The officials present looked at each other, and no one dared to speak first. The emperor's question hit home. This was not only a test of his personal academic stance, but also a major test of the political tendencies of the entire official faction. The atmosphere was solemn for a moment, as if even breathing became difficult.
Be careful.
Finally, Yu Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, slowly walked out of the queue. His voice was calm and powerful: "Your Majesty, I have read the books of sages since childhood, and are well aware of the importance of Confucian classics. Although the learning of Buddha and Lao Lao has its own uniqueness,
It is definitely not something that the scholars of our dynasty should specialize in. This appointment by Shao Zongbo is a reflection of the current shortcomings of Zhengzhong, and the ministers deeply agree."
Yu Shenxing was neither an official of the Practical School nor an official of the Xin School. His situation was quite special. Generally speaking, he was considered a member of the neutral school of traditional Neo-Confucianism.
The relationship with some important ministers such as Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue and others is quite good.
At the same time, he happened to be a highly pragmatic grand master [Note: The "grand master" here does not mean that he is a highly pragmatic teacher, but because the "Admiral of a certain province's academic affairs" in the Ming Dynasty usually also served as the director of the provincial examination.
The examiner is revered as the Grand Master. Yu Shenxing was the examiner of the Gao Pragmatic Rural Examination.], for this reason, his relationship with the Practical School is also very harmonious.
Especially after Gao Pangshi became the sole leader of the Practical School, due to the official habits of the Ming Dynasty, the officials of the Practical School had to give some face to the great master of Yuanfu. At least on the surface, no one would be willing to offend him.
At this time, because of Yu Shenxing's words, the officials were at a loss to respond - whether they supported or opposed it.
Zhu Yijun nodded slightly. He seemed to have expected the officials' reaction. He turned to Gao Pangshi and asked: "Yuan Fu, what do you think about this?"
This question was asked a bit early, because Gao Pragmatic, as the chief minister of the cabinet, generally should not express his position so early, and the emperor's urging him to express his position seemed to mean that the emperor did not want to delay and hoped to make a final decision as soon as possible.
Although Gao Jingshi also felt that the emperor's behavior was a bit arbitrary, and it might make people think that this was a situation he had discussed with himself, and he was just doing it casually at the moment, but now that the matter had come to this, Gao Jingshi could only take one step forward.
He spoke solemnly.
"Your Majesty, this statement by Shao Zongbo has won my heart. The Confucian classics are the foundation of our country's governance and cannot be shaken at any time. As for the learning of Buddhism and Lao Lao, although it can be used for personal cultivation, it cannot be confused with the way of sages. I think
, the imperial court should strengthen the education and guidance for scholars to ensure that they can correctly understand and inherit Confucian classics."
Zhu Yijun nodded, then his eyes swept across the audience again, and finally settled on Kong Shangxian: "Mr. Yan Shenggong, you are a descendant of Confucius, what do you think about this matter?"
Kong Shangxian cupped his hands and said: "Confucianism has been advocated by all generations, and it has its own reasons. All the princes present are well-educated people, and they are also famous disciples. I believe that the words of the Buddha and the Elder will not be used as political opinions by the princes."
This is true. In the court of the Ming Dynasty, Confucianism has always been the foundation of governance, and this point has never been shaken. However, with the passage of time, among the scholars, the original Neo-Confucianism
As a result, different schools began to appear.
In the early days, Xinxue emerged independently, half-covertly opposing traditional Neo-Confucianism. Later, with the rise of Gao Gong and Gao Pragmatic, the Practical School began to challenge Xinxue. When Gao Gong passed away, Gao Jingjing returned to Beijing after practicing abroad and took up an important position.
, the dispute between practical learning and mental learning has become uncontrollably fierce.
Practical learning emphasizes the practical application of the world and pays attention to practice and practicality; while Xinxue focuses more on inner cultivation and moral consciousness. In the eyes of the emperor Zhu Yijun, the proposition of practical learning is undoubtedly more in line with his philosophy of governing the country. Of course, at the same time, he
I feel that the study of mind is also helpful in stabilizing the minds of the people and scholars.
