In midsummer, bursts of warm wind blow across the entire East China Sea, approaching the earth and turning into mist and rain. The sky is clear and the sun is rising and falling, and the sky and earth are bright and quiet.
This is a small town not far from the sea.
The small town is surrounded by rolling mountains. The mountains are not high, but lush, and the deep shades of trees make it a paradise.
The scorching sun shines through the winding water, and the sounds of ancient rituals and music flow crisply from within, and the sounds of reading illustrate the ways of the sages.
Looking down, you can even catch a glimpse of a man in a brocade robe and a high crown walking inside, and you can vaguely hear a woman's voice.
"The news came from Linzi that the King of Qi surrendered."
"The Qin army did not attack Linzi and occupy Linzi. Now they should occupy the entire land of Qilu."
The Hall of Ming Li.
Sitting quietly at the top, a young man exuding majesty held a secret letter and read its contents.
Say what is said above.
Linzi surrendered without a fight, Qi Wangjian surrendered, and Qin completely brought Qi under its control. The stalemate lasted for several months and was finally broken.
It’s really a bit of a sigh.
"King You of the Great Zhou Dynasty lost his virtue, and King Ping was forced to move eastward. The feudal lords were at war with each other. Since the Spring and Autumn Period, there have been frequent wars. At its peak, there were hundreds of vassal states."
"The Warring States period was full of great power, and many vassal states merged. Now, hundreds of years have passed, and finally only one vassal state remains."
"Qin!"
"I'm afraid the former Spring and Autumn Overlord Qin Mugong never thought of it. It is in a remote corner of Hexi. Although Xirong dominates, it is far away from the Central Plains."
"Who would have thought that the people of Qin would go east out of Hangu, sweep the six kingdoms, conquer the princes, and achieve great things unseen in the three dynasties of ancient times."
"The King of Qin Yingzheng is already famous in the annals of history."
The disciples of the Eight Meridians were divided into left and right groups, with the elders in front. In the silent hall, I could hear the master saying something.
They all got that news from their own channels.
Moreover, it is also something that is expected.
After the Qin State wiped out the Three Jin Dynasties, in fact, the general situation of the Xia Dynasty was set, unless there was irreversible chaos within the Qin State.
Qin will conquer the whole world.
Obviously, King Yingzheng of Qin did not give the Shandong countries any chance. Except for the attack on Chu, which suffered a small loss, he then fought steadily until today, when he defeated Qi.
All summers are united.
If you look at the map at a glance, you will see that in the Xia Dynasty, all the countries no longer exist, only a big word Qin is left, and the battles between the countries since the Zhou Dynasty are swirling in my mind.
It’s really a lot of emotion.
I am really moved.
At that time, an ancestor who won the Qin Dynasty for his meritorious service in raising horses, his descendants unexpectedly dominated the world, achieving a grand event that had never happened in three generations.
Even if I don't like Qin, I have to admit that Qin is very strong!
It is quite impressive to be able to emerge from hundreds of vassal states.
It’s worthy of being the strongest!
"It has a foundation due to the rewards of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but it swallowed up the two Zhou Dynasties and became a king."
"There is nothing worse than this for the collapse of rituals and music."
One person said coldly.
The Qin army conquered Qi and unified the Xia, but they did not recognize it.
The soldiers of the Qin State were tyrannical, their soldiers were fierce and fierce, their laws were strict, and they did not follow benevolence and etiquette. This was really contrary to the way of the saints.
A country like this, even if it can be conquered all over the world, will not last long.
If you use military tyranny to wipe out the countries, you can gain the land of the countries, but it is difficult to win the hearts and minds of the people of the countries. If you don't win the hearts of the people, how can you last long?
"In any case, now that the Qin State has brought the land of Qilu under its control, we should also think about how to deal with it."
"In the Battle of Lanling, Senior Brother Yan Hao, Senior Brother Yang Kuanwen and other senior brothers died. Confucianism paid the due price."
"Master, what will happen next for Confucianism?"
Confucianism talks about Zhique, and Zisi is a disciple of his lineage.
After receiving the news that Linzi was captured by the Qin army, and that the King of Qi was escorted to Xianyang, he already understood the general trend of the Xia Dynasty.
The Qin State rules everything and has millions of iron-blooded troops under its command.
No force can compete with it.
There is no power.
It is useless to complain too much now. Facing Qin, it is impossible for Confucians to deal with it by any means, let alone for today's situation.
Confucianism should pay its due price.
Among the three leaders, except for the leader, Senior Brother Fu Nian, there were many casualties. Of course, it was Senior Brother Yan An and the others who were mingling with other families.
That was also the settlement with Baijia and the understanding between Qin.
Now, we should plan for the future.
After saying that, he looked up at the head senior brother.
Although Confucianism suffered a great loss this time, it also gained a lot. At least, compared to other schools of thought, Confucianism is very, very good.
"How do you think Confucianism should make a choice?"
Fu Nian gently stroked the short beard he had grown in recent years under his chin with one hand, put down the secret document in his hand, and nodded to Tan Zhi.
Then he glanced at everyone in the hall.
