Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 757 Jixia Academy

Huang Jing slowly flipped through the books and magazines he had never seen before, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light.

The contents of this book seemed to open a door to new ideas for him, leaving him utterly astonished.

He realized that many of his previous ideas were wrong after reading the classics.

Huang Jing devoured the books, absorbing the knowledge within.

Several days later, Huang Jing went out carrying a heavy bundle on his back.

He has revamped his image, transforming himself from a middle-aged farmer back into a young, handsome, and tall scholar.

Looking back at the simple thatched hut where he had lived for so long, Huang Jing's eyes were filled with fighting spirit and passion for the future, no longer the dejected and hopeless person he used to be.

Now, he has found a career he can dedicate his life to, and his life will become meaningful.

“Lu Zheng…”

Huang Jing whispered. He had never heard of this person before, but now he would remember the name deeply.

Huang Jing shook the bundle on his shoulder, turned around, and strode down the mountain with brisk and light steps.

Huang Jing's mind raced. There were other unsuccessful scholars like himself in the county. Perhaps he could impart knowledge and guidance to them, and then unite them...

……

The Jixia Academy is located in a beautiful mountain range near the capital of the State of Qi.

Legend has it that Confucius once preached and established schools here, and later a dynasty built academies here to promote Confucianism.

This academy has been passed down for thousands of years, experiencing several periods of rise and fall, but its tradition has never been interrupted.

Within the Jixia Academy, there are several sacred mountains, among which are the literary palaces left behind by several Confucian and Taoist sages.

However, there is no mention of Confucius's literary palace. It is said that Confucius established the Confucian way, aligning his own literary palace with the Confucian Way, and spreading the Confucian and Taoist literary spirit he cultivated throughout the world to educate all living beings...

Today, the most important Wensheng Mountain in the Jixia Academy is dedicated to Confucius and other sages. The Wengong Palace within it was built by later generations to worship Confucianism and Taoism. The spirit of the sages and worthies is contained in the temple, but it is not a place where ordinary people can see the sages.

Even the chief priests of the academies throughout history would not casually communicate with the thoughts of sages.

Of course, occasionally some exceptionally talented Confucian disciples would pass numerous tests and be fortunate enough to enter the Literary Palace to pay homage to the sages.

They might even receive guidance from one or two sages.

If one receives such treatment, their future in the entire state of Qi will be bright.

When Lu Zheng learned about the Jixia Academy from Gongyang Ming, he knew that the great Confucian scholar Gongyang had also visited the academy to pay homage to the sages when he was young. However, he did not meet Confucius and Mencius, but had a very brief exchange with other sages.

That one exchange was enough to greatly benefit Gongyang Ming, allowing him to smoothly progress in his Confucian studies until he became a great Confucian scholar. He was then appointed as a teacher at the Jixia Academy by the Qi State court and was also granted the official title of Senior Grand Master, enjoying generous salaries from both the academy and the court.

Such treatment is something countless people can only dream of their entire lives.

However, upon reaching this point, Gongyang Ming abandoned his position as a teacher at the academy and went to the remote northern region.

When the news spread, it caused quite a stir throughout the entire Qi Kingdom, with many people even refusing to believe it.

Finally, the Jixia Academy stepped in to explain that the great Confucian scholar Gongyang was only temporarily away to teach and impart knowledge, which barely managed to quell the turmoil.

Because of this, many people became curious and paid attention to the Northern Region, and later learned about Lu Zheng and the newly emerging Taiping Region.

If it weren't for the fact that Taiping Domain is quite far from Qi, many students from Qi would have wanted to go and see if the rumors were true.

They couldn't get there, but the news from the Pacific Domain never stopped; now even the second issue of the Thought Journal has been released.

The second issue of the journal also refuted some of the previous articles, using sharper and more intense language, and the wording was extremely straightforward, making it easy for anyone with basic literacy to understand.

As a result, many ordinary people sided with Lu Zheng after learning about the journal.

The current intellectual journals have seemingly evolved into debates in Taiping and other regions regarding the orthodoxy of the words of sages.

And like sparks of inspiration, these seeds of thought are taking root and sprouting in the hearts of more and more people.

Lu Zheng bought the new journal on his way to Jixia Academy and saw many people discussing its contents. This journal clearly achieved the result that Lu Zheng and others wanted.

"It's finally here."

Lu Zheng stood on the main road, looking at the mountains shrouded in a strong Confucian and Taoist atmosphere, where he could vaguely see some magnificent palaces and pavilions.

