In order to reflect the importance of this feast, Zhu Qizhen specially set up the lecture venue in Wenhua Hall.
The officials present were mainly members of the Hanlin Academy. Therefore, the Hanlin Academy, which had been deserted for many years, finally became alive again.
In every imperial examination in the Ming Dynasty, about 300 people were admitted as Jinshi, but only 50 could stay in the Hanlin Academy. These people would be awarded the status of Shujishi, continue to study in the Hanlin Academy, and then be awarded various official positions.
Therefore, the Hanlin Academy is also known as the storage place for the Ming Dynasty.
There is even a custom that those who are not common people will not be included in the cabinet, so those who are not common people are called "preserver prime ministers".
However, this group of top scholars has gradually been left out in the past five years until no one cares about them.
Looking at the bustling crowd, Wang Jiuao secretly made up his mind that this banquet would be the beginning of the Hanlin Academy's comeback!
Yesterday, the emperor just negotiated a big deal of nearly 200 million silver with the Japanese Guan Bai, and he was in a good mood. He just needs to work harder today, and his return to the center of power is just around the corner!
There are special personnel guarding the palace gate, and all scholars participating in lectures must be searched and checked, and then registered in a register.
After all, the emperor has to come in person, and nothing can be done carelessly.
From dawn to three o'clock in the morning, it took a full two hours to finally complete the statistics.
There were actually hundreds of Confucian scholars who came today, and they exchanged greetings with each other.
This kind of scene is very rare. As the saying goes, there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts. No one is pleasing to the literati.
Today's situation is a happy one, because everyone knows in their hearts that now they need to unite their guns to the outside world, and first defeat the Academy of Sciences, and then start fighting among themselves.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Everyone quickly shut up and kowtowed.
Zhu Qizhen, wearing ordinary clothes, walked into the Wenhua Hall surrounded by Cao Nai, Zhang Yi, Yang Shan and others.
"Long live my emperor!"
The Confucian scholars present all shouted long live. They were so excited that they could not express themselves in words.
Han Chuang studied hard for more than ten years, just to one day be able to stand out and become a master.
Knowing that I am lucky enough to meet the saint today is a chance to show off my talent.
Therefore, many people stayed up all night, thinking hard about how to stand out and let the emperor take a high look.
Even the self-proclaimed Sun Changhe is like this.
The great success is now!
Zhu Qizhen fell behind, scanned the crowd with his eyes, and said with a smile: "Everyone is equal!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhu Qizhen continued: "In recent years, I have been busy with many things, and I have not held a banquet for a long time. Today, I simply open up the avenue of speech so that everyone can speak freely. Wang Qing, what is the theme of today?"
Wang Jiuao, the academician in charge of the academy, hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, the theme chosen today is benevolent governance."
"Benevolent government, very good!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "Then let's get started!"
"I obey the decree!"
Wang Jiuao saluted again, then looked at everyone and said: "The emperor has an edict, and today I want to speak out. I have been studying the Zhou rites recently. Occasionally, I felt emotional, so I started to talk about it."
Everyone became excited, because in Confucianism, there is so much knowledge about benevolent government.
Especially in view of the current situation and the trend of profit-oriented, it is simply an excellent opportunity for Confucianism to make great achievements.
Wang Jiuao also thought the same way, so he moved out of Zhou Li at the beginning, implying that the current atmosphere is corrupt and people's hearts are not as old as before.
"Foreign dynasties ask the people, but the political affairs of the country still ask the common people. Therefore, the noble can ask the humble, the virtuous can ask the unworthy, and the old can ask the young. Only the Tao can do it. Confucius is not ashamed to ask questions, and the Master is virtuous...
"
After hearing these familiar words, everyone began to get excited, and some were even wiping tears.
"...Benevolent government is at the top, but good people are at the bottom. The superiors cannot keep the people from being hungry, and the subordinates cannot keep the officials from being cold. Therefore, benevolent government is not as good as virtuous governance, and governance by inaction is not as good as governance by action. If benevolence and righteousness are lost, the king will not be as good as his ministers...
…”
Wang Jiuao talked eloquently, but he controlled his time very well, because he also wanted to leave opportunities for others to speak, so that he seemed to be "opening up the avenues of speech."
And what he himself did, said to be a provocation, actually set the tone for today's banquet.
I'll give you a starting point, and you can just follow my lead.
The purpose of everyone gathered here today is to overthrow the Academy of Sciences. We must first clarify this goal and not just talk nonsense.
Everyone here is the best of the best, how could they not know his intentions?
Therefore, two more Hanlin lecturers followed, basically describing benevolent government in the Four Books and Five Classics.
