Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 97 Greedy Move
"There are three fundamental principles of rites: Heaven and Earth are the source of life; ancestors are the source of lineage; and rulers and teachers are the source of governance. Without Heaven and Earth, how can life exist? Without ancestors, how can lineage be established? Without rulers and teachers, how can governance be established? If any of these three are lost, there will be no peace for the people. Therefore, rites are based on serving Heaven above, serving Earth below, honoring ancestors, and respecting rulers and teachers. These are the three fundamental principles of rites."

Xunzi's insights from the "Li Yun" chapter of the Book of Rites were transformed into the three sacrificial rites of Confucianism: sacrificing to Heaven and Earth, sacrificing to ancestors, and sacrificing to sages.

The Jiangnan Literary Gathering is the purest Confucian activity in recent years, and naturally, it is not immune to these things.

Even the arrogant Zhu Erdan did not act recklessly at this moment, and even waited with a hint of anticipation for the start of the sacrifice.

Dean Su, as the host, was qualified to preside over the three sacrificial rites.

But when he stood on the high platform with the written eulogy in hand, he couldn't bring himself to read it.

If one were to force oneself to speak, immense fear would descend upon one's heart, as if the Wen Hua Qi Yun (a concept in Chinese astrology) were denying the merits of those who performed the three sacrifices.

this.
The most important affairs of the state are sacrifice and war. Sacrifices involve offering meat, and war involves receiving meat; these are the great rites of the gods.

The two most important things for a country are sacrifice and war.

This shows how sacred it is to preside over a sacrificial ceremony.

Dean Su was internally shattered; he had failed in his duty!

His qualifications were already barely enough, and now, in this instant, his face turned ashen as if he were about to be buried.

He also announced that his position as the head of the Jintian Academy would soon be terminated.

The deans of the three major universities in Jiangnan cannot be people of low moral character.

Xu Xuan's heart pounded wildly as he watched from behind; it couldn't have been him who had orchestrated it, could it?

No way! He himself is narrow-minded and lost face in front of so many scholars. You can't blame me for it.

But the subtle glances from others spoke volumes.

Zhu Erdan was even more furious; this old man was far too useless.

In the end, it was Abbot Bailu who stepped forward to take on this heavy responsibility, and took the initiative to begin the three sacrificial rites at the entrance of the Jintian Academy.

As the dean of the top academy in Jiangnan, this was naturally not his first time presiding over the event, and he knew the procedures by heart.

Even the eulogy was written on the spot.

We offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, to our ancestors, and to sages and worthies.

This has profound implications; it is not a simple ritual, but rather an explanation of the Confucian thought of that time.

Reverence for spirits and gods, and solemn sacrifices. Manners and emotions are expressed, and forms and decorations are created. Carefulness is shown from beginning to end, and virtue is cultivated among the people. Ancestors have merit, and lineages have virtue. Distinguish between near and far, and maintain order of rank and status.

They respectively represent the establishment of religious teachings, moderation and balance, moral education, cultural inheritance, and ethical order.

Dean Shen's eulogy was conveyed to heaven and earth, to the four corners of the world, and to the Confucian sages.

As the three sacrificial rites concluded, the cultural and auspicious energy above West Lake began to surge wildly, and then a small seal vaguely condensed.

The leader of a literary gathering must be blessed with good fortune; this is the beginning of it.

It wasn't just the small seal; the surrounding aura was also slowly coalescing into various objects.

The first Jiangnan Literary Gathering attracted the attention of almost all students and the general public, second only to the imperial examinations.

The entanglement of cause and effect is truly chilling.

Xu Xuan then realized how reckless he had been.

If something unexpected happens...
oh~~~
After the three sacrificial rites concluded, Dean Shen began to introduce the origins of the first Jiangnan Literary Gathering.

It was certainly not out of resentment at being swept aside by Chongqi Bailu, but rather to provide a path for the scholars present to gain fame and prestige.