The Jixia Academy is like a paradise on earth.

There were still many carriages and horses coming and going on the wide avenue.

Many people wanted to visit the Jixia Academy, but most were not qualified to enter. However, this did not diminish the enthusiasm of many people.

Even if it's just spending a little time near the academy, basking in the nourishment of the scholarly atmosphere...

Or perhaps you'll happen to meet one or two passing scholars or teachers who take notice of you and offer you some guidance...

These are the reasons why so many people flock to the Jixia Academy.

Lu Zheng walked unhurriedly along the roadside, looking at the people passing by. They were all dressed more elegantly than him, and even some of the servants were dressed in silk and brocade, exuding an extraordinary air.

It seemed that only in this way could one be worthy of interacting with the people at the Jixia Academy.

Lu Zheng thought about it and realized that only wealthy people who didn't have to worry about making a living would have the leisure to come here from time to time.

Ordinary people are either busy traveling around or struggling to make a living in the fields; they don't have the energy to come here and seek any kind of opportunity.

Outside the gates of Jixia Academy, the streets were bustling with activity. Some disciples from prominent families even presented their family invitations, only to be told to wait for further notice.

Seeing the crowds at the mountain gate, Lu Zheng didn't go over immediately, but stood aside and waited quietly.

A servant, waiting for a reply, noticed Lu Zheng standing beside him and, feeling bored, greeted him, "Brother, where have you come from?"

Lu Zheng smiled in response, "The west."

The servant raised an eyebrow; the western area was far too vast.

"Is he here to deliver a message? Or..."

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "There is indeed a letter to send."

Upon hearing this, the servant said, "I've also come to deliver a message. Our young mistress has given birth to a big, healthy baby boy for the young master, and she sent me to inform him..."

The servant chattered on and on, then excitedly added, "Brother, who are you sending a message to? My young master is a student at the academy; he knows everyone there. He'll be here later, and you can have him deliver the message. My young master is easy to talk to, so it'll save you trouble..."

Seeing the man's good intentions, Lu Zheng smiled and said, "No need to trouble yourself, I'll just go in later."

"What's the trouble? You don't need to come in..."

The servant paused, then stared wide-eyed at Lu Zheng. "What did you just say?" He thought he was hallucinating. This guy wanted him to go in? Was the Jixia Academy a place that anyone could just walk into?

The servant sized up Lu Zheng. He looked presentable, but didn't seem to come from a wealthy family.

Just then, a luxurious carriage sped in from the distant sky, pulled by several enormous spirit birds.

Inside the carriage, a handsome face appeared.

The man looked at the gate of Jixia Academy and muttered, "So many people come to this gate every day. Don't they know that opportunities can't be waited for..."

The man's eyes swept over the crowd below, then suddenly stopped. He stood up, stepped out of the carriage, and gracefully landed at the mountain gate.

Upon seeing this, one of the people at the mountain gate whispered, "It's Meng Shouyi, a member of the Meng family."

Some people were surprised to hear this. Their social circles were quite extensive, and they knew that this person from the Meng family was one of the most outstanding young members of the Meng clan in Qi.

When everyone saw Meng Shouyi striding over, they all made way and bowed to show their respect.

Meng Shouyi walked through the crowd and headed straight for Lu Zheng, his eyes sparkling.

Many people noticed Meng Shouyi's actions and couldn't help but follow his gaze to look at Lu Zheng.

Some people were still puzzled, speculating about Lu Zheng's identity.

Meng Shouyi approached Lu Zheng, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Shouyi greets Brother Lu! It's been several years since we last met, and I never expected to run into you here..."

Meng Shouyi was a little excited. Back in the Yunmeng Sect, he had met this extraordinary person, a rare talent.

Lu Zheng's progress over the years has far exceeded his expectations.

Upon learning of Lu Zheng's recent deeds, he originally wanted to go to Taiping Domain to take a look, but his family was worried that Meng Shouyi would go and never return like some others, so they gave him a warning.

Having no other choice, Meng Shouyi dared not disobey the wishes of his elders and could only compromise.

However, the Meng clan of Qi State still paid attention to the Taiping Domain and secretly sent several clansmen to investigate.

Meng Shouyi was overjoyed. He had no chance to leave the State of Qi, and today he unexpectedly saw Lu Zheng outside the gate of the Jixia Academy. It was a pleasant surprise.

