Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 84 The Prefect asked a question, and everyone present was astonished! (8 words completed today)

Upon hearing this, the heads of the court gleamed with a sharp light in their eyes.

Those who can sit on this balcony are all exceptionally intelligent and talented individuals, selected from among the best in Jiangzhou Prefecture.
This literary gathering on Grain Rain was not part of the official examination for the prefecture.

However, Zhou Yuanjun's attitude may directly affect their prospects in the prefectural examination two months later—after all, the position of chief examiner for this year's prefectural examination has been handed over from Prefect Xue to this Yuanjun.

The quality of the essays and poems in the prefectural examinations was entirely up to the Emperor's discretion.

"Please, Professor, provide a topic!"

Shen Zhiyun, the top scholar from Jiyang County, was the first to rise, his robes fluttering, and bowed in the gesture of a disciple.

The rest of the group also straightened up and clasped their hands, their eyes fixed intently on Zhou Yuanjun.

"What is the source of the talent and brilliance of the scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty?"

Zhou Shanzhang's voice was as calm as a still well as he asked.

Suddenly,

All the chief officials turned pale.

The origin of talent?

The group looked at each other blankly.

From the time I began my studies at a private school, my innate talent was as natural as breathing – at five, when I first picked up a pen, I felt a clear stream flowing through my veins. By ten, when I could recite poems, I felt the literary brilliance flowing within my heart.

All citizens of the Great Zhou Dynasty, regardless of gender or even the women in their boudoirs, develop talent simply by opening a book and reading.

Once one has developed sufficient talent, one can take the imperial examinations and advance in rank.

Even more remarkably, when mountain spirits read poems and books, they can actually cultivate talent within their demonic veins.

But where does this ever-present talent come from?

In their youth, they believed that talent was something they were born with.

Now, after being asked this question by the academy master, they were surprised to realize that in all their years of studying, they had never carefully examined their hearts and questioned the most basic mysteries of literary cultivation.

"The origin of talent?"

Pei Jingyi gently set down his teacup. Upon hearing the question, his long, snow-white beard trembled slightly as he nodded, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes before disappearing again.

"this?!"

The scholars present frowned slightly, and the candidates fell into deep thought—the question of the origin of talent, though seemingly simple, actually points directly to the foundation of literature and morality.

Whether it's splashing ink and wielding a brush or quoting classical texts, talent is needed to unleash the power of literary arts.

Not to mention those who passed the imperial examinations or the highest level of the imperial examinations, even the old scholars in the Hanlin Academy, who spent their entire lives studying the classics, often argued about this until they were red in the face, and even wrote books on the subject, but they might not be able to grasp the whole picture.

The simpler the question, the more profound the mystery it may be.

This question about the "origin of talent" may seem simple, and even a child could answer it offhand, but it is actually as profound as the sea.

The abbot actually wants the top six students to answer.

This is tantamount to letting a fledgling phoenix, just beginning to sing, measure the height of the sky beyond the nine heavens!
Let alone those students who have not yet entered the Daoist path, even those who have already passed the imperial examinations and become successful candidates in the provincial and metropolitan examinations would probably have to think twice before speaking about this "source of talent" and would not dare to speak lightly.

The entire room filled with noblemen and ladies held their breath.

"The origin of talent?"

Zhao Zilu, the top scholar in the prefectural city, had a slight glint in his eyes.
A glimmer of hope suddenly ignited in his heart—this might be his best chance to turn the tide and reverse his decline!
If he can win Zhou Yuanjun's favor through this, he might be able to turn the tide in the prefectural examination.

Although I'm not entirely sure I'm right, I can take a gamble—even if I get it wrong, it won't be worse than the current situation.

"Report to Lord Yuanjun!

The source of talent lies in the "Theory of Heavenly Gifts" by the great Confucian scholar Dong Zhongshu!

Zhao Zilu gritted his teeth and suddenly stood up.

He straightened his clothes, his expression respectful yet composed, and said in a loud voice: "Talent is a gift from heaven to humankind—a blessing from heaven and earth to humankind."

