The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 362 Ming Weekly
With the departure of Xu Chai Lao and Cen Xin Tong, the affairs of Temasek have come to a temporary end.

Chen Jingke continued to concentrate on his own idea of ​​Great Harmony.

In fact, at this point, the idea of ​​Datong has already taken shape.

The next time he wants to make major changes, it will be decades later when he has a deeper understanding of the world.

It doesn't take much genius for him to be able to accomplish this in such a short time.

But it is because you have been exposed to the sun and know what sunlight looks like.

Intercepting a portion of the sun's rays and combining it with the current situation of the Ming Dynasty forms the framework of the entire ideological system.

The most troublesome aspect is actually the argumentation.

It is very troublesome to use Chinese thinking and achieve perfect harmony at the same time.

Fortunately, he had previously guided and trained Fang Xiaoru, allowing him to understand the materialistic thinking.

With his help, the final demonstration work was completed.

What Chen Jingke is doing now is the final revision.

Make sure there are no logical flaws in the language and no issues of political correctness.

After all, this is an imperial society, and anti-imperial ideas cannot appear.

It was at this time that Fang Xiaoru finally began his action.

He published his "Materialism" and set up a debate stage at Yiluo Academy, inviting heroes from all sides to debate.

The group of Confucian scholars, who were unable to find any flaws in him, suddenly became excited and came forward to challenge him.

However, when I arrived there, I realized that there were conditions for wanting to go on stage to challenge myself.

Our platform is for discussing materialism, and only those who have read this book can come on stage.

Some Confucian scholars were dissatisfied and began to accuse and provoke, and some even cursed.

The group of scholars from the Kingdom of Korea were very angry, but Fang Xiaoru remained indifferent.

As an expert in swearing, he knows the ins and outs of it very well.

The moment you start to get angry, you've already lost.

You treat the other person's words as nonsense, and then say "Yeah, right, right", but it is the other person who gets angry.

This time, he faced criticism with the same attitude.

Whatever you say, I won't pay any attention to it.

Occasionally he would ask: Why don’t you dare to come to me after reading materialism? Are you afraid?

As expected, those Confucian scholars were so angry that they were fuming.

They spent money to buy books on materialism and study them.

And then... "Materialism" was out of stock.

All major booksellers were shocked. How could such a book be out of stock?

He is indeed worthy of being called Fang Xiaoru.

Print more quickly.

As for those who have seen this set of books, they feel a little confused, as the writing of these books seems to be of a certain level.

No, I must not acknowledge that traitor, I must find the flaws in this book.

The result is that the more you study, the more you become shaky.

Put down the book: despicable villain, traitor to Confucianism.

Picked up the book: Wow, this is so exciting.

As a result, Confucian scholars collectively accepted the baptism of materialism.

Many people became disciples of materialism because of studying this book.

Especially those who are not followers of Neo-Confucianism regard this book as a treasure.

However, these wavering elements were a minority after all, and most people still firmly opposed Fang Xiaoru.

Moreover, this thought contains many criticisms of Neo-Confucianism, which makes it even more unbearable for the followers of Neo-Confucianism.

After their research, they used the shortcomings they found to debate with Fang Xiaoru.

The competition finally began, and countless scholars flocked to it.

What the Neo-Confucian disciples did not expect was that they thought it was the group of Confucian scholars who unilaterally beat Fang Xiaoru.

It was not until the competition actually started that it was discovered that a small group of people had actually rebelled and sided with Fang Xiaoru.

The Neo-Confucian disciples immediately lost their defense and pointed at the small group of people and cursed them.

However, they only dared to talk because there were Jinyiwei around to maintain order.

The scholars in the early Ming Dynasty had not yet evolved to the point where they used the Imperial Guard Prison as a way to gain achievement points.

There is no way, the Jinyiwei at this moment really dares to kill people.

Because of someone's "rebellion", the disciples of Neo-Confucianism regarded materialism as a scourge and took turns to challenge it.

However, few of those who go up to challenge can last more than three rounds.

He was refuted and speechless after just a few words.

In just one hour, more than ten people were defeated.

It greatly boosted the spirits of those who supported materialism and also gave more onlookers different ideas.

This went on for three days, and no one was able to discuss the issue with Fang Xiaoru directly.

Materialism was beginning to show its potential, and the whole of Luoyang was discussing it. Even the illiterate common people knew about it.

Even more people came to watch the fun.

Then more people came to watch, not just scholars, but also many bored people who came to watch the fun.

When there are a lot of people, there will naturally be vendors, and many people started selling things here.

Chen Jingke was far-sighted and immediately sent people to provide centralized management training to the vendors.

For example, food and beverage stalls must be operated in designated locations and must comply with hygiene standards.

You have to pick up and take away the garbage you produce yourself, etc.

The vendors thought it was troublesome at first, but they soon discovered that if they kept the place clean, those high-ranking scholars would start to come and eat.

Business has gotten better.

