I am not a deposed emperor of Han Dynasty

At this moment, Wang Shi sat up straighter, with his cheeks stretched out, and he assumed the posture of "Prince Fu of Changyi" again.

Seeing the old Confucian's old-fashioned look, Liu He couldn't help but smile, and immediately asked Fan Ke, who was standing by the side, to prepare tea.

Within a moment, tea and water were served.

Liu He asked Wang Shi to sit across from him, and still served Wang Shi tea as a disciple, and Wang Shi deserved it.

This scene is actually somewhat similar to the night when Wang Shi made a big fuss in Changyi Palace: the people are the same, the tea is similar, and they are also in the palace.

That night, Liu He revealed for the first time to Wang Shi, whom he disliked, his desire to be emperor in the south.

That night, Wang Shi realized for the first time that even though he was old, he should still do some practical things.

That night, Wang Shi and his old Numo set a trap to kill King Guangling's Xi Zuo.

This situation seems like it happened yesterday.

After tea, the monarch and his ministers had a moment of rest, and their minds that had just been arguing with Wei Xian finally became calmer.

Finally, Wang Shi put down the still slightly warm empty teacup in his hand without finishing his thoughts.

Wang Shi shook the non-existent dust on his wide sleeves again and finally spoke.

"Confucianism and the Confucian Classics are naturally related to the Five Classics written by Zhongni, but there have been many Confucian sages, including Zixia, Zisi, Mencius, and Xunzi who wrote books and biographies..."

"In today's Han Dynasty, there are many sages and great Confucians in the past dynasties. Naturally, they can be called Confucian classics. But

The only Confucian classics recognized by the court were the Five Classics. "

Liu He knew that in the Han Dynasty, the scope of Confucian classics was very narrow, and many of the Thirteen Classics in later generations were not yet qualified as classics.

Just like the famous "Mencius" in later generations, it was not until the Song Dynasty more than 1000 years later that it was elevated to the status of a classic by the great scholar Zhu Xi.

"Warp, the longitudinal threads weaved are called warp. There must be warp first and then weft. Therefore, the three cardinal principles, five constants, and six arts are called the constant classics of heaven and earth." Liu He nodded and said.

Wang Shi was stunned. He didn't expect that the emperor also studied this boring and unfamiliar art of exegesis.

"Your Majesty is very knowledgeable and his explanations are quite clear and complete." Wang Shi praised, feeling more and more that the emperor has great talents.

"I understand a little bit." Liu He said with some embarrassment. This was not his high opinion. It was written clearly in "Shuowen Jiezi" written by Xu Shen of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Liu He always couldn't bear to plagiarize the academic achievements of later generations, but he was about to reach the critical moment of debating scriptures, and he probably had to "copy more and copy harder".

"In today's Han Dynasty, whether it is official or private school, the most respected are the 'Five Classics' - "Poetry", "Book", "Li", "Yi" and "Spring and Autumn"."

"The sages and great Confucians of the past dynasties studied the 'Five Classics', and then they were divided into different teacher methods and family methods..."

"What is the teacher's method and what is the family method?" Liu He heard something he had never heard before and quickly asked.

"Your Majesty can think that the master's method is the beginning of a sect, and the family method is the subdivision of the master's method."

At this point in Wang Shi's explanation, the emperor seemed a little confused, so he simply used "Spring and Autumn" as an example.

"Spring and Autumn" is divided into three classics: "Gongyang", "Guliang", and "Zuo Shi"..."

"Dong Zhongshu understood "Gongyang", and "Gongyang" was established as an official school from him. Therefore, Dong Zhongshu's theory is a follow-up."

"Then the disciples carefully interpreted the meaning of "Gongyang" written by Dong Zhongshu, and they could be divided into various Gongyang schools."

"Teacher's law is higher than family law. Confucian students should respect family law and even more respect the teacher's law. They can only be interpreted and cannot be changed, otherwise it will be treason!"

"But there are big and small differences in family law."

"In the final analysis, the master's method and the big family method are the big sect, and the small family method is the small sect." Liu He said.

"Your Majesty can also understand this."

Liu He had a clearer understanding after hearing this.

This means that you don’t need to worry about those scattered and messy little family methods. You only need to win the debate between the "teacher's method" and the important "family method", and you will win all the time.

"Master Wang, do you dare to ask which major schools of Confucianism there are among the doctorates?" Liu He asked eagerly.

"Your Majesty, this question is wrong. All the doctorate officers are just people promoted by each major Confucian school. What your Majesty wants to ask is, what are the major Confucian schools in the world?"

"Please give me some advice, Mr. Wang." Liu He's originally confused thoughts gradually became clearer.

"In today's Imperial College, there are a total of seven masters of the Five Classics who have been appointed as doctoral officers."

"There are a total of five Confucian classics that have been established as official schools, namely Shangshu, Yi Jing, Spring and Autumn Annals, Book of Songs, and Rites."