Zhu Qizhen listened carefully and then said: "I heard that there are students from all over the world who are here today. Since they are here, don't just sit here and express your opinions."
After everyone heard this, they were even more excited. The opportunity had come.
Wang Jiuao stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, Sun Changhe of Donglin Academy in Jiangsu Province is known as a great scholar. He is here to attend this banquet today. I suggest that we let Mr. Sun talk about his academic experience."
Zhu Qizhen nodded: "Very good!"
Everyone looked towards Sun Changhe, full of expectation, but also cast envious glances.
Sun Changhe's eyes filled with tears and he knelt down with a thud.
"I am bold enough to say that since ancient times, how can the fate of a country be long-lasting for those who have not practiced virtue?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone took a deep breath.
You are so brave, you dare to stroke the tiger's beard when you come up!
These words are almost like pointing at the emperor's nose and scolding him, "You are wicked, you are finished!"
Everyone knew that Sun Changhe was a great scholar in the world, but unexpectedly he was so shocking that he immediately overshadowed the others.
The disciples of Donglin Academy were also greatly shocked. Their teacher really worked hard today!
This is a show of character with one's life, a matter of life and death.
Everyone held their breath and waited quietly.
If the emperor becomes furious, even if Sun Changhe has a hundred heads, he won't be able to chop him off.
He is betting on his own life. If he wins the bet, his future will be unlimited. If he loses the bet, then everyone will finish the game together.
This move was very cruel, because not only was he gambling with his own life, but he was also gambling with the entire scholarly community, including all the Confucian disciples of the Hanlin Academy.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Even if the emperor is unhappy, he must consider whether to kill everyone present.
Above the main hall, it suddenly became quiet, with only the sound of breathing remaining.
Under everyone's gaze, Zhu Qizhen did not show anger or approval, but said calmly: "I just said that everyone can speak freely today. If you have anything to say, it's okay to say it. I will never blame you."
Sun Changhe's heart finally fell to the ground, and then he said: "I heard that the Japanese country is a small country in the East China Sea. The land is barren and the people's livelihood is not rich. However, its monarchs have always advocated virtue, loved virtuous ministers, and far away people, and prohibited extravagance.
This can be seen from the fact that Guan Bai of the Japanese state had a good reputation and studied in our court since he was a child."
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "The best is in the capital. You are right. This person has profound attainments in Confucianism and is by no means an ordinary person."
Sun Changhe's face showed joy and he continued: "When I was a boy, I met Ichigo Kaneliang. Before he went to the Hajj, he stayed in Jiangsu Donglin Academy for several days, giving lectures and discussing scriptures. He was very attracted to the sages of Confucius and Mencius."
The three disciples behind him couldn't help but think a little when they heard the words Donglin Academy.
Now even the emperor knows about Donglin Academy. It seems that he will really become famous in the future!
"The Japanese still regard the learning of the sages as treasures, but why do we, the Ming Dynasty, abandon the learning of the sages and regard it as dross?"
"Nowadays, extravagance is prevalent in the world, and the people are quarreling over petty profits. Even more scholars are focusing on those strange skills and tricks. If things go on like this, the rituals will collapse and the music will be ruined, and the cauldrons will thunder."
"Ichigo Jianliang was a Japanese official, Guan Bai, and was the prime minister of Japan's government affairs. He once said that the Ming Dynasty was a country of etiquette and governed the world with benevolence and filial piety. Why did the world decline and morals deteriorate?"
"If things continue like this, my destiny as a Ming Dynasty will be exhausted. I risk my life to make a speech today. I hope the emperor will think twice!"
Sun Changhe's speaking skills are extremely brilliant. He grasped the straw of both good and good things and made a big fuss.
Even the Japanese country respected Confucianism as a holy book, but I, the Ming Dynasty, ignored it. Are you, the emperor, confused?
Of course, Ichijo Kaneliang is just an example. Talents like Japan are rare, not even one in ten thousand, but... these are not important. What kind of person Ichijo Kaneliang is, whether Japan is a country of etiquette or not is not important.
No one would personally go to the Japanese country to investigate, as long as it can be used to criticize reality, that is enough.
Zhu Qizhen still looked relaxed and asked: "Anyone else, do you want to say anything else?"
Everyone is already jealous. Sun Changhe dares to risk the disapproval of the world. His reputation will soon spread all over the country, and his future prospects are limitless!
Even if I wanted to speak now, it would be impossible to speak in more intense terms.
After all... you can't really point your finger at the emperor and scold him, right?
Sun Changhe kowtowed and said: "The old man's words may be ridiculous, but if he offends the Holy Face, I will be punished!"
