Wang Shouren left the capital in the spring of the first year of Jiajing. He was the first person to get the secret box of direct play.
But for more than two years, Wang Shouren did not use this secret box to express any opinions on state affairs to the emperor. Although Wang Shouren has not been forgotten by both the government and the public, he did keep a low profile during his Dingyou period.
Now he suddenly sent several thick volumes to the capital.
When the first courtier in the Jiajing Dynasty to be imprisoned just appeared, under the background that the emperor asked Zhang Fijing to order the Ministry of Rites to gather to discuss the ceremony of Confucius.
These volumes are still about practical studies and dialectics.
Now everyone who knows this wants to know what was written in those books.
Who is Wang Shouren?
Other achievements are one thing, but the key issue is that he is the current master of Xin Xue.
The emperor did not attend the debate at the Wenhua Hall, but the several great Confucian scholars invited to the capital by Neo-Confucianism were all defeated by the debate.
In terms of knowledge, Wang Shouren can naturally be regarded as a great scholar of the world.
How does he now view the practical science and dialectics claimed to be understood by His Majesty?
Zhang Fujing looked at the books on the imperial desk eagerly.
Zhu Houcong said with a smile: "There is only one set, Bo'an's manuscript. After I finish reading it, I will order someone to copy several sets first, and I will send you one set to Shandong."
Zhang Fujing nodded repeatedly.
He goes to Shandong and needs this.
"Now that Wang Dutai has written it, it will naturally greatly benefit His Majesty's practice and dialectics. If it can be published everywhere, it will greatly benefit the new method!"
Although he did not know the content, since Wang Shouren could directly take up the post of governor of Jiangxi after Ding You was reinstated, he naturally could not be someone who opposed today's new culture.
Many of His Majesty's expositions of the three principles of heaven, matter, and man, especially the relationship between knowledge and action in practical studies, seem to have been inspired by Wang Shouren's "Introduction to Conscience and the Unity of Knowledge and Action."
After Zhang Fujing said this, he hoped to see the content as soon as possible, so he said: "Your Majesty, why don't I set off a few days later? I can debate for a few more days in the capital, and within a few days, I should be able to copy out another Are you ready? I can study on my way to Shandong!"
Zhu Houcong did not expect that these volumes of Wang Shouren's books would come by such a coincidence.
During Ding You's period, he devoted himself to studying knowledge. When he was reinstated, he took it out, which can be regarded as a declaration of return.
Although Wang Shouren only learned about these new ideas put forward by Zhu Houcong after returning to his hometown of Dingyou, he had no official duties and had the most abundant time and energy.
Staying in his hometown, except for occasionally receiving friends when they visit, he can concentrate on studying and thinking about these new things during the rest of the time.
After Zhu Houcong heard what Zhang Fujing said, he picked up the next few volumes and said to Huang Jin: "Let's arrange it first and copy the next four volumes. I will read the first volume and then copy it. Mao Gong, then you can do it first. We will stay in the capital for five days, by which time we should be able to take the scroll with us."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhang Fujing did not want to leave the capital so soon. Wang Shouren's book provided him with a good opportunity.
In Beijing, first of all, I naturally have more time to visit other courtiers and friends. His shortcoming lies in his qualifications. His accumulation of officialdom is very thin. Now he relies entirely on the opportunities given by the emperor.
Many people must be envious, jealous, and hateful of him. In the Zhengde Dynasty, he was naturally a lucky minister.
For this reason, Zhang Fujing actually needs to be a good person.
Secondly, these visits, including participating in debates at the most influential court center, were opportunities to showcase Zhang Fuking's knowledge and eloquence.
Many people are willing to ask for advice on the details of the implementation of the new law in Guangdong - the credit for its implementation across the country in the future lies in these experiences.
Zhang Fujing did not get close to the emperor in the palace, although this was actually very important.
But he knew that the emperor admired him, and the thing that admired him was naturally not that he could slap a dragon's fart, but that he could do things and be able to do things.
