Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2331 Fengshan (Twenty-eight) Finalization

The officials present looked at each other in bewilderment, and no one dared to speak first. The emperor's question hit the nail on the head. This was not only a test of one's academic stance, but also a test of the political inclinations of the entire officialdom. The atmosphere was heavy for a moment, as if even breathing had become cautious.

Finally, Yu Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, walked out of the queue slowly. His voice was steady and powerful: "Your Majesty, we have read the books of sages since childhood and know the importance of Confucian classics. Although Buddhism and Taoism have their own unique features, they are definitely not what our scholars should specialize in. The proposal of Shao Zongbo in this memorial is right in the face of the current problems, and we agree with it."

Yu Shenxing was neither an official of the Practical School nor an official of the School of Mind. His situation was rather special. Generally speaking, he was a member of the neutral school of traditional Neo-Confucianism, but he was upright and had a good relationship with some important officials of the School of Mind, such as Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue.

At the same time, he happened to be Gao Youshi's grandmaster [Note: The "grandmaster" here does not mean that he was Gao Youshi's teacher, but because the "supervisor of education in a certain province" in the Ming Dynasty generally served as the chief examiner of the provincial examination in that province, and was honored as the grandmaster. Yu Shenxing was the chief examiner of Gao Youshi's provincial examination.] For this reason, he had a good relationship with the practical school.

Especially after Gao Youshi became the sole leader of the Practical Learning School, out of the officialdom habits of the Ming Dynasty, the Practical Learning officials had to give some face to this great master of the prime minister. At least no one would be willing to offend him openly.

At this time, because Yu Shenxing had spoken, the officials were at a loss for words - whether they supported or opposed.

Zhu Yijun nodded slightly, as if he had anticipated the officials' reactions. He turned to look at Gao Youshi and asked, "Prime Minister, what do you think about this?"

It was a bit early to ask this question, because as the chief minister of the cabinet, Gao Youshi generally should not express his opinion so early. The emperor urging him to express his opinion seemed to mean that the emperor did not want to drag it out and hoped to make a final decision as soon as possible.

Although Gao Youshi also felt that the emperor's behavior was a bit arbitrary and might make people think that this was a plan he had discussed with him and he was just pretending to do it, but since things had come to this point, Gao Youshi could only step forward and speak solemnly.

"Your Majesty, this memorial from Shao Zongbo deeply touched my heart. Confucian classics are the foundation of our dynasty's governance, and they cannot be shaken at any time. As for Buddhism and Taoism, although they can be used for personal cultivation, they cannot be confused with the teachings of sages. I think the court should strengthen the education and guidance of scholars to ensure that they can correctly understand and inherit Confucian classics."

Zhu Yijun nodded, then his eyes swept across the audience again, finally settling on Kong Shangxian: "Duke Yansheng, you are a descendant of Confucius, what do you think about this matter?"

Kong Shangxian bowed and said, "Confucianism has been revered by all generations, and there is a reason for it. All of you present are well-educated people, and you are all students of famous schools. I don't think that the teachings of Buddhism and Taoism will be used as political views by you."

This is true. In the court of the Ming Dynasty, Confucianism has always been the foundation of state governance, and this has never been shaken. However, as time went on, different schools of thought began to emerge in the literati circle, instead of the original dominance of Neo-Confucianism.

In the early days, the School of Mind emerged independently, half openly and half covertly opposing traditional Neo-Confucianism. Later, the School of Practical Learning began to challenge the School of Mind with the rise of Gao Gong and Gao Youshi. When Gao Gong died and Gao Youshi returned to Beijing after training abroad and took up an important position, the dispute between Practical Learning and the School of Mind became particularly fierce.

Practical learning emphasizes practical application, and focuses on practice and utility, while the study of the mind focuses more on inner cultivation and moral consciousness. In the eyes of Emperor Zhu Yijun, the advocacy of practical learning is undoubtedly more in line with his concept of governing the country. Of course, at the same time, he thinks that the study of the mind is also helpful in stabilizing the hearts of the people and the people.

Generally speaking, if it were not in direct conflict with his interests as the emperor, he would not want to suppress the School of Mind excessively - but if it was in conflict, then I would be sorry: I govern the people on behalf of God, and I have the final say in everything.

At this moment, Zhu Yijun stood in front of the Confucius Temple, looking around at these pillars of the court, and his voice rang out again, piercing the silent air: "My lords, the way to govern a country is to first cultivate virtue. However, cultivating virtue is not just empty talk, but must be reflected in action. Scholars of practical learning practice Confucianism with practical actions, not only cultivating themselves and their families, but also taking it as their responsibility to govern the country and bring peace to the world. Although the study of the mind is good, if it cannot be transformed into a useful strategy for governing the country, what benefit will it bring to the world?"

As soon as these words came out, all the officials were moved. They understood that the emperor had clearly expressed his meaning, intending to emphasize the importance of practical learning, while also hinting at the shortcomings of the school of mind. The officials of the practical school were secretly happy, while the officials of the school of mind seemed a little uneasy.

Ye Xianggao, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, as one of the three direct disciples of Gao Youshi, knew that he should stand up at this moment to speak for the Practical Learning School, and also to express his loyalty and support for his master - this is the tradition of the Ming Dynasty.

Ye Xianggao stepped out of the procession, his voice clear and firm: "Your Majesty, Confucianism is broad and profound. Self-cultivation, family management, governance of the country and peace in the world are all based on Confucianism. And the way to govern the country requires practical learning.

