Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 669 Great Confucian Scholar of the Academy

Cheng Li studied at Jixia Academy to improve himself, and he would eventually complete his studies and leave.

If there were a place where he could realize his ambitions and abilities, he wouldn't mind leaving the academy sooner.

The two discussed their upcoming itinerary in hushed tones.

Suddenly, a strong, resonant voice came from outside.

"Cheng Li!"

Upon hearing the sound, Cheng Li and Zhang Mu immediately straightened their expressions, tidied their clothes, and hurriedly left the room.

Upon entering, they saw an elderly man in a blue robe with a refined and scholarly air standing there.

The two stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Students pay their respects to the Master!"

The old man before them was Gongyang Ming, one of the masters of the academy, a great Confucian scholar of high moral character and prestige.

Although Cheng Li and Zhang Mu did not formally become his disciples, they had both listened to Gongyang Ming's lectures and could be considered his students.

Gongyang Ming nodded slightly and looked at Cheng Li, asking, "I heard you took a long leave of absence. Is something the matter?"

Cheng Li was one of his most valued students.

Gongyang Ming overheard this from a steward at the academy and came over to inquire about the details.

Seeing this, Cheng Li could no longer hide anything, so he honestly told the whole story.

Gongyang Ming's expression didn't change much upon hearing this. He had read the call to action before, and he didn't expect that there would actually be outstanding students from the academy responding to the call to go to such a chaotic place as the Northern Region.

Gongyang Ming chuckled and said, "Why are you thinking of going there? Is there no place in Qi where you can use your abilities?"

Cheng Li hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I can't use it."

As someone from a prominent family, he had some understanding of the current situation in the Qi court.

Even if he were given an official position to manage the local area, he would likely be constrained and unable to achieve much.

The officialdom is corrupt and has no room for honest officials.

On the contrary, some of the content in the book appealed to him, making him want to pursue the ideals of governance and a peaceful world envisioned by the sages.

Cheng Li felt that he was different from many students in the academy. He did not pursue fame or fortune, but had a pure ideal and aspiration.

"Can't unleash your full potential?"

Gongyang Ming smiled meaningfully, wondering if some young people could see through some of the current problems in the State of Qi.

However, such drawbacks have existed since ancient times, and the problem is not so easy to solve.

"The Northern Regions..."

Gongyang Ming put his hands behind his back, thought for a moment, and said, "When are you going to set off? I'll go with you to take a look."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Li exclaimed in surprise, "How could I trouble you, Master?"

Gongyang Ming smiled slightly and said, "It's just on the way. Several major Buddhist sects in Wei are about to hold the Unobstructed Assembly, and a Buddhist friend invited me to attend... This place isn't too far from the Northern Region, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to see what kind of person that young man from Anguo is."

Earlier, he had learned from a member of the Meng family that Lu Zheng had once been a guest of the Yunmeng Sect and was indeed a rare Confucian scholar with a strong sense of righteousness.

Upon seeing the call to action, Gongyang Ming became even more interested in Lu Zheng.

Cheng Li couldn't help but show a look of joy when he heard Gongyang Ming say this.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Mu expressed his request to travel to the Northern Regions together.

Cheng Li also spoke up for Zhang Mu.

Gongyang Ming did not object, believing that reading ten thousand books is important, but traveling ten thousand miles is even more important, and that one should apply what one has learned.

Gongyang Ming said, "While your parents are alive, you should not travel far. If you must travel, you must have a specific destination. I do not object to you going out to study, but you still need to obtain the consent of your parents and elders at home..." After all, the journey to the northern regions is long and not within the territory of Qi.

……

The State of Qi, Langya.

In a farm, Tian Jiu was reviewing the intelligence reports that had been delivered to him.

"Lu Zheng, it's him again?"

Tian Jiu's expression shifted slightly upon seeing the new intelligence report.

He had seen information about this young man several times, and the impression he had made on him was quite deep.

Tian Jiu remembered that he had sent people to investigate the other party before, but he didn't find out anything or manage to place anyone around him.

"I heard he was in Shu last time, how come he's suddenly gone to the Northern Regions? Young people are so healthy..."

Tian Jiu clicked his tongue in amazement, then suddenly his gaze fixed on something, his expression turning serious as he slowed down the speed at which he flipped through the contents.

After reviewing all the recent developments regarding Lu Zheng, he took a call to action and asked his subordinates for their opinions.

Where did this article come from?

Upon hearing this, the subordinate said, "In the capital city of Linzi, it is said that someone posted this appeal outside the city, and it has already spread throughout the capital. Even people at the Jixia Academy are discussing this matter..."

Upon hearing this, Tian Jiu's eyes flickered, and she tapped her fingers lightly.

Such a call to action actually got posted all the way to the State of Qi; there must be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Tian Jiu asked, "What was the reaction from the academy?"

The subordinate whispered, "It's still unclear..."

Tian Jiu examined the appeal letter more closely and said slowly, "Do you really think he can rally anyone?"

Upon hearing this, the subordinate hesitated for a moment before speaking, "It should be possible, right? There are plenty of talented and ambitious people in the world; surely there are a few..."

Tian Jiu smiled and said, "I think so too. There's a group of Confucian scholars in our Qi state who don't want high-ranking positions or generous salaries, and spend their days criticizing the court, spouting grand theories about sage-led governance. What if that group had gone back to the past…"

The subordinate said, "They might not think highly of such a young man."

"Right."

Tian Jiu nodded, then said, "However, I like young talents. Regardless of the current situation in the Northern Region, it is rare for him to write such a call to action."

Tian Jiu paused for a moment, then continued, "Go and select a few talented individuals, respectable people, and send them to the Northern Region. Ideally, they should be able to integrate into the community..."

He admired the young man's talent and ambition.

Although Lu Zheng's ambitions were too vague and unrealistic.

But Tian Jiu still didn't mind lending a hand, treating it as an investment.

The reason why the Tian family has been able to prosper to this day and has retainers all over the world is because they like to make friends with a wide range of talented people.

Tian Jiu added, "Choose someone who is sincere and honest. This young man cultivates a righteous spirit and is not someone who can be easily fooled."

Upon hearing this, the subordinate standing nearby couldn't help but say, "Doesn't that mean they have to actually become Lu Zheng's people?"

Since there's no way to fool them, then it really is about supplying talent to the other side.

Tian Jiu said calmly, "If that's really the case, it's not a loss... We can choose one or two people from the clan among those who go."

No pain, no gain.

Tian Jiu knew what kind of people to deal with and what methods to use.

Tian Jiu added, "If he really manages to do something significant in the Northern Region, send people to closely monitor his movements and see who else goes there..." (End of Chapter)