Now the emperor may be more concerned about what Wang Shouren has written than he is, so don't delay His Majesty's reading.
This practical study was proposed by His Majesty!
Sure enough, as soon as Zhang Fujing left the imperial study, Zhu Houcong picked up the first volume and started reading.
Now that he has entered the palace, Zhang Fuking naturally stopped by Wenyuan Pavilion to pay a visit to the cabinet ministers.
Jiang Mian and Mao Ji both went to other places, but Sun Jiao stayed in Huguang but still served as a cabinet minister. The cabinet ministers in Wenyuan Pavilion are now the first assistant Yang Tinghe, the second assistant Shi Yuan, and then Yang Tan and the new additions. The former minister of the Ministry of Industry and Industry, Li Yi, and the former imperial censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Zhang Lun.
In the original court order, it was impossible for people with positions like Li Xun and Zhang Lun to directly enter the cabinet in one step.
But now the national policy conference is the real core. As long as it is included in it, it doesn't make much difference whether it is in the cabinet or the six ministries. That's why Li Wei and Zhang Lun have such an opportunity.
In Wenyuan Pavilion, others heard that Zhang Fujing could stay for a few more days. They first talked about some details of the implementation of the new law in Guangdong, and then the topic returned to the current debate on the Confucius Ceremony.
"Wang Rumei cited Taizong's example and Maogong relayed Wang Xuanzhi's question, but it is difficult to refute it."
Yang Tinghe sighed.
Wang Hong asked Confucius if he were a king, how should his majesty worship him as the emperor?
Wang Rumei said that Zhu Di thought that worshiping Confucius three times was not enough to show respect, so he had to pray four times.
Your ancestors did it, but you can't?
Zhang Fujing heard Yang Tinghe sigh and said with a smile: "Mr. Ge is too modest. It's just that it's not convenient for Mr. Ge to say this. But Fu Jing has a good reputation, so he might as well speak frankly."
Shi Yun and others looked at Zhang Fujing and felt that he was proud of his "fierce reputation".
Thinking of his methods in Guangdong, everyone couldn't help but laugh and asked: "How to speak out?"
Zhang Fujing said coldly: "Taizong was in trouble. At that time, the vassal king still held heavy troops. How many people in the government and the public were arguing about the rule of law? Who doesn't understand why Taizong paid four obeisances? If someone insists on citing this example, Doesn’t that also imply that His Majesty’s accession to the throne and legal authority are still unclear?”
Yang Tinghe looked at him steadily.
That's right, Emperor Jiajing refused to do what Emperor Yongle did. If you want to refute this issue in a subtle way, this is the simplest and crudest way.
Zhu Houcong did not shy away from commenting on the rights and wrongs of his ancestors. This can be seen from his evaluation of the Hongzhi Zhongxing at that time, and then his decision to welcome Emperor Jing into the temple.
But if it is pointed out that Zhu Di worshiped Confucius four times in order to invite the hearts of scholars all over the world, does it mean that today's emperor no longer cares so much about what scholars all over the world think?
The purpose is just to use Yan Shenggong's influence to suppress those who block the new law more efficiently, rather than to really abandon the world's scholars.
No one here really disrespects Confucius.
In this matter, the main thing is to establish rules, new laws and newly learned rules.
"If you do it this way, I'm afraid it won't be convincing." Yang Tinghe said.
"Fu Jing is in Guangdong, and there are many people who are dissatisfied." Zhang Fu Jing said calmly, "But to govern the country and the people, in addition to etiquette, there is also law. His Majesty specially appointed the punishment department, and Fu Jing has realized it more deeply now."
Is it possible to convince everyone? nonexistent.
After saying this, he smiled and said: "Didn't His Majesty say that? Conflicts are always there, and the main contradictions should be resolved first."
Yang Tinghe said with emotion: "Mao Gong is good at practice, and he has a deeper understanding. The main contradiction today is indeed that there are still people who block the new law due to personal interests. Whether it is the discussion of the ceremony, or local officials using the name of the new law to disturb and harm the people, It’s all just the appearance, not the inside.”