Those who can enter the hall today include the elders of the Eight Meridians and the outstanding disciples of the Eight Meridians today. They are the true core of Confucianism.
"Headmaster."
"I think that Confucianism should send some disciples to help Qin quickly stabilize Qilu."
"This is a good thing for Qin, and it is also a good thing for Confucianism."
"After all, we have to conform to the general trend now."
Talk directly but speak directly.
Qin!
That’s the general trend!
Many years ago, Xuan Qingzi, the Wuzhen Marquis of the Qin State, once said that the general trend of heaven is vast and powerful. If you follow it, you will prosper; if you go against it, you will perish.
Not unreasonable.
Confucianism should follow the general trend and help Qin stabilize and govern Qi. In this way, both parties can benefit.
It can also let Qin see the sincerity of Confucianism.
"Qin!"
"If you don't cultivate benevolence, etiquette, and etiquette, and don't cultivate the Three Cardinal Guidelines and Eight Eyes, if you enter the Qin State and bring the power of the Qin State, is it the same as helping Yin Zhou to commit evil?"
Immediately, an old man with slightly gray beard and hair shook his head outrageously.
Help the Qin army stabilize Qi.
impossible!
"The Master said: Tao, if it is different, do not conspire against each other!"
"The Qin State respected Legalism as the right way and the most important learning. The whole country had strict laws and regulations. Do Confucians want to succumb to Legalism?"
"This is extremely inappropriate!"
Another person waved his hand.
Confucianism and Legalism are two completely different ways.
Today, if Confucianism wants to help Qin stabilize the land of Qilu and help Qin stabilize the lands of the Xia, it is tantamount to willingly living under Legalism.
Legalism?
Heretics too!
When the headmaster Fu Nian heard this, his expression was calm. He would occasionally take a cup of tea on the table in front of him and take a sip without making a sound.
"The Qin army occupied the land of Qilu, and hundreds of schools retreated. Now that the attitude of Xianyang has not been transmitted, I think Confucianism will be better off studying behind closed doors."
Shao Guangqing is from the same lineage as Zisi.
He looked around, smiled slowly, and said his own words.
No matter what actions Confucianism takes next, one thing is certain, it is indeed contrary to Xianyang's intention.
It's a disaster.
It is natural for Xiang to assist the Qin army in reorganizing the land of Qi and Lu.
What if King Qin Yingzheng is not happy?
That would be overdoing it.
It is very likely that another disaster will happen.
"Zifang, what do you think I should do now?"
As he finished speaking, he looked at the seniors and fellow apprentices around him thoughtfully. Then, his eyes turned and landed on an elegant young man not far away.
He was dressed in pure brocade clothes and had a handsome face. He was sitting quietly behind the case, exuding a different kind of aura of grandeur and gentleness.
It is Zhang Liang and Zhang Zifang who have become famous in Zisi's lineage in recent years.
Since entering Confucianism, I have been studying the classics of the sages and gained a lot. I have discussed Taoism many times and many of my brothers have been impressed.
He can be regarded as a rising star of Confucianism.
Shao Guangqing likes this junior brother very much.
When the leader Fu Nian heard this, he also looked at Zhang Liang, he was indeed good.
"Zifang is ashamed that he has no perfect plan yet."
Wearing an elegant light green plain robe, surrounded by a jade belt, she has been studying in the Little Sage Village for many years. She has been practicing in her leisure time and has become a master.
He bowed his hands in a salute, looked at Senior Brother Shao Guangqing, looked at the Senior Brother who was looking up, and shook his head.
"A foolproof solution?"
"Haha, how can there be a perfect solution in this world?"
"A wise man may make a mistake after thinking a lot, let alone me."
"Zifang, tell me what you think?"
"Nowadays, Qin's power is spread all over Qi and Lu. The current situation is not like that of Qi before. Every step we take has a different ending."
"We have already suffered too much losses from various schools of thought and Xianyang. If we have a good strategy, don't hide it."
Feeling the words of the uterus, he suddenly laughed while talking straightforwardly.
Ever since Zifang entered Little Saint Xian Manor, he has been practicing with him, but he only followed him for more than a year.
Later, I couldn’t teach anymore.
Just let Zifang practice in Xiaoshengxian Manor. There are many seniors here in Xiaoshengxian Manor. If there are any problems, they can be solved at any time.
Not to mention, Master Xun is here.
"What senior brother said is true."
"If we talk about the current situation, the Qin State has captured Linzi and incorporated it into the land of Qi and Lu. All the Xia will be unified into one, and the Qin State will become the country of the whole world."
"The future of Confucianism will naturally depend on how Xianyang makes decisions."
"Zifang believes that now that the Xia Dynasty has just settled down, Confucianism should give priority to reading, and should not mix too much, talk too much, and be poor in numeracy. It is better to keep the center."
"When there is a change in Xianyang, Confucianism is changing. Next, we must be careful about the connection with various schools of thought."
"In the battle of Lanling City, hundreds of schools of thought suffered heavy casualties. According to Qin law, those people will continue to be hunted. Confucianism should not get involved."
"Senior Brother Shao has already said what Zifang said, so there is no more comprehensive plan."