So I became a supporter of the new rules.

The planned university town has not yet been seen, but the commercial street has been built first.

This made Chen Jingke feel a little helpless.

In the first seven days of the debate, Fang Xiaoru unilaterally beat up his opponents, but later on no one dared to go on stage to challenge him.

Make materialism even more powerful.

Many wavering scholars gradually became firm in their ideas during this period.

Especially ordinary people, they simply don’t understand so many profound principles.

Anyway, they saw Fang Xiaoru defeat one challenger after another.

The key point is that Fang Xiaoru often said things like "the people created history" and "the great people".

The common people really don't understand so many profound principles, but they can still tell who is speaking for them.

In my heart, I naturally support materialism and think Fang Xiaoru is amazing.

Then, when the matter was spread, people inevitably added fuel to the fire and described Fang Xiaoru and materialism in various lofty and noble ways.

Subtly, it promoted materialism.

Of course, there were also supporters of materialism who came to the stage to ask various difficult questions.

He was very patient and gave detailed answers.

During this process, he explained the basic knowledge of materialism in detail to the people around him.

This caused some people to waver.

However, even though materialism is so popular nowadays, Chen Jingke and Fang Xiaoru do not dare to take it lightly at all.

Instead, I became more alert in my heart.

When Zhu Xiongying said contemptuously, “It is really disappointing that Neo-Confucianism is so fragile.”

Chen Jingke sighed, "It's not that I'm weak in science, but this contest is inherently unfair."

Zhu Xiongying asked curiously, "Oh, how is it unfair?"

Chen Jingke explained: "First, the time was too short, and the great scholars of Neo-Confucianism had not had time to fully understand materialism."

"Those who step up to challenge are mostly ordinary scholars. The truly learned scholars are still studying the pros and cons of this book."

"When those great scholars have figured out their moves, it will be difficult for Fang Xiaoru to deal with them so easily."

"The second is to set a preconceived position. Fang Xiaoru was very cunning and limited the topic of the debate to materialism."

"No one can beat him in the field he excels in."

In my bgm, no one can beat me.

Zhu Xiongying suddenly realized and said, "So that's how it is. Fang Xiaoru is too cunning and has schemed against the Neo-Confucianists."

"You can't even see through such a simple plan. There really is no one left in the field of science." Chen Jingke rolled his eyes. Didn't you also not see through it before?

"In fact, this is an open conspiracy. It's useless even if they see through it."

"Neo-Confucianism is the stronger party and can only respond passively."

"If they can't defeat materialism head-on, why should they be the only prominent school of thought?"

“Academic disputes are a bloodless war, and even more brutal than most wars.”

"There is no room for detours. It must be a head-on confrontation. The winner takes all and the loser has nothing."

"Even though Fang Xiaoru is very popular now, if he cannot withstand the attacks from the great Neo-Confucian scholars, he is doomed to leave the stage in disgrace."

Zhu Xiongying looked thoughtful. Did he have a preset position?
Okay, okay, I learned something, hehe.

The moral high ground and the preset stance are simply perfect.

When Chen Jingke saw his evil smile, he immediately knew that he had no good intentions, and said speechlessly:
"What bad ideas are you thinking of?"

Zhu Xiongying quickly shook his head: "No, no, don't slander me."

"Oh, by the way, if he takes the lead, will it be helpful for you to promote the Great Harmony Thought later?"

Chen Jingke nodded and said, "It's very helpful. Although Datong Thought also has some idealistic content, it is generally based on materialism."

"Once his materialism has gained a firm foothold, it will be more convenient for me to promote the idea of ​​universal harmony."

Zhu Xiongying asked excitedly: "Are you going to set up a ring to challenge the heroes from all directions as well?"

Chen Jingke rolled his eyes and said, "I'm not that boring. I'm going to do something even more outrageous."

"Let's create a bigger platform so that readers from all over the world can participate."

Zhu Xiongying was a little disappointed and asked, "What platform?"

Chen Jingke said, "You know the Dibao, I'm going to make something similar, one issue per week, but it will be distributed to everyone."

After years of promotion by Chen Jingke, the concept of a seven-day week has been accepted by more and more people.

Many people are using this concept of time privately, but it has not yet been officially recognized.

"Anyone can post articles on it, but they have to be reviewed and approved before they can be published."

"Then I will put the content of Datong Thought in the newspaper."

“Anyone who wants to debate can submit an article to the newspaper, and everyone can debate in the newspaper.”

Zhu Xiongying, the court reporter, naturally knew that the court had compiled recent policies and other things, printed them and sent them to various local government offices for them to study.

"For all the scholars in the world? Where do you get so much money?"

Chen Jingke was stunned for a moment before he realized what he meant.

In those days, court bulletins were delivered free of charge to various government offices, and he thought they were delivered free of charge to scholars.

So I explained: "It's fine if it's free, but I charge for this. Anyone who wants to see it has to pay for it."