Lu Zheng smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "Brother Meng, how have you been?"

Meng Shouyi smiled and said, "I'm doing very well. I heard that Brother Lu is doing quite well..."

Meng Shouyi felt this wasn't the place to talk, so he changed the subject and said, "Brother Lu, you've come to see the academy, haven't you? Come, come, come in with me!"

Meng Shouyi directly invited Lu Zheng to join him at the mountain gate.

Meng Shouyi then looked at the reception staff at the mountain gate and said, "Go quickly and inform the academy teachers that Lu Zheng has come to visit."

The staff at the reception desk were all taken aback. A visitor who directly notified the academy's teachers? Who is this person of such high status?

Lu Zheng? Some people's minds raced, and they quickly thought of a certain person, a young man who had been the subject of much discussion recently.

One of the receptionists immediately realized what was happening and hurriedly said, "I'll go and inform the Master!"

The receptionist hurried straight to the Jixia Academy.

Meng Shouyi didn't specify which teacher to notify, so the receptionist thought it best to notify everyone.

"Lu Zheng? Which Lu Zheng?"

"It's Lu Zheng from the Taiping Region!"

……

In an instant, the surrounding area erupted in noise, and many people flocked toward Lu Zheng with great curiosity.

Lu Zheng's fame in Qi has now surpassed that of the Meng family's disciples, and everyone wants to get closer to see him in person.

Some scholars, who were holding the latest intellectual journals, were visibly excited upon hearing that Lu Zheng was there.

Seeing that the crowd was agitated and some people were shouting and asking questions, Meng Shouyi quickly stepped in front to protect Lu Zheng and whispered, "Brother Lu, come in with me."

Lu Zheng smiled faintly and said, "It's alright. I'm not someone who can't stand the light of day. It's no big deal to let them see."

Someone holding the journal asked loudly, "Young Master Lu, did you write all the content in this book?"

Lu Zheng replied, "I did not publish any articles on it. They were all written by other talented people in Taiping Domain. As for the content, I agree with it."

Someone in the crowd said, "Some people say you are rebellious and have defied the words of sages. What do you say?"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "Justice resides in the hearts of the people. If anyone still thinks I am in the wrong, they are welcome to come with me to the Confucian Temple and ask the sages and worthies for a judgment."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

We need a divine judgment to make a final decision; this is no ordinary matter.

Even if two great Confucian scholars had an academic debate, it was unlikely to escalate to that point.

Because once a divine judgment is sought, the losing party could be utterly disgraced, with a significant impact.

It's normal for people to have academic debates when discussing scriptures and doctrines; it's not like they're mortal enemies. There's no need to seek divine judgment from them...

This is the idea of ​​many Confucian and Taoist scholars.

If someone dares to say that, they must have an absolute certainty of winning.

Who would be so foolish as to actually confront Lu Zheng in front of all the sages and worthies?

So Lu Zheng's words shocked everyone.

The atmosphere fell silent. Some people who wanted to ask questions dared not ask any further in the face of Lu Zheng's assertive response.

After a few breaths, someone said loudly, "I have heard that Young Master Lu has established a peaceful world in the Northern Region, where humans, demons, and ghosts are all equal. Is this true?"

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "What I'm about to say may not be entirely believed by you, but I can tell you that in the Taiping Domain, I am indeed pursuing equality. There, there are no powerful families, officials, or gentry; there are no slaves or servants; and there are no people who sell their children or themselves for survival..."

"Everyone creates value through their own labor, and everyone receives corresponding rewards and benefits. No one will be unfairly exploited..."

"In the Taiping Domain, everyone can enjoy various rights, with children cared for, the elderly supported, and everyone receiving free education and basic living security..."

Lu Zheng slowly described the current situation in the Taiping Domain.

The people present were astonished. Based on their life experiences, they simply could not imagine that such a wonderful place existed, and could hardly understand why such a place would exist.

In a dynasty like the State of Qi, social status and class were clearly defined.

Some commoners or servants never even thought they could change their fate, believing that this was their destiny, that they were born to be ordinary people, destined to be slaves...

Lu Zheng's voice was melodious, "The idea of ​​equality for all is not just my own; it's a principle that has been spoken of by sages and wise men throughout history. Besides, even sages and wise men rose from humble beginnings; who is truly superior?"

Lu Zheng didn't rush into the Jixia Academy; instead, he began teaching a large group of people right at the mountain gate. (End of Chapter)