Confucian and Taoist scholar

After an inspiring speech, it was almost time for dinner.

Lu Zheng then had people organize the people who came to the meeting to leave in an orderly manner and go to the arranged venue for a celebration banquet.

Many people left quickly with excitement, feeling a surge of fighting spirit.

Lu Zheng stepped down from the stage and discussed some matters with Su Mei and others who were in charge of the local area.

The half-demon boy sitting next to Gongyang Ming also got up to leave.

He looked at Gongyang Ming and said cheerfully, "I didn't expect Mr. Lu to take the time to come today. Mr. Lu is a very easy person to talk to; anyone can go to him to discuss business. However, we all know he is very busy, so we usually don't bother him unless it's something very important. But he always asks how we are doing..."

“If the old lady needs to see you, she can go now, otherwise she doesn’t know where you’re busy.”

Gongyang Ming nodded and said with a smile, "I understand, but I don't have anything urgent to attend to. Let's go to the banquet first!"

Having just arrived, Gongyang Ming wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the area before seeking out Lu Zheng.

The boy paused for a moment, then said, "The old man is an outsider. I heard that a banquet has been prepared for people like you. You can ask them; they should know where it is."

The boy pointed to the patrol personnel responsible for the venue.

"Thank you," Gongyang Ming said.

The boy said it was nothing and hurriedly followed the crowd away.

After most of the people had left, Gongyang Ming and his group followed the directions to attend the banquet.

On the way, Cheng Li walked beside Gongyang Ming and whispered, "Master, what do you think of Lu Zheng?"

Upon hearing this, Gongyang Ming slowly said, "Although I have only observed him from afar and have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the Dao with him, it is evident that this young man is extraordinary and possesses the talent of a great sage."

The term "great sage" in contemporary Confucianism refers to those below the level of a sage, whose level of cultivation may not yet reach that of a great Confucian scholar, but whose virtue and talent are extremely high.

These words came from a great Confucian scholar of the Jixia Academy, so the evaluation can be said to be very high.

It is no exaggeration to say that among his peers, Gongyang Ming has not seen anyone who can compare to him.

Gongyang Ming stroked his beard and said, “The Great Learning teaches us to manifest our bright virtue, to love the people, and to abide in perfect goodness… You should not only keep these words in mind, but also put them into practice and learn more from them.”

Gongyang Ming couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Among the Confucian scholars of today, few truly practice the teachings of the sages; most are merely using the classics of the sages to pursue fame and fortune.

There are very few truly pure Confucian gentlemen.

Even the demon guards at the city gate could see the current situation, which speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, he was just a great Confucian scholar and it was really difficult for him to change anything.

In the past, the Gongyang school of Confucianism was the mainstream and prominent school of thought, but now it has fallen to the status of a minor branch of Confucianism.

After walking for a while, the group arrived at a banquet venue.

On the large round tables, a variety of dishes, a mix of meat and vegetables, were laid out, their aromas filling the air.

Zhang Mu glanced at them; they were all ordinary ingredients, but he had never seen many of the dishes made from them before, and they all looked delicious.

Some visitors had already taken their seats and started enjoying the meal once the table was full.

"Um, how should we sit?"

Some students, seeing such a round table, were unsure whether they should take a seat.

They can't possibly eat next to Gongyang Ming, can they? That would be a bit too disrespectful of social status.

Gongyang Ming's eyes flashed with a strange light, realizing that the slogans and mottoes here were not just empty words, but were being implemented in every aspect of the place.

Everyone is in charge, so there is no distinction between noble and lowly, and what's wrong with eating at the same table?
Along the way, Gongyang Ming had actually noticed many details that showed Lu Zheng was truly dedicated to changing this place, which was extremely rare.

Gongyang Ming couldn't help but say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Gongyang Ming chose a seat and then invited the others to sit down.

Even the attendants sat down to feast, instead of serving their master.

However, apart from Gongyang Ming, the others found it difficult to adapt to such a change.

Those sitting on either side of Gongyang Ming felt as if they had a branding iron under their buttocks, making it very uncomfortable to sit there.

Seeing Cheng Li and the others looking extremely uncomfortable, Gongyang Ming chuckled and said, "You young people must have a lot of time to eat together, right? What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable with this old man here?"

Everyone felt ashamed, thinking to themselves, "Who would dare to look down on you, old man?"

"Eat up!"

Gongyang Ming picked up his chopsticks and found that the food was indeed quite good, comparable to some high-end restaurants in big cities.

Moreover, many of the unfamiliar dishes were delicious and visually appealing, even to the great scholar himself, who found them novel.

Some people curiously asked the food delivery workers who were helping out around how the dishes were made and whether they had hired a master chef.

They learned that the cooking methods for these dishes were passed down from Lu Zheng in order to improve everyone's meals.

