When Xiang Shaolong arrived at Ji Yanran's Yahu Villa, there were more than a dozen gorgeous carriages parked in front of the door, which was even grander than the battle this afternoon.
After he reported his name to the doorman, one of the pretty maids he met this morning came out and led him around the building where he met Ji Yanran this afternoon. He held a lantern and led the way through a forest path.
, his eyes lit up, and a large bungalow with colorful lights hanging in front of the eaves appeared in front of him, and there was a faint voice.
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but ask the pretty maid: "What other guests are there tonight?"
The pretty maid replied calmly: "Tonight we are all specially invited guests by the lady. In addition to Mr. Han Fei, Zou Yan and Xiao Wei Mou who Mr. Xiang has met today, there are also Mr. Long Yang and Dr. Xu Jie.
and General Bai Gui."
Xiang Shaolong took a breath of cold air. Ji Yanran's face was really big. Bai Gui was the person Mrs. Pingyuan wanted to remarry, so it was no small matter. Long Yangjun was a popular person next to King Wei, so he also agreed to the appointment.
Coming to the meeting shows how high her status is in Wei State. Although I don't know who Xu Jie is, she must not be an unknown person.
Xuan was also surprised that Long Yangjun was not interested in women. He was not here for Ji Yanran's beauty, but why? Could it be that he wanted to humiliate himself to vent his anger.
When it comes to knowledge, I can't even catch up with these learned people. If I ask him to tell me, he will immediately make a fool of himself on the spot, and I can't help but feel anxious and anxious.
When I walked into the hall, I saw a banquet table set up. All the people the maid had mentioned had arrived and were sitting comfortably around the table on the floor, leaning on soft cushions.
Two other beautiful maids came up to him and took off his coat and boots. Fortunately, it was cold winter and covered with thick cotton clothes. Unless you stretched out your hand to touch, you wouldn't feel the equipment under his clothes.
There is a fire pit in the room, which is as warm as spring.
Long Yangjun was still as charming as ever, and he even took the initiative to introduce other people to him.
Bai Gui was the oldest, and it seemed that he could not be younger than fifty years old. He was very strong, and his eyes were shining, giving people a very shrewd impression. He also looked arrogant towards Xiang Shaolong. He only said hello coldly and then made peace with him.
Next to him, the doctor Xu Jie, who looked like a typical Confucian scholar, was whispering to each other and talking to himself.
Xiang Shaolong's seat is located between Han Fei and Zou Yan. The seat next to Han Fei is still empty, which is obviously Ji Yanran's head seat, followed by Long Yangjun, Bai Gui, Xu Jie and Xiao Wei Mou.
Xiang Shaolong felt a little more comfortable when he saw that he no longer had to face Wei Mou face to face.
Zou Yan was quite indifferent to Xiang Shaolong. After saying hello briefly, he talked to Wei Mou, who was also from Qi, and ignored Xiang Shaolong again.
On the contrary, Han Fei was very fond of Xiang Shaolong because of his righteous speech this afternoon. Although he was clumsy in words, he still made Xiang Shaolong find a trace of warmth in this "ice and snow".
Ji Yanran appeared at this moment, dressed in snow-white robes, and her gorgeous face immediately attracted everyone's attention, even Lord Long Yang was no exception. He was dumbfounded and Xiao Wei Mou almost drooled.
Han Fei's face turned red. In short, although his expressions were different, he was attracted by her.
Ji Yanran looked around everyone with a smile, her eyes were clear and black, and her hazy eyes were everywhere. Even Xiang Shaolong felt aroused. Her body was filled with the fragrance after bathing, which made people even more daydreaming.
She just sat down and said with a smile: "I will give Mr. Xiang a drink first. How can I leave before the meal is over during the day?"
Everyone immediately followed her wishes and started making noises.
At the moment, there is a pretty maid pouring wine and serving delicious food.