The proposal of practical learning proposed by Shao Zongbo is based on Confucian classics, bringing forth new ideas and keeping pace with the times. Although the School of Mind is widely spread, its development in recent years has made it easy for people to fall into empty talk and ignore practical government affairs. I believe that the rise of practical learning can only demonstrate the true spirit of Confucianism in our dynasty. "

Since Ye Xianggao had expressed his opinion, Li Tingji, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, who was also one of the three direct disciples of Gao Youshi, naturally could not be absent. He also stepped forward and said with the same firm attitude: "Your Majesty, what the Junior Prime Minister said is very true. My advocacy of practical learning is to practice the teachings of Confucianism with practical actions, which can help one cultivate his character and govern the country. Nowadays, the trend of mind learning is gradually drifting towards Buddhism and Taoism. If it is not guided, it may lead to scholars all over the world deviating from the practical spirit of Confucianism. Therefore, I agree with the Junior Prime Minister's opinion and believe that the court should pay more attention to the development of practical learning."

The speeches of these two ministers undoubtedly expressed the strength and unity of the Practical Learning School, and to some extent even represented the loyalty of all the Practical Learning School officials to Gao Youshi. After their speeches, the atmosphere on the scene began to change, and more neutral officials whispered and began to tend to support the Practical Learning School in this unexpected incident.

Gao Fusi stood aside calmly, but his eyes still revealed a hint of satisfaction. Although Zhu Yijun's move just now was a bit rough, and it was unknown what he was anxious about, fortunately Ye Xianggao and Li Tingji reacted quickly and actually learned to "actively control the situation" and regained the normal rhythm.

At this time, Fang Congzhe's memorial was supported by his fellow students Ye Xianggao and Li Tingji, and the momentum of the Practical Learning School became increasingly powerful. Immediately, some other Practical Learning School officials who were not direct disciples of Gao Youshi stood up to express their support.

However, at this moment, Shen Yongmao, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, the retired senior official of the School of Mind and the eldest son of Shen Shixing, the former chief minister of the cabinet, stood up resolutely. His voice rang out in the silent court, firm and powerful.

"Your Majesty, I, Shen Yongmao, have something to say. Confucius' teachings are vast and profound, and cannot be fully understood in one aspect. The practical learning that Shao Zongbo mentioned is indeed beneficial to governing the country, but the study of the mind is not useless. The key to the study of the mind is to cultivate oneself and cultivate one's nature, to understand one's mind and see one's nature. This is the study of the inner sage of Confucianism. Without the inner sage, it is difficult to establish the outer king."

Shen Yongmao's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, immediately causing ripples.

But he did not stop there. He continued, "The Junior Master of the Imperial Court said that the School of Mind gradually drifted towards Buddhism and Taoism. This is the behavior of some individuals, not the whole picture of the School of Mind. There are also officials of the School of Mind who are talented and personally involved. Your Majesty, please understand that the School of Mind and the practical learning are like the two wheels of a car and the two wings of a bird. They should not be neglected."

Shen Yongmao's speech helped the School of Mind to recover some of its disadvantages, especially the saying "two wheels of a car are like two wings of a bird" seemed to have a different meaning, which made the emperor narrow his eyes slightly and did not express his opinion immediately. As a result, many officials of the School of Mind also began to dare to refute, and the debate became more intense.

After a while, the two sides had already said all the points they needed to say. At this point, Gao Youshi felt that the temperature had reached a point where if he did not express his opinion, the argument would sink into a quagmire.

Gao Youshi coughed lightly, and the officials were startled. They stopped talking and looked at him. Yuan Fu stepped forward and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, Xinxue is indeed unique in cultivating one's character. It can't be ignored in disciplining personal virtues and cultivating the demeanor of a gentleman. However, governing a country and handling major events in the world are extraordinary, and practicality and effectiveness must be prioritized."

He continued, "The study of the mind is like a beacon that illuminates the heart for personal cultivation; the study of the real science is like a boat that sails steadily and far for governance. If we govern the country with the study of the mind, we will inevitably fall into empty talk and ignore the many practical difficulties faced by actual government affairs, which often leads to bad results with good intentions. I think the study of the mind can provide personal moral guidance for scholars, but governance still requires more talents of the real science."

Gao Youshi's words were similar to those of other officials of the Practical School, but slightly softer. He affirmed the value of the School of Mind and clarified its core position in governing the country. In layman's terms, Gao Youshi said: The court needs more officials of the Practical School to do things, but I don't mean to kill the School of Mind with one blow.

Since Gao Youshi had expressed his opinion, Zhu Yijun naturally did not want to cause trouble. He nodded and said, "What Yuanfu said coincides with what I think." After a pause, he waved his hand at Chen Ju and said, "The Imperial Household Department will announce the decree."

Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Chen Da, the eunuch who held the seal. He skillfully opened the imperial edict and read: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees:

Our ancestors established religions to maintain the world and respected Confucius; they selected scholars based on the classics and promoted the Confucian scholars of the Song Dynasty. Recently, scholars have not only criticized the Confucian scholars of the Song Dynasty, but have also gradually slandered Confucius, sweeping away right and wrong and abandoning integrity. How can we find loyal, filial, chaste and righteous people to serve in the court?

It is only because the chief officer mistakenly took pity on the talent, and Qu Mu was curious about the newcomers, that this happened. Newcomers who have not yet matured should only be selected and waited for promotion. How can they be admitted and mislead the world!

  I have read your report and found it is deeply rooted in the secular teachings. I have also listed the terms and conditions and must implement them. Immortals and Buddhas are originally strange arts and should be cultivated alone in the mountains and forests. Those who are interested in them should be dismissed and leave at their own convenience. Do not promote them together with Confucianism and confuse people's hearts. I decree this."
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PS: Uh, everyone, wait for me to complete Black Monkey and resume normal updates to make up for the progress of the past two days. It’s almost there, it’s already the second stage of Red Boy…