Dong Sheng recorded in "Luxuriant Dew of Spring and Autumn Annals: Man's Number Matches with Heaven" that "Man has 360 joints, which is the number matched by Heaven."

This further proves that the human race is ordained by Heaven and should be the masters of this world!

Talent is a gift from heaven; it is a natural law!

His voice was firm and resonant. Although he was only a student, he exuded a confidence that commanded respect.

With this remark,
All the young scholars were astonished and looked at Zhao Zilu with new respect. He was well-read and knew so much!

"shut up!
Since you do not know,

Without understanding the subtle words of sages and worthies, how dare I presume to make wild interpretations, fabricate stories, and distort the writings of great scholars!

The great Confucian scholar Dong Sheng's essay "Man Represents Heaven" is a textual analysis of the correspondence between man and heaven. It does not contain a single word discussing talent.

That's utterly absurd!

A cold glint flashed in Zhou Shanchang's eyes as he shouted sharply.

Zhao Zilu was struck by this wake-up call and realized that his careless words had angered the abbot. His once confident face turned ashen, and he shrank back and lowered his head, no longer daring to utter a word.

"."

Upon seeing this, the students below the hall fell silent, their heads bowed and eyes lowered in submission.

The official in charge of ceremonies, holding a jade tablet, stood solemnly atop the pavilion and loudly proclaimed Zhou Yuanjun's question to the more than two thousand students below:

"Among all the students, whether they are junior scholars or scholars, who knows the true source of their talent?"

His voice was loud and clear, echoing beneath the city gate, causing all the students to look up.

"Anyone who answers correctly may ascend this East Gate tower and be given a seat!"

With this remark,
The audience was immediately filled with surprise, yet fell silent.

The students looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.

The origin of talent?

This is not poetry or prose, but the profound meaning of literature and philosophy, far surpassing ordinary classical texts.

Even those usually quick-witted students, who did not understand the profound meaning, were now completely bewildered and unable to answer.

Even the six top students on the city wall, who were the best in their class, frowned and remained silent.

How could they know?
For a moment, the entire East Gate Tower was silent, with only the sound of the wind rustling the banners; no one dared to respond.

Seeing that the students were all sitting silently with their heads bowed, and no one answered, he noticed that the students were all sitting silently with their heads

Zhou Yuanjun's gaze darkened slightly, a hint of disappointment in his heart.

Talent is the most basic foundation of literature and art.

Although he was the academy master of Jiangzhou Prefecture, his literary talent was not necessarily the best in the world, but in terms of profound talent and formidable fighting prowess, he far surpassed ordinary scholars.

His writing may not be entirely brilliant, but because he deeply understands the fundamentals of literature, his talent flows endlessly, like a surging river.

In contrast, those scholars who were highly accomplished in literature, though capable of writing exquisite articles, often found themselves unable to withstand the power of a single word due to their shallow foundation in literary arts and their easily exhausted talent.

The essence of literature lies not in ornate language, but in a thorough understanding of its origins.

After truly comprehending the Dao, any single word or incantation can surpass the power of other scholars of the same generation!
Unfortunately, not a single student in the audience could answer the question.

"That's all."

Zhou Yuanjun shook his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the six top students below the stage, and finally sighed softly:
The two words, spoken, seemed to carry the weight of a thousand pounds.
This caused all the top scholars to look ashamed, and they lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the abbot.

"You students are still just beginners, and you have no understanding of the mysteries within!"

Zhou Yuanjun's eyes held both disappointment and a hint of expectation for them as she advised:
"The essence of literary cultivation lies in its fundamentals."

Although you can compose many beautiful articles, you do not know where your talent comes from; you are like duckweed without roots, destined for mediocrity and unlikely to achieve great things.

He paused and then said:
"I hope you will remember today's question and study it diligently when you return. If you can understand its essence in the future, you may come to me to discuss the Dao!" Upon hearing this, the young scholars all seemed to be deep in thought, and secretly kept the four words "the origin of talent" firmly in their hearts.

