he will definitely leave a heavy mark in the Five Classics Hall.
Zheng Xuan smiled and said: "There have always been many scholars in the Five Classics Hall, and there are many famous Confucian scholars. Although it is quite lively, no one has dared to step down from the ring to accept the challenge. I am looking forward to your performance."
At this point, Zheng Xuan paused and said: "I will arrange various chores for your study first, and you can study as usual. In the afternoon, there will be free time in the Five Classics Hall, and you can then arrange your challenges."
"Thank you teacher."
Zhuge Liang bowed and saluted.
Zheng Xuan led Zhuge Liang to arrange various procedures, and then Zhuge Liang entered school directly. The reading in the morning was not difficult. Zhuge Liang also listened attentively and made a friend, Ma Liang.
In the afternoon, Zhuge Liang unfurled a banner in the square of the Five Classics Hall and accepted anyone's challenge and debate.
This incident immediately caused a stir in the Five Classics Hall.
Many people were moved by the news.
The scholars at the Five Classics Hall were all arrogant people under the guidance of many famous scholars and great scholars. Suddenly, Zhuge Liang, who had just arrived, raised a banner to challenge, set up the arena, and made waves. Many people rushed to fight.
The debate in the afternoon mainly focused on classics such as "The Book of Songs", "Shangshu", "Book of Rites", "Book of Changes", and "Spring and Autumn". Zhuge Liang was familiar with these debates without any stage fright.
Zhuge Liang handled the debate calmly throughout the afternoon, and no one could win.
At the end of the afternoon, Zhuge Liang put away the banner and said that he would set up the arena again tomorrow afternoon and still accept everyone's challenge.
The news of Zhuge Liang's further challenge made the Five Classics Hall even more excited.
Countless people are restless in their hearts.
Everybody wants to debate.
They were all prepared to suppress Zhuge Liang, otherwise, it would be shameless to let Zhuge Liang, who had just entered the Five Classics Hall, sweep away. In the Five Classics Hall in the evening, many scholars were discussing and preparing to participate in the debate the next day.
The Five Classics Pavilion was bustling under the night, but inside Prince Wu's Mansion, it gradually fell silent.
When Lu Xuan finished handling the matter and was about to go to rest, Gu Yong came and quickly reported: "Your Majesty, there is some latest news about Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang went to the Five Classics Museum and has already established himself."
"In addition, Zheng Xuan fell in love with Zhuge Liang and accepted him as his disciple."
"From this point of view, Zhuge Liang is really talented. Otherwise, it would be impossible to impress Mr. Zheng. However, he set up a ring in the Five Classics Hall in the afternoon and provoked all the students in the Five Classics Hall."
"The debate in the afternoon was mainly about Confucian classics. Although Zhuge Liang won, many people were angry and prepared to challenge Zhuge Liang tomorrow. Zhuge Liang has already said that he will continue to challenge tomorrow."
Gu Yong said: "Zhuge Liang is capable and talented. However, he is too arrogant. He went to the Five Classics Museum and caused a stir."
Lu Xuan looked relaxed, not worried at all, and said: "Brother-in-law, the Five Classics Hall must make waves to make progress. Zhuge Liang must use extraordinary means to stand out in the Five Classics Hall. I look forward to his next performance. He will show off tomorrow Lei, this is good, I will visit it tomorrow."
Gu Yong frowned and said, "Such a sharp-edged character is inappropriate."
Lu Xuan said; "Brother-in-law is wrong. He does not have a sharp character, but wants to gain a foothold in the Five Classics Hall. It is normal for an extraordinary person to do extraordinary things."
Gu Yong was surprised when he heard it.
Lu Xuan has always been pragmatic and hates sensationalism. This time Zhuge Liang set up an arena where he would show off his edge, and Lu Xuan actually wanted to participate with great interest.
Gu Yong nodded and left without saying anything more.
Lu Xuan is looking forward to Zhuge Liang even more. Zhuge Liang is talented, but the Five Classics Hall is also full of talents. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is only fifteen or sixteen years old now, so it is not easy to succeed in consecutive competitions.
This is something worth seeing.
Lu Xuan stopped thinking about it, stretched out, and went straight to Da Qiao's yard to rest.