Generally speaking, if it is not in direct conflict with his interests as the emperor, he actually does not want to overly suppress Xinxue - but if it conflicts, it will be embarrassing: I act for the herdsmen of heaven, and I have the final say in everything.
At this moment, Zhu Yijun stood in front of the Confucius Temple, looking around at the pillars of the imperial court. His voice rang out again, penetrating the silent air: "My lords, the way to govern a country starts with Mingde. However, Mingde is not just talk, it needs to be put into action."
. Practical scholars, who practice Confucianism with practical actions, not only cultivate themselves and manage their families, but also take it as their own responsibility to govern the country and bring peace to the world. Even if the mind is good, if it cannot be transformed into useful strategies for governing the country, what good will it do to the world?"
As soon as these words came out, all the officials were moved. They understood that the emperor's words had clearly expressed his meaning, which was intended to emphasize the importance of practical learning, and at the same time also hinted at the shortcomings of mental learning. In the hearts of the officials of the practical school
Secretly happy, the officials of the Xin School looked a little uneasy.
Ye Xianggao, the right minister of the Ministry of Personnel, as one of the three direct disciples of Gao Pragmatic, knew that he should stand up at this moment and speak out for the Pragmatic School, which was also an expression of loyalty and support for the disciple - this was the tradition of the Ming Dynasty.
Ye Xianggao stepped out of the queue, his voice clear and firm: "Your Majesty, Confucianism is broad and profound. Cultivating oneself, managing one's family, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world is nothing more than Confucianism. And the way to govern a country requires practical learning.
Shao Zongbo’s discussion on practical learning is based on Confucian classics, innovating the old and bringing forth the new, and advancing with the times. Although Xinxue has been widely spread, in view of its development in recent years, it has easily led people to fall into empty talk and ignore practical government affairs. I think
, only the rise of practical learning can demonstrate the true spirit of Confucianism in our dynasty."
Since Ye Xianggao expressed his stance, Li Tingji, the left minister of the Ministry of Industry, who was also one of Gao Pragmatic's three direct disciples, naturally could not be absent. He also stepped forward with the same firm attitude: "Your Majesty, what Shaozhong Zai said is absolutely true.
My philosophy of practical learning is to implement Confucian teachings with practical actions. If you are small, you can cultivate your character, and if you are big, you can govern the country.
Nowadays, the trend of mind learning is gradually spreading among the Buddhists and the elders. If it is not guided, it may cause scholars all over the world to deviate from the practical spirit of Confucianism. Therefore, I agree with Shaozhong Zai's comments and believe that the imperial court should pay more attention to the development of practical learning."
The speeches of these two minister-level ministers undoubtedly expressed the strength and unity of the Practical School, and to some extent even represented the loyalty of the entire Practical School officials to Gao Pragmatic. After their speeches, the atmosphere began to change, and more people
Neutral officials whispered and began to be inclined to support the Practical School in this unexpected incident.
Gao pragmatic stood aside calmly, but there was still a trace of satisfaction in his eyes. Although Zhu Yijun's game just now was a bit rough, I don't know what he was anxious about, but fortunately, Ye Xianggao and Li Tingji did not react slowly.
I actually learned to "actively control the field" and regained my normal rhythm.
At this time, Fang Congzhe's proposal was successively supported by fellow disciples Ye Xianggao and Li Tingji. The momentum of the Pragmatic School became more and more powerful, and immediately some other officials of the Practical School who were not direct disciples of Gao Pragmatic School came forward to express their support.
However, at this moment, Shen Yongmao, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, an important minister of the Xinxue School and the eldest son of former cabinet chief Shen Shixingzhi, stood up resolutely, and his voice rang out in the silent court, firm and powerful.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say. The Tao of Confucius is vast and subtle, and cannot be covered by one end. Practical learning as mentioned by Shao Zongbo is certainly beneficial to governing the country, but the study of the mind is not useless. The key to the study of the mind lies in cultivating one's character and character.