After Xiang Shaolong happily had a drink with her, Ji Yanran's enchanting eyes were all over the table, and her witty words made everyone at the table feel at home. However, she seemed to be attracted by Han Fei and Zou. Yan and Dr. Xu Jie paid special attention to them, and showed more hospitality and smiles to them. Instead, they paid little attention to Xiang Shaolong and Xiao Wei Mou, the big enemies.
In fact, Xiang Shaolong really didn't know anything about the romantic poems and songs they were talking about, and he couldn't help but express himself even if he wanted to intervene.
When they were done eating and drinking, at the invitation of everyone, Ji Yanran had someone bring a long flute and play a song.
Xiang Shaolong didn't know what tune she was playing, but he only knew that her flute technique had reached the peak of flawlessness. She was so emotional that she cried and complained. He couldn't help but be completely immersed in the world of the flute sound like others, listening to it. To the point of being so mesmerized.
After Ji Yanran finished playing the song and everyone sincerely praised her, she smiled brightly and said to Xiao Wei Mou: "Mr. Xiao, please forgive Yanran for being rude, but I have the guts to ask you a question."
Xiao Wei Mou didn't know whether he was infected by the atmosphere at the table, or whether he was deliberately trying to please Ji Yanran and win favor. He spoke more politely and said softly: "As long as it comes from Miss Tan, Xiao Xiao will be happy to answer any question."
Ji Yanran smiled coquettishly and said: "The difference between humans and animals lies in whether they have a sense of shame. What do you think, sir?"
Everyone knew that the drama of this dinner had begun, so they all stopped eating and listened quietly to the two people's exchanges.
Before Xiang Shaolong came, he thought that Ji Yanran would look at him differently, but now he saw that Ji Yanran was becoming more and more indifferent to him. He was thinking about how to find an excuse to sneak back and steal the "Secret Record" for Mrs. Ya and Ba The maid copied them, so she didn't pay much attention to their conversation.
Wei Mouxian came prepared and said with a smile: "Miss, I'm afraid you may have misunderstood me. I'm not saying that there is no difference between humans and animals. It's just that there are no differences in some essences, such as survival and reproduction, so animals are the same." There are also many things worth learning from us. For example, animals cannot lie and deceive, and are much more sincere than us. Only by being loyal to one's own nature and sincerity can we enjoy life to the fullest." Then he snorted to Xiang Shaolong: " What does Brother Xiang mean by what he said to my younger brother?"
Xiang Shaolong was thinking about Chu Mo's talisman poison at this time. Hearing this, he was stunned and said: "What? Oh, I don't have any objections."
Everyone, including Ji Yanran, was stunned and showed contempt.
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly in his heart, he was not an orator, even if he heard his words clearly, he would not be able to answer. Fortunately, he had made up his mind not to pursue Ji Yanran, so it would not be a big deal if Tang or Tang was embarrassed.
Doctor Xu Jie glanced at Xiang Shaolong with disdain and said: "There is a big problem with what Mr. Xiao said. The difference between humans and animals lies in their essential differences. Human nature is good, so they show their benevolent hearts; animals, in order to satisfy their hunger, They have no mercy at all and eat other animals wantonly, even those of the same kind. If people are unworthy and imitate animals, won't the world be in chaos?"
Wei Mou, a murderous man, wanted to rob a Confucian scholar who advocated Mencius' theory, so he could save his face and said coldly: "Don't people kill other animals? What is Doctor Xu eating now?"
Xu Jie laughed and said: "This is the difference between the beasts that eat their hair and drink blood and us. And we only eat farmed poultry. Do the beasts know how to do this?"
Xiao Wei Mou was obviously no match for this person and was speechless for a moment.
Xu Jie won the victory and was very proud in front of Ji Yanran. He pointed the finger at Han Fei and said: "Xu Jie also read Mr. Han's masterpiece and made excellent arguments. Unfortunately, he made the same mistake as his master Xun Kuang, believing that human nature is inherently evil, so
He does not understand the way to influence the people through virtue and governs the country exclusively with criminal laws, and implements policies that deceive and fool the people. It is really a pity that with the talent of the young master, he has gone astray to this point."
Han Fei was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Xu Jie to be so rude and criticize him without reservation. He was angry. Although he was full of eloquent remarks, he became even more angry and stammered, unable to speak.
