My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 103 Return to the secular world
The brothers Zhu Biao and Zhu Shuang also pricked up their ears.

Although they were close to Ma Yu, they never heard him say anything about how to change things.

They naturally took this very seriously.

Ma Yu also knew that the most important thing was how to make changes.

Whether or not Dao Yan can be persuaded depends on this opportunity.

He had prepared for this long ago, starting with the concept of 'equality for all beings'.

So first, he explained to Xi Yingzhen and his disciple Daoyan the process of the development of public and civil rights.

The master and apprentice were naturally deeply shocked. It was the first time they had ever heard of a certain idea being analyzed from its very roots in terms of its origin and development.

I learned so much today.

Even if they couldn't reach an agreement in the end, they felt the trip was worthwhile.

After the master and apprentice had finished digesting these things, Ma Yu said:

"Although civil rights have been expanding, various schools of thought have put forward ideas similar to 'equality of all beings'."

"But none of them solved a single problem."

"What basic rights should a person enjoy as a human being, and who granted these rights?"

This……

Everyone couldn't help but fall into thought, as it seemed that no school of thought had specifically emphasized this issue.

Rights granted by the state?
Why should a state grant people basic rights?

No one could answer that.

Xi Yingzhen suddenly spoke up: "Under the patriarchal system, people's rights are naturally granted by their fathers and grandfathers, hence the saying that the father is the head of the family."

Ma Yu was truly shocked. The old master was indeed a master of our time, grasping the essence so quickly.

“What Master Xi said is very true. Duke Zhou was the first person to think about this issue, which is why he established the patriarchal clan system.”

"It stipulates that human rights are derived from bloodline."

"The rights that descendants enjoy are determined by the origins of their ancestors."

“During the pre-Qin period, nobles were always nobles, even if they fell on hard times, they were still scholars, while commoners were always commoners.”

"However, after the Qin and Han dynasties, the theory of bloodline was effectively broken."

"Chen Sheng's question, 'Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?' is the landmark."

"However, Chinese thought has not kept pace with the times in this respect, but has instead chosen to be conservative."

"The Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues were formed during the Han Dynasty."

"The Buddhist concept of 'equality of all beings' perfectly fills this gap."

"This is why Buddhism was able to integrate into Chinese culture so quickly."

To put it bluntly, while China's social system has progressed, its ideological development remains stuck in the past.

On the one hand, people are emphasizing the patriarchal clan system.

On the other hand, it undermines the patriarchal system and promotes people from lower social classes to become officials.

However, aristocratic families took pride in their lineage and looked down on officials from humble backgrounds.

Even if you become the prime minister and want to marry a woman from a fallen noble family, she won't agree.

Some Buddhist ideas perfectly aligned with the new social system and satisfied the spiritual needs of the majority of people.

What does it matter what your family background is? All people are equal. What do you have to be proud of?
What defines a wealthy family? It is those with talent.

It can be said that the fundamental reason why Buddhism defeated the outdated Confucianism lies in this.

"However, Buddhism is, after all, a religion. Its idea of ​​equality for all beings is based on the Buddha and cannot perfectly cover all groups."

"Moreover, it also lacks in-depth logical argumentation."

"Neither the philosophy of mind nor the philosophy of principle could solve this problem in depth."

"And this is a fundamental issue that concerns tens of millions of people in China."

"It also determines what kind of etiquette and legal system the Ming Dynasty will adopt in the future."

"Whoever can solve this problem will become the new leading field of study."

"This is the trend of historical development and an inevitable result of the progress of thought."

"Now, the Ming Dynasty is at a critical crossroads, one step to heaven, one step to hell."

"The School of Principle and the School of Mind are clearly incompatible with the needs of the new era and will inevitably be eliminated."

"As long as we can solve this problem, we can seize the initiative."

Xi Yingzhen raised an eyebrow. He finally realized that this young master Ma had not come on a whim, but had come prepared.

He wasn't arrogant; he had genuinely found the key.

Thinking about this, the old master became even more restless.

No, I, this old Taoist, must get involved in this matter. Who knows, I might even become a Saintly Taoist in the future.

Dao Yan, needless to say, was so excited he lost control and urged:

"I wonder how Young Master Ma plans to resolve this issue?"

Ma Yu's face was serious as he slowly uttered four words:
"Natural human rights".

Zhu Shuang didn't see anything wrong with it; he was just thinking about the difference between natural rights and the right of bloodline.

Zhu Biao's brows were already furrowed.

China has always had a system of natural monarchical power. If you now introduce a system of natural human rights, how will that monarchical power be guaranteed?

