The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 483: The Crown of Science
Fang Xiaoru asked his disciple, "Yunliu, which one have you read?"

Ye Yunliu said somewhat ashamedly: "I just saw the human rights chapter."

Fang Xiaoru laughed and said, "Haven't you been wanting to see the whole story for a long time? Why did you only see the third chapter after a day and a night?"

Ye Yunliu replied: "This article is too exquisite. I have been studying it all day and night, so I have forgotten the rest of the content."

Fang Xiaoru laughed approvingly and said, "Haha... Not bad, not bad. You have surpassed most people in discovering the extraordinaryness of this article."

"I can finally report to Mr. Simei."

Ye Yunliu was shocked and asked, "Teacher, why do you say that?"

Have you lived enough and want to meet my grandfather, or do you have something against me and want to expel me from your sect?
Fang Xiaoru waved his hand, motioning him to sit down, and said:
"I'm just glad that you've finally become something useful. No need to think too much about it."

Then he explained: "The chapter on human rights is the most important chapter in the Great Harmony World, and it is also the foundation on which the Great Harmony ideology is built."

"You can sense the extraordinaryness of this article, which means you have touched the 'Tao'. I am naturally very happy."

Ye Yunliu said with emotion: "Thank you for your cultivation, teacher."

Fang Xiaoru smiled and said, "No need to act like a child... Tell me what you have realized."

Ye Yunliu then shared his thoughts on human rights in detail.

And he gave a conclusion: "I have a feeling that the entire Chinese culture will undergo earth-shaking changes because of this article."
-
Luoyang has Yiyang County under its jurisdiction.

Ma Zicai looked at the "Human Rights" in his hand, and a look of sadness appeared on his face.

Cao Duan, who was standing by, asked with concern, "Sir, what's wrong?"

Ma Zicai suddenly said sadly: "Neo-Confucianism... has no hope of reviving."

Cao Duan was shocked. Even when he was suppressed by the imperial court, his teacher was always full of confidence.

He believed that as long as morality and reason remained, Neo-Confucianism would eventually flourish.

This is actually a paraphrase of Zhu Xi's words.

The insightful people at that time could see that the Southern Song Dynasty would not last long.

Unlike others who were worried, Zhu Xi was not worried at all.

He believed that this was just a low point, and as long as morality and reason remained, there would be a day of revival.

As a master of Neo-Confucianism, Ma Zicai was naturally full of confidence in Neo-Confucianism.

Although the imperial court does not like Neo-Confucianism now, it will eventually return to it.

For no other reason than it's excellent.

In fact, Cao Duan himself believed in this firmly. He was a famous child prodigy who could read at the age of three and write at the age of five.

At the age of fifteen, he went deep into the folk life to experience it, and at the age of seventeen, he had read all the classics.

At the age of eighteen, he was sent to Yiyang by his father to study under the great Confucian scholar Ma Zicai.

At the age of 20, he proposed the idea of ​​"controlling Qi with reason" and became a recognized future leader of Neo-Confucianism.

In fact, he did not disappoint everyone's expectations in his previous life.

He is the founder of the theory that "honesty leads to wisdom, and honesty leads to authority."

The first scholar in the early Ming Dynasty to study and advocate "Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism".

It played a decisive role in promoting Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism to become the mainstream ideology in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

He was revered as "the crown of Neo-Confucianism in the early Ming Dynasty."

Because of his contribution to "promoting unique knowledge", the imperial court ordered him to be enshrined in the Confucius Temple.

At the age of twenty-one, he already looks like a man of great stature.

He is also full of confidence in the future of science.

Chen Jingke was about to publish his own theory, but he did not treat it as a powerful enemy like others did. Instead, he was very happy.

"If we can convince Marquis Anping with our theories, then Neo-Confucianism will flourish."

So, he saw this as an opportunity.

When "Great Harmony World" was published, he naturally grabbed a copy and prepared to read it with his husband Ma Zicai.

Discuss with each other, verify each other, and find ways to refute.

But Ma Zicai's reaction made him full of doubts.

What was written in the book that made the always confident gentleman so desperate?

But Ma Zicai did not answer his question, but just kept crying.

Cao Duan had no choice but to get the book on the table himself, wanting to see with his own eyes what was happening.

However, Ma Zicai's hands were tightly gripping the book, unwilling to let go.

There was even a hint of pleading in her eyes, as if begging him not to look.

This made Cao Duan even more puzzled, but it also aroused his curiosity.

"Don't worry, sir. I'm just taking a look. Nothing will happen."

Ma Zicai also knew that he could not stop the students, so he could only let go helplessly.

Cao Duan took the book and began to read it from the beginning.

I read the first article in the newspaper, but just glanced over it.

The second article has a grand idea, and I hope the subsequent content can support this idea.

The third article… The more I looked at his expression, the more solemn it became, and he finally fell into a long silence.

He finally understood why the gentleman suddenly felt sad.

Because the legal and ritual foundation that Chinese civilization has maintained for thousands of years has been shaken.

Suddenly...the duality of human rights?
He was in shock and ecstasy.