Long Yangjun, Bai Gui, and Zou Yan all had sneers on their faces and watched him being embarrassed "happily".
Ji Yanran frowned, feeling a little embarrassed for Han Fei and impatient with his tongue-tied speech.
Xiang Shaolong, a bystander, suddenly understood the meaning behind Ji Yanran's holding this party; he hoped to find a good way to govern the country, so he looked at Han Fei in a different light and found important figures from Wei State so that he could
They accept new doctrines and ideas.
Seeing that Han Fei had no ability to reply, Xu Jie became even more arrogant and proudly said: "As for the young master denying the way of the previous king, he even neglects his roots. Just like when building a building, you must first solidify the foundation. Without the foundation, the building will suffer."
It cannot withstand wind and rain; this foundation is exactly the example set by the sages and sages.”
These words are aimed at Han Fei's proposition that he does not believe that there is an unchangeable method of governing the country. Han Fei believes that following the old law is like waiting for things to happen, so he should not stick to the rules, but should take corresponding measures according to the real situation of each period. This idea is of course better than
He advocated the progress of Confucianism by adhering to ancient times, but I only regretted that Han Fei did not have the eloquence to speak out.
When Xiang Shaolong saw that Han Fei was so angry that his blood vessels almost exploded, he couldn't bear it and blurted out: "Nonsense"
It was only when he said the words that he realized how bad it was. As expected, everyone's eyes were focused on him. Xu Jie looked at him with disdain and sneered: "Xiang Bingwei, in addition to leading troops to fight, also has experience in governing the country. I am a low-ranking official."
I would like to hear high opinions."
Xiang Shaolong felt Ji Yanran's scorching beautiful eyes staring at him, secretly wondering how he could disgrace himself in front of a beauty, and insisted: The era is moving forward. For example, in the past, chariot combat was the main focus, but now it is riding.
Mixed battles involving different types of arms, including infantry and vehicles, show that clinging to the past will not work.”
Ji Yanran sighed in disappointment and said: "Mr. Xiang is a little confused about Dr. Xu's argument. He is talking about principles, not means. Just like a war is still a war, but how to fight it is another matter."
Long Yang Junjiao smiled and said: "Brother Xiang, although your swordsmanship is superb, it seems you haven't read much. What we are arguing with Mr. Han now is the difference between 'rule by virtue' and 'rule by law.'"
Xu Jie sang loudly: "Government is based on virtue, like Beichen, who lives in his place and is surrounded by stars." After a pause, he read again: "The way is based on government, the order is based on punishment, and the people are free and shameless. The way is
Use virtue, use etiquette to balance others, and use shame to maintain integrity."
These are the famous sayings of Confucius, which means that the way to govern a country must start from the foundation of morality, in order to educate the masses and make the country peaceful and the people peaceful. It is completely different from the focus of those who rule by law.
Xiang Shaolong felt very bored and thought it would be better to take advantage of the opportunity and leave early. He didn't even understand the meaning of "Government with virtue". He left early to avoid making a fool of himself, so he stood up and saluted to say goodbye.
Everyone was astonished. They didn't expect that before the topic was formally introduced, this person backed down.
Ji Yanran looked at him displeased and said, "If Mr. Xiang just said a few words and then ran away like he did during the day, Yanran would be very unhappy."
Long Yangjun had not "played" with him enough, so he was reluctant to let him go, and even tried to persuade him to stay.
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself, "I don't care whether Ji Yanran is happy or not. Anyway, to her, he is just a dispensable companion. He was about to leave without caring when he suddenly felt Han Fei gently tugging on his sleeve, and his heart softened.
, sat down.
Ji Yanran said happily: "This is like a manly man. Mr. Xiang seems to be deliberately suppressing and unwilling to express his thoughts. Yanran really wants to be listened to."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly in his heart, you, Miss Ji, really praise me too much. Compared to you, I am just a piece of shit. So what information can I give you?