However, due to his trust in Ma Yu and his personal conduct, he did not raise any questions on the spot.

They didn't stop Ma Yu from continuing, saying they would discuss the issue properly when they got back.

As for Xi Yingzhen and Dao Yan, they were completely stunned.

Natural rights?

A loud drum doesn't need a heavy hammer; they knew that as soon as they heard those four words.

If this idea were to be successfully developed, it would absolutely sweep away all current doctrines.

but……

They had thought of the same things as Zhu Biao.

The emperor has the right to rule by virtue of his birth, but now you're trying to establish natural human rights. Do you think he'll agree to that?

They looked at Zhu Biao and found that he did not stop them.

The master and apprentice were even more astonished.

What exactly did this young master Ma do? Why is the royal family so tolerant of him?

Or is it that the current emperor is truly so broad-minded and loves his people so much?
Ma Yu paused again for a moment to give them time to process what she was saying before continuing:

“A single source of thought will inevitably lead to extremism, and what is traditional does not necessarily have to be abandoned.”

"The empowerment of bloodline still has great practical significance, so I believe that the two should coexist as natural human rights and the empowerment of bloodline."

"For example, in maintaining family patterns and kinship, bloodline empowerment plays an irreplaceable role."

When he transmigrated in his previous life, natural human rights had already begun to be demonized.

The West has come up with all sorts of bizarre practices, creating over a hundred different genders.

There is also a group that only wants absolute power.

But when it comes to their responsibility, they argue that God gave them power, but not responsibility.

Since Ma Yu has traveled through time, she has the ability to intervene in ideological construction.

Then we can't leave this loophole.

While inheriting traditional ideas, we also give them new concepts.

So he came up with the idea of ​​dual human rights.

Both natural rights and the right of blood coexist.

When they heard that he wanted to implement a dual empowerment system, Zhu Biao, Daoyan, and Xi Yingzhen were very supportive.

Having grown up under traditional education, they have a deep sense of identity with blood ties and family.

Hearing Ma Yu suddenly say that she wanted to promote natural human rights made me feel quite awkward.

Now that both coexist, they feel it's perfectly acceptable.

This is another reason why Ma Yu inherited the right to inherit bloodline: to reduce people's resistance to new ideas. "If we adopt a dual human rights system, we are required to clearly define the boundary between the two."

"Otherwise, it could easily cause chaos."

"I believe that what God gives to people are the most basic rights."

"For example, the right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to equality."

"No one can deprive another of their most basic rights except the law, not even parents."

"Of course, parents have guardianship rights over their children, but when children are unable to be independent, they should relinquish some of their rights to their parents."

"Parents have an obligation to raise their children, and children also have an obligation to be filial and support their parents."

"..."

Ma Yu then elaborated on her ideas regarding binary empowerment in detail.

Everyone listened with rapt attention.

Even Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, agreeing that it was indeed a promising opportunity.

Crucially, Ma Yu emphasized that only the law can deprive people of their human rights.

This actually safeguards public power and is also a disguised way of protecting imperial power.

Of course, these alone are not enough; there must be clear provisions to demonstrate the legitimacy of imperial power.

However, through this, he knew that Ma Yu had considered these things.

It's just not convenient to say right now.

As for Xi Yingzhen and Daoyan, countless ideas were already popping into their minds, and they couldn't wait to immediately immerse themselves in the research.

After explaining her ideas about dual empowerment in one breath, Ma Yu looked at the two of them with a smile and said:
"Gentlemen, would you be interested in joining and overseeing this project?"

The master and apprentice exchanged a glance, both seeing eagerness in each other's eyes.

Xi Yingzhen nodded to his apprentice, signaling him to answer the question.

This also means that he handed over the reins to Daoyan.

Dao Yan naturally understood this as well, and felt even more grateful to his teacher. He took a deep breath and said:
"My master and I are deeply honored by the high regard that Young Master Ma holds for us."

Ma Yu laughed loudly, "Haha... Master, you have indeed not disappointed me. Welcome to the team."

Zhu Biao then spoke up at the opportune moment, saying, "My father would be very pleased if he knew of the two masters' decision."

Xi Yingzhen and Daoyan quickly replied, "We wouldn't dare."

At this moment, Ma Yu said, "Master Xi is a highly accomplished Taoist master. No one will dare to object to your involvement."

"But Master Daoyan is a monk. Even if he were to participate in this matter, it would probably cause unnecessary controversy, let alone preside over it."

"Therefore, if the master wants to get involved, he will probably have to renounce his vows."