Chen Jingke did not deny the rights granted by bloodline, but expanded the natural human rights on this basis.

The concept of "Heaven" is emphasized in the concept of natural human rights, and all schools of thought in Chinese civilization also emphasize the will of Heaven.

So is the sky above everyone's head the same sky?

From Chen Jingke's emphasis on duality, it can be seen that the "heaven" he mentioned is also the "heaven" mentioned in Chinese civilization.

Since we all have the same 'sky' above our heads, this article is not a shake-up of traditional laws and rituals, but an expansion of them.

From being empowered solely by bloodline, it has become a combination of talent and blood.

From this perspective, this is an expansion of the entire Chinese civilization, and Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism will naturally benefit from it.

He even has a lot of ideas.

It’s just that the time was too short, and these ideas were still fragmentary and could not form a systematic theory.

Ma Zicai had been paying attention to his disciple's expression. Seeing him fall silent, he couldn't help but feel very worried.

I was afraid that he would be hit as hard as I was.

But soon Cao Duan became excited, obviously not affected.

However, this made him even more worried.

This disciple will not be brainwashed by the article and will change his allegiance, right?
Cao Duan didn't know what the teacher was thinking, and thought that he was worried about being hurt, so he comforted him:
"Don't worry sir, I'm fine."

Ma Zicai said hesitantly: "Zhengfu, you don't seem worried?"

Cao Duan did not explain much, but just said:
"Sir, the Heaven that the Marquis of Anping is talking about is the Heaven that the Chinese have believed in for thousands of years, and it is also the Heaven that I, Neo-Confucianism, respects."

Ma Zicai was stunned at first, then he understood the meaning, and said with joy instead of worry:
"Yes, yes, I am really confused..."

Then he looked at Cao Duan and said with satisfaction: "Zhengfu, you have surpassed me, your teacher."

Cao Duan said modestly: "Sir, you are too kind. I still have a lot to learn from you."

After that, the master and disciple began to study human rights in detail and explore its application in science.

The more we discussed it, the more excited we became.

Ma Zicai gradually regained his sanity and said:

"As long as this day does not change, my science will not decline."

Then he exclaimed: "Marquis Anping is truly a man who is born with knowledge."

Those who are born with knowledge, this is the highest evaluation of talent.

Even a child prodigy like Cao Duan was only described as a gifted genius.

Cao Duan also said with admiration: "I am not as good as Anping Hou in terms of what he has learned."

"Sir, I am going to Luoyang to seek advice from him in person."

Ma Zicai did not refuse, but was very supportive:
"Once the human rights chapter came out, it was inevitable that science would be suppressed, and there was no need for us to make a last-ditch effort."

"The best strategy is to learn from his strengths, improve my philosophy, and strive for opportunities in the future."

"I've heard that Marquis Anping is a tolerant, generous and selfless person. If you sincerely ask for advice, he will definitely not refuse."

At this point, he said regretfully: "I am old and cannot walk well, otherwise I would definitely go with you to seek advice."

Cao Duan was not a nerd. A true scholar was not a nerd. He had a very good understanding of human nature.

So I know that my teacher can’t let go of his pride.

Firstly, it was to save face for the senior colleagues; secondly, he was afraid that his colleagues would say he was a traitor.

The most fatal reason is the second one, which may lead to the loss of one's reputation in later life.

Cao Duan did not despise his teacher for this reason. Instead, he understood his concerns very well.

After all, I'm really old and there's no room for fussing around anymore.

If he could live another ten or eight years, and come back to improve Neo-Confucianism after achieving success in his studies, that would be a wonderful story.

But if someone dies after studying for a year or two, it would be hard to explain.

He will definitely be considered to have lost his integrity in his later years.

I am young and not that famous, so not many people pay attention to me.

There is no big problem in bowing to your opponent and studying.

Even if you are misunderstood and criticized, you will have a chance to clear yourself in the future.

What's more, what if he changed his allegiance?

It is very normal for young people to be attracted by other theories because their knowledge is not solid.

Others may not be happy with this and at most they will say that he has gone astray.

Once he achieves some success, his mistaken path will be turned into a good one.

To put it bluntly, young people have relatively less baggage and a higher tolerance for error.

Just as Cao Duan set out for Luoyang, students from other places made the same decision.

For example, Jin Youzi, Hu Guang and so on.

But there are not many such people.

In fact, most people cannot actually feel the significance of the human rights chapter.

Everyone knows that moral principles and ethics are important and should be upheld at all costs.

But how important is it specifically, and what role does it play in the Chinese civilization system?

Not many people can truly understand this.

Even if someone tells them the reason, they won't gain a deep understanding because they lack their own understanding.

Therefore, when most people read this article, they just think that the analysis is very thorough and the viewpoint is very unique.

The idea of ​​natural human rights does seem to make some sense.

Then there is no more.

Instead, the later chapters such as "Country", "Law", "Monarch" and "People" resonated more with them.

They feel that the theory of human needs and the standards of different stages of the world of great harmony are more meaningful.

These people may be greatly inspired and then study it carefully.

Or they may start cursing and think it is a great act of treason.

