noveltune Chapter 5498 is a fool.
Chapter 5498 is a fool.
Chapter 5498 is a fool.
Ma Zhou sighed with a headache and said helplessly, "The current situation is unprecedented in a thousand years. With stability both domestically and internationally, unity of purpose, and a focus on development, we can establish an unshakeable foundation in just twenty years, making China a world leader. Why stir up controversy at this time and waste national resources?"
Of course, the current court is not harmonious and friendly, but because Fang Jun created the "Dongda Tang Trading Company" to bind everyone's interests together and vigorously expanded outwards, internal conflicts were alleviated, thus creating a wonderful balance.
Therefore, it is difficult to understand Fang Jun's behavior of actively provoking internal strife.
You keep saying that national interests come first, but in the end, you're the one who's ruined the balance you created.
Fang Jun sipped his tea slowly, calm and composed: "The dominance of Confucianism has led the country into a state of stagnation and isolation, and it is gradually becoming corrupt and intractable. If we cannot break through the crack when it forms a complete monopoly, everything we do today will be nothing but fleeting smoke and meaningless."
He put down his teacup, looked at Ma Zhou, and said in a deep voice, "The strength of an empire lies not in its invincible military power, nor in its unparalleled wealth, but in its ideology."
He pointed to his head with his left index finger: "The strength of thought is the foundation of everything. If Confucianism is allowed to dominate, everyone's thinking will become rigid and inflexible, and they will become obsessed with politics and spend their lives studying classics, which will be of no benefit to the country or the people."
Ma Zhou did not quite understand Fang Jun's so-called danger of Confucianism's "dominance of one school of thought," and this was not the place of the argument: "But you put forward the idea that 'the earth is round.' Don't you know what kind of storm and chaos it will cause? Not to mention the harm to the current situation, the loss to you alone is immeasurable."
In this era, "reputation" is extremely important.
"Loyalty" is a name, "righteousness" is a name, and "benevolence" and "filial piety" are also names.
But where does the name come from?
It is necessary for Confucian scholars to widely promote this virtue; otherwise, who will know of your loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness?
Confucianism holds the decision-making power.
When you gain the approval of Confucianism, you will have a good reputation and become a role model and exemplar for all people. Conversely, if Confucianism rejects you, then no matter what you do, you will not be recognized, and being ignored is the lightest punishment.
They can even distort the truth and call a deer a horse.
When a person's reputation is ruined, all their military achievements and accomplishments are in vain.
Who cares about the truth?
Where can you find so much truth?
Public opinion can melt metal and accumulated slander can destroy bones.
Thinking of this, Ma Zhou felt a chill run down his spine. Perhaps this was one of the dangers of Confucianism becoming the dominant school of thought?
Fang Jun smiled, undaunted: "A true man stands between heaven and earth, knowing what he will not do and what he must do!"
Ma Zhou angrily said, "Even if you have such determination, you should proceed slowly and plan gradually. Why be condemned by thousands and make enemies of the whole world? This is something a wise person would not do!"
Fang Jun straightened his back, his slightly dark face showing a resolute expression, and his tone was firm: "Where righteousness lies, I will go even if it means facing a million men!"
Looking at the aura emanating from Fang Jun, a light that suggested he was willing to sacrifice his life for the pursuit of truth, Ma Zhou was slightly lost in thought.
He himself could not bring himself to be at odds with the world, so he admired and worshipped such a person.
With a sigh, he said with difficulty, "Please do not blame me for not being able to fight alongside Erlang this time."
Fang Jun nodded, the two of them sharing the same mindset and political views: "You must sit firmly in the position of prime minister and safeguard the great cause of the empire."
Ma Zhou solemnly said, "But I deeply admire Erlang's courage."
Fang Jun laughed it off: "It was just a bit of fooling around, I'm ashamed."
Ma Zhou shook his head and remained silent.
This is no joke.
This is what sages and virtuous men do!
……
The clerk entered from outside and said softly, "The prime ministers have all arrived. His Majesty will be here shortly."
The two put down their teacups, stood up, straightened their clothes, and left the duty room one after the other to enter the main hall. Sure enough, the hall was already bustling with activity. Outside the window, a light rain was falling and a gentle breeze was blowing. Inside the hall, the aroma of tea filled the air and the steam was thick.
He nodded to everyone in greeting and then took his seat.
A moment later, Li Chengqian, dressed in a bright yellow court robe, slowly walked in accompanied by eunuchs. All the ministers stood up and bowed. Li Chengqian waved his hand with a kind smile and took his seat in the main seat. Only then did the others sit down.
Li Chengqian looked around, and without much pleasantries, went straight to the point: "Currently, there is much discussion in the court and among the people, and public opinion is turbulent, all because of the Grand Commandant's statement that 'the earth is round.' There is frequent controversy and people are in a state of panic. What advice do you gentlemen have for this?"
Attendant-in-Ordinary Pei Huaijie was naturally ready to fight for His Majesty.
He glared at Fang Jun and said angrily, "Grand Commandant, you hold a high position and great power, and your prestige among officials is unparalleled. Countless people emulate your words and deeds. Now, you have suddenly uttered such absurd remarks, disturbing people's hearts and causing endless trouble. You should publicly apologize and reflect on your actions!"
Tang Jian, the Minister of Revenue, was already old and his eyesight was failing, yet he still clung to his position and refused to resign.
At this moment, he spoke tremblingly: "Qian represents Heaven and roundness; Kun represents Earth and squareness... This is the fundamental principle by which the sages observed phenomena and formulated their words. Earth is square, still, and moves in accordance with Heaven. If, as you say, the Earth is round and suspended in mid-air, then how can all things find their place?"