Shen Zhiyun, Zhao Zilu, and the others were secretly delighted and speculating: Could it be that the Lord of the Academy was hinting that this might be the examination question for the county-level scholars in the prefectural examination?

The main hall of the East Gate Tower was completely silent.

The old master Pei Jingyi stroked his beard and pondered, then suddenly glanced at Jiang Xingzhou to the side.

The boy remained calm, showing neither shame nor pride, as still as a deep well.

Master Pei knew the temperament of this private school student well—if he wasn't called upon, he would never speak up and would simply pretend not to know.

But if you actually call on him by name, the answer he gives is often a pleasant surprise.

"Roading."

The old master suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but it silenced the entire room.

Do you know the origin of talent?

He paused, his gaze sharp:
"If you know, then tell me!"

As soon as these words came out, the whole hall was shocked.

All the heads of the families, the scholars and those who had passed the imperial examinations, turned their gazes to the silent young man, puzzled.

Master Pei Jingyi chuckled, “You may not know this, but my student won’t answer unless I call on him!”

Jiang Xingzhou was called upon to stand up, his expression slightly embarrassed, and he had no choice but to get up.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Master, Your Excellency, I have some knowledge, but I dare not presume to teach you before such seniors! It is not that I am deliberately avoiding answering, but rather that I dare not answer!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned.

Is this even possible?

Zhao Zilu knew nothing about it, and everyone rushed to answer.

He knows something about it, but he's unwilling to come forward?
"Know a little bit?"

Master Pei stroked his beard and smiled, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, clearly disbelieving Jiang Xingzhou's excuse.

"Then tell me about it!"

Master Pei spoke in a leisurely tone, leaving no room for refusal.

"Yes, Master!"

Jiang Xingzhou had no choice but to ponder for a moment.

Then, he slowly began to speak:
The earliest mention of talent can be traced back to Mencius, Book 1, Gongsun Chou.

Mencius said, "I am good at cultivating my vast and righteous spirit." This is the beginning of the theory of "cultivating one's spirit" and the root of talent and vitality.

Towards the end of the Han Dynasty, Cao Pi wrote "Discourse on Literature" (典论·论), inheriting the teachings of Mencius and advocating that "literature should be based on spirit," stating that writers should infuse their writings with "essence, spirit, and energy."
The essence, energy, spirit, and writing are integrated and transformed into talent, flowing between the lines.

This is the first systematic exposition in the history of literature on "using one's spirit to guide one's writing." From then on, scholars suddenly realized the way to use one's talent and spirit to guide one's writing.

Later, the great Confucian scholar Han Yu carried on his legacy, establishing the theory of "when spirit is abundant, speech should be appropriate"—"spirit is like water; speech is like floating matter."

Speech—that is, written words, poems, and articles.

To float objects on water is to control literature with spirit!

Saying,

Jiang Xingzhou flicked his sleeves slightly, his fingertips lightly touching the air, as if sketching the flow of literary energy:
"Han Yu's words finally established the connection between talent and literary skills."

The Way of Literature thus forms the most fundamental core theory for building a towering edifice, establishing its status as the origin of talent.

So far,

Talent becomes the foundation upon which literature and art are built!

His talent and literary theories had also reached full maturity!

Inside the East City Tower, all was silent.

Jiang Xingzhou, with a solemn expression and a slight tremor in his sleeves, continued: "As for later, Ge Hong, in his 'Discourse on the Secret Palace of Literature,' first proposed the concept of 'Literary Palace,' which states that talent can be stored, nurtured, and utilized."

In the chapter "Embracing Simplicity: Dispelling Doubts" of the *Baopuzi*, it is proposed that the ultimate level of the literary palace is the flawless Purple Palace—[Upon reaching the heavens, one first passes through the Purple Palace, where golden beds and jade tables gleam and shine, truly a place of nobility.]

He slightly raised his eyes.
It's as if we can see through the long river of time and gaze upon the figures of those sages who trudged through the eternal darkness of literature.

"Later, another significant work emerged—Liu Xie's *The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons*, written by the great Confucian scholar of the Southern Dynasties. It established the theories of 'literary mind' and 'literary spirit,' pioneering the concepts of literary mind and literary spirit."
From this point on, the practice of literature and Taoism began to have a discernible framework, and its methods gradually became clearer.