"Exactly. Otherwise, why would His Majesty say that obstructing the new law will be regarded as treason?" Zhang Fujing said with the momentum of a sharp knife, "The new law is for enriching the country, and it has always been said that enriching the country means increasing revenue and reducing expenditure. Now, the new law still adds more in many places. With a large expenditure, can't we talk about saving money? How much is spent on the ceremony of worshiping Confucius in the world, it is clear after a calculation. The Master said: It is better to be frugal than to be extravagant. Master, if the spirit in heaven knows that China will come two thousand years later Can our descendants feel at ease when they actually have to spend so much money and expend so much manpower a year just to worship the people?"
This is what Confucius said again.
No one here knows this sentence clearly.
But the root of the argument is that respecting Confucius today is out of political demand. It is the emperor's way to win over the hearts of scholars all over the world, so the standards of worshiping Confucius are getting higher and higher.
As the debate deepens, the arguments will definitely reach this level, and those who oppose it will definitely emphasize that reducing the sacrificial specifications and lowering the posthumous title will make the world's scholars think that the emperor actually does not respect Confucianism, is alienated from morality, does not teach well, and the world is in chaos.
From a standpoint, they would not be convinced or willing to obey, even if Confucius himself said that etiquette should be frugal.
Yang Tinghe frowned and thought deeply for a moment before saying: "The right and wrong are in the heart of the people, and history will truthfully leave what happened today. Mao Gong, I want to thank you. The new law has been very effective in Guangdong. In Quanzi's letter, the people of Guangdong expressed their gratitude to His Majesty for loving the people. , understand our painstaking efforts. Please accept my thanks for this great contribution."
"The elders of the pavilion are so complimentary. This is all due to His Majesty's generosity and love for the people and his heroic decision. The elders of the pavilion planned the praise painting. Fu Jing does not dare to accept it."
Zhang Fu returned the salute.
The counselors were the most central figures in the entire Ming Dynasty, and the cabinet ministers in the counselors were all highly qualified and had disciples all over the world.
Zhang Fujing received Yang Tinghe's affirmation and respect, and then said with emotion: "Master respects the title of king, but it does not make my Confucian school more important. Tang Qi welcomed the Buddha's bones, Huiqin claimed to be a Taoist king, and Song Xiaozong even said that using Buddhism to cultivate the mind , nourish one's body with Taoism, and govern the world with Confucianism, the prestige of Buddhism and Taoism is growing day by day. Cheng, Zhu Lu and other sages introduced the ingenuity of Buddhism and Taoism, and each has its own inheritance of Neo-Confucianism and Psychology. Although today, although the Master is respected as the king, there is no one in the world who is not a Confucian or a Buddhist. Do you all follow the teachings of the three Taoist schools?"
Yang Tinghe and others continued to listen to his opinions.
This points directly to the fact that pursuing the title of King Confucius does not make the status of scholars higher, nor does it allow the education of Confucian etiquette to go further.
Among the people, people do believe it. Whatever the Taoist priests say, whatever the monks say, whatever the Confucian etiquette stipulates, most of them will follow it for peace of mind or to avoid being too individual.
So what is Zhang Fujing going to say now?
I saw him talking eloquently: "Fu respects Guangdong, and the person who understands the most is the hardship of the people. If the people can be hungry, have food, be cold, have clothes, have a house to live in, and are not afraid of disasters, then how difficult is it to educate them? They will have enough food and clothing. But they know honor and disgrace, and they know etiquette when they are in the warehouse. The gentry pretends to respect Confucius and seek personal gain, and preaches enlightenment but forgets the people. This is the opposite."