If he dares to say these words, he is fully prepared.
Even if the emperor was so angry that he was dragged out and beaten with a royal stick, it was still worth it.
Behind him, Xia Shaopeng, Cen Guangyao, and Wei Hao kowtowed at the same time and said: "The way to govern a country lies in cultivating virtues. Without cultivating virtues, integrity will disappear. Please think twice, Your Majesty!"
They had already understood that the emperor was not angry.
Why don't you show off quickly and be in the limelight? What are you waiting for?
Zhu Qizhen looked at Wang Jiuao again and asked, "Wang Qing, what do you think?"
Wang Jiuao saluted and said: "Mr. Sun's words are also words from the bottom of my heart."
"So, do you also agree that the current Ming Dynasty is in decline and lacks virtue?"
"I...will die!"
Zhu Qizhen sighed quietly and asked: "Does the Japanese country really advocate virtue so much, even more than I, the Ming Dynasty?"
Wang Jiuao hurriedly said: "His Guan Bai words and deeds, as well as his etiquette for virtuous people, are extremely admirable."
Zhu Qizhen looked at everyone and asked: "Do all the ministers think so?"
Everyone didn't answer, it was just acquiescence.
"In this case, I should listen to your advice."
Wang Jiuao, Sun Changhe and others all looked happy after hearing this.
The emperor finally repented, and the next step was to restart Confucianism and severely suppress the Academy of Sciences!
Zhu Qizhen looked grave and said: "Today I am quite emotional. The Japanese country has been at the forefront of the Ming Dynasty in promoting benevolence. We must not take it lightly. I should send a mission to the Japanese country to seek ways to govern the world!"
Wang Jiuao:……
Sun Changhe:......
Everyone:…
Zhu Qizhen continued: "Come here, declare a good thing and go to the palace!"
In full view of everyone, Yiyi Jianliang slowly walked up to the Wenhua Hall and kowtowed.
Zhu Qizhen said: "The Qing family once submitted a memorial, wanting to learn from the advanced culture of the Ming Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty also wanted to learn the governance of the Japanese country. I have thought about it and found that this matter is not a trivial matter. If only a small number of people are sent there, I am afraid that
It is difficult to show the effect, so you might as well go with all the ministers present, so as to show that the court attaches great importance to this matter."
Ichijo Kanyoshi seemed a little unconfident. When he asked for someone, he didn't dare to open his mouth.
Is it a bit excessive to take people away after already purchasing their most advanced trains and ships?
Looking around, I saw that there were hundreds of people in the Wenhua Hall. There must be disciples and disciples behind these people. Counting at least several thousand people!
So many people... give them to me?
He squeezed his thigh quietly, it hurt a little, and it seemed that he was not dreaming.
Zhu Qizhen sighed, and then said: "Let me tell you, all of you here are the pillars of the Ming Dynasty. I am reluctant to send them away, but in order to find the way to govern the world, I can only endure the pain for a while.
.”
Listening to it, Kanyoshi Ichijo felt that it was a bit unreliable for some reason, but he couldn't figure out what was wrong.
Wang Jiuao asked cautiously: "Your Majesty, are you going to go too?"
"certainly!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, the Hanlin Academy is a model of Confucianism in the world. It is natural to raise this banner. There is also Donglin Academy. I heard that there are thousands of students. This time
We will go to Japan together to exchange and study, and we will definitely be of great use when we return to Korea in the future."
Sun Changhe was already stunned on the spot, with a confused expression, not knowing what to do.
What happened? Why was he suddenly sent to Japan?
What I just said was very good and well-founded, and the emperor listened very seriously... Oh, maybe I talked too much about the Japanese country and made the emperor believe it. This, this... isn't it self-defeating?
At this point, he didn't dare to change his words and said everything he said was all nonsense.
Otherwise, it will be the crime of deceiving the emperor, and you will be completely ruined.
There was complete silence in the Wenhua Hall.
All Confucian scholars, including officials and students, were all dumbfounded.
Everyone's eyes gradually focused on Sun Changhe. If this old guy hadn't praised him all the time, what would have happened?
Seeing this, Zhu Qizhen smiled faintly and said, "It seems that everyone agrees. That's good, Zhang Qing!"
Zhang Yi quickly replied: "I'm here!"
"Write down today's banquet. Remember it carefully, especially if there are many participants. Then according to the list, the Ministry of Rites will take the lead to make an itinerary for exchange and study in Japan."
"I obey the decree!"
Zhang Yi finally understood why the emperor suddenly held a banquet.
Take this opportunity to send out all the Confucian scholars in the world, how cruel!