At this point, he suddenly paused, shook his head, and sighed softly:

"However, these are matters for later, involving various theories such as literary palace, literary mind, literary courage, and literary bone, which are already quite different from the discussion of the origin of talent."

It was through the tireless discussions of countless predecessors that this entire set of theories on the cultivation of literature and Taoism was perfected.

Like traversing a jungle in the dark, overcoming numerous obstacles and breaking through one bottleneck after another in the path of literature!
Only those of us who have completed the preliminary stages of education and passed the county-level examinations can easily follow in the footsteps of our predecessors and advance on the path of literature.

Jiang Xingzhou cupped his hands and bowed deeply to the seniors present, a gesture of utmost respect from the bottom of his heart.

Having said this,
Everyone in the room was shocked.

The teacup in Master Pei's hand clicked softly, and the tea inside rippled slightly—this usually composed scholar was deeply moved.

This student is indeed a hidden talent!
"it is good!"

Prefect Xue Chonghu, who had been leaning back in his armchair, suddenly straightened up, took a deep breath, and unconsciously gripped the armrests with his knuckles, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

At this moment, Prefect Xue finally believed it completely.

The Langhuan Pavilion, the old residence and academy of the Xue family in Jiangyin, contains 46,000 volumes of classic texts!

Jiang Xingzhou actually read it all! He even came to understand and master it.

That was a vast sea of ​​books that even the direct descendants of the Xue family feared.

Jiang Yan, at the tender age of twenty, had already read ten thousand volumes, making him a prodigy who shook the literary world of Jiangnan.

And this young man, who hasn't even reached adulthood yet, is even more terrifying than his father, Jiang Yan!
This child is truly a prodigy!
Xue Chonghu suddenly remembered the report that the old steward Xue Li had submitted in a letter:
[For the past five years, Young Master Jiang has spent every day and night reading in the Langhuan Pavilion, burning through over a hundred oil lamps in the process.]
However, he was busy with official duties at the government office and did not pay attention to such a trivial matter as diesel fuel in the Xue residence.

Zhao Bingzhu, the head of the Zhao family, had been resting with his eyes closed when he suddenly opened them, his fingers turning white.

"Jiang Xingzhou, son of Jiang Yan, the Imperial Censor of the Demon Suppression Bureau!"

The five top students, Shen Zhiyun, Du Qingyin, Lin Haizhou, Zhou Wenyuan, and Zhao Zilu, looked at each other, all seeing fear in each other's eyes.

Their eyes held both shock and a hint of resentment—but ultimately, this resentment was overwhelmed by a profound sense of powerlessness.

At the end of the Han Dynasty, Cao Pi wrote "Dian Lun": "Scholars should infuse their essence, energy, and spirit into their writings, blending and transforming them to generate talent!"

That's it!

This is so!

"After ten years of studying, I only now understand the true source of talent!"

Shen Zhiyun took a deep breath and barely managed to calm herself, but her fingertips still trembled uncontrollably.

They once thought that Jiang Xingzhou's "Seeking the Hermit in Vain", "Ode to Grass", and "Bodhisattva's Lament" were nothing more than a pile of fancy words, occasional clever lines, and erotic lyrics from the music academy.

They weren't really convinced.
I just think it was luck!

If they get lucky one day and have a flash of inspiration, they might just create a masterpiece that reaches the level of a county or prefecture!
now,

They truly felt an overwhelming and terrifying power emanating from Jiang Xingzhou!
The boy was so quiet and reserved, with a calm expression.

But who could have imagined that he had already honed the foundation of literature and art to such a solid level?
"The source of talent", "the cultivation of literary talent", "the literary mind", "the literary spirit".
Even these top students, who had never even touched upon such knowledge and only knew the basics, Jiang Xingzhou had long since thoroughly understood the path of literature!
This is in the true sense.

Crush!

A complete and utter crushing defeat!
PS: Second update today, totaling 8 words!

(End of this chapter)