After all, this is China. Although Buddhism has been Sinicized, its roots are not Chinese.

Normally no one would say anything, but to let a monk preside over the work of splitting and reforming Confucianism, do they really think Confucian scholars are easy to bully?

Even Ma Yu herself couldn't get over it in her heart.

Therefore, Daoyan's return to secular life became inevitable.

Dao Yan himself was aware of this.

He didn't say anything, but instead looked at his master.

Xi Yingzhen smiled and said, "If you have Buddha in your heart, Buddha is everywhere. Why be attached to status?"

"Even if Buddha himself were to descend to earth, I think I would still support your decision to return to secular life."

With his master's command, Daoyan naturally had a legitimate reason to return to secular life, and immediately said:

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

He then bowed to the statue of Confucius and said, "Buddha above, this disciple's actions are not for the benefit of one family or one person, but for the benefit of all living beings."

"If I have offended you, please forgive me, Buddha."

After saying this, he took off the Buddhist prayer beads hanging around his neck and respectfully placed them on the offering table.

Then he bowed three more times.

Suddenly, he burst into laughter: "From this day forward, Dao Yan is gone, and Yao Tianxi is reborn."

Zhu Biao cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Mr. Yao."

At this moment, Xi Yingzhen said, "Tianxi is your childhood name. Today, I will give you a formal name."

At this point, he thought for a moment and said, "After all, you come from a Buddhist family, so your name should be derived from Buddhist scriptures."

"To show that we have not forgotten our original aspirations."

The Diamond Sutra says: "How should one abide, and how should one subdue one's mind? One should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind."

"I will name you Yunxin."

"Let's call him Sidao."

The gist of this sentence is to dispel illusions and uphold one's true self.

It is very suitable for the current situation.

As for 'Sidao', there's not much to say; it aligns with his aspirations at this time.

Zhu Biao nodded secretly. The name he casually picked was so fitting for the occasion. Master Xi truly deserves to be called a great master of our time.

Only Ma Yu felt extremely uncomfortable.

Yao Guangxiao is gone just like that?

The key point is that the name Yao Yunxin sounds a bit feminine.

It's just a pity that Xi Yingzhen was a genuine mentor to Yao Yunxin, and Yao Yunxin herself was very satisfied with him.

He could only watch from the sidelines.

However, Ma Yu was very happy to have successfully persuaded Dao Yan to join, and also received Xi Yingzhen as a bonus.

They then chatted for a while longer, engaging in a more in-depth discussion about binary empowerment.

It wasn't until Zhu Biao said that it was getting late and they should go back, promising to visit the two esteemed masters another day.

The implication is that they will have to stay here for some time.

Xi Yingzhen and his apprentice were naturally prepared for this.

Such a big matter must be kept secret in the early stages.

It seems that for a long time to come, they will have to live a secluded life.

Moreover, after hearing about binary empowerment, both of them were inspired and couldn't wait to get right into the research.

Even if they were allowed to leave, neither of them wanted to go.

Everyone said goodbye at the temple gate, and after walking a long distance, Zhu Biao exclaimed in admiration:

"I have finally glimpsed a corner of my cousin's grand ambition, which I truly admire."

Ma Yu smiled and asked in return, "Does my cousin also agree with the concept of natural rights?"

Zhu Biao said meaningfully, "I don't believe in any dual or triadic empowerment, but I believe in my cousin."

Ma Yu sighed, "If only Your Majesty had your magnanimity and vision."

Zhu Biao was still thinking about how to shift the topic to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Ma Yu's initiative in speaking saved him trouble, and he went along with the conversation:
“My father also had his own difficulties, and my cousin, with his knowledge, should be able to understand this.”

"Besides, he has already changed a lot... My cousin should give him more time."

Ma Yu nodded and said, "I was indeed too eager for quick success before, but I won't be like that now."

"We are still young, and our era is yet to come. There is no need to rush."

The underlying meaning of this statement is that some things will wait until Zhu Biao succeeds to the throne before they are done.

Zhu Biao naturally understood and was very pleased, saying:
"As the saying goes, haste makes waste, and it's good that my cousin thinks this way."

"By the way, my mother said she missed you when I left the palace. When do you have time to go to the palace to visit her?"

Ma Yu knew perfectly well that this was actually an invitation extended on behalf of Zhu Yuanzhang, so he had no reason to refuse.

"I'm also missing my aunt. It's too late today, let's do it tomorrow."

Zhu Biao said happily, "Okay, I'll tell my mother when I get back, and she'll wait for you at Kunning Palace tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)