Zhu Xiongying habitually asked, "Will anyone buy this?"

Chen Jingke was about to answer when he heard Zhu Biao's voice coming from behind him:

"Yes, not only do some people buy it, but some people also pay to have their own articles published on it."

Chen Jingke and Zhu Xiongying quickly stood up to greet him.

After sitting down again, Zhu Biao said, "What you are talking about..."

Chen Jingke reminded: "I want to name it Ming Weekly."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "This Ming Weekly is a good idea. The court can convey some policies and ideas to scholars all over the world through the weekly."

"Scholars love to discuss military and national affairs, and they also love to express their own opinions."

"In the past, they could only exchange ideas with each other through publishing books and literary societies."

"This is also one of the reasons why scholars like to gather together during the imperial examination period."

“It’s just that publishing a book is too demanding and costly, so many people can’t do it.”

“There are too few people participating in the literary society, and the influence is too small.”

"If there is a platform, they can learn about national policies in a timely manner."

"They can also publish articles and give advice on the country, and readers will be very enthusiastic."

In fact, Zhu Xiongying also understood this point. He was just arguing with Chen Jingke out of habit just now.

Now that Zhu Biao had come out, he became serious and said solemnly:
"This weekly newspaper has too much influence. It must be controlled by the court, and the articles published in it must also be strictly screened."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "I'll leave this matter to you."

Zhu Xiongying's face suddenly darkened: "Then you don't need my approval for the memorial."

Zhu Biao looked as if he was overthinking it, and said earnestly:
"Young people should be brave enough to take on responsibilities. How can they shirk their responsibilities?"

Zhu Xiongying: "..."

Chen Jingke couldn't help laughing and said, "Weekly newspapers must be careful and need a qualified editor-in-chief."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and said, "Didn't you suggest transferring Xie Jin back before? Let him be the editor-in-chief."

"It will be convenient for you to do things then."

Chen Jingke bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Competing in a weekly newspaper seems fair and reasonable, but it is simply impossible.

Whoever controls the weekly report has the final say.

A simple layout order can affect many things.

Since Xie Jin joined the circle of Chen Jingke and Fang Xiaoru, he naturally had to consider their doctrines.

The key point is that although Xie Jin was an orthodox Confucian scholar on the surface, he was neither superstitious about Neo-Confucianism nor believed in materialism.

He has his own ideas.

On the surface, it can shut everyone up.

Moreover, his knowledge was impeccable, and his reputation in the scholar circle was much greater than that of Fang Xiaoru in those days.

but……

Zhu Biao said, "The length of the court report is quite large. A week won't be enough to complete it, right?"

Of course, you can also ask many craftsmen to carve together, which will increase the cost.

In short, with current printing technology, the cost of this weekly newspaper will be very high.

High costs will affect promotion.

Chen Jingke said confidently: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I plan to use movable type printing."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly and said, "Movable type printing? It seems that the quality of the printed things is not very good, right?"

Chen Jingke explained: "For newspapers and periodicals, cost is more important than quality..."

"But this is sponsored by the imperial court. If the quality is too poor, it will lose the face of the imperial court. Naturally, we can't do this. I plan to make a set of copper movable type."

“Although the cost is a bit high, it can be used for decades and is a one-time solution.”

"It can also be used to print newspapers, books, etc., and the cost is not expensive if the cost is spread evenly."

Zhu Biao said: "The imperial court tried copper movable type before, but it failed because it didn't hold ink. Can you solve this problem?"

Chen Jingke nodded and said, "This problem can be solved by using ink, but Your Majesty needs to allocate some copper."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Okay, since you have thought it through, let's do it."

At this point, he added: "If you encounter any difficulties, ask the prince to solve them."

Zhu Xiongying: "..."

In fact, lead type costs less.

However, excessive exposure to lead can be very harmful to the body.

In the past, people on the Internet said that if you touch something too much, nothing will grow.

Although it is a joke, it also indirectly illustrates the harm of lead-containing products to the body.

It would be fine if he didn't know, but knowing this and still asking the craftsmen to make lead molds is something Chen Jingke couldn't do.

And copper type is indeed easier to use than lead type.

In the past, it began to appear among the people in the middle and late Ming Dynasty and reached its peak in the Qing Dynasty.

During the Kangxi period, a set of copper movable type was produced, with hundreds of thousands of characters.

Unfortunately, this set of copper movable type was only used to print the Kangxi Dictionary once and then was hidden away.

As for the reason, everyone knows it.

Later, this set of copper movable type was stolen by officials in the treasury, and then melted down to make copper coins.

Chen Jingke also planned to get one to print newspapers, official bulletins, etc.

It can also be used to print various books, further lowering the price of books.

When the "Jianzhang Dadian" is completed in the future, this set of copper movable type will be used to print several thousand copies.

To avoid a situation like the Yongle Encyclopedia, which only had two sets and ended up being incomplete.

(End of this chapter)