Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4998 School Giant
In the process of checks and balances, compromise is often mutual, so that each side can have its own advances and retreats, gains and losses, and all rules can be implemented under tacit understanding.

The rules written on paper are often not the rules, but what lies beneath the surface is...

As representatives of Confucianism in the world, Confucius and Yan had unparalleled prestige. Sitting in the imperial study and arguing with Li Chengqian and Fang Jun, it seemed that they did not achieve their goal and might have led to the situation of "Confucianism in the South and the Study of Things in the North", which would have weakened the influence of Confucianism. However, it actually put Confucianism in the position of "one of the two".

Since Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty "abolished all schools of thought and respected Confucianism alone", Confucianism flourished extremely in the Han Dynasty, sweeping away everything and looking down on the world, laying the foundation for Confucianism to become the core of Chinese culture. However, in the following hundreds of years, the land of China experienced several declines and endless wars. While being suppressed and destroyed by the Hu people, it also had to endure the impact of Buddhism and Taoism, and its status fell to a low point.

Although the Sui Dynasty promoted Confucianism and established the imperial examination system, its reign was too short and it failed to end the situation in which Confucianism was divided between the north and the south, and was weak in the north and strong in the south since the Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties.

The founding of the Tang Dynasty and the compilation of "The Five Classics" marked the beginning of the integration and unification of Confucianism in the north and south. However, the damage caused by hundreds of years of war could not be repaired or healed overnight.
The Sui Dynasty worshipped Buddhism and the Tang Dynasty worshipped Taoism. Even though Confucianism had long become the core of Chinese culture, it was unable to obtain the corresponding status.

What Confucius and Yan wanted at the time was to give Confucianism a corresponding status.

It is impossible to "only respect Confucianism". "One of the two" is already the most ideal state. As long as Buddhism and Taoism are suppressed, Confucianism will sooner or later unify the government and the country.

When even Buddhism and Taoism cannot compete with it, what is the point of "science" represented by "Zhenguan Academy"?

……

After leaving the palace, Kong and Yan went together to the Kong family's residence in Chang'an, entered the study, and waited for the servants to serve tea before leaving.

Yan Shigu wiped his face with a handkerchief and felt better. He had just spent a lot of energy playing against His Majesty and Fang Jun in the Taiji Palace, and he was a little exhausted...

He exhaled a breath of foul air, looked at Kong Yingda who was also in low spirits, and sighed, "Age is not forgiving. In the past, I could endure three days and three nights without sleep, but now I feel exhausted after using a little energy. It's really useless."

Kong Yingda held the teacup, seemingly without much understanding. He pondered and said slowly, "I always feel a little worried. Will Fang Er be able to scheme against me?"

Yan Shigu was stunned: "Confucianism has been highlighted and regained its leading position, suppressing Buddhism and Taoism. Our initial expectations have been achieved. What else has been calculated?"

Kong Yingda glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "Don't forget, my dear brother, the current school of thought is not only about Buddhism and Taoism, the newly emerging 'science' may also become a strong opponent, and Fang Er is the initiator of 'science'. I have also worked in the academy, and I have not only experienced its prosperity and abundance of talents, but also the power of various 'sciences'. Compared with Confucianism, subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, medicine, etc. are more practical, and every moment at the highest level is to explore the mysteries of the universe, which is completely different from Confucianism, but it should not be underestimated."

In his view, the essence of Confucianism is to tell people what to do, while the essence of science is to tell people how to do it.

One is metaphysical, the other is physical.

The two are essentially different. Confucianism establishes authority, while science questions authority. The foundation of Confucianism lies in the teachings of Confucius, which are the truth and cannot be questioned or refuted. All developments must follow this foundation, otherwise they would be heresy and a heresy. Science is just the opposite. Authority is established there as a criterion, but it must continue to challenge authority until a new authority is established.

The former is stable while the latter is changing, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

But it is undeniable that with the application of science, great progress has been made in areas such as firearms, shipbuilding, and architecture, making the influence of science increasingly stronger.

Yan Shigu was stunned for a moment, then he remembered that Fang Jun was not only a military leader and a local giant, but also had written books such as "Mathematics", "Physics", "Chemistry", and pioneered many disciplines. He had already laid the foundation for establishing a school of thought.

Fang Jun is not promoting his status as the "origin of science" nowadays, but what will happen in the future?
*****
In the third year of Renhe, the sudden imperial examination shook the court and swept the prefectures, causing unrest throughout the empire.

After Emperor Taizong reformed the imperial examination system and determined that the imperial examination was the only way to recruit officials for the empire, the status of the imperial examination was infinitely elevated. However, the political situation in recent years was turbulent and the court was unstable. Several imperial examinations were actually chaotic, and no one was completely successful. Therefore, the court attached great importance to this imperial examination. Even the Minister of Rites Xu Jingzong, who traveled around the country to measure the land, returned to Chang'an more than half a year in advance, waiting to preside over the Ministry of Rites examination.

……

Inside the Zhenguan Academy, students from all over the country are preparing to return to their hometowns to take exams. The dormitories are bustling with activity, as students pack their luggage, say goodbye to each other, and are reluctant to leave.