"Knowing the mind and seeing one's nature is the Confucian philosophy of inner sage. If there is no inner sage, it will be difficult to establish an external king."
Shen Yongmao's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples immediately.
But it was not just that, he went on to say: "Shaozong Boyan's mind science is gradually becoming more and more popular among Buddhas and elders. This is the behavior of an individual and is not the whole picture of the mind school. There are also those who are outstanding in mind science officials and are dedicated to their work.
.Please tell me clearly, Your Majesty, mental learning and practical learning are like the two wheels of a chariot and the wings of a bird. They cannot be partial to each other."
Shen Yongmao's speech helped the Xin School regain some of its disadvantages. In particular, the phrase "two wheels of a car and two wings of a bird" seemed to have something else in mind, which made the emperor squint his eyes slightly and did not immediately express his position. As a result, many people
Officials from the Xin School began to dare to refute, and the debate became more intense.
After a while, the dispute between the two parties had already discussed all the arguments that needed to be said. By this time, Gao Qingshi felt that the heat was almost over. If he did not come out to express his position, the dispute would fall into a quagmire.
Gao Jingshi coughed lightly, and all the officials were startled. They all stopped and looked at him. Yuan Fu stepped forward and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, the study of mind is indeed unique in cultivating one's character. It is also in discipline.
Personal virtues and the cultivation of a gentleman's style have an important role that cannot be ignored. However, when it comes to governing the country and major world events, every move is extraordinary, so practicality must be given priority and effectiveness be the most important."
He continued: "The study of the heart is like a lamp that illuminates the heart; the study of the mind is like a boat and chariot that travels steadily and far. If you govern the country with the study of the heart, you will inevitably fall into empty talk and ignore the many problems that actual government affairs will face.
When reality is difficult, good intentions often end up doing bad things. I believe that the study of mind can provide personal moral guidance for scholars, but more practical talents are needed to govern the country."
The meaning of Gao Pragmatic's words is similar to that of other officials of the Practical School, but it is slightly softer. It not only affirms the value of Xinxue, but also clarifies the core position of Practical Learning in governing the country. In human terms, Gao Pragmatic said: The court needs to be more
Officials of the Duoshi school do things, but I don't want to beat the Xin school to death with a stick.
Since Gao Pragmatic had expressed his stance, Zhu Yijun was naturally even more unwilling to create extraneous matters. He nodded and said: "What Yuan Fu said coincides with me." After a pause, he waved his hand towards Chen Ju and said: "The Chief of Ceremonies announced the decree.
"
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Chen Da's palm seal, and saw the eunuch of the palm seal skillfully opening the imperial edict and reading: "The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:
Our ancestors maintained the world and established religion, respecting Confucius; they selected scholars from the Ming Dynasty and praised Song Confucianism. Recently, scholars not only did not destroy Song Confucianism, but also gradually slandered Confucius, eradicated right and wrong, abandoned the practice, and restored the people of loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness.
For the imperial court?
It's just because the chief minister mistakenly took pity on the talents, and Qu Mu was curious about the new talents, which led to this. New talents who are not yet mature should only be judged and promoted, how can they be recruited and admitted to mislead the world!
I read the memorials of Qing and others, and they are more profound than the world's teachings. They also set out the terms and conditions, and they must be carried out. Immortals and Buddhas are originally foreign arts, and should be practiced alone in the mountains and forests. If there are those who are good at admiration, they should be appointed as officials and go as they please. Don't mess with Confucianism.
Go forward together to confuse people's hearts. I admire this."
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Thanks to book friend "Fire Dance Chifeng" for your support with 8 monthly tickets, thank you!
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PS: Well, please wait for me to clear the Black Monkey level and resume normal updates and catch up on the progress of the past two days. It’s going to be fast, it’s already the second stage of Red Boy...