Some people even couldn't wait to write memorials to impeach Chen Jingke for slandering the monarch and charging him with treason.

However, scholars who have reached a certain level of knowledge and have already understood the truth all regard this article as the best.

I spent most of my energy on researching this article.

Even those who opposed Chen Jingke's ideas for other purposes had to calm down and study them.
-
In the palace, Zhu Xiongying was delighted when he saw the memorial impeaching Chen Jingke for slandering the monarch:

"How come these people are even more sensitive than me? They always make a big deal out of nothing."

Chen Jingke said helplessly: "There is no other way. Thoughts that have been maintained for thousands of years are not so easily touched."

"Besides..." He lowered his voice and said, "You know that the Holy Emperor even expelled Mencius from the Confucian Temple."

"Naturally, some people will take advantage of this opportunity to make a big fuss."

Zhu Xiongying smiled slyly and said, "You dare to say bad things about Grandpa Huang? Fine, fine, quickly send Yuanyuan to the palace, or I can't guarantee that I won't say anything nonsense."

Chen Jingke: "..."

"Let's talk about business. Didn't King Jin just send back news that he has taken over Xizhou?"

Zhu Xiongying nodded and said, "It is easy to take over Xizhou, but it is difficult to occupy it for a long time."

"But fortunately, the Chagatai Khanate forcefully promoted Islam and pushed the people of Xizhou to our side."

"With the help of the people of Xizhou, it shouldn't be difficult for Uncle San to gain a foothold there."

"The next step is to gradually relocate the people there to cultivate the land."

"If everything goes well, we will be able to formally bring Xizhou under our control in two years at most."

Chen Jingke said: "If we want to complete the farming work within two years, we need a great talent to take charge."

"Do you have the right person?"

Zhu Xiongying said, "What do you think of Xia Yuanji?"

Chen Jingke thought to himself, this guy is amazing, he has the potential to be a prime minister.

"This person is capable enough, but he is currently working with Minister Bai in the Ministry of Works to control floods. I'm afraid Minister Bai won't agree to remove him."

Talented people in water conservancy are hard to come by, especially those who are knowledgeable, capable and willing to learn water conservancy.

Xia Yuanji is a talent that meets these standards. Bai Ying loves him very much and keeps him by her side like a treasure.

It is obvious that he is being trained as an heir.

Zhu Xiongying was speechless: "Minister Bai is only in his early forties, the successor can be found slowly, why is there such a hurry?"

"Besides, Xia Yuanji is only ten years younger than him, so he is a little too old to be his successor."

Chen Jingke also smiled and said, "That's right, Xia Yuanji has the talent to be a prime minister, so it's a bit of a waste of his talent to let him control the floods."

"But you also know the relationship between Minister Bai and me. I can't intervene in this matter, otherwise he will come to block my door every day."

Zhu Xiongying laughed and said, "Haha...Okay, this is my own decision. It has nothing to do with you."

So Xia Yuanji was appointed as the prefect of Xizhou.

The prefect is an official of the fourth rank. Now Xia Yuanji is of the fourth rank and is an official of one of the six central ministries.

Going to a local place to serve as a fourth-rank prefect was definitely a demotion.

And the place he went to was the newly recovered Xizhou, which was almost like exile.

After this order was issued, many people even wondered who he had offended.
I was actually demoted there.

However, Xia Yuanji himself was overjoyed and hurried to the palace to express his gratitude, and then hosted a banquet for relatives and friends to celebrate.

This made everyone even more confused. Could it be that he had gone crazy?

Xia Yuanji did not explain, but quickly completed the work handover and took up his post.

The only person who was unhappy was Bai Ying.

He really went to block the door of Chen Jingke's house and insisted that he give him an apprentice as compensation.

Even if Zhu Xiongying said that this was his own idea, or even got angry and said that it was not your turn to interfere in the court's personnel selection, it would be of no use.

There is really nothing we can do about such a stubborn person.

Chen Jingke could only say that he would have disciples in the future, so don't worry.

Bai Ying immediately said, "Don't wait, I want him now. I want to keep him by my side and train him well."

Chen Jingke said helplessly: "How can I find you a talent now?"

Bai Ying pretended to be magnanimous and said, "Forget it, forget it. I won't embarrass you anymore."

"How about this, I'll go to Luoxia Academy and pick a few students at random. It'll be a bargain for you."

Chen Jingke: "..."

"Bai Ying, you have been planning to take advantage of my disciples for a long time."

"No, that's all my hard work."

Having said that, he finally agreed to Bai Ying's request.

The students at Luoxia Academy were different from those at other places, as they all understood mathematics and physics.

Although in Chen Jingke's opinion, their knowledge of mathematics and physics has just touched the surface, it is already top-notch in this era.

In the eyes of technical talents, this is the best raw material.

It's normal for Bai Ying to target them.

Water control is indeed a major national event, and it is very necessary to train some specialized talents.

This is also the reason why Chen Jingke agreed to him.

Otherwise, if anyone else wants to touch the students of Luoxia Academy, it would be wishful thinking.

(End of this chapter)