That's true.
Zhang Liang had no choice but to speak, but in fact he had nothing to say.
What Senior Brother Shao Guangqing said is already very good.
Confucianism now puts the center first.
The best thing is to read quietly.
It is not advisable to mix too much.
If the King of Qin is displeased, it will be a disaster for Confucianism.
"Keep moderation and take the situation into consideration."
"This is a good idea."
The power of the Qin State was so great that it was definitely inappropriate for Confucianism to do what they had done before, so they had to wait quietly for the right time.
"Although this strategy is good, it also has disadvantages."
"Confucianism should do something, and there should also be something not to do."
"According to the news from the Central Academy, King Qin Yingzheng has no intention of exterminating Confucianism."
"So, I thought it was an opportunity for Confucianism."
"Not to mention the fact that the Qin Kingdom is under the whole world, there must be great movement in Xianyang. In the past, the Great Zhou Dynasty attacked and destroyed the Great Shang Dynasty, but the princes are still there, and there are hundreds of princes in the world."
"Nowadays, there is only one country, Qin, among the Xia Dynasties. The current situation is very different. Everything is about to change. All major changes. If Confucianism does not get involved, how can Confucianism be popular in the world?"
Jiang Shaotai is very different from the disciples of Xian Yao's third lineage.
But...the principles are not weak, and the reputation within Confucianism is not small.
After hearing what all the teachers and brothers said, they all tended to stay in the middle. It was an excellent strategy to protect oneself, but it was not a powerful way.
The yin and yang of all things are in order.
Blindly guarding the center does not mean that there is really no disaster coming.
In other words, participating in major events in Xianyang is not without its benefits.
"Um?"
"You want to go to Xianyang?"
"It's... very dangerous there!"
An older man next to him raised his eyebrows.
The body tends to stay in the center to protect itself. Only by surviving can you have a chance to... display everything.
It is not a good thing to face the King of Qin directly.
"Junior brother thinks what Senior Brother Jiang said is reasonable."
"Nowadays, hundreds of schools of thought, including farmers and Mohists, are hostile to Qin. Confucianism has also suffered a lot."
"I heard that there may be a big event in Xianyang next, which will affect the long-term affairs of all Xia."
Someone behind Jiang Shaotai said loudly.
"What's the matter?"
The old man whispered, curious about it.
"Thousands of years ago, the Great Zhou Dynasty conquered the Great Shang Dynasty and immediately enfeoffed the princes in order to protect the central royal family."
"But since the Spring and Autumn Period, princes have risen together, and within each country, counties and counties have made a living."
"Masters and brothers, do you think King Yingzheng of Qin will grant great titles to the princes and continue the methods of the Great Zhou Dynasty?"
"Or maybe the land of the Shandong countries is divided into counties and counties, so as to achieve order from Xianyang to major counties and counties, and then to major counties and villages?"
"No matter whether Qin's move destroys etiquette or not, the trend is now in Qin's favor, and we must seize the opportunity!"
In the midst of danger, there are great opportunities.
Why not give it a try?
Jiang Shaotai described his strategy in detail.
"Divide the feudal lords?"
"Before the death of the first king of Qin, there were five sons left behind: King Qin Yingzheng, Chang'an Jun Chengjiao, Gongzi Hai, Gongzi Xiang, and Gongzi Qing."
"Sure enough, the feudal lords were enfeoffed, the clans were not obvious, and there were outstanding officials from outside. The Great Zhou Dynasty had a precedent."
"As for the integration of prefectures and counties, since King Qin Yingzheng conquered and destroyed the Shandong kingdoms, not all places were classified as prefectures and counties."
The old man was thoughtful.
Discuss the secrets of the Qin court and reveal them one by one.
During the Zhou Dynasty, the feudal lords were enfeoffed, and more than half of the vassal states with the same surname were Ji. It was not obvious that they could win against the Qin royal family.
Sure enough, the enfeoffment was against Qin law.
However, judging from the choices made by King Qin Yingzheng of the lands occupied by the Shandong states in recent years, it should not be any different from feudal states.
"So... Is it possible that Ying Zheng will classify those places as vassal territory?"
Quietly, more and more disciples became interested in this topic.
"It may also be the land of counties."
"However, whether it is the land of princes or the land of counties, it is not a bad thing for us Confucians."
Jiang Shaotai said again.
The greatest advantage of Confucianism is reading.
They are different from the farmers and the Mo family.
Those people will only become hidden dangers, but they can help.
Walking in the land of princes, you can spread the teachings of the sages.
Walking in counties and counties is also possible.
"Senior Brother, what do you think?"
However, no matter what, everything in the Confucian school now depends on the head. There were two heads before.
Following the death of Yan An and Yang Kuanwen in Lanling City, the positions of the two leaders were vacated.
The purpose of discussing things in Renli Hall today is to plan the next direction of Confucianism.
No matter how much the disciples of the Eight Meridians say, the master will still make the final decision.
Jiang Shaotai bowed his hands.
Immediately, everyone in the hall looked up.
Look at the leader who has cultivated the Inner Saint and the Outer King and is becoming more and more unfathomable!