The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 269

Xu Tian deliberately posed a question: "According to the Records of the Grand Historian: The Basic Annals of the Five Emperors, Yao appointed Shun as regent and ordered him to 'reform the Five Rites'; Shun appointed Boyi as the head of the ancestral temple."

Which five rites were being practiced under the "Three Rites"? Which three rites did Boyi uphold?

This question involves not only the Four Books, but also the classics. Unexpectedly, everyone looked at each other blankly, and no one stepped forward.

However, the Xie family of Chenjun stepped forward, but her answer was hesitant and stammering; she only got three or four parts of the answer right.

"The Zhou rites you speak of are the general term for the political principles, moral norms, and various systems of a hierarchical society. This includes all sorts of rules, ceremonies, and regulations governing ceremonies, clothing, banners, palace furnishings, and so on. What do you mean by 'Zhou rites' being a set of hierarchical doctrines that distinguish between the noble and the lowly, the superior and the inferior?

"Master, I do not know."

Xu Tian immediately understood: "The Xie family of Chenjun read it all but didn't understand it or its meaning."

All the other students laughed.

"What's the difference between this and not studying at all! You won't understand even if you study, and you still won't master it even after you finish studying." He then burst into laughter.

"What explanation do you have for the etiquette and system of the five major events?"

“I know! It refers to the court rites of the five ranks of feudal lords: duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron.”

"Wrong, it should be: loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, wisdom, and trustworthiness. Yuan has read all the books, but his understanding of the basics is wrong."

The classroom erupted in laughter once again. Meanwhile, the Wu County branch, consisting of the Zhu, Lu, Zhang, and Gu families, was the most prominent of the four. They immediately united as one and faced external threats together.

"What are you laughing at! We're all here to learn. Besides, we people from Wu County are men of steel, unlike you all who are all so bookish!"

"You're always either teasing cats or dogs; we're better than you at martial arts."

“I am from the Zhu family! My name is Jinming! Teacher, what’s the use of learning these fancy words? Do you think we’ll need them to lead troops into battle?”

As soon as Zhu Jinming finished speaking, he received responses from Zhang Yunlie, Lu Mingyi, and Gu Zhihuai, all from the same county.

Xu Tian immediately slammed his pointer on the table. The young men from the aristocratic families shrank back in fright, then stared at each other with wide eyes before finally fixing their gazes on Xu Tian.

If they hadn't come here to take classes, they wouldn't have been subject to anyone's control. The culprit is Master Xu.

“I have assigned other teachers to instruct you, yet you still do not study properly, only having a superficial understanding, or even just swallowing information whole. Who gave you the courage to cause trouble in class?”

The students around them were whispering among themselves.

"Master Xu has brought the disciplinary cane. If we don't want to be punished today, we must unite as one. Don't you all agree?" Immediately, a chorus of agreement arose.

Xie Qing of the Wang family of Chen Commandery was the first to step forward: "Master Xu, our Chen Commandery boasts the majestic Longshan Mountains and the vast Wei River, a land of great abundance and resources. We have seen nothing of this, and all we did was answer the question incorrectly. Is it really worth your reaction, Master? How can someone so ignorant teach us?"

Xu Tian said, "Who just had a half-baked understanding? They embarrassed themselves and the people of Chen County. Why don't you sit down for me?"

Xie Qing immediately covered her head and sat down in the chair.

"I'll do it," a child whispered, then stood up.

"I am Wang Chuanyu of the Langya Wang Clan! Our Langya Wang Clan has produced high-ranking officials for generations since ancient times, and our family has a distinguished lineage."

"What does your family's long history of high-ranking officials in Langya have to do with me? This is a school, not a government office. Are you planning to enter officialdom?"

"A noble family background is important, but that also depends on the character of the person. The Langya Wang family certainly has high moral character. But can you really be considered from a noble family after repeatedly causing trouble in the school? Shut up!"