"But "Spring and Autumn" is divided into "Chun Qiu Gu Liang Zhuan" and "Chun Qiu Gong Yang Zhuan", and "The Book of Songs" is divided into "Qi Shi" and "Lu Shi"."

"So, in today's Han Dynasty, there are seven influential schools of Confucianism?" Liu He asked.

"Exactly." Wang Shi replied.

"Master Wang, please tell me again, who are the Ph.D. officers in each of these classics, and who are the most profound Confucian scholars in each school behind them?" Liu He asked.

"The doctorate of "Shangshu" is currently vacant, and the previous doctorates were all from the Xiahou family. The previous doctorate was Xiahoujian, and the great scholar behind it was his uncle Xiahousheng."

When Liu He heard this, he remembered that these uncle and nephew were sentenced to prison terms by himself a few months ago, and then secretly redeemed their sentences by himself. They also followed Wang Shi to help him collate scriptures.

Although they still don't know that "Chu Ji" is the pseudonym of their emperor, the redemption can be regarded as their "favor", so they won't oppose them for the time being.

"Xiahou Sheng, uncle and nephew, are you still following Wang Fu to collate the scriptures that I have copied?" Liu He asked tentatively.

"That's natural. It's been almost half a year and they haven't left the house." Wang Shi smiled enigmatically, as if he knew what the emperor wanted to ask.

"Then...then can I think that the Xiahou clan will not stand up to oppose it." Liu He asked again.

"Your majesty is wise, that's exactly what happened." Wang Shi praised with a smile.

"Then do they already know that I am the 'Chu Ji' in the scriptures?"

"His Majesty has told me not to disclose the details, so I dare not reveal it to them."

"Okay, okay." Liu He nodded guiltily. It was always a good thing to have fewer enemies along the way.

As a result, the "Shang Shu" faction does not pose a big threat for the time being.

"The doctor of "The Book of Changes" is Tian Wangsun. "The Book of Changes" is a later study. Tian Wangsun is the founder of the school. He does not have many fans. He himself is the great Confucian of this school." Wang Shi continued to explain.

"I still remember Tian Wangsun, the day when Xiahou Sheng encouraged the Confucian scholars to cause trouble, and he sided with me..."

"Although he was the first person to oppose my ruling on the popular version of the Confucian Classics in the court later, he didn't seem to be strong. I thought he would not be the core figure in this debate..."

"Master Wang, is there any truth in my guess?" After Liu He analyzed it for himself, he looked at Wang Shi and asked seriously.

"Your Majesty guessed it right again. A few months ago, after Your Majesty announced the ruling on the scriptures in the court, it was he who sent a letter to the great scholars in the world."

"In this way, I don't need to worry too much about the enemy forces in the "Book of Changes", at least they are not strong enemies that I have to face."

"Exactly." Wang Shi said proudly, stroking his beard, very satisfied with the emperor's careful thinking.

"Master Wang, please continue."

"The doctoral officer of "Lu Shi" is Xue Guangde, an old student, but there is another great scholar in "Lu Shi" who is Wei Xian." Wang Shi said.

"Which one is bigger, Wang Fu or Wei Xian?" Liu He smiled in amusement and made a harmless joke.

Wang Shi was not angry at the sudden appearance of Meng Lang. Instead, he laughed knowingly, and then gave his answer.

"Wei Xian studied under Jiang Gong and Xu Sheng, and Lao Chen studied under Xu Sheng and Xu Sheng. The two of us are half classmates..."

"If we talk about officialdom and reputation, Wei Xian's reputation is naturally the highest. After all, I am a left-handed official." When Wang Shi said this, he felt a little desolate and a little happy.

At first, Liu He didn't understand why Wang Shi had such contradictory expressions. It wasn't until he remembered that Zuo Guan was an official subordinate to a prince that he understood the deeper meaning.

After completing his studies that year, Wei Xian directly became a doctoral officer, stayed in Chang'an, and got the opportunity to lecture on "Poetry" to Emperor Xiaozhao, and then rose to prominence.

But Wang Shi went to Changyi State and became the teacher of two generations of Changyi kings. Not only did he "waste" his life, but he also lost the opportunity to return to the court.

In the final analysis, Liu He and his son turned out to be a stumbling block for Wang Shi to study and become an official. If Liu He hadn't inherited the ancestral temple, Wang Shi would have stayed in Changyi's "poor countryside" for the rest of his life.

Thinking of this, Liu He suddenly stood up and bowed before Wang Shi.

"Your Majesty... You can't do this!" Wang Shi was a little shocked and hurriedly stood up to dodge.

"The villain Liu He apologizes to Fu Wang. He neglected his studies in the past and was disrespectful to Fu Wang. It is really treasonous. I apologize to Fu Wang today..."

"Wang Fu, please sit down and accept this gift from me." Liu He said extremely firmly.

When the elderly Wang Shi heard these words, his already hardened heart suddenly trembled, and he choked with sobs, unable to speak, and nodded happily.