Moreover, many of these dishes can be found in canteens and restaurants throughout the city at reasonable prices.

After a satisfying meal, Gongyang Ming led everyone on a tour of the city, where they saw many new and interesting things.

Gongyang Ming was particularly surprised by the various schools that were established.

The sage said that education should be provided to all without discrimination.

Here, everyone can indeed receive education, much of it free, and some even includes room and board.

For a scholar like Gongyang Ming, who was dedicated to teaching and nurturing students, the inner impact was greater than that on others.

Being at the forefront of the world is the future of this era... Recalling Lu Zheng's bold words at the conference, Gongyang Ming suddenly had a deeper understanding.

"The sound of wind, the sound of rain, the sound of reading—all sounds enter the ear. Family affairs, national affairs, world affairs—all are of concern..."

A class was in session, and the sound of students reading aloud could be heard from men, women, young and old.

Gongyang Ming stood there, his heart filled with unease.

Winter is almost here, have you been eating more meat? Eating more meat will help you grow stronger and less likely to get sick when it gets cold in winter!

"Yes, I ate a lot today, including a big chicken leg!..."

"I ate a big bowl of meat, and now my stomach is so full."

……

Not far away, Lu Zheng led a group of children past.

He planned to conduct a thorough examination and assessment of the group of children who showed certain special talents.

Upon seeing Gongyang Ming and his group, Lu Zheng glanced sideways, then fixed his gaze on Gongyang Ming's face.

In the past, he definitely wouldn't have recognized this person.

But recently, Lu Zheng has learned a lot about the affairs of the world, and he can see portraits of some important figures even if he has never met them in person.

This person's presence here was somewhat unexpected to him.

But on second thought, it was probably because of the call to action.

Lu Zheng didn't stop walking. Now that he recognized the person, he couldn't pretend not to see him.

He first sent the little guys somewhere.

They were all kids, not quite grown up, and quite perceptive. They skipped and hopped away quickly.

Lu Zheng approached Gongyang Ming and his group and asked, "Are you the great Confucian scholar Gongyang?"

When Gongyang Ming saw Lu Zheng approaching, he realized he had been recognized, so he smiled and said, "You recognize me?"

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "I have long heard of Master Gongyang of the Jixia Academy in Qi. He is very learned... I recently saw his portrait and it left a deep impression on me. I can't forget it."

Gongyang Ming smiled and said, "I see."

Gongyang Ming paused for a moment, then said, "It's truly rare to find a young man with such upright character who can put the words of a sage into practice!"

Lu Zheng smiled faintly and said, "That's how it should be."

Gongyang Ming's eyes flickered slightly. "Is that how it should be?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "I read the classics to learn from the sages; otherwise, what's the point? Since I've read them, I should learn to act accordingly... Shouldn't that be the case?"

Gongyang Ming heard this and said, "That's what they say, but not many people can stick to doing it."

He then said, "Look how well you've managed this place; it's truly become a pure land. It seems there's no need for anyone to practice the principles of the sages together."

Lu Zhengdao said, "This is just a small area; the road ahead is long. Moreover, one person's strength is limited, and some things cannot be accomplished by one or two people. That's why I want to call on like-minded people from all over the world."

Gongyang Ming began, “You want the theories of the sages, or rather, what you are practicing now, to spread throughout the world? You know that’s simply impossible, even if you have some like-minded people…”

Gongyang Ming felt that Lu Zheng's ideas were like the sun and moon in the sky—visible but intangible, things that were out of reach.

Even sages put forward ideas, but failed to put them into practice.

Lu Zheng said calmly, "A single spark can start a prairie fire."

Gongyang Ming's expression shifted slightly, and a strange heat rose within him.

He saw unwavering faith and determination in Lu Zheng's eyes.

It seemed that nothing could stop this young man's steps, not even death.

Just like those sages and saints who followed one after another in seeking a way for all living beings to find peace and security.

In an instant, Gongyang Ming's mind became clear.

If a young man can have such a belief, why can't he?

"Good good..."

Gongyang Ming laughed heartily, feeling a sense of relief from some invisible constraints.

He looked at Lu Zheng and said slowly, "I am not very talented, but I do have some skills. What do you think I should do here?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Li and the others nearby were shocked, their expressions filled with disbelief.

What do you mean, that the great Confucian scholar Gongyang actually wants to stay here?

This is a teacher from the Jixia Academy!

They hadn't made up their minds yet, but unexpectedly, Master Gongyang had already made his decision.

Hearing this, Lu Zheng remained calm.

After all, people who travel from afar to come here are bound to have some interest in this place, and it's normal for some to be willing to join.

Although this person's identity is quite extraordinary.

But Lu Zheng had met too many extraordinary people, so he was not moved at all.

"I see. Senior, please go and apply for your status first, and pass the exam. I have some other matters to attend to; please make yourselves at home." (End of Chapter)