It had just snowed heavily, and the academy was covered with auspicious snow. The buildings, terraces and pavilions were decorated with white jade. Students were coming and going in a hurry. Fang Jun and Xu Jingzong walked with their hands behind their backs, and the students they met stood on both sides of the road with their heads bowed from a distance, bowing to them.

The two of them nodded in response with a smile.

Xu Jingzong was originally short and fat, but during this year's travels around the counties and measuring farmland, he did not lose weight but became even more plump and round. This shows that his daily life was by no means as austere and simple, with strict self-discipline as he described in his letter to Your Majesty.

Self-discipline may exist, but Xu Jingzong's self-discipline is "unwavering love for money"...

Fang Jun glanced at the fellow's round belly, which could not be covered by his cloak, and said with a smile: "This time, you have traveled all over the world and strangled the throats of the aristocratic families. I think you have gained a lot, right?"

Xu Jingzong shuddered all over and said hurriedly, "Taiwei, did you hear some slanderous words? Absolutely not! Measuring the land is a national policy designated by Your Majesty, and it is related to the cornerstone of the empire. Even if I have two heads, I dare not think about it! On the contrary, when I travel around the world this time, I am strict with myself, abide by the law, and always handle official business impartially. Although those aristocratic families continue to seduce me with money and beauty, my loyalty to the emperor is as solid as a rock and will never waver!"

He never thought that there was anything wrong with being greedy for money, but no matter how greedy he was, he knew that the measurement of land was a matter of great interest to the whole world, and his every move was in the eyes of everyone, so how could he dare to take money recklessly?
Furthermore, he is now the Minister of Rites and the first of the six ministries, one step away from the prime minister. His hard work in traveling around the world is just a step forward. How can he lose the big picture for the small?

Fang Jun walked leisurely with his hands behind his back, waved to Cen Changqian who was walking over from a distance, looked at Xu Jingzong and said disapprovingly: "Some things do not require conclusive evidence. As long as His Majesty believes that you have made a mistake, that is enough."

It was freezing cold, but Xu Jingzong broke out in a cold sweat. He smiled bitterly and said, "It's not good to be aloof and aloof, and it's not good to be humble. It's really difficult."

"Haha, you still feel wronged?"

Fang Jun couldn't help laughing, looking at Xu Jingzong who looked like he had lost all hope in life: "That's all I have to say, take care of yourself."

As the saying goes, it is easy to change the country but difficult to change one's nature. Xu Jingzong was a money-loving person who traveled between various states, prefectures and counties and held the power of aristocratic families in his hands. How could he keep himself clean and not be penniless?
However, the reason why Fang Jun reminded and warned him was to let him not lose the big picture for the small. There is really no one else in the current court who is more suitable to do this job than him. He is insidious, cunning, and capable. Although this person has bad conduct, he is still a capable official who will be famous throughout the ages.

Of course, greed is not a bad thing. At least Fang Jun has many handles in his hands, which can be used to control him. If it is useful, he can use it. If it is not useful one day, he can completely beat him to death with a stick, and there will be no future troubles...

Cen Changqian walked up quickly and bowed, "Greetings to the Grand Commandant and Minister Xu."

Fang Jun nodded: "No need to be polite."

Xu Jingzong suppressed the panic on his face, took two steps forward, patted Cen Changqian on the shoulder, and praised: "You led your classmates to hide in the East Palace, defeated the rebellion at the critical moment, and ensured that the crown prince would not be lost. Well done, my nephew has a bright future!"

Although he is no longer in charge of the academy, he has made great contributions since the academy was founded. He has also witnessed the gradual growth of these young talents. He only needs to win over the relationships with them, as these are all his connections.

When he was in the academy and was bullied by Fang Jun, he stood firm and refused to back down. Wasn't it all for this connection?

It can be said that Fang Jun benefited the most from the establishment of Zhenguan Academy, followed by Xu Jingzong.

Cen Changqian hurriedly said humbly, "Your Excellency's praise is too much. I am ashamed to accept it! We have been taught in the academy to be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and always put the interests of the empire in the highest position. Facing the rebellion of the traitors, we will naturally go all out and spare no effort."

Fang Jun stopped and greeted the students with a smile, and asked, "Have you prepared your luggage? When will you leave for home?"

Cen Changqian said respectfully, "We have already prepared everything, but most of my classmates are originally from other places, so it is a bit hasty to return home. We need to issue documents and travel permits at the last minute, so I will stay to coordinate and help. Anyway, I am not far from home, so I can return before the provincial examination."

Fang Jun nodded.

The Cen family originally came from Ji Yang, Dengzhou. They set out from Chang'an and crossed the Shangyu Road directly to Nanyang. The one-way journey took no more than half a month, so there was plenty of time.

Cen Changqian was originally an excellent student with excellent character and academic performance. He came from a famous family and had an uncle who was a former minister. He had a great influence among the students in the academy. This time, he led the students in the academy to form the "Shenjiying" to protect the Eastern Palace and the prince. His influence was growing and he had become a leader among the students in the academy.

"Although you already hold an official position, you have never taken the imperial examination to become an official, so your foundation is shallow. You should take the exam well after returning home. At the very least, you should be able to pass the Ministry of Rites exam. Your future is limitless."