The emperor has indeed grown up.

Liu He bowed three times in a row, and then sat back on the couch under Wang Shi's repeated urging.

"So, this "Lu Shi" school can be regarded as my enemy?" Liu He asked calmly.

"Your Majesty, don't be anxious. Although I am not as famous as Wei Ge, but..." Wang Shi smiled slyly like a naughty boy.

"But the students I teach are better than Wei Xian!"

Liu He originally thought that Wang Shi was comforting him again, and was about to say goodbye, but when he saw that the other party's cunning gradually turned into complacency, he finally understood.

Wang Shi’s words are a double entendre!
"Wei Xian's knowledge is only passed on to his descendants and nephews, and the outstanding one is undoubtedly his son Wei Xuancheng..."

"I am old and incapable of talent, but I did not waste my time in Changyi and taught many students..."

"Xue Guangde, Zhang Chang'an, Tang Changbin, and Chu Shaosun are all my students. Their talents and learning exceed those of Wei Xuancheng. They will all be able to leave the sect in the future."

When Liu He heard this, some vague knowledge came to his mind.

What Wang Shi said just now is correct. Xue Guangde, Zhang Changan, Tang Changbin, Chu Shaosun, and Wei Xuancheng all started sects later on.

Calculated in this way, the "enemies" of the "Lu Shi" faction are only powerful externally and capable in the middle. Only the Wei family father and son opposed him, and the rest turned out to be his reinforcements.

Although father and son were in the battle, Wang Shi brought the group of students, and the "Lu Shi" faction was two against five, and I had the advantage.

There was another burst of ecstasy in Liu He's heart, but he still suppressed the excitement and asked Wang Shi again: "Master Wang, how many senior brothers are willing to help me?"

"Haha, I wrote to them before Your Majesty came to Chang'an. If they dare not support Your Majesty, I will expel them from the school." Wang Shi waved his hand, quite like a veteran.

Liu He thanked Wang Shi again and asked him to continue speaking, while he quickly continued to boil water and pour tea for Wang Shi.

In the water vapor that rose again, Wang Shi drank two large cups of tea poured by the emperor, wiped his mouth, and then continued.

What surprised Liu He was that Wang Shi did not continue talking about "Qi Shi", but started talking about "Book of Rites".

"The doctorate of the Book of Rites is Hou Cang. He is also the most famous scholar in this sect. He will definitely be a help to His Majesty." Wang Shi concluded directly.

However, Liu He was very puzzled. He only remembered that Hou Cang was not young, over 60 years old, and was very silent in the court.

And I have never had a conversation with him alone, so I won't be able to use that method of manipulating people's hearts in the future. How can he be my helper if I am a stranger to him?
"I don't understand what Mr. Wang said. I hope Mr. Wang will make it clear."

"Haha, your Majesty, does he know who founded the "Book of Rites" teaching school?"

"This...I don't remember." Liu He said truthfully.

"It is the late great scholar Xiahou Shichang, and Hou Cang is a student of Xiahou Shichang."

Liu He suddenly remembered!
Before Wang Shi came to Changyi State to become the royal tutor, Xiahou Shichang was the royal tutor of Changyi personally appointed by Emperor Xiaowu!

Moreover, Xiahou Shichang is also Xiahou Sheng’s uncle!
After calculating both sides, Hou Cang actually has some connections with Liu He. At least Xia Housheng can persuade Hou Cang and try to keep him neutral!
"Wang Fu, in this case, I don't have to worry about the "Book of Rites" school?" Liu He said with a burst of joy.

"Exactly, more than that, the "Qi Shi" school, your Majesty doesn't have to worry."

"Why did your Majesty say this?" Liu He asked very puzzledly.

"Because Hou Cang is not only proficient in the Book of Rites, but he is also a giant in the Qi Shi school. Shi Sheng, the doctorate in Qi Shi, is Hou Cang's student." Wang Shi said with a smile.

"And Xiao Wangzhi, whom Your Majesty plans to reuse, is also his student. He can also be persuaded by him. A three-pronged approach will surely make him support Your Majesty."

Combining some of the information just mentioned, Liu He immediately understood the connection.

When Wang Shi analyzed the entire scholarly world in this way, the context immediately became much clearer.

And Liu He finally realized that he was not without foundation.

This is the prominence of the emperor or the king of princes. He occupies an excellent position in the power structure from birth, and a network of relationships that is difficult for ordinary people to reach has been built secretly.

Liu He had never thought that there were so many "connections" hidden among the scholars he was so unfamiliar with.

They may not necessarily side with Liu He because of their old bonds and feelings, but at least they won't come out to play against each other without any scruples.

What's more, the emperor has an old relationship with them, so helping the emperor is also helping themselves.

But Liu He was not happy for long. Suddenly he had some other worries, and his idea of ​​unifying Confucian classics became more determined. (End of chapter)