Xu Jie has the upper hand tonight, An Qing might be favored by a beauty, so he is willing to let go of the opportunity to show off, and asks step by step: Mr. Xiang, who thinks the rule of law and the rule of virtue are better and worse?"
Seeing the mocking look in his eyes, Xiang Shaolong felt angry and said bravely: "It's not a question of which one is better or worse; it's a question of whether it will work or not. Virtue and government are purely an ideal, assuming that in the world
If there are only saints and no evildoers, then everyone can abide by the law without using any means. But this is obviously not the case, and this will never become a fact. Therefore, we need a law and standard that everyone understands clearly to control
Everyone, let them abide by it. Only after they have achieved this, can we talk about benevolence, righteousness, morality, etiquette, music, and education. That’s all I have to say.”
Everyone was stunned. For people in the 21st century, this is a truth that everyone knows, but for people at that time, it was more thorough and fresh than Han Feizi's theory of the rule of law.
Ji Yanran's pretty eyes lit up, and she looked at Xiang Shaolong carefully again, chewing on the meaning of his words.
Han Fei also looked thoughtful and nodded unconsciously.
Zou Yan was also silent, seeming to be thinking about something.
Of course Xu Jie would not be so easily convinced, but he no longer dared to look down on his opponent and said sternly: "If a country only relies on punishment to maintain itself, wouldn't it mean that those in power can use criminal laws to oppress the weak at will?"
Bai Gui said: "If you are good at etiquette, the people will not dare to be disrespectful; if you are good at righteousness, the people will not dare to be disobedient; if you are good at trust, then the people will not dare to be unkind. This is the best way for a king. If the superior is good at punishment, the people will
What will it look like? Mr. Xiang, please give me some advice."
Xiang Shaolong laughed loudly, took a deep look at Ji Yanran, and then said to Bai Gui and Xu Jie: "This is just that the rule of law is not thorough enough. All the power of governance is left in the hands of the monarch. If everyone is equal before the law, the emperor will break the law.
We are guilty of the same crime as the common people. For example, anyone who kills without reason must be punished. So who dares to kill people casually? I did not say that we should not be benevolent, righteous, and moral. That is the basic spirit behind any law. In this way, the rule of law and the rule of morality are integrated into one, which is the real
The way of governing a country. Absolute power will only corrupt people absolutely."
When he said, "The king breaks the law and the common people are equally guilty," Ji Yanran shouted "Ah", and Han Fei's eyes immediately flashed, and everyone else, including Wei Mou, looked surprised and horrified. Especially at the end.
Those two sentences are like drums in the evening and bells in the morning, beating hard in everyone's heart.
For people living in this era of supremacy of kingship, this is indeed a shocking statement.
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that he only had so much information, and if he continued to talk, he would only make too many mistakes. He stood up and said, "I have already expressed all my foolish opinions. Hey, I still have urgent things to do, so I'll take my leave."
Ji Yanran frowned and complained: "Sir, you just got to the wonderful point, are you leaving now? Do you hate Yanran?"
Zou Yan forced him to sit back on the table and said with a smile: "Xiang Bingwei also attracted my interest in talking. Zou wanted to ask how this kind of thorough rule of law, which even includes the monarch, can be implemented.
Woolen cloth?"
Long Yangjun said: "Brother Xiang's way of governing the country is more ideal than what we call the benevolent government."
Xiao Wei Mou sneered: "It's even more unrealistic."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "Yes, it is not feasible now, but it is moving in this direction. One day, there will be a situation where the legislative, law enforcement and administrative powers are separated. The monarch is elected by the people.
Only then will there be true fraternity, equality and freedom."
He almost blurted out about the French Revolution, but luckily he managed to swallow it back quickly.
His words were so shocking that no one could digest them for a moment. For people who have lived in a centralized monarchy for a long time, this was such an unacceptable idea, but it was also very exciting and fresh.
Seeing everyone's brows furrowed, Xiang Shaolong thought about how long it would take if he didn't leave now. He stood up from his seat and immediately moved away from the seat. He saluted, "You guys are talking nonsense, please don't take it to heart." He turned around and turned around.