The young people below were greatly encouraged, realizing how important they were.

Next, the guests were introduced. The professor's origin, achievements, and previous positions were all clearly explained.

It is evident that although this person is free-spirited, he has reached a state of perfection in his conduct and dealings with others.

The reputation of being the premier academy in Jiangnan is well-deserved.

There was a slight hesitation when introducing Xu Xuan. "Teacher Xu from Chongqi Academy, um, a very excellent teacher."

"Alright, next up, please welcome..."

The process transition was very smooth. Although Dean Shen greatly admired Xu Xuan, he really didn't know much about his position and achievements.

This kind of preparation work should obviously be done by those who come to pay homage to Heaven, but looking at Dean Su's nonchalant attitude that "the destruction of the world has nothing to do with me," it's clear that there's no way to get help.

She could only quickly cut through it, and gave Xu Xuan an apologetic smile.

Next up is a small cultural performance to warm up the atmosphere.

We can't just start with fighting and killing; that would make us seem very uncultured.

We invited the scholars who had gained fame a few days ago to showcase their talents, impromptu composing poems, creating paintings, displaying and appreciating calligraphy works, and playing various musical instruments, adding elegance and charm to the gathering.

Several industry leaders also offered their comments, earning them a reputation for mentoring younger generations.

Dean Shen was exceptionally lively, definitely the atmosphere-maker.

The professors who went to pay homage to the emperor were also very active. If the dean was disqualified, would it give him a chance to improve?
The atmosphere was so lively that it resembled a selection meeting for the Dean of the Imperial Academy.

However, as time goes by, the real intellectual battle is about to begin, and even the most harmonious atmosphere will be difficult to maintain.

Danger lurked in the shadows. Bai Lu and Chong Qi's six students closed their eyes to rest, and Zhu Erdan also became unusually quiet.

The final piece, "Flowing Water," was performed by Ning Caichen, one of the Three Wonders, who returned for a limited time.

The melody of this piece is smooth and varied, making the listener feel as if they are in a landscape, experiencing the tranquility and harmony of nature, thus achieving a calming effect.

Inspired by the atmosphere, Ning's piano playing became even more powerful.

Besides tranquility and naturalness, nature also has the principle of natural selection, and even a babbling brook can transform into a torrent.

"What a magnificent and murderous melody! Brother Ziye has excellent taste."

Dean Shen dismissed Ning Caichen, the ceremony was over, and it was time for the academies to compete.

He stood up and announced that after several days of literary gatherings, Bai Lu, Chong Qi, and the Emperor were preparing to pay homage to Heaven.
The gist is that it's not that you won't be included in the final competition, but rather that this is simply a friendly exchange of ideas between the three academies.

The polite words were well-chosen, and the people below also felt respected.

According to the original rules of the audience with the heavens, it was a free-for-all among seven people, with the winner determined by drawing lots.

"Why bother with all that? I can take on six people by myself."

A guy who had been waiting for a long time stood up and decided to fight each of the six people one by one.

He defeated everyone in front of everyone and became the undisputed number one talent in Jiangnan.

Only such behavior can bring together all the cultural fortune in one person.

The other six students felt greatly humiliated and naturally refused.

Xu Xuan frowned. This [Zhu Erdan] had become somewhat deranged under the influence of greed, showing no trace of a scholar or a god of the underworld. It was unclear who was in control now.

As expected, this statement caused an uproar.

Many people are unaware that this devilishly handsome man once accomplished the feat of sweeping through two major academies.

Someone below couldn't help but rebuke this person for being arrogant.

Then we saw Zhu Erdan passionately speak up.

“It’s not just these six people. Anyone who’s not satisfied, come up here now.”

"History, classics, poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are all acceptable."

That attitude of "you're all trash" is indeed deserving of a beating. Even Dean Su of the Imperial Academy no longer looks repulsive, because everyone has a new target of hatred.

(End of this chapter)