The others nodded in agreement, unanimously agreeing that this was Fang Junzhi's biggest flaw—if the earth were round, wouldn't the person standing on the other side of the earth fall into the sky?
Fang Jun picked up his teacup and drank the tea. His expression was gentle, and he remained silent. Despite being the target of criticism, he remained calm and composed.
There was not a trace of heated debate...
The Imperial Censor Liu Xiangdao also said: "'When harmony is achieved, heaven and earth are in their proper places, and all things flourish.' The positions of heaven and earth have been determined by the sages. You presumptuously use changes in celestial phenomena to speculate on the terrain, which is putting the cart before the horse. The Book of Rites also says, 'Vast valleys and great rivers have different structures, and the people living in them have different customs.' The land has high and low elevations, and mountains have different orientations. The celestial phenomena seen are different due to the terrain. How can one hastily conclude that the land is round? For example, the celestial phenomena seen from the top of Mount Tai are different from those seen from the shore of the East Sea. This is a difference in elevation, not evidence of roundness or curvature."
Li Ji, who never spoke up in such situations, suddenly spoke up: "I have heard Zhang Pingzi say that 'the heavens are like chicken eggs. The celestial bodies are round like bullets, and the earth is like the yolk in a chicken egg, residing alone in the heavens. The heavens are large and the earth is small...' Doesn't that also mean he believed the earth was round?"
"No, no, no!"
Dai Zhou, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, shook his head repeatedly: "Zhang Pingzi's 'Hun Tian Theory' is in opposition to the 'Gai Tian Theory' that has been passed down from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It only refutes the latter's concept of 'a round heaven and a square earth,' and does not admit that the earth is round."
The debate between the "Covered Heaven Theory" and the "Hun Tian Theory" has been going on for a long time. However, with more and more observational records proving that the latter may be closer to the truth of the universe than the former, even though the "Hun Tian Theory" has the theory that "the earth is located inside the celestial sphere", it has never said that "the earth is round".
Li Ji didn't care about being refuted. Instead, he frowned and asked, "'The theory of the Earth' originated in the Shang and Zhou dynasties and was deeply believed by people at that time. 'The theory of the Earth' originated in the Western Han dynasty and has gradually replaced the former as it is considered closer to the true nature of the universe. Since theories are always being updated and iterated, who knows if, one day in the future, the theory that 'the Earth is round,' which seems inconceivable today, will not replace 'the theory of the Earth'?"
Fang Jun slowly sipped his tea, glancing at Li Ji.
This Minister of the Left, who had completely pledged allegiance to His Majesty, spoke up in his defense when the other ministers in the Hall of State Affairs were verbally attacking him...
But is it really helping him?
Tang Jian shook his head repeatedly: "The earth is vast and round, so how can all things attach themselves? Such a fallacy is absurd, contrary to common sense, and unbelievable."
Liu Rengui: "On the high seas, as a ship sails far away, its mast is the last to disappear into the water. If the land were flat, the entire ship would shrink until it disappears, rather than gradually disappearing from bottom to top. Only a round land can explain this phenomenon."
Pei Huaijie retorted, "How can one readily believe what one sees and hears? You only see the surface without understanding the underlying principles. As the ship sails further away, the view becomes obscured, and the air becomes clouded, thus it appears to sink. This is the principle of 'being constrained by one's inherent nature.' Minister Liu is strong in martial arts, but he is ignorant and incompetent."
Liu Rengui remained silent; such quotations and eloquence were indeed not his forte.
Seeing the assembled officials discussing the matter while Fang Jun leisurely sipped his tea, Li Chengqian asked, "My esteemed ministers, you have all quoted classical texts and seem quite puzzled by the Grand Commandant's remarks. May I ask what the Grand Commandant has to say?"
He was happy to see Fang Jun make this "foolish move." What kind of absurd fallacy is "the earth is round"? Is that even possible?
However, he didn't care about Fang Jun's original intention in making such a "foolish move." Since it had already been made, he might as well use the power of Confucianism to verbally attack and suppress Fang Jun.
Fang Jun, whose prestige had plummeted, whose reputation was ruined, and whose power was weakened, was his most trusted and loyal minister.
If he continues to enjoy unparalleled prestige and immense power, the pressure on him as emperor will be far too great...
Of course, it was enough for Fang Jun to be refuted and defeated; he did not truly want Fang Jun to be ruined.
But you can't just listen without saying anything. How can others refute you if you don't speak?
Everyone looked at Fang Jun, wanting to hear what absurd and fallacious arguments he would utter, before launching a concentrated attack on him.
Fang Jun put down his teacup, looked at Li Chengqian with clear eyes and a humble expression: "Having heard the teachings of you great scholars today, I am deeply humbled by my words from that day. I should be slow to speak but quick to act."
Li Chengqian: "..."
We were just waiting for you to debate with the scholars, but you insist on being "reticent in speech"?
Ma Zhou: "..."
What happened to "being true to the truth"?
What happened to the saying, "A true man has things he will not do, and things he must do"?
What happened to the promise of "I will go even if there are thousands of people against me"?
So you're a coward too!
The other officials: "..."
These days, everyone has been at home reading classic texts and discussing them with each other, accumulating a lot of ancient wisdom, just waiting to defeat Fang Jun head-on.
After everyone spoke eloquently and showed their sharp wit, you chickened out?
Only Li Ji frowned and asked, "What does the Grand Commandant mean by 'quick to act'?"