When they came to Yi Palace, Su Jinpa had finished his dinner and was lying on a soft silk couch reading a book.
The sound of singing "Nai" came from outside as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived. Su Jinpa was about to put down his book and go to greet him, but saw that Li Chen had already entered the dormitory at a fast pace.
"No need to salute."
Li Chen waved his hand to stop Su Jinpa who was about to get up, and then ordered the serving ladies to step back.
Li Chen and Su Jinpa were the only two people left in the room.
Li Chen approached Su Jinpa with a smile and asked, "Has the wind and cold in the past few days gotten better?"
"It will be cured after a few doses of medicine. Dr. Zhang's medical skills are very good." Su Jinpa replied.
"What book are you reading?" Li Chen asked again.
"Taoist Commentary."
Su Jinpa turned over the book in his hand and revealed the title on the cover to Li Chen's eyes.
"The one written by Yin Junfeng from the previous dynasty?"
Li Chen raised his eyebrows and said: "I have read some of this book, and most of the content makes some sense. However, this book pursues the illusory Taoist doctrine too much, and keeps advocating that the monarch should rule by doing nothing.
It’s really nonsense.”
Seeing Li Chen's unkind evaluation, Su Jinpa retorted: "It cannot be generalized. The rule of inaction in the Taoist Commentaries is more inclined to Lao Tzu's original idea, that is, inaction does not mean doing nothing, which extends to the concept of governing the country.
, that is, the monarch should also restrict power through the system, and then return more freedom to the people, so that the people can exert more self-initiative, so as to achieve the point of creating a prosperous age."
"That's it, aren't you talking nonsense?"
While Li Chen was speaking, he had already lifted the corner of the quilt on the soft couch, got in on his own, and squeezed into the same bed with Su Jinpa. He was still talking to attract Su Jinpa's attention.
"After all, I have never been a monarch. It is easy to say that, but in fact it is still too idealistic."
"How easy is it for a monarch to rule the world?"
"Even with strong oppression and severe laws and punishments, there are still injustices everywhere in this world, but the people are still free. To put it nicely, everyone's ideological realm and quality are different. Some people are good, and some are good.
People are bad.”
"Just like the green vegetable and radish, everyone has their own preferences."
“How can we unify our thoughts through inaction?”
"Since our thoughts cannot be unified, the country will fall into chaos sooner or later."
Su Jinpa felt that the quilt was suddenly a little crowded, and subconsciously moved his body inside to make some space for Li Chen, but his thoughts kept following Li Chen's arguments.
After thinking about it, Su Jinpa couldn't help but said: "Taoist ideas that have been passed down for thousands of years are worthless in your eyes?"
"I am the prince, and Taoist ideas are unacceptable. But I am Li Chen, and I respect Taoist ideas."
Li Chen chuckled and said: "To put it bluntly, in the era of a hundred schools of thought contending, any school of thought represents a trend of thought. The collision of this trend of thought is beneficial to the country and the nation. Why our Central Plains culture can be as bright as the stars is because there are
We have learned from too many sages who held different ideas, perfected their ideas through debate and comparison, and then found a path that is most suitable for the culture of the Central Plains through the test of history."
"The reason why Confucianism can have the last laugh is not because of how advanced and perfect Confucianism is. Every system in this world has its limitations and flaws. Confucianism is the same, but the core of Confucianism is benevolence and righteousness.
The nine virtues of etiquette, wisdom, trust, forgiveness, loyalty, filial piety, and brotherhood gave the emperor the theoretical basis for ruling the people of the world with imperial power."