"Fu Jing is most impressed by Your Majesty's knowledge. He understands the principles of things and uses manpower. I heard that Shanxi and Shaanxi are experimenting with potato cultivation, and now all provinces are clearing up water conservancy. They all understand the principles of things and use manpower, so that countless The fields harvest more food. The monarchs and ministers are committed to the glorious road, so that the people have enough food and clothing and the warehouses are strong. This is the true respect for Confucianism. There are people in the world who do not understand this principle. They are all people who do not understand the meaning of Confucianism and have no heart for the common people. It can be called rogue Confucianism and bandit Confucianism."
"False Confucianism seeks personal glory, robs the world's wealth and forgets the teachings of the sages. How is it different from banditry? Redefining the canon of Confucius, the original source is pure! How can you count the canons and forget the ancestors? Your Majesty respects the master as the first teacher, enlightenment Practicing learning to govern the country and bring peace to the world can be said to be a legacy of continuous innovation and innovation! Since the third year of Jiajing, respecting the righteous way of Confucius means studying new learning, strictly implementing new laws, being loyal to the king, and governing the country and the people. Those who have made contributions to the country and to the people will be the best. It can be said that respecting teachers is important!"
Everyone was stunned.
What Zhang Fujing meant was to describe the emperor as the true successor of Confucius?
Is it possible to "legally" possess Confucian books? It will depend on whether one is loyal to the emperor and has meritorious service in the future.
If everyone in the world studies new knowledge, all scholars in the world will be the emperor's disciples. Within the Confucian etiquette, do you dare to disrespect your teacher?
Zhang Fujing must say these words to them.
Wang Shouren's point of view has come, and Wang Shouren will definitely have some high opinions.
It's not that Yang Ting and the others didn't think, it's just that their position and the constraints of their past thinking did not allow them to talk nonsense.
But Zhang Fujing had no scruples. He had only been an official for three years.
He also has the momentum to move forward in Guangdong.
As for why I say it here instead of during the rebuttal, it's because the people here are the foundation.
Because the new knowledge was proposed by the emperor, the new law was actually decided by the emperor to preside over.
Therefore, now it is nothing more than a desperate struggle by some conservative and unwilling people.
In the future, there will be a world of new knowledge and new laws. There were five people in front of him, and none of them could deny that these views came from him, Zhang Fuking.
Zhu Houcong didn't know that Zhang Fujing had just published such an opinion, and Zhang Fujing didn't know either. At this time, Zhu Houcong in the imperial study was dumbfounded as he looked at the first volume of "Examinations of Practical Studies and Dialectics."
It can only be said that the Jiajing Dynasty was really full of powerful people.
Although the wording is different, Wang Shouren's understanding hits the fundamentals.
He himself pays attention to knowing and then acting, and developing conscience through action. His point of view itself has the meaning that practice determines understanding.
However, he overemphasized the differences in each individual's cognition, thus over-exaggerating the role of "knowledge" and becoming somewhat subjective and idealistic.
But after Zhu Houcong proposed the principle of things and explained knowledge as studying things to achieve knowledge, which is to know physics, Wang Shouren said that this was wrong.
Knowledge should include both physical knowledge and humanistic knowledge.
Practice has always been inseparable from the principles of all things and the principles of human ethics.
There is evidence throughout history that there is no learning that remains unchanged for generations, and there is no method that remains unchanged forever. The reason is that although the principles of all things have not changed, people have been changing from generation to generation. People are different from each other, country from country, time, place and people are all different.
Under such circumstances, how can we say that the knowledge of physics and human theory has an unbreakable and clear text?
The difficulty in seeking the Tao is due to this.
I don't know what he was thinking, but during the more than two years in his hometown of Dingyou, he finally extracted a new saying from countless sages, historical records, and emperors.
Seeking knowledge is action, and action leads to knowledge. If you know what is true and what is false, you will understand it by doing it. True knowledge changes from time to time, and it changes with practice and experience. Only when the knowledge is put into action can it be true knowledge for a moment.
In Zhu Houcong's eyes, this was naturally a very familiar sentence.
Practice determines understanding, and understanding guides practice. There is no eternal knowledge, and practice is the only criterion for testing truth.
Could Wang Shouren be enlightened like this?
(End of chapter)
